Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.

Abstract: A plantable retaining wall block having a plant-receiving cavity located in a top surface thereof. The block is constructed so that the plant-receiving cavity lies between portions of side walls which are generally parallel with a front face of the block. The shape of the block is such that a nearly vertical retaining wall may be constructed such that each plant-receiving cavity is substantially exposed to allow vegetation to be planted. The wall block may include a connection member or an alignment member to allow the block to be stabilized and aligned with blocks in adjacent rows of a retaining wall.

Abstract: A building construction block includes a body made of a rigid material and having a substantially rectangular-shaped main portion, a wedge-shaped offset portion formed integral with the main portion, a pair of opposite side surfaces, a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface and a rear surface. The top surface and opposite side surfaces are defined on both the main and offset portions. The rear and bottom surfaces are defined on the main portion. The front surface is defined on the offset portion and extends in a generally inclined direction from the bottom surface to the top surface and away from the rear surface. A first part of the top surface on the main portion receives and supports a first building component over the main portion, while a second part of the top surface on the offset portion receives and supports a second building component over the offset portion.

Abstract: A concrete construction system enabling the construction of multi-storey buildings using single storey wall panels and elevated flat slabs is provided. The invention provides a plurality of concrete panels of a uniform thickness, the plurality of concrete panels including wall and floor panels, wherein the floor panels are interconnected with abutting floor panels with a tongue and channel system so as to properly support the floor panels on the supporting wall.

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 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: 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: The invention relates to extruded ceramic tiles for exterior walls which can be used for constructional purposes or for decorative purposes. The tiles have holes extending in the direction of the extrusion of the tile and possesses a relatively low weight. The instant tiles can be adapted to size in a stepless manner without any cut intersecting even one of the holes or one of the grooves and have satisfactory draining of water. They are simple and economic to produce. The marginal webs of the instant tiles are arranged between the marginal surfaces of the tile extending in parallelism to the holes and the marginal holes possess a width at least twice that of the internal webs of the tiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical, refractory, hollow brick having tapered wall surfaces in the corner region.

Abstract: A fitting structure of a plurality of rectangular parallelopipedal blocks comprising concavo-convexities formed on the surfaces of each of the blocks. The concavo-convexities are formed on each surface of the block on the basis of a figure which is in symmetry of rotation per 90.degree. round the center of a regular square or is in symmetry of rotation per 180.degree. round the center of a rectangle, and is complementarily in symmetry of axis with respect to a center of the rectangle line passing through the center and being in parallel with a side of the regular square or rectangle. Predetermined congruence is imparted to the figures on the surfaces depending on various shapes of the blocks. Fitting of the concavo-convexities of the surfaces of the adjacent blocks is always ensured when each block is aligned so that its thickness and its length are in conformity. The surfaces of adjacent blocks can be connected without the necessity of considering the direction of each block.

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 design and construction module comprised of nine cells each having substantially equal lengths, widths and heights and longitudinally opposed ends. Two of the cells form the base of the module and are located side-by-side with their ends terminating adjacent and flush with one another. Three of the cells form an intermediate level of cells located above the base cells. Two of these intermediate cells correspond with the two base cells and are located immediately thereabove, but longitudinally offset. In this way these two intermediate cells extend a predetermined distance beyond the one end of the base cells in an overhang. Opposite the overhang, the third cell of the intermediate cells extends transversely with respect to the two other intermediate cells and the base cells. A portion of the third intermediate cell therefore laterally extends beyond the side of the base cells. Three additional cells define a common top surface of the module.

Abstract: A reducer block for effecting the transition, in a block wall, between a course of first blocks which have a first front-to-back thickness, and a course of second blocks which have a second front-to-back thickness that is less than the first thickness, wherein the reducer block has a slanted rear face, whereby the reducer block has a thickness at its bottom surface substantially equal to the first thickness, and a thickness at its top surface substantially equal to the second thickness. A method of constructing a wall with the reducer block comprises the steps of (a) constructing a base portion comprising at least one course of the first blocks; (b) laying a plurality reducer blocks in a single course on top of the uppermost course of the first blocks, so that the bottom surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the first blocks; and (c) laying a course of the second blocks on top of the course of reducer blocks, so that the top surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the second blocks.

Abstract: A curved block formwork element for use in forming structures such as curved cornices, lintels and window sills. The curved block formwork element comprises a substantially rectangular shaped block having two oppositely disposed side walls and two oppositely disposed end walls creating a hollow cavity inside, wherein a first of the side walls comprises a flat surface and a second of the side walls comprises a curved surface; means for vertically interlocking the block with a plurality of rectangular block formwork elements along a top and bottom surface of the block; and means for horizontally interlocking the blocks.

Abstract: A composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitered stretcher is provided.Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: A block for constructing a retaining wall and wherein the block is formed as an elongated rectangular block having opposed flat top and bottom surfaces, a front end wall and a rear end wall. An elongated connector receiving recess is provided in the top and bottom walls and extends along the longitudinal axis of the block and the recesses are disposed opposite one another in an offset and overlapping relationship. A connector element is received between juxtaposed recesses when blocks are stacked one on top of each oiLher to form a retaining wall and wherein the connector element prevents transverse displacement of the blocks. The blocks are stacked with predetermined ones of the top or bottom surfaces juxtaposed whereby to erect retaining walls having a straight or inclined front face or portions thereof.

Abstract: A block wall system is presented for use in building construction whereby a foundation wall can be quickly and economically prepared for a metal or other type building. A unique top wall block which has a notched face section and a laterally offset horizontal support section for retaining floor joists or concrete slabs form the upper row of the wall.

Abstract: A method for forming concrete retaining wall blocks from a single mold with selectable dimensions such that a retaining wall of a desired setback can be defined. One of a plurality of core bars is implemented with the mold during the manufacturing process to define a laterally extending rectangular recess of a predetermined width across the lower major surface of a composite block. Subsequently, the composite block is split along a midsection thereof to form a pair of identical blocks, each block having a laterally extending front lip and a laterally extending lower recess. The depth of the recess determines the setback of a retaining wall formed therefrom. The shallower the dimension of the lower recess, the greater the setback of the individual rows forming the retaining wall formed therefrom. Further, the present method facilitates creating a pair of blocks with a textured front surface to provide an aesthetically pleasant retaining wall.

Abstract: A wall corner composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitred stretcher is provided.Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: Glazed masonry building unit is provided for constructing a stanchion or turning a corner. The front face of each such masonry building unit is glazed with a resinous composition and is intended to be exposed. the front face comprises a planar portion, a first angled segment that intersects the planar portion at one end thereof to thereby form an obtuse angle, and a second angled segment that intersects the planar portion at the other end thereof to thereby form an obtuse angle. Also provided is a stanchion constructed of a plurality of the glazed masonry building units. Moreover, there is provided a mold for producing the glazed masonry building units.

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: A wall corner composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units. In addition, a wall corner composite comprising one of the glazed angled masonry units and a mitred stretcher is provided. Also included is a masonry building unit for use in constructing a structurally reinforced corner that includes a cut out portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block interlock offsetting key for use in the construction of a mortarless retaining wall wherein a plurality of blocks are stacked in offset rows or courses, the blocks of the wall being provided with top and bottom grooves. The block interlock offsetting key is able to interlockingly engage the bottom groove of a block and the top groove of an underlying block so as to offset the blocks a predetermined distance with respect to each other.

Abstract: A wall corner composite comprising two glazed angled masonry building units. Each masonry building unit includes a glazed front face including a planar portion that is opposed a back face and a second segment that intersects the planar portion. The second segment forms an obtuse angle with the planar portion and has a length that is equal to or shorter than the length of the planar portion. A side face of the building unit is angled and intersects the second segment and the back face. This side face forms an obtuse angle with the back face and an angle with the second segment of the front face. Also provided is a mold and method for producing glazed masonry building units.

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 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: A building block, at least one face of which has a recessed surface along at least a portion of its periphery. The recessed surface is of non-uniform width and, at least in part, defines a surface of irregular shape. Each remaining face of the block has a surface of regular geometric shape facilitating laying of the block.

Abstract: A retaining wall and a block for constructing the same. The retaining wall is constructed by superimposing rows of blocks upon each other. The blocks have side, rear, front, top and bottom faces. The side faces are parallel to each other and the rear and front faces are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side faces. The top and bottom faces are perpendicular to the side, rear and front faces; and both the top and bottom faces are substantially identically Z-shaped. The top and bottom faces are divided into three surfaces, the second surfaces being inclined at an acute angle to the third surfaces. The first surface of the top face is longer than the first surface of the bottom face. Consequently, when the blocks are superimposed upon each other, the front face of each block lies slightly rearwardly with respect to the block immediately below it.

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 translucent block includes a pair of parallel upper and lower surfaces each having a generally pentagonal shape. There are a pair of generally rectangular, nonparallel side faces whose planes intersect to form a dihedral angle at 45.degree.. A generally rectangular first opposing end wall is joined to the upper and lower surfaces and is perpendicular therewith, and is joined to the side faces proximal to the vertex of the 45.degree. dihedral angle. A second opposing end wall is formed of two equal sections joined at an obtuse angle to each other. The vertex of the obtuse angle points away from the first end wall, and the sections of the second end wall are perpendicular to and are joined to the upper and lower surfaces of the block and are joined to the nonparallel side surfaces of the block distal from the 45.degree. dihedral angle. The translucent block can be joined to similar translucent blocks and/or different translucent blocks to form a wide variety of wall structures of 45.degree.

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: Interfitting modular construction units include alternating plateaus and recesses which interfit with one another to form walls without mortar. Drainage grooves are defined in the units, bevels are provided on the perimeter of the front and back to give a brickface appearance to the wall, and shear notches are defined just behind the front and back, and the units are devoid of surfaces facing toward one side. Special corner units are provided, along with cap units having transverse bores. Retaining walls and fence walls employing the units at integral footings defined by the units and drainage passages defined by cooperating drainage grooves. Piers can be provided to permit the construction of higher walls.

Abstract: A concrete block particularly directed to the construction of retaining wall systems, characterized particularly by a step back frontal surface which includes a frontal surface having a flat decoratable portion over a substantial vertical dimension thereof and tapered rearwardly and vertically from such frontal surface to a top planar surface with an interlock area behind such surface to receive additional blocks thereon to create a wall. This interlock area provides a flat planar block locating surface for the positioning of a next vertical block and when the blocks are arranged in vertical relation on top of one another a step back frontal surface is provided. Combination drainage and tie-back anchor apertures are provided in the rear vertical surface of the block. The block includes weight reducing passages vertically therethrough which also accommodate vertical tiers.

Abstract: A retaining wall is made from a plurality of blocks arranged in rows superimposed on each other and pinned together. Each block has a body with an exterior face and rearwardly diverging side walls joined to a neck. A head having outwardly directed ears is joined to the neck. The body has holes and pockets for pins that interlock overlapped blocks together. A finishing block having a flat top surface is used to construct the top layer of the wall. A geogrid tie-back sheet having slots is located between layers of blocks and anchored to the pins stabilizes the wall.

Abstract: The disclosed concrete masonry blocks are used as part of an interior wall by mounting the blocks between the studs and wall board. The concrete masonry blocks provide thermal storage capabilities. Preferred configurations of blocks are provided whereby electrical junction boxes, cables, etc., may installed within the stud wall frame end and wallboard. The blocks are preferably provided with normal thickness portions and reduced thickness ends with the latter defining a recess with the normal thickness portion enabling mounting of electrical junction boxes to a stud adjacent the block. In a preferred configuration, grooves formed within the reduced thickness portion adjacent the normal thickness portion of the block act as a score line enabling fracture of a part of the reduced thickness portion by application of external force thereto to enable a pair of electrical junction boxes to be mounted elevationally adjacent each other to a stud.

Abstract: A method of making a domed building structure includes locating a ring beam having a radially inwardly extending circumferential locating formation on top of an upwardly extending building structure. The method also includes locating a plurality of prefabricated dome units adjacent one another on the locating formation of the ring beam, in a first annular course. Further annular courses are then located in position, thereby to form a domed top.

Abstract: A footing or foundation system for a wall or like structure is provided comprising a plurality of concrete masonry ("CM") footing blocks disposed in abutting relationship along a foundation axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall to be supported on such footing blocks. The footing stretcher blocks have a lateral dimension which extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the foundation and is substantially longer than the longitudinal dimension of such blocks which extends substantially parallel to the foundation axis. The lateral dimensions of the CM footing blocks are nominal multiples of the longitudinal dimension of such blocks; and the lateral dimension of such blocks is preferably at least four times the longitudinal dimension of such blocks.

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: In order to seal an opening formed in a vertical wall, a removable partition is formed, which is constituted by at least two dry-stacked brick layers. Each layer is formed from several rows of bricks, each constituted by bricks which, in cross-section, are shaped like a parallelogram, arranged in opposite directions on either side of a central locking brick which, in cross-section, is shaped like an isosceles trapezium. Each row of bricks behaves like a fictitious funicular arc when exposed to a horizontal force normal to the partition. Thus, the earthquake resistance is ensured without adding a reinforcing framework to the two faces of the partition.

Abstract: Certain types of interior concrete masonry block and stud wall constructions, and blocks for making the same, so as to provide improved thermal storage properties, improved heating and cooling and other advantages are disclosed. A preferred embodiment relates to modification of conventional interior lightweight stud wall construction systems which are in wide spread use and typically comprise lumber or steel stud framing covered by wall board with or without insulation installed within the wall. In such embodiment disclosed concrete masonry blocks are used as part of the wall by mounting the blocks between the studs and wall board. The concrete masonry blocks provide thermal storage capabilities so that the walls thus constructed store heat whereby temperature swings are attenuated and heating and/or cooling cycles are spaced at longer intervals to achieve more comfortable temperature conditions with resultant energy savings also.

Abstract: This invention discloses a subassembly for geodesically reinforced honeycomb structures, which comprises shear force and bending moment bearing structural members arranged into a hexagonal assembly that is reinforced by axial load bearing members arranged into a triangular assembly. The subassemblies are assembled and joined into a planar structure that results in a geodesically reinforced honeycomb dome or shell or plate.

Abstract: A footing or foundation system for a wall or like structure is provided comprising a plurality of concrete masonry ("CM") footing blocks disposed in abutting relationship along a foundation axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall to be supported on such footing blocks. The footing stretcher blocks have a lateral dimension which extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the foundation and is substantially longer than the longitudinal dimension of such blocks which extends substantially parallel to the foundation axis. The lateral dimensions of the CM footing blocks are nominal multiples of the longitudinal dimension of such blocks; and the lateral dimension of such blocks is preferably at least four times the longitudinal dimension of such blocks.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cementitious slab and to apparatus and procedure for making it in such a manner that it may be used in an interconnected relation for providing a longitudinally extending side edging along a street or roadway. The slab product is made in a frame assembly that is positioned for turnover movement on a pair of stands. The frame assembly in its upper or mold space defining positioning has an integral enclosing side wall frame and a bottom wall, with one pair of side walls of the frame spaced from ends of the bottom wall and adapted to removably receive a pair of opposed end wall forming members for completing the mold cavity and providing the cementitious slab with tongue and groove portions. After the concrete or cement has been poured into the mold cavity, the opposed end wall members are removed and a pair of cross-ending support members are secured across a pair of the side walls to support the slab when it is turned-over or rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: Erosion control and soil retaining apparatus is disclosed and constitutes a block having a pair of first arms extending generally opposite one another and generally parallel to the first axis and a pair of second arms extending generally parallel to the second axis that is normal to the first axis, with those second arms forming a socket therebetween. An extended soil retention apparatus may be formed by interlocking assembly of a plurality of such blocks.

Abstract: A vertically suspended refractory curtain wall having two courses of refractory shapes, the refractory shapes having flat exposed faces and an opposite face having a horizontal central recess, the portion of the refractory extending above the recess forming an upper hanger portion and the portion of the refractory extending below the recess forming a lower hanger portion, the lower hanger portions of one horizontal row of first course of refractory shapes fitting within the upper portion of the horizontal recess of an opposing horizontal row of side-by-side refractory shapes forming a second course and suspending that row, the next adjacent lower row of the first course of refractory shapes having their upper hanger portions fitting within the lower portion of the horizontal recess of the same second course refractory shapes and are suspended thereby, and so on, to form a vertically suspended refractory curtain wall.

Abstract: A modular construction block comprising a configuration built up from five indentical rectangular sub-blocks dimensioned in the ratio of 1:2:4 and assembled into an "H"-shaped symmetric block about either of two vertical perpendicular planes through the center of the block.The assemblage provides an "H"-shaped block wherein all external dimensions, slots and recesses are integer multiples of the minimum sub-block dimension. The blocks can be assembled together in a very wide variety of combinations to create utilitarian or decorative structures. The blocks may be sized for toy construction sets or for full sized building projects. The blocks may be formed of wood, plastic, metal, concrete or ceramic depending upon size and use.

Abstract: A block construction for preventing the outflow of ballast along a railway which includes a slab body, a ballast-retaining wall extending upward form the slab body at a location spaced from the front and rear edges of the slab body, for retaining ballast on the laterally rearward side thereof, and a pair of spaced apart legs extending downward from the rear edge of the slab for being buried in holes in a roadbed along the railway for firmly fixing the slab relative to the ground. The slab has an upper surface forward of the retaining wall of sufficient lateral extent to provide a longitudinally extending walkway for use by railway construction and maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A stone set is described in which a fundamentally known base stone, especially a base stone of concrete or the like, with a principally L-shaped cross-sectional surface is used. The base stone (1) has on its first and second legs (2; 3) a first and second seat (4; 7), respectively. The seats (4; 7) are formed complementary to one another as a recess or projection. In an assembly of exclusively base stones the result is a wall inclined relative to the vertical. The wall set in accordance with the invention, in contrast to this, makes possible the construction of a vertical wall through the use of a supplemental stone (10) with a likewise L-shaped cross-sectional surface. On its first leg (12) a first and second seat (15; 14) are provided on its upper and lower sides, to engage the first and second seat (4; 7) of base stones (1) located above and below it. The stones arranged in an assembly are similarly oriented and aligned.