Abstract: A method of forming simulated stone or brick column or a retaining wall is made up of rows of masonry blocks of generally trapezoidal configuration arranged in end-to-end relation to one another in each row, each block including a recessed portion being aligned with one another in each row and each block having textured wall surfaces simulating the appearance of brick or stone along one or more wall surfaces arranged in different configurations without the necessity of interlocking the blocks together.

Abstract: A fire rated glass flooring system having blast and/or seismic loading resistance, comprising: (a) a plurality of glass flooring units (100a, 100b), each unit comprising a first layer (116) of glass and a second layer (118) of glass, the two layers being positioned one above the other and separated by one or more load transferring means (120a, 120b), wherein the first layer of glass is a structural glass and the second layer of glass is a fire rated glass, and having an upper surface and an edge comprising a load-transferring means of the one or more load transferring means; (b) one or more beams (112), arranged, in use, to support the units, wherein, at a boundary between two adjacent flooring units, the two flooring units are arranged, in use, to be secured to a beam of the one or more beams; and (c) one or more expansion joints (110), each arranged, in use, at the boundary between two adjacent flooring units.

Abstract: A modular wall unit for a modular wall system includes a first elongate reinforcement member comprising at least one tubular portion for connecting the wall unit to a further wall unit of the wall system. The wall unit also includes a body at least partially surrounding the reinforcement member along its elongate length. The reinforcement member provides strength to the wall unit and allows a connecting element to engage with the at least one tubular portion. The connecting element can connect the wall unit to a further wall unit. This allows formation of a wall system where multiple wall units are interconnected via the reinforcement members and connecting elements. A kit including a wall unit and one or more plugs for assembling a plurality of wall units, a method for forming a wall unit, and a hanging device for supporting a frame are also described.

Abstract: A panel assembly that includes inside and outside core layers, an armor layer sandwiched between the inside and outside core layers, and an armor member that includes at least an outside portion and a transverse portion. The outside core layer includes a cut out portion defined therein. The armor layer has opposing first and second major surfaces. The outside portion of the armor member is positioned in the cut out portion of the outside core layer and the outer surface of the transverse portion is generally perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces of the armor layer.

Abstract: A quonset style building is provided with an arched-roof defining a width, length and height, and tower supporting the roof adjacent its apex. The tower separates storage areas on opposite sides of the building. The tower also permits the building height and width to be increased over conventional quonset buildings, and allows the width to be 3× the height, while withstanding typical weather forces, including wind and snow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (1) for installing a room closing element made of hollow glass blocks (2, 3) using mortar or concrete and a suitable reinforcement. The component (1) according to the invention consists of two hollow glass blocks (2, 3), which are designed identically and preferably lie one next to the other, with an intermediate spacer (4) which seals the intermediate space between the glass blocks (2, 3) and is preferably assembled from multiple spacers (5, 5b, 5c) designed as hollow bodies that are separated from one another by intermediate films (6a, 6b) with coatings (7a, 7b). The component (1) is characterized by a comparatively large structural depth which ensures very good insulation values despite the small surface area of the glass blocks (2, 3). The structural depth also increases the geometrical moment of inertia with respect to bending, said moment of inertia allowing for large proportions of insulating mortar/concrete and components with large dimensions.

Abstract: A glass beam element, for constructing a loadbearing structure, comprises at least one elongate structural reinforcement section extending along a longitudinal direction, and at least one glass segment bonded to said at least one elongate structural reinforcement section. The at least one elongate structural reinforcement section comprises a weldable material, and the at least one glass segment has a length along the longitudinal direction that is shorter than the elongate structural reinforcement section such as to allow welding of an end region of the at least one elongate structural reinforcement section without thereby damaging the at least one glass segment.

Abstract: A tile hook and flashing assembly, having: (a) a lower flashing; (b) an upper flashing; (c) a tile hook; and (d) a seal, wherein tile hook extends through an aperture passing between overlapping portions of the upper and lower flashings, and wherein the seal extends across the aperture and seals around the tile hook.

Abstract: The element, in particular for a building, comprises two panes facing each other and forming double glazing; and an electronic circuit including diodes and suitable for displaying at least a portion of a video image by means of the diodes, the circuit extending between the two panes, facing a visible zone of the panes. The element may be used to form a video display device on a building facade.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymeric matrix, at least one transparent region including a plurality of optically clear elements provided in the polymeric matrix and at least one opaque region including a plurality of opaque reinforcing elements provided in the polymeric matrix substantially parallel and adjacent to the at least one transparent region. A structural window and a method for reinforcing a composite material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists the shock wave resulting from a blast event.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

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 block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A floor type multi-display apparatus includes a multi-display, transparent panels, and a plurality of support members. The multi-display includes a plurality of displays. The support members include first support members disposed between adjacent ones of the displays in a scattered fashion, and second support members disposed around the multi-display. The support members have respective plate portions positioned along and closely to edges of the displays. The support portion and the base portion of each of the first support members project toward two displays located closely thereto from the plate portion of the first support member. The support portion and the base portion of each of the second support members project toward only one display located closely thereto from the plate portion of the second support member.

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: Sound insulating glazing device for aircrafts, ground or maritime transportation vehicles, buildings, or others, including glazing, a sealing joint in a shape and size corresponding to the edge of the glazing and designed for assembly on said edge, sound insulation, made of at least two materials, a first resilient material and a second material with less resilience than the first, the sound insulation being used against the field of said glazing, between the glazing and the sealing joint. The invention is also for aircrafts that are equipped with at least a glazing device and a soundproofing method for glazing.

Abstract: A support frame of glass brick wall has multiple horizontal beams, multiple vertical beams and multiple side bars. Each of the horizontal beams and the vertical beams has a body, two side wings respectively and longitudinally formed on and protruding from two edges of the body, and two lamp slots respectively and longitudinally formed on and recessed from two sides of the body. Each of the vertical beams is securely mounted between two adjacent glass bricks in a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Each of the horizontal beams is securely mounted on a top of a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Two of the side bars are securely mounted on two edge sides of the glass brick wall. Each of the side bars has openings to replace light strips mounted in the lamp slots. Accordingly, the support frame provides a clean and easy lamp replacement solution.

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 building element includes a glass panel defining an outer circumferential rim including at least two rectilinear segments, a first one of which defines a first length and a second one of which defines a second length. The glass panel is made of hardened glass and has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The building element further includes a first pultruded element having a length corresponding to the first length, and a second pultruded element having a length corresponding to the second length. The first and second pultruded elements are adhered in a high strength integral adhesion to the hardened glass panel along the first and second rectilinear segments, respectively, and the pultruded elements have a content of reinforcing fibers for providing a coefficient of thermal expansion of the pultruded elements substantially corresponding to the specific coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A glass element for forming glass brick walls, which has an overall parallelepiped shape and side walls shaped to enable insertion-engagement with the adjacent elements.

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: A light transmitting panel that can connect within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and mechanical fastener or a linear coefficient buffer or mechanical fastener and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the respective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal.

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: 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: Compound glass brick for a glass wall, characterized in that the compound glass brick is transparent (light-permeable) and comprises an assembly of at least two or more plates which are stacked one on another or next to one another are arranged with their plate surfaces facing one another, and are connected to one another at their plate surfaces by means of a force-transmitting adhesive bonding means, with all of the plates and all of the force-transmitting adhesive bonding means being composed of transparent material and in each case being transparent, and with at least the outer plates or all of the plates being glass plates, the plate surfaces of which are smooth as glass.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks is held in a structural frame and comprises a plurality of glass blocks each having two rectangular display faces and four edge faces; a rectangular structural perimeter frame having four sides; and a plurality of primary muntins, each primary muntin connected to the rectangular structural perimeter frame and comprising an elongate web with stand-offs lying within parallel planes and extending outward from the web and at least one elongate hollow boss integral with the web positioned within the planes, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, wherein the primary muntins define an array within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

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 system for assembly between a sheet of glass including a countersunk hole on each of its sides and another sheet of glass also including a countersunk hole on each of its sides, each countersunk hole being designed respectively to take first and second connecting pieces, each of the first and second connecting pieces being provided with a bore. The system also includes a connecting core connecting with the first and second connecting pieces. The core includes first and second parts. The first part of the core mates with the surface of the bore of the first connecting piece on which it exerts a force roughly parallel to the axis of the hole and the second part of the core fits into the bore made in the second connecting piece therein to react to the force.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A block assembly including a plurality of first framing members each having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of second framing members each having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis such that the first and second framing members together form a grid including a plurality of openings. The assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, such as glass, plastic or masonry blocks, each being received within a respective one of the openings, and a plurality of support rods, each of the support rods being inserted through a respective one or more of the first framing members along the first longitudinal axis of each of the one or more of the first framing members and being inserted through each of the second framing members.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks is held in a structural frame and comprises a plurality of glass blocks each having two rectangular display faces and four edge faces; a rectangular structural perimeter frame having four sides; and a plurality of primary muntins, each primary muntin connected to the rectangular structural perimeter frame and comprising an elongate web with stand-offs lying within parallel planes and extending outward from the web and at least one elongate hollow boss integral with the web positioned within the planes, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, wherein the primary muntins define an array within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is used in forming a mortarless wall of glass blocks and comprises a spacer and a spacer connector. A wall of glass blocks can be formed solely from the spacer and the spacer connector. The spacer has a body that can comprises channels that are filled with a mortarless adhesive, such as silicone, that operate to bond the spacer to a glass block. The spacer body can also have wings that provide structural stability for the glass blocks. Recesses in the spacer body serve to engage serrated or non-serrated tabs from the spacer connectors. The spacers can used in both the horizontal and vertical courses of a glass wall.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a window frame. A non-specular window panel assembly is supported by the window frame, and can comprise of a plurality of glass blocks joined together. A low-emissivity window panel assembly is juxtaposed to the non-specular window panel assembly. The window frame supports the low-emissivity window panel assembly.

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: Glass block windows or walls are formed by a frame characterized by perimeter members which may be secured to each other at adjacent corners by chemical or thermal bonding or by mechanical connector members. The perimeter members include inner and outer walls, at least one lateral glass block retaining flange and opposed recesses for receiving releasable retainer members which have a hook part which may be snap fitted into the recesses and retained by reentrant edges of the recesses. Block spacer members are formed by opposed block support wall or body parts and by opposed lateral end parts which receive snap-in block retainer and trim strips.

Abstract: An insert, or gasket, intended to be used at a joint between two panels. The insert is preferably pre-formed into a particular cross-sectional shape such that it can be easily, and securely, installed between two panels. Preferably, the insert is shaped, in cross-section, with one flange on each end, such that upon installation, one flange is seated on the front side of the panels and the other flange is seated on the rear side of the panels. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second flange portions may include a pair of lips, and the lip of the second flange portion is of a thickness that is greater than that of the lip of the first flange portion. Such a configuration facilitates installation. The present invention also relates to a method of installing such an insert.

Abstract: A glass block panel system is disclosed that includes glass blocks secured in a framework. The framework includes an external framework having external frame members each of which comprises a base web portion formed between opposing side arms, wherein one of the opposing side arms is removably coupled to the base web portion. The framework also includes an internal framework having internal frame spacers each of which comprises a spacer web portion formed between first and second opposing facing strips, each facing strip comprising cross-arms, wherein at least one of the facing strips is removably coupled to the spacer web portion. The side arms and cross-arms have flexible extrusions protruding from tips thereof. A fabrication method is also disclosed comprising: forming at least a portion of at least one framework compartment; applying adhesive sealant; latitudinally inserting at least one glass block; and completing the glass block panel system.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

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 horizontal spacer for rectangular and non-rectangular glass blocks, which enables non-rectangular glass blocks to be connected to adjacent nonrectangular or rectangular glass blocks such that any configuration of wall may be formed using such blocks. The horizontal spacer has elongated tabs and receiving holes which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

Abstract: There is now provided a building glass facade of a building comprising a plurality of glass plates each of which is secured by clamp fittings for a glass plate, with each clamp fitting comprising two clamp elements that clamp the glass plate between them and also comprising an articulated support of the clamp fitting on a fastening device, whereby a first articulated arrangement comprises a substantially permanently elastic element that is disposed on one clamp element. There is also provided a second articulated arrangement that has two plano-concave lenses that face each other with their spherical surfaces, between which the bolt head of a pendulum bolt with corresponding concave complementary surfaces is guided.