Impact Patents (Class 125/40)
  • Patent number: 10352022
    Abstract: A sectional grader system for a mold board that includes a plurality of abutting grader segments for detachable connection to the mold board. Each grader segment includes a front face, a back face, a first bolt hole aperture, a right edge having a first recessed section, a left edge having a second recessed section, and a lower edge having a plurality of spaced sockets. The first recessed section may be adapted to accommodate a first portion of a second bolt hole aperture. The second recessed section of an adjacent grader segment may be adapted to accommodate a second portion of the second bolt hole aperture. The sectional grader system may further include a bridge segment adapted to engage the first recessed section and the second recessed section of the adjacent grader segment in flush mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Valley Blades Limited
    Inventor: Brad Hunt
  • Patent number: 10179260
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus having homolateral and contralateral modes of operation is disclosed. The exercise apparatus may include a frame supporting generally vertically oriented reciprocating members spaced apart and in substantial parallel relationship to one another. The reciprocating members may include foot supports fixedly secured at the lower distal ends thereof and handlebars rotatably mounted proximate the upper distal ends of the reciprocating members. The handlebars may be selectively locked for homolateral and contralateral operation of the exercise apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth W Stearns, Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 10016905
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade relatively movable with respect to a media to cut the media along a cutting line. The blade is so constructed to pre-cut the media along the cutting line to leave non-cutting portions and to cut the non-cutting portions after pre-cutting the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisayuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9902055
    Abstract: A hand tool adapted to be used in the welding environment includes a handle and a head. The head includes a first end adapted to strike at and remove welding slag and a second end adapted to receive and retain a replaceable tip. The tip has two (2) opposable ends such that it can be reversed to extend the life thereof. The handle end, distal from the head, is operatively shaped to comprise a wedge and a pry surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel E. Baker, Kandis S. Baker
  • Patent number: 9650101
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a handgrip assembly supported by a handlebar assembly. The handgrip assembly includes handgrip portion that defines an outer grip surface. The handgrip assembly also includes a cover portion coupled to the handgrip portion and partially surrounding the handgrip portion. The cover portion provides an appearance of a hand supported by or grasping the handlebar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: RAZOR USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ian Desberg
  • Patent number: 9533404
    Abstract: A wrench includes a body and a rod pivotably received in a first end of the body. A pressing device is mounted in the rod and presses against the body. A handle includes a shank and a connection end pivotably connected to the first end of the body. When the handle is in a coaxial position, the shank protrudes beyond an outer face of the first end. A longitudinal axis of the shank is coincident to the working axis. The shank can be rapidly rotated by fingers of a user. When the handle is in a storage position, the shank is received in a groove in the outer face. A palm of the user can grip and rotate the body without hindrance by the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 9359895
    Abstract: A cutting bit retaining assembly for mounting a cutting bit at a cutting machine includes a holder body having a through bore to receive a bit shaft. A retainer acts against the holder body and bit shaft and includes a first and second abutment member that provides a reliable and constant locking force between the body and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Joe Fader, Hannes Voitic
  • Patent number: 9283665
    Abstract: A hammer structure includes a hammer head and a handle is connected to the head. The handle has multiple parallel resilient sticks received therein. Each of the resilient sticks has a first threaded section and a second threaded sections formed on two ends thereof. A first locking member and a second locking member are respectively connected to the first and second threaded sections. The first threaded sections of the resilient sticks extend through multiple through holes in the hammer head and are connected with multiple third locking members. The second threaded sections of the resilient sticks are fixed to the handle. The handle includes multiple coats. The resilient sticks absorb vibrations when using the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Shwu-Ruu Chern
  • Patent number: 9221164
    Abstract: A chisel according to the present technology has a reduced tendency to jam in a substrate. The chisel is on an axis in the striking direction with successively a striking surface, a shank, a spreading element and a tip. The spreading element has multiple ribs around the axis extending along the axis 2. The ribs each have a wave shape formed through a tangential deflection with respect to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: HILTI AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jens Schneider, Karsten Brandenburg, Zsolt Kosa, Lajos Toth
  • Publication number: 20140251297
    Abstract: Device for the artificial aging of stones with at least an aging channel arranged on a support, a vibration device to set the support in motion, and a conveying device to move the stone through the aging channel. The aging channel has at least a first and a second impacting surface, which apply the aging effect to the stone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Hans Gebhart, Manfred Staehle
  • Patent number: 8763599
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a plurality of masonry blocks is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of first splitting blades that are configured to simultaneously move in a first direction, so as to split one of each of the plurality of masonry blocks into two or more sections during a single splitting operation. Each section has a first split surface. A plurality of second splitting blades is provided, where each is perpendicular and adjacent to one of the first splitting blades. Each of the second splitting blades is configured to form a second split surface on one of the masonry block sections that is perpendicular to at least one of the first split surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Pavestone, LLC
    Inventors: William Howard Karau, Joerg Marx
  • Patent number: 8753755
    Abstract: A body, such as a pick tool for cutting coal, includes a steel substrate and a hard face structure fused to the steel substrate. The hard face structure includes at least 1 weight percent Si, at least 5 weight percent Cr and at least 40 weight percent W. Substantially the balance of the hard face structure includes carbon and an iron group metal M selected from Fe, Co, Ni and alloy combinations of these elements. The hard face structure includes a plurality of elongate or platelike micro-structures having a mean length of at least 1 micron, a plurality of nano-particles having a mean size of less than 200 nanometers, and a binder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Element Six GmbH
    Inventors: Igor Yuri Konyashin, Bernd Heinrich Ries, Frank Friedrich Lachmann, Kersten Heinrich Schafer
  • Patent number: 8701650
    Abstract: A small, lightweight, portable cooking stove that utilizes alcohol as fuel and is suitable for backpacking, hunting, camping and similar activities. The cooking stove includes a combustion chamber which encloses, contains and regulates the entire combustion process. The stove also includes an efficient fuel vaporizer, which is adapted to perform in unison with the combustion chamber, to effect the metered and efficient mixing of the air and fuel vapor. An integral, simple and convenient means is provided to vary the intensity and pattern of the heat output, thereby controlling the cooking performance of the stove. The stove achieves high heat output and efficiency, low fuel consumption, and superior cooking performance in a small, lightweight, portable, convenient, simple and integrated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Gregg Huggins
  • Publication number: 20130125872
    Abstract: A body comprising a steel substrate and a hard face structure fused to the steel substrate, in which the hard face structure comprises at least 1 weight percent Si, at least 5 weight percent Cr and at least 40 weight percent W and substantially the balance of the hard face structure consisting essentially of an iron group metal M and C, M being selected from Fe, Co and Ni or an alloy thereof; the hard face structure including a plurality of elongate or platelike micro-structures having a mean length of at least 1 micron, a plurality of nano-particles having a mean size of less than 200 nanometres, and a binder material; the micro-structures comprising more than 1 weight percent Cr and a phase having the formula MxWyCz, where x is in the range from 1 to 7, y is in the range from 1 to 10 and z is in the range from 1 to 4; the nano-particles comprising more than 20 weight percent W, the metal M, and C; and the binder material comprising more than 3 weight percent W, more than 2 weight percent Cr, more than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Igor Yuri Konyashin, Bernd Heinrich Ries, Frank Friedrich Lachmann, Kersten Heinrich Schhafer
  • Patent number: 8327833
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Publication number: 20120301238
    Abstract: A point chisel includes a substantially cylindrical shank and a working end region that tapers to a point. The working end region has at least three converging substantially planar surfaces, each with a protruding elongate rib extending along at least part of its length. Adjacent surfaces meet along at least part of their length at substantially straight edges between adjacent ribs. A flat chisel includes a substantially cylindrical shank and a working end region with a pair of converging substantially planar surfaces that include a plurality of protruding elongate ribs extending along at least part of its length. Each rib has, along the majority of its length, a substantially constant height above the surface from which it protrudes. Each chisel is made from steel, with the shank having a bainitic microstructure and the working end region having a martensitic microstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Quinn, David N. Johnson, Florian Probst
  • Patent number: 8251053
    Abstract: The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8215415
    Abstract: A tool bit for a chisel or a hammer drill, in particular, a insertable chisel or insertable drill for power-driven drill and chisel hammers, has an insertion end, with a chisel shank or drill shank, and a chisel head or drill shank located opposite the insertion end. The diameter of the shank increases in the direction of the chisel head at least once from a first, small diameter to a second, large diameter and decreases again from this to a small diameter or forms at least one bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Hawera Probst GmbH, Aresi S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Lang, Franc Koljaka, Friedmar Dresig, Thomas Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 8136516
    Abstract: An apparatus for pitching and splitting a masonry block is provided. The apparatus includes a first pitching blade configured to move in a first direction. A second pitching blade is disposed adjacent to the first pitching blade, and the two pitching blades are separated by a distance that is small enough so that the splits initiated by each blade join into a single plane, thereby pitching and splitting the masonry block without the need for a splitting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pavestone, LLC
    Inventors: William Howard Karau, Joerg Marx, Tommy W. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120060816
    Abstract: A rock breaking device employs a falling weight and a striker pin or other tool held within a tool holding structure supported by a recoil assembly includes a number of isolator structures that protect the rock breaking device by absorbing excess forces that may be applied to the recoil assembly. Each isolator structure includes a front plate that extends below a lower side of a recoil tube flange. In new rock breaking devices, the front plates may be incorporated as part of the isolator structures. Alternatively, an existing rock breaking device can be retrofitted by welding a heavy plate onto the front of an existing front plate of the isolator structures. The heavy plate extends beyond the lower side of the recoil tube flange to provide greater strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110283985
    Abstract: The invention provides a demolition tool comprising a chisel and a bounce back element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Michael P. Valerio
  • Patent number: 8061346
    Abstract: A brick cutter includes a base, a swing arm that has a handle portion, wherein the handle portion has one end pivotally connected to the base and an opposite end formed with a head so that the swing arm is capable of swinging relative to the base, and a chisel that has a cutting portion and a rod portion, wherein the rod portion is coupled with the head of the swing arm. Thereby, when a user holds the swing arm with one hand, and hammers the chisel with a hamper held in the other hand, the hammered chisel impacts a brick so as to cut the brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng-Hui Tseng
  • Patent number: 8028688
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a concrete block and pitching at least one edge of the split concrete block is provided. The apparatus includes a splitting blade have a blade edge, such as a sharpened edge or a dull edge. The splitting blade is configured to move in a first direction so as to split a concrete block into two or more sections. The apparatus also includes a pitching blade having a blade edge, such as a sharpened and adjacent to the splitting blade, the pitching blade edge vertically offset from the splitting blade edge so as to pitch an edge of one of the sections of the concrete block after the concrete block has been split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pavestone Company, LLC
    Inventors: William Howard Karau, Joerg Marx
  • Patent number: 8006683
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Patent number: 7980240
    Abstract: A breaking apparatus (1) including a movable mass (3) for impacting on a striker pin (4), a housing (2) and a striker pin (4) configured to partially protrude through the housing (2), the apparatus (1) characterized in that the striker pin (4) is configured to be beatable in a plurality of retaining locations relative to the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Terminator IP SA
    Inventor: Angus Peter Robson
  • Patent number: 7967001
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Patent number: 7954484
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting stones and blocks comprises means (5A, 6A) for supporting a stone or block while it is subject to a splitting operation, a unit which includes an upper blade (1) for engaging an upper surface of the stone or block and a lower blade (10) for engaging a lower surface of the stone or block, means (5) for effecting movement of the upper blade (1) downwardly towards the lower blade (10), a base (1A, 3A), and resilient support means (11) acting between the base (1A, 3A) and the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Bartlett Snell
  • Patent number: 7870853
    Abstract: The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7766002
    Abstract: An apparatus for pitching and splitting a masonry block is provided. The apparatus includes a first pitching blade configured to move in a first direction. A second pitching blade is disposed adjacent to the first pitching blade, and the two pitching blades are separated by a distance that is small enough so that the splits initiated by each blade join into a single plane, thereby pitching and splitting the masonry block without the need for a splitting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Pavestone Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William Howard Karau, Joerg Marx, Tommy W. Davis
  • Patent number: 7743761
    Abstract: A rock cutting and trimming device comprising a C-clamp, a hydraulic cylinder, a sleeve, a shaft, a top tooth, and a bottom tooth. The hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the shaft, the shaft fits inside of the sleeve, the sleeve is coupled to the top port of the C-clamp, the top tooth is coupled to the shaft, and the bottom tooth is coupled to the bottom port of the C-clamp. Each of the top and bottom teeth comprises a cutting edge, the cutting edge of the top tooth faces the cutting edge of the bottom tooth, the hydraulic cylinder causes the top tooth to move vertically upward and downward, and the cutting edges of the top and bottom teeth are vertically aligned so that when the top tooth is fully extended downward, the cutting edge of the top tooth is parallel to the cutting edge of the bottom tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Brill Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley C. Mercord, Irvin M. Wenzel, Mark James Halbur
  • Patent number: 7674155
    Abstract: A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Baustoffwerke Gebhart & Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Gebhart, Martin Rothdach, Thomas Riedle, Hermann Sauter
  • Patent number: 7648888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of splitting apart a substrate of two adjoining wafers defining between them a cleavage plane, by bringing each substrate into a substrate-receiving space; and clamping first and second jaw portions onto each substrate in such a manner as to hold each substrate and urge apart the two wafers of each substrate by co-operation between the shapes of housings in first and second portions of the two jaws, respectively. The invention also relates to a splitting method that includes bringing each substrate into a substrate-reception space; clamping together separator portions onto each substrate so as to split apart the two wafers of each substrate; and clamping the split-apart substrate wafers so as to hold the wafers together. An automated system for processing multiple substrates is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: S.O.I.Tec Silicon on Insulator Technologies
    Inventors: Thierry Barge, Walter Schwarzenbach, Jean-Marc Waechter, Thuan Truong, Bruno Ghyselen
  • Publication number: 20080302350
    Abstract: The invention provides a block splitter assembly comprising first lower and second upper opposed splitter blade assemblies. The splitter blade assemblies have a splitting blade and two or more first forming blades. One forming blade is disposed to the right of and one forming blade is disposed to the left of the first splitting blade. The forming blades have forming edges. The splitting blade has a splitting edge that is straight, and the splitting blade has a greater maximum vertical dimension than the maximum vertical dimension of the forming blades. The splitting edge of the first splitting blade is opposed to the splitting edge of the second splitting blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: David M. LaCroix
  • Patent number: 7428900
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7404755
    Abstract: A process for artificially ageing blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, provides that the blocks are applied to an underlying surface. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies are applied to the surface to be worked of the blocks. The blocks and the distressing bodies are brought into movement in relation to one another by a vibrating motion of the underlying surface in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the adjoining, exposed edges of the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Baustoffwerke Gebhart & Sohne GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Gebhart, Martin Rothdach, Thomas Riedle, Hermann Sauter
  • Publication number: 20080141995
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for roughing the surface and edges of concrete casted blocks, such as concrete pavers is described herein. The apparatus comprises an elongated block-receiving surface having first and second longitudinal end portions and provided with block-tilting elements for sequentially tilting up at least two upper edges of a block moving on the surface from a first end portion to a second end portion; means for moving blocks on the block-receiving surface from the first to second end portions; and a plurality of impacting elements located above the block-receiving surface for reciprocating movement towards and away the block-receiving surface for impacting blocks on the block-receiving surface. The tilting elements may be in the form of wheels rotatably mounted to the block-receiving surface and positioned for sequentially tilting up each of the four upper edges of the block moving on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Grubb-AMC Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Grubb, Benoit Slavinski
  • Patent number: 7377275
    Abstract: A device for precise cutting of imitation stone. An upper blade is mounted to an upper blade mount assembly for vertical sliding movement over a stationary lower blade. Downward movement of a handle rotates a cam surface that engages a convex upper surface of the upper blade mount assembly. This action moves the upper blade into contact with a piece of imitation stone disposed between the upper and lower blades, and further lowering of the upper blade then cuts the stone. The cutting edge of each of the blades is beveled on one side only such that each of the blade edges is asymmetrical in vertical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: C. Martin Myer
  • Patent number: 7308892
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one crack (11) in a concrete article such as a concrete slab (10) having at least one crack promoting groove (28) formed in the surface (25) thereof and/or at least one crack promoting insert (12) cast within the concrete slab (10) and substantially aligned with the groove (28) where used, the method comprising the steps of positioning a tool (24) having a force applying member (26) on or above the surface (25) of the concrete slab (10) such that the member (26) is positioned adjacent to or above a groove (28) and/or insert (12) and causing the tool (24) to apply through the member (26) a force to the concrete slab (10) to promote the formation of a crack or cracks (11) in the slab (10) along a groove (28) and/or insert (12). Apparatus for forming a crack in a concrete article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Concrete Slab Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Allan David Cockerell
  • Patent number: 7281537
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a block-texture-modifying apparatus for modifying the surface texture of blocks. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting blocks thereon, a multi-station block-texture modifier for engaging blocks on the support, and a translational displacer for imparting translational displacement between blocks on the support and the multi-station block-texture-modifier. The multi-station block-texture modifier comprises a pressure-applying station for applying a sustained pressure to blocks engaged thereby, and an impacting station for applying interrupted impact on blocks engaged thereby. The multi-station block-texture modifier modifies the surface texture of blocks on said support during said translational displacement. Also disclosed herein is a method for modifying the surface texture of blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rinox Inc.
    Inventor: Horacio Correia
  • Patent number: 7243646
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for shearing off reinforced concrete piles and metal piles, casing and conductor pipes, and crushing reinforced concrete piles has a frame (11) with first and second ends and a cutter blade (41) movably mounted on the frame driven by hydraulic rams (21) between a retracted position adjacent to the first end and an extended position toward the second end. An abutment gate (30) pivotally mounted and latched at the frame second end has vertically spaced first and second abutment surfaces (52A, 52B) and first and second horizontal shearing surfaces (53A, 53B) disposed in parallel vertically spaced relation defining an opening (51) therebetween through which the cutting edge (41B, 41C) of the blade passes. Removable crushing attachments (60A, 60B) allow crushing of concrete piles, and removable arcuate abutment attachments (54) accommodate cylindrical piles, casing and conductor pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: James J. Todack
  • Patent number: 7146974
    Abstract: A concrete block is produced from a workpiece that is split by a plurality of splitting assemblies, each of which comprises a multiplicity of peaks, for example alternating ridges and valleys. A splitting assembly is positioned to engage each of the top, bottom and side surfaces of the workpiece, whereby a block resulting from the splitting process an irregular front face and has a front face with irregular top, bottom and side edges. The resulting block can be a concrete masonry block that is laid up in a wall with other like blocks with mortar between the blocks, or any other concrete block product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7128639
    Abstract: A process for the artificial aging of stones, particularly concrete blocks, clinker blocks and natural stones, provides for the stones to be applied to a support. Impact units that move essentially freely are applied to the surface of the stones that is to be processed. The stones and the impact units are set in motion in relation to each other by vibration of the support in such a way that the impact units act on the surface and the adjacent, exposed edges of the stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Riedle, Hermann Sauter
  • Patent number: 7066167
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan
  • Patent number: 7017570
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for splitting a substrate apart, the substrate comprising two adjoining wafers defining between them a cleavage plane, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises: means for feeding splitter means with a plurality of substrates disposed in a substrate-storage direction; splitter means for splitting apart wafers of the substrates, the splitter means comprising moving jaws; and means for performing controlled displacement of certain substrate wafers after they have been split apart in a direction that is substantially parallel to the substrate-storage direction, whereby the apparatus is suitable for splitting apart the plurality of substrates. The invention also provides an associated splitting method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: S.O.I.Tec Silicon on Insulator Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Thierry Barge, Walter Schwarzenbach, Jean-Marc Waechter, Thuan Truong, Bruno Ghyselen
  • Patent number: 7004158
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses engagement surfaces that are enhanced with, for example, alternating ridges and valleys, preferably in combination with workpiece-engaging projections, to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Patent number: 6981496
    Abstract: A point chisel for use with a power tool includes an elongate stem (1) having, at its power tool side a shank (2) for securing the chisel in the power tool and, at its workpiece side, a useful region (3) having its outer diameter (H) tapering toward its workpiece end and having a cross-section (5) formed as a concave polygon by a plurality of axial grooves (4) extending radially toward a core diameter (K) that likewise tapers toward the workpiece side end of the useful region (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jozsef Szendrovari, Werner Britten, Jozsef Varga
  • Patent number: 6964272
    Abstract: The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Scherer
  • Patent number: 6948489
    Abstract: A rock cutter for splitting stones is disclosed which shows a support surface for holding the rock and a first blade and a second blade which may be positioned to hold the rock between the first and second blades and on the support surface along with a means for moving the first blade towards the second blade. The means for moving comprises a hydraulically driven piston having a piston arm to which the first blade is mounted. The rock cutter also has a cover which is used in conjunction with a means for receiving pieces of the rock after the rock is split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Roy G. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 6918715
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Patent number: 6910474
    Abstract: A block splitting assembly and method which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing concrete or masonry block. A gripper assembly holds the block during splitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald James Scherer