Abstract: A multi-component segmented retaining wall (SRW) block that may form a mortarless retaining wall. Each SRW block includes an interlocking face unit and an anchor unit that together form a vertically oriented hollow core bounded by the inner walls of the face unit and the anchor unit. Each face unit and anchor unit pair are interlocked by complementary connector elements.

Abstract: A method of making a wall block and a mold box therefore. The wall block design maximizes the use of the mold box. The method produces wall blocks having a large surface area front face compared to the front face size of prior art blocks. The blocks have about one third more front surface area. This results in faster construction of walls and a faster construction sequence. The method of making the blocks makes efficient use of mold space and material, resulting in higher production yields and/or higher total daily production square footage.

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 upper and lower edges, a first substantially vertical rear wall and a second substantially vertical front wall, the substantially parallel side walls extending beyond the second substantially vertical front wall. A first drain groove portion extends across the substantially vertical front wall and aligned with second and third drain groove portions provided on respective facing surfaces of the substantially parallel side walls.

Abstract: Concrete wall blocks are described with features facilitating use of the wall blocks to construct each of: a wall section with set back; and, a vertical wall without set back. Wall blocks, kits or sets of wall blocks, and wall sections with various sized blocks are described. Further methods of assembly and use are described. Also, features selectively usable in various types of wall blocks are described.

Abstract: A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent.

Abstract: A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall.

Abstract: A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.

Abstract: Glass blocks and glass block panel assemblies with improved thermal and solar heat gain resistance are described. The blocks are comprised of two symmetric glass elements, one that would face the exterior of a building and another that would face the interior of a building, separated by a second material that acts as a thermal break between the inside and outside of a building. The thermal break may optionally encircle one or more pieces of material that become enclosed in the block for performance or aesthetic purposes. Additional adhesives and sealants may be used as needed to insure structural and functional reliability of the block. For application into building structures, wall and window installation methods are also described including spacers that help ensure quality block alignment.

Abstract: A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure including a plurality of mats, each mat including a substantially fixed matrix of spaced tubular rings. The mats are vertically stacked such that the tubular rings are co-extensive and form a matrix of tubular columns. Materials may be poured into the columns and into the void region between the columns, and geotextile or geomembrane-type fabric may wrap the mats and materials to form a block. The blocks may be arranged in one or more horizontal layers, and may be stacked and staggered with respect to blocks in a lower layer. A method of installing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative horizontal and vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.

Abstract: The wall is formed by stacking hollow plastic modular elements (1), with dovetailing on their upper and lower faces, from a lower metal channel (2) up to another, upper metal channel (3), the structure being stiffened by means of vertical (1) via vertical conduits in the modules that extend from the lower channel (2) to the upper channel (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: A wall block (10) comprises a substantially rectangular core (11) of substantially rigid insulating material which forms structural load bearing elements in a constructed wall. The block (10) has cladding (12) bonded to its lateral surfaces. The cladding (12) is offset from the lateral surfaces with tie cladding (12) overhanging from the lower lateral edges, the overhanging portion abutting against the core (11) of the blocks (10) on the lower course. The core (11) has a longitudinal void (14) provided in the lower surface along its whole length and al least one vertically extending void (15), extending from the longitudinal void (14) to the upper surface of the core. Furthermore, recesses (21) are formed in the vertical edges of the core (11) and being adapted to receive elongated joint seals (22) to affect scaling of the joints between adjacent blocks (10).

Abstract: A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having constant stiffness material layers and variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers. The variable modulus material layers have a material with a changeable elastic modulus in response to an applied energy field so as to allow reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The constant stiffness material layers may include segmented portions. The constant stiffness material layers may have segmented portions arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers have overlapping segmented portions. The variable modulus material layers may have shaped structures, for example, corrugation, pillars, striations, tubular, or honeycomb configurations.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulator for use in combination with a structural block having top and bottom surfaces that are connect by side surfaces. The side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces define a continuous periphery that at least partially forms a mortar joint with adjacent blocks. The periphery has a generally vertical height bounded by the top and bottom surfaces, and a width bounded by the side surfaces. The insulator has a pre-formed portion of insulating material having top, bottom and side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces define a height greater than the generally vertical height of the periphery of the block. The side surfaces define a width greater than the periphery of the block, so that the insulator extends into and insulates, on at least a portion of all surfaces forming the block periphery, the mortar joint between the block and adjacent blocks.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A block according to the present invention is a block comprising a base body part, a first protruding part, and a second protruding part, which are integrally formed with each other. The base body part has a left lower side face, a right lower side face, a left upper side face, and a right upper side face formed as respective sloping faces. The first protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third left-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth left-hand sloping faces, and a left side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth left-hand sloping faces. The second protruding part has a lower surface thereof formed by first to third right-hand sloping faces, an upper surface thereof formed by fourth to sixth right-hand sloping faces, and a right side surface thereof formed by seventh and eighth right-hand sloping faces.

Abstract: A block used to construct a wall. The block has a front and rear surfaces, top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. The bottom surface of the block has a projection that extends downwardly therefrom and which is configured to engage one or more blocks in an adjacent course of blocks to prevent movement therebetween. Depending upon the configuration of the wall, the projection may engage a portion of the rear surface of an adjacent course of blocks, or may be received within one of two channels in the top surface of the adjacent course of blocks. By selecting the position of the projection relative to the adjacent course of blocks, differently configured walls may be constructed.

Abstract: Generally, the invention is a dry stack building block for constructing a masonry wall. The dry stack unit has a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The dry stack unit also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. Each pair of lugs may have a first lug offset from a second lug in an axis perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the front section and the back section.

Abstract: A building uses three or more triangular facades arranged in a serial array formed by one triangular facade jutting from side face boundaries of each of the abutted and side-by-side triangular facades. The triangular facades configured similarly are in a dispersed serial arrangement about an elongated central axis. One triangular façade is the larger of triangular facades and all facades have a triangularly shaped outer facing wall bounded by an endless succession of perimeter walls in a right triangle relation. The arrangement permits multiple triangular façades configured to harmonize with level or undulating terrain.

Abstract: A structure that can be partially assembled at one location, transported to a site in modules, and then fully assembled into a structure suitable for housing a therapeutic radiation source is disclosed. The modules include reinforced walls that are filled with radiation shielding fill material to form a barrier around a central treatment area. Additional modules are placed over the first set of modules and form a barrier above the treatment room. A door with a selectively retractable threshold provides access to the treatment room. The module including the radiation equipment is included in removable portions so that the radiation equipment can be removed and replaced. The modules also form a patient waiting room and control area separated from the treatment by the barrier.

Abstract: A corner block is provided for use in constructing an exterior corner of a retaining wall. The corner block is designed to receive a portion of a retaining member that is used to secure a reinforcement member to blocks that are adjacent to the corner block. The corner block permits construction of a retaining wall having an exterior corner, where the right and left sides of the exterior corner can be reinforced.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.

Abstract: An elongated building element (14) to form a series of walls (10) to (13). The elements (14) each have longitudinally extending flanges (21) that snap engage with longitudinally extending grooves (19) in the next adjacent element (14). Accordingly the wall (10) is constructed by joining the elements (14) in a direction transverse their general direction of extension. If so required the elements (14) may be filled with concrete.

Abstract: A building block is described, which has a recessed grout trough at its mid-perimeter, top, bottom and ends. It has a hollow core and beveled edges. After each row of block has been positioned, a liquid grout is poured into the grout trough at the end of each block and flows downwardly and into the bottom trough, before setting up.

Abstract: Set of building elements containing building blocks (1) having a body (2) in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, whose underside is provided with recesses (5) and whose top surface is provided with projections (3) having a lateral surface in the form of a surface of revolution at the intersections of an imaginary square grid, the configuration being such that such a building block (1) can be connected in clamping engagement with another building block (1′) of the set of building blocks by engagement of its projections (3) in the recesses (5) provided on the underside of the other building block (1′). The invention provides that the set of building elements contains one or more building blocks (1) where the projections (3) occupy only a part of the intersections of the imaginary square grid.

Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.

Abstract: Improvements in a stackable construction panel system are disclosed. The system includes stackable wall forms for receiving a flowable material, each form having a pair of foam panels tied together in a spaced and parallel relationship by connectors. In a first improvement, the connectors have head pieces with transversal terminal surfaces facilitating the stacking and handling of the wall forms on construction sites. In a second improvement, an end panel assembly is provided for mounting an end panel used as a wall stud for the construction of a window or door frame. The end panel assembly has first and second engaging members, each removably engageable with side end portions of the pair of foam panels. The end panel itself is mountable therebetween. In accordance with a third improvement, a corner connector is provided for reinforcing corner wall forms.

Abstract: A system of interlocking wall and corner components for construction of a building include a plurality of elongate key members and a plurality of elongate side members. The key members are arranged as horizontal pairs of parallel upper and lower key members sandwiching therebetween pairs of parallel side members. The pair of parallel upper and lower key members form therebetween a pair of dove-tail joint female receiver sockets. Opposed facing sides of the pairs of the parallel side members have a corresponding pair of laterally inwardly disposed dove-tail joint male members for mating into dove-tail engagement in the female receiver sockets to form a dove-tail joint. The pairs of key members and the pairs of side members form elongate horizontal beams mountable one on top of another to form a vertical array of wall layers.

Abstract: The present building block has at least one inner core, a secondary or end core portion, and an interlock protruding from one face and forming a portion of the periphery of at least one of the inner cores. When placed end to end and at the same level, building blocks of the present invention form a secondary core or seat for reception of the interlock. When a first row of building blocks placed end to end is staggered relative to a second row of building blocks placed end to end, the interlocks of one row of building blocks mate with the secondary or end core portions or relatively large inner cores of the other row of building blocks such that neighboring rows of building block interlock. The basic building block has ends that are oblique such that rows having a preset radius can be formed or such that a linear row can be formed by placing one block front-to-back and an adjacent building block back-to-front.

Abstract: Precast planar construction blocks are cast on-site or received and assembled in free-standing modules. A variety of shapes of spaced apart paired blocks form free-standing modules which apply building load over a large footprint. Biaxial sleeve connectors and threaded rods facilitate connection between blocks. The free-standing modules are connected with other structural elements to form a complete primary structure. The primary structure can then be enclosed using manufactured blocks to establish perimeter walls and roofs.

Abstract: A masonry unit for use in mortared wall structures includes a first surface and a mortar buffer that at least partially surrounds the first surface.

Abstract: A modular wall or fence construction system includes at least first and second I-profile blocks, each having an I-shape in planform. The I-shape defines a parallel pair of flanges across opposite ends of a web extending between the flanges. The I-profile blocks have generally planar and parallel upper and lower surfaces and a uniform vertical height. Each of the flanges of the first and second I-profile blocks have radiused rib keys formed in opposite parallel edges of the flanges. The edges are distal on the flanges relative to the web. A first pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of convex rails along the parallel edges on a first side of the web. A second pair of the radiused rib keys are a pair of concave channels along the parallel edges on a second side of the web opposite the first side of the web. Each flange has oppositely disposed, on opposite edges, one convex rail and one concave channel.

Abstract: A load bearing composite building wall structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart stud members, each stud member comprising an exterior bar member, an interior bar member, and a plurality of wall ties connected there between. Interstitial blocks comprising a generally self-supporting material are disposed between adjacent pairs of stud members. A surface coating material is disposed along the exterior and interior faces of the wall structure and in contact with the interstitial blocks. The surface coating material has an increased thickness in an area adjacent to one or more stud members. The increased thickness of the surface coating material provides an increase in the load bearing capacity of the wall structure.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: A corner block is provided for use in constructing an exterior corner of a retaining wall. The corner block is designed to receive a portion of a retaining member that is used to secure a reinforcement member to blocks that are adjacent to the corner block. The corner block permits construction of a retaining wall having an exterior corner, where the right and left sides of the exterior corner can be reinforced.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.

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: A building block for use in construction, comprises a first and second side wall. First and second end walls join the first side wall to the second side wall at the respective ends thereof. A top surface and a bottom surface are also provided. The top and bottom surfaces are profiled to interfit with one another. The block is characterized in that each end wall is substantially Z-shaped.

Abstract: A spacer is provided that includes at least one rail of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like that runs along a top surface of a modular construction material such as a brick or block. At least one transverse rail is connected to the length-running rail. The transverse rail is also constructed of plastic, steel, rebar, or the like and runs width-wise along the top surface of the brick/block. Connected to the rails is a number of spacing studs that define a desired mortar depth. The spacing studs may include removable clips that are configured to engage the rails. Accordingly, the clips have a height equal to the desired mortar depth. The present invention may alternatively include a kit comprising the rails, clips, and bricks/blocks.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift devices embedded in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes multiple retaining knobs that protrude from the lower surface of the block and help to align a block with previously-laid blocks underneath.

Abstract: This invention is a building technique with multiple applications that addresses many known needs in a vast marketplace that far surpasses existing technology. Energy savings alone is an extremely important worldwide issue that has not been addressed by other building techniques today, as it should have been. Today, Americans are dependent upon the radical and unstable oil producing nations for our energy. This trend is unwise and extremely dangerous to the peace of our nation. Measures must be taken now to slow down the depletion of natural energy resources. This process is a cutting edge, innovative technological building system that produces the highest energy efficiency in addition to fire protection, termite protection, moisture protection, sound resistance and wind resistance possible at a cost comparable to wood, block or steel construction.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the side surfaces has an inset extending from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The block also has a protrusion which has an angled side wall, the angle being at least about 20° from vertical. The protrusion is positioned on the block so that it will mate with any opening of an adjacently positioned course. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit or mate within the insets of another block.

Abstract: An anchoring device for components made of concrete comprises an elongated section which is associable with a concrete component so as to protrude from the component with at least one of its longitudinal sides and with at least one portion of its lateral faces, which extend from the longitudinal side. Engagement regions are provided in this portion of the lateral faces of the section and form a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced along the longitudinal extension of the section, for a coupling element which is detachably associable with the portion of the section that protrudes from the component. The coupling element has at least one engagement region which forms a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced parallel to the longitudinal extension of the section, for an element for connecting the coupling element to another component or another element to be rigidly coupled to the component.

Abstract: There is provided a block (100) comprising a front wall (110); a rear wall (130); first side wall (115); second side wall (120) opposed to said first side wall (115); an upper block planar surface (140); a lower block planar surface (141); wherein said first side wall (115) and said second side wall (120) extend from said front wall (110) to said rear wall (130) to define a central through core (150) extending through the block (100) from said upper block surface (140) to said lower block surface (141), said core (150) having a front upper rim and a first front corner at the plane of said upper block surface, proximate intersection of said first side wall and said front wall; a first lug which extends downwardly from said lower block surface adjacent said first side wall, and has (i) a flat side portion flush with said first side wall and (ii) a front portion which joint said first lug side surface at an angle of 90° or less.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system which includes processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.