Abstract: A splitting apparatus comprising a first splitting blade having a smooth top with a width X and a shoulder angle of less than the friction angle, relative to a point in the middle of the top, and a second splitting blade disposed opposite the first splitting blade, the second splitting blade having a smooth top with a width Y and a shoulder angle of less than the friction angle, relative to a point in the middle of the top.

Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks suitable for constructing a retaining wall comprising a modified arc segment shape cap block, a modified arc segment shape first wall block, and a modified arc segment shape second wall block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing masonry blocks using a face mix shuttle comprising an angled shovel for depositing a controllable amount of face mix onto a surface of a masonry block.

Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.

Abstract: A barbecue oven that enables operator control of the combustion process through selective control of gas flow through and/or around a hot, oxygenated bed of coals and further enables automatic control of oven temperature through thermostatic regulation of forced draft.

Abstract: A paver comprising a first side having a length L1 and a groove disposed along the length L1 of the first side. A second side having a length L2 and a tongue disposed along the length L2 of the second side. A third side opposite the first side and having a tongue with length L3 disposed along the first side, where the length L3 is less than the length L1. A fourth side having a substantially flat surface with a length L4, where the length L4 is equal to L1 minus L3.

Abstract: A barbecue cooking apparatus is provided. The barbecue cooking apparatus includes a firebox comprising a housing having solid walls. A charcoal tray is disposed within the housing, and one or more vents are disposed in the housing above the charcoal tray. One or more vents are disposed in the charcoal tray. An upper interior chamber within the housing above the charcoal tray is configured to hold wood and charcoal. A lower interior chamber within the housing below the charcoal tray is configured to provide a volume for the collection of wood ash. A duct is attached to the housing and forms a passageway from the lower interior chamber for heated air and wood smoke.

Abstract: A concrete block comprising a front face having a height H1 and a width L1. A lip disposed underneath the front have having a height H2. A rear face having a height H3 and a width L2, wherein the rear face is shorter than the sum of H1 plus H2 by an amount H4, and wherein the sum of H1 plus H2 equals the sum of H3 plus H4. An upper surface forming a channel.

Abstract: A barbecue cooking apparatus is provided. The barbecue cooking apparatus includes a firebox comprising a housing having solid walls. A charcoal tray is disposed within the housing, and one or more vents are disposed in the housing above the charcoal tray. One or more vents are disposed in the charcoal tray. An upper interior chamber within the housing above the charcoal tray is configured to hold wood and charcoal. A lower interior chamber within the housing below the charcoal tray is configured to provide a volume for the collection of wood ash. A duct is attached to the housing and forms a passageway from the lower interior chamber for heated air and wood smoke.

Abstract: A structural block is provided. The structural block has a top and a bottom. A first sidewall section is between the top and the bottom. A second sidewall section is between the first sidewall section and one of the top or the bottom, and the second sidewall section is angularly disposed relative to the first sidewall section, so as to form a feature that interlocks with an adjacent structural block.

Abstract: A barbecue cooking apparatus is provided. The barbecue cooking apparatus includes a firebox comprising a housing having solid walls. A charcoal tray is disposed within the housing, and one or more vents are disposed in the housing above the charcoal tray. One or more vents are disposed in the charcoal tray. An upper interior chamber within the housing above the charcoal tray is configured to hold wood and charcoal. A lower interior chamber within the housing below the charcoal tray is configured to provide a volume for the collection of wood ash. A duct is attached to the housing and forms a passageway from the lower interior chamber for heated air and wood smoke.