A method for forming a passage in a ceramic matrix composite component includes forming a core for a ceramic matrix composite component; embedding a hollow member into the core at a desired location for a passage in the ceramic matrix composite component; wrapping the core with a ceramic material; and inserting a rod through the hollow member and into the core.

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.

When a roof tile provided with a hole is manufactured, first a non-cured composition 11 is fed between two facing mold surfaces 13b and 15b of two mold halves 13 and 15 after which the two mold halves are brought together. The mold surface 13b of one of the two mold halves 13 is provided with a bulge 17 which has a thickness 19 that is smaller than the distance 21 between the two mold surfaces 13b and 15b at the location of this bulge in the state of the mold halves brought together. As a result, the roof tile obtains a thin part 23 at the location of this bulge 17. After the pressing operation the two mold halves 13 and 15 are taken apart and the composition 11 is cured. Once the roof tile 1 has cured, the thin part 23 is broken away from the roof tile and in this manner the hole 5 in the roof tile is formed.

When a roof tile provided with a hole is manufactured, first a non-cured composition 11 is fed between two facing mold surfaces 13b and 15b of two mold halves 13 and 15 after which the two mold halves are brought together. The mold surface 13b of one of the two mold halves 13 is provided with a bulge 17 which has a thickness 19 that is smaller than the distance 21 between the two mold surfaces 13b and 15b at the location of this bulge in the state of the mold halves brought together. As a result, the roof tile obtains a thin part 23 at the location of this bulge 17. After the pressing operation the two mold halves 13 and 15 are taken apart and the composition 11 is cured. Once the roof tile 1 has cured, the thin part 23 is broken away from the roof tile and in this manner the hole 5 in the roof tile is formed.

A monolithic airflow testing mold suitable for mating with a workpiece includes a platform portion formed from a first material having a first hardness. The mold further includes a workpiece mating portion surrounding by the platform portion. The mating portion includes a support region abutting the platform portion and formed from a second material having a second hardness, and a sealing surface positioned above the support region and formed from a third material having a third hardness. The sealing surface is configured to mate with and extend into a hollow portion of the workpiece. The first hardness is different from at least one of the second and third hardnesses.

A method of curing a concrete product having a cavity is described and includes positioning the concrete product on a base, sealing an opening to the cavity using a cover plate, introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the cavity to execute carbonation of the concrete product, and, in response to the concrete product attaining a target specification, unsealing the opening. A system for curing a precast concrete product is also described.

Heat storage devices suitable for storing solar energy, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a storage housing that contains a working fluid. A working fluid inlet pipe is coupled to the storage housing. A plurality of concrete plates are positioned in the housing, with the adjacent plates at least partially forming individual flow passages. A working fluid outlet pipe is coupled to the housing. A controller maintains a predominantly laminar flow of the working fluid in the flow passages. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be thermal oil having a boiling temperature of 300 C. or higher.

A block reinforcement cage made from reinforcing material and adapted for loading within a machine during a block manufacturing process for molding a concrete U-wall construction block structure. The block cage includes an open aperture formed in each of its stem reinforcing portions. During the block manufacturing process, the first and second support members of a support mechanism are inserted within the open apertures formed in the stem reinforcing sections of the block cage, and cooperate with the open apertures of the block cage so as to (i) support the block cage when being loaded into a block manufacturing machine, (ii) define central apertures molded in each stem portion of the concrete U-wall construction block structure, and (iii) lift the molded concrete U-wall construction block when being unloaded from the machine.

A block reinforcement cage made from reinforcing material and adapted for loading within a machine during a block manufacturing process for molding a concrete U-wall construction block structure. The block cage includes an open aperture formed in each of its stem reinforcing portions. During the block manufacturing process, the first and second support members of a support mechanism are inserted within the open apertures formed in the stem reinforcing sections of the block cage, and cooperate with the open apertures of the block cage so as to (i) support the block cage when being loaded into a block manufacturing machine, (ii) define central apertures molded in each stem portion of the concrete U-wall construction block structure, and (iii) lift the molded concrete U-wall construction block when being unloaded from the machine.

An interlocking construction block system comprising a family of blocks that interlock along three axes, including a left/right axis, a front/back axis, and an up/down axis. The family of blocks are self-aligning and do not require skilled labor or mortar to create a structure of any length, width, height, or shape. Each block comprises a specific geometry that allows all blocks in the family to interlock in a woven pattern that not only locks the blocks in place but also allows even distribution of structural weights and stresses. The disclosed blocks can be manufactured in different sizes to conform to any building code requirement and to create wall lengths to a one-inch measurement. The blocks may comprise channel openings to allow for plumbing, electrical, and structural reinforcements in the structure and may each be reinforced with an internal mesh cage.