Abstract: The invention provides a block splitter device comprising first lower and second upper opposed block splitter assemblies. The block splitter assemblies have a centrally located depression extending the length of the assembly and two or more first forming blades. One forming blade is disposed to the right of and one forming blade is disposed to the left of the center depression. The forming blades have forming surfaces with first and second forming edges. The forming surface of the first block splitter assembly is opposed to the forming surface of the second block splitter assembly.

Abstract: A block suitable for use in paving, edging or wall applications comprises a lower portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a first width, and an upper portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a second width. The second width is smaller than the first width of the lower portion, and the side faces of the upper portion are angled relative to the side faces of the lower portion. The block further comprises a transition portion between the upper and lower portions, having at least one slanted side extending between one or more sides of the lower portion and one or more sides, respectively, of the upper portion.

Abstract: A building unit system includes discrete, irregular, non-geometric units, including first units and second units having a different size and shape than the first units. The first units and second units mate with one another to form a continuous surface without overlap between units or large gaps between units, resulting in a natural, custom fitted appearance such that a regular geometric pattern is not readily apparent.

Abstract: A block, block system and method of making a wall block. Multiple block embodiments with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance.

Abstract: A retaining wall block and a setback connector for use in forming retaining walls having a desired setback between adjacent courses of blocks in a retaining wall. The method of constructing a retaining wall with a plurality of the blocks and setback connectors.

Abstract: Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.

Abstract: A wall block, wall block system and method of making a wall block. The wall block including at least one core extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the at least one core having opposed front and rear surfaces and first and second side surfaces the wall block also including at least one pin hole opening onto the top surface of the block and extending at least a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one pin hole may open onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the at least one core. The block may be provided with channels; the pin hole, channels and core may all be formed to in a mold box by a single forming member.

Abstract: A landscaping block, patio block, wall block and/or retaining wall block having a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface that can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems utilizing a plurality of blocks with a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface. The blocks having the multi-textured or patterned exposed surface can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems having a first block type and a second block type. The multi-textured or patterned exposed surface blocks can be used in the construction of walls, fences, and patios to create a geometric design or pattern or a repeating geometric design or pattern in a visually exposed surface of the wall, fence and/or patio constructed.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes. The wall block can be used in a retaining wall made of (i) a plurality of blocks including at least one lower course and at least one upper course, at least one block comprising a block body having opposed front and back faces, opposed first and second side walls, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom faces, the top face having a receiving channel, and the receiving channel opening onto one or more pin holes; (ii) a soil retaining material; and (iii) a channel bar.

Abstract: A building unit including upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper and lower surfaces defining a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view. The unit includes a first pair of the side surfaces, located on opposite sides of the unit and extending non-linearly and generally obliquely with respect to each other in plan view, where each side surface of the first pair has a midpoint bisecting it into two portions. The portions on each side of the midpoint are a 180° rotational image of the other portion about the midpoint. One side surface of the first pair is longer than the other, and the longer side surface includes a midsection of the same length and configuration as the other, shorter side surface. Each of the shorter and longer side surfaces interlocks with either the shorter or longer side surface of another like building unit.

Abstract: A block, block system and method of making a wall block. A block with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance. A mold box having a moveable liner and a stripper shoe that impart three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints onto an exposed surface of a block. The moveable liner and stripper shoe also impart a parting line onto the exposed surface of the block.