Concrete mixer control system with automatic chute control

Abstract

A concrete mixer vehicle has a main discharge chute configured to direct a flow path of concrete dispensed from a mixing drum of the vehicle. A foldover chute is pivotally connected to the main chute and configured to extend the main chute. An actuator is operatively connected to the foldover chute and configured to move the foldover chute relative to a position of the main chute. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the actuator and structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the foldover chute relative to the position of the main chute. The controller includes a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a foldover chute movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating condition, and to communicate the foldover chute movement command to the actuator.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION SPECIFICATIONTITLE:CONCRETE MIXER CONTROL SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC CHUTE CONTROLCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 713,777 filed October 30, 2024. The contents of the foregoing application are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems for controlling chutes in concrete mixer machines and concrete mixer vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a continuing need for improvement in increasing the ease and safety of operations of, and providing for automated and accurate control of, chutes in concrete mixer vehicles and similar machinery. Such concrete mixer vehicles are generally described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,239,403 issued March 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure includes an improved vehicle, device, system, and controller system for concrete mixer applications. In particular, an improved control system is provided for control of chutes in concrete mixer machines and vehicles.

[0005] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further examples, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures for which like references indicate like elements.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a concrete mixer truck system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a control system for a chute according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0009] For the purposes of clearly describing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain examples, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the examples as would occur to one skilled in the art.

[0010] A hydraulically operated foldover chute may be provided on a concrete mixer truck. A foldover chute may be positioned on the back of the truck, and used for extending the reach of the main discharge chute to allow pouring of concrete farther away from the truck. The foldover chute typically folds to allow the chute to be rotated to the side and not extend beyond the width of the truck. The configuration may also be structured to allow an auxiliary axle of the truck to extend and retract without hitting the discharge chute or the foldover chute. In certain existing configurations, the movement of a hydraulically actuated foldover chute is started by an operator or driver switching on a switch located close to the foldover chute. Ideally, the operator will ensure that all objects are clear of the foldover chute’s path before starting the movement operation. Sometimes due to operator or driver error, this check for a clear movement path is not undertaken, with potential for damage to the truck or injury of the operator. Automatic operation is desirable to limit such risks. The invention described herein solves those constraints to allow a system that is easier on a driver.

[0011] Provided in the instant invention is a vehicle, control system, and method that reduces the burden on a concrete mixer truck driver to assess when to activate motion of the foldover chute. The control system enhances the ability to conduct safe movements of the foldover chute in ways that improve safety, efficiency, and correct operation of the truck.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a concrete mixer truck system according to exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein. The vehicle 10, here depicted as a truck, includes a primemover engine, a cab 14 for seating of an operator or driver, a concrete mixer drum 100 for mixing and holding concrete, a charge (intake) hopper 110 for loading materials into the drum 100, a main discharge chute 114 for discharging concrete from the drum 100, and a foldover chute 112 that may be folded downwardly to extend a length of a path of concrete discharging from the drum 100 onto the main discharge chute 114.

[0013] As seen in FIG. 1, the cab 14 may be equipped with an operator input / output device, shown here in the form of a driver display 188. The driver display 188 is structured and positioned for a driver or operator of the truck to input or to receive data, settings, instructions, or requests. A mixer controller sub assembly 150 is attached to the mixer. The mixer controller sub assembly includes mixer controller 402 as well as a fuse panel and other controllers needed for auxiliary function. Also, part of the mixer control system is the driver display 188 which shows the operator the state of the mixer as well as various diagnostic tools. The mixer drum 100 is rotatably controlled by the mixer controller 402 through inputs from the mixer joystick and keypad assembly 210. The joystick and keypad assembly 210 give the driver ability to control the speed and direction of the drum while in use using either the joystick or keypads based on the operator’s preference. The rear keypad 220 can also be used to control the drum and other mixer functions when the truck is parked and the operator is standing near the rear of the mixer truck. This rear keypad 220 allows the operator to view the work of the drum and other components of the truck while controlling the mixer functions.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, an actuator 120 of the foldover chute 112 is operatively connected to the main chute 114 on the upper end of the actuator 120 as seen in the view, and operatively connected to a lower portion of the foldover chute 112 at a lower end of the actuator 120 through a linkage assembly 118. In this view, the actuator 120 is depicted as a hydraulic actuator driven by a hydraulic circuit, but a pneumatic or any other typical known actuator may be employed. In the example as shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic circuit of the actuator 120 currently is not pressurized or is under low pressurization in the closed direction, and so the foldover chute is held in its folded-in, stowed position. The foldover chute is pivotably connected to a distal end of the main discharge chute 114 at pivot point 116. Upon activation and pressurization of the actuator 120, the rod of the hydraulic actuator will be pushed outwardly from the actuator body, and thus the rod will move, and will pivot the foldover chute into its extended, deployed position, ready to receive the flow of concrete from the main discharge chute.

[0015] In examples, the foldover chute may be moved by an actuator into a stowed position, a deployed position, and optionally in any selected position between stowed and deployed positions. Based on a desired pressure or load input, in embodiments herein, the system may properly pressurize the hydraulically operated foldover chute to the right position to carry the concrete flow to the desired location. The control system can optionally be configured to reduce pressure to the minimum hydraulic pressure once the hydraulically actuated foldover chute is in the stowed position.

[0016] The overall operation of the concrete mixer vehicle and its components typically may be controlled by a controller system that may include computer hardware, firmware, and software configured to execute computer-readable instructions in order to provide operating commands to the vehicle and its associated devices and components. In an example of the invention, a controller may be positioned under the hood of the vehicle with, and structurally adapted to control, the engine. In embodiments, a concrete mixer vehicle is provided, comprising one or more of the foregoing features. In embodiments, there is provided a controller system for a concrete mixer system configured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operations of the components as described above, and structured to communicate via network connections, operator inputs and displays, sensor data, and feedback data on results of movements of foldover chutes. In embodiments, there is provided a method of operating a concrete mixer system comprising one or more of the features set forth in this disclosure.

[0017] FIG 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of portions of an electronic control system for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. A computer system including controller 402 may be provided onboard the vehicle. In the example illustrated in FIG.1, controller 402 includes a memory 404, a processor 406, and a chute positioning module 408 that accept, process, and generate signals and communicate with each other, and with other components of the controller 402 and the overall system.

[0018] Communications among electronic control system components may be conducted via bus (not shown). Bus structures employed can include any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of known bus architectures.

[0019] Memory 404 of controller 402 can include various components (e.g., machine-readable media) including, but not limited to, a random-access memory component, a read-onlycomponent, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a basic input / output system including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system can be stored in memory 404. Memory 404 can also include (e.g., stored on one or more machine-readable media) instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the aspects and / or methodologies of the present disclosure. In another example, memory 404 can further include any number of program modules including, but not limited to, an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, program data, and any combinations thereof. Controller 402 also may include a storage device (not shown). Examples of storage devices include, but are not limited to, disk drives and solid-state memory devices, and any combinations thereof.

[0020] Example interfaces included or used in the control system may include, but are not limited to, SCSI, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In one example, storage device (or one or more components thereof) can be removably interfaced with the control system (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)). Particularly, a storage device of the controller 402 and an associated machine-readable medium (not shown) can provide nonvolatile and / or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data for the controller 402. In one example, instructions can reside, completely or partially, within a machine-readable medium. In another example, instructions can reside, completely or partially, within a processor 406 of the controller 402.

[0021] The exemplary control system of FIG. 2 may include an operator input device 410 structured to permit an operator or driver of the vehicle 10 to enter settings, limits, commands, requests, and / or other information into the control system via operator input device 410.specific example of an operator input device 410 is the driver display 188 shown in FIG. 1. Examples of the commands or requests that may be entered by the driver or operator include requests to raise, lower, stow, move to a selected position, or hold stationary a position of, a foldover chute 112 of the vehicle. Examples of settings or limits that may be input by the operator or driver may include a selected pressurization level for an actuator that controls the position of the chute.

[0022] Examples of an operator input device 410 include, but are not limited to, an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device(e g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, an optical scanner, a video capture device (e g., a still camera, a video camera), a touchscreen, and any combinations thereof. Operator input device 410 can be interfaced to the controller 402 and its components via any of a variety of interfaces (not shown) including, but not limited to, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a game port, a USB interface, a wired or wireless interface, a direct interface via bus, and any combinations thereof. Operator input device 410 can include a touch screen interface that can be a part of or separate from a display. Operator input device 410 can be utilized as a user selection device for selecting one or more graphical representations in a graphical interface as described above. Operator input device 410 may also function as an operator display or signaling device which communicates information to the truck operator or driver, via typical means such as a video display screen, sound generator, or haptic output generator.

[0023] At least one sensor device 413 may be included as a component of the vehicle to detect conditions relevant to control of the foldover chute 112. For example, cameras, radio wave sensors, thermal sensors, radar devices, or other sensor devices or detection methods may be used as sensors 413 to detect various conditions. For example, a sensor could detect obstacles that would be in the path of a chute before an instruction is sent to move the chute. A number of sensors 413 may be operatively connected to communicate data on detected conditions to a sensor input device 411 that is operatively connected to communicate the condition data generated by the sensors 413 to the controller 402 for processing to generate commands to control chute movement.

[0024] A network interface device, such as network interface device 412, can be utilized for connecting the onboard computer system to one or more of a variety of networks, such as a wireless telecom network, or to one or more remote devices that may be connected thereto.Examples of a network interface device 412 include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, and any combination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus, or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a data network associated with a telephone / voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and / or voice network), a direct connection between two computing devices, and any combinationsthereof. A network can employ a wired and / or a wireless mode of communication with the network interface device. In general, any network topology, telematics, or telecom system can be a network that may be operatively connected to the network interface device 412 of the vehicle 10.

[0025] Information such as data, instructions, and software updates, can be communicated to and / or from controller 402 via network interface device 412. In an exemplary embodiment, data can be communicated in the form of parameter data containing at least one operating parameter 414. In an example, the at least one operating parameter 414 may be a set value, or a minimum, or maximum value, of a condition or an operational mode of the vehicle 10.

[0026] Some examples such of operational modes, parameters, or conditions may include a maximum speed mode of the vehicle; a stationary mode of the vehicle; positions of various components of the vehicle, like hoppers and chutes; operational condition of the engine such as fuel level or indicators of engine function or health; conditions of the roads or surfaces on which the vehicle is operating; geolocation of the vehicle; and other typical operating parameters or conditions for a concrete mixer truck.

[0027] As seen in FIG. 2, controller 402 may include a chute positioning module 408, which may be a separate module from memory 404 and processor 406, or may be integrated as a component of one or more of them The chute positioning module 408 module may communicate with the other components of controller 402 including the memory 404 and processor 406 to provide data on the position of the foldover chute of the vehicle, and to accept, instructions from the other components of the controller 402 on the position or change of position of the chute. The chute positioning module is structured to generate chute movement commands and communicate them to an actuator 120 operatively connected to the foldover chute to move the chute. In the FIG. 2 example, a chute movement command may be communicated by chute positioning module 408 to actuator 120, which may be a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit device or system structured to physically move the position of the chute. The chute movement commands may be generated by the controller 402 based on one or more inputs from one or more of the input devices 410, 411, and 412, which in turn may be based on operator input signals, network input signals, and sensor input signals relevant to controlling the movement of the chutes.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, actuator 120 may accept a chute movement command communicated by chute positioning module 408 to the hydraulic valve 308. The actuator 120 may, in response to the command from the hydraulic valve 308 activate the actuator 120 and thereby increase, decrease, or maintain a pressure of the hydraulic circuit, and thereby move the foldover chute 112 to a selected position or maintain the foldover chute 112 in a current position. In the FIG. 2 example, the actuator 120 is a hydraulic actuator and the valve 308 is a hydraulic valve 308 that acts to move the foldover chute 112.

[0029] The system provided herein offers automation of the operation of a foldover chute not previously available to operators and owners or managers of concrete mixer trucks. In embodiments, a chute could be automatically deployed or deployed to a mid stop position after a status change event. Examples of such status change events, may include, but are not limited to, one or more of: a number of concrete mix cycles being achieved; mode changes between a mix mode and a constant speed mode; mode changes between a load mode and a constant speed mode or mix mode; mode changes from constant speed to a load mode or a mix mode; mode changes from a mix mode to a constant speed mode; mode changes wherein a discharge chute is centered and lowered, mode changes wherein a gear of engine propelling the vehicle does not equal reverse or neutral; and mode changes wherein a vehicle speed is greater than zero; mode changes wherein an engine gear changes to reverse, chutes or axles are stowed, and actuator pressure changed to a minimum value. If the chute is deployed to a mid stop position, a change in status could also cause the chute position to be moved from a mid stop position to a fully deployed position based on the same type of a status change event, though typically a different status change than what would cause the chute to be fully deployed.

[0030] In an aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a concrete mixer vehicle, comprising a main discharge chute of the vehicle, configured to direct a flow path of concrete dispensed from a mixing drum of the vehicle, a foldover chute pivotally connected to the main discharge chute and configured to extend a length of the main discharge chute; an actuator operatively connected to the foldover chute and configured to move a position of the foldover chute relative to a position of the main discharge chute; and an electronic controller operatively connected to the actuator and structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the foldover chute relative to the position of the main discharge chute, wherein the controller comprises a positioning modulestructured to accept an operator input, to generate a foldover chute movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating condition, and to communicate the foldover chute movement command to the actuator.

[0031] In an aspect of the above embodiment, in response to the foldover chute movement command, the actuator moves the foldover chute to a selected position. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, in response to the foldover chute movement command, the actuator holds the foldover chute in a current position of the foldover chute. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator system. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator system. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the operator input is a request to move the position of the foldover chute. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a value of a speed of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a position of a tag axle of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a position of a pusher axle of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a washout system condition of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a status signal from a radar sensor. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a status signal from a camera. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a value of a pressure reading of a hydraulic system of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a value of a pressure reading of a pneumatic system of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a status signal of the mixing drum. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a vehicle operational mode. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the vehicle operational mode is a moving transit mode. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the operational mode is a stationary vehicle mode. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a system setting unchangeable by an operator of the vehicle. In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, the at least one operating condition is a system setting input to the controller remotely by a vehicle telematics control system.

[0032] In an aspect of any of the foregoing embodiments, an electronic controller for a concrete mixer vehicle is provided, comprising a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a foldover chute movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating condition, and to communicate the foldover chute movement command to an actuator operatively connected to a foldover chute connected to the vehicle, wherein the actuator is configured to move a position of the foldover chute relative to a position of a main discharge chute of the vehicle, and the electronic controller is structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the foldover chute relative to the position of the main discharge chute.

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0034] The non-transitory computer-readable media referenced in this description includes all types of computer-readable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, and solid-state storage media. It should be understood that software implemented in the system herein can be installed in and sold with a device described herein. Alternatively, the software can be obtained and loaded into the device, including obtaining the software via a disc medium or from any manner of network or distribution system, including, for example, from a server owned by the software creator or from a server not owned but used by the software creator. The software can be stored on a server for distribution over the Internet, for example.

[0035] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by a computer and / or processor(s), and include volatile and non-volatile internal and / or external media that is removable and / or nonremovable. For the control system herein, the various types of storage media accommodate the storage of data in any suitable digital format. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of computer readable medium can be employed such as zip drives, solid state drives, magnetic tape, flash memory cards, flash drives, cartridges, and the like, for storing computer executable instructions for performing the novel methods (acts) of the disclosed architecture.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0037] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0038] For purposes of this document, each process associated with the disclosed technology may be performed continuously and by one or more computing devices. Each step in a process may be performed by the same or different computing devices as those used in other steps, and each step need not necessarily be performed by a single computing device.

[0039] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, components, and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features, components, or acts described above. Rather, the specific features, components, and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims,

[0040] It is understood that the present subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this subject matter will be thorough and complete and will convey the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the subject matter is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present subject matter, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without such specific details.

[0041] While illustrative examples of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain examples have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed invention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and examples lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0042] One of skill in the art may appreciate from the foregoing that unexpected benefits may be derived from the disclosed features of the subject design and features, without the need for additional components or parts, or other changes in the configuration of a conventional machine or system. Changes to configuration as disclosed may add costs, weight, and complexity to manufacture, operation, and maintenance of a device or system. A key benefit contemplated by the inventors is improvement in features and design, while excluding any additional components or changes in structural features. In this exclusion, maximum cost containment may be affected. Accordingly, the substantial benefits of simplicity of manufacture, operation, and maintenance of may reside in an example of the invention consisting of, or consisting essentially of, features of the devices and systems disclosed herein. Thus, examples of the invention explicitly contemplate the exclusion of features, parts, and components beyond those set forth herein.

[0043] Reference Numeral List

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A concrete mixer vehicle, comprisinga main discharge chute of the vehicle, configured to direct a flow path of concrete dispensed from a mixing drum of the vehicle,a foldover chute pivotally connected to the main discharge chute and configured to extend a length of the main discharge chute;an actuator operatively connected to the foldover chute and configured to move a position of the foldover chute relative to a position of the main discharge chute; andan electronic controller operatively connected to the actuator and structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the foldover chute relative to the position of the main discharge chute, whereinthe controller comprises a positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a foldover chute movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating condition, and to communicate the foldover chute movement command to the actuator.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, in response to the foldover chute movement command, the actuator moves the foldover chute to a selected position.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, in response to the foldover chute movement command, the actuator holds the foldover chute in a current position of the foldover chute.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator system.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic actuator system.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the operator input is a request to move the position of the foldover chute.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a value of a speed of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a position of a tag axle of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a position of a pusher axle of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a washout system condition of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a status signal from a radar sensor.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a status signal from a camera.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a value of a pressure reading of a hydraulic system of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a value of a pressure reading of a pneumatic system of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a status signal of the mixing drum.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a vehicle operational mode.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the vehicle operational mode is a moving transit mode.

17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the operational mode is a stationary vehicle mode.

18. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a system setting unchangeable by an operator of the vehicle.

19. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating condition is a system setting input to the controller remotely by a vehicle telematics control system.

20. An electronic controller for a concrete mixer vehicle, comprisinga positioning module structured to accept an operator input, to generate a foldover chute movement command based upon the operator input and upon at least one operating condition, and to communicate the foldover chute movement command to an actuator operatively connected to a foldover chute connected to the vehicle, whereinthe actuator is configured to move a position of the foldover chute relative to a position of a main discharge chute of the vehicle, andthe electronic controller is structured to execute computer-readable instructions to control operation of the actuator to move the position of the foldover chute relative to the position of the main discharge chute.

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