Patent ID: 6347931
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: B28B,B30B

Abstract:
A block ramming machine for making blocks with block-making material, said machine comprising:a ramming chamber structure having a longitudinal axis, an input end, an output end, and a ramming chamber located between said input and output ends; a headgate assembly located adjacent said output end of said ramming chamber, wherein said assembly comprises a headgate having at least an open position and a closed position, and wherein said headgate has at least one wedge shaped portion, said headgate assembly further comprising a headgate frame oriented such that said headgate can slide in a plane at an angle of up to about 10 degrees from the vertical; a fill chamber structure positioned along said longitudinal axis and having a first end, a second end, and a fill chamber located between said first and second ends, said input end and said second end being coupled so that said material is transferred from said fill chamber to said ramming chamber; a ramming plate for pushing said material from said fill chamber to said ramming chamber; and an actuator for moving said ramming plate along said longitudinal axis from a position in said fill chamber to a position in said ramming chamber, thereby transferring said material from said fill chamber to said ramming chamber to form a block.