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.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block of pyramidal shape with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps.

Abstract: Braces for bracing objects in structures against forces due to earthquakes are tested by subjecting components of the braces for attaching the braces to the object or structure to cyclic loading of approximately 15 cycles. The cyclic forces are applied to different samples of the components at differing angles, and a load rating is determined for each angle. Prior to cyclic testing, forces are applied monotonically to the components in both tension and compression, the flexible loading direction of the component is determined from the monotonic testing, and the deformation that the component can resist when a load is applied in cycles is estimated from the monotonic testing.

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.

Abstract: A damping intermediate pillar, which can exhibit a sufficient resistance against the horizontal force of a strong earthquake by reinforcing the joins between the damping intermediate pillar and the upper and lower beams, is disclosed. A damping intermediate pillar 14, used for a building or a structure configured of pillars 1 and beams 3, is divided into upper and lower damping intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b of H shape steel, and includes a plurality of inner steel plates 7b fixed on the damping intermediate pillar portion 14b and a plurality of outer steel plates 7a fixed on the other damping intermediate pillar portion 14a. The inner and outer steel plates are arranged alternately in a single or a plurality of layers, between which a viscoelastic member 15 is held to make up a viscoelastic damper 17. The coupling end surfaces of the intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b directed vertically are fixed on the upper and lower floor beams 3a, 3b.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for analyzing a structure subjected to a catastrophic event. Based on linear elastic input data, the system automatically determines non-linear hysteretic behaviors. The nonlinear models are then analyzed through any one of a number of nonlinear analysis techniques. Processing load of a computer is substantially reduced through various mathematical functions.

Abstract: A vibration-proof construction method for preventing and reducing vibration around a structure which generates vibration or receives vibration includes construction work wherein a hard member having higher stiffness than the surrounding ground and a rubber elastic member are adjacently laid underground, around or directly underneath the building structure, thereby forming a hard layer and an elastic layer. The hard member is preferably concrete, hardening-treated soil, or iron material, and the rubber elastic member is preferably scrap tires or pulverized scrap tire material. Thus, a practical and excellent vibration-proof construction method is provided, whereby even better vibration-proof effects can be obtained, and which contributes to reduction in construction costs.

Abstract: A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.

Abstract: A building (1) includes square columns (2) disposed in such a manner as to extend in a vertical direction so as to support the vertical load of the building (1); girders (3) disposed in such a manner as to bridge the square columns (2) and extend in the horizontal direction between the square columns (2); variation damping means (6) juxtaposed to opposing side surfaces (4) and (5) of each square column (2) on each floor of the building (1); and upper and lower connecting means (7) and (8) for connecting the vibration damping means (6) to a ceiling girder (3) side and a floor girder (3) side, respectively.

Abstract: A portal frame 3 made of wide flange sections without braces is fixed to the external surfaces of an existing RC-column 5 extending in the vertical direction and to the external surfaces of existing RC-beam 8 extending in the horizontal direction of a reinforced concrete building. The wide flange section column 4 fixed to the existing RC-column 5 is assigned a bending rigidity roughly equivalent to that of the existing RC-column 5, thereby reducing the stress additionally occurring at the connecting part between the existing RC-column 5 and column 4 by deforming the column 4 similarly to the existing RC-column 5 under the horizontal load transmitted from existing RC-beam 8 and/or wide flange section beam 6 during an earthquake. Using a steel portal frame without braces preserves the building appearance and avoids bracing which may block windows while increasing earthquake resistance.

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.

Abstract: A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration dampening laminate that is lightweight and has superior sound insulation and vibration dampening properties. The vibration dampening laminate comprises a constraining layer, a viscoelastic adhesive layer, a foam spacing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer including a release layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer and release layer are contoured to fit a profile of the article being soundproofed and vibration dampened.

Abstract: The devices are classified as a passive Supplemental Damping Devices, and as the name indicates they are used to supplement and increase the damping in structures. Increasing the damping is a desirable property, because it improves and enhances the performance of the structures. The devices are intended to be non-gravity loads carrying devices and are made of High damping Rubber that is bonded to Steel, however, some of them are capable of carrying substantial amount of gravity loads, if needed, and can be designed even to carry more. They are placed within the Structure's frame to dissipate energy produced by Earthquakes, Wind, or any other similar hazard. Examples of the placement are on the top of Bracing members or Shear Walls, in the Bracing members themselves, at the intersection of Bracing members, or at the Joints of Beam to Column connections.

Abstract: An inertial mass motion seismic power converter with single or multi-axis sensitivity, the output being used as a power or control input to the seismic protection system of a building or bridge, or other base-isolated or non-isolated structure. The power converter has an inertially free floating mass or piston in a chamber or hydraulic cylinder. The power converter is connected to at least one servomechanism or slave device that either facilitates relative motion of a base-isolated structure as to ground, or moves a counter motion mass in the structure in opposition to the seismic motion. The power converter is buried in the earth near the protected structure so it is reactive only to seismic motion. The size and density of the power converter mass is directly proportional to the amount of seismic energy that can be converted for protecting structures from seismic damage.

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.

Abstract: A mount locking plate with the mount locking plate including plate members for fixedly securing to a support surface and a pair of longitudinally displaceable complementary members that can be laterally positioned proximate the plate members. The complementary members can be longitudinally displaced with respect to one another to bring the displaceable complementary members into interlocked and aligned engagement with the plate members. A fastener allows the positioning of the displaceable complementary members into interlocked and aligned engagement from a position laterally removed from the mount locking plate.

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.

Abstract: An earthquake energy eliminator is constructed to include two bearing plates respectively disposed at top and bottom sides, the bearing plates each having a plurality of mounting holes, and a plurality of connecting plates connected between the bearing plates, the connecting plates each having respective top and bottom sides respectively fitted into the mounting holes of the bearing plates and at least one opening spaced between bearing plates.

Abstract: An earthquake energy eliminator is constructed to include two bearing plates respectively disposed at top and bottom sides, the bearing plates each having a plurality of mounting holes, and a plurality of connecting plates connected between the bearing plates, the connecting plates each having respective top and bottom sides respectively fitted into the mounting holes of the bearing plates and at least one opening spaced between bearing plates.

Abstract: A hurricane resistant window vinyl film having visible light transmission and rip-stop, composed of a double layer of plastic film with a scrim laminated between the two pieces of plastic vinyl film coated on one outside side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is reusable is then, applied to the inside of a window and it's frame. The near strength of the combination of plastic vinyl film, scrim and adhesive are balanced to provide buildings with protection from shattering glass.

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.

Abstract: A device for supporting two constructional elements against each other consisting of at least one upset tube arranged between pressure transmitting plates located at the ends of the tube for the purpose of limiting inward and outward bulging. The upset tube is coaxially arranged between two supporting tubes having a smaller length than the upset tube of which the external supporting tube encloses the upset tube at a radial distance.

Abstract: A seismic/expansion joint seal and cover comprises a cover plate, and a central spine extending downwardly from said cover plate. At least one layer of a resilient compressible foam sealant is provided on each side of the spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a foundation support for use with manufactured homes, such as mobile homes and trailers, as well as the more conventional prefabricated home. Using a tube-in-tube construction, where sleeves of rubber lay compressed, one adjacent the other, intermediate an inner and outer tube, provides an earthquake resistant support. The elastomeric portion of the foundation support provides isolation from vibrations produced from ground movement, wind forces or from traffic vibrations. A screw jack located centrally within the inner cylinder permits the ideal adjustment in providing and maintaining support for the manufactured building at a dead level. A ball swivel joint facilitates the installation and adjustment. As a protective safety device, to prevent the over extension of the screw jack, there is a stop at the distal end of the threaded jack rod to maintain sufficient thread engagement when the jack is fully extended.

Abstract: A damping device receiving viscous fluid in an annular gap between a housing and a rotary member within the housing and converting a dynamic energy of the rotary member into a thermal energy is provided. The damping device is constructed to make it possible to move a sealing unit for sealing the annular gap in response to a pressure of the viscous fluid, to change the volume of the annular gap to suppress an adverse affect concomitant with the pressure increase of the viscous fluid to the sealing unit and to enhance reliability and durability of the damping device.

Abstract: An improved framed structure incorporating a coupled-girder system provides enhanced seismic energy dissipation by as much as 30% over that provided by conventional yielding of the girders. The coupled-girder system includes a pair of spaced-apart girders coupled by one or more girder-to-girder links which are preferably vertical links. Energy dissipation takes place when the structure drifts beyond its elastic limit and the differential displacement of the pair of girders causes the web of each vertical link to shear yield. The links are proportioned to remain in the elastic regime under wind loads and moderate earthquakes as prescribed by building codes. Beyond the elastic limit, preferably the yielding in the links will take place prior to that in the girders. In this way, the links will be the first line of defense for dissipating seismic energy before the girders themselves.

Abstract: A multi-floor building is protected from seismic forces by coupling a damping system between a pair of truss columns of truss systems, each movable in a cantilever motion in response to the seismic forces to move opposite nodes of the damping system along an enhanced working stroke as compared to prior art frame constructions.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bearing with a primary application in the seismic isolation of structure from the ground or parts of other structures. It may also be used to dampen other forces on structures on which it is installed. The bearing consists of end plates separated by a laminate of resilient and stiffening layers. There is a plastically deformable insert within the laminate. The laminate interfaces with the end plates in each bearing and is secured near the central axis from end plate to end plate, but not near the peripheries. The advantage provided is allowing a wider range of forces to be absorbed than with known bearings of this type.

Abstract: A seismic isolation system is provided with a swing bearing ring consisting of an upper ring and a lower ring, which are rotatable relatively, between a crane body and a traveling means. A lower vertical shaft of a block pivotally supported on saddles of the crane body is supported by a swing bearing provided at an eccentric position on the upper ring. An automatic restoring mechanism is provided which restores the swing of a horizontal lever, whose proximal end is installed to the upper ring of the swing bearing ring, around the centerline C2.

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.

Abstract: A first plate member and a second plate member are attached to a column member in such a manner as to be capable of undergoing relative displacement, and a viscoelastic material is disposed fixedly between the two plate members. As an alternative arrangement, a casing and a plate member inserted in the casing are attached to the column member in such a manner as to be capable of undergoing relative displacement, and a viscous material is filled in the casing. Drag occurs with respect to the plate member in conjunction with the vibration of the column member, thereby damping a structure.

Abstract: A seismic isolation system with a plurality of ball-and-socket joints attaching a base structure to a plurality of foundation pads or piers. A plurality of pads or piers 3, 13 form a foundation structure. A seismic isolation bearing 20 attaches a pad to the floor 1 of a building or other structure. The seismic isolation bearing includes a joint 22 attached to an elastic element 12. The seismic isolation bearing allows tilting of the pad in relation to the base structure in response to vertical movement of a foundation pad. Additionally, rotation of the joint works in conjunction with the elastic element to reduce the shear deformation in the elastic element in response to transverse movement of the foundation pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seismic load transmitting system based on impact mechanism for a multi-span continuous bridge, comprising impact assemblies connected to a superstructure of the bridge for colliding with movable support piers according to a longitudinal displacement of the superstructure of the bridge caused by a seismic load and transmitting the seismic load from the superstructure of the bridge to the movable support piers; and impact receiving assemblies installed in the movable support piers for receiving an impact force generated when the movable support piers become collided with the impact assemblies and transmitting the seismic load transferred from the superstructure of the bridge through the impact assemblies to the movable support piers, wherein the seismic load generated in the superstructure of the bridge is transmitted not only to the fixed support piers but also to the moving support piers due to the collision between the impact assemblies and the impact receiving assemblies; and wherein the cont

Abstract: The seismic isolation sliding support bearing system includes a pair of sliding bearings, which can be moved relatively to each other and are arranged in opposition and in contact with each other between a superstructure and a substructure. At least one of the pair of sliding bearings is a sliding bearing (a) made from a molding, having a porous structure including a plurality of voids, of a composition including PTFE as a main component and aromatic polyester resin, or a composite including a base member having the molding on the surface thereof. Furthermore, a lubricant holding layer for holding a flow lubricant in the voids is formed in a surface portion of the molding. Since the sliding bearing (a) has a high compression elastic modulus (of 900 MPa or more) and a low coefficient of friction (of 0.02 or less) and can maintain the low friction for a long period of time, it can be particularly effectively used in a seismic isolation sliding bearing support system for structures with a large load.

Abstract: A vibration damping mechanism and an anti-earthquake wall material for providing a building or other structure with strength and rigidity, and a capability of damping the vibrations. On one or both sides of a base plate material (43) to be connected to a framework (50), an auxiliary plate material (44) is jointed with a space being formed. A viscoelastic body (M) is filled into the space, the base plate material (43) is selected so that it can cause elastic buckling, and by deformation and movement of the viscoelastic body (M), the vibration energy is absorbed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid storage system for storing liquid products, particularly petroleum and its derivatives. An auxiliary dam (1) within a bund defined by a main dam (3) bounds an area (5) around a tank (2) in such a way that the contaminating wastes from the fluids stored in the tank are contained within that area (5).

Abstract: A clamped support system for a structure comprising a plurality of support piers in a predetermined array, supporting the structure; and at least two rigid reinforcing pads sandwiched about an elastomer layer, the plurality of support piers extending through the reinforcing pads and the elastomer layer.

Abstract: The suspension and sound-insulation system is intended to be used in houses or buildings. In this system, a finishing panel is attached to a rigid structure surface by a plurality of rubber cylinders each provided with an open cavity extending axially. Each cylinder is attached to the structure surface by a suspension rod provided with opposite ends, which is inserted into the cavity of the cylinder and whose opposite ends are folded so as to extend the structure surface and be fixed thereto. The finishing panel is attached to suspension bars that are attached to the cylinders by other suspension rods passing through the cavities of the cylinders. The cavities of the rubber cylinders are axially offset and the cylinders are oriented during their installation in such a manner that their cavities are closer to the structure surface and to the suspension bars. The other suspension rods are also shaped and sized to receive and support one of the suspension bars.

Abstract: A modular foundation system having a punch pad; pre-formed, ring-shaped modular foundation units; and an axial column and a pole that extend through the modular foundation units. The modular foundation system may be used to support any type of structure, such as a pole building type structure; or may be used to provide pier footings for any non-pole building type structure, such as a terrace and wall type structure.