Patents by Inventor Dharma Theja R. Pasala

Dharma Theja R. Pasala has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Negative stiffness device and method
    Patent number: 8857110
    Abstract: A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, William Marsh Rice University, Taylor Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Constantinou, Andrei M. Reinhorn, Apostolos A. Sarlis, Douglas Taylor, David A. Lee, Satish Nagarajaiah, Dharma Theja R. Pasala
  • NEGATIVE STIFFNESS DEVICE AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20130118098
    Abstract: A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. Constantinou, Andrei M. Reinhorn, Apostolos A. Sarlis, Douglas Taylor, David A. Lee, Satish Nagarajaiah, Dharma Theja R. Pasala