Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficiently cutting clay columns. The apparatus employs at least two supporting conveyors with one positioned downstream from the other and spaced apart a predetermined distance defining a gap therebetween. Each conveyor is wide enough to handle any desired column length so that no changes thereof are necessary when the size of the cut length changes. The conveyors or the end rollers thereof adjacent the gap are arranged to move horizontally thereby causing the gap to move. The cutting mechanism moves vertically and is operated in a coordinated fashion with movement of the gap following the point of intersection of at least one cutting wire with the conveyor plane so that clay columns are conveyed and cut simultaneously. Material adhering to the cutting wire(s) is automatically cleaned therefrom during cutting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fabrication of a vertical block wall section. A vertical wall section is formed by conveying a row of blocks from a first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt, elevating the row of blocks on the second conveyor belt until it is in contact with a wall section held vertically above the second conveyor belt, and holding the wall section with the additional row in elevated position while the second conveyor belt is lowered to receive a further row. After formation of a wall section of a given predetermined height, a wheeled pallet is moved onto a track on the second conveyor belt to a position below the elevated wall section. The pallet is then elevated by the second conveyor belt into engagement with the elevated wall section, the hold for the wall section is released, the pallet is lowered to an original position, and the wall section disposed on the pallet is moved to a position vertically displaced from the second conveyor means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cutting clay columns, while continuously moving the clay columns in a generally horizontal direction. One or more clay columns are moved in a given generally horizontal direction A, prior to and during and subsequent to cutting. At least one cutting wire disposed in a generally vertical plane and disposed at an angle of substantially less than 90.degree. with respect to the direction A is moved toward, into engagement with, and through the clay column while the clay column is continuously moved, to provide at least one cut through the column disposed in a plane that is parallel to a line extending in the direction A. The clay column is substantially rectangular in cross-section, and the wire is moved so that it moves at a diagonal through the column, first contacting the leading upper corner of the column, and last contacting the trailing lower corner of the column as it passes through the column.