Abstract: An automatically releasable shut-off coupling, for use in high pressure fluid applications, has matable and separable stationary and break-away modules forming a housing having a substantially straight throughpassage. An intermediate carrier member is slidably retained within the stationary module for movement from a retracted position to an extended position, upon application of a threshold value force by the break-away module.

Abstract: In transporting brick elements cut from a continuous ribbon of brick-forming material to a transfer station for transfer onto pallets or the like, the ribbon is advanced towards the transfer station as the brick elements are cut from the leading end portion of the advancing ribbon. The cut brick elements are cut on an advancing cutting carriage and transferred therefrom onto a first conveyor means and from there to a second conveyor means, the first and second conveyor means advancing at a faster speed than the advancement of the ribbon. During the return of the cutting carriage, the first conveyor means moves at the same speed as the advancing ribbon while second conveyor means remains stationary to facilitate transfer of the cut brick elements onto pallets or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating joined-bricks includes a transport means for moving the joined-bricks and a separating means disposed along the transport means for separating the joined-bricks into two parts, the separating means including a pressure bar engageable with the joined-bricks and actuating means operatively connected to the pressure bar to effect actuation of the latter, the actuating means providing for synchronous movement of the pressure bar with the engaged joined-brick during the separation, whereby the joined-bricks are movable without interruption along the transport means during the separation.