REVERSED INTERSTITIAL PADDLES

An inner drum for use in a dryer/mixer in connection with the production of an aggregate-binder mix includes a plurality of mixing paddles disposed on the outer surface of the inner drum and arranged in a plurality of rows. The mixing paddles are configured to rotate through a mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates within an outer drum of the dryer/mixer to mix aggregate and binder together. Interstitial spaces are formed between rows of mixing paddles and material leads, where aggregate material preferentially travels as the inner drum is rotated, extend along the mixing chamber. At least one interstitial mixing paddle is located on the outer surface of the inner drum and in one of the interstitial spaces at one of the material leads. The interstitial mixing paddle rotates through the mixing chamber as the inner drum rotates to also mix the aggregate and binder together.