Relative Motion Means Between A Structure And Its Foundation Patents (Class 52/167.4)
  • Publication number: 20090158676
    Abstract: An air-floating-type base isolation system having a plurality of air chambers defined and surrounded by a sliding expanding pipe shielding material. A groove in one plate receives a sliding expanding pipe of shielding material made of airtight material. A plurality of air pressure chambers are defined by placement of the grooves and shielding material at selected locations in the plate, so that the top plate can be allowed to float horizontally by adjustment of the pressure in the air pressure chambers, regardless of the position of the center of gravity of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Shoichi SAKAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7547142
    Abstract: A bearing assembly having upper and lower bearing seats and a sliding load bearing member between the seats. The sliding member is fitted with an elastic self-centering element. The assembly in operation damps relative horizontal movement between the upper and lower seats, the self-centering element returning the sliding member to a centered position at rest. Typically a structure rests upon and is secured to the upper seat and the lower seat rests upon or is fixed to a foundation. The relative horizontal movement may be caused by earthquakes, wind loads or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Robinson Seismic IP Limited
    Inventors: William Henry Robinson, Christopher Ross Gannon
  • Publication number: 20090145058
    Abstract: A seismic reinforcing structure is disclosed, which is for a power supplying distribution panel or panelboard mounted on a raised access floor system in order to reinforce a seismic capacity. More particularly, the seismic reinforcing structure can be mounted even to an existing operating distribution panel or panelboard having a seismic capacity without requiring transfer or power interruption of the distribution panel or panelboard in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Jung Bum Jang, Wang Chun Kim, Geun Taek Yeo, Jong Rim Lee, Yoon Gone Hwang
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090094906
    Abstract: To provide a seismic isolation apparatus which, as well as widening an applicable shaking range, can be easily configured and is low in height, a seismic isolation apparatus is configured of a low friction combination formed by a point contact between a planar hard plate base, which has a surface on which are disposed at least three convexly curved projections of a uniform height, and a glide plate which is a smooth, hard, flat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Takanori SATO
  • Patent number: 7513083
    Abstract: A connection between a wall stud or post and an anchor bolt embedded in a concrete foundation, using a holdown connector that attaches to the anchor bolt and supports the wall stud or post above it. The holdown connector has a tapered bottom that allows it to rotate laterally, allowing the connection to act more purely in tension than is possible with a rigid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Pryor, Ricardo Arevalo
  • 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: 20080229684
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel connection structure of an outrigger and a perimeter column. The connection structure has a function of automatically absorbing differential column shortening which is occurred between the core wall and the perimeter column during or after the construction of a building, thereby preventing excessive stress due to the differential column shortening. In addition, the invented apparatus also functions as damper by providing additional damping to the structure to resist dynamic loading such as wind and earthquake efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-ki Joung, Ki-dong Park, Ji-young Kim, Dei-young Kim, In-ho Ha
  • 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: 20080120927
    Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The first base has an elongated first sliding channel in a first direction. The second base is parallel to the first base and has an elongated second sliding channel in a second direction. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first and second sliding channels. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases. The first base is connected with one of the convex ends of the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in a first unidirectional sliding direction. The second base is connected with the other convex end of the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a second unidirectional sliding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080047210
    Abstract: An improved lightweight padding device for heavy equipment with improved corrosion protection and abrasion resistance wherein the padding device has a planar top, a planar bottom and four sides perpendicular to the planar top and planar bottom and the outer surface is composed of a two part elastomer of polyurea. The interior of the device is composed of expanded polystyrene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Bell
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7290375
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Zoltan Kemeny
  • Patent number: 7267319
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for use at an interface between a movable machine component and a stationary foundation includes a substantially planar foundation plate adapted for attachment to the foundation; and a plurality of slide-plate assemblies secured to the foundation plate, each slide-plate assembly comprising a mounting plate, a backing plate, and a low-friction pad overlying the backing plate, the plurality of slide-plate assemblies adapted to engage a footplate of the movable machine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Christen A. Vitrone
  • Patent number: 7243466
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Bloch-Fortea
  • Patent number: 7237364
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 7188452
    Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an elongate, hollow sleeve, an elongate yielding core extending substantially through the length of the sleeve, and a buckling constraining element between the yielding core and the inner surface of the hollow sleeve and spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core, leaving a gap therebetween. The buckling constraining element may be spaced apart from and, thus, the gap may exist between two or more surfaces of the yielding core. Additionally, an inner sleeve, or liner, may be positioned between the buckling constraining element and the yielding core, with the liner being spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core. The buckling restrained brace is useful in absorbing loads, such as seismically induced loads, that are exerted upon a steel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Benne Narasimha Murthy Sridhara
  • Patent number: 7174679
    Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7107728
    Abstract: The invention provides a stabilizing device for inclusion in a stack of containers in which hazardous waste is held, wherein the stabilizing device comprises a table for supporting a container in the stack, and a base, the table being movable relative to the base so as to aid stability of the stack when the stack is subjected to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Plc
    Inventor: Andrew Ronald Whitley
  • Patent number: 7080487
    Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7028433
    Abstract: An aseismatic device applied to an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system in a fab has a spring pin and a positioning ball installed in a cavity of a first platform. The spring pin has at least a spring for fixing the positioning ball and is mounted on a second platform positioned on the surface of the first platform. When the earthquake occurs, the second platform will move horizontally corresponding to the first platform for preventing the OHT system and the fab from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Kuo-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 7017312
    Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching or with structural adhesives. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6966154
    Abstract: The invention relates to an earthquake protection system that is entirely immune to seismic activity. According to the inventive method buildings and other objects are supported by Virtual Pendulums (Pv) designed as QuakeProtect Modules (56). Although requiring only little height for installation, these earthquake protection modules allow a freedom of movement for the load bearing support points of the supported structure as if they were the oscillating ends of long pendulums with long cycles of their own. As the result of which the supported object is efficiently isolated from the considerably higher frequent earthquake ground oscillations. The functional behavior of the system is not affected by the extent of the base acceleration or the frequency of the ground oscillation. Even in an earthquake of greatest magnitude the supported object will remain still. The system can be configured for any load and any conceivable ground oscillation amplitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: PLANdesign International LLC
    Inventor: Friedhelm Bierwirth
  • Patent number: 6951083
    Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements, each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction, an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction, and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Jae Kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6874748
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Linda M. Hanagan
  • Patent number: 6871456
    Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6848223
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing a spent nuclear fuel containment cask so as to prevent tipping under design basis earthquake conditions. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a lamina and a slid plate in surface contact with the lamina, forming a slidable interface; wherein the slidable interface has a coefficient of friction within a range resulting in an acceptable level of net horizontal displacement of a cask resting on the apparatus under design basis earthquake conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Holtec International Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, A J. Soler
  • Patent number: 6826873
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Hector Valencia
  • Patent number: 6820380
    Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that are made of a base, a carrier, a slide block, and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040221520
    Abstract: An all-directional damping and earthquake-resisting unit is fixed to a lower part of an object, such as a column of a building, and a foundation for the object, so that functionally different members of the unit normally bear the weight of the object. When there is an earthquake, round balls included in the unit automatically roll and rotate on ball restoring means provided on two ball carriers while a piston assembly automatically moves in a buffer space, so that an instantaneous impact by the earthquake energy and any earthquake-induced displacement are absorbed by the unit. The balls and the piston assembly finally automatically return to their original positions in the unit, enabling the object and the foundation thereof to always locate at the same place without the risk of deviating from their centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Te-Chuan Chiang
  • Patent number: 6799400
    Abstract: An earthquake shock damper includes two positioning plates, two fixing plates and multiple energy absorbing plates securely sandwiched between the two positioning plates and having the two fixing plates extending out in different directions. Each energy absorbing plate has a mediate portion with a width smaller than that of two distal ends of the energy absorbing plate so that deformation of the energy absorbing plate is able to smoothly absorb energy from the earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Jung Chuang
  • Patent number: 6761001
    Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040098930
    Abstract: A foundation system for a building or other load includes a lower part and an upper sliding raft. The lower part has a generally concave surface at the top thereof. The upper sliding raft has a convex surface at the bottom thereof adapted to rest on the concave surface of the lower part and allow for sliding rotational movement therebetween. The building or other load is attached to the upper sliding raft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mehrdad Hamidi, M. Hashem El Naggar, Abolhassan Vafai, Goodarz Ahmadi
  • Patent number: 6739568
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating and leveling a machine foundation with respect to a substructure of a building or the ground. The apparatus of the present invention provides an enclosure connectable to the machine foundation. A load bearing member is disposed within and adjustably connected to the enclosure. A resilient member is positioned between and in contact with the bearing member and the substructure for supporting and isolating the machine foundation from the substructure and providing a leveling mechanism to level the machine foundation. At least one gauge extends between the bearing member and the substructure to determine the distance between the bearing member and the substructure so that the machine foundation may be leveled. Additional stabilizers are provided with an anchor plate assembly adjustably connected to the enclosure. The stabilizers include an isolating member biased against a sidewall of the substructure by the anchor plate assembly to provide added stability to the machine foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Unisorb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne H. Whittaker, Patrick D. Carl, Timothy L. Spahr, David L. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6701680
    Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kazak Composites, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerome P. Fanucci, James J. Gorman
  • Patent number: 6688051
    Abstract: An improvement in the structure of an anti-shock device utilized for buildings, important structures and bridge structures that includes a base, a carrier, a slide block, and a plurality of springs. A slip concavity of a sunken round curved recess is respectively formed in the base top surface and in the carrier bottom surface, and an upper slide block member and a lower slide block member are situated between the two slip concavities. One contact surface between the two slide block members and slip concavities is of a curved contour and the other surfaces are indented seating recesses. A spheroid coupling bearing is nested between the two seating recesses and the upper and lower slide block members are held together by the springs. As so assembled, the anti-shock device base is fastened under the columns of a building structure such that the building achieves the objectives of exceptional shock eliminating capability and greater building structure safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 6675539
    Abstract: A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Publication number: 20030205004
    Abstract: A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Patent number: 6631592
    Abstract: The invention concerns fail-safe devices for use in reinforced concrete structures. The device (1) comprises a link (8) of high tensile strength material and first (2) and second (3) end regions. The end regions (2, 3) and the link (8) joining them are formed from a single piece of material. The link (8) is waisted such a portion thereof is of a reduced cross section. The device is designed to yield at a given loading to within close tolerances and enables the design and construction of buildings which will react in a safe way under earthquake conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Dee Associates (Business Consultants) Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Hancock
  • Publication number: 20030159371
    Abstract: A support structure for isolating earthquake motions having a pressure receiving concave curved steel plate connected with the ground and a pressure applying convex curved steel plate facing with said concaved steel plate and connected with a column of a structure. The support structure has a plurarities of large balls and small balls with (less accuracy) smaller diameter than that of pressure-receiving balls between said two plates in a state that they are mounted to come in point contact in all directions. Earthquake is isolated by a simultaneous rotation of these two groups of balls in frictionless state. The lower portion of the support structure is surrounded by a hoop to suppress the foundation column not to remove from pressure receiving balls in case of jump-up phenomenon caused by directly under earthquake or float-up phenomenon caused by typhoon etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Kiichi Yatani
  • Patent number: 6598365
    Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Carl J. Abraham, Henry D. Cross
  • Patent number: 6581340
    Abstract: This invention is a modular anti-seismic protection device to be used in buildings and similar constructions. It discloses a modular base, which is to be laid on the ground below a building's foundation plate, to dampen, dissipate, and cancel out seismic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Innovacion Y Diseno Orovay, S.L.
    Inventors: Vicente Signes Orovay, Javier Signes Orovay
  • Patent number: 6560940
    Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Lee W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6557306
    Abstract: To provide sufficient clearance for an entrance part of an elevator hall facing a non-seismic isolation building portion, the partition wall on the entrance side may be removed and an expansion floor provided between the non-seismic isolation building portion entrance and the elevator shaft landing. A movable wall is provided between partition members located on the right and left sides of the elevator shaft. The expansion floor can move in the front and back directions with the partition members on the right and left sides as a guide. Furthermore, the wall moves with the elevator shaft independently in the right and left directions and follows the non-seismic isolation building movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Mito Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Sekiya, Masayuki Shigeta, Sadanori Kuroda