Abstract: Displaceable lift truck (10) for handling slab material (L) in a storage warehouse, comprising a carriage (12) movable along a rail (11), columns (14) which extend upwards from the movable carriage (12) and a material support structure (13) movable along the columns (14) and comprising a bottom body or platform (16) provided with extractable forks (20). The material support structure (13) includes, moreover, a pick-up device (18) comprising extractable arms (18) provided with releasable engaging means (28). The invention also relates to a method for making up a mixed pack of slab material.

Abstract: In a plant for producing thin articles in the form of a slab, manufactured with a mix (M) based on agglomerate stone or ceramic material, the mix is distributed in a thin layer on a support (90) using a distributor (100) comprising a hopper (120) and an underlying extractor belt (150). Means (132, 151) are provided for preventing interruption of the article production cycle, required to eliminate the incrustations resulting from contact of at least part of the hopper (120) and/or the extractor belt (150) with the mix.

Abstract: During the manufacture of slabs with a veined effect a liquid or powder colouring agent is deposited on the surface of a thin layer of starting mixture by means of at least one dispensing device (40) and the resultant mixture is supplied, falling freely, from one end of an extractor belt (30) forming the bottom of a mixture metering/distributor unit, following which the mixture is transferred, falling freely, onto a temporary moulding support (14). This results in the production of slabs provided with veining extending through the entire thickness of the slabs and also visible along the whole edge of the slab, even after it has been machined.

Abstract: During the manufacture of thin flat articles, in particular slabs and tiles using Terastone™ technology, special chromatic effects, in particular veined and spotted effects, are obtained by staining the production mould, prior to deposition of the starting mix, with one or more coloured cement pastes which are randomly deposited in the form of drops.

Abstract: In the manufacture of articles, in particular slabs, of conglomerate stone material provided with a protective and/or decorative surface coating consisting of a synthetic resin, the surfaces of the article to be coated are subjected to a treatment in order to increase their surface tension to a value greater than that of the coating material to be applied subsequently. This treatment consists preferably of a Corona discharge. Particular advantages are obtained using a fluoropolymer, specifically a fluorinated polyurethane resin, as the synthetic resin of the surface coating.

Abstract: With regard to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibrocompression for manufacturing slabs of composite stone, the binder consists of a dispersion of colloidal silica in water and the rough-formed article resulting from the vibrocompression step, undergoes a drying step in order to remove the water present in the vibrocompacted slab. Subsequently the pores of the slab are filled with methyl methacrylate and hardening of the resin is performed by means of heating in hot water.

Abstract: In the method for manufacturing slabs of ceramic material which envisages preparation of an initial mix comprising ceramic sands with a grain size of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.2 mm, a binder and the so-called filler namely mineral powders chosen from feldspars, nephelines, sienites, mixed with clays and/or kaolinites, which powders after firing form a continuous ceramic matrix, deposition of the initial mix on a temporary support for the compaction step by means of vacuum vibrocompression, drying and firing, a binder consisting of an aqueous dispersion of colloidal silica called silicasol is used.

Abstract: In the manufacture of articles in slabs or blocks according to so-called Bretonstone technology, a polyester resin is employed, free of reactive solvents, formed by the reaction between an epoxidised triglyceride and at least one carboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: In the manufacture of slabs and panels of ceramic material according to the vacuum vibrocompaction method described in Italian patent 1,311,858, the initial mix is formed using ceramic having the form of sands having a grain size of less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and ceramic powders, together with a binding additive in the form of an aqueous solution consisting of sodium silicate in a concentration greater than 24° Baumé, fibers of high-melting transparent inorganic material, preferably high-melting glass, also being added to the mix. The slabs obtained have an improved mechanical strength, a reduced porosity and improved aesthetic properties, in addition to being free from cracks and microscopic fissures.

Abstract: In a plant for producing thin articles in the form of a slab, manufactured with a mix (M) based on agglomerate stone or ceramic material, the mix is distributed in a thin layer on a support (90) using a distributor (100) comprising a hopper (120) and an underlying extractor belt (150). Means (132, 151) are provided for preventing interruption of the article production cycle, required to eliminate the incrustations resulting from contact of at least part of the hopper (120) and/or the extractor belt (150) with the mix.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing articles in the form of a sheet (10) using a mix comprising an agglomerated stone or stone-like material and a binder which is subjected to vacuum vibrocompression and then hardened. Plugs (20) are arranged on the forming support (22) in which the mix is deposited. One side of the plugs, which become an integral part of the article, remains flush with the side of the article (12) which does not remain visible after its installation. The article may thus be thin and easy to fit, for example in order to form a strong and lasting cladding, using fastening means (38, 40) which co-operate with the plugs (20). Articles in the form of a sheet (10) provided with plugs (20) are also claimed.

Abstract: During the manufacture of slabs of stone or stone-like material using the technology which envisages preparation of a mix formed by a granular product and by a binder consisting of a hardening synthetic resin, vacuum vibrocompression of a layer of said mix and hardening of the resultant rough slab by means of a catalytic action and by heating, the slab is cooled to room temperature by directing onto both its surfaces a flow of cooling fluid, in particular air at room temperature, while controlling the flowrate of the air, so as to ensure gradual and controlled cooling, and supporting the slab in a static and perfectly flat condition. The device consists of a flat structure provided with a plurality of spacers (20) which keep the slab in a perfectly flat condition and allow the flow of cooling fluid to perform its action.

Abstract: A sheet of conglomerate material is formed with a visible surface having the form of so-called split stone or crocodile skin using a multiple mix consisting of at least two single mixes each formed by a granulated stone material and a hardening binder. At least one of the single mixes comprises a granular material having a hardness less than that of the granular material of the at least one other mix. When the sheet, vacuum vibrocompressed and hardened, is machined using a non-rigid abrasive tool, the surface zones (14) where the mix with the granular material of lesser hardness is present are scored to a greater degree, producing the aforementioned aesthetic effect. If, on the other hand, granules (26) of a material with a very high hardness are added to the mix, a sheet with non-slip properties is obtained.

Abstract: In order to manufacture articles in the form of sheets or blocks of conglomerate stone or stone-like material, single mixes are prepared in mixers (18a,b,c,) arranged in a line and at intervals along a conveyor belt (12), each mixer depositing on said conveyor belt a layer of single mix which is arranged on top of the mix deposited by the mixer immediately upstream, forming a multiple mix which is then fed in an axially offset position to a rotating support (24) provided with homogenizing means and then passes to the vacuum vibrocompression section, after a deaeration step. A crushing device (32) is inserted between each mixer and the underlying belt so as to control the size of the agglomerations in each mix. Means (34) are envisaged for cleaning the upper surface (12a) of the conveyor belt (12) and the crushing devices (32) between the cycles for preparation of the multiple mix.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing conglomerate articles in sheet form, a mix comprising the following is prepared: an expanded inert granular material; a filler consisting of hollow inorganic microspheres and a plasticizer (clay, quartz or other powder mineral, cellulose); an aqueous silicon-containing binder. A layer of mix, where necessary coated with a fibreglass meshwork in order to increase the mechanical strength thereof, is deposited on a temporary support and subjected to vacuum vibrocompression. The resultant rough-formed sheet is heated at a controlled temperature so as to cause evaporation of the water present in the mix. A light, sound-absorbing, heat-insulating sheet, rated in Class 0 in terms of fire reaction, suitable to be plastered or painted superficially and used for forming panels and partitions for internal and external use, is obtained.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing sheets of agglomerate material comprising in succession a first step involving preparation of a mix by mixing a granulate with an organic binder, a second step involving distribution of the mix inside a tray mould, a third step involving vacuum vibro-compaction in order to obtain a compacted sheet, and a final step involving hardening of the organic binder, an intermediate step involving dielectric preheating of the compacted sheet being introduced between the third vacuum vibro-compaction step and the final hardening step.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing slabs which are thin (10-30 mm) and broad, a cement mix comprising water, cement and a fluidizer is mixed with inert stone aggregrate having a controlled particle size. The resultant mix is deposited in a predetermined thickness onto a temporary support and subjected to vacuum vibrocompression. The slab thus formed is subjected to the steps of setting and hardening by means of curing, enclosing it between two thin sheets of plastic impermeable to water vapour which are hermetically sealed along their edges. The method envisages specific measures as regards the method of mixing performed during the steps of preparation of the cement mix and mixing of the cement paste with the stone aggregrate. Other improvements concern the components of the cement paste as well as the order of introduction of the aggregate during mixing with the latter.

Abstract: In the sector relating to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibro-compression for manufacturing slabs or blocks, the organic binder resin consists of an aqueous dispersion of acrylic prepolymer in water and a filler part consists of a hydraulic binder in an amount sufficient to fix wholly or partly the water present in the initial mix; after the vibro-compression step the rough-formed article is subjected to a hardening and curing step in conditions such as to prevent the evaporation of the mix water and subsequently to a heating step so as to obtain crosslinking of the acrylic polymer. If the acrylic binder alone is used, an article with a high degree of porosity is obtained.

Abstract: With regard to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibrocompression for manufacturing slabs of composite stone, the binder consists of a dispersion of colloidal silica in water and the rough-formed article resulting from the vibrcompression step, undergoes a drying step in order to remove the water present in the vibrocompacted slab. Subsequently the pores of the slab are filled with methyl methacrylate and hardening of the resin is performed by means of heating in hot water.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing light articles of conglomerate material in the form of slabs (10) or blocks, comprising a first step involving preparation of a mix composed of a granulate (12), a filler (14) and a hardening resin, a second step involving distribution of the mix thus formed inside a mould or formwork, a third step involving vacuum vibrocompression of the mix contained inside the mould or formwork and a fourth step involving hardening by means of catalysis of the hardening resin. The method also envisages the manufacture of composite panel (20) by combining light slab of conglomerate material (10) with a linibg sheet (22).