US Patent 7146974 Block splitting assembly and method

A concrete block is produced from a workpiece that is split by a plurality of splitting assemblies, each of which comprises a multiplicity of peaks, for example alternating ridges and valleys. A splitting assembly is positioned to engage each of the top, bottom and side surfaces of the workpiece, whereby a block resulting from the splitting process an irregular front face and has a front face with irregular top, bottom and side edges. The resulting block can be a concrete masonry block that is laid up in a wall with other like blocks with mortar between the blocks, or any other concrete block product.