Abstract: A passive fire suppression system including at least one tapered cellular glass block and having a cap with a tapered shape disposed on the top of the at least one cellular glass block. The passive fire suppression system allows drainage from the upper surface to the bottom of the system. The drainage is beneficial for both environmental conditions such as rain as well as for incidents where combustible liquids are spilled on the top surface of the system. Therefore, the system will not only shield any combustible materials that are under the system but will also quickly drain any combustible liquids that may spill onto the top of the system to the lower surface.

Abstract: A method is described for using cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass materials to attenuate oil fire, limit thermal radiation from an oil fire, and reduce the risk of boil-over phenomenon. Cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass products may be deployed passively, prior to an ignition event, or actively, as a response to an ignition event to provide control. Cellular glass or other buoyant glass materials may be in any physical shape such as block, sheet, aggregate, or nodule.

Abstract: A method is described for using cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass materials to attenuate oil fire, limit thermal radiation from an oil fire, and reduce the risk of boil-over phenomenon. Cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass products may be deployed passively, prior to an ignition event, or actively, as a response to an ignition event to provide control. Cellular glass or other buoyant glass materials may be in any physical shape such as block, sheet, aggregate, or nodule.

Abstract: A passive fire suppression system including at least one tapered cellular glass block and having a cap with a tapered shape disposed on the top of the at least one cellular glass block. The passive fire suppression system allows drainage from the upper surface to the bottom of the system. The drainage is beneficial for both environmental conditions such as rain as well as for incidents where combustible liquids are spilled on the top surface of the system. Therefore, the system will not only shield any combustible materials that are under the system but will also quickly drain any combustible liquids that may spill onto the top of the system to the lower surface.

Abstract: A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists the shock wave resulting from a blast event.

Abstract: A glass block including an insulating material disposed with an interior chamber. The block includes a first block half, a second block half, and a frame. The frame is positioned between and aligns the first block half and the second block half so that the block halves and the frame define a complete enclosure. The frame holds at least two partitions inside the block. The partitions divide the interior of the block into a plurality of chambers including at least one interior chamber disposed between the partitions. An insulating material is disposed in the interior chamber between the partitions.

Abstract: A Solar Wall Tube, including a tube and one or more glass blocks, that integrates with masonry construction and guides natural light into a building is described. The tube structure provides a much cleaner aesthetic over previous glass block installation methods while guiding more natural light to the building interior. The Solar Wall Tube also offers advantages of significantly improved thermal insulation and structural integrity over a single glass block and longevity of an enclosed building material.

Abstract: A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists the shock wave resulting from a blast event.

Abstract: A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists threats from forced entry, prisoner escape, bullets from guns, bomb blasts, and tornados.

Abstract: A method is described for using cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass materials to attenuate oil fire, limit thermal radiation from an oil fire, and reduce the risk of boil-over phenomenon. Cellular glass blocks, cellular glass nodules, hollow glass spheres, or other buoyant glass products may be deployed passively, prior to an ignition event, or actively, as a response to an ignition event to provide control. Cellular glass or other buoyant glass materials may be in any physical shape such as block, sheet, aggregate, or nodule.

Abstract: A glass block, and method for making a glass block, having one or more formed slots on one or more edge faces of the block. The slots are formed during the molten state of the glass formation to maintain the mechanical integrity of the glass structure in architectural applications. The glass block may have an insert placed inside by way of the formed slot, the insert having performance and/or decorative properties.

Abstract: Blocks with internal capsules having superior thermal resistance, solar control qualities, projectile-resistant properties and/or sound-dampening properties are described. The blocks are comprised of a structural exterior that encompasses a capsule. The capsule may be segmented into chambers with dividers. The capsules may be designed to provide various benefits including, but not limited to, improved insulating characteristics, increased projectile resistance, and/or a range of visual, thermal and strength characteristics. Various types of blocks with internal capsules and assembled panels of block with internal capsules are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and use of the blocks and panels.

Abstract: A fire-resistant block containing a fire-resistant gel covering one or more interior faces of the block. The gel expands towards the interior of the block when exposed to increased temperatures. This block is lighter, less expensive, and more fire-resistant. A plurality of these blocks may be combined to form a fire-resistant wall or partition.

Abstract: A convertible packaging and handle unit that attaches to an object to facilitate the packaging and use of the object, the convertible unit including a first portion adapted for attachment to the object and a second portion positionable into a plurality of positions, wherein in a first position the second portion encloses at least a portion of the object and in a second position the second portion is operable to manipulate the object.

Abstract: A spacer member for maintaining substantially uniform joint spacing between construction elements during construction of a static structure comprising a plurality of construction elements bound to one another by curable matrix material. The spacer member remains embedded in and covered by the matrix material and permits the matrix material to be placed in and completely fill all construction joints between the construction elements in a single application. The spacer member includes structure located interiorly of the planes of the exposed faces of the construction elements for positively establishing and maintaining a desired position of the spacer member during construction of the structure.

Abstract: A translucent block includes a pair of parallel upper and lower surfaces each having a generally pentagonal shape. There are a pair of generally rectangular, nonparallel side faces whose planes intersect to form a dihedral angle at 45.degree.. A generally rectangular first opposing end wall is joined to the upper and lower surfaces and is perpendicular therewith, and is joined to the side faces proximal to the vertex of the 45.degree. dihedral angle. A second opposing end wall is formed of two equal sections joined at an obtuse angle to each other. The vertex of the obtuse angle points away from the first end wall, and the sections of the second end wall are perpendicular to and are joined to the upper and lower surfaces of the block and are joined to the nonparallel side surfaces of the block distal from the 45.degree. dihedral angle. The translucent block can be joined to similar translucent blocks and/or different translucent blocks to form a wide variety of wall structures of 45.degree.