Abstract: Apparatus for assembling articles into a multilayer stack wherein each layer consists of a plurality of articles, includes an improved form of stripping gate and clamping means for transversely compacting the individual layers. An improved control system automatically runs various drive motors selectively at fast or slow speeds to enable reduced cycle times to be achieved while movable members are moved at relatively slow speed when approaching a stop.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assemblying concrete block or other non-fragile block-like articles into multi-tiered stacks or "cubes". Individual tiers of blocks are formed and cyclically fed in succession onto a stationary work table. An elevating frame carries a clamp assembly operable to compressively grip an individual tier on the work table from opposite sides of the tier. When an individual tier on a work table is thus clamped, the elevating frame is raised to elevate the gripped tier about the work table to a height such that another tier can be fed onto the work table in underlying relationship to the gripped tier. The elevated tier is then lowered by the elevating frame until the gripped tier is supported upon the tier now located on the work table. At this point, the clamp assembly is released and the elevating frame is fully lowered so that the clamp assembly can now be applied to grip the lower tier supported upon the work table.

Abstract: A ball sizing machine for sizing an internal passage in a workpiece in which pressure is employed to force a sizing ball through the passage against a fluid counter-pressure. The opposite ends of a passage to be sized are sealed at each end with a tapered ram plug with the sizing ball within the head end of the passage. The passage is filled with a fluid, such as oil, from the tail end of the passage. When passsage has been filled from the tail end to a predetermined pressure, the system is conditioned to permit a metered flow of fluid out of the tail end when pressure is applied to the head end of the passage in front of the ball to force the ball through the passage.