An inventory of industrial mats having different core or internal constructions that are not visible because of the inclusion of side, end, upper and lower components which hide the core or internal construction from view, wherein each mat has an electronic device that indicates what is present in the hidden core or internal construction of the mat, with the electronic device including a processor, storage, and wireless communications circuitry that is configured to transmit identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats over a wireless telecommunications network. Also, a method for providing an identification of mat properties or usage for an inventory of mats by viewing the information stored on the electronic device or by retrieving over a wireless telecommunications network identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats from the storage of the electronic device.

A crane mat is disclosed having a plurality of panels of lumber positioned in alternating transverse directions with respect to one another, where the top and bottom panels are oriented parallel to the direction of vehicular traffic. The top and bottom panels may include a plurality of spaced apart grooves extending longitudinally from a first longitudinal end of the crane mat to a second longitudinal end of the crane mat for enhancing traction of a vehicle when traversing across the crane mat by transporting rain or moisture off the mat, or for receiving mud or other debris. The crane mat may include a plurality of edge protectors positioned on respective sides of the crane mat to protect the crane mat from handling damage. In various embodiments, the crane mat may be manufactured using either softwood, hardwood, or any combination of softwood and hardwood.

A crane mat is disclosed having a plurality of panels of lumber positioned in alternating transverse directions with respect to one another, where the top and bottom panels are oriented parallel to the direction of vehicular traffic. The top and bottom panels may include a plurality of spaced apart grooves extending longitudinally from a first longitudinal end of the crane mat to a second longitudinal end of the crane mat for enhancing traction of a vehicle when traversing across the crane mat by transporting rain or moisture off the mat, or for receiving mud or other debris. The crane mat may include a plurality of edge protectors positioned on respective sides of the crane mat to protect the crane mat from handling damage. In various embodiments, the crane mat may be manufactured using either softwood, hardwood, or any combination of softwood and hardwood.

The subject matter described herein includes a paving system having a backing matrix, a plurality of untreated black locust wood pavers arranged in a defined pattern relative to one another on the backing matrix, the defined pattern creating regular void spaces therebetween, a permeable medium disposed between the wood pavers and filling the void spaces, at least one solar cell embedded within at least one wood paver, one or more layers of underlayment beneath the matrix, the one or more layers of underlayment having graduated sizes or porosities, and a flexible coating displaced around the perimeter of the backing matrix.

The subject matter described herein includes a paving system having a backing matrix, a plurality of untreated black locust wood pavers arranged in a defined pattern relative to one another on the backing matrix, the defined pattern creating regular void spaces therebetween, a permeable medium disposed between the wood pavers and filling the void spaces, at least one solar cell embedded within at least one wood paver, one or more layers of underlayment beneath the matrix, the one or more layers of underlayment having graduated sizes or porosities, and a flexible coating displaced around the perimeter of the backing matrix.

A landscaping block having a block body with at least a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer projection extending outwardly from each of the at least first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer locator positioned along each one of the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The at least one spacer locator positioned along each side surface has a retaining surface shaped to receive a spacer projection, at least a portion of the retaining surface extending outwardly from the side surface.

A landscaping block having a block body with at least a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer projection extending outwardly from each of the at least first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer locator positioned along each one of the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The at least one spacer locator positioned along each side surface has a retaining surface shaped to receive a spacer projection, at least a portion of the retaining surface extending outwardly from the side surface.

An inventory of industrial mats having different core or internal constructions that are not visible because of the inclusion of side, end, upper and lower components which hide the core or internal construction from view, wherein each mat has an electronic device that indicates what is present in the hidden core or internal construction of the mat, with the electronic device including a processor, storage, and wireless communications circuitry that is configured to transmit identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats over a wireless telecommunications network. Also, a method for providing an identification of mat properties or usage for an inventory of mats by viewing the information stored on the electronic device or by retrieving over a wireless telecommunications network identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats from the storage of the electronic device.

An inventory of industrial mats having different core or internal constructions that are not visible because of the inclusion of side, end, upper and lower components which hide the core or internal construction from view, wherein each mat has an electronic device that indicates what is present in the hidden core or internal construction of the mat, with the electronic device including a processor, storage, and wireless communications circuitry that is configured to transmit identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats over a wireless telecommunications network. Also, a method for providing an identification of mat properties or usage for an inventory of mats by viewing the information stored on the electronic device or by retrieving over a wireless telecommunications network identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats from the storage of the electronic device.

A landscaping block having a block body with at least a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer projection extending outwardly from each of the at least first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer locator positioned along each one of the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The at least one spacer locator positioned along each side surface has a retaining surface shaped to receive a spacer projection, at least a portion of the retaining surface extending outwardly from the side surface.