Abstract: A mortarless block system for forming walls from blocks which are stackable in sequential rows upon each other. Upper rows of blocks positioned upon lower rows are securable by positioning of support rods through aligned passages thereof. The passages extend between upper and lower notches in each respective block. The support rods are engaged to connectors which are sized to fit completely within the notches to thereby leave the upper and lower surfaces of each lower row flush to stacking overhead rows thereon.

Abstract: Coke oven corbel structures are provided with a multiple number of stacked refractory slabs defining a corresponding multiple number of tiers of the corbel structure, The multiple number of stacked refractory slabs define a pair of substantially vertically oriented central fuel gas passageways and pairs of combustion air passageways laterally of a respective one of the central fuel gas passageways. A plurality of vertically stacked fuel gas blocks each defining a central fuel gas conduit may be positioned within each of the central fuel gas passageways.

Abstract: An interlocking construction block having a predefined finish, suitable for the construction of buildings and featuring elements that allow the passage of pipes, ducts or iron rods inside it, enabling construction to be carried out more efficiently, with the consequent reduction in labor and material requirements.

Abstract: A building system used for constructing a building is disclosed in the present invention. The building system includes: a first block, a corner block and a connection block interlocking with each other for constructing the building; wherein, dimensional relations between the first block, the corner block and the connection block satisfying the following conditions: Lco=L+W; Wco=½L+W; Lci=L; Wci=½L; Lcb=½L; Wcb=W; Wherein, is a length of the first block; W is a width of the first block; Lco is an outer length of the corner block; Wco is an outer width of the corner block; Lci is an inner length of the corner block; Wci is an inner width of the corner block; Lcb is a length of the connection block; Wcb is a width of the connection block.

Abstract: A building block and a building system used for construction a building are disclosed in the present invention. The building block includes: an inner face, an outer face, an upper face having a base face and a projection protruding upward from the base face, wherein the projection extending longitudinally for the entire length of the upper face; a lower face having a complementary groove for interlocking with the projection of a cooperating interengaging building block; a first end; a second end; each of the first end and the second end has a header face, which is substantially one of a planar face, a male header face and a female header face, the male header face of the building block interlocking with the female header face of a cooperating interengaging building block; the cooperating interengaging building block is substantially similar to the building block.

Abstract: Building builds with locking features for adjoining and interlocking similar adjacent building blocks without any mortar using protruded means and channel means. The building blocks can vary in size and shape to form corners, octagons, angles and direction change.

Abstract: A framework for a building structure. The framework is constructed of two open-walled structures, an inner core structure and an outer core structure. Each core structure is a six-sided cuboid structure formed by hollow horizontal and vertical conduits. The inner core structure is smaller than the outer core structure and interconnecting hollow conduit webs link the two cores. The inner core may be placed on a different horizontal plane than the outer structure, in which case, the interconnecting webs slope from one core to the other one. The conduits of the cores are dimensioned to house utility systems, such as plumbing, wiring, staircases, etc. Walls, windows, doors may be attached to the core structures, to achieve a residential or commercial space suitable for the intended purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means, comprising blocks having: ridges that fit into grooves, bases that fit into channels, cavities for the flow of adhesive, notches in which ducts for installations are located, perforations for reinforcing the wall with post-tensioned cable or rebar, provisions for building frames for doors or windows, and tunnels for housing piers, among other elements, which together allow a wall to be constructed without skilled labor, saving materials and reducing construction time.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the sidewalls. The base defines a hole therethrough disposed adjacent one bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges.

Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing and strengthening wall structures constructed with hollow core cementitious blocks that have not been filled with concrete. Relatively small ports are drilled at the grout line every 4-6 courses along the vertical plain of one hollow core and this and every second core is then filled with a high density expanding resin thus filling the core there by providing sufficient strength and rigidity, yet flexibility to the wall structure to withstand significant seismic activity.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for constructing walls using blocks equipped with coupling means, comprising blocks having: ridges that fit into grooves, bases that fit into channels, cavities for the flow of adhesive, notches in which ducts for installations are located, perforations for reinforcing the wall with post-tensioned cable or rebar, provisions for building frames for doors or windows, and tunnels for housing piers, among other elements, which together allow a wall to be constructed without skilled labor, saving materials and reducing construction time.

Abstract: A deck block adapted to be interconnected with other deck blocks to form an insulating deck for casting concrete. The deck block comprising a foam panel at least one hole extending into the panel from the one end toward an opposing end such that the hole has an open end and a closed end. At least one protrusion extends from the panel and the protrusion is matingly receivable in at least a portion of a hole of a like panel to interconnect the panels in an end-to-end relationship. The panel has a vertical groove extending from a bottom surface and intersecting the opening of the panel to provide a fluid flow channel from the opening to the bottom surface of the panel when the like panels are interconnected. The protrusion has a horizontal groove extending along a lower end thereof from a distal end of the protrusion to a proximal end thereof so as to intersect the vertical groove.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing hollow core block walls, either reinforced or not reinforced with a re-designed block and the use of expanding polymer resins system as a filling and binding system replacing the traditional system of binding hollow core blocks with a cementitious mortar or adhesive.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: Non-masonry building block components, including a standard hollow-bodied block component with horizontal and vertical locking capabilities which removes the need for bonding material such as glue, mortar or other adhesives. Modified dovetails on the upper and lower surface of the building components prevent vertical movement while resistance locks on each end of the block prevent horizontal movement. Typically, use of the non-masonry building components would allow for constructing permanent or temporary structures having vertical and horizontal channels in which to allow plumbing or electrical conduit. The incorporation of materials, such as sand or similar substance, would form a bullet-resistant barrier for use in military operations. Additionally, structures formed from the block components could easily be assembled or disassembled on site without the need for skilled labor, specialized tools, demolition and clean up.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rooftop equipment support includes a polymer material block and a metal fastener support attached to an upper portion of the block. The fastener support has a fastener portion that is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing piping or other equipment. According to one embodiment, folded-down lips of the metal fastener portion form a channel configured to accept one or more fasteners, such as pipe clamps. In another embodiment, the metal fastener portion is a plate having one or more threaded inserts. The threaded inserts may be located between a sheet metal part of the fastener portion and a top surface of the polymer material block. The polymer material block may be made of a polyurethane foam material. The metal fastener portion may cover at least part of the edges of a top surface of the polymer material block.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable modular block system includes a lightweight structural block having a top, a bottom, a first block end, a second block end, an insulating core, an inside facing and an outside facing wherein the structural block is configured to create internal vertical and horizontal raceways between adjacent blocks, a gasketing system connected to the structural block along a portion of the periphery of the structural block, and a fastening system within and that extends horizontally and vertically through the insulating core where the structural block, the gasketing system and the fastening system form a single, integral block component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoelectric conversion device comprising a substrate 1 serving as a lower electrode; first conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor particles 3 deposited on the substrate; second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 formed on the crystalline semiconductor particles 3; an insulator layer 2 formed among the crystalline semiconductor particles; and an upper electrode layer 5 formed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4, wherein the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 each have a smaller thickness at or below an equator of each of the crystalline semiconductor particles than at a zenith region thereof, and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 include an impurity element with a concentration gradient decreasing with proximity to the crystalline semiconductor particles.

Abstract: The modular construction blocks include a preform having a plurality of passageways therethrough. The preforms may by formed from a plastic material and filled with concrete and steel reinforcing bars to form footings, foundations, girders, walls, and roofs. The modular construction blocks generally include a 5-hole block which has five holes or passageways extending therethrough and a 2-hole block which has two holes or passageways extending therethrough. The 5-hole blocks include the plurality of passageways intersecting and extending along three different planes. Kits, building structures, furring strips, and methods for forming building structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of masonry article comprises a contoured first header, a contoured second header, a contoured front face, a back face, a contoured lower base and an upper base. The plurality of masonry articles has a plurality of holes extending from the lower base to the upper base. The contoured first header couples to the contoured second header of another plurality of masonry articles and the contoured lower base couples to the upper base of the other plurality of masonry articles so that an outward face of a portion of a wall assembled with the plurality of masonry articles has a mortar-like vertically oriented gap and a mortar-like horizontally oriented gap. A plurality of corner masonry article and plurality of alternative corner masonry articles similar to the plurality of masonry articles permit assembly of a portion of a corner section of the wall.

Abstract: A structure assembled from a combination of stackable modules, each module assembled from multiple prefabricated, transportable blocks. The blocks are typically reinforced cast concrete formed in reusable molds. Module framing blocks may include arched corner blocks, key blocks that interlock with a pair of corner blocks, and optional center blocks. Other structural elements include roof, floor, and wall components that interlock with the framing modules. Modules may be stacked or nested to form structures including buildings, elevated roadways, and parking garages. Utilities may be provided through optional conduits formed in the corner elements. The framing supports raised floor modules for ease in mechanical system installation and modification. The roof elements support usable terraces and rainwater collection. The blocks are demountable and reusable. The modules are self-supporting during erection, and may be assembled without fasteners.

Abstract: A vented hollow translucent/transparent plastic block for use in wall construction includes a sheet of solar radiation reflective material disposed therein to define two compartments within the plastic block. A vent is disposed in a side wall of the plastic block in fluid communication with each of the compartments to alleviate any pressure increase/decrease within the plastic block and for discharging any condensation within the plastic block that may occur.

Abstract: A masonry block wall system is disclosed comprising a plurality of piers positioned at predetermined intervals with a pilaster mounted on each of the piers. The pilasters are formed by vertically stacked masonry blocks that are attached to the pier by a reinforcing rod extending upwardly from the pier through a vertical mortarless void in the blocks. A plurality of courses of masonry blocks form block wall panels, each of the blocks in the panels having horizontal mortarless voids therein, the horizontal and vertical joints between adjacent courses being interlocking and mortarless. Selected courses of masonry blocks have a horizontal reinforcing rod attached to each block in the course without mortar or grout.

Abstract: The modular construction blocks include a preform having a plurality of passageways therethrough. The preforms may by formed from a plastic material and filled with concrete and steel reinforcing bars to form footings, foundations, girders, walls, and roofs. The modular construction blocks generally include a 5-hole block which has five holes or passageways extending therethrough and a 2-hole block which has two holes or passageways extending therethrough. The 5-hole blocks include the plurality of passageways intersecting and extending along three different planes. Kits, building structures, furring strips, and methods for forming building structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular element for floor structures or crawl spaces used in self-supporting structures, the modular element including an upper surface (11) and supporting legs (13), the modular element defining, either alone or in combination with one or more identical modular elements (10) associated therewith, a seating (17) to position and anchor a structural reinforcement element, the seating (17) being sized in such a way as to accommodate a reinforcement element suitable to fulfil a static bearing function, the structural reinforcement elements, once installed and incorporated into the cast concrete, allowing to form a self-supporting reinforced structure.

Abstract: A dry wall building system comprises courses of building blocks where the building blocks are joined end to end by keys. Each of the blocks comprising sidewalls, endwalls and at least one vertical cavity or slot, at least one first channel in the upper surfaces of the endwalls and at least one second channel in the lower surfaces of the endwalls, the arrangement and construction being such that when blocks are laid one upon another the channels and the said at least one cavity or slot of the blocks can be aligned to provide an internal network of horizontal and vertical infill passages which can be filled with a settable material to seal joints between the blocks and to provide load bearing support between respective courses of blocks. A method of manufacturing blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: An insulation panel includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, a second side, a third side opposite the first side, and a fourth side opposite the second side. The first, second, third, and fourth sides define a perimeter of the panel. The insulation panel also includes a first conduit and a second conduit internal with respect to the first and second surfaces and extending between the first and third sides. The insulation panel further includes a third conduit and a fourth conduit internal with respect to the first and second surfaces and extending between the second and fourth sides. The conduits remove moisture that accumulates underneath the panel. Moreover, the insulation panel includes a slit extending from the perimeter to the first, second, third, and fourth conduits for discharging water accumulated within the insulation panel.

Abstract: A building assembly for efficiently and economically constructing walls and roofs for a building assembly that utilizes a prefabricated building panel. The prefabricated panels utilize miter-cuts when joined, form cores, interior and exterior walls, and roofs, when placed together. The walls are pre-formed, offsite according to the required size dimensions and then transported to the job site. The panels are made essentially of a expanded polystyrene panel having cores and channels. Each building panel also includes vertically disposed parallel voids that are approximately 4 in. in diameter, spaced approximately 2 to 4 ft. apart, and receive poured concrete and steel rebar to provide structural rigidity to the entire building assembly. The poured concrete includes rebars that protrude through the entire channel and coring system and are embedded in the slab, and which may be extended above the wall height to bend and overlap the roof for added structural support.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a novel process for making brick-faced block.

Abstract: A construction form for building an insulated concrete reinforced wall includes separable and independently usable lintel block and post block sections, made from injection molding Styrofoam. The lintel block section includes a channel extending horizontally and fully along its top portion. The channel includes multiple knock-out plugs within the bottom wall. The lintel block section also has multiple parallel and vertically spaced apertures with one end opened at a lower end, and extending upward to a closed end terminating at one plug within the bottom wall of the channel. The post block section is stackable with the lintel block section.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is a raised floor body having a plurality of parallel bottom arches, each arch defining a lower race thereunder, wherein the lower races are separated from one another by the arches. The raised floor body preferably includes at least one transverse top slot extending into the top surface of the body, thereby defining an upper race. The top slot may be disposed generally perpendicularly to the bottom arches. The body is further preferably provided with at least one vertical opening between the upper and lower races. A cover may be disposed over the top slot, and a liner may be disposed in the top slot. The body is preferably made at least partially from a cementitious material. The raised floor body may also include a mold for forming the cementitious material. The body may be cast in-situ or may pre-cast and installed as whole, by panels, or in individual modular blocks. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the raised floor.

Abstract: A foam wall assembly including vertical passageways that guide wall support elements. The wall assembly includes a lower end and an upper support element that are affixed to the wall support elements. The foam wall includes inner and outer thermal barriers that thermally isolate the wall support elements.

Abstract: A brick with, preferably, two or three cylindrical passageways running from top to bottom, a cylindrical passageway running from one end to the opposite end, two linear grooves at one end and two linear projections at the other end which are of identical shape, and annular projections centered around the bores at top and annular grooves centered around the bores at the other side which are of identical shape. These passageways intersect, the linear grooves are slightly larger than the linear projections, and the annular grooves are slightly larger than the annular projections. The linear projections and grooves are spaced apart from the end-to-end cylindrical passageway, run from top to bottom and are preferably designed with a break for ease of assembly. When a group of bricks of are assembled into a wall, they will interlock in two different planes and will include interconnecting passageways in two planes. The bricks of this invention can be reinforced with rods or posts or filled with concrete or both.

Abstract: A partition wall system provides for lay-in of cables. The system includes a plurality of interconnected panel sections and a plurality of covering skins. Each panel section has a base surface and a protrusion extending from the base surface. At least one of the covering skins is attached to each of the panel sections, forming a passage between the covering skin and the base surface of the panel section allowing the cables to travel between interconnected panel sections and through each panel section, in both horizontal and vertical directions. Interconnected panel sections may include first and second sheets of material, each sheet of material providing a base surface with a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein the first sheet of material is attached to the second sheet of material so that the base surface of the first sheet of material is substantially parallel to the base surface of the second sheet of material.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a structure unit comprising a lightweight cellular resign block and plural bricks laid thereon. A cellular resign block 1 is integrally molded from suitable foamable resign so as to include vertical grooves 3 at the transversely opposite extremities, a vertical bar passage 5 at the transversely middle, and mortar wells 8 extending on the upper end of the block 1. Brick 20 is adhesively laid on surface of the block 1 using elastic mortar to form a structure unit A. Vertical reinforcing bars are inserted into vertical grooves 3 as well as into the middle vertical bar passage 5 and then mortal is poured into the mortar wells 8 to carry out work of masonry. For the blocks in every other stage, portions of vertical partitions 4 extending above the mortar wells 8 are broken away to form horizontal bar supports. Thus, a desired exterior structure such as wall, gatepost or the like in the same manner as with concrete blocks.

Abstract: A modular floor access panel having at least one fully enclosed access channel and a vertically extending service well intersecting with the access channel, with an interlocking structure on the periphery allowing secure attachment to adjacent panels. Preferably the interlocking structure is integrally formed with the panel. Optionally, the panel may be provided with a leveling mechanism and the service well is configured to receive decentralized facilities.

Abstract: A building panel (1) has an upper edge (4) adapted to interlock with a lower edge (6) of a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1). The lower edge (6) of the panel (1) is adapted to interlock with a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1) or base (16). Side edges (8, 9) of the panel (1) are substantially planar to permit abutment of a side edge (8) of one panel (1) against a side edge (9) of a horizontally adjacent substantially identical panel (1). A continuous channel (11) extends the length of each side edge (8, 9) and a further continuous channel (10) extends along the upper edge (4). To construct a wall, a plurality of panels (1) are placed horizontally adjacent to each other to form a lower layer (15). A cementitious mix is poured onto the panels (1) to fill the channels (10, 11). Alternatively, structural members can be placed into the channels (10, 11).

Abstract: A component of lightweight structural material to be utilized in the construction of a sturdy wall, the component being elongate and generally in the configuration of a rectangular solid whose height is approximately three to four times its width. The component involves a pair of elongate sidewalls, a pair of end portions, a bottom section, and an upper section. An elongate, trough-like recess is located along the upper section between the elongate sidewalls, and a plurality of elongate, generally vertically disposed apertures are disposed in an essentially parallel relationship below the trough-like recess. The upper end of each of the elongate apertures is directly below the trough-like recess, with the trough-like recess being adapted to receive and contain molten concrete, with some of such concrete being able to flow into and fill the vertically disposed apertures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precasted wall/column module including a hollow body formed from a four-side outer frame and an inscribed round pipe. The outer frame has an upper end forming a first axially projected flange extending along an inner edge of the upper end and a lowered outer edge extending around the first flange, and a lower end forming a second axially projected flange extending along an outer edge of the lower end and a lowered inner edge extending along an inner side of the second flange. Axially extended insertion holes are correspondingly formed at every corners of the upper and lower ends to receive insertion bars for connecting the modules to one another. A thinned area can be selectively provided on either side of the outer frame. Two semicircular openings are separately formed at upper and lower edges of each thinned area and a plurality of round holes are spaced between the two semicircular openings.

Abstract: An interlocking and insulated form pattern assembly for creating a wall construction for receiving a poured concrete. A plurality of form structures each are constructed in a substantially rectangular fashion with a height, length and width and include pluralities of arcuately shaped inner walls which define both vertically and longitudinally extending concrete filling passageways. The forms are interlockingly arranged according to a desired stacking arrangement so that the vertically and longitudinally filling passageways extending continuously throughout the erected wall structure. Moisture drainage channels likewise extend in interconnected fashion both horizontally and vertically within the form structures and are arranged in alignment with identical channels in succeeding form structures to provide internal drainage capabilities to the form assembly.

Abstract: A hollow block (e.g. a rectangular prism) preferably has six (6) perpendicular faces. Each face preferably has a wall with a particular thickness. An opening is provided in at least a particular one of the faces, and preferably in all six (6) faces. A hollow beam (e.g. a rectangular prism) preferably has six (6) perpendicular faces. Each face is preferably defined by a wall with a particular thickness. An opening is provided in at least a particular one of the faces, and preferably in the four (4) faces defining a closed loop, in the beam. Substantially parallel snaps extend from the other two (2) beam walls and have at their outer ends portions shaped to facilitate insertion of such snaps into the opening in the particular face of the block, retention of the snaps by the inner surface of the face defining the opening and removal of the snaps from the opening. Such portions are shaped for the beams to be pulled, peeled or bent from the block.

Abstract: A hollow concrete building block is provided having physical characteristics which diverts water penetrating inside the block away from the interior of the building. The block comprises parallel interior and exterior walls and at least one transverse vertical web spanning between the walls to form a unitary block with an interior cavity. The webs have notches on the top and bottom surfaces which divert any infiltrating water into the cavities. The notches span the length of the top and bottom surfaces of the web. The apex of the top notch is proximate to the exterior wall of the block while the apex of the bottom notch is proximate to the interior wall. Once in the cavities, the water drops to the lowermost block where conventional flashing and weep holes convey the water to the exterior.

Abstract: A protected-membrane roof paving system and method of constructing same. Rectangular ballast blocks are laid in rows and interlocked by tongue and groove edge faces. The adjacent blocks in each row form labyrinthine channels between their edge faces for drainage and equalization of air pressure above and below the blocks.

Abstract: A construction unit includes weep openings through a front wall, side walls, and a center web, and at least one slot extending parallel to a rear wall to receive a flashing member, the slot being defined at least partially by the rear wall. An insert member having an insect screen is positioned in each of the weep openings of the front wall.