Abstract: A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortise formed therein, and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortise, whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a quadrilateral cross sectional shape, which is open on one side and structurally reinforced at the vertices.

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortise formed therein and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortise whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a longitudinal space to enable the sidewalls to be pressed inwardly to collapse the space.

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortise formed therein, and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortise, whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a quadrilateral cross sectional shape, which is open on one side and structurally reinforced at the vertices.

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortice formed therein and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortice whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a longitudinal space to enable the sidewalls to be pressed inwardly to collapse the space.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure, such as inflatable cushions. The device includes an assembly configured for inflating a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film, and a sealing mechanism that preferably includes a rotary sealing drum, which can include a heat source.

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortise formed therein and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortise whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a longitudinal space to enable the sidewalls to be pressed inwardly to collapse the space.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in an insulated cavity wall has an elongated body extending from a driven end to a driving end. A threaded portion at the driven end is adapted to be mounted on an inner wythe of a cavity wall structure. A drive head at the driving end has a surface facing the driven end of the wall anchor, with teeth formed on the surface. A collar with at least one aperture for a veneer tie is located near the driving end. The collar has teeth formed on a top surface generally facing the drive head. The teeth of the drive head and the collar are interengaging ratchet teeth, and a spring washer biases the collar against the drive head. The collar can only be rotated relative to the wall anchor in a single direction, with the interengaging ratchet teeth preventing rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a block that comprises two longitudinal and vertical walls connected by hinges including two elements hinged about vertical axes. According to the invention, each of the two side walls is made of a rigid plastic material, is surrounded by a bent return oriented towards the inside, and includes, in the lower and upper longitudinal portions thereof, as well as on the vertical edge of one end thereof, respectively, a rebate oriented towards the outside, said rebate being capable, when the block is in the functional position, of covering the bent return of another block that has already been laid in order to provide a connection with said other block, independently from said block being in a same row or in an underlying row.

Abstract: A housing structure comprising a plurality of hollow blocks having an interlocking opening at the top and bottom; an interlocking handle at the front face; and a receiving cut-out at the rear face, left side, or right side; and wherein the plurality hollow blocks are configured to be vertically stacked to a desirable height and horizontally interconnected to form the base of the housing structure. The housing structure further comprising a plurality of gutter-like sections having an interlocking nozzle at the bottom; and an interlocking system at the left and right ends; and wherein the plurality of gutter-like sections are configured to be interlocked to the top of the housing structure to trap rain water or fill the hollow blocks. A tent-like section can be assembled in the center of the housing structure for forming the roof of the housing structure and aiding in the collecting of rain water.

Abstract: A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical and effective way of producing a double sided decorative wall using facing panels having a decorative face surface, in particular dry cast concrete panels having a regular surface structure, more preferably an embossed surface, most preferably a patterned surface. Further disclosed are wall components and a wall kit for a double sided decorative wall. The facing panels in the wall are stacked in a back-to-back arrangement into a pair of first and second back-to-back walls, which walls are interconnected by connectors which link at least one facing panel in the first wall to at least one facing panel in the second wall for forming the double sided decorative wall. The connecting members can be in individual connectors, or a combination of connectors for linking multiple facing panels or linking facing panels at corners or curves in the wall. The connectors can be of different length to enable the construction of decorative walls of different thickness.

Abstract: A building block (2) comprising two side panels (6, 8) with at least one open side, the side panels spaced apart by two bridging parts (10, 12), a removable section (17) on at least one bridging part (10, 12), and a pair of recessed or protruding formations (20) on opposite inner faces of the open end of the side panels (6, 8) to enable building blocks to be interconnected. A location device (40) comprising two members (44) spaced apart by cross members (42), where the two members (44) extend beyond the cross members (42) to engage with formations (26) of one or more building blocks (2) is also disclosed. A wall constructed from building blocks (2) and utilising location devices (40) and a method of constructing such a wall are similarly disclosed.

Abstract: A protective wall (1) for shielding against laser beams, in particular those stemming from welding machines, wherein the protective wall (1) contains light-alloy shaped sections (10-13) that are essentially rectangular and incorporates chambers that are formed by interior walls (2), and profilings that are formed on the front and/or side, wherein the light-alloy shaped sections (10-14) are lined up and connected side wall to side wall in an individually removable manner to form the protective wall (20, 22; 21, 23; 24, 25) in such a way that the profiling on the side is implemented step-like from a front wall (26) to a back wall (27).

Abstract: A building is erected using pre-cast wall panels, preferably load-bearing wall panels having a shear key on each vertical edge and starter bars on each horizontal edge, by first erecting the wall panels, and then casting a concrete column around the vertical edges of adjacent or intersecting wall panels using movable formwork made up from a set of standard modules that can be assembled to form different configurations and sizes of column for different panel arrangements. The moulding surfaces of the modules may be shaped to provide decorative features to the columns and/or the column/wall intersections.

Abstract: An improvement in the structure of a hardwood floor includes a piece of sponge, a plurality of floor boards each being a generally rectangular member composed of an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a top surface for walking, said intermediate portion having a protruded flange extending outwardly from two adjacent lateral sides thereof and a recess on another two adjacent lateral sides thereof, said protruded flange being configured and sized to engage with said recess, said lower portion having an inclined upper edge along a longitudinal side thereof, an inclined lower edge along another longitudinal side thereof, and a shoulder above said inclined lower edge, a plurality of plastic racks with an E-shaped cross section having a plurality of ribs extending upwardly from a top thereof, each of said ribs having an enlarged head with an inclined surface thereby forming a lower projection at one side adapted to be positioned on said shoulder of a respective one

Abstract: An insulated concrete structure including a longitudinally-extending side panel and at least one web member connected to the side panel. The web member extends from adjacent the external side of the side panel through and out of the interior surface of the side panel. The side panel is coupled to fluid concrete and cured to be used as a tilt-up wall, floor, or roof panel. Alternatively, the concrete can be bonded to opposed side panels. 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. &Ovalhollow; 1.72(b).

Abstract: A web (10) for an insulated concrete form (20) comprises a pair of opposed web elements (12) and a pair of connectors (14). The web elements (12) and the connectors (14) are provided with mutually interengaging formations, such as a non-circular tube (12.1) and V-shaped hook formations (14.1), whereby the web element (12) and the connectors (14) are rigidly connected together in a plane to form a stable structure.

Abstract: A concrete assembly form having a plurality of panels adjoined to one another to form opposing walls. A plurality of studs are encased in each panel. Each stud has a truss structure for increased strength and has a plurality of cylinders extending from the inner face of each panel. The opposing walls are connected with a plurality of bridges, each having collars on the ends in which are seated the cylinders from the panels. U-shaped rods are connected between the cylinders. A hold-down clip connects the bridges between vertically oriented panels. A method of preparing the assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: The construction of bearing walls is facilitated by use of superposed courses of planks that are characterized by a novel combination of composition, geometry and arrangement. These planks are composed of a homogenized dispersion of fiber and binder. This material has been found to have a suitably high compression coefficient, to be chemically inert as a practical matter from the standpoint of resistance to atmospheric conditions, and to be inexpensively produced, for example, from used newsprint and the like. The planks generally have identical dimensions, thereby enabling standardized production and ease of assembly. The planks generally are substantially greater in width than in thickness. Pairs of the planks are provided at matched end locations with aligned notches for the reception of inserts that establish spacing and weather-tight joints. The planks are nailed or otherwise interlocked in staggered courses, by which the integrity of the construction is securely maintained.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.

Abstract: A clear, permanent form, for steel reinforced concrete structures. Sections of the clear form, are to be factory extruded, from a clear polyvinyl chloride material, so as to make the assembly of the forms, the installation of the steel and utilities, and the inspections that are required, easier. The clear forms will protect the steel reinforced concrete structures from the elements that cause these structures to fail. The clear form consists of two factory extruded profiles, that are totally different in shape. The sections that make up the form, can be modified, cut to any length or angle and assembled on site. It takes two sections, of one profile, to form both vertical sides of the form, and two sections, of the other profile, are horizontally inserted, between the vertical side sections, to create an elongated empty container. The assembled clear form is 7⅝ inches wide and 8 inches high, and is open on four sides.

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 panel assembly including two pairs of panels disposed in spaced parallel relationship lying in common planes with the coplanar panels of each pair having adjacent edges with similarly configured protrusions extending along their adjacent edges, and the protrusions on each of the panels of a pair extend towards each other. A connector is disposed between the pairs of panels and has a large recess in one face thereof which seats the protrusions on the panels disposed in one plane. The opposite face of the connector has a pair of spaced recesses therein which seat the protrusions on the panels disposed in the other plane.

Abstract: The invention consists of a pair of rectangular concrete facing connected to each other by two or more connecting cross members or webs. Each of the concrete facing members has parallel protrusions which are undercut next to the member and which are connected to the cross members by conforming each end of the connecting cross member to conform to the exterior shape of the corresponding protrusion. The invention permits easier stowage and shipment of the masonry blocks and permits on-site assembly, as well as decreasing thermal conductivity by utilization of non-masonry cross members. The cross members may be configured, or perforated, to allow utility or other service lines to be run horizontally through the walls constructed utilizing the invention.

Abstract: A free standing form module for receiving flowable materials includes a pair of form members, preferably made of styrofoam, joined together by molded plastic rib members. The rib members may be monolithic or formed from plural components. Bearing plates and stabilizing plates are employed to support forces applied to the form module.

Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated elements having a generally concave interior surface which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows, and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. The connecting members comprise an elongated wall with a central portion between two outer portions. The elements have two extensions which extend laterally along the plane of the middle side of the elements. By engaging a connecting member to an element, the outer side of the element, the extension of the element and the outer portion of the connecting member form a triangular space providing structural rigidity to the formwork.

Abstract: A ceramic tile is mounted to the wall of an incinerator or other high temperature and/or corrosive environment with a stud assembly that includes a threaded stud and a ceramic T-nut. The ceramic T-nut thermally shields the stud to protect it from oxidation and corrosion, and reduces cracking in tile because the T-nut and the tile have similar thermal expansion. The T-nut is accessible through a small bore.

Abstract: An assembly of extruded thermoplastic structural components for use in the construction of a building, each structural component including an elongated rigid sheet member provided with at least two integral lengthwise edgewise rails. The structural components include first flat wall structural components and second elbowed corner structural components, wherein a few of the structural components releasably slidingly interlock with one another about their rails to form a hollow elongated panel. The inside cell of the hollow panel receives concrete to be poured. The hollow panel releasably interlocks with adjacent hollow panels successively to form a continuous wall structure. The structural components in their disassembled state released from one another are compactly stackable in the smallest volume of storage, whereby shipping costs from the home country manufacture to the local building site are very low.

Abstract: A form-fill concrete wall system assembled from a plurality of connected wall panels forming the inside and outside sheath of a wall structure, the inside and outside panels being connected along their side edges to form the inside sheath and the outside sheath, and being interconnected by a series of cross webs that maintain the panels in a spaced relationship wherein concrete fills the space between the inside sheath and outside sheath to form the wall structure, the cross webs being replaceable and selected in part to define the thickness of the wall structure.

Abstract: A construction block for use in building a variety of structures such as erwater reefs, bulkheads, bridge piers, highway dividers, highway and aircraft landing field subsurfaces, and the like is characterized by a used tire having a quantity of concrete filling the interior of the tire. The block includes at least one first connector member retained within the concrete and having an end which extends through the tread portion of the tire. A second connector is retained within the concrete perpendicular to the first connector, and has an end extending from a central opening in one of the sidewalls. A structural assembly is formed from a plurality of the blocks arranged and connected to define a structure having at least one layer of blocks. Preferably the first connectors include bent portions, and rings are provided for connecting the bent portions of adjacent blocks together.

Abstract: A composite elevated storage tank is constructed utilizing precast concrete panels for a pedestal which supports a steel storage tank. The precast concrete panels are poured in a controlled environment not subject to the difficulties inherent with sitecast concrete construction. A simple and practical method of attaching the panels to each other as well as to the foundation and steel tank ensures the concrete pedestal behaves as a shell to sustain all loads. This method, which uses cast in plates welded together at vertical joints and vertical aligned threaded rods for horizontal joints, serves to reduce the length of time required to construct a composite elevated tank and also reduces the construction costs.

Abstract: An extruded, modular panel unit, made of at least two sheet-like major surfaces inter-connected and spaced apart by a plurality of ribs dividing the space delimited by the major surfaces into a plurality of subspaces, and at least two pairs of spaced-apart, ridge-like joining projections extending in direction of extrusion, the two pairs of projections being located at one edge of the panel units. The joining projections rise from an outside face of one and the same major surface and point in the same direction, and in assembly the outside surfaces of the outer projections of the pairs of projections are in substantially direct contact with similar surfaces of coplanarly adjacent panels.

Abstract: Described is a fastening element for sheathing and thermal insulation components (1) of hard foam material, in particular for the cladding concrete method of construction, which has a plate (6) which can be fixed to the hard foam material component (1) and is provided with extending fastening means (11). The plate (6) is desirably made from concrete and has a groove-and-tongue arrangement (7, 8) which co-operate with corresponding grooves (3) and tongues (4) on the component (1) so that the fastening elements (2) is fixed to the component (1) in such a manner as to be adjustable in respect of height.

Abstract: A structural assembly is used for producing walls. The assembly includes a plurality of structural elements, each element having at least one surface defining at least a portion of a dovetail joint. A first one of the elements is parallelepiped in shape and includes a first longitudinal side, the longitudinal side defining a half dovetail groove at each of its ends. The first element also includes a centrally disposed full dovetail groove and a full dovetail tongue separating the full groove from each half-groove. A second element of the assembly corresponds to one half of the first element. A securing element is also provided which includes at least one side defining a dovetail tongue member corresponding to the full groove in the first element. The securing element also includes an aperture extending therethrough. The structural assembly can be manufactured very economically on conventional machines and permits garden walls and the like to be easily produced and also to be secured firmly in position.

Abstract: A structural cinderblock which has been split into two pieces which are held together by special initial channels which limit heat transmission; with insulating material centered in the block cavities and laid over grating to prevent heat loss due to convection.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame work for covering structural steel bars of a reinforced concrete structure to be constructed is disclosed herein. The frame work comprises a plurality of frame units connected together and disposed along said structural steel bars, each of said frame units comprising a plurality of spacers extending in the transverse direction of said concrete structure and at least one guide steel bar extending in the longitudinal direction of said concrete structure and having said spacers secured thereto in laterally spaced relationship along the length of the guide steel bar.

Abstract: In a formwork assembly for concrete wall structures side wall portions are provided at their edges with grooves and projections engageable therein for securing side wall portions together in a proper position, with the side wall portions being connected by connecting members and possibly end wall portions as required. On their inside surface, each side wall portion has engagement means to which the connecting members can be secured in the appropriate position. The engagement means may be formed by interengaging recesses and raised portions, ball portions and ball-receiving sockets or shallow detent grooves. Adhesive may also be employed for additional strength. The side wall portions may be used as insulating panels for walls, roof and floors.

Abstract: There is provided an extruded, modular panel unit for the construction of wall-surface portions, especially of light-transmitting wall-surface portions. The panel comprises two sheet-like major surfaces interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of web-like ribs dividing the space delimited by the major surfaces into a plurality of subspaces, and at least one joining flange extending in the direction of extrusion and projecting at an angle from an edge of the panel unit. In cross section, the sheet-like major surfaces and the ribs form a truss-like structure of which the major surfaces constitute the chords and the ribs constitute the webs.

Abstract: A container (10, 55) suitable for the packaging of a block of cheese for maturing, the container comprising an assembly of separately formed wall members (11, 51, 55). The wall members (11, 51, 55) forming the sides of the container each include a planar wall section (12, 52, 56) and means (17, 53, 58) associated with an outer side thereof to define passages (15, 54, 59) adjacent said planar wall section and open to the atmosphere for circulation of air therethrough for cooling purposes. Corner forming means (22, 22', 61) integral with the wall members, and detachably connected to mating corner forming means of the adjacent side wall members to hold the side wall members in an assembled condition. In one example the sidewall members have a single planar wall section (52) on the outer side of which webs (53) are provided to define passages in the form of channels (54).

Abstract: The disclosure is of a wall tie for tying together spaced panel units on opposite sides of a wall, the wall tie comprising two elongated extremities to engage in guide grooves in the respective panel units, the said extremities being interconnected by web portions having serrated edges and adapted to fit into complementary recesses in insulating elements and so maintain these elements in position inside the wall against both vertical and horizontal displacement.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed from precast modular components assembled in situ to enclose plumbing and ducting. The components include foundation pads clamped together and interfitted with perimeter wall sections and spacer posts for support of floor panels held together by slots in the top of the wall sections and the spacer posts.

Abstract: There is provided an extruded, modular panel unit for the construction of wall-surface portions, especially of light-transmitting wall-surface portions. The panel comprises two sheet-like major surfaces interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of web-like ribs dividing the space delimited by the major surfaces into a plurality of subspaces, and at least one joining flange extending in the direction of extrusion and projecting at an angle from an edge of the panel unit. In cross section, the sheet-like major surfaces and the ribs form a truss-like structure of which the major surfaces constitute the chords and the ribs constitute the webs.