Abstract: This invention relates to a process which may be automated for the manufacture of stone blocks for use as finished landscape stone blocks from quarry stone. The natural stone is quarried from the quarry and split into rectangular blocks, with squared ends and the top and bottom surfaces are ground with a plurality of grooves and ridges of varying heights. The ridges of varying heights are then removed thereby producing a surface having ridges of uniform height and grooves of uniform depth. The blocks may be used to form an architectural wall. The process is also applicable to pavers, steps and coping stones.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

Abstract: A method for creating a split face on a block, such as a retaining wall block, that includes curved features. The method includes using at least one curved blade to impart a splitting force on an unfinished block. The curve of the blade is imparted through the block as the block splits. The result is an irregular, broken split face having a curved feature.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses engagement surfaces that are enhanced with, for example, alternating ridges and valleys, preferably in combination with workpiece-engaging projections, to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece.

Abstract: A block splitting assembly and method which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing concrete or masonry block. A gripper assembly holds the block during splitting.

Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses engagement surfaces that are enhanced with, for example, alternating ridges and valleys, preferably in combination with workpiece-engaging projections, to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece.

Abstract: A block splitting tool having a splitting blade that is formed by edges of a plurality of smaller splitter segments. The splitter segments are arranged in a side-by-side relation such that the edges form a substantially continuous blade that is generally corrugated or jagged. The splitter segments may be operatively connected to a suitable support that, in turn, is attached to a block splitting machine. When the splitting blade of the tool engages and splits a block, the edges of the splitter segments form a plurality of fracture zones that are angled with respect to each other, which results in roughened facings on the newly cleaved smaller blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the splitter segments are removably attached to a support plate, so that they may be repositioned, replaced, and/or repaired.

Abstract: A tool for shell or slab-splitting rocks or for wedging rocks in tunnels comprising a hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder (2) with an internal first piston (3), said first piston (3) being provided with a hydraulic/pneumatic pressure by supplying a fluid, preferably oil, through a supply conduit (1), and the power from the piston (3) is transferred to a wedging device comprising a wedge (10) which may be displaced between wedge holders (11, 12) being located in a drilled hole (13), the piston (3) being connected to a piston rod (7) which runs to a second internal piston (8) being located in a piston housing (6), the power from the first piston (3) being transferred to the piston (8), for thereby pressing the wedge holders (11,12) towards the surrounding rock, and creating a crack therein at the appropriate pressure wherein the wedge (10) is located parallel to the lengthwise axis and peripherally in relation to the hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder (2) is disclosed.

Abstract: A known stone cutter having an upper jaw powered for a guillotine type cut has a transverse bar in the upper jaw. A series of cube shaped cutter units are mounted side by side along the transverse bar. An isostatic manifold connects all the cutter units for contouring the cutter jaws to the irregular rock surface. At cut time each cutter unit is hydraulically isolated via a shuttle valve from the isostatic manifold so as not to transmit huge cutting pressures to the isostatic manifold and unused cutter units in that cut.

Abstract: The invention is a block splitting machine which uses an assortment of protrusions to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing masonry block.

Abstract: A method for fabricating elongate structural members from a unitary blank of crystalline material is provided. The blank has a predetermined length, width, and depth. A first substantially planar cut is made in the blank, the cut extending substantially along the entire length of the blank and substantially less than the entire width of the blank. At east one additional cut is made in the blank, the at least one additional cut extending in the same plane as the first cut, to cut the blank into two pieces. The step of making at least one additional cut can include making a plurality of additional cuts, in one embodiment at least three additional cuts. The cuts can be made using a rotary saw with a blade having diamond-coated cutting surfaces. The saw can be operated with the blade rotating at between 50 rpm and 50,000 rpm, preferably at approximately 4,000 rpm. The blank of crystalline material can be provided as a unitary blank of silicon material.

Abstract: A splitter blade assembly adapted to form split faces on concrete masonry units including: a plurality of blade sections arranged to bound an opening; and a stop positioned within the opening so as to prevent debris from lodging in the opening during a splitting operation.

Abstract: An automatic single crystal ingot disconnector which is mounted on the uppermost chuck of the conventional single crystal ingot removing assembly, which uppermost chuck assembly is adapted to shift in the axial direction of the ingot being chucked; the proposed single crystal ingot disconnector includes: (a) a neck clamper for clamping the neck of the single crystal ingot, (b) a neck cutter for cutting through the neck of the ingot to thereby disconnect the ingot from the seed crystal to which the ingot is connected, and (c) a TV camera to view the position where the neck cutter applies a cutting operation on the neck of the ingot.