Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. A three-block system for constructing walls includes a small, medium, and large block, each having two differently sized faces that can serve as the exposed face on one side of a wall. The small, medium, and large blocks can be manufactured using a single mold that is configured to provide a roughened texture resembling natural stone on two opposing faces of each block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for making masonry blocks with one or more surfaces having a roughened texture resembling that of a split block or natural stone. In one embodiment, a mold comprises a plurality of walls defining at least one mold cavity adapted to receive block-forming material. The mold defines an opening through which a formed, uncured block may be removed from the mold. At least one wall of the mold has a plurality of projections extending into the mold cavity so as to contact an adjacent surface of the uncured block in the mold cavity. The projections are positioned such that when the uncured block is removed from the mold, the projections texture the adjacent surface of the uncured block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for making masonry blocks with one or more surfaces having a roughened texture resembling that of a split block or natural stone. In one embodiment, a mold comprises a plurality of walls defining at least one mold cavity adapted to receive block-forming material. The mold defines an opening through which a formed, uncured block may be removed from the mold. At least one wall of the mold has a plurality of projections extending into the mold cavity so as to contact an adjacent surface of the uncured block in the mold cavity. The projections are positioned such that when the uncured block is removed from the mold, the projections texture the adjacent surface of the uncured block.