Various embodiments for a median barrier finishing machine are described. A median barrier finishing machine may include a housing configured to encapsulate at least a portion of a median barrier, where the housing comprises a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, and a horizontal wall. The median barrier finishing machine may include at least one adjustable member configured to couple the housing to the vehicle and retain the housing a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Further, the median barrier finishing machine may include at least one finishing device disposed within the housing, where the at least one finishing device is configured to contact a surface of a median barrier at least partially positioned within the housing and treat the surface as the vehicle moves the housing along a length of the median barrier.

A method and machine for the surface decoration of a basic article comprising ceramic material and having a surface and a printing assembly applies an adhesive material digitally and selectively onto a defined area of the surface. A treatment assembly deposits a powder material digitally and selectively in the defined area, and the powder material in excess arranged on the basic article is removed.

An image identification method for printing on rigid substrates includes the steps of: defining a digital graphic design representative of a rigid substrate to be produced; spreading a soft layer of granular or powder ceramic material on a deposition surface; pressing the soft layer to obtain a compacted layer; acquiring a real image of the compacted layer, detecting keypoints of the real image; comparing the keypoints of the real image with keypoints of an image obtained or derived from the digital graphic design; and calculating a portion of the digital graphic design corresponding to a portion of the real image. An image identification system for printing implementing the described method and a corresponding printing method/system are also described.

According to the present disclosure, methods and techniques for generating preferred concrete block products are provided. The methods and techniques involve providing addition of color to selected section within the blocks, as described herein, to generate enhancement effects. Typical applications involve spray applications for color pigment to visually distinct sections of the block on one or more decorative surfaces.

A method for realising ceramic slabs or tiles, comprising the following steps: laying a soft layer (SL) of granular or powder ceramic material on a support plane (P); pressing the soft layer (SL) in order to obtain a compacted layer (CL); firing the compacted layer (CL); prior to the pressing, applying an identification mark (M) onto the soft layer (SL), the identification mark (M) having an optical contrast with respect to the soft layer (SL), so as to enable an optical detection of the mark (M); subsequently to the pressing, acquiring an image of the mark (M); processing the image of the mark (M) detected so as to control one or more operating steps subsequent to the pressing.

A concrete product set by pouring a concrete slurry includes a) a concrete mixture; b) a graphene oxide admixture; and c) at least one reinforcing fiber selected from the group of fibers. As the poured concrete slurry cures, the poured slurry hardens into a composite material product, and the composite material is embedded with graphene oxide. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for preparing a concrete product. The process comprises the steps of a) preparing a concrete slurry with integral graphene oxide; b) pouring the concrete slurry; c) allowing the concrete slurry to cure; and d) optionally spray-applying graphene oxide and/or optional colloidal silica as a curing technique. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to the product itself; namely, a concrete product with fibers and embedded graphene oxide flakes.

A set comprising a plurality of covering elements for floors and/or walls, wherein each covering element comprises an upper surface having a pattern and at least one distressed upper edge, wherein at least two covering elements of the set comprises substantially the same pattern, and wherein the shape of the distressed upper edge differs in each covering element of the set.

Set comprising a plurality of covering elements for floors and/or walls, wherein each covering element comprises an upper surface having a pattern and at least one distressed upper edge, wherein at least two covering elements of the set comprises substantially the same pattern, and wherein the shape of the distressed upper edge differs in each covering element of the set.

A cement-based tile formed from a mixture comprising: a cement in the range of about 0.1 to 88% by wet weight percent; a secondary material in the range of about 0.1 to 50% by wet weight percent, the secondary material comprising limestone, sand, silica sand, gypsum, silica fume, fumed silica, Plaster of Paris, calcium carbonate, fly ash, slag, rock, or a combination thereof; a reinforcement fiber in the range of about 0.5 to 20% by wet weight percent, the reinforcement fiber comprising cellulose fiber, glass fiber, plastic fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, homopolymer acrylic fiber, alkali-resistant fiber, or a combination thereof; a rheology modifying agent in the range of about 0.5 to 10% by wet weight percent; a water in the range of 10 to 60% of a total wet material weight; and wherein the mixture is extruded or molded to form the cement-based tile.

A lightweight thermal insulating cement-based material is formed from a mixture that includes cement, water and a foaming agent. The foaming agent can be an aluminum powder or a surfactant. The insulating material has a maximum use temperature of about 900 degrees Celsius or more.