Abstract: A retaining wall kit is made up of a plurality of molded blocks, some having different thicknesses and some having different lengths. Keyhole-slots may be provided at the rear face of the molded blocks, each keyhole being proportionally sized inwardly of the rear face of the block such that a retaining member fitted within the keyhole-slot projects downwardly from the one molded block to engage the rear face of an adjacent molded block so as to space the molded blocks in a regular sloped position such that the inter section of the front and top faces of each molded block is in a common plane.

Abstract: Prefabricated panels are formed by compressing a fiber slurry which may be composed of waste fiber products such as waste paper, cardboard, straw, leaves and grass clippings. The slurry, which may contain waterproofing, fire retardants, anti fungal agents and insecticides, is poured into a press form which contains the framework of a roof panel, wall panel, ceiling panel or floor panel as well as electrical wiring, heating ducts, plumbing or any other desired component. The fiber slurry is compressed to at least 1/4 of its original volume forming a solid dense inner core. This inner core can be covered with wall board, wall board paper, stucco, plaster, cement or stone. A method for locking the panels together is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building block for a wall enables the blocks to be mounted in offset and flush modes. The block has an extension portion on the bottom, making the bottom longer than the top. The rearward lug protrudes from the bottom at the extension portion. The forward lug protrudes from the bottom forward of the rearward lug. In the offset mode, the upper row of blocks rests on the lower row with the forward lug of the upper row engaging the rearward end of the lower row of blocks. In the flush mode, the forward lug is removed and the blocks positioned with the forward end substantially flush. The rearward lugs of the upper row will then engage the rearward ends of the lower row. Holes extend through the blocks for receiving pins for interlocking them together. Some of the holes are elongated. The pins have enlarged heads which locate in the elongated holes, but will not fit in the cylindrical holes.

Abstract: A composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface each lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. The blocks of the invention comprise back legs which are directed outwardly from the blocks back surface. The block back legs may extend in a plane parallel to the block front surface or extend forwardly toward the blocks front surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cuboidal, fireproof wall brick for a heating channel of an open round-chamber kiln, having two horizontally extending setting surfaces, two vertically extending setting surfaces and two front surfaces, characterized by at least one bead-like recess in the region of at least one setting surface, the recess extending from one front surface to the opposite front surface.

Abstract: Stackable and connectable foam building blocks include pairs of parallel side walls and opposite end walls extending between ends of side walls and multiple transverse members extending between the side walls at regular intervals. Each end wall has a U-shaped cutout section at its top to allow concrete flow between cavities of adjacent blocks and for supporting rebars. The upper edge of the end wall defining the lower part of the U-shaped section gradually increases from the outer surface to the inner surface of the end wall to form a downward and inward sloping surface for the lower part of the U-shaped section. Each transverse member includes a pair of structures substantially identical to the end walls. The two structures are positioned back-to-back, such that each cutout surface slopes inward and downward from the middle of the transverse member towards the adjacent cavity and a ridge is formed where the two sloping surfaces meet.

Abstract: A retaining wall system is constructed in several distinct layers. Each layer is formed of a side-by-side arrangement of I-shaped subassemblies with backfill cheers defined between each pair of subassemblies. Each subassembly is constructed of generally planar elongated concrete blocks which interconnect to laterally secure the blocks to one another. Interconnections are provided by dovetail joints in which a tongue is vertically slid into a groove to prevent lateral separation. The dovetail elements extend only partially across the face of each block so that the block defining the groove is not excessively weakened by the groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specially shaped structural components for use in the construction of furnaces, foundries, and similar applications. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved flue wall in a high temperature furnace. The improved flue wall is constructed of specially shaped bricks to improve the tensile strength of the wall, increase the shear transfer capacity of the wall, and thus improve the flue wall life. The flue wall is constructed of specially designed refractory bricks joined together by air and/or heat-set mortar and arranged in courses, and comprises two parallel face walls parallel to the chambers wherein the carbon blocks are positioned and enclosing a flue chamber, two side walls generally perpendicular to the face walls enclosing the lower portion of the flue chamber, and baffle bricks and tie bricks arranged in a number of noncontinuous columns throughout the flue wall.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solar energy control film and a siding panel to which such film is applied, the film having a multiplicity of lenticular lenses formed on one side thereof which are preferable about one-tenth to one millimeter wide and having on the surface opposite to that with the lenticular lenses an array of masking indentations in register with the lenticular lenses so that the film is effectively transparent for the passage of light (solar radiation passing through to an absorbing heat collector) only for rays impinging on a structure at prescribed elevation angles. Typically the masking indentations would be arranged to pass light at a low elevation angle corresponding to wintertime solar elevation at the latitude at which the structure is located. In particular embodiments, the indentations in the film are rendered non-transparent by being filled with a liquid or semi-liquid material including pigments or dyes to impart opacity, and in most cases reflectivity, to the material.

Abstract: A retaining wall, wherein the lower edges of vertical walls (8) within a shell (3) are fitted with at least one coupling tab interacting with the plane upper vertical edges of the adjacent underlying shell. The vertical walls (6, 7) having any shape are also provided with at least one coupling tab. The transverse vertical wall (7) between the two building elements forming the double building element comprises a breakable portion (13) such that a decorative facing (14) is exposed on its outer surface for each building element, and said decorative facing (14) is exposed on its outer surface for each building element, and said decorative facing (14), when locally removed, reveals a surface with a "rough hewn stone" appearance.

Abstract: A modular construction system (10) which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).

Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with a T-shaped through-opening defining arm sections projecting from a stem portion in each surface of the block. One arm section in the upper surface of each block is dimensioned to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like connection device which may thereby secure an end portion of sheet of reinforcing material such as a geogrid or the like, to the block. The connection device includes enlarged tabs projecting away from the fingers to engage in a different width arm section defined in the lower surface of superimposed wall blocks for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically set back relationship depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs. Stair-step sections of interconnected blocks may be interleaved to form a retaining wall. Additional connection devices may be inverted to further integrate juxtaposed stair-step sections.

Abstract: A system for constructing a building is disclosed which employs various side wall, corner and roof forming elements adapted to be joined in interlocked sealed relation without need for nails or skilled craftsman. The various elements may be made from relatively inexpensive materials, such as reclaimed materials indigenous to the site of construction, generally lighter than conventional building materials such as brick and mortar, and are therefore particularly suitable for use in countries of relatively low economic wealth. Furring clips may be formed on the internal surfaces of the wall and corner forming elements to facilitate attachment of interior wallboards and the like, while the external surfaces of the various elements may be textured to simulate a desired exterior appearance.

Abstract: A embeddable mounting device and method for permanently affixing a fixture to a concrete block wall. The embeddable mounting device comprises a first rectangular metal plate member; a second rectangular metal plate member having dimensions equal to the first metal plate; and a pair of vertical spacer members secured between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal plate members, and in a manner to hold the first and second metal plate members in parallel relationship with each other such that when said first and second metal plate members simultaneously contact a planar surface the first and second metal plate members are both perpendicularly oriented to the planar surface. A method of installing a fixture utilizing the mounting device is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to extruded ceramic tiles for exterior walls which can be used for constructional purposes or for decorative purposes. The tiles have holes extending in the direction of the extrusion of the tile and possesses a relatively low weight. The instant tiles can be adapted to size in a stepless manner without any cut intersecting even one of the holes or one of the grooves and have satisfactory draining of water. They are simple and economic to produce. The marginal webs of the instant tiles are arranged between the marginal surfaces of the tile extending in parallelism to the holes and the marginal holes possess a width at least twice that of the internal webs of the tiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical, refractory, hollow brick having tapered wall surfaces in the corner region.

Abstract: Interlocking stackable block structures for use in erecting a shock-resistant wall array and including block structures in both fence block and post block configurations. The top surface of each of the blocks has a pair of parallelly disposed upwardly protruding laterally extending ridge projections which mate and interlock with projections formed on the bottom surface of the block. The block configuration is further provided with cores for drainage and load reduction purposes, but the upper and lower mating faces of the block have a load-bearing web which supports a superimposed stacked block thereon. The cores of the post block contain a reinforcing rod held in grout so as to provide strength and stability. Also, the post block structures are provided with recesses for lockingly receiving fence block therein, thereby providing an arrangement where the fence block array floats within the recesses and is thereby provided with a greater degree of stability.

Abstract: A modular wall block is formed with a groove in a top surface configured to frictionally receive fingers of a rake-like connection device which may extend through apertures in an end portion of a grid-like sheet of reinforcing material. The connection device includes enlarged tabs projecting away from the fingers to engage in a widened slot defined in the bottom of superimposed wall blocks for positioning the front faces of the blocks in the retaining wall relative to each other in either a vertically aligned or vertically set back relationship depending upon the direction of extension of the tabs. The groove and the slot are formed at opposite ends of a tapered through-opening extending between top and bottom surfaces of the block. By virtue of the taper, the width of the groove is less than a width of the slot to accommodate the different portions of the connector device.

Abstract: The border blocks of the invention include a plurality of hollow plastic blocks fillable through push-cap openable holes at their top with sand and employing various tongue-and-groove interlocks extending from the left and right sides thereof to join with similar adjacent blocks--whether linear or curved--and with the individual blocks also being provided with apertures at their bottom to mate with projections as part of the push-cap openable holes so as to stack one atop the other in forming several courses of block and in which the blocks forming the bottom course incorporate a tie-down arrangement for securement to the ground.

Abstract: A metal frame insulated building system using metal studs and sole and cap blocking tracks of "C" cross-section anchored to a foundation and to each other. The studs and cap blocking tracks physically interlocked in addition to being mutually secured by fasteners. Vertical stacks or columns of foamed cement blocks are placed between the studs and grooves on one or both sides of the blocks receive stud flanges to interlock the studs and blocks. The bottom and top blocks of a stack similarly interlock via grooves with the blocking track flanges. The blocks protrude beyond the studs on the structure's exterior, substantially covering the stud and blocking track flanges and attenuating thermal conductivity as well as providing an exterior surface for stucco or other finish.

Abstract: A modular block wall includes dry cast, unreinforced modular wall blocks with anchor type, or frictional type or composite type soil stabilizing elements recessed therein and attached thereto by vertical rods which also connect the blocks together. The soil stabilizing elements are positioned in counterbores or slots in the blocks and project into the compacted soil behind the courses of modular wall blocks. The soil stabilizing elements may also comprise hollow core precast blocks connected to the facing blocks.

Abstract: An interlocking lock system for mortarless wall or other structure assembly in which a plurality of blocks are laid up in courses in a staggered relationship. Only two different block configurations are required, the first, or long, blocks having a length at least twice the block height and the second, or short, blocks having a length up to half the length of the first blocks. Each of the blocks has a pair of upright sidewalls having flat top and bottom surfaces and generally parallel outermost side surfaces and has at least two spaced transverse walls. Protrusions on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls extend from a base generally coplanar with the block bottom surface to a tip extending above the block top surface and configured so that the tips and bases interlock when the blocks are laid up in staggered courses. Further interlock arrangements are provided so that the long blocks will interlock when positioned either parallel along walls or perpendicular at corners.

Abstract: A concrete form mold unit formed of a lightweight, insulative material defines at least two rows of vertical core spaces, offset from each other. Concrete and reinforcing rods fill the core spaces, defining post structures. The top of the form mold unit is troughed and is filled with horizontal reinforcing rods and concrete, defining beam structures. The form mold units are laid in courses and stacked as required to build walls, with vertical cores and horizontal troughs aligned, producing an efficient utilization of concrete in the posts and beams. Each course is filled with concrete before the next course is added. The form mold unit is retained as an insulative part of the building structure, with a low dead load. Vertical attaching plates are placed on the surface of the wall, with penetrating fasteners passing into an underlying concrete post or beam. Surface finish materials are joined to the attaching plates.

Abstract: A block for constructing a retaining wall comprises a front wall and a counterfort protruded from a back side of the front wall, wherein the counterfort is provided with a plurality of reinforcing steel bar insertion holes each of which has upper and lower ends thereof open-ended. Each reinforcing steel bar insertion hole disposed in a front wall side away from a neutral force plane is either a tapered hole increasing in diameter thereof from the upper opening to the lower opening thereof. Each reinforcing steel bar insertion hole disposed in a rear end side away from the neutral force plane is an inverse-tapered hole having a diameter increasing from the lower opening to the upper opening.

Abstract: Concrete modules stacked in courses are used in making a retaining wall. Each module has unitary front, lateral, and bottom walls. The front wall may extend above the lateral walls. Each lateral wall has front ribs extending outwardly and inwardly and adjoining the front wall. Each lateral wall has back ribs extending outwardly and inwardly. In each intermediate course, the front and back ribs of each module partly support modules of the next course above and are partly supported by the front and back ribs of modules of the next course below. For post-tensioning of the retaining wall, plural elongate tensioning members are employed, each extending through an aperture of the bottom wall of one module of a lower course, between two modules of every other one of the intermediate courses, through an aperture of the wall of one module of an upper course.

Abstract: A curved block formwork element for use in forming structures such as curved cornices, lintels and window sills. The curved block formwork element comprises a substantially rectangular shaped block having two oppositely disposed side walls and two oppositely disposed end walls creating a hollow cavity inside, wherein a first of the side walls comprises a flat surface and a second of the side walls comprises a curved surface; means for vertically interlocking the block with a plurality of rectangular block formwork elements along a top and bottom surface of the block; and means for horizontally interlocking the blocks.

Abstract: A set of masonry blocks comprises a rectangular basic block having a basic length dimension L, a width B and a height H and including lateral end sides comprising a joining portion including a recess which defines a portion of a first cylinder, and being adapted to contact adjacent masonry blocks at matching joining portions thereof. The set further includes rectangular end blocks one lateral end side of which comprises a joining portion identical to the joining portion of the basic block, and another lateral end side of which comprises a closed masonry-wall termination surface.

Abstract: A clean out block assembly for providing access to the interior of a building block which has a back wall and two side walls, and an essentially open front. The side walls have slots or shoulders. A replaceable front wall member is inserted into the front of the block, and is engaged by the slots or shoulders. A spring is used between the back wall and the front wall to hold the front wall in position.

Abstract: A construction block is disclosed having integral pins upstanding from its top surface and C-shaped slots adjacent to the pins extending through the block between its top and bottom surfaces. The block interlocks with other like blocks with the pins of the block being adjustably received in corresponding slots of the other like blocks. The slots are configured so that the blocks may be adjusted relative to each other to form both a straight wall and a set back wall.

Abstract: A landscape module includes a plurality of projections at predetermined intervals positioned around the periphery of the back and sidewalls to index modules when they are stacked. The landscape module is constructed to be filled with fill material such as dirt, gravel, sand, etc. It is lightweight and has an imitation concrete front. The preferred embodiment has sidewalls which include a first and second part with the projections only being on the underside of the second part of the sidewall and the back wall.

Abstract: A building block having stackable half-bond symmetry and a composite insulated wall structure built therewith. The block has a planar sidewall which defines a surface of the wall structure and a serpentine-shaped opposite sidewall defined by projections. The portion of the serpentine pattern in one block half, defined by a plane parallel to the end walls and midway therebetween, is a repeat of the portion of the serpentine pattern in the other of the block halves. Inner and outer walls are each formed by stacking the blocks in a staggered half-bond relation with a generally uniform spacing between the blocks in the walls, and insulation is inserted to substantially fill the space. The length of the blocks is at least about 24 inches. The blocks of the inner wall may also be stacked in staggered half-bond relation with the blocks of the outer wall. Both vertical and horizontal rebar reinforcements may be provided.

Abstract: Novel building blocks are used to build inexpensive, decorative walls and building, and the like. The blocks are multi-faceted such that all of the outside faces of the blocks will match each of the faces of other blocks and allow the construction of walls having unique decorative effects, while overcoming the problems associated with standard rectangular building blocks.

Abstract: A formwork brick has two longitudinal walls, which form an external wall and internal wall, at least two cross walls, which extend over only a part of the brick height, a cavity lying between the walls for filling with concrete, and a first insulating insert, which is arranged on the inside of one of the two longitudinal walls. The cross walls are connected to the longitudinal walls such that the formwork brick has an H-shape. A set of second insulating inserts are placed in an inverted position over the cross walls enclosing the cross walls in the area of their reduced height.

Abstract: The invention proposes a lightweight vertically perforated brick having a perforation pattern comprising perforations which form a plurality of perforation rows, extending in the longitudinal direction, and are separated from one another by webs. In order to achieve an improved coefficient of thermal conductivity and to reduce the flank transmission, the invention proposes the combination of the following features: thickness of the webs .ltoreq.5 mm, ratio of the largest and smallest inside widths of the perforation cross-section is between 1:1 and 1:2.5, spacing of the perforation rows .ltoreq.22 mm, proportion of perforations .gtoreq.50% and apparent density of the brick material .gtoreq.1.5 kg/dm.sup.3. Hexagonal perforations, with corners directed towards the side walls, and a fibrous porosity agent are to be preferred.

Abstract: The invention is a composite masonry block having a front surface and a back surface which are adjoined by first and second side surfaces, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface each lying adjacent the front, back, and first and second side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces has an inset spanning from the block top surface to the block bottom surface. The block top surface has one or more protrusions positioned adjacent the first and second insets on the block top surface. In use, the blocks may be stacked to provide an interlocking structure wherein the protrusions of one block interfit within the insets of another block. The invention also comprises a method of block molding and a mold assembly which may be used to make a block which may be stackable to form structures of varying setback.

Abstract: A construction member, preferably a rectangular block (1), for dry walling or the permanent construction of, for example, a wall or partition, where the opposing faces of the blocks (1) body in the form of a strip (3) which fits into the opposing slots (2) of the blocks (1). The slots (2) are V-shaped and the cross-section of the strip (3) is adapted to conform to the cross-sectional opening of the two opposing V-slots (2) for achieving a guiding/locking effect between the adjacent faces of the blocks (1).

Abstract: A system of concrete blocks is provided for use as a revetment for preventing soil erosion in which individual blocks are sized and shaped to be cable interconnected to form a matrix or mats. The matrix or mat or blocks overlies and holds in place a layer of porous and permeable geo-textile overlying the protected soil area. The shape of the individual blocks is such as to permit growth of vegetation therethrough and to channel water flowing over the surface of the blocks to increase the downward pressure on the geo-textile layer.

Abstract: Lightweight foam building blocks simplify the interlocking of the blocks when the blocks are being stacked, increase the resistance of the blocks to rotational forces which twist one block with respect to another, and decrease the passage of air and light intermediate interlocking block pairs.

Abstract: Large size cast monolithic refractory repair modules which may be used to replace existing silica bricks within a coke oven heating wall. The modules are formed from a castable refractory mix having very high dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures. Each of the modules is a rectangular parallelepiped having one or more vertically extending flues formed therein, one end of a module being adapted to conform to the end shape of the damaged heating wall, the other end of the module being adapted to interfit with existing brickwork. The modules are assembled by initially removing damaged brickwork from the heating wall and then placing in the new modules of this invention which are mortared in place.

Abstract: The invention is a modular-shaped, lightweight concrete block that can be pivotally interlocked with other blocks of the same size without having to use grout and pins or additional attachment apparatus. The building block comprises a pair of vertically aligned side faces and horizontally aligned top and bottom faces that are joined at opposite lateral ends with rounded end faces. A pair of tenons extend out the top face of the block at opposite lateral ends and are coaxially aligned with complementary mortises formed into the bottom face. The unique end face configuration in combination with the location of the tenon, allow two adjacent blocks to be interlocked together in a wide range of angles. The invention also includes a novel handle configuration that is located in the middle of the block.

Abstract: A concrete building block (2) has complementary projections (10) and recesses (12) to cause it to interlock with other blocks (2). A T-shaped channel (16, 26) on the top surface (4) receives an anchor member (32). A projecting end (36) of the member (32) may be secured to an anchor cable (104). The ends of a metal cable (22) are embedded in the block (2) with an eye portion (24) projecting into an increased depth channel portion (20). The lower surface (6) of the block (2) has parallel channels (28) for receiving the tines of a forklift. The channels (16, 28) have breakaway walls (18, 30) at their outer ends, which are not broken away unless the channels (16, 28) are to be used. The walls (18, 30) prevent concrete from flowing out of the channels (16, 28) when reinforcing concrete is poured through vertical openings (14) in the block (2). In molding the block (2), slugs (86) are releasably attached to opposite mold walls to form the openings (14).

Abstract: In the case of concrete blocks having narrow through holes for water drainage (perforated blocks), in particular paving stones of various formats and sizes that can be laid on surfaces exposed to the rain, such as streets, paths, squares, parking areas and rings around planted trees, and can be filled by means of jointing means or by means of sand at the lateral ends, the problem exists that the holes become plugged upon jointing or sanding-in. In order to prevent this, the holes are closed at their top end until the jointing or sanding-in operation is complete. This is advantageously accomplished by means of a filling agent that can be floated away or dissolves by means of the addition of water.

Abstract: This invention relates to both concrete wall having a series of slanted deflection surfaces to spread the force of impacting vehicles, to buttress against earth forces, and to abate noises and to a method of constructing such a wall. The wall can be economically constructed from precast concrete elements which are adapted to be easily and rapidly stacked and joined in series to save on the cost of labor and materials. The wall is comprised of a series of panels which are stable and self-supporting when placed on a prepared foundation due to the Z-shape of the panels. Stable connection between the panels is provided by cast-in-place concrete, structural support columns. The legs of the Z-shaped panels form a stay-in-place form for the cast-in-place concrete when two Z-shaped panels are placed end to end. The cast-in-place concrete hardens and becomes integral structural support columns for the wall.

Abstract: Element of construction designed to be laid without mortar comprising a block (B1-B4) with six faces (1-6) opposite two-by-two and of which at least one face (1, 2) is punched so as to form open internal cells (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) separated by walls (8), characterized in that said block comprises ribs (9, 9a, 9b) and grooves (10) which extend in parallel to the edges (1a, 1b) on at least two faces with a length at the most equal to the greatest dimension of said block as well as a transversal channel of V-shaped cross-section disposed perpendicularly between the longitudinal edge and said rib on the upper face of said block.

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

Abstract: A retaining wall system is constructed in several distinct layers. Each layer is formed of a side-by-side arrangement of I-shaped subassemblies with backfill chambers defined between each pair of subassemblies. Each subassembly is constructed of generally planar elongated concrete blocks which interconnect to laterally secure the blocks to one another. Interconnections are provided by dovetail joints in which a tongue is vertically slid into a groove to prevent lateral separation. The dovetail elements extend only partially across the face of each block so that the block defining the groove is not excessively weakened by the groove.

Abstract: An insulated building block having stackable half-bond symmetry. The block has a pair of block parts the inner surfaces of which are serpentine-shaped defined by overlapping projections alternately from the block parts. Insulation is sandwiched between the block parts. The projections have enlarged end portions for interlocking the insulation to the block parts. The portion of the serpentine pattern in one of the block halves, defined by a plane parallel to the end walls and midway therebetween, is a repeat of the portion of the serpentine pattern in the other of the block halves such that the blocks are stackable in a staggered half bond relation with alignment of the insulation in the stacked block halves. At least two pins on different axes each extending longitudinally of the block into at least one projection of each block part.

Abstract: Hemispherical dome comprising a plurality of rigid longitudinally extending and radially oriented cells of like size and shape, and arranged in a plurality of circular rows. Each cell is essentially frustopyramidal in shape, having a polygonal cross-sectional shape and tapering slightly in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other. The longitudinal edges of each cell lie along radii of the hemisphere. Each cell is a hollow structure, having side wall means which completely surround an interior air space and which include spaced apart top and bottom walls. It can be formed of a lightweight material, preferably a plastic and especially polycarbonate. The hemispherical dome of this invention provides a lightweight, strong and energy efficient structure which does not require internal supports.

Abstract: There is disclosed a building structure partially covered with siding panels, the outer surface of which are transparent to solar energy, the panels being slightly spaced from an insulating wall of the building to allow a fluid flow, preferably air, therebetween with effective heat exchange from a solar radiation absorbing surface with the fluid being selectively utilizable for space heating purposes or other purposes. The air can be moved by fans or convection or both. A preferred embodiment employs small horizontal lenticular lenses in the transparent material on the surface of the siding together with a mask, which may be three dimensional, on the back of the siding with the result that when the siding is viewed from the horizontal it displays a decorative color while it is highly reflective for solar rays at high angles of elevation and is transparent for solar rays at low angles of elevation, as during winter months.

Abstract: A construction element for limiting a fore part of a formwork consists of a prefabricated element having a width which corresponds to the thickness of the construction work to be erected and a modular length. The element comprises openings for being able to push through reinforcing irons, pipework or the like tubes. Because the element is foreseen to remain in the wall, it is produced preferably with a relatively fine concrete in which a reinforcing mesh of synthetic material is enclosed, which extends also over the openings and prevents the outflow of concrete at the time of pouring the latter into the formwork. Such a shuttering element allows a fast and precise limiting of the formwork in the case the construction work is not poured in one part or is needing recesses for a crane. It requires no cleaning off or pulling off wooden parts when the joining part is produced.