GB2618181A

GB2618181A - Apparatus for pointing masonry

Info

Publication number: GB2618181A
Application number: GB2301667.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coyle Sean
Original assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Current assignee: Keystone Lintels Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-04
Filing date: 2023-02-06
Publication date: 2023-11-01

Abstract

The apparatus, particularly for pointing masonry or masonry/composite slips 2 (e.g., in a factory), comprises an outlet 6 for dispensing a bead of material along a joint, and a store 3 (e.g., hopper) of fluid material 4 raised above the dispensing location to deliver material via a fluid conduit 8 under gravity. The flow may be started and stopped, optionally at or about the outlet, by an arrangement such as a valve. There may be a controller (e.g., comprising a trigger) for opening and/or closing the valve. The conduit may include a flexible portion, optionally compressible to control flow. The conduit may taper along a majority of its length. The store may be on a raised support mounted on a floor, ceiling or roof, and may be movable on a carriage to follow a path of the operator. A robot may be used to position the outlet, start/stop flow and vary dimensions of the bead.

Description

Apparatus for pointing masonry The present invention relates to an apparatus for pointing masonry, particularly an apparatus for use in a factory environment for delivering a fluid material to a prefabricated 5 masonry panel.

The problem of pointing prefabricated masonry panels has been an ongoing issue blocking the mass adoption of factory produced pre-pointed masonry panels. It is difficult to replicate the pointed brick finish achieved by skilled craftsman on the site and the problem has not been resolved at this time. At present, the pointing of prefabricated panels of masonry, full block or brick or masonry slips or composite slips mounted on a substrate requires workers to manual point the gaps between the blocks, bricks or slips which almost defeats the purpose of taking this pointing process off site into a factory environment.

Other attempted solutions for delivering fluent material to a surface involve the use of hydraulically operated systems or auger screw arrangements for forcing the fluid material such as mortar from a container through pipework into a dispensing arrangement for delivering fluid material onto a surface. These systems have the inherent problems of drive system mechanical failure and servicing, the requirement for thorough cleaning after each use and the weight and/or portability problems of the container for a user. All of these systems of the prior art have been designed for portable use for operation on a building site as opposed to offsite factory environment.

It is an object of the invention to obviate or mitigate the problems outlined above pertaining to replicating masonry joint pointing. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an practical straight forward solution where the dispensing of the fluent material is built into the 25 design of the masonry pointing apparatus.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a masonry pointing apparatus that can be easily adapted to satisfy a range of prefabricated masonry panel size requirements.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a masonry pointing apparatus that can be retrofitted into an existing factory environment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a masonry pointing apparatus that is more efficient and is less labour intensive than prior art masonry pointing systems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for pointing masonry or masonry/composite slips, the apparatus comprising a means for storing a volume of fluid material at a raised height relative to a dispensing location and a means for dispensing a continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed and a means for fluidly coupling the storage means and the dispensing means, the fluid coupling means comprising a fluid conduit for delivering the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means under the force of gravity.

Advantageously, the apparatus for pointing masonry requires no powered drive arrangement to drive the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means Thus 5 reducing moving parts and the risk of machinery breakdown and servicing requirements. Preferably, the apparatus has a fluid material dispensing end and an arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end.

Ideally, the dispensing means has a fluid material dispensing end and an arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end.

Preferably, the apparatus has a controller for controlling operation of the dispensing means.

Ideally, the dispensing means has a controller for controlling operation of the dispensing means.

Preferably, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through IS the fluid dispensing end is a valve.

Preferably, the dispensing means has the valve at our about the dispensing end of the dispensing means.

Ideally, the apparatus has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve.

Ideally, the dispensing means has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve.

Preferably, the controller comprising a trigger.

Ideally, the controller is mechanically, electrically or electronically coupled to the valve. Ideally, the trigger is mechanically, electrically or electronically coupled to the valve.

In the most basic embodiment, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing means comprises a portion of the dispensing means being flexible. 25 Advantageously, an operator can compress and release the flexible portion to stop and start the flow of fluid material.

Preferably, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing end of the conduit comprises a portion of the conduit being flexible. By flexible we mean the flexible portion of the conduit is flexible in the cross sectional plane so as to allow this 30 portion of the conduit to be compressed closed in the cross sectional plane.

In this most basic embodiment, the dispensing means may comprise a flexible portion of conduit provided on the end of the conduit.

Ideally, a portion of the conduit proximal to the dispensing end of the dispensing means is flexible so that an operator can compress and release the flexible portion to stop and start the flow of fluid material. Advantageously, an operator can easily compress the flexible portion of the conduit to stop the flow of fluid material when they come to the end of one joint for example and release their grip on the flexible portion of the conduit to start the flow of fluid material to allow pointing of the next joint to commence.

In one embodiment, the fluid conduit has a constant cross-sectional diameter along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage means to the dispensing means.

In this constant cross-sectional diameter fluid conduit, the dispensing means may have a cross sectional diameter which tapers.

In a further embodiment, the fluid conduit has a cross sectional diameter which tapers along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage means to the dispensing means Ideally, the cross sectional diameter of the fluid conduit tapers uniformly or non-uniformly along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage means to the dispensing lo means. Advantageously, the tapering conduit increases the pressure on the fluid material as it makes its way from the storage means to the dispensing means to enhance the effect of the force of gravity already acting on the fluid material.

Ideally, the conduit is stiff in the cross sectional plane.

Preferably, the conduit is flexible to a degree for maneuverability in the axial direction.

Ideally, the storage means comprises a hopper mounted above the fluid material dispensing location.

Ideally, the storage means is mounted on a support means.

Preferably, the support means is a raised support means mounted on the floor or suspended from a ceiling or roof structure.

Ideally, the support means is disposed proximal to the location of the prefabricated masonry panel to be pointed.

Preferably, the storage means is movably mounted above the fluid material dispensing location.

Ideally, the height and/or volume of the storage means can be adjusted to adjust the 25 dispensing force acting on the fluid material at the point of dispense.

Ideally, the storage means is movably mounted on the raised support means via carriage means. Advantageously, the hopper can readily move on the raised support means under the influence of a slight pull force from the operator via the fluid conduit allowing the hopper to follow the path of the operator.

In one embodiment, the storage means has a mixing means for mixing the fluid material.

Ideally, the mixing means is a manual mixing means.

In a further embodiment, the dispensing means of the apparatus can be supported by a robot and the robot is capable of moving the dispensing means along the joints of the prefabricated masonry panel for delivering the fluid material into the joints for pointing them.

In this further embodiment, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing means comprises the robot.

In this further embodiment, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing end of the dispensing means comprises the robot. Advantageously, the delivery of the fluid material into the joints to be pointed can be automated under the control of robotics.

Preferably, the robot has means for varying the dimensions of the bead of fluid material being dispensed by the apparatus.

Ideally, the robot has means for varying the cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being dispensed by the apparatus.

Ideally, the robot has sensors for measuring the cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being currently dispensed by the apparatus.

Preferably, the robot has optical sensing means for measuring the cross-sectional 10 diameter of the bead of fluid material being currently dispensed by the apparatus.

Preferably, the robot has means for comparing the measured cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being presently dispensed by the apparatus to a table of optimal values for cross sectional diameter of the bead for the specific job the apparatus is currently working on. Ideally, where the robot identifies that the cross-sectional diameter of the bead currently 15 being dispensed is not optimal for the specific job, then the robot is capable of activating the bead dimension varying means.

Preferably, the dispensing means is movable along the joints of the prefabricated masonry panels.

Ideally, the dispensing means is movable along the joints of the prefabricated masonry 20 panels manually by an operator.

In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing means is movable along the joints of the prefabricated masonry panels by the robot.

Ideally, the robot is pre-programmed to follow the line of the joints of the prefabricated masonry panel to be pointed.

Advantageously, the robot is movably mounted on a robot support arrangement providing the robot with freedom of movement along an X-Y plane parallel to the prefabricated masonry panel to be pointed.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for pointing masonry or masonry/composite slips, the apparatus comprising a means for storing a volume of fluid material at a location disposed relative to a dispensing location and a means for dispensing a continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed and a means for fluidly coupling the storage means and the dispensing means, the fluid coupling means comprising a fluid conduit for delivering the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means under an urging force.

Ideally, the urging force is provided by a mechanical, hydraulic or electromechanical arrangement.

Preferably, the mechanical arrangement comprises pumps or augers or impellers.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of pointing a prefabricated masonry panel comprising the steps of:-providing a storage means for storing a volume of fluid material at a raised height relative to a dispensing location, providing a means for dispensing a continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and 5 along a joint between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed, providing a means for fluidly coupling the storage means and the dispensing means via a fluid conduit for delivering the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means under the force of gravity. Advantageously, the method for pointing masonry requires no powered drive arrangement to drive the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means. Thus reducing moving to parts and the risk of machinery breakdown and servicing requirements.

Preferably, the method comprises activating the dispensing means for dispensing the continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint IS between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed.

It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, two embodiments of apparatus for pointing masonry in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for pointing masonry prefabricated panels which are mounted in a generally horizontal orientation according to an aspect of the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for pointing masonry prefabricated panels 30 which are mounted in a generally vertical orientation according to a second aspect of the invention.

In figure 1 there is shown an apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for pointing masonry or masonry/composite slips 2, the apparatus 1 having a storage container 3 for storing a volume of fluid material 4 at a raised height relative to a dispensing location illustrated in the detail bubbles and a dispensing arrangement 6 for dispensing a continuous controllable bead 7 of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint 8 between masonry or masonry/composite slips 2 to be pointed. A conduit 8 for fluidly coupling the storage container/hopper 3 and the dispensing arrangement 6, the fluid conduit 8 delivering the fluid material 4 from the storage container/hopper 3 to the dispensing arrangement 6 under the force of gravity.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 for pointing masonry in this case brick slips 2 requires no powered drive arrangement to drive the fluid material 4 such as mortar or grout from the 5 storage container/hopper 3 to the dispensing arrangement 6. Thus reducing moving parts and the risk of machinery breakdown and servicing requirements.

The apparatus 1 has a fluid material dispensing end 5 and an arrangement 9 for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end 5. The dispensing arrangement 6 has a fluid material dispensing end 5 and an arrangement 9 for starting and 10 stopping the flow of fluid material 4 out through the fluid dispensing end 5.

In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the apparatus 1 has a controller, not shown for controlling operation of the dispensing arrangement 6. The dispensing arrangement 6 has a controller for controlling operation of the dispensing arrangement 6. The arrangement 9 for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end 5 is a valve, IS not shown. The dispensing arrangement 6 has the valve at or about the dispensing end 5 of the dispensing arrangement 6. The apparatus 1 has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve. The dispensing arrangement 6 has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve. The controller has a trigger. The controller is mechanically, electrically or electronically coupled to the valve. The trigger is mechanically, electrically or electronically coupled to the valve.

In the most basic embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the arrangement 9 for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material such as pointing mortar or grout from the dispensing arrangement 6 comprises a portion 6 of the dispensing arrangement 6 being flexible. Advantageously, an operator can compress and release the flexible portion 6 to stop and start the flow of fluid material 4. The arrangement 9 for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material such as pointing mortar or grout 4 from the dispensing end 5 of the conduit 8 comprises a portion 6 of the conduit 8 being flexible. By flexible we mean the flexible portion 6 of the conduit 8 is flexible in the cross sectional plane so as to allow this portion 6 of the conduit 8 to be compressed closed in the cross sectional plane. In this most basic embodiment, the dispensing arrangement 6 may comprise a flexible portion 6 of conduit 8 provided on the end of the conduit 8. The portion 6 of the conduit 8 proximal to the dispensing end 5 of the dispensing arrangement 6 is flexible so that an operator can compress and release the flexible portion 6 to stop and start the flow of fluid material 4. Advantageously, an operator can easily compress the flexible portion 6 of the conduit 8 to stop the flow of fluid material such as pointing mortar or grout 4 when they come to the end of one joint 10 for example and release their grip on the flexible portion 6 of the conduit 8 to start the flow of fluid material such as pointing mortar or grout 4 to allow pointing of the next joint 10 to commence.

In one embodiment not illustrated in the drawings, the fluid conduit has a constant cross-sectional diameter along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage container/hopper to the dispensing arrangement. In this constant cross-sectional diameter fluid conduit, the dispensing arrangement may have a tube with a cross sectional diameter which tapers.

In a further embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the fluid conduit 8 has a cross sectional 5 diameter which tapers along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit 8 from the storage container/hopper 3 to the dispensing arrangement 6. In this embodiment, the conduit 8 is made of a four different tapered sections one extending from the next so that the fluid conduit tapers uniformly along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit 8 from the storage means to the dispensing arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the fluid conduit 8 has a 10 tail 11 comprising a more flexible portion at least at least along its own longitudinal axis in comparison to the tapered portion 8 to allow the positioning of the dispensing end in a range of positions, by an operator. Advantageously, the tapering conduit 8 gradually increases the pressure on the fluid material 4 as it makes its way from the storage hopper 3 to the dispensing arrangement 6 to enhance the effect of the force of gravity already acting on the fluid material 4.

IS In this embodiment, the conduit 8 is stiff in the cross sectional plane with the tail portion 11 of the conduit being flexible to a greater degree for maneuverability along its own axial direction.

The storage hopper 3 is mounted above the fluid material dispensing location. The storage hopper 3 is mounted on a support means assembly, not shown. The support assembly is a raised support assembly either mounted on the floor or suspended from a ceiling or roof structure or crane assembly. The support assembly is disposed proximal to the location of the prefabricated masonry panel 12 to be pointed. The storage hopper 3 is movably mounted above the fluid material dispensing location. The height and/or volume of the storage hopper 3 can be adjusted to adjust the dispensing force acting on the fluid material 4 at the point of dispense. The storage hopper 3 is movably mounted on the raised support assembly via a carriage member such as a trolley on tracks. Advantageously, the hopper 3 can readily move on the raised support assembly under the influence of a slight pull force from the operator via the fluid conduit 8 allowing the hopper 3 to follow the path of the operator as they are pointing the joints 10. In some embodiments, the storage hopper 3 has a mixing member for mixing the fluid material 4. The mixing member can be a manual mixer.

In a further embodiment not illustrated in the drawings, the dispensing arrangement of the apparatus can be supported by a robot and the robot is capable of moving the dispensing arrangement along the joints 10 of the prefabricated masonry panel 12 for delivering the fluid material 4 into the joints 10 for pointing them. In this further embodiment, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material 4 from the dispensing arrangement comprises the robot. In this further embodiment, the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material 3 from the dispensing end of the dispensing arrangement comprises the robot. Advantageously, the delivery of the fluid material 4 into the joints 10 to be pointed can be automated under the control of robotics. The robot has means for varying the dimensions of the bead 7 of fluid material being dispensed by the apparatus 1. The robot can adjust the diameter of the opening of the outlet of the dispensing arrangement. The opening of the outlet of the dispensing arrangement is adjustable from 0.1mm to 15mm. The robot has means for varying the cross-sectional diameter of the bead 7 of fluid material being dispensed by the apparatus. The robot has sensors for measuring the cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being currently dispensed by the apparatus. The robot has optical sensing means for measuring the cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being currently dispensed by the apparatus.

The robot has a processor for comparing the measured cross-sectional diameter of the bead of fluid material being presently dispensed by the apparatus to a table of optimal values stored in the memory of the processor for cross sectional diameter of the bead for the specific job the apparatus is currently working on. By specific job we mean the specific type of prefabricated panel and joint arrangement as well as joint depth and width on the panel that the apparatus is dispensing mortar into. Where the robot identifies that the cross-sectional diameter of the bead IS currently being dispensed is not optimal for the specific job, then the robot is capable of activating the bead dimension varying means to adjust the cross-sectional diameter of the bead to the optimal one.

The dispensing arrangement 6 is movable along the joints 10 of the prefabricated masonry panel 12. The dispensing arrangement 6 is movable along the joints 10 of the prefabricated masonry panel 12 manually by an operator. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing arrangement is movable along the joints 10 of the prefabricated masonry panel 12 by the robot. The robot is pre-programmed to follow the line of the joints 10 of the prefabricated masonry panel to be pointed. Advantageously, the robot is movably mounted on a robot support arrangement providing the robot with freedom of movement along an X-Y plane parallel to the prefabricated masonry panel 12 to be pointed.

The apparatus 1 can dispense mortar for pointing the joints 10 of a prefabricated panel 12 where the prefabricated panel is oriented in a substantially horizontal plane as illustrated in Figure 1. Additionally, the jointing apparatus 1 can dispense mortar for pointing the joints 10 of a prefabricated panel 12 where the prefabricated panel is oriented in a substantially vertical plane as illustrated in Figure 2.

In use, an operator fills the storage hopper 3 with a fluent mortar or grout for pointing the joints 10 of a prefabricated panel 12 while ensuring that a flexible portion 6 of the dispensing arrangement 6 is compressed closed to prevent the flow of mortar/grout out of the end of the dispensing arrangement in the most basic embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The prefabricated panel 12 comprises a substrate and plurality of masonry or composite slips 2 such as brick slips which are carefully placed on the substrate creating any desired brick bond suitable for the building the panel is to be mounted on. The gaps are left between the brick slips 2 commensurate with a mortar pointed joint during fabrication of the panels 12. The operator holds the dispensing end 5 of the dispensing arrangement 6 in the end of one of the joints and releases the flexible portion so that the mortar/grout starts to flow from the dispensing arrangement 6. The operator moves the dispensing end 5 along the mortar joint 10 at the desired rate so that the bead 7 of mortar fills the joint to the appropriate level. An operator continues dispensing mortar until they reach the end of the joint. At the end of the joint the operator compresses the flexible portion 6 of the dispensing arrangement 6 to stop the flow of mortar/grout from the dispensing end. The operator can relocate the dispensing end 5 of the dispensing arrangement 6 at the start of an adjacent joint and recommence the process of filling the next joint. Advantageously, an operator can easily compress the flexible portion of the conduit to stop the flow of fluid material when they come to the end of one joint for example and release their grip on the flexible portion of the conduit to start the flow of fluid material to allow pointing of the next joint to commence. The perps can be completed in the same way. A pointing trowel may be used to point the mortar/grout dispensed into the joints 10.

Advantageously, the method for pointing masonry requires no powered drive arrangement Is to drive the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means. Thus reducing moving parts and the risk of machinery breakdown and servicing requirements. Preferably, the method comprises activating the dispensing arrangement for dispensing the continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed. 21)

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination 31) of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for pointing masonry or masonry/composite slips, the apparatus comprising a means for storing a volume of fluid material at a raised height relative to a dispensing location and a means for dispensing a continuous controllable bead of fluid material at the dispensing location into and along a joint between masonry or masonry/composite slips to be pointed and a means for fluidly coupling the storage means and the dispensing means, the fluid coupling means comprising a fluid conduit for delivering the fluid material from the storage means to the dispensing means under the force of gravity.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a fluid material dispensing end and an arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the dispensing means has a fluid material dispensing end and an arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a controller for controlling operation of the dispensing means.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing means has a controller for controlling operation of the dispensing means.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material out through the fluid dispensing end is a valve.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dispensing means has the valve at our about the dispensing end of the dispensing means.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the apparatus has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the dispensing means has a controller for opening and/or closing the valve.
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, 8 or 9, wherein the controller comprising a trigger.
11 An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the controller is mechanically, electrically or electronically coupled to the valve.
12 An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing means comprises a portion of the dispensing means being flexible.
13 An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing means may comprise a flexible portion of conduit provided on the end of the conduit.
14 An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein a portion of the conduit proximal to the dispensing end of the dispensing means is flexible so that an operator can compress and release the flexible portion to stop and start the flow of fluid material.
An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid conduit has a constant cross-sectional diameter along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage means to the dispensing means wherein in this constant cross-sectional diameter fluid conduit, the dispensing means has a cross sectional diameter which tapers.
16 An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fluid conduit has a cross sectional diameter which tapers along the majority of the length of the fluid conduit from the storage means to the dispensing means.
17 An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the conduit is stiff in the cross sectional plane.
18 An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the conduit is flexible to a degree for maneuverability in the axial direction.
19 An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises a hopper mounted above the fluid material dispensing location.
An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage means is mounted on a support means.
21 An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the support means is a raised support means mounted on the floor or suspended from a ceiling or roof structure.
22 An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the storage means is movably mounted above the fluid material dispensing location, the height and/or volume of the storage means being adjustable to adjust the dispensing force acting on the fluid material at the point of dispense, the storage means being movably mounted on the raised support means via carriage means so that the hopper can readily move on the raised support means under the influence of a slight pull force from the operator via the fluid conduit allowing the hopper to follow the path of the operator.
23 An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing means of the apparatus can be supported by a robot and the robot is capable of moving the dispensing means along the joints of the prefabricated masonry panel for delivering the fluid material into the joints for pointing them.
24 An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the arrangement for starting and stopping the flow of fluid material from the dispensing means comprises the robot.An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the robot has means for varying the dimensions of the bead of fluid material being dispensed by the apparatus.