Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface each lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block. The invention also comprises a method of block molding and a mold assembly which may be used to make a block which may be stackable to form structures of varying setback.

Abstract: The invention is a heated stripper shoe assembly for use in manufacture of concrete masonry blocks. The heated stripper shoe has a stripper shoe plate, at least one heat blocks and at least one heat element fitted within the heat block. Optionally, the stripper shoe assembly may also include a heat shroud positioned over the heat block on the upper surface of the stripper shoe plate, a standoff attached to the heat shroud for affixing the assembly to a block machine, and a mold for use with the stripper shoe assembly. The invention also includes methods of using the assembly.

Abstract: The invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, the sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.