Masonry Magazine July 1968 Page. 34
PRODUCT
PROFIT
MAKERS
Concrete Masonry Innovation
A fascinating, unique approach to a problem perhaps as old as time itself has just been announced by a northern Ohio manufacturer of concrete block. Concrete Masonry Corporation of Elyria, Ohio, has developed a practical method to equip concrete block with "handles," built-in during manufacture. Everyone who has ever had to handle concrete block will immediately appreciate this new feature-especially the masons and their helpers who build concrete block walls.
XOC (pronounced zock) block, which is the trademark of the concrete block having the unique "handle", will make the mason's life much easier. XOC-block can be readily picked up because the entire hand grasps the XOC "handle" just as one would grasp the handle of a brief case. His other hand can work uninterruptedly with the trowel, allowing the more efficient concrete block to be laid easily and speedily like brick.
For years now the construction industry has been plagued by ever-increasing costs for masonry wall construction. This has become a matter of great concern to many concrete block producers, many of whom are now attending the annual meeting of their industry trade association in New York City, where the first public announcement of this new development was released. The XOC concept is stimulating renewed confidence in the future of the concrete block industry.
Most concrete block producers agree that continued acceptance of concrete block depends on its cost-in the wall. This cost today depends more on the mason who places the block than the concrete block produced. The industry has seen labor cost increase from about a one-to-one ratio with material a few years back to the current three-to-one or higher ratio.
The manufacture of concrete block in highly automated block plants is a marvel of this technological age, and has resulted in concrete block still selling for from one-half to one cent per pound, often including delivery into a muddy construction site and unloading into a basement excavation. However the cost for a mason and his laborer help on a construction job now runs at about 184 per minute on a great deal of commercial construction.
The XOC concept, it is expected, will be promoted by progressive concrete block producers everywhere. Non-exclusive license agreements are available to all concrete block producers and machinery manufacturers who supply the industry from Concrete Masonry Corporation, Elyria, Ohio, owners of the XOC patent rights and trademark.
Norwegian Quartzite
Alta quartzite, a sedimentary laminated rock quarried in Norway, is now available in the U. S. exclusively through Rock of Ages Corporation. Quartzite is considered one of the hardest rocks known-harder than granite. It is naturally non-slip in wet or dry weather and ideal for paving, treads and risers, and facing. The modern stiletto heel has no effect on it. Good heat conductivity makes quartzite practical for use over floor heating.
A fined grained riven stone, quartzite can be split along a plane of cleavage to thickness of approximately % of an inch to a maximum size of 2' x 2'. It has a pleasant natural grey-green appearance. Comprehensive crushing strength is 31,650 lb/sq. in. Weight is approximately 6 lb. per sq. ft.
Quartzite is acid and chemical resistant and easy to maintain.
For further information, including samples, write: Import/Export Division, Rock of Ages Corp., Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641.
Power Tool Catalog
Chicago, Illinois Skil Corporation, Chicago-based power tool manufacturer, has announced that its new Industrial Power Tool Catalog is available on request. New products featured in the 88-Page brochure include two reversing (TSC) Trigger Speed Control Drills with Skil's exclusive adjusting feature that allows the operator to set the desired rpm; two lightweight Air Orbital Sanders for wet or dry finishing on metal or wood surfaces; a line of portable, gasoline powered Alternators (1500 to 7500 watt) for auxiliary power needs; a line of Teflon-S coated Circular Saw Blades that reduce friction and prolong blade life; and a reversing positive clutch Screwdriver with Trigger Speed Control (TSC) (Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.) for complete speed control on wood and self-tapping screws.
The colorful catalog features specifications on over a hundred and thirty portable electric, pneumatic, battery and gasoline driven tools for production, plant maintenance and construction applications. To receive a free copy of Skil's 1968 Power Tool Catalog, write Skil Corporation, 5033 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60630.
One-Piece Platforms
Midwest Body & Manufacturing Division announces a new milestone in platform construction. Now all steel platforms are one-piece floor plate. This steel plate is welded directly to the steel cross sills and rub rails to give you the strongest platform ever offered by Midwest. Available in lengths 12' 6" and up, three identification lights are recessed in the rear rail and four clearance lights in the corner to provide full protection against loading damage. General purpose bulkhead optional.
Midwest Heavy Duty Platforms are 96" wide, which provides maximum floor area for greater pay loads.
For more information on these rugged, ong-life platforms, see your local truck dealer, Midwest Representative, or write: Midwest Manufacturing Division, Division, Platform Section, Paris, Illinois 61944.
Reference Guide Available
The Process Solvent Company. Inc. announces the availability of a new Quick Reference Guide for use in cleaning common stains and other conditions that frequently occur on masonry surfaces Included are recommendations for cleaning stains such as acid burns, aluminum stains, carbon and soot, excess mortar and grout, paint oxidation, rust and manganese stains, plus many others.
The Quick Reference Guide also contains a brief resume of Sure Klean Products listing their uses, descriptions, applications and square foot coverage.
Free copies may be obtained by writing the Process Solvent Company, Inc., 1040 Chelsea Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas, or by contacting one of their authorized dealers, located in principal cities coast to coast.