Abstract: An integrated module fame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.

Abstract: A masonry infill in a load bearing structure (18), comprises courses of hollow masonry units (1) arranged to define a cavity (3) extending therethrough filled with reinforced cementitious material e.g. reinforced concrete. A lower end of the concrete reinforcement (2) is secured to a load bearing support (16, FIG. 3). A body (6) is secured to the load bearing structure and receives an upper end of the concrete reinforcement so as to permit longitudinal sliding movement of the reinforcement upper end in the body, whilst constraining movement of the concrete reinforcement in a direction transversely of the infill The lower end of the reinforcement (2) may be built into the support, or slidably received in a further body (5, FIG. 3). Alternatively one or both ends of the reinforcement (2) may terminate in a bond beam. Brackets (9, 9a) may be embedded in the concrete in the cavity (3) to transfer shear forces between the adjacent blockwork and the concrete.

Abstract: A construction block for use with other like construction blocks to build a retaining wall has a “bullet shaped” front with a pair of angled forward surfaces joining the front surface to the sides, and forming a 45° angle with the front and side surfaces. At least one hole is located in the front portion of the block, passing vertically through the block from the top through the bottom. The rear portion of the block is shaped to receive the front end of a corresponding block when two of said blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation, and includes an indent defining a second hole extending through the block when two blocks are placed in a front-to-end orientation. Multiple front holes and multiple rear holes may be provided.

Abstract: A plastic construction block for storage of water, food, medicine, staples, construction materials, or any other item that needs to be contained for storage and shipping. The construction block can also be used in the construction of a bunker, wall, or the like structure through conventional building construction by filling of the block with sand or dirt. The construction block is substantially rectangular in shape having an enlarged fill port on one end with a resealable cap. The interior of the block is hollow and sized to hold about 3.4 fluid gallons. Apertures extend through the block and are used for receipt of anchoring posts. Each aperture further having a raised protrusion formed integral along one surface and a receptacle placed around each aperture on the rear surface. The raised protrusion interlocking with a receptacle on a rear surface of an adjoining construction block for aligning similar shaped construction blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protective barrier (100, 102, 120, 140, 160, 180, 300) for protecting structural columns, wall or other projecting elements that may be subject to inadvertent impact. The protective barrier (100, 102, 120, 140, 160, 180, 300) in one form of the invention includes a plurality of protection blocks (10) and a plurality of locating pins (50). Each protection block (10) includes a bumper surface (14) for receiving impact forces, an elongate structure positioning surface (17) arranged in use to be positioned substantially against or adjacent to a border defined by a structure to be protected and at least two locating apertures (20).

Abstract: Cogging piece (1) for use when notching log constructional elements (2) to other log constructional elements (2) or to corresponding separate log constructional elements (9). The cogging piece is adapted to be attached to both ends of each log constructional element (2) and to the end of each end constructional element (9) that is adapted to face a cogged joint. The cogging piece (1) is provided with lateral (4at, 4bt, 7at, 7bt) and axial (5at, 5bt, 6at, 6bt) inclined surfaces that are adapted to rest against corresponding axial and lateral surfaces respectively of cogging pieces attached to below and/or above intersecting log constructional elements and end constructional elements. Thus an increasing vertical force on a wall leads to an increased axial contraction of the cogged joints in the same wall.

Abstract: Masonry units (10) are integrally assembled by tightening forces of bolts (60) and nuts (70), in a condition that interlayer metal plates (50) are interposed between the masonry units. A basic form (11) of the masonry unit is contained in a mold for forming the masonry unit. A space (98) for fluidic covering material, which is chargeable with the covering material, is defined between upper and lower faces of the form (11), and the fluidic covering material is charged in the space. The upper and lower faces of the masonry unit are covered with the solidified covering material (12). According to the present invention, high dimensional accuracy of the masonry unit can be ensured, and efficiency of the production process of the masonry units is promoted to improve productivity of the masonry units.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a building system comprising i) at least first and second hollow blocks each having at least one side wall, and at least two end walls extending in at least one common direction, at least one of the walls in each block having a given thickness and being provided with a first cut-out extending throughout said wall thickness at a first free end of said wall, and ii) at least one connector element defining a cylindrical hollow body having a shape and size conforming with a perimeter corresponding to a juxtaposition of said first and second cut-outs for snug engagement within the perimeter, and at least one first flange projecting from a first end of the body and at least one second flange projecting from a second end of the body, said first and second flanges defining an intermediate spacing substantially equal to twice the value of said thickness.

Abstract: A method of assembling molded forms of expanded closed cell polystyrene to receive poured concrete for foundations and walls for buildings, including a laid course of forms molded of expanded polystyrene having vertical spaces in the forms and a plastic or metal strip With claws attached to the plastic or metal strip, and the strip is placed in a groove channel in the form and the strip extending into a groove in next abutting form of expanded polystyrene, and the strip width extending into a groove in the next laid course of expanded polystyrene forms and reinforcing bars placed vertically in vertical spaces in the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the reinforcing bars placed vertically in the vertical spaces and held in position by an aperture guide wire having a bias cut on leg end of the aperture guide wire and spanner wires extending across from side to side of the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the spanner wires having bias cut leg ends to stab into the top edges of the forms of expanded polystyren

Abstract: An apparatus for and method for constructing and reinforcing modular block construction comprising placing on one or more modular blocks a plurality of separators which are connected via one or more connectors, and aligning modular blocks placed in a layer above the connectors. Also a method and apparatus for constructing and reinforcing multiple parallel or concentric modular block walls.

Abstract: An interlocking concrete block for forming horizontal wall-channels for reinforcement of block walls of dry-stack, vertically-offset, double-wythe construction. The block has an outer block wall on one side and a head portion extending to the opposed side. The head portion has a connecting portion which interfits with a receptacle of a similar block. The block has a channel extending generally parallel to the outer block wall. In a block wall, two vertically-adjacent series of the blocks form a horizontal wall channel which can hold a reinforcing bar and in-filled concrete, for horizontal reinforcement of the wall.

Abstract: A corner bracket member for use in an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) corner block or other form assembly having a pair of opposed inner and outer spaced apart panels for receiving concrete therebetween, the corner bracket member including at least a pair of side members, each side member having at least a pair of spaced apart flange members adapted for receiving and anchoring exterior facade or other surfaces thereto, and at least one concrete engaging member positioned and located so as to extend in a direction completely across the space formed by and between the inner and outer panels associated with the ICF corner block. The side members and flange members of the corner bracket member are encapsulated within one of the inner and outer panels and the at least one concrete engaging member includes a terminal end portion which is encapsulated within the other of the inner and outer panels when attached thereto.

Abstract: An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other. A surface covering comprises a multiplicity of units assembled to form a continuous surface without overlap between units and without substantial gaps between units. A structure, such as a wall or column can be formed of building units of the invention.

Abstract: A wall system includes a bracket assembly and at least one block member. The bracket assembly establishes a self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member is supported on the self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member includes an outer face, an inner face, and a top face extending between said outer face and said inner face. The top face locates the at least one block member on the self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a decorative finish on a wall, whereby a facing panel is provided to attach to a backing surface by way of a coupling means Dry cast panels are connected to the wall by way of a key way connector.

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed of a series of courses of blocks, each of which includes a core. Engagement members are interposed between the blocks in adjacent courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks in adjacent courses. Each engagement member is mountable to the rear web of a lower block, and includes an upstanding projecting portion that engages the rear web of an upper block for preventing forward movement of the upper blocks relative to the lower blocks. The upstanding projecting portion engages the rear web of the upper block so that the front face of the upper block is located rearwardly of the front web of the lower block, to expose an upwardly open forward portion of the core of the lower block. The exposed portion of the lower block core may receive planting media, to enable plants to be planted in the exposed core of the lower block.

Abstract: A support panel comprising a plate including a face, at least one row of support tabs and at least one row of L-shaped fingers. The at least one row of L-shaped fingers are located above at least one of the at least one row of support tabs. The L-shaped fingers include a first portion and a second portion defining the L-shape of the L-shaped fingers. A tile can be placed on at least one of the tabs and maintained in position by the second portion of at least one of the L-shaped fingers. Alternatively, the plate could include at least one row of upwardly and outwardly angled tongues for insertion into at least one angled slot in a rear face of a tile to maintain the tiles in position adjacent a front of the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reinforcing a block masonry wall of blocks by use of a fixture, fixture holder, and deformed steel wire. The fixture holder has a hollow pipe shape and includes six blade receptacles protruding outward from a periphery thereof by a predetermined distance. The blade receptacles are spirally formed in a longitudinal direction of the fixture holder by a predetermined pitch. The deformed steel wire has an approximately regular-polygonal longitudinal direction thereof by a constant pitch. The deformed steel wire includes an intersectional connecting portion and/or beam connection loop. A block used in the reinforcing method includes a center hole and a side surface groove, and further includes first and second side holes at opposite sides of the center hole. The side surface groove is formed only at one side surface or either side surface of the block. All the holes have a rounded rectangular shape.

Abstract: A corner block and a wall block system with a corner block for forming in multiple courses a wall which includes first and second visible wall portions which meet at a corner and where the corner block has a front face and at least one side surface having a texture or pattern matching the texture or pattern of a front face of a first block of the wall system.

Abstract: A masonry anchoring system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes a brick tie that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor plate mounted on a structure.

Abstract: A joist support structure that is designed to be embedded in a foundation wall. The joist support structure includes an elongated metal V-shaped base that includes a pair of spaced apart legs that extend upwardly from a vertex. Each leg of the V-shaped base includes an upper end portion. Secured to the upper end portion of each leg is a generally U-shaped joist support that comprises a bottom and a pair of spaced apart sides. When the joist support structure is embedded in a concrete block or poured foundation wall, a joist can be seated in the joist supports and supported by the joist support structure, which is in turn supported by the foundation wall.

Abstract: An improved block for making a horizontal, vertical, uneven and/or undulating surface has opposed upper and lower surfaces and opposed side surfaces. Sleeves extend through the block from opposed side surfaces and the sleeves on one pair of sides are at a different elevation from the sleeves at the other pair of sides. When blocks are placed to define a surface the sleeves align with sleeves in adjacent blocks and connecting ties are inserted through the sleeves to interconnect and stabilize the blocks. The blocks are preferably manufactured from concrete.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises cross members, plywood, and metal studs. The studs include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, the walls arranged to form a generally rectangular cross-section. A pair of inner walls extends between and perpendicular to the pair of side walls. A pair of flanges extends from the side walls. The flanges are aligned with each other and positioned between the front wall and the pair of inner walls. A portion of each stud is adapted for complementary engagement with the cross members. The cross members are attached to at least one of the inner walls and the flanges of the cut portion of the studs, and the plywood is mounted to the rear wall.

Abstract: A kit for forming a hollow block assembly to be used to construct a wall, the kit consisting of two face panels and a plurality of fasteners, each face panel comprising a plurality of spaced apart flanges extending perpendicularly from and attached to each panel so that a hollow block structure is assembled when the flanges of the face panels are connected together, directly or indirectly, by the fasteners.

Abstract: The joining device serves for connecting two adjacent individual elements (5, 11) of a sheet pile retaining wall which are to be pile-driven in each case, e.g. for connecting two adjacent pipes of a sheet piling. The first joining element comprises a button strip (9) which is received in a hollow space (15) between two hook strips (14) of a second joining element (2). In order to be able to better absorb tensile forces occurring during driving, the first joining element (2) comprises holding portions, e.g. holding strips (16) which at least partly encompass the hook strips (14) of the second joining element (3) and thus prevent a widening of the hook strips during driving.

Abstract: A masonry anchor system is disclosed for anchoring two spaced apart masonry walls together to form a single wall structure. The masonry anchor system includes a ladder or truss type support frame for positioning on top of a mortar joint in one wall, and a connecting bracket having a pair of elongate arms connected by a cross-member affixed to the support frame. The cross-member is curved to provide two spaced apart points on the cross-member for contacting the support frame and affixing the cross-member thereto. The elongate arms extend transversely from the support frame and are sized to extend into the space between the two walls. Each of the arms have an eye portion formed at the end opposite the cross-member to receive a connecting member connected to the second wall. The support frame and the bracket reside in the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: A 3D construction module comprising at least one vertically upstanding panel with first and second mesh layers oriented generally transversely and longitudinally. The first and second mesh layers have at least one rod member mounted to said panel and are vertically spaced from each other. The rod members form a first horizontally projected retention cell to restrict translation of a bar held in said retention cell between said first and second mesh layers. A third mesh can also be provided to form a second retention cell between said second and third mesh layers. The first and second retention cells restrict translation movement longitudinally and transversely of a vertical reinforcement member held in said first and second retention cells, and restrict rotation of the vertical reinforcement member about both a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the said 3D construction module. Horizontal reinforcement meshes are features of the invention.

Abstract: An insultated wall system comprises a plurarity of foldable blocks, each having two panels of rigid insulated foam, multiple inserts embedded in the panels, and ties between pairs of inserts. Each insert has one or more connectors, each with an end hole that swivelably receives the end leg of a tie in a manner that enables the block to fold. Each connector further has a top opening that releaseably captures the middle leg of the tie and rigidly locks the block against folding. The connectors are double-ended, and the inserts are invertible in the panels. Corner and T-walls are made by simple cuts in the standard blocks. Plates and ties are used to hold together the blocks of a main wall and an intersecting T-wall. The connectors of a panel may contact either the connectors of the other panel, or the other panel itself, when the block is folded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforced concrete section (1, 23, 26–28) comprising two commercially available pre-cast floor elements (2, 3) of the same type. Each element consists of a substantially rectangular concrete slab (4, 21) and at least one lattice girder (5, 7) attached thereto. The two pre-cast floor elements are arranged in a laterally reversed manner so that their concrete slabs (4, 21) are situated parallel to and at a distance from each other and their lattice girders face one another. The pre-cast floor elements (2, 3) are fixedly attached to one another by their lattice girders (5–7). The reinforced concrete section (1, 23, 26–28) can be used with site-mixed concrete to rapidly produce a foundation for a building on the building site, without erecting the shuttering and dismantling the shuttering.

Abstract: A high-span anchoring system is described for a cavity wall incorporating a wall reinforcement combined with a wall tie which together serve a wall construct having a larger-than-normal cavity. Further the various embodiments combine wire formatives which are compressively reduced in height by the cold-working thereof. Among the embodiments is a veneer anchoring system with a low-profile wall tie for use in a heavily insulated wall. The compressively reduced in height wall anchors protrude into the cavity through the seams, between insulation strips, which seams seal thereabout and maintain the integrity of the insulation by minimizing air leakage. Further, the eye wires extend across the insulation into the cavity between the wythes, and each accommodates the threading thereinto of a wire facing anchor or wall tie with either a pintle inserted through the eye or the open end of the veneer tie. The veneer tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall.

Abstract: A brick veneer assembly having improved accommodation of brick tolerances, simple assembly, and lower cost relative to the prior art. A plurality of bricks having a tapered locating surface are provided. A support panel includes horizontal rows of L-shaped retainers and corresponding rows of holes. Each L-shaped retainer further includes a leg portion extending away from the support panel, and a foot portion that depends downwardly away from the leg portion.

Abstract: A reinforced composite system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising, panels having a foam plastic core between outside and inside reinforcement layers, reinforcement layers substantially strengthen the panels during material handling and construction, greatly reducing deflection of the panels between studs when placing concrete allowing walls to be filled in one lift. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relation. Opposing panels are placed end to end in rows and stacked vertically, rows of panels being staggered from each other so panel ends in adjacent rows do not line up vertically. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud having a flange for receiving mechanical fasteners and groove for receiving spreaders. A plurality of spreaders at each stud location extend between opposing panels and slidably engaging the studs in opposing panels.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. A side connection system is particularly useful for stabilizing free-standing walls. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A tie bracket for supporting opposing synthetic foam insulating panels of a concrete receiving form, and a form utilizing such brackets. The tie bracket has intersecting horizontal and vertical members forming circumferentially closed openings therein. Most openings are arranged in horizontal series. An upwardly open trough is formed in each tie bracket. The horizontal members span and connect spaced apart parallel plates. The plates of each tie bracket are embedded in one foam insulating panel and are of height equal to that of the insulating panel. Each insulating panel has projections formed in its upper surface and cooperatively formed notches formed in its lower surface to enable interlocking and alignment of vertically stacked forms.

Abstract: A novel structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls comprising of a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein the framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.

Abstract: A cinderblock alignment clip comprising a center plate having a first end and a second end. A first retaining arm having a first portion and a second portion, both the first portion and the second portion are connected to the first end. The first portion extends in a direction on a side of the center plate opposite the second portion. A second retaining arm having a third portion and a fourth portion, both the third portion and the fourth portion are connected to the second end. The third portion extends in a direction on a side of the center plate opposite the fourth portion. The first portion and the second portion are pivotable about the first end, and the third portion and the fourth portion are pivotable about the second end.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

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

Abstract: A mortarless concrete wall system. An insulation panel is connected to a brick by a connector. The insulation panel is spaced inwardly from the brick so as to form a space therebetween that is filled with concrete. The brick includes a plurality of bulbous projections, a first plurality of blind bores, a second plurality of blind bores, and a plurality of alignment pins that are received in the first plurality of blind bores in an associated brick and in the second plurality of blind bores in a brick of a next upper course. The insulation panel has a plurality of dove tail slots for plaster to grip, a dove tail slot, a dove tail projection received in the dove tail slot of an insulation panel in a lower adjacent course. The connector includes a pair of end pieces, a center piece, a pair of intermediate pieces, and an end cap.

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: An masonry anchor is disclosed for anchoring two spaced apart masonry walls together to form a single wall structure. The masonry anchor includes a ladder or truss type support frame for positioning on top of a mortar joint in one wall, and a bracket having a pair of elongate arms connected by a cross-member affixed to the support frame. The cross-member is angled for providing two spaced apart points on the cross-member for contacting the support frame and affixing the cross-member thereto. The elongate arms extend transversely from the support frame and are sized to extend into the space between the two walls. Each of the arms have an eye portion formed at the end opposite the cross-member to receive a connecting member connected to the second wall. The support frame and the bracket reside in the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: A corner form for forming concrete having panels connected by a plurality of tie brackets. Each panel comprises a short led and a long leg. The exterior panel has an eighteen inch long, and a thirty inch long leg. The panels have projections formed in the upper surface and corresponding, vertically aligned notches formed in the lower surface. The projections and notches receivingly cooperate to interlock with one another and vertically align the tie brackets. The corner forms are configured such that the long and the short legs enable alternating, overlapping projections of succeeding courses. The tie brackets, each having perpendicularly arranged flat plates extending the full height of the form, are spaced apart twelve inches on centers, measured from the corner edge of the exterior panel. A vertical bracket is optionally embedded in the corner of the exterior panel. The combination of the above inventive features constitute the novel corner form.

Abstract: A concrete construction block includes a pair of opposing spaced apart concrete side panels, a plurality of fasteners carried by the concrete side panels and arranged in pairs, and a plurality of panel couplers extending between respective opposing pairs of fasteners for holding the concrete side panels in an opposing spaced apart relation. Each panel coupler includes a pair of support plates secured to respective fasteners and an attachment member extends between the support plates. The support plates strengthen the concrete construction block under load conditions.

Abstract: A concrete structure formed using an extender that connects to a web member at least partially disposed within a side panel. The extender may be used to extend the length of a connector that interconnects opposed side panels, used to provide additional surface area to which concrete can bond if, for example, forming a tilt-up wall, or used as a strapping location with a flexible linking member. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: Wall for a building, for instance, for a house or an apartment building and such like, formed by a number of building elements or blocks, which each are provided with at least one opening, passing through the element from the bottom side to the top side of the element. The building elements are stacked one on top of the other, in such a way that the openings of two elements stacked one on top of the other open into each other. Through the openings, a rod or cable is lead with at both ends a connector, by means of which the stacked building elements call be pressed together, characterized in that the rod or cable in an opening is present within a pipe part which is lead through the opening.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. The length of a block face may be a multiple of its height, and the blocks otherwise are formed such that blocks may be stacked with the top surface of one block in abutment with a bottom surface of a vertically adjacent block or, optionally, with the top or bottom surface of one block in abutment with a side surface of a vertically adjacent block. The blocks may be manufactured in different sizes, such that their faces are of different lengths and heights, thereby enabling the construction of walls or fences of highly variable appearances.

Abstract: A twisted wire tie for concrete forming has an elongate loop with a single strand of wire on one side and a twisted double strand on the opposite side. Two stops on the tie are formed at opposite ends of the twisted double strand and engage the twisted strand and the single strand so as to prevent unwinding of the twisted strand when the tie is placed in tension.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. A side connection system is particularly useful for stabilizing free-standing walls. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A masonry reinforcing tie is formed of a pair of spaced apart, parallel elongate elements joined by a series of lateral crossmembers welded or otherwise affixed across the elongate members. The elongate elements and crossmembers are preferably formed of heavy metal wire or rod. The elongate members each include a series of spaced apart joint spacing elements formed integrally therewith, with the spacing elements having a height equal to the standard mortar joint thickness between vertically adjacent courses of block or brick. The spacing elements may be any suitable shape, e. g., V, U, square, etc. as desired, and may be laterally aligned with one another, staggered, and/or evenly or unevenly spaced along the elongate elements as desired. The spacers may be formed during manufacture of the tie by passing the tie through a roller die, stamping the spacers along the elongate elements, etc.

Abstract: A wall anchor for reinforcing and/or securing walls, comprising an elongated anchor section, which is constructed to pass through an opening of one or more bricks and at which at least one abutment is provided, which can be pushed into the opening or over which a brick can be pushed and which is braced in the opening against movement of the wall anchor or of the brick in the opposite direction.