Abstract: A CM block machine for casting masonry blocks includes a mold cavity formed between a mold box and a mold core containing one or more plungers selectively extending laterally into the cavity along a second axis which is normal to the axis of casting so as to form openings extending through portions of the block in the direction of the second axis. The plunger(s) is disposed in a cartridge housing contained within the mold core. An oversized vibrating ring wiper mounted in the cartridge housing engages the external periphery of the plunger to prevent CM material from entering the cartridge during plunger retraction. The plunger includes an annular relief chamber formed in a side wall thereof to provide an additional volume of air from within the cartridge to an air passage communicating with the plunger end face to prevent vacuum from impeding plunger retraction.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

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 roof paver element includes a plurality of ribs projecting from a planar body portion, the ribs terminating in bottom surfaces having rounded longitudinal boundaries. The ribs are connected to the planar body portion and to one another by fillets. Sides of the planar body portions include depressions which form pressure equalization chambers with the sides of the body portions of adjacent roof paver elements in a roof system to hinder the development of air pressure differentials between the region above the roof paver elements and the spaces below the planar body portions.

Abstract: The biaxial CM casting apparatus utilizes one or more main mold cores having an automatically extensible and retractable plunger or like structure extending laterally into the mold cavity from the one or more main mold cores along an axis substantially orthogonal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process to form one or more openings or other structural changes in the casted concrete which openings or changes extend in the direction of a second axis normal to the casting axis.

Abstract: Methods for biaxially (or triaxially) casting concrete masonry ("CM") products like CM blocks which have twin cavities formed by a pair of face shells and three webs interconnecting same with the twin cavities extending in the direction of the axis of casting of the CM block include using in the mold cavity one or more main mold cores which incorporate structure for extending and retracting a plunger or the like to provide one or more temporary mold cores laterally extending into the mold cavity from one or more main mold cores along a second axis which is normal to the axis of casting during certain selected phases of the CM casting process so as to form openings extending through one or more webs in the direction of the second axis.

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 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 roof paver system includes a plurality of roof paver elements having alternating dovetail-shaped and tapered grooves and an upper surface having raised portions to generate vortices for preventing wind from lifting the elements and to provide a safety tread. Connector members are provided in some of the dovetail grooves to interconnect the roof paver elements to further prevent their displacement. The tapered grooves break the vacuum between the roof paver elements and the molds in which they are formed. Some of the dovetail grooves are composite grooves defined by the cooperation of adjacent roof paver elements. Clips are provided to mate with outwardly projecting toes on the roof paver elements in perimeter courses to align and anchor them, and elongate battens, which are dovetail-shaped in cross section, are received in the dovetail grooves and include openings for receiving thin elements transverse to the battens to engage the concrete elements at the ends of the grooves.

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: A forming system for construction includes thin shell concrete block elements and connecting tie members which can be assembled into forms of various shapes and sizes to receive poured concrete. The block elements are dimensioned and configured to be produced in a standard concrete block machine mold, and include alternating dovetail-shaped grooves for receiving connecting tie members and tapered grooves for breaking the vacuum between the block elements and the mold, all of the grooves being parallel to permit the blocks to be slid out of the mold. The tie members have dovetail-shaped end portions received in the dovetail grooves and a plurality of apertures which can receive a stop member to support the tie member to project a selected distance above the block elements and serve as guides for the next course of elements. The wall system is held together by a top plate bearing on the top course of block elements and anchored directly to the foundation with flexible, coilable cables.

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 concrete masonry ("CM") block wall cladding using specially configured CM veneer blocks is applied to a substrate wall such as the exterior wall of a building. Horizontally extending support means are mounted on the substrate wall(s) and a plurality of elongated battens are secured to the substrate wall at laterally spaced intervals and extending vertically above such horizontally extending support means; a plurality of CM veneer blocks are vertically supported by the horizontally extending support means with portions of the CM blocks being secured to adjacent laterally spaced battens, thereby mounting the CM veneer blocks on the substrate wall to form a CM veneer block wall cladding. A multi-story CM block veneer wall cladding construction for a multi-story building may be similarly constructed by using a plurality of horizontally extending support means mounted on the substrate wall at vertically spaced invervals so as to support a section of the CM block wall cladding of suitable height.

Abstract: A roof paver system includes a plurality of roof paver elements having alternating dovetail-shaped and tapered grooves and an upper surface having raised portions to generate vortexes for preventing wind from lifting the elements and to provide a safety tread. Connecting members are provided in some of the dovetail grooves to interconnect the roof paver elements and further prevent their displacement. The tapered grooves break the vacuum between the roof paver elements and the molds in which they are formed. Clips are provided to mate with outwardly projecting toes on the roof paver elements in perimeter courses to align and anchor them, and elongate battens, which are dovetail-shaped in cross section, are received in the dovetail grooves and include openings for receiving thin elements transverse to the battens to engage the concrete elements at the ends of the grooves.