Abstract:
One aspect of the present invention provides a mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks that is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly comprises a plurality of liner plates and a gear drive assembly. Each liner plate has a major surface and the liner plates are configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable. The gear drive assembly is selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and is configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate in a first direction toward an interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a second direction different from the first direction, and to move the liner plate in a direction away from the interior of the mold cavity by applying a force in a direction opposite the second direction.
Abstract:
A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks that is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates, each having a major surface, the liner plates configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity having a desired form, and wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable. A gear drive assembly is selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. A stabilizer assembly is operatively coupled to the gear drive assembly and is configured to support the gear drive assembly as it moves the at least one moveable liner plate.
Abstract:
A mold assembly for producing masonry blocks and adapted for use in a masonry block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates, each liner plate having a major surface, the liner plates positioned within a mold box and configured such that the major surfaces form a mold cavity having a desired form, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable between a retracted position and a desired extended position toward an interior of the mold cavity. A gear drive assembly selectively coupled to the at least one moveable liner plate and configured to move the at least one moveable liner plate between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the gear drive assembly is positioned substantially external to the mold box when the at least one moveable liner plate is in the retracted position.
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 includes a first transverse face, a second transverse face opposing the first transverse face, at least one aperture extending through the masonry block between the first and second transverse faces, a first end face joining the first and second transverse faces, a second end face opposite the first end face and joining the first and second transverse faces, a first major face joining the first end and second end faces, and a second major face opposing the first major face and joining the first and second end faces. A molded utility opening extends through the first major face to the at least one aperture and adapted to receive a utility device, wherein the first major face and molded utility opening are formed during a molding process by action of a moveable liner plate having a mold element which is a negative of the molded utility opening.
Abstract:
A method of producing a concrete 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 together 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 with a gear drive assembly, and wherein the first liner plate is angled such that when the first liner plate is in the extended position the bottom of the mold cavity is narrower than the top by a predetermined distance. The first liner plate is moved to the extended position, a pallet is positioned below the mold to close the bottom of the mold cavity, dry cast concrete is placed in the mold cavity via the open top, a shoe assembly is positioned into the mold cavity via the open top, and the dry cast concrete is compacted to form a pre-cured concrete block with the rear face resting on the pallet, the front face contacting the shoe assembly, and one side face of the pair of opposed side faces contacting the first liner plate. The first liner plate is moved to the retracted position such that the bottom of the mold cavity is narrower than the top by the predetermined distance and at least as wide as the top when first liner plate is in the extended position, the pre-cured concrete block is expelled from the mold cavity and cured.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for wheel assemblies, specifically directed to precision roller wheel assembly for use with patio doors or the like, that provides a rust-resistant, salt resistant wheel assembly for providing a smooth gliding, quiet operating, easy to adjust, door wheel system that is corrosion free and is believed to be able to withstand hurricane force winds. A precision roller wheel assembly for use on a lower surface of a door, especially a patio door or the like, the assembly comprising a two-piece housing, the two-pieces being a mirror image of each other, for receiving at least one precision machined corrosion resistant sealed roller wheel mounted on an axle, means for mounting the assembly to a patio door or the like, and adjustment means for vertically adjusting the assembly in its position of use.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for wheel assemblies, specifically directed to precision roller wheel assembly for use with patio doors or the like, that provides a rust-resistant, salt resistant wheel assembly for providing a smooth gliding, quiet operating, easy to adjust, door wheel system that is corrosion free and is believed to be able to withstand hurricane force winds. A precision roller wheel assembly for use on a lower surface of a door, especially a patio door or the like, the assembly comprising a two-piece housing, the two-pieces being a mirror image of each other, for receiving at least one precision machined corrosion resistant sealed roller wheel mounted on an axle, means for mounting the assembly to a patio door or the like, and adjustment means for vertically adjusting the assembly in its position of use.
Abstract:
A dual-acting linear actuator including a hollow body and a stationary hollow rod. The stationary hollow rod includes a first rod segment separated from a second rod segment by a separator plate, the stationary hollow rod extending through the hollow body such that the separator plate forms a first chamber and a second chamber within the hollow body, wherein the first rod segment is configured to transmit a power medium to the first chamber to cause the hollow body to move along the stationary hollow rod toward the first rod segment and the second rod segment is configured to transmit the power medium to the second chamber to cause the hollow body to move along the stationary hollow rod toward the second rod segment.
Abstract:
Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.
Abstract:
A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks and which is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at least a first liner plate is moveable, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a first drive element having a first end and coupled to the first moveable liner plate proximate to a second end, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a second drive element selectively coupled to the first drive element proximate to the first end, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to drive the second drive element along a first axis so as to cause at least the second end of the first drive element to move along a second axis and cause the first moveable liner plate to move toward and away from an interior of the first mold cavity.