A block, block system and method of making a wall block. Multiple block embodiments with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance.

A block, block system and method of making a wall block. Multiple block embodiments with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance.

A block, block system and method of making a wall block. Multiple block embodiments with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated.

The invention relates to a biodegradable material made of biological components, comprising 10 to 60 wt. % of a protein adhesive (1), which is made of at least one protein, and 2 to 50 wt. % of natural fibers (4). Furthermore, 2 to 15 wt. % of at least one hygroscopic mineral (7), 10 to 55 wt. % of water (2), and 0 to 50 wt. % of an additive component (5) are provided in the material (10).

A permeable surface covering unit comprises a top surface and at least two pairs of irregularly shaped mating sides, one or more passageways extending downwardly from the top surface, and at least one under channel connected to the passageways for retaining liquid, such as storm water. The sides of the unit preferably define an irregular rotational tessellation element. The passageways may comprise gaps or side cavities between units and/or core cavities or other passageways within the unit. Optional undercuts may be provided in the core cavities. Pervious material plugs are cast into the cavities extending into the channel or undercut. Thereby the plug is locked into the cavity like a rivet and resists being dislodged by mechanical or hydraulic forces. A permeable surface embodiment comprises a combination of pervious and impervious units, wherein the ratio of permeable to impermeable units and resulting surface absorption rate may be adjusted.

A permeable surface covering unit comprises a top surface and at least two pairs of irregularly shaped mating sides, one or more passageways extending downwardly from the top surface, and at least one under channel connected to the passageways for retaining liquid, such as storm water. The sides of the unit preferably define an irregular rotational tessellation element. The passageways may comprise gaps or side cavities between units and/or core cavities or other passageways within the unit. Optional undercuts may be provided in the core cavities. Pervious material plugs are cast into the cavities extending into the channel or undercut. Thereby the plug is locked into the cavity like a rivet and resists being dislodged by mechanical or hydraulic forces. A permeable surface embodiment comprises a combination of pervious and impervious units, wherein the ratio of permeable to impermeable units and resulting surface absorption rate may be adjusted.

A mold for manufacturing interlocking, dry-cast concrete retaining wall blocks in an upright orientation comprises a mold box comprising two side walls joined to end walls to define a mold cavity, a top face, and a substantially open bottom face. Partitions configured to define a space between adjacent blocks or a space between a block and a side of the mold box extend parallel to the side walls of the mold box substantially from the top face into the mold cavity, to form first transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces the blocks which do not include any undercut portion that would impede removal of the mold box in a substantially vertical direction. At least one removable insert comprises insert members which, when positioned in the mold box beneath the partitions, form remaining transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces, the remaining transverse portions including at least one undercut portion. The insert members, when in position in the mold box for casting, are substantially in lateral alignment with respective bottom surfaces of at least some of the partitions and can be inserted and retracted through openings in an end wall of the mold box.

A mold for manufacturing self-locking blocks made of cement material, includes a mold box, provided with a rigid external frame, with a rigid insert which has internal cavities for obtaining the blocks. The mold further includes a presser shaped complementarily to the insert, and a flexible connecting joint being present perimetrically between the frame and the insert. The insert rests on a table which interacts with a vibrating surface.