Abstract: Transverse sub-chambers are defined beneath a train of kiln cars. Pressure equalization is permitted with respect to the firing chamber thereabove but very little air will actually pass therebetween because there is no other substantial air passageway leading into or out of the sub-chamber. Rather, heat exchange cooling apparatus is employed in each sub-chamber so as to set up convention air currents within the sub-chamber to cool the underside of the kiln car. The heat exchanger units in different sub-chambers are preferably individually controllable so as to provide a controllable degree of undercar cooling as a function of location along the tunnel kiln.

Abstract: In the production of ceramic plates, the wet uncured extruded clay substrate is cut into plate shaped pieces by vertically reciprocating punching knives disposed about at least a portion of a plate shaped area. A pressure plate is mounted within the punching knives and vertically movable against spring forces therewithin so as to maintain downward pressure against the substrate material during the plate cutting operation. Chamfered plate edges are formed by special chamfering knives adjustably mounted at the edge of the pressure plate. The chamfering knives depend from the pressure plate and extend outwardly into contact with and inside wall surface of the punching knives so as to avoid undesirable burrs at the plate edge and also to permit convenient adjustment of the chamfering knives to compensate for wear.

Abstract: A tunnel dryer and method for drying unfired bricks or similar objects in which the tunnel comprises exhaust means for exhausting heated gases within the tunnel, partition means disposed in the drying space of the tunnel consisting of at least one vertically adjustable partition positioned upstream of the exhaust means, and means for positioning the vertically adjustable partition at an intermediate level within the drying space of the tunnel to define an effective drying zone for the unfired bricks.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for forming setting layers comprised of separated cross rows of brick blanks. Closed row layers of brick blanks are fed to a stop point where they are lifted above a conveyor provided to move the blanks from a start point to a tapping position. When the closed rows are lifted a portion at the lead end are isolated on a plurality of lifting elements so that this portion can be redeposited sequentially by cross row or by groups of cross rows to form the separated setting layer.

Abstract: Appropriately spaced aligning pins are engaged with respectively corresponding portions of each of plural saggers disposed on a pallet. The pallet and aligning pins are then moved relative to one another so as to accurately and substantially simultaneously space apart the plural saggers on the pallet prior to firing.

Abstract: A block of material such as a clay is fed onto a support comprising spaced apart supports, and a cutting frame, having tensioned cutting wires, is moved in a substantially vertical plane through the block and between the supports so that the cutting wires cut completely through the block without interruption of the cutting motion. The cutting wires lie in a plane extending at an acute angle to the plane of feed of the block. The cut block is then removed from the support. Feeding of the block onto the support and removal of the cut block from the supports occurs in a single plane and are effected substantially simultaneously by means of a pushing device. The method and apparatus of this invention is particularly applicable to the cutting of individual clay batches into a number of individual brick mouldings. An advantage of a preferred embodiment of this invention is that cut portions can be produced without marking of the cutting surfaces and/or the cutting edges of the cut portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for spacing apart individual articles within row(s) of articles. Spacing is achieved by causing relative vertical movement between two lifting tables situated end to end with a roller table with lifting strips designed to move within the openings defined between the spaced apart rollers in the roller table. Following such relative vertical movement the tables are moved apart horizontally from each other a predetermined distance in a first spacing step to provide spacing as required. After subsequent relative vertical movement to return the articles to the roller table the tables are further moved apart so that, on the next cycle of relative vertical and horizontal movement the tables will contact and move apart only those articles which require moving to form the further required spaces. In this manner articles in a row are sequentially spaced apart starting at the interior of the row and working outwardly towards the end thereof.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for efficiently and at an improved rate cutting an extruded clay column, strand or strip, or a portion thereof, into individual brick mouldings. A conveyor brings the uncut strip portion into a predetermined position beneath a cutting device and by causing relative vertical movement between the conveyor and a lifting table the uncut portion is transferred to the lifting table, itself comprised of a plurality of separate supports spaced apart both transversely of and in the direction of travel defined by the conveyor. While supported by the lifting table, the clay strip is cut by a plurality of cutting wires secured under tension in a frame which is lowered with respect to the table so that the wires pass through the clay. Thereafter the frame is raised to its starting position and the cut mouldings redeposited on the conveyor by again causing relative vertical movement between the conveyor and table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficiently cutting clay columns. The apparatus employs at least two supporting conveyors with one positioned downstream from the other and spaced apart a predetermined distance defining a gap therebetween. Each conveyor is wide enough to handle any desired column length so that no changes thereof are necessary when the size of the cut length changes. The conveyors or the end rollers thereof adjacent the gap are arranged to move horizontally thereby causing the gap to move. The cutting mechanism moves vertically and is operated in a coordinated fashion with movement of the gap following the point of intersection of at least one cutting wire with the conveyor plane so that clay columns are conveyed and cut simultaneously. Material adhering to the cutting wire(s) is automatically cleaned therefrom during cutting.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing procedure for making slices or layers used to form shipping packs of concrete brick or block like articles. Such slices or layers, a plurality of which are used to form a shipping pack of bricks, are prepared according to the present invention by forming individual articles in a particular way on forming boards prior to curing. By making this specific arrangement of articles on the forming board prior to curing which arrangement corresponds to the form and number of lateral and longitudinal rows as are desired to ultimately appear in each slice of a shipping pack shipping packs are quickly and easily formed. After curing, it is only necessary to compact and, when necessary, strap the layer in its compacted condition. Thereafter, each layer or slice can be used directly to form a shipping pack without further handling or regrouping of individual brick or block like articles in each layer.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for forming layers of bricks in which rows within the layer can have the same or differing orientations. The bricks are conveyed in closed or substantially closed rows along a first conveyor. Two other conveyor systems are fed therefrom. On one of these two other conveyor systems, bricks are moved initially to a displacement device and spread apart in a direction longitudinally of the row and are thereafter transferred downstream to form, on a conveyor, a layer or partial layer. When partial layers are formed, that partial layer can be supplemented by transferring a layer of rows of bricks from a preparatory layer formed on the other conveyor system. When such bricks are transferred from the preparatory layer, they are simultaneously rotated through 90.degree. prior to their being deposited to complete the partial layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the independently regulated distribution of granulate to a plurality of points of consumption. A container (1), at least partially filled with granulate (10) to be distributed, includes a plurality of container apertures (4) each covered by a slide (5). A rotatable shaft (2) longitudinally disposed in front of apertures (4) is driven by a drive (3) at controllable rates. Granulate (10) adheres by friction to the surface of shaft (2) when rotated and is conveyed via the shaft to a plurality of troughs (6) where the granulate is collected. The granulate then flows through feed tubes (7) to air injectors (8) where it is entrained into an airstream and propelled to a plurality of points of consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically constructing prefabricated wall sections of brick wall panels with a tile lining. A prefabricated brick wall panel has columns of mortar disposed in parallel strips thereon, a lining panel of unconnected tile members is assembled, proper spacing being introduced between each of the tile members, and the tile members are transferred in groups or en masse to a position over the wall panel. The lining panel members are then firmly pressed into engagement with the wall panel with mortar columns therealong, thereby forming a completed wall section. Preferred apparatus includes vacuum grippers, scissor-connected link spacing means, and flatbed cars movable on tracks to a position below automatic mortar applying means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting extruded split tile columns in a quick, efficient manner that reduces the possibility of damage and effectively doubles cutting speed. The apparatus cuts the moving split tile column as it moves away from the extruder and includes oppositely mounted, freely movable cutting discs which roll through and cut that split tile column when moved vertically therethrough. Cutting occurs on both up and down strokes with the cutting apparatus being moved relative to the moving column to a predetermined amount to a new cutting position after each stroke. The discs can be mounted in the same plane, arranged 90.degree. to the column's moving direction positioned so as to just touch each other or the discs can be in two separate and slightly offset planes so that the discs can overlap.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the continuous and automatic manufacture of both glazed and unglazed split tiles by accepting automatically produced uncured newly cut and/or stamped split tile and thereafter automatically glazing and/or hacking same for kiln firing. A first conveyor system is provided where previously cut unglazed split tiles are placed on a conveying system in a spaced-apart fashion, and moved to a transfer position. Thereafter, a whole row of the unglazed spaced-apart split tiles are transferred to a grouping table where layers for a hack are formed by a plurality of adjacent transferred rows. Each layer is subsequently transferred to a kiln car and oriented 90.degree. with respect to the just previously deposited layer so as to maintain the desired spaced relationship in the final hack. A second alternative conveying system is also provided in the preferred exemplary embodiment which moves unglazed split tiles individually through a glazing area where both sides are glazed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for forming tied stacks of block-like objects wherein the blocks are first placed on either one of two independent grouping systems. These first and second grouping systems then supply respectively corresponding grouped blocks to a marshalling area, where successive layers of the stacks are formed in different respective orientations. The successively formed layers are then lifted and stacked one on top of the other. The controls for the apparatus are such that at least two different interlocking patterns of blocks may be formed in the marshalling area by controlling the number of blocks taken from each grouping system and also controlling placement of the blocks in the marshalling area, so that a properly tied stack results.

Abstract: Bricks (or other block-like articles) are automatically selectively set either "edgewise" or "flatwise" onto a platform such as a kiln car. The operational mode can be conveniently and automatically programmed to change from edge setting to flat setting and vice versa so that, for example, a hack of uncured bricks can be formed of flats (layers) alternating between edge and flat set as may be desired for subsequent curing operations in a kiln. In the flat setting mode, groups of bricks are turned by 90.degree. before they are grouped and transferred as a layer of "flat" oriented bricks for hacking. In the edge setting mode, such bricks are grouped and transferred as a layer of "edge" oriented bricks onto a hack. Special techniques are employed to facilitate changes between these two modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ceramic tiles with ornamental shapes from clay emerging from an extrusion press. Shaped punching tools are disposed on either side of the clay column from which the tiles are to be formed, and are moved on a carriage in the direction of the moving column at a speed corresponding to the speed of the moving column. Supports hold the clay while it is being punched. A drive system such as a fluid actuated drive system moves the punching tools, and the drive system is selectively actuated in response to movement of the carriage. Cutting wires sever each column section acted upon by the punching tools from the rest of the column.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for individually and independently controlling the distribution of powdered solid fuel to each of a plurality of individual burners. A plurality of fuel outlet ports respectively and individually corresponding to individual ones of the plural burners are aligned with and spaced from a respectively corresponding plurality of air outlet ports. The air oulet ports are individually and controllably supplied with pressurized air while a supply of powdered solid fuel is fed into the spaces between the fuel outlet ports and the air outlet ports. In the preferred embodiment, a baffle is disposed between each pair of respectively corresponding fuel outlet and air outlet ports.

Abstract: A method of utilizing sewage and/or industrial, e.g. poisonous sludges for making bricks or other ceramic articles. Sludge is mixed with clay to form a mixture of approximately 30 to 50% sludge. The mixture may then be stored, and is extruded by conventional means. After extrusion and cutting or shaping, the articles are dried in a dryer and fired in a kiln. Preferably, the exhaust gases from the dryer are vented into the kiln as combustion gases, where odors or poisonous compounds of the exhaust air are destroyed. Also, used or waste oil may be added during mixing to lessen odors and to supply extra heat during firing in the kiln. The products so produced are substantially indistinguishable from conventional products, except that their insulating properties are enhanced.