Abstract: A separator bead is disclosed for separating layers of manufactured concrete products, wherein the separator bead is characterized in that: the separator bead is preferably fabricated from a biodegradable bead material; the separator bead is configured with a thickness selected from 2 mm to 5 mm, a width selected from 2 mm to 10 mm, a depth selected from 2 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness-to-width aspect ratio selected from 0.2 to 0.9; the separator bead is preferably configured with one or more nodules, each with a nodule diameter selected from 0.01 mm to 2 mm; and the separator bead is characterized by a thickness compression from 5% to 50%, under a load of 60 lb per bead at a temperature of 120° F. for 5 minutes. The disclosed separator beads overcome known problems in the art of manufactured concrete products. The optimized separator beads prevent surface scratches and defects.

Abstract: A mold device and method for producing a rough texture on all or a portion of the outward exterior surfaces of masonry block units. The device of the present invention is a mold having one or more cavities, open at the top and the bottom, with a rigid support platform or sheet across the bottom, to hold the masonry mixture in place until discharged through the bottom of the mold. On a portion of the interior sidewalls of the mold, are substantially vertical ribs extending from the interior surface, creating voids in the compacted mixture. An extension or “stripper” unit extends inwardly along the base of the portion of the interior wall containing the vertical ribs. A top plate configured to fit removably within the interior walls of the mold cavity is provided to compact the masonry mixture and to push the masonry unit out of the mold and simultaneously clean the mold.

Abstract: A mold device and method for producing a rough texture on all or a portion of the outward exterior surfaces of masonry block units. The device of the present invention is a mold having one or more cavities, open at the top and the bottom, with a rigid support platform or sheet across the bottom, to hold the masonry mixture in place until discharged through the bottom of the mold. On a portion of the interior sidewalls of the mold, are substantially vertical ribs extending from the interior surface, creating voids in the compacted mixture. An extension or “stripper” unit extends inwardly along the base of the portion of the interior wall containing the vertical ribs. A top plate configured to fit removably within the interior walls of the mold cavity is provided to compact the masonry mixture and to push the masonry unit out of the mold and simultaneously clean the mold.

Abstract: A block for landscaping purposes. The landscaping block has one generally planar surface and another corresponding generally parallel planar surface, which further defines a protrusion and a cavity conformed to receive another protrusion of the same dimension in a male/female relationship with the planar surfaces of the block in close proximity and parallel to each other. Two or more of the landscaping blocks may best be joined together by inserting the protrusion of one block into the conformed cavity of the next block. A series of blocks may be joined together either in an extended line, or in a shape which reaches closure, with all of the blocks interlocked.

Abstract: A paving block for covering the ground, floor and like surfaces. The paving block is generally planar with a vertical dimension. The upper and lower planar surfaces and the vertical sides define a pentagon. the pentagon has three longer sides and two shorter sides. Two of the longer sides are equal. The third longer side is at least as long as the two equal longer sides. The two equal longer sides are joined at one end at a 90.degree. internal angle. Each is joined at its opposite end to one of the shorter sides at a 90.degree. internal angle and each shorter side is then joined at a 135.degree. internal angle to the third longer side. The third longer side opposes the right angle between the two equal longer sides and is bisected by a line bisecting the 90.degree. angle between the two equal longer sides.