Abstract: A fireplace apparatus for a building includes a firebox, and a plenum arranged with an exterior surface of the firebox. A blower is arranged with the plenum to force air through the plenum and a plenum exhaust vent is configured to release the forced air from the plenum. A method of pre-heating air for a building fireplace includes selecting air admitted from inside the building through an interior inlet port into a manifold and through a plenum until the firebox reaches a selected temperature, and selecting air admitted from outside the building through an exterior inlet port into the manifold and through the plenum when the firebox reaches or exceeds the selected temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pre-engineered brick panel formed of first and second adjacent bricks, spaced apart by a grout joint. The surface of the first brick is adjacent to a surface of the second brick. Each of the adjacent surfaces includes a grout channel and the grout channels in adjacent surfaces are aligned with one another. Grout is disposed in both of the grout joint and the aligned grout channels. Also disclosed are methods for making and installing such pre-engineered panels.

Abstract: A brick assembly may include a molded brick having a planar surface and at least one magnetic attachment for magnetically securing the brick assembly to a ferromagnetic surface. A mold assembly for manufacturing a brick assembly may include a mold chamber and at least one magnetic attachment seat or a hinged metal door. A method for manufacturing a brick assembly may include using a mold assembly, a mold material, and at least one magnetic attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a panel, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of bricks secured to the panel by the fastener.