Abstract: A vibration suppression device includes a plurality of first elongated linear guides on which a first support table is slidably mounted. A first adjustable damping system is provided for damping slidable movement of the first support table on the plurality of first elongated linear guides. A plurality of second elongated linear guides are fixedly mounted on a top face of the first table and arranged perpendicular to the plurality of first elongated linear guides. A second support table is slidably mounted on the plurality of second elongated linear guides. A second adjustable damping system is provided for damping slidable movement of the second support table on the plurality of second elongated linear guides.

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: A building including high efficiency transparent insulation and optical shutter solar collector (HETIOSSC) to effectively control heat loss and gain in a passively-solar climate control system. HETIOSSC includes a layer of protective glazing, a transparent insulation, an optical shutter, an optional solar radiation absorbing material and optional heat storage elements. When the building and its heat storage are too warm, the optical shutter layer becomes opaque to prevent overheating. During cloudy and cold winter days, HETIOSSC still has a solar transmission and insulation efficiency great enough to collect sufficient sunlight for heating. Location of HETIOSSC on the roof, rather than the walls, does not alter shape and orientation of a building.

Abstract: A roof system utilizing a solar cell comprising a first modular roof member composed of a plurality of first light collecting plate segments each of which having a solar cell embedded therein, the first light collecting plate segments being aligned in one direction and in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction; and a second modular roof member composed of a plurality of second light collecting plate segments each of which is equal in size to the first light collecting plate segment, the second light collecting plate segments being aligned in one direction and in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction, the number of the second light collecting plate segments in one direction being larger by one than that of the first light collecting plate segments.

Abstract: An assemblage (10) for relieving overpressure in an enclosure (12) has a first panel (14) configured to surround an opening (13) in the enclosure (12), The first panel (14) comprises an outer skin (19) and a thermal barrier layer (15) for providing insulation during normal operation, A gasket member (24) is bonded to the thermal barrier layer (15) between panel edges (22). The gasket member (24) includes a magnetic portion (26) comprising magnets (23) encased in outer layer (16) for releaseably sealing the first panel (14) to the enclosure (12) and a bellows portion (28) for accommodating movements in the first panel (14) during thermal expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sleeve configured to be assembled through a wall-breaching hole so as to prevent the passage of flame and smoke therethrough. The sleeve has a barrel with a fixedly secured flange on one end thereof. An intumescent sheet material is adhered to the inner and the outer surface of the barrel. After passing the barrel through the hole in the wall, a second flange is mounted on the second end of the barrel. Each flange is fastened to a respective side of the wall through a series of holes in the flanges. Each flange has a series of circumferential tabs adapted to being bent inwardly and has a ring of intumescent putty within the tabs and a second ring of intumescent putty on its wall-facing surface. When the sleeve is installed and secured to the wall, a utility-carrying conduit is passed through the barrel and the tabs are bent inward to support and closely surround the conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firestop assembly for a pipe, comprising first and second intumescent firestop rings. The first intumescent firestop ring overlies the pipe, and extends along the pipe for a first distance, and the second intumescent firestop ring overlies the first intumescent firestop ring and extends along the pipe for a second distance. The first distance is not equal to the second distance, and the firestop assembly so provided is particularly adapted for firestopping a plastic pipe.

Abstract: A device to protect tall buildings from structural damage due to seismic vibration and/or high winds. The device comprises a first mass equal to about 1/500 to 1/1000 of the weight of the building to be protected. The first mass, provided with an upper arcuately concave surface with matching curved tracks, is horizontally secured on rubber dampers to an appropriate portion of the building, such as the roof or an upper floor. A second mass, equal to about 1/20 to 1/100 of the weight of the first mass, is positioned to oscillate on the curved tracks in synchronization with the natural frequency of the building, whereby the response of the building due to seismic vibration or high winds is attenuated. The curved tracks can function as the stator of a linear motor and the second mass can function as the motor driver.

Abstract: An automated exterior fire protection system deploys a fire resistant blanket that is preferably stored under the roof of the structure. Threatening fires are detected by a sensor to provide a signal that initiates automatic deployment of the blanket. Air bleed portions may be provided in the blanket to allow air trapped between the blanket and the structure to quickly dissipate. Moreover, elastic straps may be provided in the blanket to secure the blanket in place.

Abstract: A closure for preventing transmission of fire and smoke through a wall or floor containing a plastic pipe when the pipe is destroyed by fire, which comprises a flexible fire retardant sleeve encircling the pipe adapted to automatically collapse about the plastic pipe as it is destroyed by fire and thus close off any opening to the next level or adjacent area.

Abstract: The invention describes plastic automobile windows that are safe during side impact collisions, including a method for installing the windows into the motor vehicle. The mounting system and window material will contain an occupant in a vehicle at low to moderate head impact velocities. The occupant is not subjected to head injuries. The occupant is not subject to lacerations.The window design uses a high modulus transparent thermoplastic, having an abrasion resistant coating. The window is attached to the window opening in a motor vehicle by using one of several mounting techniques as described herein. For fixed windows, the mounting systems will bond the window to the vehicle under normal operating conditions and provide a weather seal. For a movable window, the window frame will be equipped with a sliding track and provide a weather seal. A groove or notch in the window material inward from the edge in combination with the mounting systems enhance a safe release of the plastic window.

Abstract: A pressure relief panel assembly for protecting a building against over-pressure caused by explosion. The assembly has a panel pivotally connected to a frame and held by a calibrated magnet and striker set which releases when a predetermined over-pressure occurs. A cable restraint attached to a shock absorber, or a linkage of two arms attached to a shock absorber, limits the extent to which the panel can blow open. A spring mounted on one of the arms catches the other arm when the panel has blown open, preventing the panels from reclosing and thereby preventing implosion damage to the building. Alternatively, or additionally, the panel, after opening, may be held partly open by a stop bar which pivots to prevent the panel from fully closing, to prevent implosion damage to the building after the explosion.

Abstract: A fragility earth retainment wall includes a plurality of prefabricated panels. Each panel is bound by at least one complementary resistent member of the wall and has at least one hollowed out portion with an opening on the front seen face of the panel, formed by a groove or a series of holes; each hollowed out portion extends between two edges of the panel and defines therein a preferred fracture line. Thus there are formed modules between at least one hollowed out portion and at least one edge and each module is provided with association members for independent attachment to the complementary resistent member. The panels provide a flexible wall with a good flat arrangement, ease of assembly and good tightness.

Abstract: A system of fireproofing panels. The panels are light weight and easy to install. Lap joints are formed between the panels and simply secured with screws. No fireproofing material need be applied over the joints or the screws. In one embodiment, the panels are screwed to a corrugated underlayment. In an alternative embodiment, brackets are used to hold several panels in place around structural members. Also, the panels can be fabricated with a metal foil backing which acts as a radiation shield during a fire.

Abstract: A fire barrier aeration device intended to ensure free exchange of air between two spaces separated by a wall which is equipped therewith and to break the passage of gas through the wall, when fire breaks out in one of the spaces, comprises at least one body (10) made of a refractory material intended to be disposed in an orifice of the wall. The body is passed through by an aeration passage (17) at the end of which, emerging on a face of the body which is turned in the direction from where the fire may come, there is disposed an element (21) made of an intumescent material which in the absence of fire leaves a portion of the cross section of the aeration passage (17) free and which is at least partially surrounded by a flexible material (22) for guiding and confining the inflation of the intumescent material (21) in the aeration passage (17) in order to make the material completely block the passage in the case of fire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the compressive strength of a beam loaded in compression. A sensor is responsive to shape changes of the loaded beam, and an actuator responsive to the sensor is constructed to apply a force to counteract the bending of the beam.

Abstract: A building structure can, in the event of an earthquake, be quickly released to roll freely over the ground. Living quarters are suspended in the building structure. The living quarters remain in an upright orientation while the building structure rolls over the ground.

Abstract: A pressure compensating lung balances pressure between open and closed environments which are substantially isolated from and independent of each other, for example, the Earth's open environment and the closed environment of a second, smaller closed ecological system, Biosphere 2. The lung has an airtight housing and a barrier which includes a flexible membrane, one side of which faces Biosphere 2 and the other side of which faces the outside, with a central pan the perimeter of which is surrounded by the membrane. The membrane has approximately the shape of a surface of a torus. It deviates from a toroidal shape sufficiently to avoid substantial circumferential tension in the membrane. The weight of the pan exerts a positive pressure on the atmosphere in Biosphere 2 for preventing inward leaks.

Abstract: A clamping device for stiff explosion panels for closing off a safety opening in a holder filled with powder, gas or vapor, where a frame is fastened around the safety opening and several inclined clip strips are provided between the frame and the sides of the explosion panel for pressing the explosion panel onto the frame, wherein the clamping device comprises plural upright connecting blocks, a housing for each connecting block which fits over the associated connecting block to cover the connecting block, two clamping edges in each housing lying opposite one another, the connecting blocks and housings being spaced apart, one of each of the connecting blocks and associated housing being fastened to the perimeter of the explosion panel and the other to the perimeter of the frame, and at least two diverging clip strips in each housing, one end of each strip being supported by the connecting block and the other end pressing on one of the clamping edges of the housing in order to connect the housing to the conne

Abstract: A pressure relief panel assembly for buildings in which explosions may occur includes a panel pivotally coupled to a frame for movement between a normal closed position and an open position and a calibrated magnet and striker set for holding the panel in its closed position. The magnet has a maximum holding force substantially in excess of a known force to which it is subjected at a predetermined blow-out pressure and a striker has secured thereto at least one non-magnetic shim defining a face for contact with the magnet. The shim thickness is selected to reduce the effective holding force exerted on the striker by the magnet, to the said known force.

Abstract: A fire barrier is provided for use in connection with a structural wall having a hole through which a thermoplastic conduit normally extends. The barrier includes a housing having a side wall extending around the hole and the conduit, and defining an interior space extending between the conduit and the housing. A first end of the housing is attached to the structural wall, and the opposing end is closed around the conduit. A first support matrix is provided within the housing adjacent the second end, and defines a plurality of voids extending radially between the conduit and the side wall of the housing. A second support matrix provided adjacent the first axial end defines a plurality of longitudinal voids extending in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the conduit.

Abstract: The grid member is formed of sheet metal and has an inverted T-shape with a bulb at the top, a double thickness central web and oppositely disposed flanges at the bottom. To achieve controlled expansion, an extended angular lance is cut at the top of the bulb. Further, staggered cutouts are placed in the two thicknesses which make up the web. By staggering the cutout areas of adjacent web layers, the overall web strength is maintained. These web cutouts and the lance at the top of the bulb cooperate upon thermal expansion, causing the bottom flanges to buckle down, and the web and bulb to separate laterally and fold. The folded web configuration directed by the staggered cutout pattern will maintain longitudinal rigidity.

Abstract: Generally, the invention relates to an apparatus or device for use in walls, ceiling, and floor of a multi-storied building that is capable of sealing a raceway used for placement of wires and cables, wherein the improvement allows an installer of the raceway to couple additional sections of the raceway at a convenient location remote from the device. The instant invention is a fire/smoke protection sleeve assembly having a tubular housing used in combination with a impervious collar housing thermal expansive material. A raceway slidably fits within the first housing allowing the raceway to be slidably extendible therethrough for coupling on either side of the device. In the event of a high induction of heat the thermal expansive material of the instant invention expands causing the raceway to collapse thus prevent fire and/or smoke from traveling to area inapposite the situation.

Abstract: A vibration suppressing structure including a main structure and a vibration suppressing section disposed in an upper portion of the main structure which is provided with an auxiliary structure adapted to undergo vibration in response to the vibration of the main structure occurring due to a disturbance, an auxiliary mass, a driving device, and a damper. The displacement of the auxiliary structure caused by the vibration is transmitted to the auxiliary mass via the driving device, and the auxiliary mass is controlled by an amount of movement directly proportional to the amount of displacement. The vibration suppressing section is arranged such that the damping coefficient of the damper, the magnitude of the auxiliary mass, and the ratio of the amount of movement of the auxiliary mass to an amount of displacement of the auxiliary structure which are included in a mass matrix M.sub.T for the vibration suppressing section, a damping matrix C.sub.T, a stiffness matrix K.sub.T, a location vector i.sub.

Abstract: A method of and system for active vibration control in an elongate member such as a pipe (2), wherein an actuator which comprises at least one constrictive element (3) capable of changing its length is attached between flanges (1) spaced along the member and is controlled to produce deformations of the member which inhibit the transmission of unwanted vibration from the member to one side of the attached actuator to the other side.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an opening, or the like, in a fire partition through which an existing combustible conduit extends includes a first enclosure capable of being fastened to the fire partition on one side of the conduit opening and having a first recess therein. A second non-combustible enclosure capable of being fastened to the fire partition on a side of the conduit opening opposite the first enclosure, has a second recess therein and is hingedly connected to the first non-combustible enclosure. The first and second enclosures lie in a common plane and are operable, through the use of the hinged connection, to be spread apart for installation over the existing combustible conduit and can be closed together such that a recess-formed opening is defined about the conduit by the first and second recesses.

Abstract: A hydraulic variable damping device for installation in the frame of a structure to control vibrations while evaluating the damping property of the structure during seismic disturbances. Control means for this device include a command value judging circuit for comparing the plus or minus sign of a differential pressure value between hydraulic chambers within the device with that of a generated damping force command value to output a valve opening command value for fully opening a flow regulating valve when the signs of the command value and the differential pressure value are different from each other. A pressure controller is provided for making a correction based on the feedback of the pressure valve when the signs of the damping force command value and the differential pressure value are the same to generate a valve opening command value.

Abstract: A fire stop device adapted to close an opening in a wall or floor having a plastic pipe extending through the opening when the pipe is destroyed by fire which comprises a base plate surrounding the opening having a collar projecting at right angles and attached to the base plate and adapted to surround the plastic pipe and means for automatically closing the collar opening when the plastic pipe is destroyed by fire.

Abstract: A frangible enclosure with low resistance to impact has a curvature such that a distributed load primarily is resisted by axial stresses generated therein, in little or no bending stresses are generated. Weakened portions are made in the enclosure which reduce the flexural strength of the enclosure. The enclosure is made of a plurality of panels, which panels are constructed of a composite laminate of fiber reinforced material. The panels are interconnected to form a housing, or enclosure. Weakened portions in the panel can be made by perforating or cutting the material of which the laminate is made. A floor system can also be provided for an enclosure. Such a floor system, which is also frangible, is made of a support frame upon which the floor panels rest and loosely engage. The floor support frame can be supported by the base of the enclosure, or other supporting objects in the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a device for determining the position of a sliding sash door in a laboratory fume hood in the track of the sash door. This apparatus securely and permanently mounts the sensing means in the track even after exposure to corrosive and noxious chemicals such as MEK. This apparatus is thin enough to not to interfere with the operation of the sash door yet rigid enough to protect the sensing means. The apparatus includes a PVC base having a generally "I" shaped cross section with two recesses formed by two end portions and a middle portion of the base. The sensing means is located in one of these recesses and is secured therein by a first adhesive means. The PVC base and sensing means are attached to the track of the fume hood by a second adhesive means located in the other recess in the base. Both adhesive means are comprised of a high performance acrylic adhesive which is splash resistant to MEK.

Abstract: A pressure compensating lung balances pressure between open and closed environments which are substantially isolated from and independent of each other, for example, the Earth's open environment and the closed environment of a second, smaller closed ecological system, Biosphere 2. The lung has an airtight housing and a barrier which includes a flexible membrane, one side of which faces Biosphere 2 and the other side of which faces the outside, with a central pan the perimeter of which is surrounded by the membrane. The membrane has approximately the shape of a surface of a torus. It deviates from a toroidal shape sufficiently to avoid substantial circumferential tension in the membrane. The weight of the pan exerts a positive pressure on the atmosphere in Biosphere 2 for preventing inward leaks.

Abstract: A pressure relief panel assembly for protecting a building against over-pressure caused by explosion. The assembly has a panel pivotally connected to a frame and held by a calibrated magnet and striker set which releases when a predetermined over-pressure occurs. A cable restraint attached to a shock absorber, or a linkage of two arms attached to a shock absorber, limits the extent to which the panel can blow open. A spring mounted on one of the arms catches the other arm when the panel has blown open, preventing the panels from reclosing and thereby preventing implosion damage to the building. Alternatively, or additionally, the panel, after opening, may be held partly open by a stop bar which pivots to prevent the panel from fully closing, to prevent implosion damage to the building after the explosion.

Abstract: A vibration suppressing structure including a main structure and a vibration suppressing section disposed in an upper portion of the main structure which is provided with an auxiliary structure adapted to undergo vibration in response to the vibration of the main structure occurring due to a disturbance, an auxiliary mass, a driving device, and a damper. The displacement of the auxiliary structure caused by the vibration is transmitted to the auxiliary mass via the driving device, and the auxiliary mass is controlled by an amount of movement directly proportional to the amount of displacement. The vibration suppressing section is arranged such that the damping coefficient of the damper, the magnitude of the auxiliary mass, and the ratio of the amount of movement of the auxiliary mass to an amount of displacement of the auxiliary structure which are included in a mass matrix M.sub.T for the vibration suppressing section, a damping matrix C.sub.T, a stiffness matrix K.sub.T, a location vector i.sub.

Abstract: A construction having a damping device for damping vibration having steel wire cables 20 having both ends fixed on the sides of the building 10, the steel wire cables 20 are tautly and obliquely provided on the building 10 so that one side and the other side of the steel wire cables 20 cross at only one point in front view. Since the steel wire cables 20 do not exist in the horizontal direction, the length of the steel wire cables 20 is shorter as compared with the prior art. Accordingly, extension of the steel wire cables 20 decreases, the mechanism is simpler, and maintenance is also simplified.

Abstract: A retrofittable fire-stop device for use with PVC or other plastic piping is disclosed. The device includes drive means for forcing a cutting member through plastic piping in response to heat. The cutting member blocks the hole and also supports blocking means which expands within the remaining pipe to prevent fire and smoke from moving from room to room through the piping.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for large structures operable both passively and actively is disclosed which comprises a passive type damping mechanism to be mounted on the structure and including an added mass, spring, dampener, etc., hydraulic cylinders mounted on the structure and connected to the added mass, an electro-hydraulic servo mechanism to switch the hydraulic cylinders between passive and active type operation, and a control unit for switching the electro-hydraulic servo mechanism between passive and active type operation in response to the velocity and displacement of the added mass as well as the velocity of the structure.

Abstract: A fire damper for impeding the spread of fire from the burning of plastic pipes inside a wall or floor structure. The fire damper is installed adjacent to only one side of an opening where the pipe penetrates the structure so that the damper can be added as a retrofit without disturbing the pipe. The damper comprises a base which can be easily mounted on a two by four or similar structural member, a disk-like gate, and a torsion spring. The gate is slightly larger in area than the opening for the pipe. The coil of the spring acts as a hinge connection between the gate and the base. One arm of the spring is fixed to the gate. The free end of the torsion spring is activated by rotating the gate toward the base and then pressing the base against the plastic pipe before securing the base permanently in place.

Abstract: A cesspool for handling waste water passed through the cesspool to an associated drainage system has two separate odor locks for preventing the escape of odoress gas from the drainage system through the cesspool. A downwardly extending inlet member is surrounded by and protrudes downwardly into a vertically movable cup. Water held by the cup normally provides a first odor lock between the cup and the inlet member. The cup is biased upwardly and has an upper edge which is engagable with an elastic seal to provide a second odor lock. The second odor lock assures an odor seal between the inlet member and the cup even when the water in the cup falls below the level required to maintain the first odor lock.

Abstract: A vibration damping system adapted for use on top of a structure, comprises: a weight disposed on the top of the structure in a manner such that it can undergo simple harmonic oscillation; an acceleration sensor provided at the structure top for detecting the structure vibration in terms of acceleration; a weight driving mechanism for actuating the weight into the simple harmonic oscillation; and a phase and amplitude controller assembly for performing integration twice on the signal coming from the acceleration sensor, once to obtain the velocity signal, then to obtain the displacement signal, for reversing the sign of the velocity signal when the velocity signal exceeds a predetermined value, and for controlling the weight driving mechanism on the basis of the sign-reversed velocity signal so as to attenuate the vibration of the structure by giving the energy of the weight performing simple harmonic oscillation under control of the phase and amplitude controller assembly to the structure in optimum timing a

Abstract: A specific structure of construction to be implemented at the bottom part of a raft foundation to reduce the upward water pressure of the raft foundation bottom or to control the water pressure. An artificial drainage bed structure is constructed at the raft foundation bottom plate, comprising an artificial filter layer, artificial drainage latticed network, water filter/collecting pipe, non-permeable fabric, overflow drain pipe and other elements to reduce and control the impact of a floating force or an excessively large water pressure on the raft foundation bottom plate which is likely to occur during the course of construction.

Abstract: A fire safety device for closing through-holes in floors and walls and for thus stopping the potential spread of fire and smoke in case of the occurrence of a fire, includes a section of conduit, a cup-shaped retainer spaced from the outside surface of the conduit section so as to define an annular space therebetween, the annular space containing a suitable and pre-measured quantity of intumescent material, and a floating floor below the intumescent material which, in the event of fire, will move inwardly to occupy the interior space previously occupied by the conduit section.

Abstract: A grille for an aircraft mounted on the cabin sidewall includes apertures to allow return airflow from the air conditioning system. In a preferred embodiment, the grille apertures are covered by resilient baffles which are resiliently folded into semicircular configurations and held in place between adjacent ribs of the grille by the force exerted by the folded baffles. One end of each baffle is affixed to upper and lower rods of the grille, while an opposite end of each baffle is releasably inserted over the rods. During a sudden decompression of the cargo compartment, the releasable ends of the baffles are dislodged from the rods and unbend into a flat shape in a manner parallel to the airstream. This permits rapid pressure equalization between the cargo and passenger compartments.

Abstract: The invention is a connector to join structural members.In particular, the invention is a connector to assemble and join structural members where the members can be formed from dissimilar materials; for example, an aluminum plate joined by the connector to a steel plate. The connector can be formed in part or in whole from a shape memory metal that exhibits dimensional change upon assembly to complete the joint.

Abstract: A structural facade system comprises a flat facing panel (22) lying in a plane, a bearing structure (14) which carries the panel, and a sealant (16) between the bearing structure and the panels. A sensor (18) is mounted on the bearing structure, and a sensor operating element (22) is mounted on the panels. The sensor operating element has an arm secured to the panel and extending transversely of the plane of the panel. The arm terminates in an end remote from the panel which cooperates with the sensor to detect movement of the panel in a direction transverse to the plane of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention presents a movable sky light assembly used on a opening of a roof comprising a fixed frame, a wing frame with a lighting member supported on the fixed frame, said fixed frame being equipped with a driving device to operate said wing frame capable of opening and closing by connecting members for the frames. The fixed frame is provided with a detecting device for rainfall and the detecting device comprises a detecting sensor and its protecting means, and the sky light is constructed so as, when the wing frame is open, the detecting sensor of the detecting device is in the working posture and, when the wing frame is closed, the detecting sensor is protected by the protecting means. As the sky light is used also for ventilation, the connecting members of the frames are formed as a operating member of the wing frame and various aspects of the rain detecting device to close the wing frame in the rain is disclosed in relation to the operating member.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a structure comprises an actuator connected in a truss structure as a structural member, for varying an axial stiffness in response to a control signal, at least one vibration sensor for producing a sensor signal representing a vibratory motion of the structure, and a controller for controlling vibrations of the structure by producing the control signal in accordance with the sensor signal. Preferably, the actuator comprises inner and outer tubes axially movable relative to each other, and a piezoelectric element which can change the axial stiffness of the actuator by allowing and preventing the relative movement between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: Decompression panels of this type are used in separation devices such as wall or floor sections which separate a passenger compartment from a freight compartment in an aircraft. For a decompression without damage to the respective wall or floor section, it is necessary to cover or close an opening in the wall or floor section by a panel secured to a rim of the opening by frangible mounting elements that break away in response to a decompression which may be of the blow-in or blow-out type. In a blow-in situation one panel is removed to form an opening. Two panels interconnected with each other are removed in a blow-out situation. In both instances frangible mounting elements break and permit opening a decompression hole in the separation device. All the frangible mounting elements are of identical construction. The arrangement of the frangible mounting elements on one side or on the opposite side of a panel section permits the panel release in the respective direction.

Abstract: An active seismic response control system includes a variable damping device provided between posts, beams and braces of a structure, wherein the response of the frame is reduced by controlling the variable damping device when an earthquake or strong wind occurs to give a damping force to the frame. The response of the structure is determined by the steps of judging with a computer the optimal damping force or control force to be applied to the structure on the basis of information obtained from sensors in response to the disturbance, and then controlling the coefficient of damping of the variable damping device.

Abstract: Damages to load supporting structures in an aircraft or spacecraft resulting from an explosive decompression are minimized or avoided by rapidly making available at least one relatively large flow-cross-sectional area. This is accomplished by mounting a decompression panel with a plurality of releasable mounting locks to a frame. The locks are so constructed that the panel along can be blown out in one direction and the panel with the frame and the locks can be blown out in the opposite direction in response to a rapid pressure increase which shears off shearing pins normally holding locking levers in a clamp-down or hold-down position. The frame has support flanges against which the panel and a wall section rest. The locks rest on and are secured to the frame and respond to defined release pressure ratios between the inside and outside in either direction. Each lock has at least one locking or clamp-down lever for the panel and one for a wall section.

Abstract: A safety monitoring device is provided for the use in an active seismic response and wind control system for exerting a control force, which restrains the vibration of a structure due to disturbances such as earthquake and wind, from an actuator in response to the above vibration. The safety monitoring device measures the work done of a seismic response control force and judges the work done of the seismic response control force to be positive or negative, so that whether or not the seismic response control is properly carried out by the actuator is judged. If any abnormality is found, a stop signal or the like is generated to stop the seismic response and wind control system, whereby the safety of the structure is ensured.