Abstract: A set of complementary block units suitable for wall construction includes a first block unit of cylindrical contour (e.g., circular, elliptical, hexagonal) and a plurality of interstitial block units for interfacing and supporting the circular or elliptical block units when arranged in a suitable pattern. Each block unit may include a peripheral groove or ridge suitable for receiving grouting. The blocks are formed with surfaces having complementary shaped edges, such that any one of a plurality of interstitial block units will interface with any cylindrical block unit of a set. Three configurations of interstitial units enable combination with cylindrical units in edge, corner and internal positions within a wall or window structure.

Abstract: A building unit including a base unit including a non-curvilinear front face, two side faces, a back face, a top face, and a bottom face. A glaze portion is applied to the front face of the base unit. The glaze portion includes a front face having a curvilinear portion including at least a portion of an inside corner, a back face adjacent the front face of the base unit, two side faces, a top face, and a bottom face.

Abstract: An earth stabilization structure and methods for making and using thereof are provided. The structure comprises a compressed annular tire wall stack unit encased in a reinforced matrix shell. The structure is preferably octagonal and cross-sectioned and preferably have a hollow core. The structure has welding elements for fixedly attaching adjacent structures together in the form of weld elements from any adjacent structures to be welded together. A stabilization wall is also provided by rigidly attaching a plurality obstructors together using the weld elements. The method involves providing a mold having a central pipe, compacting a plurality of tire sidewalls to provide a compacted annular tire wall stack unit (bundle), placing the bundle over the pipe, placing weld elements at the bottom of the mold, placing concrete in the mold, permitting the concrete to solidify, and removing the resultant structure from the mold.

Abstract: An educational set of amusement blocks includes a set of a plurality of pairs of mirror image multi-sided sided blocks. In each set, each block preferably includes seven sides, including various geometric shapes for each side. The blocks are stable, and can stand independently on five of the seven sides. The seven sides are distributed over the three dimensional surface of each block, so as to form structures having a wide base for weight distribution. Each block includes a cantilevered peak, to effect stability, and thereby enable the blocks to stand on five of its seven sides. Because of their stability, the blocks do not topple so easily, and therefore can be used for building intricate structures without the need for interlocking joints. Corresponding planes of one type of block and its mirror image are either painted the same color or in complementary colors, thereby forming patterns which are pleasing to the eye.

Abstract: An arcuate building structure containing at least three five-sided building blocks, at least three six-sided building blocks, and said five-sided and six-sided building blocks are independently able to provide means for connecting one of said five-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The top side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape, and is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the six-sided block. The front side of the six-sided block has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The right edge and the left edge have equal lengths and form equal angles with the bottom edge. The back side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape with at least two sides equal in length to each other.

Abstract: A building block for a wall enables the blocks to be mounted in offset and flush modes. The block has an extension portion on the bottom, making the bottom longer than the top. The rearward lug protrudes from the bottom at the extension portion. The forward lug protrudes from the bottom forward of the rearward lug. In the offset mode, the upper row of blocks rests on the lower row with the forward lug of the upper row engaging the rearward end of the lower row of blocks. In the flush mode, the forward lug is removed and the blocks positioned with the forward end substantially flush. The rearward lugs of the upper row will then engage the rearward ends of the lower row. Holes extend through the blocks for receiving pins for interlocking them together. Some of the holes are elongated. The pins have enlarged heads which locate in the elongated holes, but will not fit in the cylindrical holes.

Abstract: 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. The blocks have back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front 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. 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 is also explained.

Abstract: 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. The blocks have back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front 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. Also included is 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: 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. The blocks of the invention comprise back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front 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.

Abstract: A refractory brick that has a rear portion with a geometrical concavity on one side and a corresponding convex projection on the other side, the concavity and projection being matched so that the concavity mates with the corresponding projection of a similar refractory brick when the two are disposed in side-by-side relationship. Extending perpendicular from the base portion is a generally rectangular projection such that when a plurality of bricks are disposed in a side-by-side array, they are locked together by the mating concavities and projections, and the generally rectangular projections extend inwardly to form a thicker lining to withstand the force of a tap stream of molten metal for a longer duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially shaped structural components for use in the construction of furnaces, foundries, and similar applications. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved flue wall in a high temperature furnace. The improved flue wall is constructed of specially shaped bricks to improve the tensile strength of the wall, increase the shear transfer capacity of the wall, and thus improve the flue wall life. The flue wall is constructed of specially designed refractory bricks joined together by air and/or heat-set mortar and arranged in courses, and comprises two parallel face walls parallel to the chambers wherein the carbon blocks are positioned and enclosing a flue chamber, two side walls generally perpendicular to the face walls enclosing the lower portion of the flue chamber, and baffle bricks and tie bricks arranged in a number of noncontinuous columns throughout the flue wall.

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: A retaining wall block is provided which comprises a forward, face portion and a tail portion spaced rearwardly of said face portion and extending generally parallel thereto, said face portion and said tail portion being connected by a central web. A downwardly depending abutment member is formed on the bottom of said face portion to serve as a spacing mechanism for offsetting successive courses of block, thereby imparting a uniform backslope to the retaining wall. The block is designed in such a fashion that portions of the spacing mechanism may be easily removed or modified so as to permit different angles of backslope.

Abstract: A concrete building block (10) having a top (12), a bottom (14), substantially identical first and second end portions (16, 18) and a central portion (20). First and second end portions (16, 18) each have a connector pin (28, 34) and a complementary connector socket (30, 36), where each connector pin and connector socket generate about a vertical axis of generation (A1, A2). The block (10) also includes a lifting eye (46) that projects upwardly from a well (50) and a decorative surface (56) of vertical ridges and valleys on at least the first side (22), and a first and second end surfaces (26, 32). An alternate block (11) includes a circular top (58), a circular bottom (60), and a sidewall (62). Block (11) also includes a connector pin (64), a complementary connector socket (66) and a vertical axis of generation A3, of which connector pin (64) and connector socket (66) generate about, and a means for engaging block 11 with a lifting device.

Abstract: Interlocking stackable block structures for use in erecting a shock-resistant wall array and including block structures in both fence block and post block configurations. The top surface of each of the blocks has a pair of parallelly disposed upwardly protruding laterally extending ridge projections which mate and interlock with projections formed on the bottom surface of the block. The block configuration is further provided with cores for drainage and load reduction purposes, but the upper and lower mating faces of the block have a load-bearing web which supports a superimposed stacked block thereon. The cores of the post block contain a reinforcing rod held in grout so as to provide strength and stability. Also, the post block structures are provided with recesses for lockingly receiving fence block therein, thereby providing an arrangement where the fence block array floats within the recesses and is thereby provided with a greater degree of stability.

Abstract: A cast concrete block that is cast on its side and can be separated into at least three construction blocks to be used in constructing a retaining wall system. The cast concrete block has a top face and a bottom face. The block is bounded by an elongate base side, two elongate edge sides and an elongate top side. First and second elongate splitting grooves are formed in at least one of the top face and bottom face. The splitting grooves extend between the top side and the base side. The splitting grooves are spaced inwardly from the opposite first and second edge sides. Preferably, each of the splitting grooves are paired with a corresponding secondary groove in an opposite face of the block so that each splitting groove and its corresponding secondary groove are parallel with each other and lie in a common plane that is substantially perpendicular to the broad faces of the block.

Abstract: A precast concrete roof trim system comprising linear edge segments installed in the side edges of a roof and corner segments installed on the corners of the roof. The corner segments each have free ends engaging the corresponding ends of a spaced pair of the edge segments. Each edge and corner segment has a roof engaging portion with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface engages the roof when the segment is in a first position, and the second surface, which is transverse to the first surface, engages the roof when the segment is in a second position. Each segment has an extension which overhangs the roof when the segment is in the first position and extends upwardly from the roof when the segment is in the second position.

Abstract: All elements are designed in a modular manner on the base of a unitary length. They include elements comprising more than one square having side lengths a and a camfered edge b at an angle of 45.degree.. The elements, which can be produced in the form of paving stones, or thin ceramics tiles, or trough stones and can be laid out to create floor or wall coverings, allow to lay out all letters, numbers or common symbols, as well as a great variety of other figures, and to provide them with straight-lined borderings without the need of breaking, grinding or otherwise altering a single element. It is understood that said elements can be differently colored in order to emphasize them.

Abstract: Stackable construction blocks include generally parallel first and second faces and recess means on said first face including a central socket adapted to receive and support the end of a post and a channel means adapted to receive and support the end of a beam, and on the second face one or more channels adapted to receive and support a portion of a beam.

Abstract: A building structure which contains a hexagonal building unit and a pentagonal building unit joined together by a plug. There are six triangularly-shaped building blocks in the hexagonal unit, and the base angles of these building blocks is from about 60.6 to about 60.8 degrees. There are five triangularly-shaped building blocks in the pentagonal unit, and the base angles of these building blocks is from about 54.5 to about 54.7 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention describes a cylindrical armor unit for use in a revent structure, herein referred to as Vatia Stone. These units are shaped for: i) optimal strength, positional stability and durability; ii) interlocking along all major axes; iii) flexible interlocking capability with each other for abrupt transitions in shorelines; and iv) natural aesthetic qualities. These qualities in combination provide a significant improvement over existing structures. The Vatia Stones are uniformly placed over an erosion controlled shoreline surface and have an optimal interlocking capability between individual units for maximum stabilization. Each unit has an upper and lower surface which can be shaped geometrically to fit the natural surroundings, e.g. look like natural stone as one example.

Abstract: A landscape module includes a plurality of projections at predetermined intervals positioned around the periphery of the back and sidewalls to index modules when they are stacked. The landscape module is constructed to be filled with fill material such as dirt, gravel, sand, etc. It is lightweight and has an imitation concrete front. The preferred embodiment has sidewalls which include a first and second part with the projections only being on the underside of the second part of the sidewall and the back wall.

Abstract: A refractory system for a reactor for producing carbon black. The system comprises a plurality of refractory bricks having an elongate axis arranged to provide at least one path through which a gas can flow. The path extends substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis and a plurality of the refractory bricks present a cross-sectional aspect to the gas How which decreases, in the downstream direction, from a maximum aspect to reduce dead regions in gas flow adjacent the refractory bricks.

Abstract: A concrete armor or erosion prevention module for the protection of river, lake, and reservoir banks, shorelines and other structures is characterized by a central elongate concrete member and two outer elongate concrete members connected on opposites sides of the central member. The outer members have parallel longitudinal axes extending normal to the longitudinal axis of the central member. These elongate members all have an octagonal cross-section and are further configured such that their cross-sectional area decreases from an intermediate portion towards opposite ends thereof. A plurality of the modules may be interlocked to form a cohesive array or barrier which protects shorelines and other structure from erosive hydrodynamic forces.

Abstract: A soil retention wall system 10 includes a plurality of vertical piles 12 placed in spaced succession. A plurality of hollow polymeric lagging members 14 are stacked transversely relative to, and spanning between, successive piles to form the wall. Each lagging member is formed from a shell having a major wall 106 defining top and bottom surfaces 28 and 30, and first and second endwalls 36 and 38 each adapted to be engagable with an adjacent pile. In a preferred embodiment, the shell 24 is of unitary, one-piece construction.

Abstract: A surface covering slab element with a unique shape which has a combination of straight edges and complementary concave and convex edges. Numerous slab elements of this shape can be assembled in a variety of different ways for generating circular, straight and curved patterns with interfacing edges for connecting curved patterns to straight patterns.

Abstract: The invention is a modular-shaped, lightweight concrete block that can be pivotally interlocked with other blocks of the same size without having to use grout and pins or additional attachment apparatus. The building block comprises a pair of vertically aligned side faces and horizontally aligned top and bottom faces that are joined at opposite lateral ends with rounded end faces. A pair of tenons extend out the top face of the block at opposite lateral ends and are coaxially aligned with complementary mortises formed into the bottom face. The unique end face configuration in combination with the location of the tenon, allow two adjacent blocks to be interlocked together in a wide range of angles. The invention also includes a novel handle configuration that is located in the middle of the block.

Abstract: A brick for use in a high temperature furnace, or the like, having a body portion with at least one tongue and groove pair in at least one of the body surfaces with anchor means formed integrally with the body portion. Tie-back brick assemblies are formed by mating at least two of such brick and clamping them together.A lining for use in such furnaces is formed by using such tie-back assemblies with conventionally shaped brick.

Abstract: An interlocking block for use in the construction of a mortarless retaining wall wherein a plurality of interlocking blocks are stacked in a number of successive offset courses of blocks, a block in an upper row being in overlapping relation with respect to the joint between blocks in an immediately underlying row. The interlocking block comprises an interlocking member and a block body having top and bottom support surfaces and rear, front and side surfaces.

Abstract: This invention deals with certain specific building blocks that can be used to build stable retaining walls and stable decorative walls having novel features such as convenience in manufacturing, handling, and using.

Abstract: An arcuate building structure containing at least three five-sided building blocks, at least three six-sided building blocks, and means for connecting one of said five-sided building blocks to at least one of said six-sided building blocks. The top side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape, and is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the six-sided block. The front side of the six-sided block has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, and a left edge. The right edge and the left edge have equal lengths and form equal angles with the bottom edge. The back side of the six-sided block has a substantially triangular shape with at least two sides equal in length to each other. The left and right sides of the six-sided block are congruent with each other, are in the shape of a parallelogram, and contain a recess within their borders.

Abstract: Construction block units having spaced vertical bores with angularly disposed reduced rear access openings are assembled without mortar and have elongated rearwardly extending anchors with head ends received in the bores, the outer portions of adjacent converging anchors interengaging and supported so that the head ends extend vertically above a row of units for engagement by a second row of units to form a retaining wall. A freestanding wall is formed by parallel rows of facing block units interengaged by anchors having head ends at each end engaging angularly disposed bore openings in the facing offset units and supported so that the head ends extend into successive stacked staggered units.

Abstract: Hemispherical dome comprising a plurality of rigid longitudinally extending and radially oriented cells of like size and shape, and arranged in a plurality of circular rows. Each cell is essentially frustopyramidal in shape, having a polygonal cross-sectional shape and tapering slightly in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other. The longitudinal edges of each cell lie along radii of the hemisphere. Each cell is a hollow structure, having side wall means which completely surround an interior air space and which include spaced apart top and bottom walls. It can be formed of a lightweight material, preferably a plastic and especially polycarbonate. The hemispherical dome of this invention provides a lightweight, strong and energy efficient structure which does not require internal supports.

Abstract: This invention deals with certain specific building blocks that when used in combination, are essentially the only required building blocks to construct an entire building including foundations, if required, floors, bonding beams, supporting and non-supporting walls supporting and non-supporting partitions, and roofs.

Abstract: A molded base element includes a base element body having a substantially rhomboid longitudinal sectional shape and formed of two side walls intersecting one another along a longitudinal direction. Each of the side walls extends between longitudinally spaced cut surfaces and has a base surface adjacent a free end thereof opposite the intersection of the side walls. Slots or holes can be formed at the flattened surface at the line of intersection. Alternatively, grooves can be formed on the inner or end surfaces of the walls.

Abstract: A retaining wall building block comprises a face wall and two side walls extending rearwardly from the face wall from the opposite ends thereof with the face wall and two side walls being shaped and arranged such that the block has a generally C-shaped configuration as viewed from above. An ear projects outwardly from one of the side walls. A notch is provided in the other of the side walls for receiving the ear of a second building block of identical construction when the blocks are placed in side-by-side relation. The blocks may pivot relative to one another about a generally vertical axis such that a plurality of blocks of substantially identical construction may be selectively arranged in a variety of configurations ranging from a generally straight-line configuration, a generally convex configuration and a generally concave configuration.

Abstract: A building block with a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape is disclosed. This block, which contains at least 90 weight percent of ceramic material, has three walls which are joined to each other. Each of the walls defines a four-sided shape whose top and bottom side have substantially the same length but whose left side has a length which is greater than its right side.

Abstract: A set of building blocks is provided suitable as a toy, as a design for the construction of structures such as walls, and as a design for the packaging of food and other items. The set includes blocks which are removably connected together. In one embodiment, the block had a top and bottom plane, three end planes and three side planes. The top and bottom plane are parallel to each other. The three end planes are perpendicular to both the top and bottom planes. A first end plane is equal in length to positive integer multiples of the length of each of the second and third end planes. The second and third end planes are perpendicular to a first side plane. The second and third end planes each project from opposite ends of the first side plane. The second end plane is distanced at a point between the first and third end planes. The first side plane is distanced at a point between a second side plane and a third side plane.

Abstract: A paving block assembly and first and second paving blocks therefor. The first and second paving blocks are combined to form a continuous paving surface. Spacers are provided on the blocks for assuring, among other things, correct positioning of the blocks in a continuous paving surface. The paving blocks have concave and convex curved side surfaces, which increase the durability of the paving blocks. The paving blocks in the paving block assembly form an arch shaped pattern, which increases the stability of the paving block assembly.

Abstract: A bulk material supporting wall comprises at least two beams arranged at an angle to one another and connected in a form-locking or material-locking manner. One beam is a longitudinal beam extending substantially parallel to the wall plane and the other is a cross beam extending at an angle to the longitudinal beam. The first beam comprises at least two profile legs arranged at an angle to one another. The first profile leg forms a bulk material bearing surface which covers the central part of the longitudinal beam's cross section. The second profile leg forms a bulk material retaining surface which faces the inside space of the frame and is arranged offset to the outside of the frame with respect to the bearing surface and at an angle to the bearing surface. The first profile leg has a wedge-shaped cross-section and a substantially plane bottom surface forming the underside of the wedge-like cross-section.

Abstract: A wall element consists of a ground wall with a shield that is placed on it perpendicularly and side walls extending laterally from the shield to the rear. In high walls that can be 7 meters or higher, in order to withstand the high static load that exerts force on the ground wall the side walls are formed in such a manner that their upper front surfaces are situated above the groove-shaped recesses located in the bottom surface of the ground wall, so that the load is transferred only via the side walls and prevents the side walls from collapsing.

Abstract: A system of form bodies for use as a toy building blocks, decorative objects, in particular for display use, furniture structures, sculptural building components etc., wherein each form body has the shape of a polyhedron, in which polygonal side faces with each other form polyhedral outward extending protuberances and/or polyhedral inward extending notches for the assembling of differently shaped bodies into spatial structures. In a first group of form bodies each form body is shaped on the basis of a cube and the protuberances and/or notches of the form body are shaped on the basis of a subbody of a cuve and with a shape like a pyramid with a square base, two of the side faces being perpendicular to the base at adajcent sides thereof and each of them has the form of an isosceles right triangle.

Abstract: A mortarless building block system employs primary blocks with projection on the top sides and recesses on the bottom sides to lock different courses of primary blocks together in a wall. The primary blocks in one course are rotated by 180.degree. with respect to the primary blocks in the next course. Each primary block has a generally rectangular main portion and a bulbous portion of the same width as the main portion. The bulbous portion is joined to the main portion at one end thereof, and the other end of the main portion has a concave socket region which receives the bulbous portion of another primary block. The bulbous portion may be shaped as an incomplete regular dodecagon (12-sided polygon), irregular polygon, or cylinder. In addition to the primary blocks, the building block system includes covers for the top course of primary blocks and auxiliary blocks corresponding to the bulbous portions of the primary blocks.

Abstract: Blocks cast from concrete into various shapes that include interlocking mortise and tenon corner blocks, cylindrical blocks stackable on a foundation course of base blocks formed with semi-cylindrical channels in which the cylindrical blocks fit, semi-cylindrical blocks and interlocking edging blocks of various forms function as basic modules from which retaining walls and the like may be assembled in the absence of mortar, building forms or poured concrete.

Abstract: In an embankment block with essentially a frame-like design for the construction of embankment structures on which plants can be planted, the front longitudinal wall (1) is shaped approximately like a shield, whereby the same projects on the top side and in longitudinal direction over the frame outlines by approximately a wall thickness.

Abstract: Interlocking building blocks are disclosed which are designed to be used to form a lintel over a doorway, window or other opening in a building structure. The building blocks of the present invention are designed to interface with generally rectangular cubic building blocks which are used to form walls of a building. The inventive blocks include passageways therethrough allowing receipt of reinforcing rebar steel and interconnect to form a smooth consistent and effective structure.

Abstract: A landscaping block for a retaining wall includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, first and second end walls, and upper and lower steps on the side walls for interlocking with overlying and underlying blocks. The blocks also include a transversely extending step that extends downwardly from one end of the bottom wall for engaging an underlying block while preventing a front wall of an overlying block from contacting the front wall of the underlying block.

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: A construction block adapted to interact with other like blocks has a body substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a first bearing face, a second bearing face opposite the first bearing face, two sides faces and two end faces. The first bearing face is provided, at one end thereof, with a transverse upstanding ridge, and the second bearing face is provided at the same end, with a transverse notch of less width than the ridge. When the blocks are assembled in courses to produce a retaining wall, the notch of the block of one course is adapted to nest with the inboard side of the ridge of a block in an adjacent course whereby the blocks of one course interact with the blocks of the adjacent course to resist pressure exerted by the earth or soil to be retained, and the resulting retaining wall slopes slightly from the vertical toward the earth or soil being retained. Preferably, the ridge is trapezoidal in cross section, and the notch is constituted by a bevel.

Abstract: A revetment block for being coupled with other similar blocks to form a flexible revetment mat for controlling erosion of soil, having a grid having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces, and wherein a tongue extends from at least one of the side surfaces, each tongue having a height and width less than the total height and width of the grid, and wherein each of the side surfaces which has no tongue has a tongue receiving cavity surrounded by a pair of cavity sidewalls, a cavity backwall and a cavity upperwall, the cavity being of a size sufficient to receive and allow limited vertical and horizontal movement of tongues from other blocks within the cavity.