Abstract: A method for engraving an image on a surface of an article selected from a group consisting of brick, ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone articles, comprising providing a laser engraving apparatus comprising a steerable laser beam, steering the laser beam continuously over a first beam path on the surface to provide an engraved image and repeatedly traversing the laser beam over a path substantially parallel to the first beam path and incrementally spaced therefrom to define a perimeter of the engraved image. The method further comprises steering the laser beam within an infill area defined by the perimeter of the engraved image to provide a plurality of engraved segments extending within infill area.

Abstract: A stair tread support member for releasably supporting generally planar stair tread members including stair tread members made of glass or other transparent material includes a general planar base part adapted to be supported on a stairway stinger. The tread support member includes spaced apart flanges forming a channel shaped slot for receiving and supporting a stair tread member. A cushioning member may be interposed the support flanges and the stair tread member. Removable threaded fasteners are engageable with the second flange for retaining the stair treads secured to the tread support member. An elongated cap fits in a slot in the second flange and covers the fasteners.

Abstract: A method for engraving an image on a surface of an article selected from a group consisting of brick, ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone articles, comprising providing a laser engraving apparatus comprising a steerable laser beam, steering the laser beam continuously over a first beam path on the surface to provide an engraved image and repeatedly traversing the laser beam over a path substantially parallel to the first beam path and incrementally spaced therefrom to define a perimeter of the engraved image. The method further comprises steering the laser beam within an infill area defined by the perimeter of the engraved image to provide a plurality of engraved segments extending within infill area.

Abstract: A stair tread support member for releasably supporting generally planar stair tread members including stair tread members made of glass or other transparent material includes a general planar base part adapted to be supported on a stairway stinger. The tread support member includes spaced apart flanges forming a channel shaped slot for receiving and supporting a stair tread member. A cushioning member may be interposed the support flanges and the stair tread member. Removable threaded fasteners are engageable with the second flange for retaining the stair treads secured to the tread support member. An elongated cap fits in a slot in the second flange and covers the fasteners.

Abstract: Glass block windows or walls are formed by a frame characterized by perimeter members which may be secured to each other at adjacent corners by chemical or thermal bonding or by mechanical connector members. The perimeter members include inner and outer walls, at least one lateral glass block retaining flange and opposed recesses for receiving releasable retainer members which have a hook part which may be snap fitted into the recesses and retained by reentrant edges of the recesses. Block spacer members are formed by opposed block support wall or body parts and by opposed lateral end parts which receive snap-in block retainer and trim strips.

Abstract: Glass block windows or walls are formed by a frame characterized by perimeter members which may be secured to each other at adjacent corners by chemical or thermal bonding or by mechanical connector members. The perimeter members include inner and outer walls, at least one lateral glass block retaining flange and opposed recesses for receiving releasable retainer members which have a hook part which may be snap fitted into the recesses and retained by reentrant edges of the recesses. Block spacer members are formed by opposed block support wall or body parts and by opposed lateral end parts which receive snap-in block retainer and trim strips.

Abstract: A brick, and similar article, engraving process utilizes a CO2 continuous beam laser guided over a beam path which outlines a graphic image on the article being engraved and repeats the beam path at incrementally spaced positions of the beam until the width of the graphic image is defined, thereby concentrating the heat of the laser engraving process in the vicinity of the graphic image during the process. The graphic image may be engraved in one or two passes of the beam over the surface of the article being engraved, such as common construction brick, wherein the engraving has minimal reflectivity and is of a uniform dark color providing an enhanced aesthetically pleasing engraved article.