Process for artificially ageing blocks

Abstract

An apparatus for artificially aging blocks such as concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, having the following features. An underlying surface, on which the blocks can be placed in such a way that their surface to be worked and the adjoining edges are exposed. Essentially freely movable distressing bodies for applying to the surface to be worked and the adjoining edges. A vibration device sets the blocks and the distressing bodies in motion in relation to one another in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the exposed edges of the blocks. A limiting device restricts the lateral or horizontal movement of the distressing bodies essentially to the surface of the blocks. A magnet for at least one of depositing and removing the distressing bodies. The height of the limiting device is reducible and/or the limiting device is displaceable in such a way that the magnet can be brought close to the surface of the blocks for the depositing and/or removal of the distressing bodies.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for artificially aging blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, with the following features: 
 an underlying surface, on which the blocks can be placed in such a way that the surface of the blocks to be worked and the adjoining edges are exposed;    essentially freely movable distressing bodies for applying to the surface to be worked and the adjoining edges;    a vibration device, to set the blocks and the distressing bodies in motion in relation to one another in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the exposed edges of the blocks;    a limiting device, which restricts the lateral or horizontal movement of the distressing bodies essentially to the surface of the blocks;    a magnet for at least one of depositing and removing the distressing bodies,    the height of the limiting device ( 6 ) being reducible and/or the limiting device ( 6 ) being displaceable in such a way that the magnet ( 4 ) can be brought close to the surface ( 1   a ) of the blocks ( 1 ) for the depositing and/or removal of the distressing bodies ( 3 ).    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) is connected to the magnet ( 4 ) one of directly and via at least one further element.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) encloses at least an upper region of the blocks ( 1 ) during the aging process.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the magnet ( 4 ), the limiting device ( 6 ) and the upper side ( 1   a ) of the blocks ( 1 ) to be worked forming an at least almost enclosed space ( 9 ) during the aging process.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) is telescopic.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) has at least two limiting parts ( 6   a,    6   b ), which are vertically displaceable relative to one another.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) is able to be pushed together once a lower edge of the limiting device ( 6 ) contacts the underlying surface ( 2 ).  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) has a stop edge ( 7 ), which restricts the lateral or horizontal movement of the blocks ( 1 ) to be worked, the stop edge ( 7 ) having a recess ( 8 ), increasing the inside diameter, in the region of the limiting device ( 6 ) which encloses the edges ( 1   b ) of the blocks ( 1 ) that are to be worked during the working of the blocks ( 1 ) by the distressing bodies ( 3 ).  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) is detachably connectable to the magnet ( 4 ).  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the limiting device ( 6 ) is formed as a frame.  
   
   
       23 . An apparatus for artificially aging blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones, with the following features: 
 an underlying surface, on which the blocks can be placed in such a way that their surface to be worked and the adjoining edges are exposed;    essentially freely movable distressing bodies for applying to the surface to be worked and the adjoining edges;    a vibration device, to set the blocks and the distressing bodies in motion in relation to one another in such a way that the distressing bodies act on the surface and the exposed edges of the blocks;    a limiting device, which restricts the lateral or horizontal movement of the distressing bodies essentially to the surface of the blocks;    a magnet for the depositing and/or removal of the distressing bodies,    the limiting device ( 6 ) being connected to the magnet ( 4 ) directly or via further elements, the limiting device ( 6 ) and the magnet ( 4 ) being displaceable in relation to each other in the vertical direction.    
   
   
       24 . A limiting device for use in an apparatus for artificially aging blocks, in particular concrete blocks, vitrified bricks and natural stones with which essentially freely movable distressing bodies are used for working the surface and the adjoining edges of the blocks and a magnet is provided for the depositing and/or removal of the distressing bodies from the surface of the blocks, the limiting device restricting the lateral or horizontal movement of the distressing bodies essentially to the surface of the blocks, the limiting device ( 6 ) being able to be pushed together to reduce the height.