Abstract: A concrete block includes a top surface including one or more regions having a higher surface height that is then precision ground to the desired height. The one or more regions having a greater height may include a tapered front face of between 30 to 60°. A recess or pocket may also be provided in the top surface of the block in front of the precision ground higher height adjustment pads. One or more high-speed mortar/adhesive applicators includes a mortar/adhesive holding device, for storing a quantity of mortar/adhesive as well as a powered mortar/adhesive applicator, for moving the mortar/adhesive stored in the holding device to one or more applicator devices. The one or more mortar/adhesive applicator devices include an extruder nozzle surrounded by a generally “U” shaped pivoting channel element, for establishing at least the width of a bead of mortar/adhesive being applied to a surface of an object.

Abstract: A stackable building block for constructing a masonry wall includes a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The top surface includes one or more regions having a higher surface height that is manufactured and then precision ground to the desired height and positioned between or next to lower surface areas. The building block also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section and similarly arranged. The top surface may include a tapered region beginning proximate at least one of the side or end regions and tapering outwardly away from the side toward the center of the block. The tapered region may include an indentation. The tapered region and indentation provide a true mortar joint capability and resistance to water infiltrating the joint. During assembly of the stack building block, a thin set mortar, grout or adhesive is used between successive courses and that is applied using a high speed applicator.

Abstract: A stackable building block 1102 for constructing a masonry wall includes a front section 502 having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The top surface may be divided into a higher surface 1111 positioned between two lower surfaces 1109. The building block also has a rear section 504 substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs 1106 coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs 508 may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. During manufacturing the higher surface of the top surface is ground to a precision height. During assembly of the stack building block, a thin set mortar, grout or adhesive is used between successive courses.

Abstract: Generally, the invention is a dry stack building block for constructing a masonry wall. The dry stack unit has a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The dry stack unit also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. Each pair of lugs may have a first lug offset from a second lug in an axis perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the front section and the back section.