Abstract:
A masonry block molded by a masonry block machine employing a mold assembly having a plurality of liner plates, at least one of which is moveable; the masonry block including a first transverse face, a second transverse face opposing the first transverse face, a first major face joining the first transverse face to the second transverse face, a second major face opposing the first major face and joining the first transverse face to the second transverse face, a first end face joining the first major face to the second major face, and a second end face opposing the first end face and joining the first major face to the second major face, wherein the first end face comprises a non-planar face configured to engage and overlap with a non-planar end face of a similar masonry block and is formed during a molding process through action of a moveable liner plate having a negative of the non-planar end face.
Abstract:
A method of producing a masonry block having a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, and a pair of opposed side faces. The method includes providing a mold assembly having a plurality of liner plates that form a mold cavity having an open top and an open bottom, wherein at least a first liner plate is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first liner plate including a flange element. The first liner plate is moved to the extended position, the bottom of the mold cavity is closed with a pallet, dry cast concrete is placed in the mold cavity via the open top, the top of the mold cavity is closed with a moveable head shoe assembly, the head shoe assembly including a notch element. The dry cast concrete is compacted to form a pre-cured masonry block with the upper face resting on the pallet, whereby the flange element of the first liner plate and pallet cooperate to form a notch in the upper face along an edge shared with the rear face and the notch element of the shoe assembly and the first liner plate cooperate to form a flange extending from the lower face along an edge shared with the rear face, the flange adapted to engage a notch in an upper face of at least one similar masonry block. The first liner plate is moved to the retracted position and the pre-cured masonry block is expelled from the mold cavity and cured.
Abstract:
A method of producing a masonry block including providing a mold assembly having a plurality of liner plates that together form a mold cavity having an open top and an open bottom, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable between a retracted position and a desired extend position relative to an interior of the mold cavity with a gear drive assembly. The at least one moveable liner plate is moved to the desired extended position, the bottom of the mold cavity is closed with a pallet, dry cast concrete is placed in the mold cavity via the open top, the top of the mold cavity is closed with a moveable head shoe assembly, and the dry cast concrete is compacted to form a pre-cured masonry block. The at least one moveable liner plate is moved to the retracted position, the pre-cured masonry block is expelled from the mold cavity and cured.