Feeder for tumblers

A method to transfer blocks from a platform to a tumbler provided with a block inlet;

• the method comprising:
• providing a shelf assembly including a shelf mounted to a back plate;
• positioning the shelf assembly in a block receiving position where the shelf is generally aligned with the platform to receive blocks thereupon from the platform;
• transferring blocks from the platform to the shelf of the shelf assembly;
• and
• moving the shelf assembly in a block dumping position where the back plate is generally angled with respect to the block inlet of the tumbler to cause the blocks to slide from the shelf assembly to the block inlet of the tumbler.

A concrete pavers aging processing chain comprising:

• at least two generally longitudinal tumblers provided with respective inlets;
• the tumblers being positioned generally parallel;
• a cube-receiving platform provided with a push-arm;
• tracks running laterally between the at least two tumblers and the cube receiving platform;
• a block feeder to supply blocks to the at least two tumbler from the platform, the block feeder including a frame so configured as to be movable along the tracks for moving the block feeder from the platform to a selected one of the at least two tumblers;
• the block feeder also including a shelf assembly including a back plate, two side walls mounted to the back plate on opposite sides thereof and a shelf mounted to the back plate between the two side plates;
• the shelf assembly being so mounted to the frame for reciprocal movement between a block receiving position wherein the shelf is generally aligned with the cube-receiving platform to receive at least one block thereupon from the platform and a block dumping position wherein the back plate is generally angled with respect to the block inlet of the selected one of the at least two tumblers to cause the at least one block to slide from the shelf assembly to the inlet of the selected one of the at least two tumblers.