Abstract: In a joint formwork for glass building units, which consist of a plurality of glass units, in particular glass blocks, which are connected by reinforced mortar or concrete joints which are covered on at least one side by outer frames which enclose the glass units, according to the invention it is provided that each outer frame forms a building unit and the cover strips of its angularly rigidly interconnected frame members are individually positively connected on their rear side to neighboring frame members of adjoining outer frames by moulded-on, projecting tongues and covered edge strips, the edge strip on each frame member being recessed for the guidance of at least one tongue of the neighboring frame member and having for the frame recess of the other frame member a substantially smooth tongue and at least one further tongue, which bears on its upper side a groove, which establishes the positive connection to the edge strip.

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 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 planar leveling device includes first and second elongated, substantially rigid support members. Each member is more than about a foot in length. The first and second support members define the plane of the device and have a uniform, equal maximum heights in directions perpendicular to the plane. The members also define the maximum height of the device in those directions. Each of the two support members provides a thin edge along a planar side of the device to provide full, continuous support yet minimize the contact between the device and adjoining masonry elements. Reinforcement members may be provided on one or both sides of the support members, in the plane of the device, for greater strength and versatility. Substantially solid, unbroken sides of the support members permit the compression of mortar into the joint formed by the device between parallel adjoining courses of masonry elements in a wall.

Abstract: A glass block window system for installation in a gypsum board wall is disclosed. The window system comprises a wall opening defined by a window frame comprising a sill stud, a header stud and first and second jamb studs. A hollow metal frame defines a window opening. The frame includes frame members comprising a sill member, a header member, and first and second jamb members joining the sill member and the header member. A block channel comprising a sill channel, a header channel and first and second jamb channels is secured to the frame members. A plurality of contiguous glass blocks forming a window unit is secured within the block channel.

Abstract: The panel comprises an outer plate (70) supported by a metal frame (71). Two opposite sides of the frame are formed by light metal profiled elements (72, 73) having a rim (74) which extends along one edge (75) of the outer surface of the plate. This rim may be bevelled or right-angled. The plate is clamped between the opposing rims (74) by means of two threaded steel rods (76). The other two edges of the panel are devoid of any metal element. The panel (62) may be placed on the front of a window (63) or an opaque part of the facade. This panel makes it possible to attach, without the use of glue, thin facade facing plates, particularly plates of glass or stone, so that they are virtually the only visible parts of the facade.

Abstract: A spacer member for maintaining substantially uniform joint spacing between construction elements during construction of a static structure comprising a plurality of construction elements bound to one another by curable matrix material. The spacer member remains embedded in and covered by the matrix material and permits the matrix material to be placed in and completely fill all construction joints between the construction elements in a single application. The spacer member includes structure located interiorly of the planes of the exposed faces of the construction elements for positively establishing and maintaining a desired position of the spacer member during construction of the structure.

Abstract: A wall or window element and/or wall element beneath the window is provided having an insulation layer disposed between two panels. The insulation layer is formed of a material which reduces convective heat transfer and thermal radiation. The insulation layer and the panels are permeable by the solar radiation spectrum, and the external panel which bounds the insulation layer on the side of the solar radiation is an absorptive pane which has a maximally high absorptivity for the non-visible portion of the solar radiation spectrum.

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 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: 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: 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 flexible assembling partition system includes a plurality of octagonal block units assembled with one another, at least a sheathing frame member for covering all side extensions formed on each block unit, and a plurality of face members each face member embedded in each block unit serving as a finishing, decorative illuminative surface for each block unit, thereby forming a partition structure easily optionally assembled or disassembled.

Abstract: An extruded molding configured to frame glass masonry block for building structures, particularly wood frame structures, the molding having a flat base portion on which the block is seated and raised side elements forming a channel with breakaway spacer elements to accommodate block of different width, the molding in an exterior embodiment having a weather flash and as nailing flange to prevent water seepage under the molding, and in an interior embodiment having coupling members for coupling a cap for finishing edges of exposed glass block structures.

Abstract: A glass block construction assembly (10) comprising an assembly unit (11) which contains an open matrix formed by horizontal (12) and vertical (13) alignment units for receiving a plurality of glass blocks (100) in a matrix wherein all of the structural components of the assembly (10) with the exception of the glass blocks (100) are fabricated from contoured apertured slat members (20) and generally thin, flat slat members (30).

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: 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. Improved thermal condition characteristics are provided by serpentine thermal conduction paths through members of the frame.

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: Methods and apparatus are set forth for fabricating a concrete panel with embedded glass block. According to the invention the panel form includes at least one partially anchorable support form. After concrete is poured into the panel form and hardened, the nonanchorable portion of the support form is removed. A noncementitious band (or collar), of which the anchored portion of the support form is comprised, remains. The glass block is then inserted within this band. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention a rubber seal may be inserted between the glass and noncementitous surface to both waterproof the panel and cushion the block to improve the completed panel's ability to be handled and transported without damage. Furthermore, the invention teaches utilizing the support form to create at least one support lip. Each lip may be formed as part of the anchored band or as part of the formed concrete panel.

Abstract: Means for erecting a wall of preferably disc-like wall blocks, particularly glass blocks, having marginal support portions adjacent the wall surfaces limiting the bearing sides of the blocks, an offset surface being located between the support portions. A flat strip is located between the offset surfaces of superimposed or adjacent wall blocks which is made preferably of tension material. Support pieces are connected to the flat strip or are integrally formed therewith, the support pieces having a suitable support section adapted to be located between superimposed or adjacent support portions.

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 glass block wall is provided, and includes rows of glass blocks without mortar, mastic or grout. The blocks rest upon horizontal strips of simple, readily made shape, such as channels and I-sections, and are separated by vertical strips of I-section, preferably having their webs slightly longer than their flanges. A perimeter frame is provided, at least parts of which are secured to the floor and a wall defining the opening for the glass block wall. Wedges are provided at the end of each row of glass blocks as required to accommodate the variation in the size of individual glass blocks from the normal or established size. Corner elements are provided.

Abstract: A spacer and fabric mesh reinforcement member for use in laying of glass blocks to form unique wall structure is disclosed. The spacer and fabric mesh member takes the form of an elongate slab having two strips of fabric mesh attached to the respective upper and lower surfaces of the slab. One of the strips of fabric mesh extends outwardly from the first end of the slab adjacent to the upper surface of the slab, and the second strip of fabric mesh extends outwardly from the second end of the slab adjacent to the lower surface of the slab. When the spacer and fabric mesh members are embedded in the lateral joints between courses of blocks, the members are positioned end-to-end, and the extending ends of the strip of fabric mesh cover the butts between the members.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods of manufacturing ornamental metals and castings using a pattern plate having a parting line where half of the pattern is on the drag side and half of the pattern is on the cope side and the apertures of the drag side are sufficiently larger than the corresponding apertures of the cope side, such that when the impact surfaces of the matchplate are pressed into the flask, a recess is formed around the entire perimeter of the apertures and cut glass inserts, especially stained glass, are positioned in the recesses and affixed into place by use of a sealant.

Abstract: A front windshield assembly especially suitable for use as part of a truck is disclosed herein. This assembly includes a window plate having a generally rectangular outer circumferential edge section and a single continuous gasket integrally molded in place around the outer circumferential edge of the window plate. The gasket is designed to include squared corners so as to present a distinctly rectangular appearance. In actual embodiment such windows and associated gaskets are joined together to provide an overall windshield assembly which is distinctly rectangular in appearance.

Abstract: A prefabricated glass block partition and window unit is provided and consists of a frame and a plurality of block strips simulating a plurality of individual glass blocks vertically positioned one upon the other. When frame and block strips are assembled together they can be used as a glass block partition or a glass block window.

Abstract: An impact-resistant laminate has a front glass sheet which receives an impact such as a bullet, and a rear polycarbonate sheet. A thin polycarbonate sheet up to about 1 mm thick is adhered to the rear polycarbonate sheet, and carries a self-healing polyurethane coating.

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 venetian blind having prismatic reflective slatted panels permits the passage of indirect rays of sunlight into a space to be illuminated while reflecting direct rays of sunlight away from the space to be illuminated. The prismatic reflective slats are supported for rotation in unison to follow elevational movements of the sun. Each of the prismatic panels is made from a light transmissive material having a front face directed at the sun and an opposing rear face upon which reflective prisms are formed for internally reflecting rays of sunlight that strike the front face of each slatted panel at approximately a 30.degree. angle from a line normal to the front face thereof. The orientation of the reflecting prisms in this manner maximizes overall visibility between adjacent slatted panels. A diffusion panel is secured to the rear face of each prismatic reflective slat for diffusing indirect rays of sunlight transmitted through the prismatic reflective slats.

Abstract: A refrigerator door assembly comprising a plurality of insulated doors each mounted for pivotal swinging movement about a vertical axis. The insulated doors each comprise a plurality of glass panes disposed in side-by-side relation with a structural frame at least partially interposed and contained between the glass panes for maintaining the panes in parallel relation with the sealed air space therebetween and for supporting the door for swinging opening and closing movement, without the necessity for a separate outer load carrying support frame as conventionally required. Each door has a trim portion formed of a structural foam that has insulating qualities so as to eliminate the necessity for electrical heating of the door for condensation control, while at the same time enhancing the structural rigidity of the door assembly.

Abstract: The process for making and the structure of a panel of light-weight, cellular concrete having at least one opening, and capable of holding at least one pane of glass or sheet of ceramic in said opening without a mounting frame.

Abstract: This glass element consists of a glass block, brick or tile which can be used for constructing panels, walls, slabs and the like. Each glass element comprises on its outer periphery interfitting means such as ribs and grooves and/or tongues and grooves adapted to engage corresponding interfitting means formed either on the adjacent glass block to tile, or on a vertical and/or horizontal independent frame; holes are formed in the end portions of the element for engagement by anchoring studs; the arrangement is such that the panels, walls, slabs and the like can be constructed without using mortar or reinforcing means.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glazing assembly is provided in which a sheet of thermoplastic glazing material is ultrasonically welded to a gasket which is coextruded from a material capable of being ultrasonically welded to the glazing and a material suitable for mating with a motor vehicle window frame. A method of manufacturing the assembly is also provided, as is a pop-out safety feature for thermoplastic glazing.

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 method of making a leaded came type window wherein the basic window pane is continuous, the ornamental lites are laminated to the basic pane, the ornamental lites are of substantial thickness, and the came is a channel member with its edges conformed to the marginal areas of the lamination. The came is conformed by placing it over a spline on a table, the spline having the depth of the channel and the configuration of the ornamentation; and the table having the surface of the window and then pressing the edges of the came to conform them to the table. After removal from the table it is applied to the laminated ornamental pane.

Abstract: A leaded came type window wherein the basic window pane is continuous, the ornamental lites are laminated to the basic pane, the ornamental lites are of substantial thickness, and the came is a channel member with its edges conformed to the marginal areas of the lamination.

Abstract: An insulating window structure has an inner glass pane spaced from an outer glass pane by a spacer frame extending around the panes so that the panes define between them, within the frame, a gas-filled space. According to the invention, at least one of the panes is anchored to the frame by a resilient connecting unit having a spring characteristic (restoring force plotted along the ordinate versus displacement plotted along the abscissa) which has a substantially horizontal portion at the center of this characteristic and at which the working point of the resilient unit is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination glass spacer and plastic film holder for installation in an insulated glass panel. A channel or opening for receiving an edge of a thin plastic sheet or film is integrally formed at the upper or topside of a somewhat rectangular shaped longitudinal tubular member.

Abstract: A panel having selectively variable radiation and vibration transmitting properties comprising a substantially two-dimensional normally transparent or translucid hollow structure for receiving therein low density particulate material having predetermined thermal and/or optical characteristics, said hollow structure having an uppermost part and a lowermost part and said lowermost part having at least one end portion, the particulate material being fed into said hollow structure through the uppermost part thereof and withdrawn from said hollow structure through said end portion of the lowermost part thereof for varying the radiation and vibration transmitting properties of the panel, a multi-perforated plate member defining the bottom wall of said hollow structure, the multiplicity of perforations thereof communicating the interior and exterior thereof, said plate member being shaped to have alternative crests and valleys, said crests and valleys being formed by areas of said wall facing towards and away from s

Abstract: An insulating window structure has an inner glass pane spaced from an outer glass pane by a spacer frame extending around the panes so that the panes define between them, within the frame, a gas-filled space. According to the invention, at least one of the panes is anchored to the frame by a resilient connecting unit having a spring characteristic (restoring force plotted along the ordinate versus displacement plotted along the abscissa) which has a substantially horizontal portion at the center of this characteristic and at which the working point of the resilient unit is provided.

Abstract: This pane comprises at least one sheet of plastics material, for example a polycarbonate, which has a high resistance to impacts and is interposed between two sheets of glass or the like. A film of a transparent fluid is interposed between the sheet of plastics material and each adjacent sheet of glass. A sealing element for the fluid extends around the periphery of the pane.Application as a bullet-proof pane to wind screens and windows of automobile vehicles, to glass, windows and doors of buildings, etc . . .

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: The invention relates to a decorative stained glass insert unit which is attachable to an existing window unit to create an esthetically pleasing window treatment effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly effective fire-proof window consisting of at least one glass sheet mounted in a frame, the frame being such that when the glass sheet is exposed to the effect of heat in a fire, it will be subjected to a somewhat uniform heat effect thus preventing breakage due to the buildup of stresses. Uniform heating is produced by the inclusion of a covering along the edge of the glass which falls away upon heating of the window.

Abstract: A glass pane has a broken pattern of dots of an opaque non-reflective material applied to one side thereof. The pattern is applied as a ceramic ink fused into the glass surface in a heat toughening step. The arrangement of dots is such that the pattern occupies 10% to 30% of the pane surface and comprises 30 to 50 dots per linear inch. A squash or like court formed from a number of such glass panes is such that players within the court are not distracted by spectators outside and can follow the path of a squash ball with ease, whereas spectators outside the court, by virtue of differential lighting as between court and spectator area, can watch the activity within the court without diminished vision.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire-proof window consisting of at least one glass sheet mounted in a frame and which permits generally uniform heating of the glass sheet when exposed to the effect of heat in a fire thus preventing breakage due to the buildup of stresses. Uniform heating is produced by the inclusion of a listel along the edge of the glass which is moved away from the glass by means of a member disposed between the listel and glass. This member expands in volume under the effect of heat to push the listel away from the glass sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a window with increased resistance to fire, consisting of at least one pane of glass, such as soda glass, mounted in a metal frame in such a way that during a fire the border and edge of the side exposed to the action of heat, or in some cases the borders and edges of both sides, are exposed to the heat.

Abstract: A double-glazed window, in which the intermediate space contains moist air, includes at least one readily heat-conducting element providing exclusive thermal contact between the intermediate space and the outside air. A capillary structure is associated with at least a part of the surface of the end of the element in heat-exchanging contact with the intermediate space.