US2824354A - Concrete block manufacturing method and machine - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 25, 1958 F. D. HYDE Filed Aug. 9, 1948 e Sheets-Sheet 1 I FIG.

JNVENTOR. FLOYD HYDE AGENT Feb.*25, 1958 F. D. HYDE '1 2,824,354

CONCRETE BLOCK MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 194a s Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG, 2

INVENTOR. FLOYD p. HYDE AGE/VT Feb. 25, 1958 Filed Aug. 9, 1948,

F. D. HYDE CONCRETE BLOCK MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE s Sheets-Sheet 3' Hllllllllllllllllll I|IllllllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII FIG. 3

FLOYD IN VEN TOR.

D. HYDE AGE/V Feb. 25, 1958 D, H 2,824,354

CONCRETE BLOCK MAN UF'ACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE 6 SheetsQ-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 9, I948 mmvrbx. now a. was

AGENT Feb. 25, 1958 F. D, HYDE 2,824,354

CONCRETE BLOCK MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Au 9, 1948 6 Sheets- Sheet 5 Zlo "III IIIIIIIIIIII INVENTOR. FLOYD 0 HYDE AGE/VT Feb. 25, 1958 I HYDE; 2,824,354

CONCRETE BLOCK MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Aug. 9, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. FLOYD D. HYDE AGE/VT CONCRETE BLOCK MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MACHINE Floyd D. Hyde, El Cajon, Calif., assignor to Inventors Dei'elopment Company, San Diego, Calif., a corporation of California Application August 9, 1948, Serial No. 43,293

32 Claims.. (Cl. 25-41) My invention relates to a concrete block manufacturing machine, and the objects of my invention are:

First, to provide a machine of this class which in itially vibrates material, removing substantially all of the compressible fluids therefrom, and then slugs said material with a hammer blow, completing the compaction of the material into a mold, whereby very strong and homogeneous concrete blocks are produced;

Second, to provide a concrete block manufacturing; machine of this class which vibrates the material intoa' preformed structure preliminary to the compaction of the material into the mold by-a hammer blow, which initially slugs the material and forces the same to the bottom of the mold, creating a secondary shock wave which passes throughout the entire column of the material in the mold, greatly improving the compaction of the structure following vibration thereof;

Third, to provide a machine of this class from'which formed blocks are delivered singly at a high rate of speed, whereby thin, small pallets for supporting each block greatly reduce the overall material requirements in the supplying of pallets to receive the production of the machine;

Fourth, to provide a machine of this class which produces a large volume of concrete blocks, and delivers them singly on single pallets, whereby great production may be accomplished, and the blocks may be individually handled at the conveyer extending from my concrete block manufacturing machine, permitting .the yard workers to individually remove the block laden pallets from the conveyor and stack them at opposite sides thereof.

Fifth, to provide a machine of this class which pro-- duces concrete blocks of extremely high compressive strength in proportion to the blocks delivered from conventional vibrator molds;

Sixth, to provide a concrete block manufacturing machine of this class which delivers very accurate and smooth surfaced blocks;

Seventh, to provide a concrete block manufacturing machine of this class which is very compact in propor tion to the production thereof;

Eighth, to provide a concrete block manufacturing machine of this class having novel vibrator structure in slugging ram which ultimately forms blocks by slugging and which is adjustable in weight for increased 'compaction of concrete blocks, as desired;

Tenth, to provide a concrete block manufacturing machine of this class having novel forming mold and transfer box structure, which conveniently deliversindividual concrete blocks at a high rate of speed, whereby each block is delivered on an individual thin pallet for V n and 1e, supporting the cam actuating structure of the nut-- convenience in handling;

chute 64, pallet feed slide 65, transfer box elevator cams. 66 and 67, cam followers 68, levers.69 and.70, links.

Eleventh, to provide a concrete block manufacturing machine of this class which effectively excludes air and other compressible fluids from the forming mold during the compaction of a preformed block therein; and

Twelfth,-to provide a concrete block manufacturing,

machine of this class which is very simple and economical of construction, efi'icient in operation, and which will,

not readily deteriorate or get out of order.

With these and other. objects in view, as will appear hereinafter, my invention consists of certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of' parts and portions, as will be hereinafter described in of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top or plan view of my concrete block manufacturing machine, showing portions thereof broken away to amplify the illustration; Fig. 2 is a side eleva- H tional view thereof, showing portions broken away and in section to amplify the illustration; Fig. 3' is an enlarged fragmentary end view of my concrete block manufactur ing machine; Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view. thereof, taken from the line 44 of Fig. 3, showing parts.

and portions in elevation and fragmentarily; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 55 of Fig. 3, showing 'portions'broken away to amplify the illustration; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken. from the line 66 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a reduced frag- I ,mentary sectional view taken from the line 77 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan sectional view taken.

from the line 8-8 of Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary.

plan sectional view taken from the line 9-9 of Fig.

5; Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 10--10 of Fig. 5; and Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken from the line 11-11' of Fig. 1.

Similar characters of reference refer to similar parts and portions throughout the several views of the drawmgs.

The frame 1, hopper 2, ram 3, preforming core 4, vibrator diaphragms 5 and 6, backing plates 7 and 8, arms 9 and 10, links 11 and 12, vibrator shaft 13, ec-

centric bearings 14, pulleys 15 and 16, belt 17, motor 18, brackets 19 and 20, mold box 21, transfer box 22, mold block ejector 23, transfer box block ejector. 24, ejector elevator 25, links 26, bell crank 27, link 28, lever 29, cam follower 30, cam 31, ram elevating levers 32 and 33, links 34 and 35, ram elevating cams36 and 37, cam shaft 38, fulcrum shaft 39, ram guides 40, 41, 42 and 43, mold supporting toggles 44 to 47, inclusive, toggle shaft 48, mold supporting shoes 49 and 50, toggle operating cam 51, link 52, lever 53, cam follower 54, spring 55, pivot shafts 56 and 57, shafts 58 and 59, mold box cam 60, link 61, lever 62, .cam follower 63, pallet 71 and 72, block delivery cam 73, lever 74, cam follower 75, link 76, bell crank 77, slide plate 78, guide rollers 79 and 80, clips 81, guides 82 and 83, motor 84, gear I box 85, sprockets 86 and 87, chain 88, pallet take- out rollers 89 and 90, shafts 91, 92 and 93, gears 94 to 98, inclusive, motor 99, material flow regulators and 101, and the set screw 102 and .103 constitute the principal parts and portions of my concrete block manu-' Patented Feb. 25, 1958* 3 chine, together with the cam shaft 38, all as shown best in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The hopper 2 is supported on the beams 10 of the frame 1, at opposite sides thereof, and this hopper 2, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings, is provided with a preforming mold structure 2a at itsbase, which is supported on opposite sides of the, machine on the beams 1c. This performing mold structure 2a coincides with the cavity 21a of the mold box 21, as shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, which is a plan view of the forming mold box. The upper end of the preforming mold structure 2a is provided with a ledge 2b, which forms an abutment for the material compacted in the hopper 2 by the vibrator diaphragms and 6, which are downwardly converging, as shown best in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The vertical abutmentZb prevents wedging of the compacted concrete material, against the ram 3 when it passes downwardly into the preforming mold structure 2a during the ramming of a preformed block into the coniciding cavity 21a of the mold box 21. This cavity 21a above the plate 23a serves as a forming mold. Internally of the preforming mold structure 2a of the;hopper 2 is the preforming core 4, around which :the ram'3 is positioned and vertically reciprocally mounted. This ram 31 is shaped to coincide with the cavity 21a of the mold box 21, shown best in Fig. 8 of the drawings. The ram 3 is supported on cross members 3a, which extend through slots 2c and 2d in opposite sides of the hopper 2, which are inwardly of the ram housing structure 2e, integral with opposite sides of the hopper 2. This ram housing structure 2e is enclosed at its upper end and terminates in spaced relation with the abutment edges 2b of the preforming mold structure 2a, and prevents the block making material from flowing into the area transversed by the ram 3. The material-flow regulators 100 and 101 are vertically slideable plates adapted to be projected downwardly below the lower edges 2 of the ram housing 22 in order to regulate the flow of various mixes of material used in manufacturing concrete blocks. These flow regulators 100 and 101 act as gates to control the depth of material in the hopper below the ram. Opposite ends of these regulators 100 and 101, near their upper edges, 100a and 101a, respectively, project through opposite sides of the hopper 2 and are flanged, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The flange 101b of the material flow regulator 101, shown in detail in Fig. 2 of the drawings, is provided with .a longitudinal vertically disposed slot 1010, through which the set screws 102 and 103 project for fixing this'rnaterial flow regulator 101 in various vertically adjusted positions, as desired, whereby the lower edge thereof may be positioned at a certain location intermediate the lower edge 2 of the ram housing 2e, and the abutmentledge 2b of the preforming mold structure 2a. The vibrator diaphragms 5 and 6 are preferably made of flexible or resilient material, such as rubber or synthetic material, as: desired, and fixed to the outer sides of these diaphragms 5 and.6 are the backing plates 7 and 8, which are preferably made of fairly rigid material, such as mild steel, or the like.

Spaced outwardly from these backing plates 7 and. 8, the outer edges of the diaphragms 5 and 6 are fixed to the hopper 2, permitting each.of the diaphragms 5 and 6 to flex intermediate its connection with the hopper 2 and therrespective backing plates 7 and 8. These vibrating diaphragms 5 and 6, .as shown in Fig. 4of the drawings, are connected to the backing plates 7 and 8 respectively, near the outer edges of said backing plates by frames 7a and 8a, respectively, internally of the diaphragms 5 and 6, and these frames 7a and 8a are within the openings 2g and 211 in the inclined lower. portions of the hopper 2 provided to accommodate the flexing vibrating diaphragms 5 and 6. Pivotally connectedtothe arms 9 and 10 at their lower-ends by the shafts 9a.and 10a are the backing plates 7 and .8. These shafts 9a and 10a pass through clevis portions integral with the backing plates 7 and v8, and the upperends of the levers 9 ";anci

10'are pivotally connected to extending hopper supported clevis portionsintegral with the hopper 2 by means of the pins 9b and 10b, respectively. Rigidly mounted on the hopper 2 are the brackets 19 and 20, having the hearing blocks 19a and 20a secured thereto, in which the vibrator shaft 13 is revolubly mounted. Fixed on this shaft 13, at its opposite ends, are the eccentrics 14. The pulley 15 is fixed to an intermediate portion of the vibrator shaft 13 and engages the belt 17 passing over the pulley 16 on the shaft of the motor 18, all as shown best in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Eccentric bearings 14 engage eccentric portions of the shaft 13 and carry clevis members 19b and 20b through which the shaft 9a extends. The shaft 9a pivotally supports one end of each of the links 11 and 12, which are pivoted at their opposite ends on the shaft 10a. Thus, motion of the eccentrics of the shaft 13 is transmitted to the bearings 14 which transfer the motion equally to the shafts 9a and 10a, on which. the arms 9 and.10 are pivotally mounted,

and on which the'clevis portions of the diaphragm backing plates 7 and 8 .are mounted. The mold box 21, having the cavity 21-a,.hereinbefore described, therein, is slidably mounted longitudinally .of the frame beams 10 on the rollers 21b, shown in Figs. 2, 8 and 10 of the drawings. The pallet slide 65 being connected to the mold box 21 moves-in unision therewith. These rollers 21b, shown in Fig. 10 .of the drawings, traverse tracks 21c, resting on the upper sides of the inner lower flanges of the beams 1c, which are conventional I-bearn sections. Thismoldbox 21 reserves as a forming mold and is provided with ascreedplate portion 21g adapted to cover the ,lower portion of the preforming mold structure 20 when the forming mold 21 is out of index therewith. From the forming mold 21 to the screed plate 21g is the link 61 pivotally connected to the lever 62 by the pin 62a, all asshown best in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The upper end of the lever62 is stationarily mounted on the pivot shaft. 56 and pivoted to an. intermediate portion .of the lever 62 ,by means of the pin 63a is the cam follower 63, which engages an internal'track 60a of the cam 60 fixed to the cam shaft 38, which is driven by thesprocket 87. engaging the chain 88 passing over the sprocket 86 on the extending shaft85a of thegear box 85, driven by the motor 84, shown best in Fig.2 of the drawings.

. Reciprocallyrmounted in the cavity 21a of the mold box 21 is the .vertically movable mold block ejector 23. This mold block ejector 23 is provided with a plate 23a, which operates asra bottom :for .the forming mold 21 and conforms in shape to the.cavity,21a,of the mold box 21,.which relationto the lower end of the forming mold 2a.

is shown best in Fig. 8 of the drawings. The mold box 21 is provided with bars 23a andi23f, forming a fixed stop or abutmentfor theplate 23a; and being disposed in spaced This plate 23a is supported on legs 23b, which are carried by the roller frames-23c, having rollers 23d resting on the tracks 25aof the ejector elevator 25. The clips 81 on the mold box 21 engage the roller frames 23c when the plate 23a is flush with the upper portion of the mold box 21 and. the lower portion of the forming mold 2a. These tracks 25a are pivotally connected to the links 26 at their upper ends by .means of pins 26a, shown best in Fig. 2 of;the drawings. The lower ends of the links 26 are fixed to the shafts 58, while the bell crank 27, fixed to the shaft 59 at one end thereof, supports one end of one of the 29 is provided with a trunnion 29b-on which the cam follower roller 30 is mounted, which engages the profile surface the cam 31, which is fixed on the camshaft 38 nection with the track 210, shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings. The toggle links 45 and 47 are connected to the shaft 48 and pivotally connected with these toggle links 45 and 47 are the toggle links 44 and 46, respectively, by pins 45a and 47a. The upper ends of the toggle links 44 and 46 are connected to the shoes 49 and 50 by the pins 44a and 46a, respectively. These shoes 49 and 50 engage the lower side of the mold box 21, as shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings, when the toggles 44 to 47, inclusive. are in the aligned position, as shown in Fig. of the drawings. It will be noted that the toggle links 45 and 47, extend into the bearing blocks 48a and 48b, supporting the shaft 48 on the lowermost beam 111 of the frame 1 at opposite sides of the machine, shown best in Figs; 2, 5 and of the drawings. The clevis portion 52a of the link 52 :is pivoted to the pin 45a in connection with the toggle links 44 and 45. Engaging the closed end 52b of this clevis member 52a is the spring 52d, adjacent the head 520 at the end of the link 52, which provides for resilient action of the link 52in connection with the toggle links 44 and 45. after they have reached vertical alignment, as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The link52, at its one end, is connected in pivotal relation with the lower end of the lever 53 by means of the pin 53a, and the upper end of the lever 53 is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 57, connected to the upright 1d of the frame 1, shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The spring 55 tends to hold the lever 53 toward the cam 51, and the cam follower roller 54 is pivotally mounted on the trunnion 53b, projecting from the lever 53, and this cam follower roller 54 engages the profile surface of the cam 51 fixed on the cam shaft 38, hereinbefore described.

As hereinbefore described, in connection with Fig. 4 of the drawings, the bars 3a of the ram 3 extend outwardly through the slotted openings 20 and 2d in the sides of the hopper 2, and are connected to the ram guide bearings 3b, vertically reciprocally mounted on the guide rods 40 to 43, inclusive, shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Supported ,on the bearing members 3b are weights 3c, which may be varied, as desired, for loading the ram in proportion to the particular mix of material and the size blocks being formed within the mold box 21. Pivotally connected to the cross members 3d and 3e fixed to opposite ends of the bars 311 are the links 34 and 35, respectively. Pivoted to the lower ends of these links 34 and 35 are the levers 32 and 33, respectively, which operate as ram elevating levers in cooperation with the ram elevating cams 36 and 37. These ram elevating levers 32 and 33 are pivoted on the fulcrum shaft 39, supported in connection with the columns 1e of the frame 1 by stationary bearing blocks 39a and 3%, shown best in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Each of the cams 36 and 37 is provided with a radical precipice terminating at opposite ends of a spiral profile surface. The cam 36, shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, engaged by the cam follower 36a, pivotally mounted on the trunnion 32a of the lever v32, is shown in position following the drop of the ram 3, occasioned by the passage of the roller 36a over the edge 36b of the cam precipice. These ram actuated cams36 and 37 are secured in fixed relationship with the cam shaft .38 near opposite ends thereof, at opposite sides of the frame 1 of my concrete block manufacturing machine, as shown best in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The transfer box 22, shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings,

is provided with a cavity, 22a, therein, which conforms with, the external shape of a block formed in the cavity 21a of the mold vbox 21, shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings. This transfer box 22 is open at its normally lower side, and'po'sitionedin the upper portion of the cavity 22a thereof; irisubst'antially stationary position, is the plate 24d of the transfer box block ejector 24. This ejector 24 is vertically movable mounted in connection'with the pallet chute 64, and is provided with a plurality of vertically reciprocally mounted shafts 24b, which are provided with collars 24c, engagingsprings 24d, abutted to the upper cross members 24e, shown in Fig. l of the drawings, throughwhich the plungers 24b reciprocate when moved upwardly, it.being noted that each of the plunger shafts 24b is provided with an enlarged washer 24 fixed to its upper end, bearing on the upper side of the cross members 24e, shown best in Fig. l of the drawings. These washers 24f suspend the'plungers 24b and provide an abutment for the load of the springs 24d exerted downwardly on the washers 24c fixed to the plungers 24b, all as shown best in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

The links 71 and 72 are pivotally connected tothe trunnions 22b and 220 at opposite ends of the transfer box 22, while the upper ends of these links 71 and 72 are pivotally connected to the extending ends of the levers 69 and70, which are pivoted intermediate their ends on the fulcrum shaft 39, all as shown best in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the lever 69 is provided with a pin 69a at its cam-engaging end, on which the roller cam follower 68 is revolubly mounted and adapted to coincide with the plane ofthe cam 66, and engage the profile surface thereof asit rotates about the axis of the cam shaft 38 on which it is fixed. The slide plate 78, shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, is slideable intermediate the guide rollers'79 and on the upper side of one of the beams 10 of the frame 1. The inner end of this slide plate 78 reciprocates on a common plane with. pallets under the transfer box 22, directly above the lower leg 65a of the pallet feed slide 65. Fixed to the outer end of the slide plate 78 are trunnions 78a engaged by a longitudinal slotted portion 77a of the bell crank 77, which is pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 77b, fixed to an extension 1 of the frame 1, shown best in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The inner end of the bell crank 77 is pivotally connected to the link 76 by the pin 76a, and the opposite end of the link 76 is pivoted by means of the pin 76b to the lever 74 at its lower end. The cam follower roller 75 is revolubly connected with the lever 74 intermediate its ends, and bears on the profile surface of the cam 73, fixed on the cam shaft 38, shown best in Fig. 7 of the drawings. The upper end of the lever 74 is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft 57, shown best in Figs. 1 and 7 of the drawings.

The pallet take-out rollers 89 and 90, at their adjacent peripheral portions, are arranged to engage pallets ejected by the slide plate 78 and force them on to a conveyer for transporting individual blocks as delivered from my concreate block manufacturing machine. These pallet takeout rollers 89 and 90 are mounted on the shafts 93 and 91, respectively, having mitre gears 97 and 94 fixed thereon, which mesh with the mitre gears 98, 96 and 95, respectively. The gears 96 and are fixed to an intermediate synchronizing shaft 92, while the gear 98 is fixed to the shaft of the motor 99, which operates the pallet takeout rollers 89 and 90 continuously during operation of my concrete block manufacturing machine. It will be here noted that the cam shaft 38 is supported in pillow block bearings 38a, on cross members 1g fixed intermediate the frame columns 1d and 1e, shown in Fig. 2 of the drawngs.

The operation of my concrete block manufacturing ma chine is substantially as follows: The motor 99, as hereinbefore described, operates continuously for driving the pallet take-out rollers 89 and 90. The vibrator motor 18 operates continually rotating the vibrator shaft 13 by means of the pulleys 15 and 16 and the belt 17. The

transferred through the bearings 19a and 20a in connection with the brackets 19 and 20, which are rigidly secured M to the hopper 2. Thus, the entire hopper 2 issubject to reactional forces imposed upon the links 11 and 12 in engagement with the vibrating diaphragms and 6 on the shafts 9a and a. It will therefore be understood thatthe entire hopper 2 is vibrated, in additionto the vibrational concentration'within the areas at the downwardly, converging sides thereof, occupied by theresilientdiaphragms 5 and 6, which continually agitate thecementitious material in the hopper 2 as it passes downwardly into the preforming mold 2a beneath the lower edges of the material flow regulators 100 and 101, which may be vertically adjusted by means of the setscrews 102 and .103 in connection with each opposite end of each of the material regulators, for accommodating aggregateand other elements of the mixture, which may be varied as desired. The shelves 2b at the upper portion of-the preforming mold 2a form a vertical abutment for the compacted. material, preventing wedging action of the same against the ram 3 during its reciprocal movement about the core 4 as it passes upwardly and downwardly within the casing 2e which shields the ram 3 from material when dumped into the hopper 2. j

The cam shaft 38 is rotated in a counter-clockwise di' rection, as shown in Fig. '2 of the drawings, and in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, all as indicated by arrows on each view of said cam shaft 38, As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the ram elevating. earns 36 and 37, have rotated into position wherein the roller followers on the levers 32 and 33 have dropped over the precipice of each of the cams, permitting the ram 3 to fall by force of gravity, driving a column of the compacted material, from the preforming mold 2a of the hopper 2, downwardly into the mold box 21. It will be here noted that the forming mold bottom plate 23a, in connection with the mold block ejector 23, is held in flush relationship with the upper side of the screed plate portion 21g of the. mold box'21, preliminary to the gravitational fall of the ram 3. The clips 81., shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings, operate as releasable detents and engage the frame 23c for supporting the plate 23a flush with the upper surface 21g of the screed plate portion of the mold box 21 until the ram 3 strikes the material in the preforming mold 211. Thus, no air can be trapped in the cavity 21a of the mold 21, because the plate 23:: is slideably positioned beneath the column of compacted concrete in the preforming mold 2a, and this flat plate 23a travels downwardly, in engagement with the bottom of the column of material when projected into the cavity 211: of the mold box 21, concurrent with the fall of the ram 3. The plate 23a remains in engagement with the bottom of the mass of material preventing dispersion thereof during its passage into abutted position at the bottom of the mold cavity 21a. It will be noted that when the ram 3 falls it slugs the upper portion of the compacted concrete column, and shears the same at the edge of the shelf 2b of the hopper 2. When the plate 230 is abutted on the top of the bars 232 and 23], the column of material and theram is thus abutted and stopped, a compressive shock wave travels throughout the column of material fromthe plate 23a to the ram 3, causing efficient compaction of the concrete material which has been preliminarily compacted and relieved of all compressible fluids by vibration, as hereinbefore described.

Immediately after the ram 3 has dropped, and compacted a block of material in the cavity 21a of the mold box 21, the transfer box 22 is raised by means of the cam 66, which acts on the cam follower roller 68 at its radially extended portion 66a, pivoting the lever 69, which place the links 71 and 72 in tension, which raises the transfer box 22 until it engages the .fianges 24c on the plungers 24b, causing slight compression of the springs 24:! there by slightly elevating the plate 24a of the transfer box block ejector 24, above the level of the upper portion of the block which is resting on a pallet previously placed and supported in the pallet feed slide 65. It will be here noted that the transfer box 22 does not rise and strip the block held therein until the shock wave of the ram 3 has passed so that the formed blockin the transfer box 22 is confined during such shock wave therein, preventing.

veyor not shown in the drawing, and which is no part of my present invention.

This slide plate 78, actuated by the lever 77, link 76, lever'74 and cam follower 75, hearing on the cam 73, is retracted rapidly when the cam follower 75 traverses the radical slope 73a of said cam 73, as shown best in Fig. 7 of the drawings. slide plate 73 by the spring 770, the transfer box 22 again moves downwardly as the cam follower fid passes the radical decline 66b of said cam .66, which permits the levers 69 and 70 to lower the transfer box 22, while the cam 60 actuates the forming mold 21 toward the transfer box, shearing the compacted column of concrete, completing the formation of a block which is carried into indexed position with the transfer mold 22, which concurrently indexes the pallet feed slide 65 with the pallet; in the pallet chute 64. The cam track 690 isprovided with a concentric dwell porticn 68b, in which the cam follower 63 passes during the ejection of theforrned concrete block frcm the cavity 210 of the mold box 21 into the transfer box cavity 22a. Ejection of the block from the cavity 21a of the mold box 21 into the cavity 22a of the transfer box 22 is accomplished by means of the cam 31 acting on the cam follower roller 39, which pivots the bell crank 27, causing elevation of the ejector elevator 25, which reciprocates the plate 23a in the mold box cavity 21a and positionsthe same in flush relaticn with the upper side of the screed plate 21g, at which location said plate 230 is held by the clips. 81 hereinaefore described. The pallet slide 63 being connected to the mold box 21, moves in uniscn therewith. After the cam follower 63 has passed the dwell ccncentric porticn 66b of the cam 60, themold brx 21 passes backwardly into indexed relationship with the preforming mfld 2a, simultaneously moving the pallet slide 65, which breaks cne pallet from the bottom cf the stack in the pallet chute 6-1 and slidably places the same under the transfer box 22 in which the formed block has been positioned.

Preliminary to the drop of the ram 3, the toggle links 44 to 47, inclusive, are actuated and aligned vertically by the cam 51 engaging the roller 54 on the lever 53 con- 'nected to the link 52, which elevates the shoes 49 and 50,

relieving the mold box supporting rollers 21b from the track 210, so that the shock load is not borne by these rollers, which support the mold box 21 in its travels vbackwardly and forwardly along the frame 1 from the preforming mold'Za to the transfer mold 22. It will be noted that the cam 51 is provided with a short rise 5111, which permits the spring 55 to break the alignment of the toggle links 45 to 47, inclusive, shortly after the fall of the ram 3, which again places the rollers 21b on the track 21c ready to pass toward the transfer box 22, during the next cycle of operation, and the consecutive formation and delivery of each block.

It. Will be here ncted that the rise 31!! of the cam 31 covers a certain number of degrees of rotation of the cam shaft 38 sufficient to maintain the ejector elevator 25 in elevated position during the ejection of the formed block from the cavity 21a of the mold box 21 to the cavity 22a of the transfer box 22, and until the mold box 21 has almost returned to its fully indexed position with the preforming mold 2a.

In connection with the hereinbefore described concrete block manufacturing machineI practice a certain method of forming the concrete blocks, as follows: Material for forming concrete blocks, commonly .known as mud,

Following the rapid retraction of the i which is a relatively dry cementitious mix of cement, ag-

gregate and sand, together with a small amount of water, is first vibrated vigorously, until all of the compressible fiuids are exhaustedtherefrom, orsubstantially all of the air has been relieved from the material. I then strike the upper portion of the compacted material, asingle stroke,

with a heavy ram, forcing the compacted material into a 9 same into a confined space coinciding with'the preformed structure, while maintaining the foremost or bottom of the mass of material supported in a flat plane until abutted in the confined space, and then suddenly, stopping the motion of the preformed structure, causing a radical compressive shock wave which acts as a secondary and final compaction operation. A block is then sheared laterally of the axis of the compaction shock wave from the preformed structure. 7

It will be here noted that the downwardly diverging draft relationship of the side walls of the preforming mold 2a provide vertical frictional relief of compacted material When slugged by the ram 3. This draft'also prevents upward following of the compacted material when the ram is raised by the cams 36 and 37. It will be further noted that the vent 22g in the transfer box 22 relieves vacuum internally of a formed block when said transfer box 22 is raised.

Though I have shown and described a particular construction, combination and arrangement of parts and portions, and a certain method, I do not wish to be limited to this particular construction, combination and arrangement, nor to the particular method, but desire to include in the scope of my invention the construction, combination and arrangement, and a method substantially as set forth in the appended claims. 7 7

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, means for charging said preforming mold with a mass of material, a forming mold positioned to receive a preformed mass from said preforming mold, a movable member in said forming mold adapted to engage one surface of a preformed mass of materialin said preforming mold, an abutment in saidforming mold, spaced from said preforming mold, providinga fixed stop for said movable membeijand a ram adapted to force a preformed mass from said preforming mold and into said forming mold,

thereby forcing said movable member and a preformed mass to move in said forming mold, whereby said movable member may remain in engagement with a preformed mass, until its movement is stopped by contact with said abutment.

2. In a block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, means for charging said preforming mold with a 1 mass of material, a forming mold positioned to receive a preformed mass from said preforming mold, a movable move in said forming mold, whereby said movable member may remain in engagement with a preformed mass, until its movement is stopped by contact with said abutm p and means mounting said forming mold to: lateral movementrelative to' said preforming mold" adapted to shear a formed block in said forming mold from a mass of material in said preforming mold.

3. In a block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, means for charging said preforming mold with amass of material, a forming mold positioned to receive apreformed mass from said preforming mold, a movable member in said forming mold adapted to engage one surface of a preformed mass of material in said preforming mold, an abutment in said forming mold, spaced from said preforming mold, providing a fixed stop for said movable member, a ram adapted to force a preformed mass from said preforming mold and into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable member and a preformed mass to) move in said forming mold, whereby saidmovable member may remain in engagement with a preformed mass, until its movement is stopped by contact with said abutment, means mounting said forming mold for lateral movement relative to said preforming mold and adapted to shear. a formed block in said forming mold from a mass of material in said preforming mold, and means for forcingsaid movable member away-from said abutment for ejecting a block from said forming mold when it is laterally disposed relative to said preforming mold.

4. In a block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, means for charging said preforming mold with a mass of material, a forming mold positioned to receive a preformed mass from said preforming mold, a movable member in said forming mold adapted to engage one surface of a preformed mass of material in said preforming mold,'an abutment in said forming mold, spaced from said preforming mold, providing a fixed stop for said movable member, a ram adapted to force a preformed mass from said preforming mold and into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable member and a preformedlmass to move in said forming mold, whereby said movable member may remain in engagement with a preformed mass, until its movement is stopped by contact with said abut ment, means mounting said forming mold for lateral movement relative to said preforming mold and adapted to shear a formed block in said forming mold from a mass of material in said preforming mold, means for forcing said movable member away from said abutment for ejecting'a block from said forming mold when it is laterally disposed relative to said preforming mold and means for positioning a pallet under a block ejected from said form-- ing mold.

5. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame a hopper mounted on said frame, a preforming mold com-- municating with the lower portion of said hopper, a form-- ing mold, having an upper end, positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom: in said forming mold adapted to support the lower surface of a mass of material in said preforming mold, supvport means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with a mass in said preforming mold, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly; and a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold and into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with a mass of material until the downward movement of said ram and a preformed mass is stopped by movable bottom in said' forming mold adapted to support the, lower surfaces. of a mass of material in said preforming mold, support means for holding said'movable bottom in engagement with amass in said preformed mo1d,

an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, and a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold and into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with a mass of material until the downward movement of said ram and a preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment, said forming mold movable horizontally relative to said preforming mold and adapted to shear a block in said forming mold from thepreformed mass in said preforming mold.

7. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a hopper, mounted on said frame, a preforming mold communicating Withthe lower portion of said hopper, a forming mold, having an upper open end, positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to support the lower SUIJIQCE of a mass of material in said preforming mold, support means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with amass in said preforming mold, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold, into said forming mold and thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with said mass of material until the downward movement of a ram and said preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment, said forming mold movable horizontally relative to said preforming mold for shearing a formed block in said forming mold from a preformed mass in said preforming mold and a transfer box having a lower open end disposed on a common plane with the upper open end of said forming mold, whereby horizontal movement of said forming mold permits it to be aligned with said transfer box, and means for moving said movable bottom upwardly in said forming mold adapted to force a block therefrom and into said transfer box.

8. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a hopper mounted on said frame, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said hopper, a forming mold, having an upper open end, positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to support the lower surface of a mass of material in said preforming mold, support means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with a mass in said preforming mold, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold, into said forming mold and thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with said mass of material until the downward movement of a ram and said preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment,said forming mold movable horizontally relative to said preforming mold for shearing a formed block in said forming mold from a preformed mass in said preforming mold, a transfer box having a lower open end disposed on a common plane with the upper open end of said forming mold, whereby horizontal movement of said forming mold permits it to be aligned with said transfer box, means for moving said movable bottom upwardly in said forming mold adapted to force a block therefrom and into said transfer box and means for sliding a pallet under a block while in said' transfer box.

9. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a

frame, a hopper mountedon said frame, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said 11011- per, a forming mold, having an upper open end, positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to support the lower surface of a mass of material in said preforming mold, support means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with a mass in said pre forming mold, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold, into said forming mold thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with a mass of material until the downward movement of said ram and a preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment, said forming mold movable horizontally relative to said preforming mold for shearing a block in said forming mold from a preformed mass in said preforming mold, a transfer box having a lower open end disposed on a common plane with the upper open end of said forming mold, whereby horizontal movement of said forming mold permits it to be aligned with said transfer box, means for moving said movable bottom upwardly in said forming mold for forcing a block therefrom and into said transfer box, means for sliding a pallet under a block while in said transfer box means for shifting said transfer box upwardly, and means for retaining said block stationary while said transfer box is moved upwardly to clear the upper surface of a block.

10. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a hopper mounted on said frame, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said hopper, a forming mold, having an upper open end, positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to support the lower surface of a mass of material in said preforming mold, support means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with a mass in said preforming mold, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass, from said preforming mold, into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with :1 mass of material until the downwardmovement of said ram and a preformed massis stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment, said forming mold movable horizontally relative to said preforming mold for shearing a block in said forming mold from a preformed mass in said preforming mold, a transfer box having a lower open end disposed on a common plane with the upper open end of said forming mold, whereby horizontal movement of said forming mold permits it to be aligned with said transfer bo'x, means for moving said movable bottom upwardly in said forming mold for forcing a block therefrom and into said transfer box, means for sliding a pallet under a block while in said transfer box, means for shifting said transfer box upwardly, means for retaining a block stationary while said transfer box is moved upwardly to clear it and means engageable with a pallet for forcing it and the block thereon away from its position beneath said transfer box in a. direction at right angles to the horizontally movable direction of said forming mold.

11. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a material receiving hopper mounted on said frame, means for; vibrating said hopper, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said hopper, aformin'g' mold having an upper open end positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom in said formingmold adapted to support the lower surface of a mass of material in said preform l3 ing mold, support means for holding said movable bottom in engagement with said mass, an abutment in the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said movable bottom when forced downwardly, a ram adapted to force the release of said support means from said movable bottom, and adapted to force a preformed mass from said preforming mold and into said forming mold, thereby forcing said movable bottom downwardly, whereby said movable bottom may remain in engagement with a mass of material until the downward movement of said ram, and a preformed mass, is stopped by contact of said movable bottom with said abutment. I

12. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a hopper mounted on said frame, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said hopper and adapted to preform a mass of material therein, a forming mold positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, said preforming mold having an open lower outlet end, said forming mold having an upper open end adapted to receive a preformed mass from said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom member in said forming mold and positioned to support the lower surface of a preformed mass of material at the outlet end of said preforming mold, detent means for releasably holding said bottom member so positioned, an abutment at the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said bottom member when forced downwardly and a ram adapted to slug a preformed mass disposed in said preforming mold for ramming a preformed mass downwardly into said. forming mold, whereby said movable bottom member is released from said detent means and may remain in engagement with a preformed mass of material until the downward movement of said ram and a preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom member with said abutment.

13. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame a hopper mounted on said frame, means for vibrating said hopper, a preforming mold communicating with the lower portion of said hopper and adapted to preform a mass of material therein, a forming mold positioned adjacent and below said preforming mold, said preforming mold having an open lower outlet end, said forming mold having an upper open end adapted to receive a preformed mass from said preforming mold, a vertically movable bottom member in said forming mold and positioned to support the lower surface of a preformed mass of material at the outlet end of said preforming mold, detent means for releasably holding said bottom member so positioned, an abutment at the lower portion of said forming mold providing a fixed stop for said bottom member when forced downwardly, and a ram adapted to slug a preformed mass disposed in said preforming mold for ramming a preformed mass downwardly into said forming mold, whereby said movable bottom member may remain in engagement with a preformed mass of material until the downward movement of said ram and a preformed mass is stopped by contact of said movable bottom member with said abutment.

1 4. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold having an open outlet end and an opposed open end, means for charging said preforming mold with material, means for compacting material in said preforming mold, a ram near said opposite open end of said preforming mold for forcing material therethrough, a forming mold having an open end adapted to communicate with the open outlet end of said preforming mold, said ram adapted to ram a preformed mass of material from said preforming mold into said forming mold, means mounting said forming mold for movement laterally of said preforming mold and out of communication therewith to shear a block from a mass remaining in the preforming mold, and a screed plate movable relative to the ppep outlet an of said preforming mold and adapted to close the samewhile said forming mold is out of com munication with said preforming mold.

15.v In'a concrete block manufacturing machine of the class described, a hopper, a central casing in said hopper, a vertically reciprocal ram in said casing, a preforming mold at the outlet of said hopper, vibrating as it abruptly abuts the bottom of said forming mold and reacts against said ram.

16. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, means for charging the same with material, a forming mold horizontally movable below said preforming mold, a ram for forcing material from said preforming mold into said forming mold, said forming mold having rollers for supporting the same, track means for supporting said rollers, and means below said forming mold, adapted to raise the same, creating clearance between said rollers and said track means, for relieving shock on said rollers, when said ram forces material from said performing mold into said forming mold.

17. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a

frame, a forming mold horizontally movable on said frame, said forming mold open at its upper portion, a vertically movable transfer box open at its lower portion on a common plane with the upper portion of said forming mold, means for moving said forming mold into coincidence with said transfer box, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to force a block upwardly into said transfer box, means for sliding a pallet under a block while it is in said transfer box, and means for vertically lifting said transfer box whereby the block is removed therefrom and remains on the pallet.

18. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a forming mold horizontally movable on said frame, said forming mold open at its upper portion, a vertically movable transfer box open at its lower portion on a common plane with the upper portion of said forming' mold, means for moving said forming mold into coincidence with said transfer box, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to force a block upwardly into said transfer box, means for sliding a pallet under a block while it is in said transfer box, means for vertically lifting said transfer box, whereby the block is removed therefrom and remains on the pallet and a stripper plate for engaging the upper surface of the block in the transfer box when it is moved upwardly.

19. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a forming mold horizontally movable on said frame, said forming mold open at its upper portion, a vertically movable transfer box open at its lower portion on a common plane with the upper portion of said forming mold, means for moving said forming mold into coincidence with said transfer box, a vertically movable bottom in said forming mold adapted to force a block upwardly into said transfer box, means for sliding a pallet under a block while it is in'said transfer box,

'and means for vertically lifting said transfer box, whereby the block is removed therefrom and remains on the pallet, said forming mold and said transfer box having coinciding core structures therein and having corresponding cavities.

' 20. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a material receiving hopper mounted on said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper, said casing enclosed at itsupper portion, 'a ram vertically movable in said casing remote from .materialin said.

15 hoppen'and a preformi'ng mold below said casing, and spaced therefrom, whereby material flowsinto said preforming mold beneath said casing and said ram.

21.,In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a material receiving hopper mounted, on said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper, a ram vertically movable in said casing remote from material in said hopper, a preforming mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material flows into said preforming mold beneath said casing and said ramand a crosshead secured to said rarn, and slots in said hopper communicating with the interior of said casing through which said crosshead extends. V

22. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a material receiving hopper mounted on said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper a ram vertically movable in said casing remote from,ma terial in said hopper, a preforming mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material flows into said preforming mold beneath said casing and said ram, a crosshead secured to said ram, and slots in said hopper communicating with the interior of said casing throiighwhich said crosshead extends and weights on the extdriding ends of said crosshead disposed outwardly of saidhopper.

23. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a frame, a material receiving hopperrnounted on, said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper, a ram vertically movable in said casing remote, from ma: terial in said hopper, a preforming mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material, flows into said preforming mold beneath said casing and said ram, a crosshead secured to said ram, and slots in said hopper communicating with the interior of said casing through which said cross-head extends, weights on; the

extending ends of said crosshead disposed outwardly of said hopper and levers and precipice cam means for raising and dropping said crosshead together with said ram and said weights.

24. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a preforming mold, a core structure internally of said preforming mold and coextensive therewith, a forming mold having a coextensive core structure therein, said forming mold having an open end adjacent said preformingmold adapted to receive a preformed block therefrom, both of said molds and their respective core structures adapted to coincide with each other, said core structure in said forming mold supported thereby distant fromisaid open end, a movable member in said forming mold adapted to eject a block therefrom and a ram surrounding the core structure insaid preforming mold and adapted to drive a preformed block therefrom and into said forrn ing mold. V

25. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a

frame, a material receiving hopper mounted on said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper, a ram vertically movable in said casing re'motefrom material in said hopper, a mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material flows into said mold beneath said casing and said rain and vertically adjustable gates at the lower portions of said casing for adjustably restricting the passage of material flowing past the lower portions of said casingandinto'said mold, whereby the vertical depth of the material disposed behea'th said ram, may be regulated. V .1

26. In a concrete bloclcrnanufacturing machine, a

frame, a material receiv ilgfuh oiipieif mounted on said frame, a vertical casing internally of said hopper, a ram vertically movable in said casingremote froin inaterial in said hopper, a mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material flows into said moldlbne'ath' said casing and said ram and vertically adjds tablegates at the lower portions of saidc'asing for' adjustably re"- stricting the passage of material flowing past the lower portions of said casing and into said mold,-whereby the vertical depth of the material disposedbeneath saidram,

27. In a concrete block manufacturing machine, a,

frame, amaterial receiving hopper mounted on said frame, a verticalv casing internally of said hopper, a ram vertically movable in said casing remote from material in said hopper, a mold below said casing and spaced therefrom, whereby material flows into said mold beneath said casing and said ramand vertically adjustable gates at the lower portions of said casing for adjustably restricting the passage of material flowing past the lower portions of said casing and into said mold, whereby the vertical depth of thematerial, disposed beneath said ram, may be regulated, said ram, wherein its uppermost position is spaced above the lower portions of said gates, and means for vibrating said hopper.

.28. Amethod of forming cementitious block, including preliminarily vibrating material, relieving compressible fiuid therefrom, compacting a mass of material into a preforming rhold, then slugging said mass of material in said ,preforming mold and ramming the same downwardly into a for ming mold against the bottom thereof, while maintaining the same form of said mass as preformed causing a compressive shock wave in said 'material upon initial slugging and a reactional shock wave upon abrupt abutment of the material with the bottom of said forming mold, intermediate the same and the slugging medium. H U

29. A method of formingconcrete blocks, including the vibration of amass of cementitious material into a preforrn'ing mold, removing substantially all of the compr essible fluids therefrom by said vibration, then slugging said mass ofmaterial in saidpreforming mold, driving the same therethrough into a forming mold, while maintaining the same form of said mass, then suddenly stopping the movement of said material in said forming mold, creating a shock wave in said mass of material intermediate the bottom of said mold and the slugging me dium, and then shearing the formed material intermediate said preforming mold and said forming mold.

30. A method of forming cementitious blockincluding preforming a mass of material then slugging said mass of material and ramming the same into a confined space, while maintaining the same form of said mass as preformed and abutting said mass in said confined space, causing a compressive shock wave of said material upon initial slugging and a reactional shock wave upon abrupt abutment of the material within said confined space intermediate the same and the slugging medium.

31. A method of forming cementitious block, comprising, the preforming of a mass of damp cementitious material of greater displacement than a block to be formed, then slugging said preformed mass at single blow, thereby ramming a portion of the preformed mass into a confined s ace while maintaining the same form of the mass as preformed, thereby completely filling the confined space and then abruptly abutting said preformed mass in said confined space, whereby initial slugging of the preformed mass causes a compressive shock wave therein, and abrupt abutment of said preformed mass in said confined space creates a reactional shock wave through the material of the preformed and confined mass, thereby, absorbing fulljimpact work of the slugging force, in the mass of material, causing finished compaction of the cementitious block by said single blow.

32. A method of forming cementitious blocks, comprising, the preforming of a mass of damp cementitious material of greater displacement than a block to be formed, then slugging said'p'reform'ed mass a single blow, thereby ramming a portion of the preformed mass into a confined space while maintaining thesame form of the mass as preformed, thereby completely filling the confine d space arid then abruptly abutting said preformed mass in said, confined space, whereby initial slugging of the preformed mass causes a compressive shock wave therein, and abrupt abutment of said preformed mass in said confined space creates a reactional shock wave through the material of the preformed and confined mass, thereby absorbing full impact work of the slugging force, in the mass of material, causing finished compaction of the cementitious block by said single blow, then shearing the block in the confined space from the remaining preformed mass.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 150,079 Reagan Apr. 21, 1874

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