Abstract: A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.

Abstract: An architectural building block including a generally triangular block having an outer wall, an inner wall disposed in substantially parallel configuration with respect to the outer wall and three side walls, each adjoining the outer wall and the inner wall. One of the side walls includes dual inverse mirror planes and each of the other two of which includes a single inverse mirror plane. At least one the side walls is configured to be positionable so as to mate with a side wall of an abuttingly disposed block, whereby curved structures may be constructed from a plurality of such blocks to form a dihedral angle between each set of two blocks. In one embodiment, the inner wall further includes at least one depression disposed on the inner wall of the block.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.

Abstract: A stackable surface module is provided for a wall surface that can be both erected and dismantled. The stackable surface module is especially useful in certain applications, such as for earthquake-resistant walls, a cupola, a bridge, a site fence, a noise protection wall, an upwind power station, a heat exchanger or a coastal protection wall.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wall block system has at least one block, multiples of the at least one block being suitable for use in constructing a wall from multiple courses of the blocks stacked one upon the other. For example, the wall block system can comprise at least one block having opposed first and second faces, the area of the first face being greater than the area of the second face, wherein the first face or second face can serve as an exposed face on one side of the wall, and each block having an upper surface and lower formed with a single central slot to receive a three-way block-connecting element thereby allowing vertically adjacent blocks in a wall to be interconnected in three different positions to establish a neutral batter, negative batter or a positive batter between blocks in adjacent courses.

Abstract: A prefabricated building that is easily assembled from plastic components or elements. These elements are formed in a shape that has special joining configurations to allow the elements to longitudinally slide into respective receiving grooves on an adjacent element to form the building structure. The elements have a surface inclination so that when they are joined to adjacent elements they give the building a cylindrical outer shape. Other elements are joined together in a similar fashion to form vertical walls to form the front and back of the building and dividing walls.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a molded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A modular block system comprises a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, and a capstone, the first block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side being slanted from the front face toward the back face, the second block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first and second sides being slanted from the front face toward the back face, the third block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side being slanted from the front face toward the back face, and the fourth block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side and the second side being from the front face t

Abstract: An igloo building block mold comprises a shell defining a pair of generally cuboid mold portions. The mold portions are offset from one another in both an upright direction extending between the top and bottom ends of the mold portions and a lateral direction extending between the end walls of each mold portion. A building block formed by the mold, when stacked on a previous row of blocks, permits inter-engagement between the blocks due to a shoulder being formed on each block which engages the corresponding shoulder of a previous block supported therebelow. The offset in the lateral direction permits side edges of each block to be inter-engaged with adjacent blocks as the blocks are placed in the desired position in the igloo structure during construction.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.

Abstract: A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall.

Abstract: An architrave support for supporting one or more sections comprises a plurality of planar portions and preferably a base support which together form a preferably self supporting arch-like shaped architrave support. Each planar portion has a pair of opposite oblique ends abutting another said planar portion or the base support. The plurality of planar portions are in series, preferably mitred, at their oblique ends to form the arch-like shaped architrave support. The support may be preformed or in a kit, either together with or separately to corresponding architrave portions for attachment thereto to form an architrave. The support is useful for forming architrave arches above doorways or windows.

Abstract: A construction block for use with other like construction blocks to build a retaining wall. The block has substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, and two substantially parallel sides. The front of the block is “bullet shaped,” with a front nose surface being substantially perpendicular to the top, bottom, and side surfaces. Angled front sides join the nose surface to the sides, forming a 45° angle with the front and side surfaces. The rear portion of the block is generally a mirror of the front portion, with a rear surface that is substantially parallel to the front nose surface and substantially perpendicular to the top, bottom, and side surfaces. Angled rear “tail” surfaces connect the side surfaces to the rear surface at a 45° angle. The edges where the top surface joins the side and front surfaces may be beveled. At least one hole is located in the front portion of the block, passing vertically through the block from the top surface through the bottom surface.

Abstract: A sheet of shingles for application to the ridge or hips of a roof. Two or more shingles are arranged in a generally straight line with the tops of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another, with the bottoms of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another. The second edge of a prior shingle overlaps and is above the first edge of any immediately subsequent shingle. Two or more mechanical fasteners are placed in the overlapping area of adjacent shingles to connect such shingles, leaving the corners unattached so that the upper, overlapping corners can be lifted to nail the lower, overlapped corners to the roof. Tar is placed between the overlapping and the overlapped corners in order to utilize solar energy to seal the corners of the adjacent shingles to one another after the nails have been inserted.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective material disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A retaining wall comprising a series of differently sized, pre-formed horizontal and vertical blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to operatively connect adjacent courses together. The horizontal, blocks are formed in incremental thicknesses and may be stacked in various combinations equivalent to the height of the vertical, blocks. The location of the abutment member relative to the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A building material apparatus forms a shaped structure about and protects a support. A plurality of blocks are stackable in vertical and horizontal positions such that the blocks stack vertically adjacent for a length of the column and horizontally adjacent for a perimeter of the column. The blocks are made of a material which may be restored to an original condition after being damaged. An inner surface of each block is sized and shaped to cooperate with the column such that the inner surface substantially abuts the column. A plurality of reinforcing members supports the blocks. The reinforcing members have a length based on the vertical length formed by the blocks and are disposed in between discontinuous surfaces of horizontally adjacent blocks. An adhesive material securely joins the plurality of blocks to the reinforcing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering element for making a ground gutter, with an upper side where a groove portion is provided, a lower side, two oppositely disposed longitudinal sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, a first face supporting a first registration section of the groove portion, and, in opposed relation, a second face supporting a second registration section of the groove portion, such that the faces each provide at least one projecting portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, and at least one receptive portion shaped at recess in the longitudinal direction of the groove portion, in which projecting portion can be brought into engagement with a recessed portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, and each recessed portion can be brought into engagement with a projecting portion of a neighbouring ground covering element, such that an edge formed between the lower side and the first face has a configuration which is essential

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A concrete retaining wall is disclosed on which flora can be cultured and a method for constructing the same. The retaining wall has a steel skeleton constructed with basal H-beams, aerial H-beams, L-beams, structural steel tubes and steel plates. The basal H-beams and the aerial beams are arranged in a direction parallel with the earth's surface and at a significant angle to the earth's surface, respectively, at such space intervals and dimensions that the retaining wall structure has sufficient bending resistance to overcome active earth pressures. The L-beams, the structural steel tubes and the steel plates are provided as reinforcements between the H-beams. Watertight concrete is applied to the basal H-beams. Wire mesh is attached to the aerial H-beams, the L-beams, the structural tubes and steel plates. The wire-mesh-mounted structure is coated with water-permeable concrete to form a stepped or embossed external surface.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete masonry unit of the present invention contains, before being mixed with water, about 11 to 11.5% by weight of cement, about 47 to 47.5% by weight of pumice lightweight aggregate, about 22.5 to 23% by weight of other aggregate, about 18 to 18.5% by weight of sand, liquid color pigment as required to provide a desired color, and liquid admixture(s) as required to meet water impermeation standards.

Abstract: A floor, wall, roof, or ceiling of a building is made of specially adapted beams and overlying panels. The beams have a layer of foam material on their edges. The foam material can include a resiliently compressible material, a thermally insulating material, or a material which possesses both of these properties. The panels are positioned over the beams so that the foam material is sandwiched between the beams and the panels. When the panels are fastened to the beams, the resiliently compressible foam material partially compresses, thereby filling any gaps which may form between the beams and the panels. The resiliently compressible foam material thus prevents relative movement between the panel and the beams which would otherwise produce squeaks. When the foam material includes thermal insulating material, it forms a thermal barrier between panels and beams, especially metal beams, thereby eliminating various drawbacks of construction using metal beams.

Abstract: A building system has interlocking frame members which interengage to form a rectilinear frame. To prevent the interengaged frame members from disengaging, a lock element is associated with a joint between frame members. This lock element is a rotary lock with a trilobal locking surface. Additional locking capability can be provided by a lock ring or collar which surrounds a joint between two frame members and prevents unintentional disengagement.

Abstract: Protecting systems for coasts, breakwaters, slopes, dikes, sand dunes and similar, and more particular improvements in self-locking blocks forming component elements of protection structures against erosion, to the process of assembling said structure, as well as the resulting structure. The purpose is to afford a structure adapted to counteract the destructive and erosive action of external physical phenomena, such as wing, water, and the like, with respect to coasts, slopes, breakwaters, dikes and sand dunes.

Abstract: A building brick includes a through-extending bore of a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration to ease removal of a building brick from a mold during fabrication. The central bore permits the stacking of the building bricks to include the bottom wall in downward orientation to accommodate a greater quantity of mortar at the base portion thereof for a stable mortar configuration in use. A further embodiment of the invention includes the bottom wall of a concave configuration to assist in the positioning of mortar between adjacent building bricks, as well as a further embodiment including a forward wall flange extending downwardly relative to the concave surface and a second end wall flange to assist in the positioning of mortar between adjacent bricks to secure the mortar in a semi-solid state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a keystone set for installation in the transition region between two sections of an arch-shaped support structure, the set consisting of two transition stones, between which at least one keystone is axially insertable.

Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of a self-supporting body of cellular structure, great rigidity, and capable of withstanding stresses exerting in all directions, either separately or together, of withstanding impacts, pressure, shock waves, acoustical and thermal phenomena, and using free volumes as assemblies having different characteristics or as shock absorbing means. The invention also provides the possibility of varying the weight of said body by being filled with various fluids which may be static or flowing, which may be at various different pressures, and which may contain specialized agents on a permanent basis or which may be put into action under certain constraints of pressure, temperature, etc.

Abstract: A building block, which is adapted to be assembled with other such blocks to form a structural unit, includes a tetrahedrally shaped block body. The block body has an upper edge, two upper triangular faces sloping downwardly and mutally diverging from the upper edge, a lower edge, and two lower triangular faces sloping downwardly and mutually converging to the lower edge. The lower edge is disposed orthogonally and spaced below the upper edge. The building block further includes a hooking lip formed on and projecting from each of its upper and lower faces. The hooking lip of one block is adapted to interlockingly engage a hooking lip of another block. When the building blocks are so engaged, they may be assembled in an overlapping, geometric, self-supporting arrangement suitable for load bearing applications.

Abstract: This application discloses a system of construction that uses as its main component, a flat panel member similar to a standard 2.times.8 timber with both edges beveled at a 45.degree. angle in opposite directions with an interlocking female recess in one of the 45.degree. sections and an interlocking male extrusion on the opposing 45.degree. section. These components may be assembled to provide: (1) a straight narrow wall by reversing adjacent panels and sliding male extrusions and female recesses together, (2) assembly of two adjacent panels to form an angle by sliding male extrusion and female recess together without reversing the sections, (3) forming a U channel by sliding three sections together in a similar manner, (4) sliding four sections together in a similar manner to form a square, hollow beam section.

Abstract: Wall structure of a hot fluid chamber, comprisingAn inner metal wall;A plurality of support pins regularly arranged on and projecting outward from the surface of the inner metal wall;A plurality of coupling members fixed to the inner metal plate by the support pins, each coupling member being of a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape and made of a heat-insulating refractory material;A plurality of heat-insulating refractory blocks mounted between the coupling members, each block having the underside portion provided with a cushioning layer formed of an elastic refractory material;A heat-insulating layer formed of an elastic refractory material and covering the surfaces of the coupling members and of the heat-insulating refractory blocks; andAn outer metal wall covering the heat-insulating layer.

Abstract: A structural module is provided having at least three triangular prismatic elements arranged such that a similar quadrangular sidewall of each prismatic element forms a common quadrangular wall of the entire module.

Abstract: A refractory block particularly for lining furnaces intended for heating scrap or ore to be employed in steelmaking, comprises an envelope made of soft steel and a plate of stainless steel welded to the envelope and forming the block face directed towards the interior of the furnace. The envelope is filled with a refractory material, and the plate comprises means by which it is anchored in the refractory material.