Means Compensating Earth-transmitted Force (e.g., Earthquake) Patents (Class 52/167.1)
  • Publication number: 20100043316
    Abstract: An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jesse E. Karns
  • Patent number: 7665253
    Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof to the outside wall. The metal connector includes a base member with formed pockets that form tunnels. The base member has attaching means to outside sheathing and the underlying top plate of a wall. Threaded rods from the roof are inserted through the tunnels of the base member and tightened together. The invention can be installed on different structural members of a house including a rafter, hip rafter, valley rafter, and facia board. The connector inhibits uplift, detachment, outward thrusting, twisting, and lateral movement, thereby preventing wind and seismic damage to a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas C Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100024323
    Abstract: An energy-saving house, has a main frame, an enclosed wall, a floor cover plate, a top cover plate, a separation wall, a bathroom, and stairs. The enclosed wall is assembled from multiple integral composite prefabricated external wallboards and fixed on the main frame via an energy-dissipating connector. The bathroom and the stair are integrally prefabricated and directly installed. The energy-saving house features low power consumption, high construction efficiency, short construction time, low noise, low dust, light weight, good anti-seismic performance, and small thermal conductivity and is applicable to multi-floor houses and high rise buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Zhenxi HUANG, Hao HU, Chun YANG, Zhong YAN, Yinghui ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7651056
    Abstract: Wall-mounted type and trapeze type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to vertical and horizontal surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and easy to clean. Structures to provide seismic stability to trapeze type support strut assemblies may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Potential Design, Inc.
    Inventor: James William Tjerrild
  • Publication number: 20100011680
    Abstract: An aseismatic reinforcing structure of a double flooring and an aseismatic reinforcing method of the double flooring, in which by providing iron pillars for the double flooring in which a space is formed between a floor slab of a building and a floor portion supported to leg bodies arranged on the floor slab, a natural frequency of the floor portion is raised, and an amplification of a shake of a free-access panel constructing a floor surface that is caused by a resonance is prevented or suppressed, thereby improving aseismatic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7647733
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a building and a reinforcing member used for the structure, where the structure has excellent anti-vibration characteristics and quake resistance. The reinforcing structure and member for a building are capable of reducing the deformation of structural members of the building caused by vibration and removing the deformation so that the original form is restored. A reinforcing member (1) is provided and fixed at a corner portion where structural members (11, 12) of a building intersect. The reinforcing member (1) is formed such that a first spring member (third leaf 33) and a second spring member (layered leaf (5)) are combined, and a damper (4) and a synthetic resin foam body (2a) are arranged in a space between the first and second spring members. A synthetic resin foam body (2b) is filled in a space surrounded by the structural members (11, 12) and the reinforcing member (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nakamura Bussan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuzo Nakamura, Kiyotaka Nanama, Takaaki Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20090301003
    Abstract: The wall is formed by stacking hollow plastic modular elements (1), with dovetailing on their upper and lower faces, from a lower metal channel (2) up to another, upper metal channel (3), the structure being stiffened by means of vertical (1) via vertical conduits in the modules that extend from the lower channel (2) to the upper channel (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mariano NUNEZ-VARGAS
  • Publication number: 20090282753
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a shock-resisting steel concrete structure including an external steel-plate frame covered onto a corresponding steel body, and a concrete filled up into the external steel-plate frame for engaging the steel bodies, steel wires and external steel-plates. The steel wires are used for connecting the steel bodies and woven into a mesh shape. Connecting wires are provided for connecting and engaging the external steel-plate frame and the steel bodies when the concrete is filled. A structure with a tight connection of the steel bodies, external steel-plate frames and concrete provides a better shock resistance, and effectively prevents accidents caused by concrete spalling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Chin-Lu KUAN, Pei-Lin Kuan
  • Publication number: 20090260304
    Abstract: A damper includes a hollow outer elongated body; a hollow inner elongated body; a liquid viscous body or liquid viscoelastic body disposed in a gap between an inner surface of the elongated body and an outer surface of the elongated body in such a manner as to be in contact with the inner surface and the outer surface of these elongated bodies, respectively; and first and second attaching structures. Further, a controller may be provided to control an increase or decrease in the internal pressure of the liquid viscous body or the liquid viscoelastic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masami Mochimaru, Sumio Kawaguchi, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Akio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7584578
    Abstract: A seismic energy damper includes a pair of structure members subject to relative motion during a seismic event, and a pair of friction washers each fixed to a respective one of the structure members and moving relative to one another during the seismic event. A tie bolt resiliently urges the pair of friction washers toward frictional cooperation, and a friction member cooperates with the pair of friction washers to dissipate seismic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Said I. Hilmy
  • Publication number: 20090211180
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SME STEEL CONTRACTORS, INC.
    Inventor: James M. Smelser
  • Publication number: 20090211179
    Abstract: A tall structure comprising two vertical parts is provided with a vertically orientated damping element, wherein the damping element is arranged to damp relative vertical movement between the two parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Willford
  • Publication number: 20090205264
    Abstract: A rotatable building structure (10) contains a vertical central core (14) for supporting suspended floor units (12) surrounding the core. An annular platform (22) extends from the core at corresponding floor units for providing accessibility to and from the central core. The floor units contain a drive mechanism (38, 40, 42) for rotational displacement. The wind load on the exterior side of each floor, and/or horizontal wind turbines that turn around the core but is a separate part of the floor itself, solar panels situated as a roof cover on top of each floor and a wind tool (46) deployable from the floor unit provides alternative wind power assist for rotating the floor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Rotating High Towers S.A.
    Inventors: David Fisher, Laura Micol Fisher
  • Patent number: 7565774
    Abstract: A seismic isolation apparatus features damping characteristics equivalent to or better than prior art, without burdening the environment. In this seismic isolation apparatus, a cylindrical cavity portion is formed at the middle of an outer side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber rings and metal rings for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated. A helically formed coil spring is disposed in this cavity portion so as to be snugly fitted. An inner side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber plates and metal plates for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated, is disposed at an inner peripheral side of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Shizuku, Masami Kikuchi, Katsuhiro Kobayashi, Yoshikatsu Sakai, Wataru Seki, Takashi Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20090165404
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicants: KWANG-WON IND CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eun Soo CHOI
  • Publication number: 20090165399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated reinforced-concrete single-family dwelling and method for erecting said dwelling, the principal components of which, such as pillars (1), enclosing walls (4), slabs (7), roof (9), etc., are prefabricated at the workshop from reinforced concrete. Not only the slabs (7) but also the enclosing walls (4) carry precise installations integrated into their interior. The elements are positioned mechanically in accordance with the dwelling layout. Starting with the foundations, produced in situ, the tie beams and corresponding seatings for supporting the enclosure walls (4) are made, proceeding, in correlative order, to erection of the dwelling with interior and dividing enclosing walls (8), staircases (13), slabs (7) and exterior enclosing walls (4), finishing with the roof (9), in order subsequently to proceed to connecting the various installations between enclosing walls and false ceilings where they are incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Alejandro Campos Gines
  • Patent number: 7549257
    Abstract: An earthquake shock damper has two connectors, two shaft assemblies, multiple energy absorbers, multiple spacers and multiple energy distribution assemblies. The connectors are connected to structural members of a building. The shaft assemblies are coaxially attached respectively to the connectors. The energy absorbers are mounted around the shaft assemblies, and each energy absorber has a central body and multiple extensions extending out from the central body. The spacers are mounted around the shaft assemblies, and each spacer is mounted between the central bodies of adjacent energy absorbers to define the interval between the energy absorbers. The energy distribution assemblies are attached to the extensions of the energy absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kuo-Jung Chuang
  • Publication number: 20090151273
    Abstract: A sheet of high-strength shear wall sheathing with preformed fastener holes (10) is disclosed as a steel sheet (12) with uniformly spaced fastener holes (14) dispersed along the boundary of the sheet. Such a sheet can readily be handled and quickly attached to the framework of buildings for the purpose of bracing wall structures in a single wall sheathing procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Erich Jason Axsom
  • Patent number: 7543421
    Abstract: A method of attaching an installed concrete roof is disclosed. The installed concrete roof consists of rectangular panels positioned along a grid. The concrete panels are supported by metal beams. Smaller metal panels, having a hole in each corner, are positioned over the joints formed by the corners of the rectangular panels. A hole is drilled through the concrete panels and into the supporting beams. A self-tapping screw is positioned through the hole and fixedly attaches the concrete panels to the supporting beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew M. Kelly, Peter H. Hambly
  • Patent number: 7540117
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system for building, comprising a vibration isolation layer, the vibration isolation layer including: an upper layer structure consisted of upper beams and/or slabs and moveable bases, which is coupled to columns of the building; a lower layer structure consisted of lower beams and/or slabs and fixed bases; and vibration isolation devices and elastic member horizon-resetting devices which are mounted between the upper layer structure and the lower layer structure, in which the vibration isolation devices are mounted between the moveable bases and the fixed bases, respectively, and the elastic member horizon-resetting devices are mounted between the beams and/or slabs of the upper layer structure and the lower layer structure, respectively. Therefore, the above devices do not interfere with each other and convenient to maintain, and positions and functional parameters thereof can be set and selected reasonably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Hong Yang
  • Publication number: 20090133338
    Abstract: A device having kinetic energy-absorbing properties is connectable between selected points within a structure, for example a building within a seismic area. When one connectable part moves against another during an earthquake, friction is ensured by tension implanted internally at the time of manufacture, when one part of the device had been yieldingly forced into place in relation to another part. When in use the device provides a damping force should a force applied b etween its parts be greater than or equal to a predetermined force at which sliding friction begins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Thompson, Steven Craig Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20090127801
    Abstract: The invention relates to product categories using a metal polymer composite having properties that are enhanced or increased in the composite. Such properties include color, magnetism, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, density, improved malleability and ductility and thermoplastic or injection molding properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Wild River Consulting Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Publication number: 20090126288
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Jerome P. Fanucci, Pavel Bystricky
  • Patent number: 7530555
    Abstract: A damping assembly includes a supporting base, a stainless steel layer having an arcuate slippery top face mating to the arcuate top face of the supporting base, a polytetrafluoroethylene layer movably seated on top of the arcuate slippery top face of the stainless steel layer, a supporting stainless steel layer placed on top of the polytetrafluoroethylene layer to force the polytetrafluoroethylene layer, a rubber pad provided on top of the supporting stainless steel layer providing necessary resilience, a confinement to confine the rubber pad when experiencing a load on the rubber pad and a top supporting plate for firm attachment to a bottom face of a main construction such that movement of the polytetrafluoroethylene layer offsets a shaking force and the rubber pad provides balance to the top supporting plate and absorbs vertical vibration force to protect the main construction from damage of an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Kuo-Jung Chuang
  • Patent number: 7509777
    Abstract: A base connection is provided for supporting a concrete wall panel on an underlying support structure. The base connection comprises a generally vertical mounting plate, a wall plate, a pair of slips, and a cover plate secured to and extending upwardly from the support structure. The mounting plate includes one or more generally vertically-elongated slots. The wall plate is embedded within the concrete wall panel toward a lower end defined by the concrete wall panel. The cover plate is located outwardly of the mounting plate. An inner slip plate is located between the mounting plate and the wall plate, and an outer slip plate is located between the cover plate and the mounting plate. Threaded connectors extend interconnect the cover plate and the embedded wall plate, extending through openings in the slip plates and through one of the generally vertically aligned slots in the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Spancrete Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Suzanne Nakaki, Roger Becker
  • Patent number: 7503150
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a building structure is provided. The connector assembly includes an elongated track that is mounted to a first member of a building frame structure. A connecting member is connected to the elongated track and retained within a pair of opposed channels that form a part of the track. Connected to the connecting member is a second member of the building frame structure. Formed in the connecting member is at least one elongated slot that permits the connecting member to be connected to the second member and for there to be relative movement between the connecting member and the second member. Further, the connecting member is slidable back and forth within the elongated track. Thus, it is appreciated that bidirectional movement between the first and second members can be accommodated by the connecting member sliding back and forth along the track on one hand and by there being relative movement about the connection between the connecting member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael Torres, Gary Bennett, Michael Booth
  • Publication number: 20090064602
    Abstract: An earthquake-resistant flat expansion joint using a hinge is provided which includes an expansion joint main body disposed between opposite ends of deck slabs of a bridge or an elevated road, hinged to one side of the deck slab at its one end to enable behavior in X, Y and Z-axis directions, and expanded or shrunk depending on temperature variation and vibrations due to earthquakes to be moved in the X, Y and Z-axis directions, an expansion/shrinkage member connected to one end of the expansion joint main body to accommodate the behavior in X, Y and Z-axis directions due to expansion and shrinkage of the expansion joint main body caused by temperature variation and occurrence of the earthquakes, a hinge shaft support member installed at one end of the deck slab to support a lower part and side parts of a hinge shaft part of the expansion joint main body, an expansion joint support member installed at one end of the other deck slab to support lower parts of an expansion part of the expansion joint main body a
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: IL-WON TECH CO., LTD
    Inventors: Doo Sung Lee, Jun Sung Lee, Young Seo Jeon, Yong Kul Cho, Dong Joon Ko
  • Patent number: 7497054
    Abstract: A column-and-beam join structure comprises connecting the column and beam with a pair of split tees. At least one split tee has a web with a portion of the web having a reduced cross-sectional area. The web with the reduced cross-sectional area is located between a flange of the beam and a buckling restraint. The buckling restraint is connected to the flange of the beam with bolts. The sides of the bolts are in the proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web of the split tee having the reduced cross-sectional area. Annular members may be arranged surrounding portions of the bolts that are in proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web having the reduced cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takeuchi, Yasushi Maeda, Kazuaki Suzuki, Ken Okada, Satoshi Yamada, Akira Wada
  • Publication number: 20090049766
    Abstract: A wall panel-ceiling engagement device is designed to couple a wall panel to a ceiling. The engagement device, when engaged with the ceiling, holds the wall panel stationary without any fasteners, braces or other securing members that penetrate into the ceiling. The engagement device includes a pair of wall extensions secured to opposite sides of the wall panel and that contain a sound and/or attenuating material, such as a foam material, therebetween. Corner braces are used to join adjacent wall-panels to one another. The corner braces also function to allow the wall panels to sway as a collective and connected unit during seismic events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew J. Kopish
  • Patent number: 7491950
    Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventors: Kenneth Joe Breyer, Bradley Steven Johnson, George Edward Johnston, Martin Johnson, Elwood Smietana, Ronald Hamburger, Michael J. Rojansky, John Shipp
  • Publication number: 20090038245
    Abstract: An energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ARPAL ALUMINIUM LTD
    Inventor: Igor Temnyenkov
  • Patent number: 7472518
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080307722
    Abstract: A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Constantin Christopoulos, Michael Montgomery, Tibor Kokai, Sean Smith, Agha Hasan, Evan Bentz, Michael P. Collins
  • Patent number: 7451573
    Abstract: A slotted M-track or building wall support structure generally characterized by a metal M-shaped channel beam member is disclosed. The M-shaped channel beam member is defined by a pair of elongated confronting sidewalls integrally connected to an open end of an elongated and generally V-shaped stud receiving track. The V-shaped stud receiving track is positioned between the pair of confronting sidewalls and a pair of elongated and spaced apart coplanar legs. The legs are perpendicularly connected to the sidewalls and to the open end of the generally V-shaped stud receiving track. The V-shaped stud receiving track includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots, with each slot sized and configured to receive a stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Leszek Orszulak, Jaroslaw Sydry
  • Publication number: 20080250731
    Abstract: A spring-loaded post extension for resilient support of ceiling grids during seismic events. The post extension includes a fixed cylindrical housing and a movable spring-biased assembly, axially coincident therewith. The housing is connected to the side of a fixed support post. The assembly includes a support tube extending partly within the lower end of the cylindrical housing. The bottom of the support tube is connected to a ceiling grid junction. A threaded rod has an upper portion extending above the upper end of the housing, and a lower portion extending through the housing to connect to the top of the support tube. An exterior spring fits over the upper portion of the rod, and an interior spring fits over the lower portion of the rod. Nuts on the rod provide means to tension both springs into slight compression, defining a spring-biased normal position for the support tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20080229682
    Abstract: A seismic joint, for covering a gap (4) defined between a first (2) and a second (3) structural element, comprises: a first anchoring portion (6a) to be steadily associated with the first structural element (2); a first interconnecting portion (6b) rotatably connected to the first anchoring portion (6a); a covering element (5) having a first end (5a) rotatably in engagement with the interconnecting element (6b) and a second end (5b) able to be engaged in a slidably supported relationship on the second structural element (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: KIVATEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: DAVIDE TORSANI
  • Publication number: 20080202044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable protector/display device for columns. The invention includes a flexible laminated panel having a flame-retardant elastomer base. The outer visible face of the base is permanently equipped with a flame-retardant, self-adhesive piece of canvas. The flexible panel includes vertical end strips with two overlapping detachable loop-type edge pieces connected to the inner face of the base and to the canvas. The edge pieces surround the respective outer vertical edge of both layers of the flexible panel to form a casing into which two steel rods are inserted. The casings have mutually-facing holes that expose the steel rods which are connected to one another by corresponding clamps, which are shorter than the distance between the steel rods. The assembly forms a seam in the flexible panel which is tightened around the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SERVICIOS Y SOLUCIONES INTEGRALES URBANOS, S.L.
    Inventor: Maria Felisa Arambarri Garachena
  • Patent number: 7409799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080163583
    Abstract: A system of direct foundations on the walls for a constructive system conformed of three structural components, which are: a vertical component that is a prismatic box that is subject to an axial compression charge and whose external walls (1) and internal (2) walls are vertically abutted at intervals of approximately 18 times the thickness thereof, and horizontally by foundation plates, a horizontal component made up of a foundation slab (6) and reinforced with screen, and a third component also horizontal which is the foundation slab (6) and that is constituted by a continuous rectangular plate, where this system of foundations is conformed on: prolonging to the subsoil the set of external walls (1) until supporting them on a perimetral foundation strip (3) with a width (a) that is at a depth (h) and where the external walls (1) and perimetral foundation strip (3) are coupled by horizontal concrete ties poured in the first row of the blocks supported on the foundation strip (3) for the case of sections o
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Oscar Enrique Bracho M.
  • Patent number: 7373758
    Abstract: A seismic brace includes an elongated central brace unit and a rigid restraining member. The central brace unit has two ends adapted to be connected fixedly to a framework of a building, and a middle portion interconnecting the ends and having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than those of the ends. The restraining member is disposed around the middle portion of the central brace unit in a tight fit manner so as to prevent buckling of the central brace unit when the building is subjected to an earthquake, and includes two halves that are interconnected removably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Keh-Chyuan Tsai, Sheng-Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 7367075
    Abstract: A girder bridge protection device. The girder protection device includes a sacrifice member having girders installed on an upper surface of a bridge seat of an abutment or pier to support a bridge floor, a symmetrical main support member connecting two of the girders and having an elongated tubular configuration, and an auxiliary support member projecting from one surface of a center portion of the main support member in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the main support member; and a restraining member secured to the bridge seat of the abutment or pier and having an accommodating section accommodating the auxiliary support member such that the auxiliary support member is separated from the accommodating section in a forward and rearward direction and in a leftward and rightward direction, thereby controlling the behavior of the auxiliary support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation Yonsei University
    Inventor: Sang-hyo Kim
  • Publication number: 20080098670
    Abstract: An earthquake resistant building foundation includes a receptacle having a number of apertures each for slidably receiving a shaft, one or more spring members disposed below the receptacle for cushioning a vertical force, and a number of spring members engaged with the shafts for lateral cushioning purposes. A number of lateral cushioning devices are attached to the shafts and each has a casing secured to the shaft, a cover slidably engaged onto the casing, and one or more spring members engaged between the casing and the cover for cushioning between the casing and the cover and for forming a two-stage compressing or cushioning structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Hai Tang Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080092459
    Abstract: A seismic energy damping system with plural redundancy for a building or structure subject to seismic perturbation (i.e., deflection of the building structure) includes a distributed plurality of seismic energy dampers, and a plurality of rigid shear panels cooperating with the building structure via the seismic energy dampers. The plural shear panels and plural seismic energy dampers distribute seismic energy absorption and dissipation throughout the building structure to avoid stress concentrations, and to dissipate significant seismic energy, thus limiting the amplitude of deflections of the building structure during a seismic event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Said I. Hilmy
  • Patent number: 7346432
    Abstract: An earthquake disaster prevention system having: an estimation section to estimate a size of an earthquake from a P-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a stopping control section to control to stop the motion of the operation device when the size of the earthquake estimated by the estimation section exceeds a stopping reference value; a calculation section to calculate at any time the size of the earthquake from the S-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a convergence judgment section to judge convergence of the earthquake by judging whether a predetermined earthquake convergence condition is satisfied from the size of the earthquake calculated by the calculation section; and a resumption control section to resume a predetermined motion of the operation device stopped by the stopping control section when the earthquake is judged to have converged by the convergence judgment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Matsumiya, Tadao Nakaya, Yuwu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7340864
    Abstract: Elastic support units are provided to at least one of upper and lower track rails of a seismic isolation guide. The elastic support units include two elastic supporters that are superposed one over the other in a vertical direction, Each elastic support unit includes an elastically deformable bed plate, two mutually parallel side portions, and side wall portions extending between each of the two parallel side portions and the bed plate raising a lower surface of the bed plate a prescribed height above lower surfaces of the side portions and creating a space between the side wall portions. The elastic supporters are arranged in a vertically opposite relation with respect to each other positioning the respective bed plates at vertically opposite ends with the respective side wall portions being disposed orthogonal to each other. The track rails are secured to the bed plates parallel to the side wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroshi Teramachi
  • Patent number: 7337586
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Chi-Chang Lin, Jer-Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 7338035
    Abstract: A shock suppressor has at least two sliding units stacked in an alternate manner, and each sliding unit consists of a moving base, a connecting base and at least one rod. The connecting base is moveably combined with the moving base via the at least one rod. At least one positioning hole and at least one curved guiding channel are defined respectively in the connecting base and moving base for the at least one rod to be mounted respectively in the at least one positioning hole and to extend moveably into a corresponding one of the at least one guiding channel. Accordingly, the shock suppressor can reduce or isolate the transmission of a shock efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 7331143
    Abstract: A structure is isolated from a seismic event by inducing soil liquefaction in an isolation layer beneath the structure and soil foundation zone, such as by activating an electro-osmosis gradient toward the isolation layer, during the seismic event, based on detection of movements associated with the seismic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Patent number: 7325366
    Abstract: A seismic construction system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The system is shown in three exemplary applications—a masonry backup wall with ladder- or truss-type reinforcement cooperating with a snap-in wire tie; a masonry backup wall with ladder- or truss-type reinforcement with a high-span wall anchor cooperating with a low-profile, snap-in wire tie; and a drywall backup wall with internal insulation, a sheetmetal wall anchor, and snap-in wire ties. The snap-in wire ties accommodate a continuous reinforcing wire for the outer wythe, which reinforcing wire snaps into the wire housings therefor with a predetermined force. With the interconnected wall and veneer anchors and the respective reinforcing elements a seismic construct is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Hohmann, Jr., Ronald P. Hohmann
  • Publication number: 20070283635
    Abstract: Provided are a seismic control bearing device capable of absorbing and/or blocking vibration energy transmitted to structures due to earthquakes, and so on, as well as actively controlling various dynamic behaviors generated from the structures with low power and without additional equipment, and a seismic control system including the same. The seismic control bearing device is installed between a ground base and a structure constructed on the ground base to reduce vibration energy applied to the structure, and includes a plurality of deposition members spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of magneto-sensitive members disposed between the deposition members and formed of a magneto-sensitive material. The properties including a stiffness coefficient and an damping coefficient of the magneto-sensitive material are varied depending on a variation of a magnetic field formed around the magneto-sensitive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jong-Seh Lee, In-Ho Hwang, Jong-Hyuk Lim