Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerizable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanized, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.

Abstract: A manufactured stone product having a plurality of cellular concrete blocks is provided. Each block includes at least one surface having a simulated-stone appearance, and the blocks are collectively adapted for installation in a stackable, brick-like installation process. A plurality of block sizes is provided, the blocks preferably having equal depths, but different heights and widths. The different sizes allows the final installation of the cellular concrete blocks to appear more random, similar to a natural stone installation.

Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.

Abstract: A method of forming a wall unit having a veneer face is disclosed. Initially, a pair of side wall panels and a pair of end panels are mounted substantially upright. Stones or other suitable material are set sequentially in a horizontally disposed course using at least one of the panels. Additional courses of stones or other material may then be stacked upon the initial layer until the desired height is attained. The interior volume of the apparatus is left substantially empty, and is then filled with a binding material. The binding material binds the courses' components together and integrates the individual courses into a single cohesive unit. The wall and end panels are removed and the unit is removed for subsequent installation.

Abstract: A method for making artificial masonry pieces wherein a portion of perlite is admixed with 7 portions of calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and a resulting mixture is stirred; various pigments are added which are generally metal oxydes; the mixture is poured into molds and set to cure.

Abstract: A cementations block for seating in adjacent and adjoining relation with a plurality of the cementations blocks to define a wall, with each block comprising a body having a top and an opposing bottom, opposing front and back faces, and a first and second opposing ends, with beveled edges along a bottom and side. The top defines a geometric protruding surface and the bottom defines a mating geometric surface, whereby two of the block stacked one on another matingly engage together. The first end defines a protrudence and the second end defines a recess conforming substantially in shape to the protrudence, whereby linearly adjacent blocks matingly engage for assembling a wall therewith, with the beveled surfaces simulating mortar joints between adjacent blocks.

Abstract: Prefabricated, light-weight, columnar or rectangular, convertible to fencing or stand-alone columns resemble solid brick and masonry structures built by skilled masons. Modules comprise heavy duty durable plastic liners with corner reinforcements comprising heavy duty square plastic tubing, faced with concrete, mortar and exterior brick and mortar. Modules are erected on concrete footings equipped with (1) raised studs that mate with square plastic tubing and (2) embedded anchor bolts which mate with bottom apertures. Ends of rectangular modules are bolted together and columnar faces. Capitols are of same plastic faced with concrete or mortar and brick veneer. Black plastic tubing simulating wrought iron may be disposed along wall tops. Module inner spaces may be ballast-filled.

Abstract: A building board which is provided on the surface thereof with a concave and convex pattern, and opposite sides thereof with overlying rabbeted portions (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) and underlying rabbeted portions (3-1, 3-2, 5-1), respectively, wherein each overlying rabbeted portion (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) is constituted by one end portion of the convex portion (2, 6) of said pattern; each underlying rabbeted portion (3-1, 3-2, 5-1) is constructed to have an area bigger than the area of corresponding overlying rabbeted portion (2-1, 6-1, 6-2) bearing said convex portion and formed on the opposite side; and each of said opposite sides is provided on the rear side thereof with a linear contact surface (7-1, 7-2).

Abstract: A door member comprising a frame having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, a core positioned within the frame, and a molded skin attached to the first side of the frame. The skin is prepared from a molding compound which, when molded, has a shrinkage of between about −0.0003 to about +0.0015. The molding compound comprises a resin system comprising a curable polyester resin, a co-curable unsaturated monomer, and at least two low profile additives. The molding compound also comprises at least about 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the molding compound, of filler material, and fibrous reinforcement in an amount of less than about 35 weight percent, based on the weight of the molding compound.

Abstract: A laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of each tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area. In another embodiment, the width of each tab is randomly selected and the width of the vertically-oriented shading area is a function of the width of the adjacent tab. In yet another embodiment, the intensity of the shading areas can increase from the bottom to the top of each cutout.

Abstract: Building block systems are provided. An embodiment of a building block system includes a first preformed, monolithic block exhibiting indicia of media and mortar about at least a portion of the exterior of the monolithic block. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular wall element (20) comprises a precast reinforced concrete wall panel (21) having a front face (24). A plurality of spaced-apart individual slabs (33) of stone or brick are partially embedded in the front face (24) of the panel (21) during casting of the panel (21) and project outwardly of the front face (24) with channels being formed between the slabs (33). The slabs are arranged on the front face (24) such that the front face (24) simulates a wall constructed of stone. A pair of spaced-apart support legs (38) are provided at a bottom (27) of the wall panel (21) for keying into a concrete foundation (42) to support the wall element (1) in an upright.

Abstract: A plurality of concrete building units including blocks, stepping stones, wall structures and the like comprise a plurality of spaced-apart golf balls that are externally visible. The golf balls are entrapped within the concrete structure, buried to a distance exceeding ½ their diameter. In the manner they are permanently captivated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Abstract: New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerisable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanised, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets. For application in the construction industry.

Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulated fireplace formed, at least partially, from a compressible material, and to a method of forming a simulated fireplace from a compressible material that has a surface that simulates surfaces found in real fireplaces. In particular, this invention forms a simulated fireplace using a compressible material, such as wood, wood composites, or plastics. A pattern is pressed into a surface of the compressible material forming a sculptured surface. The surface is also coated. In one embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a solvent based coating, for example, a sealer, a primer, and a finish that can include color and/or gloss. In another embodiment of the invention the surface is coated with a powder coating, such as a low temperature epoxy. In yet a further alternative the surface is coated with a polymer film.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a high strength porous concrete structure which is preferably applied to a water permeable pavement, a draining pavement, a sound insulating board, a sound-proofing barrier, a sound absorbing block for acoustic, a block for plants, a riverbed block, a water purifying matrix, a gas absorbing matrix, a decorative board for building, a fish reef, a block for fish reef or a block for breeding algae and to provide a method of manufacturing the high strength porous concrete structure.

Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.

Abstract: A prefabricated composite panel is disclosed of the type comprising a rigid sheet of cellular polymeric material, a covering layer on the outer face of the foam sheet made of a cementitious material and a plurality of rigid facing elements embedded in and to the outer face of the cementitious layer so as to define an outermost surface of the panel, the facing elements being attached to the outer face in a pattern similar to conventional brickwork. Support strips formed from a rigid material different from the cellular polymeric material engage the foam sheet, the cementitious layer and a plurality of the facing elements to provide support of the facing elements to resist downward sagging of the facing elements on the foam sheet, such sagging induced by heat, combustion or other environmental factors. The cementitious layer is a fire barrier, and can be supplemented with additional fire retardant elements. A method of manufacturing such building panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible decorative panels which simulate the appearance of natural materials such as brick, logs, wood planks, stone, masonry work, millwork, woodwork, etc., in addition to methods and kits for their preparation. The panels comprise a flexible building sheet, reinforced with a light fibrous material, fabricated by: filling a mold comprising a pattern of a natural material in relief with a fluent hardening material; submerging a reinforcing means within the hardening material; brushing the surface of hardening material; and de-molding the hardened panel.

Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a formed wall structure having a plurality of discrete layers. The method includes pouring a first layer of a first concrete mixture into a first vertical form whose depth is equal to that of the first layer; pouring a second layer of a second such mixture on top of the first layer and into a second vertical form whose depth is equal to the depth of the second layer and where at least one of the walls of the second form is not in alignment with an adjacent vertical wall of the first form; and pouring at least one additional layer into a respective at least one additional vertical form situated on top of a next lower vertical form and having a vertical depth equal to the at least one additional layer and where at least one of the interior walls is not in alignment with at least a portion of a vertically adjacent interior wall of the next lower vertical form. The concrete mixtures are permitted to cure sufficiently to retain their respective shapes, and thereafter the forms are removed.

Abstract: A formliner for use in manufacturing a decorative panel made up of a layer of concrete or other cementitious material interconnecting a layer of spaced apart bricks or other decorative elements, secured in the cementitious material. The formliner is made of a resilient elastomeric material and has a generally planar layer with a plurality of upstanding laterally and transversely extending ribs that extend from the generally planar layer to define a plurality of brick receiving recesses. Each brick is received in a respective recess with its front face positioned toward the generally planar layer. The ribs extend partly up the sides of the brick from the generally planar layer to allow cementitious material to partly fill the spaces between the sides of the bricks. Cementitious material is prevented from reaching the front faces of the bricks within the recesses by a plurality of ridges that extend from the ribs to sealingly engage an adjacent surface of the brick within the recess.

Abstract: A surface seeded exposed particulate concrete method of use includes use of small particulates, the particulates not necessarily chemically inert in the concrete mixture. The particulates are broadcast over the upper surface of the concrete, and mixed into the cement paste derived from the concrete matrix by floats and finished by hand sponging. A surface retarder and vapor barrier are applied, and washing and curing operations follow. The present invention adds a chemical treatment of hydrolyzed alkali silica solution, preferably lithium quartz, penetrating the upper surface of the concrete mixture with minerals and silicates within the concrete mix. The resultant exposed particulate concrete has extreme flatness and high wear resistance suitable for high-traffic flooring applications, aesthetics resembling terrazzo or ceramic tile at a fraction of the price, and the strength and resistance to corrosion expected of concrete surfaces.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form which can be constructed as a channel within a generally elongate mound of a naturally occurring material and thereafter permitting a top surface of the concrete mixture to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative resilient floor covering is disclosed comprising the steps of applying a first layer of a first curable polymeric material to a substrate. A tape is applied to selected regions of the first layer of the first curable polymeric material after the curing thereof. A second layer of a second curable polymeric material is applied to the cured first layer. A pigmented particulate material is applied to one of the first and second layers prior to the curing thereof. The tape is removed to reveal the first layer and the second layer with the pigmented particulate material.

Abstract: An individual bracket for holding and securing an object to the surface of a construction form for embedding the object in a settable material, such as concrete, and exposing the face surface of the object in the finished construction. The bracket has an outer configuration formed from a plurality of side and end perimeter members that defines a recess that correspond with the outer configuration of the object. The perimeter members have a flat outer surface extending at right angles to the form and an inwardly extending flange which is parallel and in contact with the form. An upwardly curved inner surface extends from the flange to the outer edge of the flat outer surface which forms one-half of a mold to form a grout line when two brackets are connected together. The actual mold can be any shape desired to provide the various types of grout lines.

Abstract: A disposable object form line for use in horizontal casting of building panels from settable material in which at least one side has an exposed face of embedded objects. The object form liner is comprised of a thin support sheet having an adhesive coating on one side. A closed cell plastic grid having ridges which define openings sized to fit the outer perimeter of the intended objects is provided. The grid is adhered to the adhesive coating on the support sheet. Retarder strips may be inserted in each opening to prevent contamination of the face of the object during the pouring process. The form liner is placed in the bottom of a horizontal mold. The objects, such as bricks, are positioned in the openings provided in the layout form liner and the settable material is poured into the mold to form a construction panel. After setting, the panel and disposable form liner are removed from the mold and the liner is stripped from the panel to expose the objects embedded in the surface.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, strong and durable casting that has a surface appearance simulating carved stone, and is especially adapted for use as a transition between a brick or stone wall and window and door openings. Further, it provides architectural detail to building constructions, especially as a surround for window and door openings. The casting is produced from a mixture of graded aggregates and a resin binder, combined in predetermined proportions to make a soupy mixture that is cast in a mold. The mold is vibrated to cause migration of air bubbles away from the surface of the molded product, and to cause realignment and orientation of the aggregate materials in a way to enhance the structure and surface density of the product. After the casting has set, it is removed from the mold and cured and the surface is sandblasted to erode away some of the resin binder and portions of the aggregate at the surface to produce an appearance that is an accurate simulation of carved stone.

Abstract: A system of light weight, high strength, thin masonry panels having one or more mateable seam hiding edges. The seam hiding edge may be serpentine or some other shape consistent with the masonry element chosen for the panel surface. The aforementioned thin masonry panels are used to construct patio or walkway surfaces as well as provide a decorative facing for walls, fireplaces, and the like. The thickness of the panels is limited to the range of 1 to 2 inches in order to assure a light weight for ease of construction. Each panel is a reinforced series of masonry elements such as stone or brick pavers bound together by a cement or mortar-like material. The claimed invention also includes an attachment plate for affixing the panels to other surfaces and structures.

Abstract: An asphaltic polyurethane foam useful in roofing applications. The foam is made from asphalt having a penetration range of between approximately 5-25, a softening point of between approximately 120.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., and an asphaltene content of no more than about 30%. This asphalt is liquified and mixed with a mixture of polyols such as Voranol 270, Multranol 9138, and castor oil. Other chemicals, such as a surfactant, a viscosity reducer, and a flame retardant can also be included in this mixture. The mixture is then brought to a temperature of between approximately 140.degree. F. and 220.degree. F., mixed with a polyisocyanate and water, and reacted to form an asphaltic polyurethane foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of patterning a concrete surface and a pattern transfer mat for use in the method. The pattern transfer mat has a transfer surface having three-dimensional irregularities and carrying a multiplicity of grains to be transferred to the substrate concrete. Concrete is cast against the transfer surface of the mat and cured in situ and the mat is then detached. The aesthetic grains are grains having a cement powder deposited thereon beforehand. The cement powder absorbs water to cause fine air cells therein to collapse. Thus, the finished surface of the case concrete structure is made smoother.

Abstract: An ornamental coating and process for applying the coating to a substrate includes mixing a first batch of liquid mortar composed of sand, cement and an aqueous solution of acrylic resin, and trowelling or spraying a first layer of the liquid mortar onto the substrate and allowing the liquid mortar to cure. A second batch of liquid mortar is mixed which is the same as the first except that it contains a color pigment contrasting with the color of the first batch. A template defining a pattern of grout lines is placed over the cured first batch and the second batch of liquid mortar is trowelled or sprayed over the first batch and the template as a second layer and allowed to cure only to the extent that the second layer is firm, but not hard. The template is then removed, removing any part of the second layer immediately above the template thus exposing lines of the cured first batch which then appear as grout lines between areas of colored mortar which appear as bricks, flagstone or tiles etc.

Abstract: A process for cutting out decorative, artistic designs, and the three-dimensioned decorative and artistic products produced thereby which are incorporatable into articles of manufacture. The process creates relief designs by angle cutting, at predetermined and variable cut-angles and predetermined and variable cut-widths. The decorative cut-out piece, cut from a base piece, is one-directionally removable and one-directionally insertable into the aperture created when the piece is cut from the base piece. The cut-out piece inserts into the corresponding aperture a distance which is determined by a combination of cut-angle and cut-width. The maximum cut-angle and the maximum cut-width is limited by the thickness of the base piece. The cut width is substantially equal to the saw blade cut width or the width of the cut produced by any appropiate cutting device.

Abstract: A prefabricated composite panel of the type comprising a supporting plywood board, a foamed sheet of polyurethane and a covering layer on the front face of the polyurethane comprising a plurality of brick slices with an aggregate in the spaces between the brick slices which is bonded into the front face of the foam is improved in its fire retardancy by providing a plurality of vertical support metal strips on the inside face of the brick slices at spaced positions across the width of the panel. Each metal strip includes a hanger element at the top which engages over a portion of the foam and a plurality of punched tabs each of which engages under a respective one of the brick slices. The support strips prevent sagging of the brick slices when heat is applied to the front face of the panel since that sagging can allow the heat to penetrate cracks in the covering aggregate.

Abstract: This invention relates to first and second plate glass templates each having an outer smooth major surface and an inner rough major surface, only each of the major outer smooth surfaces being peripherally bounded by a chamfer formed at the cut edge. In this invention, the first and second templates are joined together with the rough surfaces in facing retention. The first and second plate glass templates may be used in forming a window.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having a series of closely adjacent areas of granules, the areas being of differing colors. To achieve a sharp visual demarcation between the adjacent areas, narrow slots are formed in the transition areas between adjacent areas of granules. The slots extend substantially the entire height of the portion of the shingle which will be exposed when the shingle is mounted on a roof. Preferably the headlap area of each shingle is coated with dark colored granules which will show through the slots when the shingles are installed, to accentuate the visual demarcation between adjacent differently colored areas of granules.

Abstract: A decorative sheet for construction is disclosed. The decorative sheet for construction comprises a thermoplastic polyester resin foam forming a surface layer, a large number of inorganic aggregates scattered over the surface of the foam in the presence of an adhesive, said inorganic aggregates forming a decorative face layer by the medium of the adhesive, and a backing layer formed on the decorative face layer. The decorative sheet of the present invention enables its decorative face layer with a backing layer to be reliably and readily transferred to the surface of concrete construction or products, and yet which enables a foam layer as a protective layer for the decorative face layer with a backing layer to be readily removed after application. A decorative concrete product for construction using the same, and processes for preparing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: An ornamental coating and process for applying the coating to a substrate includes mixing a first batch of liquid mortar composed of sand, cement and an aqueous solution of acrylic resin, and trowelling or spraying a first layer of the liquid mortar onto the substrate and allowing the liquid mortar to cure. A second batch of liquid mortar is mixed which is the same as the first except that it contains a color pigment contrasting with the color of the first batch. A template defining a pattern of grout lines is placed over the cured first batch and the second batch of liquid mortar is trowelled or sprayed over the first batch and the template as a second layer and allowed to cure only to the extent that the second layer is firm, but not hard. The template is then removed, removing that part of the second layer immediately above the template thus exposing lines of the cured first batch which then appear as grout lines between areas of colored mortar which appear as bricks, flagstone or tiles etc.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly for forming a brick facing on a building structure. The brick panel assembly includes a backing member formed from a single sheet of material, which is adapted to properly retain individual thin brick tiles. The backing member has a generally uniform cross-section throughout its entire length, providing channels which allow the thin brick tiles to lay uniformly across each row. The channels are defined by retaining bars which hold the thin brick tiles in place. The retaining bars include mortar lock notches, which are adapted to provide a dovetail connection between the mortar and the backing board, as well as a path for moisture and water to escape from the brick panel assembly.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: An aggregate floor including terrazzo and the like and a method for forming the floor on a supporting surface, the floor including a layer of flexible compound applied to the surface, a reinforcement mesh positioned between divider strips and adjacent the compound and supporting a layer of compacted aggregate forming a substantially level surface. The divider strips are selectively positioned in desired configurations on the flexible compound layer to divide the mesh and aggregate into discreet and crack controlled sections. A mixture of composite cement, water and, in some cases, sand is applied to the surface of the aggregate layer in such a viscosity as to gravitate completely through the aggregate layer and make contact with the underlying layer of flexible compound. Such permeation fills and replaces the air pockets between the aggregate particles and deposits sufficient top coating on the surface of the aggregate to be polished to a finished surface.

Abstract: A roofing tile including a tile body having an upper surface covered with a fire resistant coating including an acrylic or asphaltic adhesive, usually the former, containing a wire mesh and intermixed with fire retardant particles formed of a material or materials selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, ammonium phosphate and a light weight portland cement concrete, with decorative and heat resistant particles adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive, and desirably including a top layer of sodium silicate covering the last mentioned particles.

Abstract: Masonry landscaping modules and methods for landscaping using the modules are disclosed. The masonry modules each have an upper portion comprising a plurality of masonry elements bonded to an upper surface of a lower portion. The masonry elements, preferably clay brick, are arranged in predetermined patterns and spaced from each other on the upper surface of the lower portion to define masonry joints between them. The lower portion comprises a concrete base having side walls which taper inwardly toward a bottom surface of the lower portion to define a trapezoidally shaped lower portion. Either steel reinforcing bars or fiberglass fibers are embedded in the lower portion. In completed products such as patios and walkways where multiple modules are placed adjacent to each other, inverted Y-shaped or "key" paving joints are formed between modules. Methods of laying the modules to form a variety of masonry products such as paving and other decorative arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An overlay brick deck system (10) is provided which includes a base surface formed of slat members (20). A liquid pervious layer (24) is sandwiched between an upper surface (22) of slat members (20) and a lower rim surface (34) of brick or tile members (26). The brick or tile members (26) include a hollowed out under portion defining an internal chamber (32) which lessens the weight of individual brick or tile members (26) into an acceptable range for deck use purposes. Brick or tile members (26) are mounted adjacent each to the other and include recesses (36) at least partially filled with granulated composition (38). In this manner, there is provided an overlay brick deck system (10) which upon exposure to an external environment extends the useful working life of a deck over that of commercially available wooden deck systems.

Abstract: An artificial ocean reef module includes a dome having a hollow interior region, an apex and a lower edge, a ventilation port in the apex leading to the hollow interior region, covered by a hollow guide member having two opposing openings to create a venturi effect to enhance circulation through the dome, and an access port adjacent to the lower edge, leading to the hollow interior region. A base member is preferably secured to the lower edge of the dome. A method of constructing the module, using a hemispherical form having an apex, includes the steps of spreading cement on the outer surface of the form, and creating an opening in the cement at the apex to serve as a module ventilation port.