Abstract: Provided is a construction assembly comprising: a. a base; b. a layer of glass fiber placed directly on the base; and c. a decorative layer having a plurality of tiles placed immediately on the glass fiber, wherein the glass fiber is mixed with a hardener and a resin to attach the glass fiber directly to the base and the decorative layer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to translucent building elements, and more specifically to their manufacture. The present invention comprises a method for the manufacture of an insulating core element for a translucent building element, an insulating core element for a translucent building element, a method for the manufacture of a translucent building element, a translucent building element, a method for the manufacture of a translucent building wall, a translucent building wall, and a method for the manufacture of a multiple of stacked rows of elongated light-conducting elements for an insulating core element.

Abstract: A method of installing a vertical reinforcing bar in a masonry wall includes constructing a base portion of the masonry wall, positioning a vertical holster within the base portion, stacking concrete masonry units above the base portion to form a vertical core within the concrete masonry units that is aligned with the vertical holster, and lowering the vertical reinforcing bar through the vertical core and the opening of the upper portion of the vertical holster until the leading end of the vertical reinforcing bar is secured to securing means of the vertical holster.

Abstract: This document describes systems and process for forming processed slabs having embedded optical elements.

Abstract: Method for producing a heat insulating, light conducting multilayer composite construction element for facades of building structures and the like, in which the multilayer composite construction element consists of at least one layer of a curable casting compound and at least one heat insulating layer of insulating material, and all layers are penetrated by light conducting elements, whereby a.) in a first process step the light conducting elements are fixed in an insulating body forming the heat insulating layer, b.) in a second step the light conducting elements fixed in the insulating body are inserted in a formwork space of a formwork formed by formwork panels and c.) in a third step the formwork space is filled with a curable casting compound, forming at least one support layer, whereby b1.

Abstract: Clear or tinted window panes of glass or plastic having a pattern of dots, vertical lines, horizontal lines or a combination of vertical and horizontal lines in a regular pattern on a surface of the pane, the pattern being visible to the avian eye to prevent birds from striking or colliding with the window pane and having optical characteristics of a minimum of 20% ultraviolet reflection separated by ultraviolet absorption.

Abstract: A light-conducting component, in particular finished concrete part in the form of a masonry brick, for constructions and building. The component is produced in a casting mold by casting into at least one casting building material and the optical waveguide is made of a light-conducting building material, e.g. PMMA polymer or glass, which is accessible at at least two positions on the outer surface of the light-conducting component for the input of light and output of light. The optical waveguide is configured as a self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body composed of rods having a thickness/diameter of greater than 1 mm. The self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body has approximately the same or an only slightly smaller width (W), or length (L), or base dimensions (W, L), or total external dimensions (W, L, H) than the casting mold itself.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hollow multi-wall structural component comprising a plurality of spaced-apart sheets that transmit an incident radiation, and connected with reinforcing members; wherein at least a portion of one surface of at least one of the sheets comprises a plurality of radiation transmission-enhancing elements. Methods for forming the hollow multi-wall structural component are also described.

Abstract: A fire-resistant glass block including a thermal break and methods for making same. Embodiments of the glass block assembly include at least two portions filled with fire-resistant gel, wherein the at least two portions are connected using a thermal break channel. The thermal break channel improves the thermal conductions characteristics of the assembly and mitigates the potential for breakage in either glass block half unit through direct heat transfer. The glass block assembly can be made by connecting two or more glass portions using a thermal break channel and filling the connected glass block portions with fire-resistant gel.

Abstract: A translucent building block and method of manufacturing the same where the block has at least two oppositely oriented outer surfaces between which extend a plurality of translucent members that are mounted to a retainer which supports the translucent members spaced inwardly of opposite free ends thereof which extend outwardly from the retainer to points adjacent the at least two outer surfaces and wherein a plurality of openings are provided through the retainer to permit passage of cast material during introduction of the material about the translucent members within a mold during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall panels comprising micro-scale surface features and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, a multiwall panel is disclosed. The multiwall panel comprises, a top sheet, a bottom sheet, a rib disposed between and connected to the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and a micro-scale surface feature disposed on a surface of the multiwall panel, wherein the micro-scale surface feature comprises a width measured at a base of the surface feature, wherein the width is about 30 micrometers to about 3 millimeters. In another embodiment, a process of forming multiwall panels is disclosed. In yet another embodiment, a naturally lit structure is disclosed.

Abstract: Translucent building element and method and equipment for manufacturing the same, where the translucent building element made of a castable matrix, especially concrete, is casted and incorporates a fiber composite with translucent fibers. The translucent fibers are placed in the translucent fiber composite in that way, that they form with at least one surface of the building element, which is designed for the light entrance or light exit, at least two different angles. For manufacturing, first a fiber composite is supplied to a first transporting device, which feeds the fiber composite into a coating device, in which the fiber composite is coated with the castable matrix. Using a second transporting device the coated fiber composite is conveyed out of the coating device to a formwork, in which the coated fiber composite is placed layer wise, and the castable matrix with the enclosed translucent fibers is cured to a translucent slab.

Abstract: A system for building using glass blocks is disclosed which employs spacing strips. The spacing strips comprising elongate, generally planar elements having a cross section generally corresponding in shape to the intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed construction. The spacing strips are hollow and may be provided with interior supporting webs. The strips are provided with adhesive which may be included during manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a translucent building block (1) having at least two, a first and a second bounding surfaces (2, 3), between which there is at least a part of a translucent member (4) and cast material surrounding said member (4) connected to an retainer structure (5), whereas the latter is arranged between said surfaces (2, 3). The invention also relates to a an insert (8) for producing a translucent building block (1) having an retainer structure (5) and at least one translucent member (4) arranged on said auxiliary retainer (5), and the translucent member (4) has at least one section (9, 10) projecting from said retainer structure (5), and said insert is provided with an opening formed on said retainer structure (5) and/or with a fixing member (19, 20, 21). The invention also discloses a method for producing a translucent building block (1).

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 block assembly that includes first framing members, second framing members, and clips, wherein each of the clips is inserted through a respective one of the first framing members. Each of the clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted. For each of the clips, the upper portion is received within a first one of the second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of the second framing members such that the first and second framing members form a grid including openings. The block assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, with each of the blocks being received within a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: A glass wall (1) has two parallel wall elements (3), at least one of which consists of a material made of glass or a similar material, which is transparent to light, and behind which LEDs, with which the transparent wall element (3) can be lit translucently, are arranged in rows as illuminating devices. To achieve illumination of the glass wall (1) over the largest possible areas, provisions are made for LED light sources (7) to be arranged in a small number of illuminating groups on plate-like carriers (17) in the area of the front-side end of a narrow, elongated light chamber (6). A plurality of such light chambers are arranged separated by transverse walls (4, 4?, 5) in the vertical position next to each other or in the horizontal position one on top of another to form the glass wall (1). Each light chamber (6) has at least one translucent wall element (3) with an inner surface having a refractive and reflecting structure.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a spectrally selective film laminate disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block and to establish an U-factor of 0.35 or less with a S.H.G.C. of 0.39 or less. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: The present application discloses curb components that represent various shapes of glass blocks to be used in the construction of a curb for a glass block wall, along with a system and method for laying out the curb components. The curb components can be fitted together to lay out the positioning of glass blocks, such that a user can lay out potential designs for glass block walls prior to constructing the glass block wall. Connection mechanisms are used, which enable a variety of joint sizes, as well as angled joints to be formed.

Abstract: This application discloses a system and method for assembling glass block walls from straight and non-straight glass blocks using horizontal and vertical spacers. The horizontal spacer is shaped to fit a top or bottom surface of the glass block and has elongated tabs and receiving holes, which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers. The vertical spacers are positioned on a side surface of the glass block, and have a shape and a thickness that corresponds to the vertical space between adjacent glass blocks and engage the side surface.

Abstract: A composite panel (10) and a method for forming the panel are described. The panel (10) comprises an inverted tray (14) of composite material such as fibre reinforced plastic. A transparent or translucent surface layer (12) is provided on the top surface (16) of the tray (14). A block of honeycomb (20) with a backing sheet (22) is bonded within the cavity defined by the top surface (16) and the side walls (18) of the tray (14). The panel may be illuminated by using an electro-luminescent film as the backing sheet (22) or by placing LEDs (30) in the cells (34) of the honeycomb material (20). The composite panel (10) may be used as flooring, to create partition walls, or simply as decorative panels.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a single aperture disposed along the lower edge of the plastic block for alleviating pressure within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

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 glass block structure supported by a flexible phenolic resin framework is disclosed. The phenolic resin framework is bonded to the individual glass blocks with an adhesive substance that is placed so as to lie at or near the corners of the blocks. The phenolic resin that makes up the supporting framework may advantageously be formed in a pultrusion process wherein the resin is embedded with glass-like strands. Further heat-tolerance and adhesion may be obtained from the use of a high-heat tolerant putty applied between the phenolic resin and the glass blocks. The flexibility of the phenolic resin allows the block structure to be preassembled and then transported to an installation site as a single, ready-to-install unit.

Abstract: A clamp fixture to fasten glass plates that are clamped between an inner clamp element and an external clamp element, whereby a clamp bolt is supported elastically, to a limited extent, on the inner clamp element by means of a bush. The invention teaches that the inner clamp element, on the side facing the substructure, has a cylindrical receptacle space to hold the bearing that supports the clamp bolt in the axial direction, whereby the bearing is realized optionally in the form of a fixed bearing, in the form of a friction bearing that intersects the center longitudinal axis of the clamp bolt, or in the form of a movable bearing for the four-point bearing of a glass plate.

Abstract: A construction block cap is used to cap the outer periphery of a construction block structure in order to permit the structure to be easily drop glazed into a frame. The construction block cap has a base member with a pair of flanges extending along and upwardly therefrom. A flange structure extends along and upwardly from the base member between the pair of flanges. The flange structure can be a single flange or a pair of flanges. The pair of flanges and the flange structure form a pair of parallel inner channels that receive the spacing flanges of the construction blocks used to make the construction block structure while the pair of flanges form a pair of outer channels that receive the cut edges of the cut faces of a construction block. Optional lips on the various flanges help hold the construction blocks in place and seal the structure within the frame.

Abstract: A construction block comprises parallel faces joined by four side edges. Two side edges have outer spacing flanges while the other two sides have inner spacing flanges. Hook receptacles are located on the lower portion of the inner spacing flanges and face away each other, while corresponding hooks are located along the outer spacing flanges and are adapted to be received within a corresponding hook receptacle when the a construction block is interconnected with the another of the construction block. A structural bar is positionable within the recess of the inner spacing flanges.

Abstract: Antinoise and antifragmentation plates based on acrylic polymers employing a polymeric continuous film placed inside the plate, wherein the film is characterized by an elastic modulus lower than the one of PMMA of at least 30%, and/or elongtion at break higher than at least 40%, measured by the test according to ISO 527 standard for plates or for films.

Abstract: A construction block system for constructing construction block structures comprises a first construction block, having a pair of parallel faces joined by four side edges, and a second construction block having a pair of parallel faces joined by four side edges. A first set of spacing flanges extend about the four sides of the first construction block while a second set of spacing flanges extend about the four side edges of the second construction block. Hook receptacles are located along the first set of spacing flanges, the second set of spacing flanges or both, while corresponding hooks are located along the second set of spacing flanges, the first set of spacing flanges, or both and are adapted to be received within a corresponding hook receptacle when the first construction block is interconnected with the second construction block.

Abstract: A partition structure is comprised of a plurality of interconnected construction blocks. The partition structure can be formed in any size and shape including, triangular, rectangular, circular, semi-circular, trapezoidal, etc., by cutting away one or more outer edges of the structure. The partition structure can serve as the pane for a window or door frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a block member and a panel structure which are of a relatively simple construction, which may permit reduction in production and fabrication costs, which may be easily assembled with a sufficient strength, and which may have superior appearance when assembled. A block member comprises a block body 21 of a rectangular configuration having a center point and four sides, the block body including a flange portion 24 in the outer peripheral surface 21c of each of the four sides, the flange portions being formed integrally with the block body and protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the flange portions having a thickness less than that of the outer peripheral surface, each of the flange portions having a deformed portion 25 which restricts the amount of protrusion of the flange portion 24, the deformed portions being formed in the flange portions disposed at corner portions of the block body at which the adjoining sides of the block body meet together.

Abstract: Partition members including frame members forming an open-cell frame structure for housing glass bricks. Beads are shaped to fit the edges of the frame members around the cell openings, and overlap the edges of the glass bricks to hold them in their respective cells.

Abstract: A construction block comprises parallel faces joined by four side edges. Two side edges have outer spacing flanges while the other two side edges have inner spacing flanges. The inner flanges are received within a recess defined by the outer flanges. Hook receptacles located on the lower portion of the outer spacing flanges receive hooks located along the length of the inner spacing flanges when two blocks are interconnected, holding the two blocks firmly to each other. The interfacing flanges provide spacing support and integrity and a location for flange to flange ultrasonic spot welding. A structural bar is positionable within the recess of the inner spacing flanges.

Abstract: A glass brick wall is provided including a plurality of generally rectangular glass bricks layed in horizontal runs between spaced elongated vertically extending support frame members. The wall has horizontally extending elongated separation stripe between adjacent horizontal runs. The vertical support frame members present a face incorporating vertically spaced apertures receiving the separation strips.

Abstract: A glass block wall 10 having a curved section 11 between a straight block 12 and a straight bull nosed end block 13 employs a lower run of blocks 14 and an upper run of blocks 15 shown in phantom to expose an arrangement 16 of separation means between the runs of blocks. The curved section 11 includes a number of curved separation plates 19, 20 and 21 each formed to the shape of an upper end face of the respective blocks. A corner block 22 has a corresponding plate 21 whereas the plates 19 and 20 are formed to the shape of bend blocks 23 and 24, forming a compound curve in the curved section 11.

Abstract: A barrier is formed with pairs of elongate first supports having tiop plate portions and side plate portions forming a substantially U-shaped configuration. A flang portion extends from each side plate portion. The top plate portion being formed with a plurality of spaced apart apertures with the side plate portion formed with a plurality of spaced apart slits. Web-like second supports are inserted into the slits of the first supports and have apertures which are aligned with apertures in the top plate portion of the first supports. Block members of rectangular cross-section are held between the first supports and second supports along opposit end and side surfaces with opposite upper and lower surfaces being supported by the second supports. Bolts and nuts serve to fasten the first and second supports together while clamping the block members between the flange portions and side plate portions of the first supports as well as between the second supports.

Abstract: A hollow, glass, building block contains elastomeric or gel-like cured polydiorganosiloxane composition product being optically at least translucent and present in an amount sufficient to fill completely the available interior volume of the building block providing a space adjacent to the cured product to permit expansion of the cured product relative to the block during changes in temperature. This glass building block has improved fire resistance.

Abstract: A spacer used with substantially rectangularly-shaped glass blocks of the type having a ridge positioned intermediate its top, bottom, and side edges. The spacer comprises first and second oppositely positioned channel portions adapted to receive the seams of adjacent glass blocks. The channel portions define first and second ends. First and second oppositely positioned curved portions extend from the first end of the channel portions and a first pad extends from a junction between the first and second oppositely positioned curved portions. Third and fourth oppositely positioned curved portions extend from the second end of the channel portions and a second pad extends from a junction between the third and fourth oppositely positioned curved portions. The first, second, third, and fourth curved portions are each configured to form a friction fit with adjacent glass blocks while the lips of the adjacent blocks contact the first and second pads.

Abstract: A multi-light glass block panel assembly adapted for pre-fab manufacture and application. A grid of perimeter and interior frame members having grooved interior faces seats in the grooves a plurality of glass blocks, one in each opening of the grid. A sealant such as a silicone sealant is interposed between the blocks and the adjacent frame members. In manufacture, the perimeter frame members are pulled tightly against the blocks, thereby securing them in their respective openings.

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: 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: Horizontal and vertical reinforcement devices adapted to be utilized in the construction of a wall or panel using blocks, such devices being used in conjunction with an adhesive compound, such as mortar, in order to bring about consistent spacing and alignment of such blocks with respect to each other in the formation of the masonry structure. The reinforcement devices comprise a plurality of elongate reinforcement members to be utilized in a generally horizontal attitude in conjunction with such blocks, and a plurality of elongate reinforcement members to be utilized in a generally vertical attitude in conjunction with such blocks. Each of the horizontal reinforcement members is constituted by a pair of longitudinal components of uniform thickness, held in a consistently spaced, parallel array, with the longitudinal components of the horizontal reinforcement members representing less width than the dimension of the recessed side surfaces of the blocks.

Abstract: A glass block panel construction and method of fabrication useful for decorative and functional purposes. The panel includes a frame rigidly assembled from interlocking components to form a grid-like pattern of adjacent pockets, each pocket sized to receive and support a glass block by way of support lips extending around each pocket, the blocks bonded to the frame and therefore to one another in structurally stable and weather sealed relation.

Abstract: This invention provides various configurations of spacers for use in plastic block constructions to prevent relative lateral side-to-side movement between adjacent blocks of the construction when they are connected together with interlockable tab extensions. The spacers are mounted within joint spaces between adjacent blocks of the construction and are in contacting operative engagement with the interlocked tabs to prohibit any relative lateral movement out of alignment between the blocks in the direction towards or away from the frontal or rearward planar faces of the blocks and to retain the blocks aligned in a common plane.

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 decorative panel which simulates the exposed surfaces of installed glass blocks. The panel, which is transparent, semi-transparent or translucent, has a variety of configurations simulating various combinations of 2", 3", 4", 6", and 12" glass blocks such that an installation of the panels in adjacent relationship can be adapted on-site to provide almost any rectangular planar area with the glass block effect. Each of the panels is adhesively secured to an existing planar glass surface therebeneath. A layer of air trapped between each of the relatively thin panels and the underlying glass surface provides a thermal barrier for insulating purposes. The underside of the panels can be tinted, frosted, etched or sculpted whereby a window containing the underlying glass surface is rendered translucent, providing visual security.

Abstract: A glass block panel construction and method of fabrication useful for decorative and functional purposes. The panel includes a frame rigidly assembled from interlocking components to form a grid-like pattern of adjacent pockets, each pocket sized to receive and support a glass block by way of support lips extending around each pocket, the blocks bonded to the frame and therefore to one another in structurally stable and weather sealed relation.

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: A framework assembly that consists of a multiplicity of vertical and horizontal frame members that are interconnected in a locking arrangement to provide a plurality of sealed compartments that are formed within a peripheral framework wherein glass blocks are readily mounted to define a glass-block wall structure held together by the frame members without the need for cement grout.

Abstract: A compound convective construction matrix having an anterior half-matrix disposed to form the first radiation receiving surfaces of the compound matrix and a posterior half-matrix disposed to form the last radiation receiving surfaces of the compound matrix, each of the said half-matrices consisting of two identical frame members arranged in a stacked relation and each frame member having inclined frame elements disposed in intersecting relation to form a grid having grid intersections forming a plurality of compartments, each compartment housing a transparent component cushioned securely therein. The two identical half-matrices are arranged in paired and opposed mirror-image relation and having opposed half-compartments cooperate to form a plurality of internal hollow chambers. The two opposed half-matrices are joined by compressive devices at grid intersections.