Abstract: A reinforcing restraint channel that is inserted in and clipped to a terracotta/ceramic panel, improves mechanical safety of the terracotta/ceramic facade in case of catastrophic failure such as severe breaking, cracking, or penetration that would normally result in large chunks of terracotta/ceramic falling off the façade, and posing a severe safety risk. Disengagement and falling of terracotta/ceramic chunks from the façade is minimized when the reinforcing restraint channel is inserted into core holes in the terracotta/ceramic panels forming the façade. A clip is also provided to secure the reinforcing restraint channel in place with the terracotta/ceramic panel.

Abstract: A composite ceramic element and method of firing clay or ceramic elements in a roller kiln, comprising the steps of passing a first ceramic element on rollers through the roller kiln, passing a second ceramic element on rollers through the roller kiln, and mating and securing the first and second ceramic elements together after passing each said ceramic element through the roller kiln.

Abstract: A system for attaching a facing product to a concrete substrate includes (a) a facing product having a front face and a back surface, the facing product being configured for attachment with a clip connector; and (b) at least one clip anchor connector having an anchoring portion for embedding in the concrete substrate, a spine, and a head portion configured and dimensioned to engage a convexity, recess or opening in the facing product. The spine is longitudinal and has a first end and opposite thereto a second end. The anchoring portion of the clip is positioned at one of said first and second ends. The engagement portion is positioned at the end of the spine opposite that of the anchoring portion and has at least one laterally extending wing configured to engage a convexity, recess or opening in the facing product member.