Steven Grant Austin

US Patent:

53984587, Mar 21, 1995

Filed:

Nov 19, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/978862

Inventors:

Lars E. Henriksen - Buffalo Grove IL
Steven R. Austin - Winnetka IL
Ronald S. Allen - Palatine IL
Michael J. Sutfin - Mundelein IL

Assignee:

Craftsman Marble, Granite & Tile Co. - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B24B 2706
B28D 104

US Classification:

451 41

Abstract:

The present invention generally relates to a process of and apparatus for manufacturing tile mosaics from at least two stone slabs, such as marble or granite slabs. The process comprises the steps of: a) cutting each of the two slabs into a matrix of pieces while maintaining the original orientation of the pieces, b) classifying the pieces of each matrix into two or more sets of pieces, c) intermixing a first set of pieces of one slab with a second set of pieces of another slab while maintaining the original orientation of the pieces, thereby forming the mosaic. The cutting apparatus comprises: a) a platen having a resilient layer for supporting the slab, b) a gantry table saw having a plurality of blades and a rotatable table for supporting the platen, and c) a hold-down rack for securing the slab and platen during cutting. At least two grippers are use to intermix at least one set of pieces from one slab with at least one set of pieces from a second slab to form the mosaic. By mixing the color shades and grain patterns of several different stone slabs, a mosaic having a handset look is achieved.