Abstract: A connection device for building structures preventing progressive collapse. A pull means (1) incorporated in the device is adapted to be connected to a part of the structure by means of a cast compound that allows controlled slippage of the pull means at a tensile stress in the pull means which is below its ultimate tensile strength. The pull means is provided with an anchoring means (2) which after abutment against a stop means (3) stops slippage after a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A post, for traffic signs, lighting and the like has a polygonal shape, with essentially rigid sides. The sides situated at right angles to oncoming traffic have attentuated portions therealong. When an oncoming vehicle strikes the post, the attentuated portions break, greatly reducing the strength of the remaining sides.

Abstract: An anti-twist rod section (10) is disclosed which adapts a survey monument (38) at once to resist rotation and to conveniently accept hardware designed to engage cylindrical rods. The method of using the anti-twist rod section (10) in placing a survey monument (38) is also disclosed. The anti-twist rod section includes an elongated body (12) which may have at least one surface channel (18). At least one fin (20) joined to the body (20) at a junction (22) preferably within the channel (18). The junction (22) is adapted to allow the anti-twist rod section (10) to be driven into the ground with the fins (20) in place such that a portion of the fin (20) resists rotation of the anti-twist section. The junction (22) is also adapted to allow the fins (20) to be severed from the body (12) as they are bent tangentially away from the body (12) such that the anti-twist rod section (10) is left unimpeded by fins. The body of the anti-twist rod section (10) may then accept hardware designed to engage cylindrical rods.

Abstract: The drainage channel comprises a channel body (1), cast frame (2) and cast grid (3). The support surface of the side walls (11) of the channel body (1) are of stepped construction, with a raised external supporting rib (13). The frame (2) is rectangular, with a lowered support rail (28) as support for the side ribs (30) of the grid (3). On the outside the frame (2) has detachably fastened brake lugs (23), which in the installed state prevent displacement of the frame (2). Locking bar holders (44) of roughly H-shaped cross-section are disposed in the side walls (11) some distance below the support surface. These locking bar holders form a closure between the interior of the channel body and the exterior. On the inside a side wall (79) forms an obtuse angle with the wall (75), so that the locking bar (45) can easily be turned into the inner recess (78).

Abstract: A ground anchor for channel posts has an angle iron leg driven into the ground and an upright fin plate or strip secured to the upper end thereof to stabilize the leg against tilting. The channel post straddles the angle iron leg receiving the apex of the leg in the channel thereof and is deformed to spread its legs apart into tight gripping relation with the angle iron. The spreading apart of the legs may be effected by drawbolts which fixedly connect the channel post with the angle iron leg or by a tool applied to the post adjacent the leg permitting the post to enter a socket on the leg formed by the fin plate or strip whereupon releasing of the tool permits the spread apart post legs to spring back toward their free state position thereby bottoming the base of the post in the socket. The spread apart legs of the post tightly grip the angle iron leg. The post may be removed from the angle by releasing the drawbolts or by again applying a spreading tool to free the post from the socket.

Abstract: A low pressure venting panel acts to safely vent a pressure vessel, such as a bag house, from overpressure conditions. The venting panel is particularly responsive and predictable at low pressures. The panel includes a thin rupture body with a central group of apertures and slit lines emanating from the apertures. A thin sealing membrane is bonded to one surface of the rupture body at least in the area of the slits. The characteristics of the sealing membrane enable the membrane to resist expansion in the area of the slits when pressure is applied to the rupture body, thereby resisting rupture of the membrane up to the design rupture limit of the venting panel. Various aperture patterns in the center of the rupture body are provided to facilitate predictable opening. The slits are divided into segments connected by bridges to help prevent the slits from separating and the sealing membrane from creeping through the slits prior to rupture.

Abstract: A break-away fence rail and support post for a horse race track fence is constructed to give way when impacted with a predetermined force so as to provide a yieldable barrier upon impact by a horse or jockey. Further, a fence for a race track constructed to provide a smooth non-abrasive surface without projections or discontinuities.

Abstract: A ground anchor provides a mounting base for a sign post accommodating rotational, tilting, and height adjustments of the post and providing for release of the post at ground level in the event of impact by a vehicle so that no upstanding obstacle capable of causing injury will remain after impact. An angle iron leg with upstanding fins or spade members at the leading and trailing ends thereof is driven or otherwise buried into the ground. A tubular member seated in the channel of the angle iron is bolted to the legs or sides of the angle iron at a selected level to present a top edge or rim supporting an anchor plate with a central raised fragmental spherical dome. The anchor plate is fixedly secured to the tube by bolts threaded into upstanding lugs secured to the tube.

Abstract: A device for securing ceiling panels to a T-bar support in which two clips are provided: one, a U-shaped panel clip for engaging an end portion of the ceiling panel; and two, a holding clip for snappingly engaging both the U-shaped panel clip and respective edge portions of the T-bar support. With this arrangement, the ceiling panel is secured to the T-bar support to deter intrusion into the room from the space above the ceiling panel, and should intrusion occur the holding clip is adapted to break and fall away, its absence indicating intrusion has taken place.

Abstract: A pressure relief wall assembly has a liner panel and first and second exterior panels. A first portion or end of the liner panel is secured to one part of the frame. A second portion or end of the liner panel is releasably fastened to another part of the frame, by a plurality of first elements, which elements fail when an excess pressure is applied to either side of the wall assembly. A first end or portion of the first exterior panel is secured to the one part of the frame, and a second end portion of the first exterior panel is secured to the liner panel, for example, at a location midway between the two parts of the frame. The second exterior panel has a first portion secured to the other part of the frame. A second, end portion of the second exterior panel is releasably fastened to the liner panel or to the first exterior panel by a plurality of second elements, which fail when excess pressure is applied to the assembly. In response to excess pressure, the first and second elements fail.

Abstract: The brick consists of one or more sub-blocks. Each sub-block is divided into air chambers of contained width but extensive in length. The walls which divide each sub-block into chambers are shaped as alternatively concave and convex arcs of a circle. The chambers are connected by first septa of minimum length. The sub-blocks are connected by second septa also of minimum length and spaced apart from the periphery of the brick and placed so as not to align with the ends of the arc walls.Thermal bridges between the inside and outside of a wall are thus almost completely eliminated, with a brick light in weight, very strong and low in cost.

Abstract: A panel fastener for attaching a wall panel to a flange of a vertical stud in a movable wall system. The panel fastener is fabricated from sheet metal and includes a flat body portion, pointed teeth for driving into an edge of the wall panel and a portion which engages the rear surface of the flange. The panel fastener is deformable, thus permitting the wall panel to be installed by movement toward the stud along a path perpendicular to the panel. In addition, the panel fastener is fractured during wall panel removal, thus permitting the wall panel to be removed from the stud without damage to the stud or the wall panel.

Abstract: A unit for bonding two structural reinforced concrete components comprises a mounting strip having a pair of oppositely directed main faces and a plurality of connector rods held firmly on the mounting strip. Portions of the connector rods project at intervals along one side of the mounting strip and the connector rods have arms bent to a knee shape, the arms being positioned within the mounting strip. One of the main faces of the strip on the side away from the projecting portions of the connector rods defines at least two grooves parallel with one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip. The grooves have a width substantially equal to the diameter of the connector rods and a depth at least equal to the diameter. The mounting strip further includes holes at intervals along its length, the holes extending from the bottoms of respective ones of the grooves towards the opposite main face of the mounting strip.

Abstract: A modular carrier for stair treads (15) is provided so that treads may be evenly spaced and hung between a pair of stringers (25, 25'). A pair of vertical side walls (16, 16') extend above the tread and have a mounting plate connected thereto lying in a plane which intersects the plane of the tread at a predetermined angle (.phi.). With the stringer set at this angle with respect to the horizontal, the treads lay in proper horizontal orientation. The plurality of notches or score lines are provided at the ends of the mounting plate (19, 20) which may be broken off, or overlapped, facilitating easy construction of evenly spaced stairs. Alternately, the left and right hand carriers are provided as separate units having a bottom plate 48 so that treads of varying widths may be used with the device.

Abstract: An improved glazing system wherein glass panels are secured to a frame member in an edge-to-edge sealed relationship. A first glass panel is bonded to a frame member such as a vertical mullion using a sealant which adheres to the edge of the first glass panel and to the face of the first glass panel adjacent the edge. A portion of the frame is removed to expose a section of the bonded sealant and thereafter a second glass panel is positioned on the sealant such that the two glass panels are in an edge-to-edge, sealed relationship. The edge to edge abutting relationship of the panels may be accomplished without the need for caulking or exterior access to the glass panels.

Abstract: An asphalt composition roofing piece having a unique geometry and simplicity of form which enables such piece to be used as a starter piece, edge covering rake covering, and ridge or hip cover.

Abstract: An insulated panel is provided with an embedded locking pin that is mounted to a plate placed flushly against a side of the insulated panel. An adjacent panel may be securely fastened by rotating a hook down into the insulation of the other panel and into locking engagement with the embedded locking pin.

Abstract: A guy yoke for use in a guyed structure terminate two support guys coupled to said structure and to transfer loads entered on said supported guys to anchor means, said guy yokes includes two arms pivotally coupled to an anchor plate at one end and coupled to guy wires at the other end. A spreader arm is coupled to the arms to maintain them in a fixed position for forces transmitted by the guy lines which are below a predetermined level. The spreader arm is coupled to the two arms by shear bolts or pins. When the forces transmitted to the yoke are at or exceed the predetermined level, one or both of the shear bolts or pins is severed permitting the two arms to swing toward each other and thereby add effective length to the guying.

Abstract: An improvement to a universal flashing for roof top and vent pipe geometries characterized by differing pipe diameters and roof slope angles. The present improvement relates to a ring collar assembly which comprises a plurality of stepped sealing portions, each portion adapted to engage a different vent pipe diameter and frangibly be separated from the wall of said body member, wherein for a given pipe diameter a sealing portion further comprises a set of first and second projections disposed generally perpendicular to the flashing body centerline, each extending from a proximate end to a distal end which defines a circular flange surface spaced first and second dimensions about the centerline. The first dimension is less than the second dimension and both first and second dimensions are less than the outer diameter of the given pipe diameter for which sealing engagement is desired, and the projections are of a uniform thickness less than the wall thicknesses of the body member.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a windscreen or windshield glass is made of plastics or rubber material with an embedded metal carrier for mounting the arrangement on a flanged joint running around the window opening. The flexible material defines a ledge-shaped surface having a recess for receiving mastic. The mounting arrangement is delivered to the vehicle manufacturer with the mastic in position and covered by a thin flap. To facilitate entry of the window glass onto the ledge-shaped surface, a lip adjacent the ledge may be bent downwards into a slot. At the same time, the flap is pulled outwardly from under the distal edge of the window glass. Thereafter, the flap lies along the external peripheral edge of the window glass and the latter is secured in position by the mastic. A stiffening member is then placed in the slot.

Abstract: A ground anchor for channel posts has an angle iron leg driven into the ground with a creased upright fin shroud strip or strap embracing the apex or corner of the angle iron at the trailing end of the leg and secured to the ends of the sides of the angle iron providing a V-shaped socket or barrel. The channel post straddles the angle iron with its side legs bottomed on the sides of the angle iron and a compression member bottomed on the strip forces the channel post against the angle iron to spread the legs of the post into tight gripping relation with the angle iron locking the post in the socket. The socket is open-ended and the post can slide over the angle iron leg to any desired depth so that a sign mounted on top of the post can be positioned at a selected height above the ground. The angle iron is driven into the ground to a depth sufficient to bury the shroud strip so that the post is the only portion of the assembly projecting above the ground.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall having a centrally disposed layer of insulation and utilizing a unitary means for simultaneously maintaining form panels in a predetermined spaced relationship, and for maintaining the insulation in a predetermined spaced relationship between the form panels such that a permanent and reinforced mechanical connection is provided between said concrete walls and said interposed insulation.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for functioning as an expansion joint between concrete sections of a roadway surface or the like. Such roadway surfaces are normally provided with a slot for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the concrete and a boxed-out zone for receiving the expansion joint system. The expansion joint system includes a plate and sealants. The plate is provided with a lower or interior resilient winged section inserted into the slot with wings extending exteriorly to frictionally engage the surfaces of the slot and thereby effect centering and preclude the raising of the plate from the slot. The plate is provided with an upper or exterior section including support surface for resting on the boxed-out surface of the cement segments to thereby preclude the plate from dropping into the slot. A stem couples the upper and lower sections of the plate. A sealant then covers the horizontal support and fills in the boxed-out zone of the concrete.

Abstract: An anchoring track designed to be embedded in the surface of a structural member of concrete, the track having a C-shaped profile and a styrofoam filler body filling out the interior of the track to prevent the penetration of mortar into the track, the filler body being removable from the embedded track by means of a tear strip which is arranged between the back side of the filler body and the base wall of the anchoring track, in alignment with the slot of the anchoring track. The tear strip, when pulled through the slot of the track, tears out a central profile portion from the filler body to permit easy removal of the profile portions of the filler body remaining underneath the flange portions of the anchoring track.

Abstract: A low profile break safe breakaway system is described for mounting a post or the like in a vertical position on a footing. The system includes load concentrating elements on brackets disposed on opposite sides of the post to be supported. Breakaway members are provided which cooperate with the load concentrating elements and which are threadedly inserted into anchors which are embedded in the footing. The anchors include steel bar loops which extend downwardly into the footing and internally threaded elements at the upper ends of the anchors. Annular collars are provided at the upper ends of the anchor internally threaded members at the surface of the footing to prevent shattering of the footing concrete on application of bending moments of the coupling members.

Abstract: The set of construction units comprises a standard stone, a long stone and a trough stone having a substantially trapezoidal end view, a surrounding groove at the side with the broader base line, on both sides of the surrounding groove a longitudinal slot and at the side with the smaller base line, opposite to each of the longitudinal slots a longitudinal rib. The long stone has dimensions approximately twice as high and about three times as long as the standard stone. Both the standard and long stones have in the surrounding groove a surrounding bead, permitting the stones to be split in half. They also have five holes for making the stones lighter and for permitting these stones to be connected together with reinforced concrete so that they can be utilized as lintels. The trough stone is also twice as high and about three times as long as the standard stone. The closure stone comprises a surrounding bead as well as longitudinal slots.

Abstract: A generally rectangular insulating block presenting parallel and opposite upper and lower surfaces and end and side portions thereof. A first series of matching dovetail mortises and tenons are provided on the end portions with a second series on the side portions. The mortises and tenons provide for interlocking of adjacent blocks in a particular wall course. A plurality of regularly spaced sockets are formed in the bottom surface of the block into which may be frictionally engaged a like plurality of regularly spaced posts on the top surface of subjacent blocks in a lower wall course. Additionally provided is an insulating wall including at least two of the insulating blocks of the present invention angular in superimposed courses of interlocking adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A device is described which operates as a "mechanical fuse" in a guy arrangement such that when loading forces on the guyed structure exceed a predetermined level, the device will add length to the guy arrangement. The device includes two plates coupled by a hinge bolt and a shear bolt. When the force exceeds the predetermined level, the shear bolt is severed by the plates allowing the plates to "scissors" open about the hinge bolt.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed in which cross members are provided with end connectors inserted from opposite sides through openings in runners extending perpendicularly thereto. The end connectors are provided with resilient lock means which interengage when the connectors are inserted into the opening to interlock the runners. Release means provided by a tab formed in the web adjacent to the opening cooperate to define a portion of the opening when in the normal position and are bendable to a release position to enlarge the opening and allow release of the lock means for removal of one or both of the end connectors.

Abstract: A low pressure venting panel acts to safely vent a pressure vessel, such as a bag house, from overpressure conditions. The venting panel is particularly responsive and predictable at low pressures. The panel includes a thin rupture body with a central group of apertures and slit lines emanating from the apertures. A thin sealing membrane is bonded to one surface of the rupture body at least in the area of the slits. The characteristics of the sealing membrane enable the membrane to resist expansion in the area of the slits when pressure is applied to the rupture body, thereby resisting rupture of the membrane up to the design rupture limit of the venting panel.

Abstract: An insulated wall system and method of construction, which system comprises: generally horizontal metal strapping bands secured to a wall, the metal strapping bands characterized by lines of weakness therein adapted to form tab portions from the metal strapping bands; a solid-panel insulating material placed against the wall and secured by a tab portion of the generally horizontal metal strapping bands, the tab portion extending about one edge of the panel material and against the interior side thereof, so as to secure the panel material against the wall; a generally vertical, metal-bank strapping material secured to the interior tab portion; and wallboard or finished wall material secured to the generally vertical metal-band material, thereby providing for an insulated wall system and method of construction employing solid panel material, without the requirement of wall studs.

Abstract: A simplified anchor for firmly connecting wood or the like to concrete. The anchor includes a pair of connector elements. One element comprises a fluted concrete nail having the usual head and is made of hard metal. The other element comprises a headless pin of soft malleable metal having a notch spaced from but adjacent one end to form a top portion. The tip of the nail is initially overlappingly joined to the notched top portion of the pin by an encircling retaining band. A hole is drilled through the wood and into the concrete to be joined and to a depth equal to the bottom end of the pin below the notch. The pin is inserted into the hole and the nail is then driven into the hole alongside the pin. When the nail head engages the notched top portion of the pin, the pin breaks away at the notch. The nail is then driven further until its head is engaged with the wood surface and the upper pin tip. During driving, the nail cuts into and deforms the pin within the hole in a tightening action.

Abstract: A refractory brick without a metal casing and having built-in expansion at the hot face is formed by having at least one side face divided into two sections, the section adjacent the cold face being of normal configuration, but the section adjacent the hot face being inclined at a greater angle to the opposed side face, whereby expansion allowance is provided at the hot face, the section adjacent the hot face also having at least one raised portion, preferably adjacent the hot face, the height of the raised portion being such that its surface lies substantially in the plane extended of the lower, cold face section. By this construction, a brick is provided with built-in expansion allowance at the hot face, substantial bearing surface at the cold face to prevent loosening of the refractory structure in use, and means to prevent inadvertent closing of the hot face thermal expansion allowance during placement of the brick in a kiln or furnace.

Abstract: A concrete insert suitable to provide an anchor in a concrete slab is disclosed. This insert provides an especially suitable anchor for hanging objects from a poured concrete floor in multi-story construction. The concrete insert comprises a plurality of anchoring surfaces suitable for engaging the concrete slab, a coupling means suitable for coupling an object to the insert anchor and means for increasing the engaging force exerted by the anchoring surfaces when an increased force is applied by the anchored object through the coupling means. The concrete insert anchor most preferably employs a curved distorting surface adjacent and convex to one end of the anchoring surfaces. Force applied to this distorting surface through the coupling means exerts an outward force at its ends, thus forcing the adjacent ends of the anchoring surfaces into stronger engagement with the surrounding concrete and increasing the engaging force exerted thereon.

Abstract: A wall assembly comprised of a number of wall panels releasably coupled by clips of improved construction to spaced, vertical studs. Each wall panel has an end face and each clip has a number of tines or teeth which are forced or driven into the end face of the corresponding wall panel. The clip further has a resilient part mounted on a base part which engages the adjacent surface of a wall panel. The resilient part yields in one direction when it engages the adjacent flange of the stud as the wall panel is forced toward the stud in a horizontal direction. This permits the resilient part to pass by and thereby clear the flange of the stud, whereupon the resilient part snaps back behind the flange and thereby releasably couples the wall panel to the flange with the wall panel at the front of the flange. The resilient part is breakable from the body of the clip when the wall panel is pulled in a horizontal direction away from the stud, thereby permitting removal of the wall panel from the wall assembly.

Abstract: A fastening means for a rearview mirror in an automobile interior, which comprises a fastening base formed on the supporting arm of the rearview mirror and a fitting member for securing the fastening base on the automobile body by using a setscrew. The fitting member is provided with a flange-shaped engaging portion having thin-walled portions which is readily broken under an impact which is caused by colliding a human body into the rearview mirror in case of an accidental sudden deceleration of the automobile for example, thereby to permit the mirror to fall off the automobile body.

Abstract: A traffic safe pole for supporting traffic signs, road lighting and the like.The pole is characterized in that it is divided substantially perpendicularly to its longitudinal direction preferably in one place and, thus, comprises a first portion (1), to which, for example, a traffic sign (2) is intended to be attached, and jointed to said first portion a second portion (3) intended to be anchored in a suitable way, for example in the ground (4).The pole further is characterized in that said joint substantially consists of a sleeve (6,12,30) so arranged, that its tensile strength in substantially its longitudinal direction considerably exceeds the tensile strength in its circumferential direction. Said sleeve (6,12,30) further is attached, preferably by glueing, to the outer (9,10) or inner (14,15,32,33) shell surface of said pole portions (1,3) at a tubular pole and to the shell surface (9,10) of said portions (1,3) at a homogenous pole.

Abstract: Timber support poles are given desired breaking properties to reduce the deceleration of a vehicle that collides with the pole by cutting one or more recesses in the pole, and filling the recesses with a polymeric filler composition.

Abstract: A concrete wall bearing component having one or more relatively large failure panel sections therein each defined by a thin weakness band and being of such size as to blow out of the panel along the weakness band when subjected to a blast, while leaving enough of the panel to support the load normally supported by the panel, and a wall formed of said bearing components. The invention differs from the prior art in making lighter panels not by increasing the strength and thus the weight.

Abstract: An asphalt composition roofing piece having a unique geometry and simplicity of form which enables such piece to be used as a starter piece, edge covering rake covering, and ridge or hip cover.

Abstract: A dual-purpose backerboard member is provided which has a weakening line dividing it longitudinally into two sections, and which has a barrier sheeting bonded to one face of the cellular backerboard except along the weakening line. The panel member can readily be split along the weakening line without damage to the barrier sheeting laminated thereto, due to the provision of the unbonded zone. The backer member can be used intact for a single-lap siding panel; alternatively it can be split and assembled with a double-lap panel, in which assembly the two sections are overlapped and hingedly interconnected by the bridging web of the sheeting, and are installed against the offset wall portions of the panel.

Abstract: A sealing, trimming or finishing strip has a metal carrier advantageously made up of U-shaped side-by-side metal elements interconnected by integral connecting links. The carrier is completely embedded in flexible material, such as rubber or plastics material, which defines inner gripping and sealing lips. A sealing portion is also provided. Substantially all of the material on the inside of the carrier (including the material of the lips) is sufficiently transparent or translucent to enable the carrier, or at least the connecting links thereof, to be visible through it. This facilitates cutting of the strip into lengths, because it enables the cutter to be located so as to cut through the connecting links of the carrier, rather than through the U-shaped elements thereof. The channel-shaped material externally of the carrier is visually opaque.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising a plurality of inverted-T runners. Kerfed edge ceiling tile supported by runners and concealing the bottom of the runners. At least one ceiling tile having a central portion removable therefrom by being separable along a substantially vertical fine cut made by high pressure fluid jet cutting.

Abstract: A flat screen mesh element formed of metal or plastics material covers one or more core openings in a block of the next to topmost course in a foundation wall. When the topmost course of blocks is in place, mortar used to embed a foundation cap plate anchor bolt is placed in the core opening of a top course block which is in alignment with a locator tab carried by one end of the screen mesh element and extending beyond a surface of the foundation wall. The screen mesh element prevents the mortar from entering a core opening or openings of blocks below the topmost course. A large savings of mortar is achieved and the anchor bolts are installed at a uniform level on the foundation wall.

Abstract: A structural element, such as a section of a duckboard (e.g. a landing mat) to be removably fastened to a similar section, has one or more edges provided with male coupling formations adapted to be converted into complementary female formations by breaking off a projecting part thereof. The projecting part is generally T-shaped, with its frangible stem rising from the bottom of a preferably dovetail-shaped recess. Such an element can therefore be readily joined to another element having a mortise complementary to the head of the T or a tenon complementary to the recess.

Abstract: An ornamental and protective vehicle door edge guard comprises a metallic strip of generally U-shaped cross section which is self-retaining on the door edge. An insulating liner is disposed between the metallic edge guard and the door edge and comprises a thin sheet of plastic film arranged with the grain running generally lengthwise of the edge guard.

Abstract: A building wall construction employing liner panels and facing panels. Liner panels are positively secured and releasably secured between adjacent horizontal frame members of the building. Facing panels are positively secured at their mid-region to a horizontal frame member and are positively secured at one end to a liner panel and releasably secured at the other end to a liner panel. The resulting building wall will fail at predictable pressure differentials.

Abstract: Constructing building walls from concrete blocks having flattened rectangular facing members held in parallel spaced relation by integral transverse webs spaced from the ends of the block by a distance equal to one-half the distance between the webs and providing a pair of V-shaped reinforcing of receiving notches having straight sides inclined at an angle of substantially 45.degree.. The blocks are stacked in equally staggered courses to define the wall panel and are held in position by a bonding agent securing the confronting surfaces of the blocks to each other with substantially no space therebetween. Vertical reinforcing rods are positioned in the vertically extending openings provided by the aligned webs of the blocks, and horizontal reinforcing rods are supported in the V-shaped notches, with the shape of the notches causing the rods to settle into desired positions on opposite sides of the vertical reinforcing rods.

Abstract: Several courses of random width, low-grade tapered wood shingles are stacked in an elongated trough with the butts of shingles of adjacent courses disposed at opposite sides of the trough to form a substantially continuous stacked shingle lay-up. A cutoff saw consecutively cuts loose packs of shingles from an end portion of the lay-up. After each pack-cutting operation, the lay-up is shifted lengthwise of the trough to a position for the saw to cut another pack from the lay-up. Each severed pack is banded about its center to form a bundle, moved lengthwise partway through a gang saw to form a set of parallel kerfs spaced apart uniformly widthwise of the bundle and extending from an end of the bundle almost up to the band and then turned end-for-end and moved lengthwise partway through the gang saw to form another set of kerfs extending from the other end of the bundle almost up to the band. The kerfs of the two sets of kerfs are in registration.

Abstract: A composite module (14) is formed by a specially constructed mold (65) and division plate (80) to form plural splitting planes (28, 31, 33, 51, 54, 56) in the composite module which is thereafter split by a series of knives (114-116, 121-123, 126, 127) aligned with such predefined splitting planes to split the module into plural blocks (12, 13) each having plural irregular decorative surface areas (25, 26, 27; 48, 49, 50) having different widths (35, 37, 39; 58, 60, 62) and depths (30, 32, 34; 52, 55, 57). Such split-type decorative areas within a course (131) are aligned out of vertical alignment with decorative areas of other blocks in adjacent courses (130, 132) to form a decorative wall (134).