Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
  • B28D—WORKING STONE OR STONE-LIKE MATERIALS
  • B28D1/00—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor
  • B28D1/22—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
  • B28D—WORKING STONE OR STONE-LIKE MATERIALS
  • B28D1/00—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor
  • B28D1/22—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising
  • B28D1/222—Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor by cutting, e.g. incising by pressing, e.g. presses

Definitions

• the invention relates generally to manufacture of masonry block. More specifically, it relates to equipment and processes for the creation of decorative 5 faces on masonry block. Even more specifically, the invention relates to equipment and processes for producing roughened textures and the appearance of weathered edges on masonry block.
• the common process for producing the weathered look on pavers is to "tumble" the pavers in a rotary drum to knock off their sharp edges. This process can be used with some retaining wall blocks, as well, provided that the blocks do not have any features, such as integral concrete locator flanges, that would be damaged by the
• Tumbling is not an option with such blocks.
• the problem with the tumbling process is that it is costly.
• the process requires the capital investment in a tumbling apparatus, and the upkeep of that equipment.
• the pavers or blocks must be removed from the production line, tumbled, and then reassembled into suitable cubes for transportation. This makes the process labor-intensive.
• Another option is to use a hammermill to attack the face of the block with various hammers. This option can slow down production, if it is done "in line", because the process can only move as fast as the hammermill can operate on each block, and the block may need to be manipulated-flipped over and or rotated-to attack all of its edges.
• a block splitter assembly comprising first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies, each of the first and second splitting blade assemblies comprising respective first and second splitting blades and one or more projections positioned adjacent to each of the first and second blades.
• a block splitter comprising first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies, each of the first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies comprising a plurality of projections.
• a masonry block splitter comprising first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies, the first blade assembly comprising a first splitting blade having first and second sides, said first blade assembly comprising a plurality of projections adjacent the first splitting blade first side and a plurality of projections adjacent the first splitting blade second side, the second blade assembly comprising a second splitting blade having first and second sides, the second blade assembly comprising a plurality of projections adjacent the second splitting blade first side and a plurality of projections adjacent the second splitting blade second side.
• a method of splitting masonry block using a masonry block splitter comprising first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies, said first blade assembly comprising a first splitting blade having first and second sides, said first blade assembly comprising a plurality of projections adjacent said first splitting blade first side and a plurality of projections adjacent said first splitting blade second side, said second blade assembly comprising a second splitting blade having first and second sides, said second blade assembly comprising a plurality of projections adjacent said second splitting blade first side and a plurality of projections adjacent said second splitting blade second side, said method comprising the step of striking the masonry block with said first and second opposed splitting blade assemblies.
• Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a block splitting machine using the block splitter blade assembly of the invention.
• Figure 2 A is a top plan view of one portion of a splitting blade assembly in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 2B is a top plan view of one portion of a splitting blade assembly also showing protrusion of various diameter positioned in a random manner.
• Figure 2C is a top plan view of one portion of a splitting blade assembly in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the invention comprising protrusions which are random connected and unconnected panels.
• Figure 3 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a protrusion in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 4A is a side elevational view of a further alternative embodiment of a protrusion in accordance with the invention.
• Figure 4B is a side elevational view of another alternative embodiment of the invention depicting protrusions of varying height.
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a split work piece, (forming two masonry blocks), which was split using the splitter blade assembly of the invention.
• Figure 6 is a top plan view of a masonry block split using the splitter blade assembly of the invention.
• Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the masonry block depicted in Figure 6.
• FIG. 1 a conventional block splitting machine modified in accordance with invention is depicted, in part, showing in particular the block splitter assembly 10.
• block splitting machines may be obtained from Lithibar Co., located in Holland, Michigan.
• the Lithibar Co. 6386 was used in practicing the invention.
• the block splitter assembly generally has opposed first 12 and second 22 splitting blade assemblies.
• the first splitting blade assembly 12 is positioned at the bottom of the block splitter 10 and as depicted includes a splitting blade 14 and a number of protrusions positioned on either side and adjacent to the blade.
• the invention may be used with any variety of blocks molded or formed through any variety of processes including those blocks and processes disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,827,015 issued October 27, 1998, U.S. Patent No. 5,017,049 issued May 21, 1991 and U.S. Patent No. 5,709,062 issued January 20, 1998.
• the second splitting blade assembly 22 may also be seen in Figure 1.
• the second splitting blade assembly 22 also includes a splitting blade 24 and a plurality of projections 26 located on either side of the blade 24.
• the second splitting blade assembly may be attached to the machine's top plate 30 through a blade holder 28.
• the position of the work piece 40, (shown in phantom), within the block splitter may be seen in Figure 1 , in the ready-to-split position.
• the splitting blade assembly 12 is generally comprised of a number of projections 16 positioned adjacent to blade 14 and on either side of the blade 14. As shown, the projections 16 on the first side of the blade are staggered in relationship to the projections 16' on the second side of the blade. The projections on either side of the blade may also be aligned depending upon the intent of the operator.
• the protrusions 16 may be used without a splitting blade.
• the protrusions 16 may also be varied in diameter or perimeter, (if not round), and placed randomly on the splitting assembly 12. Any number of ordered or random patterns of protrusions 16 may be created using regular or irregular spacing depending on the effect to be created in the split block.
• Figure 2C shows a further alternative embodiment of the invention where plates 16" are attached to either, or both, assemblies 12 and 22. As can be seen these plates may be configured in random order and left unconnected across the surface of the assembly 12. The invention has been practiced using steel plates about four inches long welded to the assembly to provide a number of partially connected protrusions 16" about two inches high.
• the projections 16 and 16' may have a rounded shape.
• the shape of the projections may also be pyramidal, cubic, or pointed with one or more points on the top surface of the projection.
• the relative position of the work piece 40 is shown in phantom outline.
• the protrusions may have a diameter of about 1/2 to 1 and 1/4 inches and may be attached by welding, screwing or other suitable means.
• the height of the protrusions may be about 1 and 1/4 inches and varied about 3/4 of an inch shorter or taller depending upon the affect to be created in the block at splitting. Attaching the protrusions by threading or screwing allows easy adjustment of protrusion height.
• the relative height of the projection and blade may also be varied depending upon the effect that is to be created in the block split according to the invention. Specifically, as can be seen in Figure 3 the relative height of the blade 14 may be less than the relative height of the projection 16. Alternatively, as can be seen in Figure 4 the relative height of the blade may be greater than the height of the projections 26. Generally, we have found with the first splitting blade assembly that X may range from about 1/8 to about 3/8 of an inch beyond the first blade. With regard to the second splitting blade assembly, X' may range from about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch beyond the height of the plurality of the projections.
• Protrusions 16 such as those depicted in Fig. 2A have been found useful having a diameter of about 1 and 1/4 inches and when used with a blade 14 having a height of about 1/8 of an inch above the blade in the first or lower assembly and 1/8 of an inch below the blade in the second or upper assembly. Overall, the height of the protrusion may vary up or down about 3/8 of an inch relative to the height of the blade.
• the work piece is generally centered in the block splitter according to known practices as seen in Figures 1 and 2.
• the block splitter is then activated resulting in the first and second opposing splitting blade assemblies converging on, and striking, the work piece 40.
• the first and second splitting blade assemblies may travel anywhere from about 1/4 to one inch into the top and bottom surfaces of the work piece.
• the work piece 40 is then split resulting in an uneven patterning on the split edges 46 and 46' of the resulting blocks, 42 and 44, Figure 5.
• the work piece 40' is split in two. However, it is possible and within the scope of the invention to split the work piece into more than two pieces.
• the distance traveled by the protrusions 16 into the work piece may be varied by adjusting the limit switches on the machine and, in turn, varying they o hydraulic pressure with which the splitting assembly acts.
• the splitting assemblies act on the block with a pressure ranging from about 600 to 1000 psi, and preferably about 750 to 800 psi.
• the splitting machine may include opposed hydraulically activated side knife assemblies (not shown) which impinge upon the block with the same timing and in the same manner as the opposed top and bottom assemblies. Projections 16 may also be used to supplement or replace the action of the side knives.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
• Retaining Walls (AREA)
• Aftertreatments Of Artificial And Natural Stones (AREA)
• Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
• Distribution Board (AREA)
• Shovels (AREA)
• Crushing And Grinding (AREA)
• Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)

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Cited By (2)

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Citations (5)

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• 1999
  • 1999-06-11 US US09/330,879 patent/US6321740B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2000
  • 2000-05-23 DK DK00936222T patent/DK1192029T3/da active
  • 2000-05-23 AT AT00936222T patent/ATE365097T1/de active
  • 2000-05-23 JP JP2001503038A patent/JP4806144B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-05-23 KR KR10-2001-7015885A patent/KR100498230B1/ko not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-05-23 NZ NZ515739A patent/NZ515739A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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  • 2000-05-23 CA CA002374823A patent/CA2374823C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-05-23 WO PCT/US2000/014180 patent/WO2000076734A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2000-05-23 CZ CZ20014433A patent/CZ298981B6/cs not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2000-05-23 ES ES00936222T patent/ES2287019T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-05-23 MX MXPA01012782A patent/MXPA01012782A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-05-23 EP EP00936222A patent/EP1192029B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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  • 2000-05-23 CN CNB008087601A patent/CN1195613C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2000-05-23 AU AU51570/00A patent/AU773114B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2000-05-23 DE DE60035274T patent/DE60035274T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-10-19 US US09/691,864 patent/US6910474B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2001
  • 2001-12-11 NO NO20016055A patent/NO325721B1/no not_active IP Right Cessation

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