Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the making of a base isolation device to be used for the protection of non-structural items and equipment. When the base plate, which is attached to the ground, moves with the ground earthquake shakings, the isolation plate, supported by the roller ball transfer bearings, rolls over the base plate and prevents the transfer of forces to the overlying equipment. Once the ground shaking ends, the tension springs or viscous dampers pull back the isolation plate to its original position, laterally and rotationally. The height of the isolation device could be as low as 3 inches.

Abstract: A seismic isolation device comprises an isolation support and an inerter unit arranged on the side of the isolation support, the isolation support having an upper plate and a lower plate, the inerter unit having a rotating rod extending to the side of the lower plate and a flywheel linked with the rotating rod, wherein when the upper and lower plates of the present invention undergo relative displacement due to the occurrence of an earthquake, the inerter unit provide an inertance to reduce the displacement reaction, thereby providing better seismic isolation effect.

Abstract: A variable acceleration curved surface spiral gear transmission mechanism for accelerated oscillator damper damping systems is disclosed. Through the orthogonal orbit planetary gear set moving along the parallel circular arc line guide rail, the concave surface spiral gear and the convex surface spiral gear are meshed at different radii, so as to realize the continuous changing of the speed ratio and changing of the acceleration of the additional mass block. The spiral curve limit guide groove is set on the surface of concave surface spiral gear and convex surface spiral gear, and the changing rate of speed changing ratio is adjusted by designing different spiral curves, and then the acceleration changing rate of additional mass block is controlled.

Abstract: A stabilization system for a building includes a weight assembly configured to be coupled to a floor structure of the building, a seismic sensor configured to provide measurement data relating to a seismic event, and a controller. The weight assembly includes a track defining a track path, a weight slidably coupled to the track, and an actuator coupled to the weight and configured to move the weight along the track path. The controller is operatively coupled to the seismic sensor and the actuator and configured to (a) determine a target response of the weight assembly that mitigates the effect of the seismic event on the building based on the measurement data, and (b) control the actuator to move the weight along the track path according to the target response.

Abstract: A civil engineering anti-seismic structure includes a base. A fixing structure is fixedly welded at the bottom center of the base. A through-hole is provided at the top center of the base. Sliding grooves are provided on corresponding inner walls at two sides of the base. Sliding blocks are slidably connected to the sliding grooves inside the grooves and are symmetrically installed at two sides of a sliding plate. A top block is fixedly welded at the top center of the sliding plate (8), and a fixing groove is provided at the top center of the top block. A shock-absorbing damping pad is fixedly adhered to a bottom inner wall of the base. A first limiting plate is fixedly welded around the top portion of the sliding plate, and a second limiting plate is fixedly welded around the through-hole at a top inner wall of the base.

Abstract: Earthquake protection system for a floating slab (1), for the conservation of the structures placed on the slab against the dynamic forces caused by earthquakes, comprising one or more vertical holding devices, arranged on the floating slab (1), and one or more side dampers (20), located on the side walls of the floating slab (1), wherein vertical holding devices are configured for the limitation and damping of the vertical movement of the floating slab and wherein the side dampers (20) are configured to limit and damp the movement of the floating slab (1) in the horizontal direction. The invention also comprises a protection method against earthquakes for protecting that which is arranged on the floating slabs.

Abstract: Invention; is related to isolators eliminating circular forces caused by earthquake forces acting on the building. It is placed between foundation of structures manufactured by steel construction, concrete, prefabricated structure or other methods and structure and which reduces/terminates impact of earthquakes on structures. Thus, damage to be given by earthquake to carrying elements of building is eliminated.

Abstract: A sensor includes a housing, at least one sensor component disposed within the housing such that there is space between the housing and the sensor component, and a vibrational damping material disposed within the space to dampen vibration of the sensor components relative to the housing. The sensor can be a thermal sensor. For example, the thermal sensor can be a linear thermal detector, an optical flame detector, or any other suitable type of sensor or combination of sensors.

Abstract: Improved isolation flooring systems, and methods for their use are disclose for protecting a payload, such as heavy or delicate equipment (such as laboratory or computer equipment), from damage due to vibrations, such as seismic vibrations. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating heavy and/or sensitive objects from the full acceleration of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: The system described herein consists of an isolator and a damping device. The isolator and damping device are used to isolate structures and thus to mitigate earthquake effects on structures. These devices extremely reduce transmitted energy to an isolated superstructure, so that protected structures by means of the devices described herein, may have small or no damages. The isolator has a spherical base fixed to ground via a footing, middle part that responds to the moving base by rotating around the center of a small concave or convex, causing the superstructure to move upwards and downwards vertically, and a top part connected to a superstructure. The damping device consists of a base receives vertical displacement from the superstructure, dampers and springs to dissipate more energy, restrict maximum horizontal displacements and might help returning the superstructure to its stationary position in smooth way.

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: A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively.

Abstract: A system includes a structure configured to undergo oscillatory movement. The system also includes a friction damping clamp coupled to the structure. The friction damping clamp includes a housing having a groove. The friction damping clamp also includes a roller positioned at least partially within the groove, where the groove has first and second ramps. The roller is configured to move up each ramp of the groove so that more compression is applied on the structure and to move down each ramp of the groove so that less compression is applied on the structure. The roller may be configured to apply more compression on the structure to increase friction between portions of the structure, to apply less compression on the structure to decrease friction between the portions of the structure, and to apply substantially no compression on the structure when the roller is located at a center of the groove.

Abstract: The disclosed seismic isolation bearing includes an upper base plate, a lower base plate, a disc bearing core, and a shear spring surrounding the disc bearing core. Concave recesses are formed in a lower surface of the upper base plate and an upper surface of the lower base plate. The disc bearing core is centrally positioned with respect to the planes of the upper and lower base plates and can slide along the recesses of the upper and lower base plates, where the recesses exert a lateral return force on the disc bearing core when displaced from a central position. The shear spring surrounds the disc bearing core, deforms in shear upon lateral movement of the upper base plate relative to the lower base plate, and exerts a lateral return force on the upper base plate when the upper base plate is laterally displaced.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

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: The present invention provides a vibration damping construction system including a first construction body, a second construction body, and a damping unit. The first construction body includes a reaction surface. The second construction body is accommodated in the first construction body. The damping unit is disposed between the second construction body and the reaction surface of the first construction body for reducing the vibration transferred from the first construction body.

Abstract: Systems mitigate structural damage by selectively engaging energy-absorbing structures only during impact events, including aircraft impacts. Systems include lateral dampening devices and/or seismic bearings between a structure and its foundation. Lateral dampening devices include a restorative member and/or reactive member configured to rigidly join the structure and the foundation and dampen reactive movement after the structure moves toward the foundation during an impact event. Seismic bearings include a top plate connected to the structure, a bottom plate connected to the foundation, and a resistive core between the top plate that dampens relative movement between the structure and the foundation. Seismic bearings may include a capture assembly that rigidly joins and dampens reactive movement between the structure and the foundation during an impact event.

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: The invention is an energy absorbing system for safeguarding structures from disruptive forces, which may be implemented into structures or devices to provide protection from seismic motion, blasts or other disruptive forces, due to the system's displacement and damping characteristics. The system's performance can be better molded analytically to predict performance of the structure under earthquake and wind motions, for example. By utilizing cost effective materials and a simple design, the present invention provides a more efficient cost-effective system for absorbing unwanted energy, for example, a base isolation system.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a vibration control apparatus that can be installed in a small pace and can be produced at low cost, as well as a wind turbine generator equipped with the vibration control apparatus and a vibration control method. The vibration control apparatus 7 includes a first vibration system 10 of inverted-pendulum type, second vibration systems 20 of inverted-pendulum type which are provided on both sides of the first vibration system 10, a restraining unit 30 which restrains a first weight 11 of the first vibration system 10 and a second weight 21 of the second vibration system 20 and a damper which damps vibration of the first weight 11 and the second weight 21. The vibration control apparatus 7 is installed on an upper floor 8a of a plurality of floors 8.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing an orthogonal angle of rollers in a seismic isolation system having a support mechanism by the rollers which are overlapped up and down and orthogonal to each other, Since a structure is shaken when a damping three of a damping mechanism exceeds seismic energy, a damping mechanism having a function of controlling and suppressing the damping force in accordance with the seismic energy is also produced. In order to maintain the orthogonal angle of the rollers, retaining materials having slight clearances which allow rolling of the rollers are attached to orthogonal parts of the rollers so as to fix the orthogonal angle. Meanwhile, energy absorption when a linear steel material is wound around a cylindrical material and continuously deformed by a horizontal force serves as the damping force, and by changing an axial section area of the linear steel material, an energy absorbing amount is controlled.

Abstract: The system described herein consists of a seismic isolator and a damping device. The system is used to isolate structures from seismic forces and further reduces transmitted forces via the seismic isolator to structure. The isolator has a spherical base fixed to ground, middle part that responds to the moving base by rotating around the centre of a small concave or convex, causing the superstructure to move upwards and downwards vertically, and a top part connected to the superstructure and the isolator middle part. The damping device consists of horizontal seismic force filter, springs, dampers and a vertical force transferor beam. Structures seismically isolated with the system herein may be protected to adequate amounts that allow minimal or no damages to the superstructures. That means continuous serviceability during and aftermath becomes achievable for the very most of the earthquakes and site characteristics combinations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the energy dissipation of a structural element is increased by inserting one or more resisting elements into the structural element at any time during or after construction of the structural element. The continuous resisting elements are rigidly attached to the structural at one end and connected to the structural element by and through a damping material over at least a portion of its length. When a dynamic force is applied to the structural elements, such as may result from wind or earthquakes, there will be a strain in the structure, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the resisting elements. In this way, the forces and deformations within the structure will result in a relative motion between the structural element and resisting element, a substantial portion of which is ultimately transmitted by and through the damping material layer.

Abstract: Systems mitigate structural damage by selectively engaging energy-absorbing structures only during impact events, including aircraft impacts. Systems include lateral dampening devices and/or seismic bearings between a structure and its foundation. Lateral dampening devices include a restorative member and/or reactive member configured to rigidly join the structure and the foundation and dampen reactive movement after the structure moves toward the foundation during an impact event. Seismic bearings include a top plate connected to the structure, a bottom plate connected to the foundation, and a resistive core between the top plate that dampens relative movement between the structure and the foundation. Seismic bearings may include a capture assembly that rigidly joins and dampens reactive movement between the structure and the foundation during an impact event.

Abstract: A ductile seismic shear key construction including a concrete support, a concrete shear key supported on the concrete support, a generally vertical reinforcement bar in and extending between the concrete support and the concrete shear key and anchored in the concrete support, and an isolation key. The isolation key is in and at the base of the concrete support and adjacent the reinforcement bar. The bar can be one of the two legs of a downwardly-disposed U-shaped bar. The other leg, if present, is also in and extends between the concrete support and the shear key and is anchored in the concrete support; and a second isolation key is in the concrete support at the base thereof and adjacent the second leg. The bars can pass through through-holes in the isolation keys, particularly for an interior shear key construction. For an exterior shear key construction the bars can be disposed in notches of the isolation key.

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: A floor isolation system includes a platform and a multidirectional spring unit. The platform has rolling supports that isolate the platform from lateral movements of a substrate. The platform further has sliding supports that (1) prevent the platform from moving freely during daily service and (2) dampen lateral movements of the platform caused by the lateral movements of the substrate. The multidirectional spring unit links the substrate and the platform to provide a spring force in any horizontal direction that limits the lateral displacements of the platform. The multidirectional spring unit includes a spring secured to the substrate, a fairlead, and a cable having one end secured to the spring and another end passing through the fairlead and secured to the platform.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.

Abstract: An antiseismic support pad having a base for supporting and holding the pad on a support surface, at least one spherical rolling element mounted to rotate freely about a center of rotation in a bearing secured to the support base, and a support plate resting on the spherical rolling element via a concave bearing surface, the pad being characterized by the fact that the support base comprises a soleplate secured to at least one bearing, configured to rest freely on the support surface and to hold the pad in place on the support surface without a fastener, and that the support pad includes an arrangement configured to suspend the support base from the support plate and move the base resiliently in radial directions about a support plate axis that is substantially perpendicular to the soleplate, the arrangement connected firstly to the support plate and secondly to the support base comprising the soleplate and the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand alone system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a weighted object is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the weighted object and thereby store energy in the elevated object. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: To provide a friction damper with simple construction having characteristics that there is little difference in resistance forces between at initial shock and after slide, and it is difficult to deform slide member under large fastening force, and large frictional force can stably be generated. The friction damper 1 comprising: a cylinder box 2; a cylinder member 6 axially fixed in the cylinder box; a slide bearing 7 press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder member; and a shaft 3 made of metal, the shaft being axially slidably press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the slide bearing; wherein when the cylinder box and the shaft move axially in relation to each other, an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the slide bearing frictionally slide in relation to each other to absorb vibration energy.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant structure includes a structure base assembly and a building structure positioned on the structure base assembly. The earthquake resistant structure includes a base isolation assembly which carries the building structure and structure base assembly, wherein the base isolation assembly includes a movement member and horizontal dampening member which allow the building structure and structure base assembly to move in response to an applied force, such as from an earthquake.

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: A base isolation device for a structure capable of efficiently and effectively suppressing the vibration of a structural body in surface outside direction, wherein a tension member having on overall length longer than an interval between support points provided on the structural body at a specified interval is disposed between the support points, one end parts of first link pieces are rotatably connected midway to the tension member directly or through rigid members, one end parts of second link pieces are rotatably connected to the structural body, the other end parts of the first link pieces are rotatably connected to the other end parts of the second link pieces, and an energizing member providing a tension to the tension member by energizing the first link piece and the second link piece and a damping member operated by the rotation of the first link piece and the second link piece are installed between the structural body forming the structure and connection parts between the first link pieces and the se

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: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases in a universal contacting manner.

Abstract: An anti-seismic device is adapted to absorb the vibration energy of a structure, and comprises a plurality of vibration-reducing units, each of which includes a mass, a hydraulic cylinder, and a resilient element. The hydraulic cylinder has an outer end that is connected fixedly to the structure, and an inner end that is connected fixedly to the mass. The resilient element has an outer end that is connected to the structure, and an inner end that is connected to the mass. When the structure is subjected to vibration, the masses can move reciprocally relative to the structure at different vibration frequencies. The hydraulic cylinders are arranged substantially in parallel.

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 subsurface aircraft servicing pit is provided with a hold down assembly that secures a pit lid mounting frame in position on a bearing seat at the top of a prefabricated pit enclosure. A frame mount latch ring is suspended in spaced relation beneath the underside of the pit lid mounting frame and inwardly from the walls of the pit enclosure. At least a pair of frame mount latches are provided on opposite sides of the pit. The latches have bases secured to the pit walls and hooks that extend over the top of the frame mount latch ring. The frame mount latches are constructed so as to exert a downward force on the frame mount latch ring, thus holding the peripheral margin of the pit lid mounting frame tightly against a peripheral bearing seat surrounding the pit opening. The necessary force exerted by the frame mount latches may be provided by a coil spring located within the structure of each frame mount latch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for protecting buildings from damage due to seismic waves. The system comprises a bed of sand contained between two layers of polymer membrane, upon this sand bed a rests a first concrete slab, this first concrete slab supports, through a plurality of coil springs and shock absorbers, a second concrete slab. The structure to be protected is attached to the upward facing surface of the second concrete slab. In the event of an earthquake, the sand bed acts to slow the propagation of seismic waves, while the plurality of springs and shock absorbers isolates the structure from ground movements caused by the waves.

Abstract: A foundation shock eliminator includes an upper block, a lower stationary base, an interconnecting assembly and an energy damping coating. The lower stationary base is mounted under the upper block. The interconnecting assembly is mounted between the upper block and the lower stationary base and includes an upper track, a lower track and a track joint. The upper and the lower tracks are respectively attached to the upper block and the lower stationary base and are arranged in a cross. The track joint is slidably mounted between the tracks. The energy damping coating mounted in the foundation shock eliminator absorbs shock energy. Consequently, the upper block will move relative to the lower stationary base to counterbalance the most horizontal shock effects and cooperates with the energy damping coating absorbing the shock energy in both horizontal and vertical directions so that reduction of shock is efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a building structure is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the building structure and thereby store energy in the elevated structure. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: A tuned cradle type damping deice which can be tuned with low-order (e.g., 1 Hz or lower) vibration, and exhibits higher performance for maintenance and inspection with a simple constitution than a conventional one. This tuned cradle type damping device comprises: a support having a circular-arc support surface which is at least a part of a circle; two swings positioned on both outsides of a center axis extending direction of the circular-arc support surface of the support; and two rollers which are rotatably supported on the circular-arc support surface to be rolled thereon and moved around the center axis thereof, and both ends of which are rotatably connected to the two swings to support the two swings.

Abstract: An active vibration control system for controlling excessive or unwanted vibrations in floors or other structures. The system has three main components: (1) velocity sensor w/signal conditioner; (2) feedback controller; and (3) proof-mass actuator. This system works by creating a feedback loop that generates a control force proportional to the velocity, thus adding damping to the controlled modes of floor vibration. In other words, the feedback loop makes the moving mass of the actuator move to counteract the motion of the floor. The system is optimized such that the motor can be driven with a sinusoidal force where the peak force is at or near the full motor capacity at any frequency without exceeding the stroke while maintaining a simple and cost effective feedback controller. Additionally, a relationship between the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system and actuator is established to provide efficient and stable control.

Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive and plausible means of earthquake protection for personal residences in developing nations and economically distressed areas within the United States through the use of recycled tires containing a particular rock aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a building structure is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the building structure and thereby store energy in the elevated structure. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine to generate electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of structural systems such as apartment houses against dynamic loading caused by earthquakes, wind, traffic etc. When a frame structure is excited by a horizontal external force, the girders starts to displace horizontally. If such displacements are large or if they occur periodically they may have serious impact on the conditions of the structure and may cause severe damages or even result in a collapse. The present invention relates to a very simply designed and easily produced damper with two members being interconnected in a rotational joint. By means of the arrangement of the damper in the structural system, displacement occurring in the system is transferred to the members being forced to rotate in relation to each other. Frictional resistance between the two members is dampening the rotational movement and thus the displacement in the system.

Abstract: The Improved Aseismic System of the present invention isolates a structure from seismic forces, and wind forces and seismic forces combined. During an earthquake the structure will slide on seismic filters, while gas dampeners act as shock absorbers to absorb the tremors and keep the structure from impacting its foundation. Fluid flow control assemblies control the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action ram assemblies and the gas dampeners. Seismic filters provide a frictionless base for the structure support pillars to isolate them from the foundation and any forces which would otherwise be transmitted from the foundation to the structure's support pillars.