Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying existing walls are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a masonry wall is constructed near an existing wall, and the cavity between the two walls is filled with a foamable, adhesive material. The foamable, adhesive material adheres to both walls, creating an adhesive connection between them. Certain embodiments create multiple layers of the foamable, adhesive material, allowing each layer to expand before the next is introduced. Certain embodiments utilize a brush device to reduce the amount of mortar left between the two walls. Certain embodiments utilize clips for temporarily securing the masonry wall to the existing wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting bars includes a clip string, a barrel having a clip receiving cavity, with a terminal clip of the clip string received in the clip receiving cavity. A drive is received in the barrel and extends proximally from the barrel. The drive includes a hammer received in the barrel. The hammer reciprocates longitudinally within the barrel for contacting and expelling the terminal clip from the barrel. A cam guide is connected to the drive. A cam plate having a cam track is pivotally connected to the barrel. The cam guide engages the cam track such that the cam plate pivots back and forth as the drive is moved distally and proximally relative to the barrel. At least one finger is connected to the cam plate such that the finger engages and advances the clip string end of the clip receiving cavity as the cam plate pivots back.

Abstract: Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.

Abstract: The invention resides in an alignment device able to align substantially vertical starter bars for a masonry block wall, the alignment device comprising a plurality of spacer arms spaced a predetermined distance from each other and a plurality of attachment members attached to respective spacer arms, the attachment members able to be operatively attached to the vertical starter bars.

Abstract: The assembly for leveling new concrete includes a driver that has a guide that is placed in a mounting structure so that the driver may be used to drive the mounting structure into the ground. The driver has both a removable rebar marker and conduit marker so that depending on whether an individual wants to use a screed pipe conduit or rebar as a support structure in their concrete the support structures are properly aligned.

Abstract: Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.

Abstract: A guide tool for use in laying concrete block to form a wall includes a body sized and configured to slidably attach removably to a door frame such as to secure one end of a mason's line at a desired elevation and with a selected offset relative to the door frame. As so secured by the guide tool, the mason's line provides a true positional reference for laying of concrete block both with respect to the intended line of the wall in plan view, and with respect to the desired horizontal line of courses of block which are to form the wall.

Abstract: A tool for changing a substantially level or unlevel floor to a sloped floor having a predetermined slope includes a float stick formed of a rigid, cuttable material so that it can be cut to length as required by the size of the floor. The float stick has a sloped top edge and a flat bottom edge. The sloped top edge slopes downwardly from a proximal end to a distal end of the float stick at a predetermined slope per linear unit. A spirit level is mounted to the float stick and is calibrated so that its bubble is centered when the flat bottom edge is level. At least one vertical bore is formed in the float stick and an adjustment peg is disposed within the bore. The adjustment peg is extended from the bore to level the flat bottom edge of the float stick on an uneven floor.

Abstract: An automated brick laying system (10) for constructing a building from a plurality of bricks (16) comprises a robot (12) provided with a brick laying and adhesive applying head (18), a measuring system (13), and a controller (14) that provides control data to the robot (12) to lay the bricks (16) at predetermined locations. The measuring system (13) measures in real time the position of the head (18) and produces position data for the controller (14). The controller (14) produces control data on the basis of a comparison between the position data and a predetermined or pre-programmed position of the head (18) to lay a brick (16) at a predetermined position for the building under construction. The controller (14) can control the robot (12) to construct the building in a course by course manner where the bricks (16) are laid sequentially at their respective predetermined positions and where a complete course of bricks for the entire building is laid prior to laying of the brick for the next course.

Abstract: A blockout device for at least partially blocking a through cavity of a concrete block and supporting a settable material comprises a frangible region adapted to accommodate conduits of various transverse sizes, by providing an opening the size of which can be adjusted to accommodate a conduit of any of a number of different transverse sizes.

Abstract: A special hand tool for laying concrete blocks. The device includes a mini-hopper sized to hold the correct amount of mortar, a sluiceway, dimensioned to fill the normal joint space between blocks, an optional divider to accommodate both 4 inch and 8 inch nominal blocks, and a vibrator. The device has a handle that can also contain batteries for the vibrator. A mason can scoop up mortar while the tool is vibrating. When full, the vibrator can be stopped and the tool positioned to face the end of a block already set in a wall while the next block to be laid can be put in place on its mortar bed and pushed to the other face of the tool. The vibrator can then be re-started, and the tool vertically withdrawn leaving the mortar that was in the tool between the two block ends. The same tool can also be used to butter horizontal joints by running the vibrator only sufficiently to apply the correct amount of mortar.

Abstract: The assembly for leveling new concrete includes a driver that has a guide that is placed in a mounting structure so that the driver may be used to drive the mounting structure into the ground. The driver has both a removable rebar marker and conduit marker so that depending on whether an individual wants to use a screed pipe conduit or rebar as a support structure in their concrete the support structures are properly aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting bars includes a clip string, a barrel having a clip receiving cavity, with a terminal clip of the clip string received in the clip receiving cavity. A drive is received in the barrel and extends proximally from the barrel. The drive includes a hammer received in the barrel. The hammer reciprocates longitudinally within the barrel for contacting and expelling the terminal clip from the barrel. A cam guide is connected to the drive. A cam plate having a cam track is pivotally connected to the barrel. The cam guide engages the cam track such that the cam plate pivots back and forth as the drive is moved distally and proximally relative to the barrel. At least one finger is connected to the cam plate such that the finger engages and advances the clip string end of the clip receiving cavity as the cam plate pivots back.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for applying two or more lines of mortar to lines of bricks to tuckpoint the same. The tool and method of the present invention comprises a mortar inlet which can be connected, via suitable length hose, to a mortar pump which can pump mortar under pressure to an inlet. The tool and method includes means for taking the supplied mortar and splitting or dividing it into two or more streams and further includes means for discharging the mortar to means for applying the mortar to the bricks.

Abstract: A mortar applying machine incorporating housing, having a rotatable drive wheel mounted therein, the drive wheel adhered upon a pivot shaft located within the housing, and the drive wheel being disposed through the bottom of the housing for mortar and engagement with the surface of a row of blocks previously applied in the forming of a building wall. Fixedly mounted to the same shaft are a pair of paddles, formed of blades, which assure the proper shifting and movement of the fluid mortar into position within the housing, for passage out of its lower openings, and onto the transverse lands of the row of blocks as previously applied into the building wall. A diverter is provided within the housing to assure that the fluid mortar flows towards the front of the housing with respect to the direction of its movement when depositing a layer of mortar onto a previously laid row of blocks.

Abstract: A set comprising a construction element and a masonry tool, said construction element comprising a first face and a second face substantially oriented in planes parallel to the axes of the length l and width d and separated from each other by a height h, said first face comprising at least two ribs oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the length l and separated in each case from each other in the axis of the width d by a first so hollow, and a third face and a fourth face, substantially oriented in planes parallel to the axes of the width d and height h, and separated by a length l, said first hollow is open at least on said third face, said masonry tool comprises at least two sections sized so as to be able to be placed straddling in each case on one of the ribs and each arranged so as to be is able to slide on said rib on which it is placed.

Abstract: The grout placement apparatus has a V-shaped hopper with a flexible-bladed auger mounted therein that can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by an auger motor. The auger has flexible blades to drive the grout material along the bottom of the hopper to a discharge sleeve that extends from the hopper. Coupled to the discharge sleeve is a discharge assembly having a flow control valve that is automatically opened and closed by the forward and reverse rotation of the auger, respectively. The discharge assembly is hingedly movable with respect to the hopper, allowing the discharge assembly to “swing away” from its operating position against the discharge sleeve to a position that uncovers the discharge sleeve for easy cleaning. A flexible discharge conduit or hose coupled to the discharge assembly conveys the grout material to the desired placement location.

Abstract: An improved adjustable gable end line puller is disclosed. A method for using the improved adjustable gable end line puller is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to plumbing control joints in masonry walls, and apparatus for plumbing a control joint in a brick wall surface. A mounting bracket supports a bracket rod and cylindrical collar which may slide axially along and pivot about the bracket rod. The plumb rod is slidably received in an adjustable holding member. The plumb rod is then secured relative to the holding member. A spirit level is fixed within a circular bore of the holding member, which can be adjusted to the user's desired position. To ensure the plumb rod is perpendicular to level ground, the holding member is pivoted until the spirit level indicates the desired result and the position is secured. A plumb control joint is guaranteed by successively laying the brick layers against the plumb rod in a manner which is typically known in the art.

Abstract: A construction system utilizes a plurality of pre-manufactured units to form a concrete wall. Structurally, each pre-manufactured unit includes a wallboard mounted to an insulation board. Specifically, each wallboard has a first surface and an opposite second surface parallel thereto. For each wallboard, the insulation board is mounted to the second surface of the wallboard and extends to a face substantially parallel to the surfaces. In addition to the pre-manufactured units, the system comprises a temporary backing frame constructed from commercially-available aluminum forms which establish a wall. Also, the system includes a plurality of ties for supporting the units at a desired distance from the backing frame to establish a cavity for receiving concrete to form the concrete wall. After the concrete wall is formed, the backing frame is removed and the pre-manufactured units remain bonded to the wall.

Abstract: An alignment device for assembling a masonry joint includes a main body configured to slidably engage a generally vertical support pole, the main body including a first arm and a second arm projecting away from the main body, the first arm defining a predetermined angle relative to the second arm, and a reel assembly on the main body for supporting a reel of string, the main body further including a string guide between the reel assembly and the first arm for guiding a string from the reel to the first arm. Also a method of building a wall using the alignment device.

Abstract: A masonry or brick transport device is provided and is operable for receiving and retaining an array of bricks or other masonry products thereon such that masonry workers can easily lift, carry and transport the masonry products from one location (a storage location) to another (an installation location). The brick transport device provided includes a base frame carriage having at least two side rails and at least one interposing cross rail attached thereto. At least one, but preferably two, fork(s) operable for engaging and supporting a brick array are provided to the cross rail. Further, handle bars are provided for permitting a pair of workers to lift and transport the device. Optionally, a hook may be provided to the frame carriage for carrying a bucket or like device.

Abstract: A safety cap and string snapping apparatus for a concrete finishing pole includes a resilient member to be affixed to a concrete finishing pole. The resilient member comprises a mating member and a protective end. The mating member is circular.

Abstract: A tool for lifting and carrying a building block includes a body having a first end adapted to engage an inner building block wall. A nose extends from an upper portion of the first end and is adapted to engage an upper surface of the building block. First and second elongated legs extend away from the first end in angular relation to one another. A foot is pivotally connected to a free end of the second leg, and has a generally parallel pad portion configured to engage an opposite inner wall of the building block. Upon exerting a lifting force on a handle portion of the first leg, the first end of the body and the foot pad engage and exert opposing forces to opposite inner walls of the building block cell, enabling the building block to be lifted by the tool.

Abstract: Provided is a mortar finishing tool specifically adapted to use for touching up and finishing brick-work jobs. A plate has a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and rear edge. A left beveled lip is formed integral to the left edge along the length thereof projecting upwardly from the left edge obliquely towards the plate. A rear beveled lip is attached proximate to the rear edge along the length thereof, the rear beveled lip being generally L-shaped in cross-section having a base attached to the plate with its upper portion angled obliquely towards the plate. A handle projects from the rear edge of the plate situated co-planar to the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and a method for alignment of substructures during the construction of a structure. An embodiment of the apparatus includes an adjustable device for selective attachment to a substructure of an unfinished structure whereby the device acts as a stationary point on which to attach a string for alignment of additional sub-structures. An embodiment of the method includes use of the adjustable device in constructing a structure.

Abstract: A slab protector is provided in the form of a sheet of material configured to overlap an edge of a newly poured slab to protect that slab while an adjacent slab is poured and surface finished. The sheet of material extends along the entire length of the edge impacted by the adjacent pour and is configured to have an overhang portion that extends down over the exposed side of the slab. The sheet also includes a primary portion that overlays a significant portion of the surface of the poured slab. The slab protector sheet is preferably formed of a plastic material and includes an adhesive strip on its underside that removably and temporarily adheres the slab protector to the underlying concrete slab to resist dislodgement.

Abstract: A special leveling device for use in constructing various types of masonry structures. The devices permit the leveling of an aggregate base for a foundation quickly and accurately. The new leveling device sled is comprised of a flat base float featuring an angular or flat front lead section; a handle; and a signal receiver unit. The receiver unit is comprised of an electronic level receiver and an analog level indicator. The sled device is used in coordination with a laser signal generator that sends a continuous laser beam out from a given position at a predetermined, set height.

Abstract: A self-adjusting and/or self-locking concrete or cinder block and/or other object lifting device having a stationary assembly 13 including a stationary handle portion 15, a stationary horizontal middle bar portion 16, two stationary leg portions 17 and 18, a stationary jaw portion 19, and a stationary connection portion 20 and a moveable assembly 21 including an operating lever 3, a moveable jaw portion 22, and two teeth portions 24 and 25 that is supported on the stationary assembly 13 with a first pivot pin 1ST about which the stationary assembly 13 and the moveable assembly 21 pivot permitting the moveable jaw portion 22 to automatically close down on and/or grip a concrete or cinder block web disposed between the stationary jaw portion 19 and moveable jaw portion 22 by providing gravity based self-adjustment for different sized objects to be gripped and/or pinched between the jaws when the stationary handle portion 15 is pulled upward.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening in an existing brick wall comprises inserting at least one expandable element in the course of bricks above the top of the intended opening, to and expanding the element or elements to exert a horizontal force in the course of bricks. The tool comprises a pair of parallel pressure plates, a cam element between the plates, ratchet lever means for rotating the cam element, and ratchet and pawl means for latching the cam element. Expansion plates maybe used for wide joints.

Abstract: A drywall panel installation tool provides engagement for the trailing edge of a drywall panel that is being installed having an internal or external radius curved surface. The tool may include a first flat plate having apertures therein for insertion of the fasteners, a second surface extending from a longitudinal edge of the flat plate and a flange or lip for engaging an edge of the drywall panel, the flange extending from a second longitudinal edge of the flat plate in a direction opposite to that of the extension of the first surface.

Abstract: A stone wall alignment tool for checking the plumbness of a stone wall during construction thereof. The tool comprises a first “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg. The tool also comprises a second “L” shaped bracket having a long leg and a short side leg, wherein the long legs of the first and the second brackets are slidably and lockingly adjustable with respect to one another, and wherein the long legs are arranged to be disposed on top of a wall and its side legs are arranged to be disposed on the sides of the stone wall as a plumb-alignment-tool during the wall's construction.

Abstract: A board alignment tool includes a first plate having a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is pointed. A second plate has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the first plate. A catch is attached to the second plate adjacent to the second end. The catch extends in a substantial same direction as the bottom end when the second plate is oriented perpendicular to the first plate. The bottom end is extendable into a first board and the catch is extended into a second board. The top end is urged away from the second board and the second board pulled toward and against the first board.

Abstract: A concrete-based mortar is prepared for application on the exterior of a concrete building or other structure. The drying time of the concrete-based mortar is reduced by addition of an accelerant compound. After the concrete-based mortar sets on the building or other structure, an exterior portion of the concrete-based mortar is removed. This provides an even and attractive surface.

Abstract: A bricklaying tool includes a mortar guide member having a slot for reception of mortar when the tool is placed on a course of bricks when building a wall. The mortar guide member has a brick engagement panel. An upstanding mortar retaining flange is provided having a rear edge of the panel. A spirit level is mounted on the flange. The slot is open ended with a stiffening strut mounted across the open end which also forms a handle.

Abstract: A tapered plug having a compressible and conically tapered outer surface is permeated with a dry, water-activated adhesive. A pilot hole most preferably passes through the center of the tapered plug, ensuring proper alignment for a replacement fastener such as a wood screw or the like to be inserted therein. A handle is additionally provided for ease of installation. A ream useful in association with the plug and a method of installation of the plug are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A block positioning tool includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member attached together such that a L-shaped frame is formed. The frame has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The first and second elongated members each have a slot therein extending through the upper and bottom surfaces. Each of the first and second elongated members has an associated attached end and a free end. A plurality of position indicators is attached to and selectively moveable along a length of the slots. A primary anchor is attached to a bottom surface of the attached end. Each of a plurality of secondary anchors is attached to one of the position indicators and positioned adjacent to the bottom surface. Each of the secondary anchors and the primary anchor is removably positionable into depressions extending into an upper surface of pier blocks.

Abstract: A plumbing system and method for plumbing a control joint in a masonry wall. The plumbing system comprises: a bracket mountable to an interior wall surface, wherein the bracket includes an extension having a guiding system; and a vertically oriented plumb rod that can be engaged through the guiding system and placed within the control joint as the masonry wall is erected.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment and related methods for producing concrete blocks. The equipment and methods described herein utilize splitting assemblies having larger projections and/or smaller projections or peaks disposed on at least one side of a splitting line and which engage the workpiece as it is split into at least two pieces.

Abstract: Plasterboard panels (A,B) formed by layers of cardboard (1,3) with a sandwiched plaster sheet (2) and by layers of cardboard (4,6) with a further sandwiched plaster sheet (5), are clamped between a female half mold part (C) and a male half mold part (D) of a forming press, are spread with vinyl adhesive or other suitable water-based adhesive at the layers of cardboard (3,4). In each one of the two panels, the plaster sheet (2,5) is fractured radially and the layer of cardboard (3) on the outside of the curvature is stretched and the layer (4) on the inside is compressed. The bonding of the layer of cardboard (3) of the first panel (A) to the layer of cardboard (4) of the second panel (B) forces the two panels to a permanent, stable, equilibrium of the respective opposite curving tensions.

Abstract: A concrete forming panel and method for making the same which includes a sheet having an outer peripheral edge. Typically, the sheet is rectangular in shape. An aluminum frame formed by linear frame segments extends around the outer peripheral edge of the sheet. The frame segments are secured to the sheet by welding. At least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced cross braces extend across the sheet between spaced apart portions of the frame. These cross braces are adhesively secured to both the frame as well as the sheet.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel with a facade comprising a planar arrangement of thin discrete facers on a body of structural backing material. The method comprises the steps of providing a horizontal casting bed, providing a plurality of facers each with chamfers at corners between side-rear and end-rear walls, arranging the facers in abutting relationship atop the casting bed and in a selected pattern in a face down planar configuration so that the chamfers on the facers open upwardly and define narrow elongated sealant channels at joints between contiguous facers. Depositing a sealant in the channels and pouring concrete as a structural backing material atop the facers, the rear surfaces of the facers and the concrete adhering to form a composite panel.

Abstract: A preferably wedge-shaped device that is inserted between two vertically spaced masonry modules, such as flat stones, that are adhered to a wall having a vertical surface. The wedge maintains the dimension of the gap and supports the upper stone to prevent the upper stone from falling away from the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gypsum board hanging tool that allows a single workman to hang gypsum board on a conventional or inclined ceiling. Specifically, the gypsum board hanging tool comprises a support housing, a wheel that is rotatably attached to the support housing, and a support strut which is removably attached to at least one extension of the support housing. The support housing also has a means whereby a support strut may be attached. The support housing also has a means an aperture in its upper surface that is capable of receiving, within the support housing, a hanging member, such as a nail or screw, that is first attached to a ceiling or a wall. The hanging member allows the support housing to be suspended from the ceiling and to adjust and swivel about the hanging member.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for shaping a graded surface of a fill material around a drain are disclosed. The apparatus provides an outer ring for positioning within a shower enclosure, an inner ring for positioning within the outer ring and around the drain, a rail assembly connected at each of two ends to the outer ring, and a carriage connected to the rail assembly and the inner ring. Each of the inner ring and outer ring provides a top edge to which the surface of the fill material can be brought flush.

Abstract: A method of forming a wall unit having a veneer face is disclosed. Initially, a pair of side wall panels and a pair of end panels are mounted substantially upright. Stones or other suitable material are set sequentially in a horizontally disposed course using at least one of the panels. Additional courses of stones or other material may then be stacked upon the initial layer until the desired height is attained. The interior volume of the apparatus is left substantially empty, and is then filled with a binding material. The binding material binds the courses' components together and integrates the individual courses into a single cohesive unit. The wall and end panels are removed and the unit is removed for subsequent installation.

Abstract: A system for laying and leveling a tile walking surface, i.e. indoor floor or outdoor patio or pathway, where the system relies upon the use of inserts embedded within the adhesive for securing the tile. A preferred insert is a single plastic member, preferably circular in configuration, and contains plural through openings for receiving and securing the insert into the adhesive. Optionally, removable space dividers may be provided where the space dividers are initially positioned in the openings for spacing adjacent tiles, then removed to allow grouting of the spaces. Alternately, the insert may be a two-piece member that can be vertically adjusted where needed to ensure a level substrate and hence a level walking surface.

Abstract: A holder comprising a rigid base bar having a pin end and a stabilizing end; a rigid stabilizing bar having a base end and an opposite end, with the base end of the rigid stabilizing bar being rigidly attached to the stabilizing end of the rigid base bar, and extending perpendicular to the rigid base bar; two nails being each having a head end and a pointed end, with the head end of the each nail being rigidly attached to separate points along the rigid stabilizing bar, and with the pointed end of the each nail being extended perpendicular to the rigid stabilizing bar and parallel with the rigid base bar and toward the perpendicular direction of the rigid base bar; and the rigid base bar having a bore through it in a direction parallel with the length of the rigid stabilizing bar.

Abstract: A slab protector is provided in the form of a sheet of material configured to overlap an edge of a newly poured slab to protect that slab while an adjacent slab is poured and surface finished. The sheet of material extends along the entire length of the edge impacted by the adjacent pour and is configured to have an overhang portion that extends down over the exposed side of the slab. The sheet also includes a primary portion that overlays a significant portion of the surface of the poured slab. The slab protector sheet is preferably formed of a plastic material and includes an adhesive strip on its underside that removably and temporarily adheres the slab protector to the underlying concrete slab to resist dislodgement.

Abstract: A quoin template made for aiding a mason in constructing quoin corners. The tool is fabricated from aluminum flat stock bent at 90 degrees with two horizontal faces of equal length comprising an upper and lower face bent at 90 degrees to form an extruded flat surface. The quoin template contains a corner brace for added strength and a handle situated at an area for proper balance. The quoin template is designed to be set on a quoin corner and aid a mason in aligning and offsetting the first course of brick on a quoin corner. The quoin template is designed to be quickly mounted and removed during the construction of quoin corners.