Abstract: A blended cube of brick and a method and apparatus for producing same are disclosed. The cube includes vertically extending panels of columns of endwise abutting brick having a similar color and/or texture. Each layer within the cube includes one column from a panel forming the layer so that each layer contains a full blend of brick contained within the cube. The cubes are assembled with the cube resting on its side, and are subsequently turned through 90 degrees to an upright position. Therefore, the panels are assembled in a horizontal position and subsequently assume a vertical position. The method of assembling the cubes includes removing layers of brick from a stack on a kiln car and maintaining such layers in groups which are subsequently assembled in the panels. Since the brick within a given layer in a stack on a kiln car tend to have similar color and texture, this results in panels having similar color and texture. An apparatus is also disclosed for automatically performing the method.

Abstract: A brick setting machine is disclosed which is operable to face set, stack without inverting or flat set. The machine is also operable to laterally space each brick from the next adjacent brick so that the faces and edges of the brick can be separately textured. The stacking, face setting and flat setting of the brick are performed by a plurality of elongated trays or turners which are operable to simultaneously rotate substantial numbers of brick through 90.degree. so that they rest on their sides and then when stacking or face setting is required to rotate adjacent rows of brick through an additional 90.degree. to form pairs of vertically aligned brick one resting on the other. The stacking is provided without gripping the brick so as to avoid damage to the brick.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for stacking brick in monorail jig box stacking systems. The apparatus includes a plurality of loader subassemblies which sequentially position layers of brick in a jig box supported by a monorail. Each loader assembly includes a supply conveyor operable to consolidate spaced groups of brick in one direction and a marshaling conveyor operable to consolidate groups of brick in a direction perpendicular to such one direction. The two conveyors operate to rearrange the brick so that groups or layers are produced which are sized to provide one full layer in the jig box. A transfer tray receives the layers from the marshaling conveyor and extends to carry such layers into the jig box. A stripper retains the layers in the jig box as the transfer tray is retracted. Camming surfaces carried by the transfer tray ensure that the jig box is properly positioned with respect to the tray before the layer of brick enters the jig box.