Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seismic isolation bearing having an ultimate translational distance and capacity for supporting an upper structure on a lower structure, comprising a load bearing core for absorbing forces which causes a horizontal sliding movement between the upper structure and the lower structure, an upper load bearing plate positioned on top of the uppermost load bearing body and a lower load bearing plate positioned beneath the lowermost load bearing body. The bearing further includes a tension damping device comprising a matrix material and a reinforcement material disposed therewithin and having an activation point and range. Each tension damping device is adapted to be connected between the upper load bearing plate and the lower load bearing plate for damping and stiffening the sliding movement between the upper and lower structures.

Abstract: For absorbing blast energy in a composite block and reinforced concrete wall construction, a hollow block formed of a mixture of mineralized wood shaving and concrete and having a density of no more than approximately 1 ton per cubic meter. The block has formed therein openings extending in mutually orthogonal directions for permitting the placement therethrough of reinforced concrete, and is operative to cooperate with the reinforced concrete so as to resist blast forces.

Abstract: A roof screen system for securing a roof screen to a roof is provided. The system includes a plurality of mounting units that are secured to the roof by means of cylindrical supports. A weatherproofing assembly is disposed about each support and its base to prevent the roof from leaking, due to mounting of the supports on the roof. The weatherproofing assembly includes a collar that extends around the support to prevent water from flowing down the support and to a base cover that inhibits water from collecting on the base to prevent the roof from leaking. The cylindrical configuration of the support and weatherproofing assembly coact to prevent water and debris from collecting about the support and its base, to aid with maintaining roof integrity and to prevent the roof from leaking. Each mounting unit comprises a plurality of braces affixed in a triangular relationship. The triangular relationship of the braces aids with supporting the roof screen in the presence of extreme natural forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cart corral assembly of the type employed by stores, such as grocery stores, to encourage the consumer to temporarily store grocery carts in the parking lot before bringing the cart within the store structure. The cart corral includes a first set of two spaced apart vertical rails in a base support extended between these rails. The base support supports the vertical rails in an upright position. At least two spaced apart horizontal rails are provided and are removably engaged with the vertical rails in a position abut the base support. The horizontal rails form an obtuse angle with the vertical rails. A second set of two spaced apart vertical rails are provided opposite the first set of vertical rails and are removably engaged with the horizontal rails. A second base support extends between the second set of vertical rails and supports the vertical rails in an upright position. Removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounds each of the vertical and horizontal rails.

Abstract: A sash window includes two sashes locked with a combination lock, each sash having a metal inner frame sandwiched in between two glass plates within a rectangular frame, the metal inner frame having intersected metal bars mounted on the inside that prohibit burglars from breaking in.

Abstract: A method protecting building structures against termites comprising over the entire erection surface exposed by digging erection of the structure a non-porous film of plastic material impregnated throughout the film with a low concentration of an insecticide whereby the insecticide slowly diffuses.

Abstract: An insulated drainage panel for use in cavity wall or veneer wall construction. The insulated panel includes a generally planar insulating board; and a porous structure disposed on one side of the board.

Abstract: Raised portions are formed at opposing side portions of a metallic enclosing plate 4c, and an outside fitting portion 4c and an inside fitting portion are formed on the upper portions of the raised portions. A plurality of the enclosing plates are prepared and they are mutually joined via the raised portions and the outside fitting portion and the inside fitting portion are fitted together and arranged in parallel. A slide engaging portion of a mounting fixture is slidably fitted on the fitting portions of the enclosing plates and a sandwiching portion of the mounting fixture is fitted on a horizontal portion of a beam. In this construction, the enclosing plate can be mounted on the beam without using bolts or screws.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for damping vibration such as sound in a vibration generating device such as an appliance. A constraining layer and an adhering layer are provided. The adhering layer including a viscosity enhancing material such as a cellulose fiber, and an adhesive material. The constraining layer is adhered to a surface of an device with the adhering layer.

Abstract: A framework that can be erected over the structure that is to be protected. The framework has a plurality of telescoping supports that are securely anchored to the ground. A plurality of inflatable panels, with rims attached, are designed to be attached to the telescoping supports and when inflated will enclose the structure to be protected. When deflated the panels and frames will be enclosed in a covered trench that encircles the structure to be protected.

Abstract: An interactive play system and method of interactive play is provided in which a plurality of interactive play elements are provided for creating various desired effects utilizing soft foam balls or other suitable play media. The interactive play system comprises a multi-level support structure on which the interactive play elements are disposed. These allow play participants to create desired play effects using a fun and familiar play media. Some of the play elements may be multi-order play elements in that they receive play media from a first effect to create yet another effect. Various play-participant-operated conveyers are provided throughout the structure for transporting play media from a source to the various interactive play elements.

Abstract: A figure for positioning into a variety of polygonal orientations. The figure includes telescoping outer members pivotally connected to one another to form a polygon. The telescoping members can each be adjusted in length and angular orientation relative to adjoining members to form a plurality of polygonal shapes.

Abstract: A damping apparatus and method uses one or more tension elements fabricated from shape memory alloy to cycle through a superelastic stress-strain hysteresis to provide energy dissipation. The method and apparatus can be used for damping of any structures, such as machine parts, building structures, offshore platforms, and nanostructures that are subject to any type of vibration, such as acoustic, seismic, blast, impact, wave and wind. The tension elements can be wire loops or bands that are prestretched into approximately the middle of the stress-strain hysteresis. Such a damping apparatus can be designed to have any selected stroke or force capacity by adjusting the length, thickness and number of the tension elements. Moreover, any type of complex force-deflection hysteresis can be designed, for example, a triangular flag, a rectangle, a rectangular flag, a bowtie, or a staging characteristic that provides for hardening or softening.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella having an improved rib linkage system which is effective for providing support for an umbrella canopy during normal operating conditions, which is capable of restoring the umbrella to a normal open water-shielding configuration after the canopy has been inverted by strong wind or a gust, which is relatively easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which has relatively good reliability for use during periods of sustained winds or gusts.

Abstract: A generally flat structural panel for building construction includes a center insulating core such as of foam and opposed outer facings, or sheets, with one or more metal strips disposed within and extending the length of the panel and bonded to the panel's insulating core and to one of its outer facings. At least one of the outer facings is composite gypsum, concrete or cement which provides good tensile strength and high fire, environmental and insect resistance as well as low cost, but only limited bending strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved window frames and window frame systems for containing slideably mounted window sash systems. The present invention includes guides in upper horizontally oriented window frame heads which are of different depths on left and right horizontal sides, so that window sash systems present can-be slid into a closed position under a shallower guide means wherein they can not be pried upward. The improved window frames and window frame systems can provide self contained wall trim, provide structural integrity, provide improved thermal control, and are easy to install by a convenient, described method. A prefered present invention window frame is of single piece construction and is fabricated by a resin transfer process.

Abstract: A vertical movement clip for attaching a channeled beam or stud member to a horizontal building member. The clip has the advantage of easily sliding into the interior of the stud and wedging between two parallel legs of the stud member to fit securely therein. The clip also has the advantage of providing an attachment flange that securely attaches to and holds the floor to the stud and prevents most all horizontal movements and yet allows for vertical floor movement relative to the stud. A second embodiment includes a first and second arm having bent portions for increased loading capacity.

Abstract: Apparatus for bracing a structural component against sway and seismic disturbances includes a strip structure having attachment portions for attaching the strip structure to a support and a threaded connector retention enclosure forming an enclosure interior. A threaded connector has an enlarged head located within the enclosure material and is for the purpose for receiving a threading bracing rod. The strip structure can be bent to change the angle of inclination of the rod.

Abstract: A portable field office having a generally rectangular base section configured to enclose the lower portion of an inner space; a generally rectangular top section configured to enclose an upper portion of the rectangular inner space and moveable between an upper extended position for use as a field office and a lowered position to form a module suitable for air transport and lift assemblies positioned to raise the top section between an extended and a lowered position and a door providing access to the inner space in the office in both the extended position and in the lowered position.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible deck suited for use at the entrance of a house trailer or mobile home includes a floor formed from wood or metal. The floor has opposed longitudinally extending side edges and opposed laterally extending front and rear edges. The deck also includes at least one movable wall with an edge at the level of the floor that is connected to one of the side edges of the floor. Each wall is movable between a horizontal deployed position extending laterally from the floor and a collapsed, i.e., withdrawn position when the deck is being transported. The deck includes ground-engaging wheels mounted for rotation for supporting the floor. A coupling at the front of the deck facilitates connecting the deck to a towing vehicle such as a truck for moving the deck from one location to another. When the deck is set up for use, a plurality of spaced apart foundation columns are located beneath the deck and extend upwardly from the ground to support the deck in a fixed position.