Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a wall construction system includes a plurality of blocks configured to interfit in multiple courses with aligned interior voids being defined by the blocks. At least one shim is disposed between two of the plurality of blocks, wherein each shim includes a main body having a curved surface including a portion having a non-constant radius of curvature. In addition, a cementitious material is disposed in the aligned interior voids.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes multiple block types that interfit with one another to form walls in a staggered arrangement. Block types include jamb blocks having front and back surfaces, a planar surface on a first end, and a second side having a projecting surface or a receiving surface configured to mate with the projecting surface. The jamb block includes a top mating surface and a bottom mating surface configured to mate with the top mating surface. Webs extend from the front surface to the back surface to form voids. A multi-directional elevation is formed over a void adjacent the planar surface to permit stacking of blocks in two orientations. Other block types include a half jamb block having a web to form a void and a planar surface, and a web stretcher having a projecting surface on one end and a receiving surface on another end.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes multiple block types that interfit with one another to form walls in a staggered arrangement. Block types include jamb blocks having front and back surfaces, a planar surface on a first end, and a second side having a projecting surface or a receiving surface configured to mate with the projecting surface. The jamb block includes a top mating surface and a bottom mating surface configured to mate with the top mating surface. Webs extend from the front surface to the back surface to form voids. A multi-directional elevation is formed over a void adjacent the planar surface to permit stacking of blocks in two orientations. Other block types include a half jamb block having a web to form a void and a planar surface, and a web stretcher having a projecting surface on one end and a receiving surface on another end.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a wall construction system includes a plurality of blocks configured to interfit in multiple courses with aligned interior voids being defined by the blocks. At least one shim is disposed between two of the plurality of blocks, wherein each shim includes a main body having a curved surface including a portion having a non-constant radius of curvature.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first block having a first surface and a first void and a second block having a second surface and a second void. The second block is positioned atop the first block to define an interface plane at the adjacent first and second surfaces. The wall construction system further includes a shear member encased within cementitious material within the first and second voids at the interface plane. The cementitious material engages opposing walls of the first and second voids.

Abstract: A wall construction system comprises a number of courses of masonry construction blocks stacked one atop another in any desired pattern, such as a running bond pattern. One or more fluid conduits are disposed in thermal communication with one or more of the masonry construction blocks and one or more fluids are passed through the fluid conduits. The fluid(s) may comprise one or more liquids, one or more gases, or a combination of liquid(s) and gas(es). The fluid(s) can transfer heat between an enclosed environment, such as a room, and the material of the masonry construction blocks.

Abstract: A wall construction system comprises a number of courses of masonry construction blocks stacked one atop another in any desired pattern, such as a running bond pattern. One or more fluid conduits are disposed in thermal communication with one or more of the masonry construction blocks and one or more fluids are passed through the fluid conduits. The fluid(s) may comprise one or more liquids, one or more gases, or a combination of liquid(s) and gas(es). The fluid(s) can transfer heat between an enclosed environment, such as a room, and the material of the masonry construction blocks.

Abstract: A wall construction system comprises a number of courses of masonry construction blocks stacked one atop another in any desired pattern, such as a running bond pattern. One or more fluid conduits are disposed in thermal communication with one or more of the masonry construction blocks and one or more fluids are passed through the fluid conduits. The fluid(s) may comprise one or more liquids, one or more gases, or a combination of liquid(s) and gas(es). The fluid(s) can transfer heat between an enclosed environment, such as a room, and the material of the masonry construction blocks.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first block having a first surface and a first void and a second block having a second surface and a second void. The second block is positioned atop the first block to define an interface plane at the adjacent first and second surfaces. The wall construction system further includes a shear member encased within cementitious material within the first and second voids at the interface plane. The cementitious material engages opposing walls of the first and second voids.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course. Each leveling block has a leveling plate that engages a lower surface of the leveling block and includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks.

Abstract: A wall construction block includes a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of webs extending between the front and rear surfaces to define at least one void. The front surface and back surface have first vertical ends and second vertical ends opposite the first vertical ends. The wall construction block further includes structures on the first vertical ends defining an interior protrusion and a shoulder, and structures on the second vertical ends defining an outer protrusion and a recess. The interior protrusions of the first vertical ends are adapted to interfit with the recesses on the second vertical ends of an adjacent wall construction block, and a channel is defined that extends in a height direction and is adapted to channel a fluid.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course wherein each leveling block including an upper surface, a wall defining a leveling block void, and at least one leveling component having a leveling plate that engages the wall and at least one threaded adjuster extending through the plate. A plurality of field blocks is arranged in a second course atop the first course wherein each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks and a wall defining a field block void aligned with the leveling block void of the one leveling block. A cementitious material is disposed in an aligned field block void and leveling block void of at least one of the field blocks and at least one of the leveling blocks, respectively.

Abstract: A leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. A leveling plate engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface and the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a tenon and a mortise groove. The tenon has a distal end and a proximal end integral with and extending from a first surface, wherein the distal end includes a planar surface and is wider than the proximal end. The mortise groove has a receiving end and a retaining end formed in a second surface. The first and second surfaces are beveled, and the mortise groove is adapted to receive the tenon such that the tenon is slidable from the receiving end to the retaining end to maintain the first and second surfaces in stationary placement with respect to one another.

Abstract: A wall construction block includes a front surface, a back surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of webs extending between the front and rear surfaces to define at least one void. The front surface and back surface have first vertical ends and second vertical ends opposite the first vertical ends. The wall construction block further includes structures on the first vertical ends defining an interior protrusion and a shoulder, and structures on the second vertical ends defining an outer protrusion and a recess. The interior protrusions of the first vertical ends are adapted to interfit with the recesses on the second vertical ends of an adjacent wall construction block, and a channel is defined that extends in a height direction and is adapted to channel a fluid.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a first plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course and a second plurality of field blocks arranged in a second course atop the first course. Each leveling block has a leveling plate that engages a lower surface of the leveling block and includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. Each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks.

Abstract: A leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. A leveling plate engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface and the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a plurality of leveling blocks arranged in a first course wherein each leveling block including an upper surface, a wall defining a leveling block void, and at least one leveling component having a leveling plate that engages the wall and at least one threaded adjuster extending through the plate. A plurality of field blocks is arranged in a second course atop the first course wherein each field block includes a lower surface that interfits with the upper surface of at least one of the leveling blocks and a wall defining a field block void aligned with the leveling block void of the one leveling block. A cementitious material is disposed in an aligned field block void and leveling block void of at least one of the field blocks and at least one of the leveling blocks, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques for cleaning the inside of complexly-bent tubing are disclosed using a combination of minimal amounts of solvent and pneumatically propelled foam pellets. In order to increase device efficiency, an escapement apparatus employs a vacuum-assisted loading mechanism and retaining pin to reliably load one pellet at a time.