Abstract: A seismic isolator is provided in a building and maintains the horizontalness of the building. The isolator includes a foundation base plate in contact with the ground surface, and a foundation top plate on which a building is mounted, the foundation base plate and the foundation top plate being in intimate contact with each other leaving no space and being individually directly formed with a curved surface symmetrically facing each other; and a spherical body positioned at the center of the curved surfaces, when the foundation base plate moves as a result of horizontal vibrations caused by an earthquake, the spherical body rotates and rolls along the curved surfaces to raise the foundation top plate; thereby the vibrations are hindered from being transmitted to the foundation top plate to perform seismic-isolation action on the building; and after the earthquake subsides, the spherical body returns to the center of the curved surfaces.

Abstract: A method of installing a base isolation floor includes a base arrangement process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped bases, which are formed so that a plurality of upward convex curved surface portions are aligned on an upper surface, on double-sided tapes applied onto an upper surface of a floor over a plurality of columns to be substantially parallel to each other and thereby arranging the bases on the upper surface of the floor and a slide plate installation process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped slide plates having a substantially flat lower surface on the base.

Abstract: Improved isolation bearings, platforms, and tracks are disclosed for protecting a payload, such as delicate equipment, from damage due to vibrations, such as seismic vibrations. The isolation platforms and bearings combine a plurality of shapes on their load bearing surfaces to increase stability of the payload even when subjected to vibrations of high velocity or intensity.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a methods and systems employing at least one seismic isolation bearing having a substantially polygonal shape in a top and/or bottom view. Preferably the polygonal shape is other than a square shape; preferably the shape is other than a rectangular shape. Such polygonal isolation bearings can be easily and securely joined to other components o the flooring or platform, and are of particular use in modular seismic isolation systems, in which the floor or platform can be assembled to suit the available space. In preferred systems the polygonal isolation bearings may be used in low profile systems, for example, in locations having restricted headroom.

Abstract: A modular base isolation system suitable for constructing isolation floors and platforms using the same elements, and capable of scaling up or down to suit the payload mass. These systems are low profile and permit placement of such systems un paces having restricted headroom. Also kits and methods or making and using such modular isolation systems.

Abstract: In a slide structure, a support structure and a seismically isolated structure, a first sliding surface (25) of a sliding member (21) is formed of a sliding body (24) made of synthetic resin. A film (27) made of synthetic resin and having a Young's modulus more than twice as large as that of the first sliding surface (25) is formed on the second sliding surface (28) of the counter member (22). At the same time, fine irregularities having a maximum height Rz of 3 ?m or higher are formed on the surface of the film (27). As a result, the lubricant is trapped in small pits of the irregularities to prevent the lubricant from flowing out, and a stable low friction state can be maintained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a support for offshore foundation structures, in particular for tripods, having a bearing surface for receiving gravitational force, a base surface for applying gravitational force to the ground, and a supporting structure for the transfer of force from the bearing surface to the base surface. The invention concerns in particular such a support having two separate frame elements which respectively have a bearing sub-surface and a base sub-surface, as well as a bridge member which can be coupled to the frame elements in the region of the bearing sub-surfaces for the transfer of force between the frame elements in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: Frictional Non Rocking Seismic Base Isolator For Structure Seismic Protection (FNSI) is a seismic protection isolator installed under foundations or columns of a building or other structure. FNSI separates a building or other structures from ground seismic motions and passes slight fraction of seismic forces to the superstructures so that the superstructure protected from earthquake induced damages. FNSI consists of three main parts, a Sliding Hammer fixed into ground, a Rotating Anvil, RA, and a Hook fixed to the superstructure, wherein contacted moving surfaces are so smooth for effective isolation. Seismic motions shake the sliding hammer which imitates ground motions and causes RA to rotate around center of the Hook convex or concave, and to simultaneously vibrate in vertical direction. RA movements cause the isolated superstructure to move vertically and slightly horizontally where the vertical vibrations can be accommodated by increase in material strength when responding to short term loading.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is used for mounting a photovoltaic module to a rack. The rack includes a base plate, two sidewalls extending from opposite sides of the base plate, and two limiting plates extending in from tops of the sidewalls respectively. An opening is defined between the limiting plates. The locking apparatus includes a pressing member, a mounting member, and a bolt. The mounting member includes a base, a neck portion, a head portion formed on a top of the neck portion, and two arms extending out from opposite sides of the head portion. The base is received in the rack and abuts bottoms of the arms. The arms are blocked by the limiting plates respectively. The bolt extends through the pressing member and the opening to screw into the mounting member, to fix the photovoltaic module between the pressing member and the rack.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a seismic isolation device which, regardless of a load to be supported, is capable of reducing acceleration through lengthening a natural period of an upper structure, with excellent vibration energy absorbing capacity by obtaining a properly preferable frictional force as well as a returning characteristic, and others.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the abovementioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating objects from seismic vibration, isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: An inventive method is presented for a sliding pendulum seismic isolation system that reduces seismic forces on the supported structure and reduces the costs of the isolation bearings, seismic gaps, and supported structural frame. The inventive method is to configure the isolation system to achieve increased effective friction with increased displacement amplitudes, and to employ specific bearing configurations that suit the different types and magnitudes of loads present at particular structure support locations. Three bearing configurations are presented which are comprised of multiple sliders that slide along different concave spherical surfaces, each constituting an independent sliding pendulum mechanism having a specified pendulum length and friction.

Abstract: Bearing retention devices and methods for their use in isolation bearings such as seismic bearings. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes a sleeve structure assembly secured by a plurality of elastic straps to upper and lower plates or pans of a rolling ball isolation bearing. The sleeve component is structured to retain the rolling ball within the circumference or area of the bearing plates of each the upper and lower bearing portions of the bearing while permitting the ball to freely roll in any direction during a seismic event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the above-mentioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: An isolation base system for sensitive structures such as nuclear power plant modules is suggested. The proposed isolation system considers a base supported on specially designed hollow spherical balls and equipped with 3 linear hydraulic actuators to restrict the lateral motion of the base and provide a stable base under normal conditions. The actuators are released when an earthquake signal is detected to allow the base to oscillate freely during the earthquake attack. The hydraulic actuators are reactivated after shock wave ends to compress the springs and restore the base to its original position.

Abstract: Isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structures which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having depressions comprising a combination of linear and radial surfaces, upon which the upper plate supports the above-mentioned structure, and the lower plate contacts a surface/area upon which the platform is to rest. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the depressions.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a dome-shaped shelter that has a seismic-isolation structure so as to reduce the shock effects of earthquakes and that is easy to construct. The dome-shaped shelter of the present invention is provided with (1) a dome affixed to a bottom board, and formed so as to surround an inside space with a floor, adjoining segments that form a wall, and adjoining segments that form a ceiling, all of which are made of expanded polystyrene, and (2) as an appropriate place for the dome, an improved ground that consists of a circular hole that is dug in ground to a predetermined depth and then packed with identical spheres. Said dome is slidably placed on said improved ground. The spheres of said improved ground are preferably cobblestones or made of hard rubber.

Abstract: Bearing retention devices and methods for their use in isolation bearings such as seismic bearings.

Abstract: A position returning device rollers for absorbing a horizontal force acting on a structure are provided between a foundation and a structure. A force from an earthquake is absorbed as the rolling motion of the rollers, roll in roller receivers. The receivers which function as a returning unit, supporting the rollers have a concave shape, and the action of the rollers naturally return to the center of the roller receivers by gravity. Gears disposed on the rollers at intersecting portions of the rollers mesh and maintain a constant angle at which the rollers intersect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the above-mentioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: An anti-shock device has at least two sliding members placed in at least two layers. Each sliding member is comprised of a slotted seat, an inner seat, and a rolling shaft. The slotted seat has a slot defined longitudinally in a face and has outer curved rails defined in two sidewalls. The inner seat mounted slidably in the slot has an inner curved rail defined therein, corresponding to and curving in the opposite direction of the outer curved rails. The rolling shaft is mounted rotatably through the outer curved rails and the inner curved rail. When subjected to vibration, the anti-shock device converts the horizontal forces into vertical forces. In addition, an energy dissipation member is provided in the anti-shock device that eliminates vertical vibrations.

Abstract: An anti shock device has a base plate and a top plate, at least one pair of support racks are mounted between the top plate and the base plate. At least one adapter is mounted between the support racks. The adapter has a curved rail defined therein, and the support racks also have curved rails defined therein which curves opposite to that of the adapter. A rolling shaft is mounted through the curved rails. In addition, a damping layer is provided on the top plate or base plate as well as support racks and rolling shafts. When the anti shock device is subjected to the earthquake, a relative displacement will reduce the horizontal vibrations and the damping layer will reduce the vertical vibrations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to develop for aseimatic building construction system by means of converting the solid structure for the building against the attack by earthquake into the flexible structure to absorb the energy of the vibration caused by the earthquake by the method of using spheres incorporated with the resilient frame-work in the function of rotating themselves and spreading the angle of the arch thereof and sliding on the ground-work.

Abstract: An access floor assembly includes a base floor, a substructure mounted to the base floor, a bearing plate, formed with a first cavity, mounted to the substructure and disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor, an isolator plate, formed with a second cavity, overlying the bearing plate, a ball disposed between the bearing plate and the isolator plate contacting the first and second cavities, and a floor plate coupled to the isolator plate and together forming an access floor disposed at an elevated location relative to the base floor.

Abstract: A vibration damping floor structure for reducing vibrations and shocks applied to a building. The vibration damping floor structure includes a frame structure formed by connecting a plurality of frames, a plurality of ball bearing supports formed on predetermined locations of the frame structure, and a plurality of ball bearings formed on each ball bearing support. Each bearing support is structured so that all of the ball bearings can contact the floor by adjusting the height and following the inclination of the floor.

Abstract: A dampening bearing support member having a plurality of bearings disposed between an object and a base with rheological medium disposed around the bearings, with the rheological medium being under the control of the user at times when it is desired to stiffen the rheological medium and limit or prevent movement of the bearings and the object in relation to the base.

Abstract: An all-directional damping and earthquake-resisting unit is fixed to a lower part of an object, such as a column of a building, and a foundation for the object, so that functionally different members of the unit normally bear the weight of the object. When there is an earthquake, round balls included in the unit automatically roll and rotate on ball restoring means provided on two ball carriers while a piston assembly automatically moves in a buffer space, so that an instantaneous impact by the earthquake energy and any earthquake-induced displacement are absorbed by the unit. The balls and the piston assembly finally automatically return to their original positions in the unit, enabling the object and the foundation thereof to always locate at the same place without the risk of deviating from their centers.

Abstract: A bi-directional rolling pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by rolling pendulum movements, the system having a lower plate forming a rolling path in a first direction; an upper plate forming a rolling path in a second direction; and a roller assembly performing a pendulum motion by rolling and moving along the lower and upper plates wherein the roller assembly performs the pendulum motion when seismic load is applied, thereby reducing the seismic load of a structure.

Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that is comprised of a base, a carrier, a slide block, and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.

Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that is comprised of a base, a carrier, a slide block, and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.

Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that is comprised of a base, a carrier, a slide block and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.

Abstract: A first machine mount is provided having an first load bearing member and a second load bearing member. A force dissipater is provided that dissipates a horizontal axial force by a vertical force. A second machine mount is provided having a first load bearing member, an intermediate load bearing member, and a second load bearing member. A first force dissipater and second force dissipater is provided that dissipates a horizontal planer force by a vertical force.

Abstract: A bi-directional rolling pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by rolling pendulum movements, the system having a lower plate forming a rolling path in a first direction; an upper plate forming a rolling path in a second direction; and a roller assembly performing a pendulum motion by rolling and moving along the lower and upper plates wherein the roller assembly performs the pendulum motion when seismic load is applied, thereby reducing the seismic load of a structure.

Abstract: A manufacture called “earthquake buffer” to protect a building structure from destructive earthquakes as well as to secure its stability under strong winds, comprising two non-resonant rolling friction slide layers positioned above each other on a building footing and consisting of a plurality of cylindrical rollers stretched parallel in a direction of one of the main building axes while being orthogonal to the bars in an alternative slide layer. The slide layers are interlaid with a distributive plate and topped with an inertia block connected to a rigid first floor diaphragm and the building superstructure. With a magnitude of earth movement exceeding a certain threshold, the earthquake buffer permits practically unlimited horizontal excursions of the footing relative to the superstructure while transmitting a dramatically reduced shearing force upwards and preventing any sizable lateral resonant effects in the protected building.

Abstract: A joint cover includes rails attached to the right and left building portions adjacent sides of the joint parts between the right and left building members. At least two or more support members are disposed across a joint gap at a sloping state, both ends thereof being supported movably by the rails attached to the side walls pairs. A plurality of support bars for retaining joint plates is provided pivotably at a fixed interval on the support members. The plurality of joint plates is attached to the support bars respectively, each joint plate being overlapping at a fixed width and being maintaining a overlapping state when the width of the joint gap between the two building members expands or contracts, so that the transportation and assembly operation can be done efficiently, and the joint cover can move smoothly following swing and oscillation movement due to earthquake, or the like.

Abstract: A base isolation device used for the purpose of absorbing a quake of the ground by, for example, an earthquake to thereby reduce the quake of a building, or used for the purpose of reducing a quake applied to a precision machinery and tool in transportation etc. of the precision machinery and tool. The base isolation device comprises 1st and 2nd track rails disposed orthogonally to each other, a 1st slide member freely linearly movable along the 1st track rail, a 2nd slide member connected to the 1st slide member and freely linearly movable along the 2nd track rail, a ball screw for converting a linear motion of the 2nd slide member into a rotary motion, a rotary sleeve to which a rotation is given by the ball screw, a stationary sleeve forming an action chamber of damping force between it and an outer periphery face of the rotary sleeve, and a viscous fluid sealed in the action chamber.

Abstract: A flat-type seismic isolator for exhibits includes a lower face plate installed on a foundation; an upper face plate that is installed to the lower surface of a seismic isolation object and placed above the lower face plate; an intermediate plate placed between the upper face plate and the lower face plate; and elastic restoring means and damping means provided for returning the plates to their original positions and placed in a lower area between the lower face plate and the intermediate plate and an upper area between the intermediate plate and the upper face plate, respectively. In the lower area, one lower linear guide rail is disposed in the center of the area and guide rails and rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the lower linear guide rail in parallel relation therewith for smoothly moving the intermediate plate with respect to the lower face plate in one linear direction. In the upper area, one upper linear guide rail is disposed in.

Abstract: A highly damped kinematic coupling for precision instruments. The kinematic coupling provides support while causing essentially no influence to its nature shape, with such influences coming, for example, from manufacturing tolerances, temperature changes, or ground motion. The coupling uses three ball-cone constraints, each combined with a released flexural degree of freedom. This arrangement enables a gain of higher load capacity and stiffness, but can also significantly reduce the friction level in proportion to the ball radius divided by the distance between the ball and the hinge axis. The blade flexures reduces somewhat the stiffness of the coupling and provides an ideal location to apply constrained-layer damping which is accomplished by attaching a viscoelastic layer and a constraining layer on opposite sides of each of the blade flexures.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for protecting a structural object from the potentially harmful effects of a cyclic event such as an earthquake or high wind loads. A fluid spring is employed to stiffen the structural object and absorb kinetic energy stored by the spring. Fluid from the spring is exchanged with an accumulator where kinetic energy is dissipated as heat. A flow circuit regulates the exchange of fluid between the spring chamber and the accumulator chamber under controlled conditions to absorb the harmful effects of high external loads and to release the structural object when a high shock load is experienced.

Abstract: The invention described is a system for seismic isolation or vibration of structures which is simple, relatively inexpensive and readily used for smaller structures. It involves use of bearings comprising a ball (10) and ball seats (12, 18) interposed between the structure and its foundation. Either the ball itself (24) or the seat surface (15) on which it rolls is compressible, the resistance to that compression providing a frictional braking force resisting rolling of the ball. This serves to dampen relative movement between the structure and its foundation. There are described several alternative constructions of the friction ball which is the preferred central element in the bearing device. There may be a plurality of balls (44, 47) in each combination of balls and seats.