Abstract: A molding apparatus includes stops which move with a compacting press during penetration of the press into a mold cavity. The stops abut on a mold table and arrest movement of the compacting press so that the compacted shape has a predetermined height. A programmed logic controller integrated with the apparatus measures the time of compaction and is operable to adjust mold filling time so as to control density in the final compacted shape.

Abstract: An interlocking building block for use in constructing mortarless walls in which the block has a first face shell in spaced relationship with a second face shell which define opposed inner surfaces for the block. Between the face shells, there stands at least one transversely-disposed bridge portion and a transverse end portion which defines an operatively outer surface for the block and which closes one end of the block between the first and second face shells. A grouting cavity is formed between the transverse end portion and a bridge portion. Both the transversely-disposed bridge portions and the transverse end portion have integrally-formed projections which extend above the height of the block on an operatively-upper surface and corresponding recesses are formed in an operatively lower surface of the block.

Abstract: Interlocking building blocks of varying widths having projections and recesses positioned to allow the blocks to be staggered by one-half the length of a block in vertically adjacent blocks so as to form complex architectural features, including corners and T-walls. The blocks overlap at the ends and have L-shaped profiles so that the block's inner and outer faces are interchangeable. Reinforcement bars are accommodated in grooves disposed on a bottom surface of the blocks so as to be adjacent to wall openings for windows, doors and the like.