Abstract: A plastic block comprising of a generally rectangular plastic block consisting of contoured faces on opposite sides connected by adjoining edges. These blocks give the appearance of glass blocks without the weight, fragility, or cost of standard glass blocks commonly used as decorative wall components. These blocks consist of interlocking male and female connectors integral to the side wall of the blocks so as to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: An interlocking building block is disclosed primarily as a replacement for glass blocks or tiles. The block has front and rear walls or surfaces and intermediate peripheral end walls that intersect at an angle. At least two intersecting end walls have tongues and grooves adapted to mate with corresponding grooves and tongues on adjacent blocks and these tongues and grooves on the intersecting end walls each have interlocking means to engage complimentary interlocking means on adjacent blocks to prevent sliding movement therebetween, thus giving a four-direction interlock between the blocks.

Abstract: The laminated thermal insulator system to be affixed to a building wall is comprised of a laminated thermal insulator system for affixing to a building wall, comprised of a light-absorbing wall outer surface, an at least partially light-permeable insulating material, and on the exterior (possibly with the interposition of a light-permeable protective layer) a weather-resistant, at least partially light-permeable layer of a plaster-type coating with a coating thickness of 0.5-6 mm, comprised of a curable, hardenable binder containing a filler, wherein the filler is present in an amount such that the transmissivity of the said coating is greater than 20% for perpendicularly incident light radiation.

Abstract: An operable glass block window comprises a window frame sized for insertion into an opening in a structure. A window sash is provided which carries a plurality of glass blocks. The glass blocks are connected to one another to form a rigid panel, and the panel is connected to the window sash to form an integral structure. Hinges or pivots are provided for connecting the sash to the frame to allow the sash to move relative to the frame.

Abstract: A composite thermal insulation system particularly for installation on a building wall and having a light-absorbing outer wall surface includes an at least partially light-transmissive thermal insulation material and a light-transmissive plaster-type coating on the outside surface thereof. The total light transmission of the system is lowered in the summer season to values less than 0.2, at high solar altitude angles (greater than 60.degree. to the vertical of the wall) by the addition to the outer plaster-type coating of powdered substances having a particle size less than 5 .mu.m and a refractive index between 1.45 and 1.65.

Abstract: A light-transmissive decking section for use in a decking assembly for supporting a user while allowing the user to receive light through the decking assembly. The light-transmissive decking section is provided with a light-transmissive top section. The transmissive properties of the light-transmissive decking section increase the aesthetic appeal of the decking assembly and allow the light to be used below the decking assembly for illumination and heat. The light-transmissive decking section may also be provided with a light or a solar panel to alternatively emanate light or generate power from ambient light.

Abstract: A hollow glass brick consists of two half-bricks (1, 2) fused to one another. On the internal surface of at least one of its walls (4, 5) provided for the passage of light, there is provided a finely structured surface embossing. The surface embossing is made of a design having a wavy profile whose wavelength is 200 to 1000 .mu.m and whose wave depth 10 to 80 .mu.m. These embossed fine structures give the impression of glass bricks having frosted interior surfaces. They prevent one from seeing through the brick and provide a high degree of diffusion.

Abstract: A one piece mold glass block especially adapted for interior use which has an aesthetically pleasing appearance characterized by an enclosing wall, usually rectangular in form, within which a central panel is located at the approximate mid point of the wall. One or both of the exterior of the enclosing walls and the central panel may carry a color coating to give a variety of aesthetically pleasing color effects.

Abstract: A roof window pane for automobiles possesses, on the face towards the passenger compartment, a grating-type pattern of a material which impedes the passage of radiation, especially a baking finish. The grating-type pattern consists of superimposed gratings and has a moire structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a building structure partially covered with siding panels, the outer surface of which are transparent to solar energy, the panels being slightly spaced from an insulating wall of the building to allow a fluid flow, preferably air, therebetween with effective heat exchange from a solar radiation absorbing surface with the fluid being selectively utilizable for space heating purposes or other purposes. The air can be moved by fans or convection or both. A preferred embodiment employs small horizontal lenticular lenses in the transparent material on the surface of the siding together with a mask, which may be three dimensional, on the back of the siding with the result that when the siding is viewed from the horizontal it displays a decorative color while it is highly reflective for solar rays at high angles of elevation and is transparent for solar rays at low angles of elevation, as during winter months.

Abstract: An electrostatic evacuated insulating sheet comprises two permanently charged electret repulsion layers (18 and 28) laminated to two respective insulating layers (16 and 26), which are in turn laminated to two impermeable metallic compensation layers (14 and 24). The foregoing laminate is then covered by two protective layers (12 and 22). The repulsion layers (18 and 28) are sufficiently charged with monopolar electric charges so that, by Coulomb force, a small (1 to 20 micron) evacuated space is established and maintained between the repulsion layers. This space is sufficient to stop all heat transfer through the sheet by convection or conduction. The resulting vacuum insulated sheet is very thin (1.2 mm to 2.9 mm) and flexible. It provides an greatly improved insulating performance over any previous flexible sheet insulation, equivalent to at least 170 mm of polystyrene foam.

Abstract: A wasted spacer member for spacing construction blocks in a wall formed therefrom, and particularly suited for glass bricks, comprising a pair of parallel cross-shaped or T-shaped positioning elements joined by a length adjustable connecting element including a pair of overlapping elongate connecting bars formed on the inner sides of respective positioning elements and extending perpendicularly therefrom. Each connecting bar has parallel inner and outer sides aligned parallel with a vertical direction, with the inner sides of each connecting bar being mutually abutting along the outer portions thereof. A set of aperture holes are formed at predetermined positions along a first connecting bar, and a cooperating pair of correspondingly spaced, protruding securing buttons are formed along a second connecting bar.

Abstract: A hollow structural glass block is slotted by cutting or grinding to allow the installation of a specifically sized decorative panel insert into the interior of the block. The decorative insert is preferably comprised of stained, iridescent, or etched glass. A bead of clear silicone rubber caulking is applied to the bottom edge of the insert prior to slipping the insert through the slot. The silicone rubber caulking functions as an adhesive to secure the bottom edge of the insert stationary to the bottom interior of the block. The top edge of the insert is positioned between the edges of the block defining the slot. The slot, and the top exposed edge of the insert lying therein is covered with a layer of clear silicone rubber to secure the insert and seal the interior of the glass block against the entrance of moisture and mortar. Additionally, substantial thermal insulating values are maintained in the decorative blocks due to the sealed nature when completed.

Abstract: A glass block (10) consists of two halves (12,14) fused together along a vertical center plane (11) of the block and having planar inclined surfaces (22,24) at a vertically extending end face (42), the inclined surfaces forming an angle of 45.degree. with the vertical center plane (11). The opposite vertical end face (44) of the glass block is substantially flat. The inclined surfaces (22, 24) extend up to the vertical center plane (11) of the glass block so as to make the same suitable for use as a cornerstone and as an end block.

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.

Abstract: Forms for covering inspection holes or openings in concrete block wall construction in which the forms are of a size to seal the openings and are installed within such openings interiorly of the front face of the concrete blocks. In the preferred embodiments the forms are transparent to provide visual inspection of steel reinforcement and concrete or grout filling of the cores of the concrete blocks.

Abstract: A concrete construction block having at least one or more hollow cores or open cells and wherein an opening is molded between one cell and the outer face of the block and which opening is defined by edges having opposing outermost flanges which function to retain an inspection window seated within the core therebetween.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an improved transparent panel assembly for fabricating wall and roofing components. The method includes the extrusion of a top and bottom member made of transparent plastic material. Each extruded member includes a top and bottom sheet with interspersed ribs for structural integrity. Each extruded member is supported in spaced relationship by a plurality of beam structures having longitudinal axes substantially normal with the direction of the internal ribs of the extruded panel members. The structure resulting from the improved method includes top and bottom panel members having internal ribs molded in an integral manner, and an elongated support structure mounted between the panel members in a direction substantially normal with the longitudinal axis of the internal ribs.

Abstract: An architectural building block is formed of light transmitting, molded plastic material to resemble a common glass block or brick and comprises a plurality of hollow half members joined together along a seam to form a hollow block enclosure with the seam spaced intermediately between a pair of opposite planar outer side faces of the block. Each half member has an inner surface and an outer surface comprising one of the outer side faces of the block integrally joined around its periphery to an inwardly directed peripheral edge flange having a free edge providing one joining edge of the seam. At least one of the outer opposite side faces of the block is provided with a thin, hard, transparent, abrasion, chemical and ultraviolet light resistant protective coating of plastic resin permanently bonded to an outer side face of the block to provide protection from the environment and weather.

Abstract: An architectural building block is formed of light transmitting, molded plastic material to resemble a common glass block or brick and comprises a pair of halves joined together along a seam to form a hollow block with the seam spaced intermediately between a pair of opposite planar outer side walls of the block. Each half has an inner surface and an outer surface comprising one of the outer side walls of the block integrally joined around its periphery to an inwardly directed peripheral edge wall having a plurality of planar wall segments and having a continuous free edge providing one joining edge of the seam. Integrally formed snap lock connectors are provided adjacent each corner of the block for interconnecting an adjacent block laid up in a wall structure and a flange structure is formed along each wall segment between the connectors providing a surface for backing up joint adhesive applied between adjacent wall segments of laid up blocks.

Abstract: The compound thermal insulating system, which can be attached to a building wall with a light-absorbent exterior wall surface comprises at least partially transparent thermal insulating material which is externally projected against the effects of weather. In order to guarantee in a particularly simple fashion the sure protection of the thermal insulating material against external influences, particularly against the effects of weather, the thermal insulating material is provided with a weather-resistant protective coating consisting of at least partially transparent filler which contains a curing binder sufficient to provide a radiation transmission ratio for vertical sunlight of greater than 20%, given coating thicknesses between 0.5 mm and 6 mm. A transparent reinforcement is effectively positioned between the insulating material and the protective coating.

Abstract: A system of interconnected glass blocks by bonding translucent or transparent glass or plastic plates to form the joint between the abutting surfaces of each of the blocks.

Abstract: An improved glass block construction unit having an electrical assembly (13) integrally attached through a glass wall (2) of the unit, thereby allowing the unit to be self illuminating.

Abstract: A glass block wall has a frame member that frictionally engages the glass block adjacent thereto. A continuous flexible spacer member extends along the horizontal end walls of the glass blocks in each course. Separate vertical spacer members abut the adjacent vertical end walls of the glass blocks and a filler material is positioned in the recess formed between the edges of the adjacent glass blocks and the edge of the spacer member. The spacer members have a configuration to align the glass blocks in the wall and to stabilize each of the glass blocks in the wall.

Abstract: Architectural glass block walls or panels are constructed by assembling a plurality of blocks using connectors which provide securement and uniform spacing of the blocks in a width and height direction. Each connector comprises a pair of rigid, elongated members each having a pair of spaced, planar opposite surfaces, and a laterally centered longitudinal groove in each surface. Each member is joined to the other member and each connector is disposed at an intersection of the corners of and in abutment with a plurality of blocks with each longitudinal groove engaging a ridge which extends around the circumference of each block. The connectors can be secured to the blocks with an adhesive compound, e.g., a curable silicone caulking composition, and the spaces between the blocks can be filled with mortar, grout or caulking material to seal the wall or panel and embed and conceal the connectors in the mortar.

Abstract: A multiple glass sheet insulating unit having a welded or fused glass, sealed peripheral edge. The unit comprises at least two glass sheets each having a low emissivity coating applied to a surface thereof. The sheets are disposed such that the hermetically sealed space between the sheets is of a width between 0.125 inch to 0.375 inch and the coating on one of the sheets faces the sealed space and the coating on the other sheet faces the ambient. A highly insulating gas such as krypton fills the sealed space.

Abstract: A construction block comprising a generally rectangular hollow body having a pair of faces joined by side edges. There are spacing flanges extending about the side edges around the perimeter of the block adjacent and essentially parallel to the faces to ensure correct spacing of the blocks when arranged in a wall construction. Cavities for connecting adjacent blocks together are provided at each corner of the block. There is a spanning member having ends adapted for engagement in the cavities of adjacent blocks in order to connect blocks into a unified wall structure.

Abstract: A translucent glass brick for use in a building wall as a lighting wall is made of a translucent opal glass in a form of a hollow glass block. The opal glass has an opal appearance and a mean light transmittance of 20-80%, in a glass thickness of 10 mm, for wavelength over a range of 400-700 nm. The opal glass is a lime and chlorine free glass with sodium sulfate and sodium sulfide fine particles dispersed therein for diffusing light transmitting through the glass. The opal glass essentially consists, by weight, of SiO.sub.2 60.0-70.0%, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 7.0-11.0%, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 1.0-5.0%, BaO 0-3.0%, ZnO 1.0-5.0%, Na.sub.2 O 15.0-21.0%, SO.sub.3 0.3-1.0%, and F.sub.2 0-2.0%.

Abstract: A translucent end block which may be secured to an exposed side or top abutting surface of a translucent block includes a pair of parallel upper and lower surfaces spaced from each other and having generally the same preselected shape. A pair of side walls extend between the upper and lower surfaces and are joined to the upper and lower surfaces. The pair of side walls each have first wall portions positioned in parallel, spaced relation with each other and nonparallel second wall portions. A first end wall is positioned between the pair of side walls first wall portions and is joined to the upper and lower surfaces and to the pair of side walls first wall portions. The end block is secured to an exposed side or top abutting surface of a translucent block which forms a part of a translucent block wall structure to provide a translucent block wall structure having usable top or side surfaces.

Abstract: A one-piece guide adapted to be inserted into mortar, between recessed surfaces presented by opposing faces of adjacent glass blocks, to space and align them with respect in each other in the formation of a masonry structure. The guide comprises a relatively thin frame including longitudinal and transverse arms having joined to their free ends bodies that are spaced transversely from said each other a distance only slightly less than the width of said recessed face surfaces.

Abstract: Architectural glass block walls or panels are constructed by assembling a plurality of blocks using connectors which provide securement and uniform spacing of the blocks in a width and height direction. Each connector comprises a pair of rigid, elongated members each having a pair of spaced, planar opposite surfaces, and a laterally centered longitudinal groove in each surface. Each member is joined to the other member and each connector is disposed at an intersection of the corners of and in abutment with a plurality of blocks with each longitudinal groove engaging a ridge which extends around the circumference of each block. The connectors can be secured to the blocks with an adhesive compound, e.g., a curable silicone caulking composition, and the space between the blocks can be filled with mortar, grout or caulking material to seal the wall or panel and embed and conceal the connectors in the mortar.

Abstract: A translucent end cap which may be secured to an abutting side surface of a translucent block includes a pair of parallel top and bottom surfaces each having generally the same preselected shape. A side surface extends between the top and bottom surfaces and is perpendicular and joined to the top and bottom surfaces. The side surface has a contour generally conforming to the preselected shaped of the top and bottom surfaces. A raised rear surface portion extends from the side surface to form a protrusion. A portion of this protrusion is arranged to abut a portion of an abutting side surface of a translucent glass block to provide a mortar joint between the end capside surface and the abutting side surface of a translucent glass block. The end caps are secured to exposed top or side abutting surfaces of translucent blocks form a translucent block wall structure to provide a translucent block wall structure having usable top or side surfaces.

Abstract: A translucent block includes a pair of parallel upper and lower faces each having a generally irregular hexagonal shape. There are a pair of generally rectangular, opposing sides which are parallel with each other, have a first preselected height and a first preselected width, and are perpendicular and joined to the upper and lower faces. A first pair of generally rectangular, opposing ends are parallel with each other, have the first preselected height and a second preselected width, and are perpendicular and joined to the upper and lower faces. A second pair of generally rectangular, opposing ends are parallel with each other, have the first preselected height and the second preselected width, and are perpendicular and joined to the upper and the lower faces. One of the first pair of ends is joined to one of the second pair of ends with a predetermined angle of ninety degrees therebetween. Each of the first pair of ends and each of the second pair of ends are respectively joined to one of the pair of sides.

Abstract: A glass block has at least approximately the shape of a sector of a circular cylinder, the side faces forming the sector of the circular cylinder and containing the axis of the cylinder, preferably including an angle of 45.degree. or 90.degree.. The side faces defining the sector of the cylinder and containing the axis of the cylinder are formed with a recess to take up mortar, cement or the like used in bricklaying a wall made of glass blocks.

Abstract: A glass modular construction block is provided with a form-fitting frame of an integral foam material, and wherein the frame on the impact surface is provided with projections and recesses, which permit a firm plug-in connection. Along the narrow sides, the frame includes sealing projections. The space between the sealing projection serves for the insertion of reinforcement bars made of flat sections, which are provided with through-going openings for the plug-in projections. Setting of the glass modular construction blocks is accomplished without any additional adhesive means, so that a wall or wall portions constructed from such glass modular construction blocks can be disassembled, and so that the glass modular construction blocks are reusable.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods of manufacturing cut glass panels which comprise a plurality of glass panes arranged in a predetermined pattern with novel came flanges that span the adjacent edges of the glass panes on both sides of the panel. In this manufacturing method, a pair of complementary came-flange gridworks that correspond to mirror images of the predetermined pattern are first constructed. The cut glass panes are then positioned between the inner surfaces of the complementary gridworks so that the edges of each pane are separated from the edges of adjacent panes by spaces that form a network of continuous interconnected channels, and so that those channels are completely spanned by and sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the complementary came-flange gridworks. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of one of the gridworks is then sealed to all adjacent glass surfaces with a releasable cement. The cemented came-pane assemblage so formed is detached from the other gridwork.

Abstract: A solar energy converter which can be used as a solar collector or for the direct mounting on a building for the heating of the interior thereof through a wall of the building has a light transmissive layer spaced from this wall and provided on its inner side with an absorptive surface at which incident solar energy is transformed into heat. One or more solar structures between this layer and the wall contain a chemico-physical phase transformation medium capable of storing latent heat when thermal energy is produced at the absorptive surface and adapted to release this heat through the wall or to a heat carrier fluid which can be passed through a space formed by the solar structure.

Abstract: A side wall panel for a revolving door, consisting of a number of high and narrow strips of flat glass, interconnected by flexible joints and maintained in the desired arcuate configuration by a curved frame. The use of flexible joints permits the panel to be shipped flat. Internal stresses in the joints are minimized by initially manufacturing the panel on a support which is curved to an arcuate shape corresponding to that of the final installation.

Abstract: The invention provides a phase change heat storage, light and temperature control building panel comprising a sealed housing having at least two walls transparent to visible light delimiting at least one intermediate space filled with a liquid-solid phase-change heat-storage material, wherein the material is substantially transparent to visible light in solid and in liquid phase, adsorbs heat while melting, releases heat while solidifying and undergoes phase change in a temperature range of about 5.degree.-28.degree. C. The invention also provides a method of day light and temperature control and night temperature control in dwelling units and plant enclosures utilizing the panels of the invention.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is provided for controlling the rate of insolation transmission through the roof of a building, such as a greenhouse. The roof is provided with translucent panels through which liquid containing opaquing material passes. Control is effected by varying the amount of opaquing material passing through the panels, according to preselected optimum fulfillment of the combined heating, cooling and insolation needs of the building under varying atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A hollow panel of extruded plastics for walls and roof structures and having at least two main ducts separated by a secondary duct divided into three or more subducts, one of which is dimensioned so as to accommodate an anchor bar intended for absorbing upwardly directed wind pressure. Each of the main ducts is divided into two channels by a thinner intermediate wall extending through the secondary duct or ducts.A self-supporting arcuate roof comprising such panels provided with coupling members forming together locking ducts wherein locking wedges or reinforcing bands of metal are inserted.The subducts of the panels are designed to resist pressure and torsional forces without separate reinforcing elements.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed, which allows the control of the radiation and vibration (light, heat, sound) transmission properties of one or more panels each comprising at least two spaced apart glass sheets mounted in a supporting frame. The arrangement allows the control of the flow of solid particles to and from the inner space comprised between both glass sheets. There are also disclosed practical structural means for connecting the several conduits of the control equipment and of one or more corresponding particle reservoirs to said inner space of the panels. Moreover, there are disclosed such connection means for any particularly known types of fixed or movable panels of this kind and, in the case of movable panels, for panels capable of rotating about a horizontal axis or a vertical axis and for panels capable of sliding in their frames in a horizontal or a vertical direction.

Abstract: A building unit for exterior walls and the like comprising a molded block of glass having a recess in the side face which is to face the exterior, the recess having a side wall and an open outer end on which a fresnel lens is disposed, the inner end of the recess having a solar cell disposed therein so that sunlight passing through the fresnel lens impinges on the solar cell for the generation of electric power together with a battery disposed within a cavity molded in the block connected by a circuit to the solar cell for storing the generated electric power for subsequent use as needed in a residence or the like. A further embodiment has attached to the interior wall a black painted duct containing vertical radiant fins. This unit contains a "window" through which the concentrated radiation is directed by the lens arrangement of the side walls and front lens to create a highly energetic radiant impingement upon the black duct heating it.

Abstract: A vacuum-insulated thin-wall panel requires internal spacers to resist the compressive force of the atmosphere and to hold the sides apart. Such spacers are paths for heat flow by conduction. However, in the panel of this invention, the sides are held apart by a web of relatively thin and long spacers stressed in pure tension. Heat flow through such spacers is substantially less than through the more massive spacers designed to be stressed in compression.

Abstract: A collector of solar energy comprises an array of contiguous transparent blocks, arranged in one or more layers or tiers, resting on a thermally conductive supporting plate which overlies a system of conduits for the circulation of a heat-carrying fluid such as water. Each block consists of a thin-walled hollow glass body of generally prismatic shape with a broad concave undersurface which, in the case of the lowest tier, makes only line contact with its supporting surface and is largely separated from that surface by an intervening dead-air space minimizing conductive heat transfer therebetween. A nipple at one end face, used for the blowing of the glass bodies, may be received in a complementary recess of a juxtaposed end face of an adjoining body.

Abstract: A veneer wall covering to simulate a brick wall through the provision of adhering a plurality of thin blocks formed from dry wall sheet stock to an interior wall in any known brick layup patterns, applying a coating over the blocks to produce a textured surface which duplicates the texture of bricks, followed by applying a desired color selected from the prevailing color or real brick, or variations thereof.

Abstract: A light valve system wherein particulate material is introduced into a normally light-transmitting cavity to restrict light transmission through the cavity from one side to the other. The cavity may be partially or totally filled with a particulate material depending on the degree of light restriction desired. The particulate material may comprise a thermal insulating material which restricts heat transmission as well as light transmission through the cavity. The use of the present light valve system in a greenhouse structure is described.

Abstract: A wasted spacer member for wall elements consists of cross-shaped and T-shaped members each composed of two elements whose face planes are parallel to each other, and the intersecting point of their arms lies on a common axis perpendicular to the face planes. The two elements of the spacer member are connected to each other by at least one web member of such a length that the distance between the two outer surfaces of the spacer member is less than the thickness of the wall elements and the width or thickness of the arms measured in the planes of the elements corresponds either to the joint width between the individual wall elements or to the joint width plus the sum of the groove depths of two adjacent wall elements.

Abstract: For use in a window area of a building, an assembly comprises several generally rectangular translucent building blocks each containing a transparent liquid and an oblique reflecting/refracting surface in contact with the liquid, for pleasing visual effect. The oblique surface intersects, or if produced would intersect, a plane face of the block along a line parallel to one of the rectangular axes.

Abstract: A thermal insulating glazing unit comprising a plurality of elongated evacuated sealed glass tubes arranged adjacent each other with their axes parallel, transverse to the light. The inner side of each of the glass tubes is covered by an infrared-reflecting coating.