Patent ID: 6793858
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: B28B

Abstract:
A method for continuously forming a flexible mat defined by a plurality of spaced, interconnected concrete panels, said method comprising:a. providing a rotatable drum having a plurality of circumferentially-disposed, peripheral mold cavities; b. feeding a plurality of longitudinally-extending connector elements and a plurality of transversely-extending connector elements into contacting engagement with the periphery of the drum and in overlying relationship with the mold cavities; c. rotating the drum; d. depositing a flowable concrete mix into successive mold cavities as the drum rotates to substantially fill the mold cavities to form concrete panels; e. as the drum is rotating, bringing a web of base material into contacting engagement with the periphery of the drum to overlie and cover filled mold cavities to prevent concrete mix from falling from the mold cavities as the drum is rotating; and f. continuing to rotate the drum so that the concrete panels are released from the mold cavities by gravity and are in overlying contact with the web of base material to form a continuous mat having concrete panels that bond to the base material upon curing of the concrete mix, wherein the resulting mat has a predetermined length and width.