Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.

Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.

Abstract: High-span and high-strength anchors and reinforcement devices for cavity walls combined with interlocking veneer ties are described which utilize reinforcing wire and wire formatives to form facing anchors, truss or ladder reinforcements, and wall anchors providing wire-to-wire connections therebetween. These combine wire formatives which are selectively and compressively reduced in height by cold-working. The masonry anchor have eye wires accommodating 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 wall tie. The wall tie is then positioned so that the insertion end is embedded in the facing wall. The masonry anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the interior wythe. For high-strength applications, specific wire formatives are used which employ materials that benefit from the cold-working of the metal alloys to meet the unusual requirements demanded.

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 method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.

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: An adjustable wall tie for securing together spaced wythes such as a masonry veneer wall to a structural masonry wall of block-like construction. The wall incudes a tension anchor and a generally J-shaped single-ended hook adapted to engage the tension for vertical adjustment.

Abstract: Panels used in the construction of swimming pools, each having a rectangular shape with a peripheral frame defining vertical wings to be assembled with adjacent panels. One of the wings has over its entire height centering and sealing devices consisting of a section that overlaps the outer surface of the wing and a lateral sealing lip. Each section cooperates with a matching hollow shape on the other wing. The section and the hollow shape having a triangular cross-section and a catching member for rapid assembly.

Abstract: A sealing plate for use with a building, the building having an inner wall structure, an air impermeable sheet material for covering the inner wall structure and defining an air impermeable barrier, an insulation material on top of the sheet material and an outer wall structure outside of the insulation material uses a wall tie mounted on the inner wall structure and to attached to the outer wall structure for support. The wall tie has a first plate portion which is vertically mounted on the inner wall structure, a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and extending therefrom inserted vertically through a slit on the sheet material, through a second slit on the insulation material, the second portion has at least one hole in which a suitable mount means is inserted and attached to the outer wall structure connecting the inner wall structure and the outer wall structure.

Abstract: A building system for the basic structure of a one-story, modular, temporary building, constructed primarily of fire-resistant materials, comprising: a foundation of poured, leveled concrete, having regularly spaced holes for vertical block assembly rods and/or columns; a plurality of wall blocks of standardized size(s) each block having one or more vertical block assembly holes running entirely through the said blocks; a plurality of block assembly rods and/or block assembly columns such that when a column of one or more wall blocks is placed on the foundation with the foundation and block holes aligned one or more block assembly rods and/or columns can be run through the block column and into the foundation thereby rendering an assembly of block(s), rod(s) and foundation that does not require mortar and is easy to disassemble; framing comprised of sloped top plates for a first set of parallel wall sections, spanning angle irons mounted to and perpendicular to the said sloped top plates, an optional steel I-

Abstract: An anchor body has an inner portion adapted for connection to a back-up wall, an outer portion adapted for connection to a masonry wall and an intermediate membrane flange. The membrane comes into contact with the membrane flange of the membrane side. The membrane flanges on the anchor insure continuity of the membrane without the need for any additional caulking or other application.

Abstract: A block assembly and wall system wherein a block of masonry, or other material is provided with a vertical through opening having an enlarged and offset lower portion and a smaller upper portion. An interlock element has an enlarged offset upper portion and a smaller lower portion to provide for insertion of the latter into the upper portion of a block opening. The upper portion of the element is entered into the lower portion of an adjacent block placed atop the first block. The blocks are thus secured in position horizontally and, alternatively, the blocks may be secured vertically or in a "battered" wall construction. That is, with the connecting elements in a first attitude, a conventional vertical wall is provided whereas a 180.degree. (one hundred eighty degrees) rotation of the elements about their vertical axis results in a "battered" wall.

Abstract: A building block that has two block walls joined by plastic webs. The block walls can be made of cement, clay brick, or similar materials. The block has the strength of a cinder block, but with much less weight. Moreover, the plastic webs are used as a handle to permit easy handling and placement of the blocks. Because of the thermal characteristics of the plastic webs, when a wall is finished using these blocks, it has the characteristics of a true double wall construction. The blocks are filled with concrete on one side of the block and filled with insulation on the other side of the center arm. This creates a structurally sound wall that is fully insulated. The blocks come in full-height, half-height, full-length and half-length sizes. There is also a corner unit design.

Abstract: Apparatus for dimensionally uniform building construction using interlocking connectors. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system of building blocks, each block having a top, a bottom, an interior face, an exterior face, and two end faces. Each block is substantially dimensionally uniform, and has at least one vertically aligned female dovetail slot in each face, with substantially uniform lateral spacing between slots. Interlocking connectors or clips, in one embodiment comprising dual male dovetails, mate with the female dovetail slots and connect the blocks together. After erection of the wall, reinforcing rods and concrete may be placed within the block cavities. In similar fashion, objects such as exterior facing and interior cabinetry may be suspended from the faces of the blocks by attaching clips to the objects then inserting the clips in the mating female dovetail slots. The invention further comprises generally vertically disposed wall studs having female dovetail slots therein.

Abstract: A concrete form foam block, of an Insulating Concrete Form System, comprises a pair of opposed and parallel foam panels spaced using a plurality of plastic ties. Each tie comprises full panel height flanges which engage the panels and a web portion extending therebetween. The web comprises a plurality of horizontal members, preferably four or more, which are distributed substantially along the full height of the flanges. The web includes a pair of full height anti-flash members for preventing the escape of flash during formation of mould-in panels. The top edges and bottom edges of each panel are formed with longitudinal tongues and grooves which interlock with adjacent blocks. Preferably additional transverse top tongues and complementary bottom grooves are located at each tie, forcing the alignment of vertically adjacent block's flanges. The combination of full height and aligned flanges results in a substantially continuous flange for the attachment of finishing materials.

Abstract: A composite building system includes a special joist having a lower flange in one embodiment and a special ladder reinforcement in another embodiment, a plurality of special masonry blocks defining a longitudinal trough, the blocks having mutually co-planar upper surfaces and at least one stepped upper edge, the stepped upper edges of the plurality of blocks running substantially transverse the trough in a grid-like pattern, a network of wire lateral reinforcement disposed in at least some of the stepped edges; and a flowable or fluid grout filling the stepped edges and the trough and, when cured, binding the joist or ladder reinforcement and the plurality of blocks to form an integral steel reinforced concrete structure having a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A concrete block is provided having half dovetail sections at opposite ends of the block arranged so that when placed together the dovetailed sections on adjoining blocks form a full dovetailed section which is just large enough to be received within a dovetail groove in the central portion of an adjacent identical block. The concrete blocks are provided with upper and lower longitudinal grooves for longitudinal members having the same exterior shape. In one form of the invention one side of the block may be made into a plant receptacle by providing a hollowed out section oriented upwardly. Insulating concrete blocks may also be combined with blocks formed of structural concrete to provide an interlocked wall having a portion of the wall made from insulated concrete material and another portion of the wall made from structural concrete material.

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 form tie for joining the sidewalls of a polymeric concrete form comprises a pair of end trusses with an intermediate web truss. Each end truss comprises a pair of vertical struts with interior and exterior pairs of horizontal struts extending therebetween. The width of the web truss corresponds to the desired lateral distance between the interior surfaces of the form sidewalls. Upper and lower rectangular trusses and an intermediate truss are formed within each truss and rigidified by diagonal struts. The exterior struts of each end truss are embedded in the polymeric form of the sidewalls during the molding process with the interior struts of each end truss sealing the mold openings to prevent expansion of the foam from the mold. The interior struts are coplanar with the form sidewalls and serve as a visual gauge that the form and tie have been properly positioned. End ties having a height of one-half of the form sidewall are extended between the sidewalls at the ends of each form.

Abstract: A set of building blocks useful for constructing model structures includes a plurality of building blocks comprising block bodies and block interconnecting structure. The block interconnecting structure releasably locks each block to one or more adjacent blocks by resisting the blocks being pulled apart from each other. The interconnecting structure does provide, however, a limited amount of lateral play between the blocks so that the interconnected blocks may be moved laterally with respect to each other. The interconnecting structure preferably comprises one or more connecting elements installed into respective apertures in the block bodies. Some blocks have connecting elements with both an inserting end that projects above an outer surface of the block body and a receiving end disposed within the aperture. Other blocks have connecting elements having only a receiving end.

Abstract: Refractory door jamb assemblies for high temperature furnaces. The door jamb assemblies include alternating courses of refractory brick shapes, selected ones of which are fitted with apertures that are aligned as by drilling, when the bricks are installed. One or more steel rods are inserted through the aligned apertures to fasten and retain the bricks in the desired position so as to cooperatively act with the bricks and prevent them from moving when subjected to thermal and mechanical forces encountered in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting structure of concrete blocks and a method for connecting the concrete blocks in which a special structure for use in connecting the concrete blocks is not required, a rigid connection can be carried out with a simple connecting structure, a removal of the connector is eliminated, a workability is remarkably improved, a productivity of buildings is improved and at the same time it has a superior anti-disaster effect. The connecting structure is comprised of either a hollow rod-like connection member, a plurality of concrete blocks, a pair of connecting holes bored at abutting surfaces between concrete blocks, and adhesive agent poured at one end of the connector flowed out the opposite end and thus filled between the exterior surface of said connector and circumferential walls of said connecting holes.

Abstract: A form tie for joining the sidewalls of a polymeric concrete form comprises a pair of end trusses with an intermediate web truss. Each end truss comprises an interior vertical strut and a longer exterior strut with interior and exterior pairs of horizontal struts extending therebetween. Upper and lower rectangular trusses and an intermediate truss are formed within each truss and rigidified by diagonal struts extending between the ends of the exterior vertical strut and interior vertical strut. The exterior struts of each end truss are coplanar with the exterior sidewall surface with the interior strut of each end truss being coplanar with the interior sidewall surface. The coplanar relationship of the struts serve as a visual gauge that the form with tie has been properly manufactured and assures that the end trusses extend throughout the width of each sidewall. End ties having a height of one-half of the form sidewall are extended between the sidewalls at the ends of each form.

Abstract: A freestanding 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 method and apparatus for forming a curved wall glass block assembly (100) by stacking vertical tiers (102) (103) (104) etc. of horizontal rows of individual glass blocks (101) on top of a plurality of successive tier base support units (10) comprising a plurality of tie members (20) operatively connected to at least one curved track member (40); wherein each tie member (20) is dimensioned to support one of the individual glass blocks (101).

Abstract: A concrete form tie comprises a pair of laterally displaced sidewall support assemblies with a reinforcing web extending therebetween. The support assemblies bite into the exterior sidewall surfaces as positioned thereat by the web transversely extending between the support assemblies. The web comprises a pair of brackets as formed by a support strut extending through a notch at the top of the form sidewall with a hanger element depending therefrom. A bridge extends between the depending hangers and across a vertical cavity formed between the sidewalls. The tie resists pressures acting on the sidewalls to preclude blow out along the horizontal joints of form courses as well as lateral displacement of the sidewalls. A starter tie is disclosed for respectively securing the lower end of the first course of sidewalls to a footing. A finish tie is disclosed for maintaining the displacement of the sidewalls of the top course of forms.

Abstract: A system of components for constructing a wall or other portion of a building from insulated masonry blocks, and method steps of using the same. The blocks are sandwiches having outer masonry wall sections surrounding a core of rigid insulating material. External surfaces of the blocks are flush. Top and bottom edges of the masonry sections have holes for accepting ties which join the outer masonry wall sections of each block to one another. Ties may also span adjacent blocks and courses of blocks. Ties are provided in two types. H-shaped ties span both adjacent blocks and adjacent courses. U-shaped ties cooperate with blocks laid on a slab or foundation surface. A joist anchor is provided which enables a joist to be fastened directly to an exterior wall. Variations of configuration of the blocks offer wall pieces, corner pieces, and reinforced lintels.

Abstract: An adjustable wall tie for anchoring and tying a masonry veneer to a structural masonry wall having a combination of component parts which includes a tension anchor element disposed in a mortar joint of a structural masonry block wall interconnected with an adjustable double-end hook secured at both ends in adjacent horizontal mortar joints of courses of a masonry veneer wall.

Abstract: A one-piece, durable plastic block for forming concrete structures wherein uncured concrete is poured into the block which has been laid in brick-like fashion with a plurality of similar blocks, and where the block becomes an integral part of the resulting concrete structure providing strength thereto. The block has a generally rectangular shaped housing with an open top and bottom. Lateral tensive strengthening is provided by a plurality of cross straps disposed across the open top and bottom of the block and include a connecting device to attach to overlying or underlying blocks. Each end wall of the block has a connecting device for attaching it to the end wall of an adjacently placed block. There is also a notch at the top and bottom of each end wall providing for the continuity of concrete between blocks and to allow the installation of reinforcing bars across this interface.

Abstract: A connector member for a concrete form includes connecting mechanisms adjacent its top and bottom edges for holding two connecting members together.

Abstract: A masonry brick tie is disclosed which includes two discrete members (1) and (10), each in use being adapted to be disposed in a mortar course of a brick wall in a cavity brick structure. The members (1) and (10) are releasable interconnectable at the respective free ends thereof, thereby facilitating installation thereof within a cavity brick wall structure and yet in no way affecting the strength or operating effectiveness thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall component for forming a building wall. In order to provide an easily handlable wall component and a wall formed from a plurality of such wall components, which can be rapidly erected and makes it possible to have a desired wall course, the wall component is formed by two vertical, parallel wall panels made from wood or a wooden material, which are kept spaced by web plates. The wall panels are provided on their top, bottom and end faces with connecting elements for engaging with corresponding connecting elements of adjacent wall components. Preferably the connecting elements are formed by grooves and tongues.

Abstract: A retaining wall includes a fore-structure including a material supporting member, at least one abutment on the material supporting member, and at least one solid body anchor member. A bulk material filling is disposed rearward of the fore-structure and has a portion acting with a forwardly-directed force on the fore-structure. A flexible sheet material member interconnects the fore-structure and the bulk material filling for resisting forward movement of the fore-structure under the influence of the forwardly-directed force. The solid body anchor member is disposed forward of an abutment surface on the abutment, and the abutment surface blocks rearward movement of the solid body anchor member relative to the material supporting member. The sheet material member has a loop section extending at least partially around the solid body anchor member. At least a portion of the loop section extends between the solid body anchor member and the abutment surface.

Abstract: A wall tie connector for masonry-veneer, panels, or curtain-wall claddings, has a ductile attachment plate for attachment to a support frame or to the masonry, the panel, or the curtain wall, and has a pair of protruding apertured flanges in which a ductile bar with at least one keying portion is keyed into an aperture to prevent rotation about its longitudinal axis. A retaining tie member is slideably mounted on the bar, and is connectable to masonry veneer, a panel or a curtain wall, or to a support member. The ductile attachment plate may have secondary flanges orthogonal to the main apertures flanges, and so arranged as to penetrate an insulation layer or to key into a masonry wall.

Abstract: The process for the gluing together of free form wood shapes in which individually pre-cut pieces are drawn into position, and correct, even, gluing pressure is applied by tension taken on a cable which has been routed internally through passages pre-drilled in component members of the finished shape and then connected at each end to take-up mechanisms which rest against the surface of the finished product.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular panels are provided with claw engaging means along two opposing edges which are snap engageable within resilient claw ends formed on the opposite side edges of an elongated connector web thus holding the panels in spaced and parallel relationship. If the spacing is relatively wide, then a stiffening panel can be slidably engaged from the ends of the pairs of opposed panels. The web has jaws formed on each side thereof intermediate the ends of the web and the stiffener panel has T-shaped opposing edges slidably engageable with the jaws. The cavities defined by the webs and/or stiffening panels can be insulated by loose fill or by foam.

Abstract: A construction member for building inner and/or bearing walls and the like includes a pair of semi-panels arranged spaced apart in opposed specular relation, the panels comprising plane bodies forming faces of a building structure, integral connecting elements protruding from the bodies having opposed outer ends spaced at a predetermined distance apart, and a connecting spacer extending between the bodies and being interconnected with the connecting elements. One of the connecting elements and the opposite ends of the spacer is substantially U-shaped with parallel inner surfaces, and the other of the connecting elements and the opposite ends being flat with parallel outer surfaces so as to facilitate an interdigitated interconnection of the spacer and the panels.

Abstract: A footing is poured with an inner row and an outer row of upwardly projecting tie legs set therein. An inner course and an outer course of blocks having appropriate downwardly opening sockets are respectively placed on the footing, with the tie legs being received in those sockets. The blocks also have upwardly opening sockets. Downwardly projecting legs of H-shaped ties are mounted in those sockets, each tie uniting an inner block and an outer block in the same course. The upwardly projecting legs of these H-shaped ties then receive the downwardly opening sockets of the next upper inner and outer courses of blocks, and so on until the desired number of block courses are in place. No mortar is used in setting the first course on the foundation or in setting each succeeding course. However, when the courses are in place, concrete or equivalent settable composition is poured in the space between the inner and outer block rows to fill the space and thus create an integral wall.

Abstract: A building element for the production of internal and external walls, parapets, fences, sheathings, and the like includes two flat boards joined by bars, and tongue elements. The dimensions of the elements are coordinated to permit many different ways of assemblage of the flat boards in order to form prefabricated building elements which are designed for specific purposes.

Abstract: A masonry wall comprising a plurality of laminated building blocks, wherein each block has an insulation layer laminated to one face. The length and breadth of the insulation layer exceed the corresponding dimensions of the block by the width of the mortar used to bond the blocks in place and the insulation layer is offset from two adjacent edges of the block. This structure is combined with critical dimensions relative to standard modular bricks to produce optimally large blocks for minimum labor and construction costs.

Abstract: There is herein provided anchoring apparatuses, systems and methods for wall systems employing an inner wythe and outer wythe construction. The inner wythe is fabricated of block construction while the outer wythe may take the form of block or stone construction. An elongated substantially longitudinal member is positionally disposed in fixed relationship between the inner and outer wythes and is positionally secured with respect to said inner wythe by means of a plurality of members interconnected between said inner wythe and said elongated member. A wall-tie element has the outer end thereof secured to said elongated longitudinal member and the inner end thereof is secured to said outer wythe, thereby securing said inner wythe to said outer wythe. The wall-tie element is initially adjustable by movement along said elongated longitudinal member to facilitate the positional disposition of said wall-tie element with respect to said elongated longitudinal member.