Elastomeric Support Patents (Class 52/167.7)
  • Patent number: 11511967
    Abstract: A structure having limited supportable portions has been difficult to isolate from vibration in the direction in which a load is applied. A base isolation apparatus includes a Z-axis base isolation unit, an X-axis base isolation unit, and a Y-axis base isolation unit. The base isolation unit includes a vibration-source connector, an isolated-object connector, a lock device disposed between the isolated-object connector and the vibration-source connector for switching between a state of fixing the isolated-object connector and a state of making it movable, a distance recovery device for generating a force to cause an amount of change in distance to approach zero, depending on the amount of change, and a vibration damper for generating a force in an orientation of hindering the change, depending on the rate of change in distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Hattori, Noboru Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 11332896
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved centric pier system and method for installation which in one embodiment includes a torsion adapter configured for slidable receipt of a torsion block assembly with a spherical support and a spherically rotatable torsion coupler; the torsion block assembly extending through a channel presented by vertical support at the torsion adapter which is aligned with the torsion block and the vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: David Newcomb
  • Patent number: 10815627
    Abstract: A method for improving the seismic performance of bridges by utilizing the beam body and an energy dissipation and seismic mitigation bridge bearing, which can effectively eliminate the harmful vibration of the bridge pier in the inherent frequency band, thus reducing the stress of the pier body and improving the seismic performance of the bridge pier without introducing external additional mass and looking for an installation space on the pier. The method includes the following steps: obtain the natural frequency fi, the equivalent modal mass Mi and the modal stiffness Ki of the pier in the longitudinal or transverse direction by numerical modal analysis or experimental modal test; determine the mass mi of the beam body; calculate the connection stiffness ki and the connection damping ci between the beam body and the pier; select the bearing system with above connection stiffness ki and the connection damping ci.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CHINA RAILWAY ERYUAN ENGINEERING GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jizhong Yang, Lie Chen, Kejian Chen, Yingliang Wang, Yinguang Xu, Wanming Zhai, Yongxing Wei, Mingjun Liu, Chengbiao Cai, Yongping Zeng, Xiaolong Zhen, Ming Yuan, Lihui You, Dubei Feng, Zhigang Yuan
  • Patent number: 10767384
    Abstract: A sliding seismic isolation device includes an upper shoe and a lower shoe, the upper and lower shoes having sliding surfaces, and the sliding surfaces having curvatures; and a columnar steel slider disposed between the upper and lower shoes, the slider having an upper surface and a lower surface that are in contact with the upper and lower shoes, respectively, and have curvatures. A double-woven fabric layer is attached to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the slider via an adhesive layer, the double-woven fabric layer containing PTFE fibers and fibers with higher tensile strength than that of the PTFE fibers, and the PTFE fibers being arranged on sides of the sliding surfaces of the upper and lower shoes. A fluorine coat layer is disposed on a surface of the double-woven fabric layer, and a lubricating oil layer is disposed on a surface of the fluorine coat layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoya Wakita, Koji Nishimoto, Hisami Hasegawa, Shunsuke Kohzuki
  • Patent number: 10662645
    Abstract: A seismic isolation apparatus includes a laminated body having alternately laminated rubber plates and steel plates; a hollow portion provided inside the laminated body in a hermetically closed manner and extending in a laminated direction; a lead plug filled densely in the hollow portion and adapted to damp the vibration in a shearing direction of the laminated body by absorbing vibrational energy in the shearing direction; and a lid member having a semispherical concave surface which comes into contact with one end portion in the laminated direction A of the lead plug in order to guide and assist the plastic flow of the lead plug at one end portion in the laminated direction of the hollow portion in the deformation in the shearing direction of the lead plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Kochiyama, Kenta Nagahiro, Yasunari Kimura
  • Patent number: 9771997
    Abstract: A friction-damping energy absorber has two ends, at least one core post, two supporting boards, multiple first material layers, and multiple second material layers. The at least one core post has multiple sliding sheets stacked with each other. The two supporting boards are mounted on the ends of the friction-damping energy absorber. The first material layers and second material layers are alternately mounted between the two supporting boards and surround the at least one core post to enable the first material layers and the second material layers to alternately mount with at least one of the sliding sheets of the at least one core post. The friction-damping energy absorber can be used on buildings, bridges, large objects or equipments to absorb and isolate the three-directional vibration energy of earthquakes and environments, and can prevent the operation temperature from increasing and provide an automatic adjustment function of damping and stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 9334648
    Abstract: A pedestal base isolation system assembly including a base plate having an anchoring layer and a top plate slidably positioned above the base plate. At least one of the top and base plates includes a textured surface, wherein desired coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the top plate and the base plate prevent relative movement of the two plates with normal operation and yet allow the top plate to move relative to the base plate during a seismic event. In one example, the sliding surface has a coating such as a polyester (e.g., polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate) or a low surface energy coating (e.g., silicone-epoxy coating). In another example, the seismic isolation system further includes a pedestal for supporting an object on the isolation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. Segas, Don Clyde
  • Patent number: 9097027
    Abstract: A seismic isolation system including a base plate having a textured top surface and a top plate positioned above the base plate having a non-textured bottom surface, wherein desired coefficients of static and kinetic friction between the top plate and the base plate prevent relative movement of the two plates with normal operation and yet allow the top plate to move relative to the base plate during a seismic event. In one example, the sliding surface has a coating such as a polyester (e.g., polyester triglycidyl isocyanurate) or a low surface energy coating (e.g., silicone-epoxy coating). In another example, the seismic isolation system further includes a damping system comprising internal dampers within a concrete slab resting on the top plate to provide displacement control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventors: Don Clyde, Paul J. Segas
  • Patent number: 9062735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support construction (1) for fabrication equipment of microscopic structures, comprising a monolithic foundation body (3) on which, for fixing the fabrication equipment, a fixing element (6) is provided comprising a resilient element. The fixing element further comprises a rigid element (10) whose rigidity decreases significantly when applying a dynamic force to the fixing element which force exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The support construction is further designed such that, regardless of the size of the dynamic force applied to the fixing element, a static force applied to the fixing element is substantially transmitted via the resilient element to the foundation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MECAL APPLIED MECHANICS B.V.
    Inventors: Anton Herrius De Roest, Marco Jan Antoni Freriksen
  • Publication number: 20150128511
    Abstract: In a structure which forms an upper structure and a lower structure divided by an anti-vibration pad for vibration isolation therein, since the concavo-convex type shear key is formed using the precast concrete shear-key block, the construction can be precisely performed according to the predetermined standard. Therefore, a vibration isolation structure using a precast concrete shear-key block and an anti-vibration pad which are capable of effectively blocking vibration and noise, and a constructing method thereof are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: YOUNG-CHAN YOU, KI-SUN CHOI, SANG-KI PARK
  • Patent number: 9016628
    Abstract: Assemblies, methods, and an apparatus for damping vibrational energy induced to a reinforced skin structure are disclosed. The reinforced skin structure includes an outer wall and at least one stringer coupled to the outer wall. The method includes providing a damping apparatus that includes a stiffening member configured to adjust at least one of a bending mode and a torsional twisting mode of the stringer and an energy dissipation member configured to dissipate vibrational energy of the stringer. The stiffening member includes at least two elongated members that are spaced a distance apart and at least one truss member that extends obliquely between the at least two elongated members. The damping apparatus is attached to the at least one stringer. The damping apparatus may be configured to dampen vibration in the range of between about 200-600 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin Christenson, Herbert L. Hoffman, Gary R. Chewning, Juhn-Shyue Lin
  • Patent number: 9016007
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a building structural bracing apparatus having an inner core element sandwiched between an upper and a lower containment web. The brace frame being useful in the construction of earthquake and blast resistant structures where energy dissipation is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Marinovic, Clifton D. Hyder
  • Patent number: 8973887
    Abstract: In a slide structure, a support structure and a seismically isolated structure, a first sliding surface (25) of a sliding member (21) is formed of a sliding body (24) made of synthetic resin. A film (27) made of synthetic resin and having a Young's modulus more than twice as large as that of the first sliding surface (25) is formed on the second sliding surface (28) of the counter member (22). At the same time, fine irregularities having a maximum height Rz of 3 ?m or higher are formed on the surface of the film (27). As a result, the lubricant is trapped in small pits of the irregularities to prevent the lubricant from flowing out, and a stable low friction state can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Nakata
  • Publication number: 20140360108
    Abstract: A seismic isolation mechanism 1 includes a seismic isolation apparatus 6 which is installed at one end 2 in a vertical direction V on a superstructure 3 and installed at another end 4 in the vertical direction V on a floor 5 serving as a foundation or a substructure to isolate the vibration of the superstructure 3 with respect to the floor 5; an attenuation damper 10 which is connected at one end 7 in the horizontal direction H to the superstructure 3 and connected at another end 8 in the horizontal direction H to a portion 9 of the seismic isolation apparatus 6 between the one end 2 and the other end 4 thereof to attenuate the vibration of the superstructure 3 with respect to the floor 5 as it is extended and contracted in the horizontal direction H; and an attenuation damper 13 which is connected at one end 11 in the horizontal direction H to the floor 5 and connected at another end 12 in the horizontal direction H to the portion 9 of the seismic isolation apparatus 6 to attenuate the vibration of the super
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeo Fujiu
  • Patent number: 8881491
    Abstract: A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Constantin Christopoulos, Michael Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8869468
    Abstract: Disclosed is a buckling restrained brace which is a core plate inside a tube, with the plate prevented from buckling by being surrounded by the tube. The core plate is provided with a layer of discrete springs adjacent the core plate, with the interior of the tube otherwise filled with cement. The layer of discrete springs may be cardboard of other material. The layer of discrete springs defines a space between the core plate and the concrete, to allow for expansion of the core plate under compression from the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Hinchman
  • Patent number: 8763320
    Abstract: A dual-core self-centering buckling-restrained brace includes a core unit, a restraining unit clamping the core unit therein, a middle sleeve disposed around the an energy dissipating section of the core unit and the restraining unit and having an end welded to one end of the core unit, an outer sleeve disposed around the middle sleeve and having an end welded to the other end of the core unit, two inner plates disposed respectively at two ends of the restraining unit, two outer plates disposed respectively at two ends of each of the middle sleeve and said outer sleeve, at least one first tensing member connecting the first inner plate to the second outer plate, and at least one second tensioning element connecting the first outer plate to the second inner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Chung-Che Chou, Ping-Ting Chung, Wen-Jing Tsai
  • Patent number: 8752342
    Abstract: A wet well design that utilizes recycled material in sectional components to construct wet wells on site is disclosed. Traditional wet well components are made of pre-cast concrete. Green Recycled Material Component Wet Well components are constructed using recycled plastic, recycled steel and recycled Styrofoam. The method described herein for constructing the components and assembling the wet well on site addresses several logistical problems associated with the pre-cast concrete design including reducing project start to completion time, delivery costs, large crane rental costs and power line relocation costs. This design also enables construction of oblong wet wells in medians and other restricted areas as components can be straight or curved sections. Finally, this design eliminates the shifting of traditional cement well components due to uplift from underground water pressure through the use of a new anchoring system. Shifting can result in groundwater intrusion into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Nasser Fred Mehr
  • Publication number: 20140115979
    Abstract: A fasting device that fastens a supporting member such as a foundation plate (42) to a connecting member such as a pillar (51) is composed of a bearing body (11), shock absorbing bodies (38), anchoring implements (55), etc. The bearing body (11) is disposed at the center of a space (S) where the supporting member and the connecting member face each other, and comprises a basic plate (12) which is in surface contact with the supporting member, a mounting plate (14) which is in surface contact with the connecting member, and connecting sections which connect both of these plates. The shock absorbing bodies (38) are formed using U-shaped leaf springs or the like, and are disposed at the outer edges of the space (S) where the supporting member and the connecting member face each other. Reaction forces are generated in the shock absorbing bodies (38) according to the displacement of the connecting member or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Okura Kenho
  • Patent number: 8484910
    Abstract: An active dynamic vibration absorber 1 includes a weight 2; a frame 3 which is adjacent to the weight 2 in such a manner as to surround the weight 2 with clearances X1 and Y1; a holding mechanism 4 which is interposed between the weight 2 and the frame 3 and holds the weight 2 movably in an X direction with respect to the frame 3, while holding the weight 2 immovably in a Y direction and a vertical direction V; a detecting means 5 for detecting the relative vibration of a predetermined value in the X direction of the weight 2 with respect to the frame 3; and a moving means 6 for relatively moving the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 on the basis of a detection signal from the detecting means 5 such that the relative movement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is allowed, while the vibrational displacement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuo Shimoda, Mitsuru Miyazaki, Yuichi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8438795
    Abstract: The invention relates to seismic protection (anti-seismic) devices and, in particular, to seismic hysteretic dampers, used to protect the structures against severe earthquakes. These devices are installed at points where large displacements are expected due to earthquake shakings, such as between a bridge deck and bearing points of said bridge (e.g. the pier cap beam).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Murat Dicleli, Ali Salem Milani
  • Patent number: 8402702
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetically controlled base isolation system that in a simple, practical, and cost effective way significantly reduces the lateral forces transmitted to buildings, bridges, and other structures during earthquakes. It comprises sliding bearings that are constructed with steel elements, elastomeric O-rings, and permanent magnets; contain a pressurized fluid; and slide over electricity-conducting metallic base plates. It also comprises permanent magnets disposed at the periphery of the metallic base plates. The pressurized fluid carries the bulk of the vertical load supported by each bearing, minimizing thus the magnitude of the frictional forces that resist the bearings' sliding. The motion of the permanent magnets in the sliding bearings over the electricity-conducting base plates generates damping forces that reduce the bearings' relative displacements to practical levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto Villaverde
  • Patent number: 8381463
    Abstract: The invention is an energy absorbing system for safeguarding structures from disruptive forces, which may be implemented into structures or devices to provide protection from seismic motion, blasts or other disruptive forces, due to the system's displacement and damping characteristics. The system's performance can be better molded analytically to predict performance of the structure under earthquake and wind motions, for example. By utilizing cost effective materials and a simple design, the present invention provides a more efficient cost-effective system for absorbing unwanted energy, for example, a base isolation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Martin A. Muska
  • Patent number: 8348217
    Abstract: Provided are a vibration isolating table (1) with damping mechanism having initial rigidity so that a vibration isolation subject is not swayed under a state in which no vibrations act, and configured to function in a case where vibrations act so that the vibration isolation subject can be protected, and a vibration isolating table unit (15) using the vibration isolating table (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Nakakubo, Hiroaki Asakura, Takashi Ogata
  • Publication number: 20130000226
    Abstract: In a gravestone structure including a foundation stone (2) and a headstone (3), four tip-resistant pads (4) and as many pressure plates (5) as the pads (4) are interposed between the foundation stone (2) and the headstone (3). Each of the tip-resistant pads (4) includes a sheet elastic body (6) and a point support member (7) embedded in an eccentric position in the sheet elastic body (6). The sheet elastic body (6) is formed of a transparent, flexible and elastic gel material that absorbs vibrations of the headstone (3). The point support member (7) is formed of a metal or resin harder than the gel elastic material and undergoes plastic deformation under the load of the headstone (3). In order to render the gravestone structure (1) seismically isolated, four tip-resistant pads (4) are arranged on the top surface of the foundation stone (2) with the point support members (7) oriented inward of the foundation stone (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Kikuo Sugita
  • Patent number: 8322107
    Abstract: A wind turbine tower in which a horizontal force received by an upper part of the tower is dispersed to a lower part of the tower or to a base so as to reduce the load acting on a tower shell and suppress deformation of the tower caused by an external force is provided. A monotype-type wind turbine tower 2 in which mainly a tower shell 21 is configured to bear load includes a platform 22 connected to an inner wall of the tower shell 21 and dividing an internal space of the tower in the vertical direction; an elastic bearing 30 attached by fixing one end thereof to the platform 22; and a load transmission member 23 disposed in the internal space of the tower and connecting another end of the elastic bearing 30 to the platform 22 located at a position facing the elastic bearing 30 or to a base B so as to transmit a horizontal force from the elastic bearing 30 to the tower shell 21 or the base B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Murata
  • Patent number: 8307585
    Abstract: The invention is a damper and a method for protecting buildings and similar structural systems from dynamic loading such as loading caused by earthquakes, strong winds or machine vibrations. More specifically, the damper is made from structural members being interconnected in frictional or visco-elastically dampened rotational joints. Due to the dampening of the joints, relative movement between the structural elements is dampened. In particular, the damper is useful for base isolation, e.g., in order to allow a building or a machine to move in a dampened movement relative to its foundation or in order to allow a cable stay of a cable stay bridge to move in a dampened movement relative to its fixation point on the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Damptech APS
    Inventor: Imad H. Mualla
  • Patent number: 8302351
    Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a first plate 11 that is fixed to one framework member 51, a second plate 13 that is fixed to another framework member 53, and an elastic material 15 that is filled in the interstices between the first plate 11 and the second plate 13. A first clearance W1 is formed between the another framework member 53 and a first fixing portion 21, and a second clearance W2 is formed between the first framework member 51 and a second fixing portion 29. The first plate 11 is made of a steel plate that is formed directing from the first fixing portion 21 to the second fixing portion 29, and the second plate 13 is made of a steel plate that is formed directing from the second fixing portion 29 to the first fixing portion 21. A space portion 50 constituted by the first clearance W1, the second clearance W2, the first plate 11, and the second plate 13 has a dimension which is at least sufficient for insertion of a joist 57 therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Ohashi, Yoshinari Kawai, Manabu Hattori, Eiji Koutani
  • Patent number: 8291651
    Abstract: An elastomeric seismic isolator bearing comprising a plurality of elastomeric layers reinforced with a plurality of fiber layers is disclosed, wherein said bearing is capable of exhibiting stable rollover when subjected to a lateral load in an unbonded application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: TDT Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Drysdale, Michael Tait, Hamid Toopchinezhad
  • Patent number: 8266845
    Abstract: Flat panels formed by an assembly of wooden plates include arrangements for integrating rigidity inserts for the assembly thereof. Vertical edges of the panels receive profiles for connecting to adjacent panels in a linear and/or angular alignment manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Desjoyaux, Dung Hoan Tuan, Jean-Paul Saccucci
  • Patent number: 8156701
    Abstract: A floor support has: a first elastic member that is disposed on a floor slab, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; a supporting member supported on the first elastic member, and extending in a direction opposite the floor slab; a flooring material supported on the supporting member, and disposed with a gap between the flooring material and the floor slab; a second elastic member that is supported by the first elastic member, the supporting member or the flooring material at a supporting surface inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and is elastically deformable, and damps vibrations; and a mass body supported at the second elastic member, and displaced by elastic deformation of the second elastic member, and damping vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Tsukada, Satoru Akutsu, Kenji Inaba
  • Patent number: 8082703
    Abstract: A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ei-Land Corporation
    Inventors: John Hulls, Rory R. Davis
  • Patent number: 8015760
    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 apart from 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: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Zoltan Kemeny
  • Patent number: 7926240
    Abstract: Construction systems and methods are described for building structures including homes that can withstand vibration and earth movement caused by earthquakes. The construction system uses about 8-inch corrugated round steel pipes to create floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing that is resistant to destruction caused by earth movement and vibrations. The floor framing and wall framing can be connected together at right angles and supported by a foundation that features wood pilings with concrete caps. The plurality of pipes of the floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing can be connected together by welding, screws, or other fasteners to assemble the structure. Finished floor, material, and ceiling materials can be fastened to the frames to complete the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard Jacovitz
  • Publication number: 20110072739
    Abstract: Bearing retention devices and methods for their use in isolation bearings such as seismic bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Gil A. Moreno, Don A. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7856766
    Abstract: To provide a seismic isolation device, even if a relative height between friction plates, which are laminated in a hollow part of a laminated rubber body, and the laminated rubber body changes at a deformation of the laminated rubber body, which prevents allophone, vibration and shock from inside of the seismic isolation device (laminated rubber body), resulting superiority in durability, safety, and amenity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Yukinori Takenoshita, Yukihiro Hosono
  • Patent number: 7841143
    Abstract: The invention provides a tower construction e.g. for a wind mill and a method of laying a foundation of a tower construction. The tower construction (1) comprises a concrete element (2), and a base flange (3) from which a tower wall (4) extends upwardly. The base flange is supported by an intermediate support structure (5) positioned on the concrete element (2). The support structure (5) is more rigid than the concrete element (2) and comprises a resilient pressure distributing element (6) which is soft relative to the concrete element (2). Furthermore, the invention provides a support structure for a tower construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Søren Poul Jensen, Karsten Dal, Borge Ollgaard
  • Publication number: 20100205876
    Abstract: A yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Constantin Christopoulus, Jeffrey Alan Packer, Michael Gray
  • Patent number: 7774996
    Abstract: The invention is a damper and a method for protecting buildings and similar structural systems from dynamic loading such as loading caused by earthquakes, strong winds or machine vibrations. More specifically, the damper is made from structural members being interconnected in frictional or visco-elastically dampened rotational joints. Due to the dampening of the joints, relative movement between the structural elements is dampened. In particular, the damper is useful for base isolation, e.g., in order to allow a building or a machine to move in a dampened movement relative to its foundation or in order to allow a cable stay of a cable stay bridge to move in a dampened movement relative to its fixation point on the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Damptech APS
    Inventor: Imad H. Mualla
  • Patent number: 7758948
    Abstract: A laminate support includes a layered elastic body structured by rigid plates, which have rigidity, and elastic plates, which have elasticity, being layered alternately in a predetermined layering direction, and a hollow portion is formed in the layered elastic body in the layering direction. A plastic fluid material structured by an elastic perfect plastic body (a non-hardening elastoplastic body) is placed-in the elastic body hollow portion of the layered elastic body. Further, a plurality of particle-shaped hard fillers, which are structured of a hard material which is considered to be a rigid body with respect to the plastic fluid material, are filled-in the plastic fluid material so as to be a predetermined volume fill rate. A laminate support, which can be disposed of or the like at a low cost and which can exhibit a large damping force, can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shigenobu Suzuki, Nobuo Murota, Takashi Kikuchi, Hironori Hamazaki
  • Publication number: 20100162640
    Abstract: An elastomeric seismic isolator bearing comprising a plurality of elastomeric layers reinforced with a plurality of fiber layers is disclosed, wherein said bearing is capable of exhibiting stable rollover when subjected to a lateral load in an unbonded application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Robert G. Drysdale, Michael Tait, Hamid Toopchinezhad
  • Patent number: 7716882
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: SME Steel Contractors, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Smelser
  • Publication number: 20100107520
    Abstract: A shearwall adapted for use in a building or other structure includes a main concrete portion and structural reinforcement positioned within the main concrete portion. The shearwall is configured to resist lateral forces to which the building or other structure may be subjected. Further, the shearwall is configured to accommodate a vertical load such that the need for at least one separate structural column is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Bo J. Lundmark, Clifford B. Swenson, Don R. Peoples, Hardip S. Pannu
  • Patent number: 7698870
    Abstract: In a frame consisting of longitudinal and transverse frame members which are used as bearing units, a frame bearing mount for the frame and an aggregate bearing mount are vertically arranged one upon the other and the frame areas between the frame bearing mounts and the aggregate bearing mounts are made of a vibration absorbing material in the form of blocks so as to provide a lightweight frame in a simple and economical manner and ensure an efficient attenuation of vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Viktor-Marius Murarescu, Björn Engles, Andreas Hopt, Matthias Schuchardt
  • Publication number: 20100088980
    Abstract: A seismic isolator includes at least two layers disposed one on top of the other and made of an elastomer material and at least a reinforcement element in the form of a sheet, disposed between the layers and made of fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI UDINE
    Inventors: Gaetano Russo, Paolo Angeli, Igino Pitacco, Margherita Pauletta, Abramo Paschini
  • Patent number: 7637061
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for maintaining the position of headstones in a cemetery. Previously, headstones installed at a cemetery may shift over time. As the ground beneath the headstone is subjected to erosion from frost, rain, snow, and wind, the headstone may settle and eventually sink partially into the ground. In some cases the headstones may become loose and fall, possibly getting damaged. The present invention provides a subterranean bridge comprised of concrete that the headstone rests upon. In this way, the headstone is supported by the concrete bridge structure, and is less affected by soil conditions, ground water, and freeze-thaw cycles. Since, by definition, the headstones are to be at the cemetery for an indefinite period of time, it is desirable to have a system to maintain the position of the headstone for the long term. The bridge is comprised of two caissons and a plinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Plinths and Caissons, LLC
    Inventors: John Murphy, Joseph Poplar
  • Publication number: 20090313917
    Abstract: To provide a seismic isolation device, even if a relative height between friction plates, which are laminated in a hollow part of a laminated rubber body, and the laminated rubber body changes at a deformation of the laminated rubber body, which prevents allophone, vibration and shock from inside of the seismic isolation device (laminated rubber body), resulting superiority in durability, safety, and amenity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Yukinori Takenoshita, Yukihiro Hosono
  • Publication number: 20090229195
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for maintaining the position of headstones in a cemetery. Previously, headstones installed at a cemetery may shift over time. As the ground beneath the headstone is subjected to erosion from frost, rain, snow, and wind, the headstone may settle and eventually sink partially into the ground. In some cases the headstones may become loose and fall, possibly getting damaged. The present invention provides a subterranean bridge comprised of concrete that the headstone rests upon. In this way, the headstone is supported by the concrete bridge structure, and is less affected by soil conditions, ground water, and freeze-thaw cycles. Since, by definition, the headstones are to be at the cemetery for an indefinite period of time, it is desirable to have a system to maintain the position of the headstone for the long term. The bridge is comprised of two caissons and a plinth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: John Murphy, Joseph Poplar
  • Publication number: 20090188179
    Abstract: For uncoupling a building structure 3 from the ground 2 a sliding pendulum bearing 1 is suitable for the protection of building structures in the case of movements of the ground 2, due to earthquakes for example, or as an alternative for conventional deformation bearings. The bearing 1 has a first sliding face 5 with a first concave sliding face 5? and a sliding shoe 4, which is in sliding contact with the first sliding face 5? of the first sliding plate 5. A low friction material 9a of a low-friction plastic is entrapped in the sliding shoe 4 which has elastoplastic equilibrium properties. In particular as a low friction material 9a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is utilized. After a displacement entailed by an external force the sliding shoe 4 returns of its own accord into a stable equilibrium position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Steelpat GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Huber, Rainer Roos
  • 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