Abstract: The invention provides for a method, system and apparatus for resisting and restraining potentially destructive movement within a building structure while introducing little or no obstruction with respect to how a building structure is designed and how it is intended to function.

Abstract: Implementation of high performance controllable damping devices can ameliorate cost-effectiveness of structural systems for mitigation of natural hazards relative to structures such as building, wind turbines, and off-shore structures. However, the applications of these damping systems are limited due to a lack of 1) mechanical robustness; 2) electrical reliability; and 3) large resisting force capability. To broaden the implementation of modern damping systems, a semi-active damping device is proposed. The device, in one form termed Banded Rotary Friction Device (BRFD), has enhanced applicability compared to other proposed damping systems due to its cost-effectiveness, high damping performance, mechanical robustness, and technological simplicity. Its mechanical principle is based on a band brake, which results in a high amplification of the input force while enabling a variable control force.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method, system and apparatus for resisting and restraining potentially destructive movement within a building structure while introducing little or no obstruction with respect to how a building structure is designed and how it is intended to function.

Abstract: Negative stiffness systems and methods for seismic protection of a structure is described. A system can include a negative stiffness device having a first linkage pivotably connected to an anchor frame at a first pivot point and pivotably connected the movement frame at a second pivot point. The negative stiffness device can include a spring having a first end operably coupled to the anchor frame and a second end operably coupled to a movement frame. In a rest state, the spring can be compressed to exert a preload force to the first linkage and the anchor frame and not displace the first linkage and the movement frame. In an engaged state, the spring can be configured to apply a force to the first linkage such that the movement frame is displaced in a same lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force can be amplified by the first linkage.

Abstract: Negative stiffness systems and methods for seismic protection of a structure is described. A system can include a negative stiffness device having a first linkage pivotably connected to an anchor frame at a first pivot point and pivotably connected the movement frame at a second pivot point. The negative stiffness device can include a spring having a first end operably coupled to the anchor frame and a second end operably coupled to a movement frame. In a rest state, the spring can be compressed to exert a preload force to the first linkage and the anchor frame and not displace the first linkage and the movement frame. In an engaged state, the spring can be configured to apply a force to the first linkage such that the movement frame is displaced in a same lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force can be amplified by the first linkage.

Abstract: A shock-isolation structure for supporting a relatively light load on a supporting surface and having a plurality of spring units operable in both tension and compression oriented in a truss configuration with first ends of said spring units connected to the supporting surface for universal movement and with second ends of said spring units connected to the load for universal movement, with each of the spring units including a coil spring, an end cap, and a rod which extends outwardly through the end cap with a clearance fit in a nonextended position, a clevis body on the end of each of the rods, a groove in each of the end caps, and a ridge on each of the clevis bodies for mating engagement when the rod is in the nonextended position to thereby center each of the rods in each of the end caps.

Abstract: A shock-isolation structure for supporting a relatively light load on a supporting surface and having a plurality of spring units operable in both tension and compression oriented in a truss configuration with first ends of said spring units connected to the supporting surface for universal movement and with second ends of said spring units connected to the load for universal movement, with each of the spring units including a coil spring, an end cap, and a rod which extends outwardly through the end cap with a clearance fit in a nonextended position, a clevis body on the end of each of the rods, a groove in each of the end caps, and a ridge on each of the clevis bodies for mating engagement when the rod is in the nonextended position to thereby center each of the rods in each of the end caps.

Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A damper including a cylinder, opposite end walls in the cylinder, an elongated shaft mounted for axial movement in seals in the end walls, a piston head on the shaft between the end walls, fluid-tight bellows mounted in sealed relationship between the shaft and the end walls, fluid in the cylinder and in the bellows, and flexible washers mounted between the shaft and the end walls for maintaining the shaft centered in the seals. The damper can function as a snubber when it utilizes a valved piston head.

Abstract: A toggle linkage for incorporation into a frame of a structure, such as a building, including a first link having a shock absorber therein, a first end on the first link connected to a first area of the frame, a second link having a first end connected to a second area of the frame remote from the first area, a second end on the second link, a third link having a first end connected to a third area on the frame remote from the first and second areas, and a second end on the third link. The second ends of the second and third links are connected to each other by a metal plate structure which has a bending axis, and the second end of the first link is pivotally connected to the second ends of the second and third links along an axis which is coincident with the bending axis of the metal plate structure.

Abstract: A toggle linkage for incorporation into a frame of a structure, such as a building, including a first link having a shock absorber therein, a first end on the first link connected to a first area of the frame, a second link having a first end connected to a second area of the frame remote from the first area, a second end on the second link, a third link having a first end connected to a third area on the frame remote from the first and second areas, a second end on the third link, a second end on the first link connected proximate the second end of the second link, and the second ends of the second and third links being connected to each other by a metal plate which is welded therebetween and which flexes in the direction of its thickness and not in the direction of its width so as to maintain the longitudinal axes of the second and third links in the same plane when the toggle linkage is activated by a seismic event as before the toggle linkage was activated.

Abstract: A seismic shock isolator and method of strengthening structures against seismic shock is disclosed. The shock isolator includes a cylinder having a damping chamber and an accumulator chamber and a piston movable into the damping chamber. The damping chamber can contain compressible liquid or incompressible liquid. The piston has a damping head and a first control orifice, and the accumulator chamber is separated from the damping chamber by a wall having a second control orifice having a higher exponent than the first control orifice. Movement of the piston into the damping chamber creates a combination of damping and stiffening having a spring component. When the isolator has compressible liquid therein, the spring and stiffening is produced by a compression of the liquid. When the isolator contains an incompressible liquid, the stiffening and spring component are obtained by a yielding of a column which movably supports the wall which divides the damping chamber from the accumulator chamber.

Abstract: A seismic shock isolator and method of strengthening structures against seismic shock. The shock isolator includes a cylinder having a damping chamber and an accumulator chamber and a piston movable into the damping chamber. The damping chamber can contain compressible liquid or incompressible liquid. The piston has a damping head and a first control orifice, and the accumulator chamber is separated from the damping chamber by a wall having a second control orifice having a higher exponent than the first control orifice. Movement of the piston into the damping chamber creates a combination of damping and stiffening having a spring component. When the isolator has compressible liquid therein, the spring and stiffening is produced by a compression of the liquid. When the isolator contains an incompressible liquid, the stiffening and spring component are obtained by a yielding of a column which movably supports the wall which divides the damping chamber from the accumulator chamber.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a member mounted on a body immersed in water including a housing, a rubber plunger mounted within the housing to define a chamber within the housing, vent apertures in the housing for permitting water to be pumped relative to the chamber in response to deflection of the rubber body, and a connector attached to the rubber body for mounting the member which is to be isolated from the body which is immersed in water, the rubber body and the associated chamber providing a combination of resilient and hydraulic support to thereby isolate the member from shock and vibration forces relative to the body.

Abstract: A golf club heat consisting of a completely closed hollow metal body, a yieldable ball striking face on the hollow body, a pressurized compressible silicone fluid in the follow body, a hosel connected to the hollow metal body, a threaded port in the hosel through which the silicone fluid is placed in the hollow body, and a sealing plug in the threaded port.

Abstract: A system for mounting a device on board ship which experiences normal vibrations of a predetermined frequency and which may be subjected to high intensity shock forces including a plurality of preloaded liquid springs operable in tension and compression and oriented in a truss configuration between the deck of the ship and the device, the casings of the liquid springs having a natural frequency in excess of the normal shipboard vibrational frequencies and by virtue of being preloaded providing rigid linkages for transmitting normal shipboard vibrational frequencies to the device, the preloading being of such a magnitude to permit the liquid springs to yield in either tension or compression when the ship is subjected to high intensity shock forces such as weapons effect pulses, and the liquid springs resetting the device to its normal position relative to the ship after termination of the high intensity shock forces.

Abstract: A shock absorber having a casing containing compressible fluid and a piston head with structure for providing fluid amplification during normal piston head movement, the piston head having a central bore therein for slidably mounting the piston head for axial movement on the piston rod and being biased against a holding member by Bellville washers, a valve on the holding member obstructing conduits between the piston rod and the piston head when the piston head is biased against the holding member, the conduits being uncovered by the valve to permit flow therethrough from one side of the piston head to the other when the pressure in the shock absorber in the area of the holding member exceeds a predetermined value, the conduits between the piston head and piston rod being of a shape to provide a second stage of fluid amplified flow.

Abstract: A boot seal in the form of a bellows for a shock absorber in the form of a liquid spring mounted in a sleeve having a sleeve flanged secured to a deck by bolts, the boot seal including a collapsible central bellows portion, an upper cylindrical boot portion attached to the liquid spring casing by means of a hose clamp, a lower annular resilient boot flange extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boot and having a plurality of first scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery, an annular trim ring overlying the annular boot flange and having second scalloped cutouts in its outer periphery overlying the first scalloped cutouts of the boot flange, retention and spacer washers having lower washer portions extending through the aligned first and second scalloped cutouts and having upper washer flange portions bearing on the trim ring, the lower washer portions being of a length which is less than the combined thickness of the trim ring and the annular boot flange so that when the bolts

Abstract: A frictionless hydraulic damper having a cylinder and a piston head and piston rod connected to the piston head, with the piston head dividing the cylinder into chambers on opposite sides thereof and with the piston rod extending beyond the cylinder, and with sealed bellows extending between the end walls of the cylinder and opposite sides of the piston which confine the fluid to the space between the outside of the bellows and the wall of the cylinder and thus prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder and eliminate the need for fluid seals on the piston rod.