Abstract: There is described a profiled sash section for a window sash holding a window pane and intended for being installed in an outer frame of a blast resistant window. The sash section includes a main member enabling inter-engagement between the profiled sash member and the outer frame; a window pane holding member for accommodating and securing an end portion of said window pane in the profiled sash member, and a reinforcing member designed to support the end portion of the window pane and to transmit blast pressure, if incidentally applied to the window pane, to the main member. For at least partially absorbing blast pressure energy applied to the window pane, the sash section is provided with damping means for deforming up to a predetermined limit. Also described is a blast-resistant framework for a casement window, including the window sash assembled from the mentioned profiled sash sections and adapted for rigidly and air-tightly securing the window pane in the holders of the profiled sash members.

Abstract: An elongated C-shaped structural member for cooperation with the inner wall or partition and ceiling of a structure to confine a fire and prevent its spreading, the C-shaped structural member having an intumescent thermal gasket positioned on its outer vertical web face, and parallel extending flanges on its opposing web face, the upper extending flange having a plurality of finger members formed on its surface, the finger members displaceable to a plane vertical to the upper flange member for extension into the troughs of the underside of the ceiling, the C-shaped structural member secured to the ceiling by the upper flange member such that the intumescent thermal gasket is juxtaposed adjacent the upper outer surface of the interior wall or partition, the C-shaped structural member, upstanding finger members and the troughs associated therewith being encapsulated with a fire retardant cementious composition.

Abstract: A floor nozzle for a floor fire suppressant system includes a body and a deflector which is supported on the body. The body includes a transverse passage and a body flange. The transverse passage defines an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the body flange extending around the outlet opening. The inlet opening is provided for coupling to a fire suppressant supply system. The deflector is spaced from the outlet opening and includes a deflector flange with a plurality of projecting members which extend from the deflector flange toward the body flange. Projecting members are radially spaced around the outlet opening to form a plurality of passageways through which the fire suppressant exiting the outlet opening flows to form a generally lateral radial pattern for delivering fire suppressant to the floor area. The deflector and the body are adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of an aircraft riding over the flange.

Abstract: The installation of a fire retarding division-penetrating member is enhanced and the member fits the outer circumference of inconstant penetrating material to prevent the filler from dropping. The heat expansion fire resistant material may be securely provided. A tongue piece (17) of fire resistant material (16) may fit to the surface and valley of pipe (25) and cable (26) only by fitting the saw teeth state heat expansion fire resistant material (16) with its upper face being covered with the sheet (19) inside the holding frame (11) of sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) that are split into two pieces and by dropping these sleeve main bodies (10) and (10a) into the floor through-hole (24) from above. In this way, the filler like mortar (28) and so forth can be immediately filled from the upper floor with no need for repairing the heat expansion fire resistant material (16).

Abstract: A roof-mounted shade assembly for reducing solar heat gain includes an array of fabric panels that are tightly stretched between upright support posts in an operative position overlying and spaced from the roof of a building structure. Several spray nozzles periodically discharge water spray in the form of mist or fog into the space between the fabric panels and the building roof. The fabric panels become saturated with water spray, and fog/mist water droplets are in heat transfer contact with the roof surface and with the wet fabric panels. Thermal energy from the building structure is transferred to the surrounding atmosphere by convection and evaporative cooling as wind currents sweep across the wet fabric panels and the wet roof surface. The water-absorbent fabric panels simultaneously screen direct solar radiation and function as a thermal wick for transferring heat energy from the building structure.

Abstract: A drop-out fire vent for a building has a plastic dome that softens and loses structural integrity with increasing temperature. However, the dome is prevented from dropping out by an internal trap door controlled by a fusible link that will release at a precise temperature. This allows the vent to be used in combination with sprinkler systems such as ESFR systems that require opening of the vent at a precise temperature after the sprinklers have been triggered.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device that creates a semishaded surface whose level of exposure to sunlight can be determined and on which the sunlight can be distributed uniformly for a given period. It consists of a fixed framework (1) supporting a mobile reciprocating frame (2). A skylight (A) with slats is set into the mobile frame (2). The mobile frame (2) supports one of several frames (3) into which are set skylights (b) with slats. The adjustable deviation between the frames (2 and 3) determines the level of exposure to sunlight. This device is especially intended for persons who wish to be exposed to a reasonable level of sunlight. Its field of application is particularly, though not exclusively, in the tourism, leisure and accommodation industries.

Abstract: A fire insulating support means for installation of one of cables, pipes and ventilation ducts in a through aperture in a wall includes a flange-shaped body. The flange-shaped body is made of a platelike member and a tubular member which has an aperture therethrough for the placement of a duct, pipe or cable. The flange-shaped body includes a fire insulating material, the platelike member in the flange-shaped body is provided with at least one through hole for fastening means for securing the body to the wall and at least partway around the at least one through hole is disposed a thermally expanding mat.

Abstract: A window/light shelf system enhances the daylight illumination with no glare. The air space between the double panes of the window is enlarged, and a mini blind-like, light reflective or absorbing, low transparent glass plates unit is integrated in the middle to control the daylighting and to eliminate the glare. With the light reflective unit open and closed per solar/climate conditions, the system serves as a window, a light shelf with no glare, a solar heating source in the winter, and a solar heat reflector in the summer.

Abstract: An air return grille for an aircraft mounted below the passenger cabin sidewall comprises openings to allow return airflow from the air conditioning system. In a preferred embodiment, the grille openings are covered by a single thin baffle 32 with cutouts within its periphery that slip over and are held in place by fasteners on the molded grille 28. The thin baffle 32 is affixed to the molded grille 28 along one or more edges on the grille. All other thin baffle 32 attachments allow for the baffle to be disengaged upon the onset of a rapid decompression. During normal operation, the thin baffle 32 restricts flow through a small opening in the grille. During a sudden/rapid decompression of the cargo compartment/lower lobe, the baffle is dislodged from the fasteners and forced into a position parallel to the airstream. This allows the airflow to pass through all of the molded grille 28 openings in order to achieve rapid pressure equalization.

Abstract: A damping device includes a plurality of rockets (3) each having a nozzle (4) directed outward and disposed at the four corners on the upper floor of a building structure (1) and a device for sensing an earthquake and operating the rockets. With this arrangement, there can be provided a damping device for a building structure which is applicable not only to new building structures but also to existing building structures and can cope with a sudden exciting force caused by, for example, an earthquake with a vertical shock which has been conventionally impossible to be coped with.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerated flooring system for use athletic arenas or gymnasiums. The flooring system includes a top layer that provides a surface for the activities to be conducted on the floor. The system also includes at least one ventilation device. The ventilation device covers an air flow shaft within the flooring system, helping to prevent debris from falling in the air flow shaft, but allowing air to flow through the ventilation device. The ventilation device allows air to ventilate out of the flooring system. A support layer below the top layer provides support to the flooring system. A ventilation layer below the flooring is sized to allow air movement through the layer. The air flow shafts allow air to travel from the ventilation layer to the ventilation device. A base is below the ventilation layer and provides support for the flooring system above. A blowing device is controlled by a computer system that monitors the system using sensors.

Abstract: A semi-active variable stiffness control (SAIVS) device, which can change its stiffness continuously and smoothly between a maximum and minimum stiffness. It comprises four spring and telescoping tube elements arranged in a rhombus configuration with pivot joints at the vertices. A control rod powered by a DC servomotor reconfigures the aspect ratio of the rhombus under computer control. This aspect ratio determines the stiffness of the device, and is continuously variable using little power. The SAIVS is installed as a connection between structural elements, and varies the connection stiffness smoothly by changing its configuration in response to a control algorithm in the computer. The algorithm obtains accelerometer and displacement input as feedback to optimize the result. Thus it maintains the structure in a non-resonant vibration state under dynamic disturbances such as earthquakes and windstorms.

Abstract: In an indoor type skiing ground having a ski slope formed by sprinkling artificial snow to a predetermined thickness on a slope inside a building, a predetermined height range from the surface of the artificial snow is defined as a low temperature region, while an ordinary temperature region is defined above the low temperature region, and cold air ports for blowing cold air into the building are formed in a side wall of the building so as to be located in the low temperature region, while air outlets are formed so as to be located above the cold air ports.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire barrier which includes a functional combination of at least one single-panel casement panel and a sliding panel which is connected or adjacent to it. The sliding panel, which can be automatically moved horizontally during normal operation, contains an auxiliary drive mechanism which, in an emergency, moves the sliding panel without an outside power source into the open position. The casement panel is moved simultaneously by a closing mechanism from its fixed or open position into the correct closed position to create or act as a barrier.

Abstract: An explosion vent (10) for covering an opening (12) in an enclosure (14) subject to the build-up of pressure is disclosed. The explosion vent includes a peripheral flange (16) configured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, a pressure relief panel (18) positioned within and hingedly connected to the flange, and a plurality of connectors or rupture tab assemblies (19) connecting the unhinged portion of the pressure relief panel to the flange. The connectors break when the enclosure is subjected to pressure build-up for permitting the panel to shift outwardly from the enclosure for uncovering the opening in the enclosure.

Abstract: The static pressure within an air-supported structure is monitored and controlled in accordance with monitored environmental conditions. The static pressure is kept at the minimum value required to maintain the structures's integrity, thereby using a minimum amount of energy. As outside wind velocity incrementally increases, the static pressure is increased incrementally. Under certain weather conditions such as high winds and frozen precipitation, the static pressure is increased to a maximum limit. As a safety feature, a secondary inflation device is activated to assist a primary inflation device to quickly increase pressure in the structure in response to a sudden loss in pressure.

Abstract: A decompression panel assembly (12) for use in an aircraft separation structure (14). The panel assembly includes a support pan (26) having an opening (28), a bull nose (64) extending outwardly from the support pan at the opening's edge, and a recess (62) surrounding the bull nose. An inner seal (70) is sized and located within the recess (62). A retaining ring (22) is provided and includes a number of fingers (84) formed from spaced-apart slits (86) extending into the retaining ring (22) from the ring's inner edge. The assembly (12) further includes a pressure relief panel (24) shaped similar to the support pan opening shape, though sized slightly larger. The pressure relief panel (24) is held between the support pan bull nose (64) and the retaining ring (22) during non-decompression use. A number of index pins (94) interconnect between the retaining ring and the support pan. A grill (30) is attached to the support pan to protect the pressure relief panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the amount of solar energy and heat transferred into and out of a building or other structure through a glazed opening using a system of pneumatically actuated, reflective shutters. The air discharged from the blower flows through a venturi. The venturi communicates with a system of inflatable, reflective shutter elements. A control valve downstream from the venturi regulates airflow through the venturi. A photoelectric sensing element is installed at the level of the growing plants. The electric current generated by the sensing element is proportional to the intensity of the sunlight entering through the glazed roof. The control valve is operated by an electrical control means which responds to the electric current generated by the photoelectric sensing element.

Abstract: A system for supporting and maintaining the upper portion of a building structure in a level condition includes a vertically adjustable load-bearing assembly including a plurality of spaced support jacks supporting the upper portion above a lower portion of the building structure, the support jacks being adjustable vertically in height independent of the other in order to maintain the upper portion in a level condition, and a plurality of level indicators fixed relative to the upper portion that cooperate with each other to indicate whether the upper portion is level.

Abstract: In many storms, high-wind velocity can cause severe damage to building structures by virtue of differential pressures caused by high-wind velocity winds traversing the structure, creating differential inside-outside pressures. Extremely low pressure on the downwind side of the structure causing higher internal pressures inside the structure to lift the roof or burst out windows and the like on the downwind side of the structure. The destructive effects of high-velocity winds on building structures are avoided by providing the building with controlled openings on the various surfaces of the building. Air pressure sensing devices sense pressure differentials caused by high-velocity winds on the upwind and downwind sides of the building and controlling the pressure control opening such that the high-pressure surface opening is closed and the low-pressure surface control opening is opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and/or minimizing the formation of ice dams and icicles on a roof of a building having an unheated attic under said roof, which involves the steps of: (1) determining if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof, (2) determining ambient outdoor air temperature, (3) determining the temperature of air in the attic and (4) if there is an accumulation of snow on the roof and if the ambient outdoor air temperature is at or below freezing and if the attic air temperature is sufficient to cause melting of the snow on the roof, exhausting air from the attic.

Abstract: An intumescable fire stop device and method of installing the same including a collar and a fastening device. The collar includes intumescable material supported by a jacket. The fastening device includes an axial shaft portion, a radial shank portion and a means to attach the fastening device to the collar. The radial shank portion is placed through an opening in a wall or other rigid surface through which a pipe or other member extends and between the wall and the pipe. The radial shank portion is then extended on the far side of the wall to engage the far side of the wall and firmly secure the collar to the near side of the wall.

Abstract: A method of damping floor vibrations and structures having damped floors is provided. Damping article(s) are attached to structural floor (A) (at a floor attachment location) and to at least two anchor attachment locations independently selected from the group consisting of locations on structural beams, structural columns, structural beam(s)/structural column intersection(s); and area(s) of a ground floor/structural floor (which may or may not be the same as structural floor (A)) within about one meter of a column and/or beam.

Abstract: A ventilating window for ventilating the interior of a building or a structure such as a vehicle in a natural and gentle manner. A ventilating window for the exhaust of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically opening a window casement when the atmospheric pressure inside the window is higher than the outside atmospheric pressure, thereby dispensing with forced exhaust using a fan or the like. A ventilating window for the supply of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically closing a window casement when the atmospheric pressure outside the window is higher than the inside atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing a strong wind from blowing into the interior. A ventilating window for both exhaust and supply of air is provided with both such opening mechanism and closing mechanism.

Abstract: A tank system includes a tank, a rainwater feed mechanism and a run-off for contaminated water. The rainwater feed mechanism includes a switch unit that passes contaminated water to the run-off. When large quantities of rainwater are received, the switch unit passes the rainwater to the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening a frame building with extension rebars clamped to the foundation rebar and extending between the studs and through the double plate between the rafters, includes a clamp that automatically corrects for building shrinkage. The clamp includes a steel shear plate on top of the double that has a central hole for passage of the extension rebar and a pair of steel plates clamped to the extension rebar. The bottom edges of the steel plates are angled from the surface of the surface of the shear plate and a spring biased wedge in the gap maintains tension of the extension rebar. Rafters may also be secured to the extension rebar by hooking a metal strap steel over a horizontal rebar on the rafters.

Abstract: A fire curtain has its top fixed to a top framework of a building, the frwork including arrangements for spraying a fluid onto the curtain having two walls fastened together along its bottom and its vertical sides. The fluid spraying arrangements spray at least one interior face of one wall with the fluid.

Abstract: An earthquake attenuating apparatus is located adjacent to a fault line for reducing the intensity of a potential earthquake. The apparatus includes a vibration generator which is located adjacent to the fault line and a vibration transmitter for transmitting the vibration to the fault line such that when the vibration generator is operating, the vibration transmitter transmits vibrations to the fault line so that the intensity of the potential earthquake is reduced.

Abstract: An interface (3) for vibration reduction in structural-dynamic systems comprises a base-side construction element (8) and a structure-side construction element (9) and at least one actuator (14), for example a piezoelectric or a magnetostrictive actuator. The actuator (14) has a main direction (17), and the extension of the actuator (14) in its main direction (17) between a first engagement point (15) on the base-side construction element (8) and a second engagement point (16) on the structure-side construction element (9) can be voluntarily changed by means of a drive signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for structural deflection control, as well as associated sequential controls that are based on new control laws. The apparatus of this invention is of relatively low cost and performs better than prior art devices. The essence of the invention is to adjust the dynamic parameters (mass, damping, stiffness coefficients of the structure and/or input forcing coefficients) adaptive to input dynamic loads, by using the new devices and the suggested control laws. In so doing, the structure performs an adaptive function to effectively counter the effects induced by multi-directional external excitations. The required control power can be nil, or many times lower than prior art active control devices, and the effectiveness can be equivalent or even better than the current state-of-the-art active controls. The devices used by the apparatus of this invention can readily be manufactured for immediate application in structures, buildings and contents, and other constructed facilities.

Abstract: Ceiling tiles and a moisture detection system in which an array of electrodes placed preferably on the top unseen surface of the ceiling tiles typically used in commercial-type buildings. A detection or controller circuit then monitors the electrical characteristics of these electrodes for any changes that would be indicative of water formation on the ceiling tiles. Generally, current will flow between the electrodes only in the presence of water or some other conducting fluid. When this current is detected, an alarm, for example, can be generated to notify security monitoring personnel to investigate the possible existence of water intrusion. Alternatively, coded signals can be generated at the ceiling tiles individually in the presence of water.

Abstract: A device and method for removing ice and snow from roofs whereby a flexible sleeve attached to the lower part of a roof is remotely inflated, thereby shattering the ice in a controlled and safe manner. In the preferred embodiment, a mounting frame is sealingly attached to the roof surface and is configured to removably retain the flexible, inflatable sleeve in position on the roof. A number of retention means are disclosed. However, the preferred means is a zipper assembly, which is easy to operate and retains the overall flexibility of the inflatable sleeve to allow it to be rolled up for easy storage when it is removed from a roof. The lower end of the inflatable sleeve extends beyond the lower edge of the roof surface where it is movably secured to the edge of the roof. An operator realizing the need to remove ice from a roof remotely inflates the sleeve with a low pressure air supply. The expansion of the sleeve attached to the roof shatters the brittle ice.

Abstract: A roof mounted fire protection system adapted for use in association with a house positioned upon a yard, the house having a pitched roof with an apex and a side wall, the apparatus comprising: a horizontal roof pipe and a vertical side pipe, the horizontal roof pipe being coupled along the apex of the roof, the vertical side pipe having an upper end and a lower end and affixed to the side wall of the house, the upper end of the vertical side pipe being coupled to the horizontal pipe; a plurality of upwardly directed sprinkler heads, each sprinkler head being formed in a generally conical configuration and coupled to the horizontal roof pipe; a pump including an intake port and an output port, the intake port being coupled to a water source, the output port being coupled to the lower end of the vertical pipe; and an activation device operatively coupled to the pump, the activation device enabling a user to activate the pump to supply water to the sprinkler heads when required.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing people in the event of a serious air quality degradation is provided. A pressurized enclosure, either permanent or temporary, includes an air supply system for filtering and subsequently supplying clean air to the interior of the enclosure. The structure will be deployable and/or activated from a remote control station or from the protective structure itself. Life support elements are stored in the enclosure for use as needed.

Abstract: A set of first and second detecting units detects an emergency. First and second pseudo-emergency generating units generate a pseudo-emergency for the first and second detecting units. A driving unit alternately drives the first and second pseudo-emergency generating units. An abnormality detecting unit detects operation of the first and second detecting units detecting the pseudo-emergency from the first and second pseudo-emergency generating units, the abnormality detecting units performing a predetermined indication when thus-detected operation is abnormal. An emergency detection outputting unit, in an emergency, outputs an emergency detection signal in response to reception of emergency detection signals from both the first and second detecting units.

Abstract: The static pressure within an air-supported structure is monitored and controlled in accordance with monitored environmental conditions. The static pressure is kept at the minimum value required to maintain the structure's integrity, thereby using a minimum amount of energy. As outside wind velocity incrementally increases, the static pressure is increased incrementally. Under certain weather conditions such as high winds and frozen precipitation, the static pressure is increased to a maximum limit. As a safety feature, a secondary inflation device is activated to assist a primary inflation device to quickly increase pressure in the structure in response to a sudden loss in pressure.

Abstract: The constructability of a concrete structure is facilitated by providing pre-assembled, modular frame units formed of steel or concrete beams and columns. Reinforcing bars have their opposite ends embedded in the beams that form each frame unit, but in most embodiments they are unattached to the columns because they extend through tubular debonding sleeves embedded within the columns. An elongate post-tensioning duct extends through each frame unit and an elongate tendon having opposite ends that may be placed under tension extends through the duct so that it compresses the frame unit. When a lateral load impacts against the frame unit, the reinforcing members that extend through the tubular sleeves stretch within the sleeves but their resilience urges the vertical columns to regain their vertical disposition when the impact passes. The elongate tendon that extends through the post-tensioning duct similarly urges the frame unit to regain its position of repose.

Abstract: A mass supported on a structure is driven by an actuator such that it moves in a direction of a vibration of the structure. A mechanism for detecting state variables relating to the vibration of the structure and a Kalman filter for performing a predetermined calculation processing on the state variables by comparing with a structure model included therein are provided in order to estimate proper values of state variables. From these state quantifies, control input values are calculated based on an optimal feedback gain matrix preset on the basis of an optimal regulator theory, and applied to control the actuator. With this configuration, the vibration of the mass due to a high-order vibration mode of the structure and the vibration of the mass caused by the compressibility of a hydraulic oil or the response characteristics of a servo valve are efficiently suppressed.

Abstract: A manufacture to protect a building from destructive explosions, having a number of sliding connectors, each connector comprises a massive housing rigidly coupled to a structural frame of the protected building and a low friction slider fixed to a wall panel. Each housing comprises a grooved track for the slider, and each track is sagged down to its middle where the slider rests under normal conditions. When the blast occurs, the wall panel does not transfer its impulse to the building frame immidiately but, remaining parallel to its initial position, distributes this transferal during a sequence of pendulum type excursions thus considerably mitigating the explosion impact on vital structural elements of the building.

Abstract: A floating sub-frame for installation on purlins of a metal roof beneath a roof curb that supports roof equipment. The floating sub-frame functions to stabilize the roof curb by resisting vertical movement of the roof due to the passage of wind across the roof while enabling horizontal thermal movement of the metal roof relative to the supporting purlins.

Abstract: A firestop conduit element is formed of an inner conduit of fusible material surrounded by intumescent material which is contained within an exterior moisture impenetrable barrier. A preferred barrier is an external sleeve, bonded at its ends to the conduit. The ends of the conduit element are coupleable to exterior conduit systems.

Abstract: A heat releasable bracket, for supporting a ceiling panel under normal conditions, and for releasing the ceiling panel when exposed to elevated temperatures caused by a nearby fire or the like, includes a first bracket part which includes a mounting portion for securing the first bracket portion to a support structure such as a beam, column, wall, etc.; a second bracket part which is adapted to be secured to the first bracket part and provide a support for the ceiling panel; and a heat releasable link which normally joins the first and second bracket parts together, but which releases the second bracket part from the first bracket part when exposed to elevated temperatures, which in turn allows the ceiling panel to drop away from the position at which it is normally supported. The heat releasable bracket can form part of an effective and relatively inexpensive ceiling panel support system comprised of at least one heat releasable bracket and at least one other bracket which is not heat releasable.

Abstract: An inexpensive drain assembly for draining water from flat roofs, balconies, decks and other flat or low sloping surfaces that are covered with a water-tight single layer synthetic roofing and waterproofing membrane. The drain assembly includes a grate having a strainer and a connecting collar, a flanged boot that is contoured to fit snugly around the collar of the grate and is sealed via the flange to the synthetic membrane, and a pipe connector that connects the grate and contoured boot to a standard drain pipe. The flanged boot is made from elastomer that is identical to or compatible with and sealably attachable to the synthetic membrane. The elastomer and the synthetic membrane are made of materials selected from a group consisting of synthetic rubber, rubber-like materials, plastic, and plastic-like materials.

Abstract: A decompression panel is releasably secured in a decompression opening of a partition structure by means of mounting elements that can release the panel in either a blow-in or a blow-out direction. A perimeter frame bridges the area at the perimeter of the panel and overlaps the edges of the panel and of the partition structure around the decompression opening. Respective pairs of mounting elements are arranged near the edge of the panel and the edge of the partition structure to releasably secure the perimeter frame to the partition structure and to the decompression panel. Each mounting element includes a bolt and a retaining device including two conical sleeves arranged one within the other. The bolt is screwed into the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is releasably connected to the outer sleeve by frangible safety tabs, which break at a rated force to release the bolt and thereby free the decompression panel and allow it to be displaced out of the decompression opening.

Abstract: A fire door system comprising first and second fire door assemblies each assembly including a fire door, a temperature sensing device and an operator. The operators of each of the assemblies are electrically interconnected such that when the fire doors simultaneously close when either (a) the temperature sensing device senses that the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value or (b) the circuit between the operators of the assemblies is deactivated.

Abstract: A plural orthogonal feed forward control system with an actuator system for installation on an upper floor or area of a building as an integral part of a building's structural supports to control seismic, wind, or wave disturbances to the structure or building. Control means include upstream and dual orthogonal downstream sensor arrays for determination of input and output error signals, plural orthogonal anti-feedback filters, and the plural adaptive weight updates to best determine the orthogonal components of the cancellation signal. The cancellation signal is acted on by the variable controlling force apparatus consisting of hydraulic or other actuators with stiff rods attached to the building structure and connected with a movable mass. The device works on orthogonal components of the disturbance, and is capable of attenuating simultaneously signals whose spectra contain multiple narrowband and/or combined narrowband and broadband character.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually or audibly displaying swinging reducing effect in a structure with a damper or a base isolator, which reduces swinging of building structure during earthquake and increases performance characteristics and structural safety of the structure. The apparatus comprises an earthquake observation device, a computer, a display unit and a communication system for connecting the earthquake observation device, the computer and the display unit. The earthquake observation device records input seismic wave to the structure and response wave of the structure at each given time, and the computer calculates response in case the structure is not provided with damper or base isolator, using dynamic characteristics of the structure and input seismic wave in observation records. Thus, the input seismic wave, observed response wave with damper and base isolator, calculated response wave without damper or base isolator, as well as damping effect and base isolation effect are given on the display unit.

Abstract: A support structure having a beam portion (2) undergoing bending when the load is imposed on the support structure and a separate elastic member (1a) which deforms elastically in a manner inversely proportional to beam bending from the middle of the support structure towards its ends so that the sum of the deformation produced by beam bending and the deformation of the elastic member is constant, whereby a longitudinal support line in the support structure remains as a straight line even though the support structure itself yields in the direction of the force.

Abstract: A firestop apparatus that allows substantial longitudinal and radial movement of a pipe that extends through an opening in a partition. The firestop includes a thermal insulator assembly that surround the pipe, is positioned to slidably engage with a surface of the partition, and is sized to substantially cover the opening even when the pipe is moved to the edge of the opening. A first seal is interposed between the insulator and the pipe to permit longitudinal movement of the pipe through the insulator. A second seal is interposed between the insulator and the partition to permit radial movement of the pipe and insulator relative to the opening. A securing structure allows radial movement of the insulator relative to the opening while maintaining engagement of the insulator against the side of the partition.