Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080202044 | Removable Protection-Display Device For Pillars - The invention relates to a removable protector/display device for columns. The invention includes a flexible laminated panel having a flame-retardant elastomer base. The outer visible face of the base is permanently equipped with a flame-retardant, self-adhesive piece of canvas. The flexible panel includes vertical end strips with two overlapping detachable loop-type edge pieces connected to the inner face of the base and to the canvas. The edge pieces surround the respective outer vertical edge of both layers of the flexible panel to form a casing into which two steel rods are inserted. The casings have mutually-facing holes that expose the steel rods which are connected to one another by corresponding clamps, which are shorter than the distance between the steel rods. The assembly forms a seam in the flexible panel which is tightened around the column. | 08-28-2008 |
20080229682 | ASEISMIC JOINT - A seismic joint, for covering a gap ( | 09-25-2008 |
20080250731 | Spring-loaded post extension for resilient support of ceiling grids during seismic events - A spring-loaded post extension for resilient support of ceiling grids during seismic events. The post extension includes a fixed cylindrical housing and a movable spring-biased assembly, axially coincident therewith. The housing is connected to the side of a fixed support post. The assembly includes a support tube extending partly within the lower end of the cylindrical housing. The bottom of the support tube is connected to a ceiling grid junction. A threaded rod has an upper portion extending above the upper end of the housing, and a lower portion extending through the housing to connect to the top of the support tube. An exterior spring fits over the upper portion of the rod, and an interior spring fits over the lower portion of the rod. Nuts on the rod provide means to tension both springs into slight compression, defining a spring-biased normal position for the support tube. | 10-16-2008 |
20080307722 | Fork Configuration Dampers and Method of Using Same - A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems. | 12-18-2008 |
20090049766 | Wall-Ceiling Slip Joint Permitting Seismic Induced Movement - A wall panel-ceiling engagement device is designed to couple a wall panel to a ceiling. The engagement device, when engaged with the ceiling, holds the wall panel stationary without any fasteners, braces or other securing members that penetrate into the ceiling. The engagement device includes a pair of wall extensions secured to opposite sides of the wall panel and that contain a sound and/or attenuating material, such as a foam material, therebetween. Corner braces are used to join adjacent wall-panels to one another. The corner braces also function to allow the wall panels to sway as a collective and connected unit during seismic events. | 02-26-2009 |
20090064602 | Earthquake-resistant flat expansion joint using hinge - An earthquake-resistant flat expansion joint using a hinge is provided which includes an expansion joint main body disposed between opposite ends of deck slabs of a bridge or an elevated road, hinged to one side of the deck slab at its one end to enable behavior in X, Y and Z-axis directions, and expanded or shrunk depending on temperature variation and vibrations due to earthquakes to be moved in the X, Y and Z-axis directions, an expansion/shrinkage member connected to one end of the expansion joint main body to accommodate the behavior in X, Y and Z-axis directions due to expansion and shrinkage of the expansion joint main body caused by temperature variation and occurrence of the earthquakes, a hinge shaft support member installed at one end of the deck slab to support a lower part and side parts of a hinge shaft part of the expansion joint main body, an expansion joint support member installed at one end of the other deck slab to support lower parts of an expansion part of the expansion joint main body and the expansion/shrinkage member, anchor bolts for fixing the hinge shaft support member and the expansion joint support member to the opposite deck slabs, and a rubber seal disposed under the expansion joint main body and detachably installed at a space between both opposite ends of the deck slabs to collect rainwater and foreign substances. | 03-12-2009 |
20090126288 | Shape memory alloy composite material shock and vibration isolator devices - A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material. | 05-21-2009 |
20090133338 | Energy-absorbing and force-limiting friction coupling - A device having kinetic energy-absorbing properties is connectable between selected points within a structure, for example a building within a seismic area. When one connectable part moves against another during an earthquake, friction is ensured by tension implanted internally at the time of manufacture, when one part of the device had been yieldingly forced into place in relation to another part. When in use the device provides a damping force should a force applied b etween its parts be greater than or equal to a predetermined force at which sliding friction begins. | 05-28-2009 |
20090165404 | METHOD FOR RETROFITTING REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN USING MULTI-LAYERED STEEL PLATES, AND RETROFITTING STRUCTURE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN USING THE SAME - A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased. | 07-02-2009 |
20090211179 | DAMPING FOR TALL STRUCTURES - A tall structure comprising two vertical parts is provided with a vertically orientated damping element, wherein the damping element is arranged to damp relative vertical movement between the two parts. | 08-27-2009 |
20090211180 | BEARING BRACE APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly. | 08-27-2009 |
20090260304 | Damper and vibration damping structure using the same - A damper includes a hollow outer elongated body; a hollow inner elongated body; a liquid viscous body or liquid viscoelastic body disposed in a gap between an inner surface of the elongated body and an outer surface of the elongated body in such a manner as to be in contact with the inner surface and the outer surface of these elongated bodies, respectively; and first and second attaching structures. Further, a controller may be provided to control an increase or decrease in the internal pressure of the liquid viscous body or the liquid viscoelastic body. | 10-22-2009 |
20090282753 | Shock-Resisting Steel Concrete Structure - The present invention discloses a shock-resisting steel concrete structure including an external steel-plate frame covered onto a corresponding steel body, and a concrete filled up into the external steel-plate frame for engaging the steel bodies, steel wires and external steel-plates. The steel wires are used for connecting the steel bodies and woven into a mesh shape. Connecting wires are provided for connecting and engaging the external steel-plate frame and the steel bodies when the concrete is filled. A structure with a tight connection of the steel bodies, external steel-plate frames and concrete provides a better shock resistance, and effectively prevents accidents caused by concrete spalling. | 11-19-2009 |
20090301003 | WALL STRUCTURE WITH HOLLOW PLASTIC MODULES - The wall is formed by stacking hollow plastic modular elements ( | 12-10-2009 |
20100011680 | Aseismatic reinforcing structure of double flooring and aseismatic reinforcing method of double flooring - An aseismatic reinforcing structure of a double flooring and an aseismatic reinforcing method of the double flooring, in which by providing iron pillars for the double flooring in which a space is formed between a floor slab of a building and a floor portion supported to leg bodies arranged on the floor slab, a natural frequency of the floor portion is raised, and an amplification of a shake of a free-access panel constructing a floor surface that is caused by a resonance is prevented or suppressed, thereby improving aseismatic performance. | 01-21-2010 |
20100024323 | Energy Saving House - An energy-saving house, has a main frame, an enclosed wall, a floor cover plate, a top cover plate, a separation wall, a bathroom, and stairs. The enclosed wall is assembled from multiple integral composite prefabricated external wallboards and fixed on the main frame via an energy-dissipating connector. The bathroom and the stair are integrally prefabricated and directly installed. The energy-saving house features low power consumption, high construction efficiency, short construction time, low noise, low dust, light weight, good anti-seismic performance, and small thermal conductivity and is applicable to multi-floor houses and high rise buildings. | 02-04-2010 |
20100043316 | Steel-frame building and method of making - An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building. | 02-25-2010 |
20100043317 | FRICTIONAL DAMPER FOR DAMPING MOVEMENT OF STRUCTURES - The invention is a damper and a method for protecting buildings and similar structural systems from dynamic loading such as loading caused by earthquakes, strong winds or machine vibrations. More specifically, the damper is made from structural members being interconnected in frictional or visco-elastically dampened rotational joints. Due to the dampening of the joints, relative movement between the structural elements is dampened. In particular, the damper is useful for base isolation, e.g., in order to allow a building or a machine to move in a dampened movement relative to its foundation or in order to allow a cable stay of a cable stay bridge to move in a dampened movement relative to its fixation point on the bridge. | 02-25-2010 |
20100101160 | Method and Apparatus for Increasing the Energy Dissipation of Structural Elements - According to one embodiment, the energy dissipation of a structural element is increased by inserting one or more resisting elements into the structural element at any time during or after construction of the structural element. The continuous resisting elements are rigidly attached to the structural at one end and connected to the structural element by and through a damping material over at least a portion of its length. When a dynamic force is applied to the structural elements, such as may result from wind or earthquakes, there will be a strain in the structure, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the resisting elements. In this way, the forces and deformations within the structure will result in a relative motion between the structural element and resisting element, a substantial portion of which is ultimately transmitted by and through the damping material layer. In transmitting such a force and movement through the damping material layer, a portion of the energy associated with such force and movement is dissipated. | 04-29-2010 |
20100186315 | EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT CURTAIN WALLS WITH SUSPENDED GLAZED PANELS - This invention refers to curtain walls capable of resisting the seismic forces of major earthquakes without breakage of their glass panes and without deformation or distortion of their structure. The above can be achieved through the operational separation of the curtain wall of each storey from those of adjacent storeys, by formation of a sliding line on the top of the windows ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100186316 | Engineered Wood Construction System for High Performance Structures - A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replacably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element maybe a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated | 07-29-2010 |
20110041424 | Grouted Tubular Energy-Dissipation Unit - The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient. | 02-24-2011 |
20110061315 | ELASTIC CONSTRUCTION FOUNDATION METHOD - The structure bearing surface is artificially constructed, avoiding any foundation failures which, according to aftershock data, have already occurred resulting in cracks or even in complete rupture of joints. Anti-seismic insulation is then created by using cell cushions, whereas erosion to connecting mechanisms as well as to the primary shock-proof mechanism may be prevented by using insulators. The sand ensures stable working surface for the equal load distribution during the time required for the construction, as well as following the completion of the project. Moreover, at the time of the earthquake, the mechanical properties of the sand shall provide elasticity, enhancing the shock-proof properties of cushions, preventing at the same time the uneven load distribution on building frame. The connecting mechanisms, which are fixed on the main points of both sides of the entire project, shall provide the secure operation of shock-proof mechanism. | 03-17-2011 |
20110067324 | Method and apparatus for providing a segmented ballast base support structure for unstable ground installation - Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to laying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections. The segmented base support structure allows for a cost effective solution to digging, as well as an easier method of shipping and transporting structures that would otherwise have to be built on site. | 03-24-2011 |
20110146166 | INHABITABLE SPACE FRAMES - An inhabitable space frame ( | 06-23-2011 |
20110173902 | Anchor System for Composite Panel - Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe constructed of interengaged composite panels and a veneer outer wythe are disclosed. The wall anchor is disposed within the juncture of the interengaged composite panels and fastened to the frame. The wall anchor maintains a strong interlock with the composite panels and backup wall, maintains insulation integrity and limits thermal transfer, without obstructing the juncture of the composite panels. The anchoring system interlocks with varied veneer ties, allowing vertical and horizontal adjustment for alignment with the bed joints. The anchoring system for composite panels provides an economical, high strength, low weight, insulated backup wall construction for interengagement with a veneer outer wythe. | 07-21-2011 |
20110219710 | System and method of reinforcing shaped columns - Reinforcing system ( | 09-15-2011 |
20110277397 | Restoration Anchoring System - A restoration anchoring system for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe that requires remediation or re-anchoring is disclosed. The anchoring system employs a three-part system that is installed within the existing bed joints of the outer wythe to reattach and re-anchor the outer wythe to the structural inner wythe. The three-part system includes a helical dowel, a seismic T-clip and a reinforcement member. The helical dowel is self-threading and self-drilling. When the three-part system is installed within the outer wythe and attached to the inner wythe, the system is captively embedded in the outer wythe thereby providing a seismic construct. | 11-17-2011 |
20110283634 | SEISMIC PERIMETER BRACE - A seismic bracket for supporting ends of suspended ceiling grid runners from a wall comprising a stamped sheet metal body, the body having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion, in its installed position, rising above the top of a standard grid runner a distance at least 1½ times the height of such standard grid runner, the vertically extending portion having two sections generally coextensive in the vertical direction, a first section being integral with the horizontally extending portion and a second section arranged to be in a vertical plane that intersects a vertical plane occupied by the horizontally extending portion, the horizontally extending portion being arranged to support a grid runner to move longitudinally a limited distance, the second section of the vertically extending portion having an aperture for securing the bracket to the wall at a location substantially above the grid tee. | 11-24-2011 |
20110289863 | SEISMIC ISOLATION APPARATUS AND STRUCTURE HAVING SEISMIC ISOLATION APPARATUS - To provide a seismic isolation apparatus which, as well as widening an applicable shaking range, can be easily configured and is low in height, a seismic isolation apparatus is configured of a low friction combination formed by a point contact between a planar hard base plate, which has a surface on which are disposed at least three convexly curved projections of a uniform height, and a glide plate which is a smooth, hard, flat plate. | 12-01-2011 |
20120000147 | DUAL-CORE SELF-CENTERING ENERGY DISSIPATION BRACE APPARATUS - A dual-core self-centering brace apparatus is mounted to a building, and includes a first core member, at least one second core member, an outer sleeve disposed around the first and second core members, two inner abutment plates abutting respectively against two ends of the first core member, two outer abutment plates abutting respectively against two ends of the second core member, a plurality of tensioning members, and an energy-dissipating unit for retarding relative movement of the first core member and the outer sleeve. When subjected to an external force, the length of each of the tensioning elements is increased by an elongation amount, and the total length of the first core member and the outer sleeve is increased by an amount that is two times the elongation amount. | 01-05-2012 |
20120005971 | Modular building system - A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation. | 01-12-2012 |
20120017523 | METAL JOINT, DAMPING STRUCTURE, AND ARCHITECTURAL CONSTRUCTION - The invention provides a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, the metal joint comprising: multiple first attachment portions attached to one of the subject members; a second attachment portion attached to an other of the subject members; and multiple plate portions connecting between the first attachment portions and the second attachment portion to each other, wherein an attachment direction of each of the first attachment portions with respect to one subject member and an attachment direction of the second attachment portion with respect to the other subject member are set so that a surfaces of the plate portions follow a direction of the relative displacement. | 01-26-2012 |
20120042584 | Seismic ceiling support - In a panel suspended ceiling for seismic prone areas, a superstructure extends from and above the ceiling grid. The superstructure is engaged within a lateral support bar that slidably supports the superstructure, and ceiling, during a seismic event. | 02-23-2012 |
20120055102 | Functional System for a Cement Mortar Panel with Prestressed Biaxial Reinforcement - This functional system for a cement mortar panel ( | 03-08-2012 |
20120066986 | MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TORSIONAL HYSTERETIC DAMPER (MTHD) - The invention relates to seismic protection (anti-seismic) devices and, in particular, to seismic hysteretic dampers, used to protect the structures against severe earthquakes. These devices are installed at points where large displacements are expected due to earthquake shakings, such as between a bridge deck and bearing points of said bridge (e.g. the pier cap beam). | 03-22-2012 |
20120233935 | GUSSET BLOCK CONSTRUCTION - Gusset Block Construction deals with a block that is cored from all sides. The blocks are cubes and elongated cubes with a pyramid or elongated pyramid shaped cavity on each side resulting in a block in which each of the twelve edges is central on a gusset shape extending from said edge to the central axis of the block. With the use of a second octahedron block that fits within the pyramid shaped cavities a wall that requires no fastening can be built by placing octahedrons in the top cavities of a layer of blocks and placing another layer of blocks on it. These blocks will be able to come apart at the joints during an earthquake without completely disassembling and can return to original position when the earthquake stops. They can be molded in a two piece split mold and are scaleable; tapered piers could be made. | 09-20-2012 |
20120240487 | INSTALLATION STRUCTURE OF BASE OF EXTERIOR WALL - In external renovation of a wooden framework house in which a bearing face material is used as an exterior wall base member, is capable of partly increasing the wall strength factor, thereby providing a high degree of freedom of seismic design and, furthermore, facilitating installation of an exterior material such as ceramic siding after seismic reinforcement. | 09-27-2012 |
20120247036 | CABLE FRICTION DAMPER - A method and a device for damping relative motion between structural elements ( | 10-04-2012 |
20120255243 | Seismic coupler - A seismic coupler includes two coupling members each having an end receptacle for securing to a reinforcing bar of a column of reinforced concrete; and a flexible assembly comprising a cylindrical core formed of alloy, a plurality of steel first rings put on the core, a plurality of flexible second rings put on the core in an alternating fashion with respect to the first rings, a flexible sleeve put on the first and second rings to have both ends being flush with that of the core, two cup-shaped cap members engaged each other to conceal the core, the first and second rings, and the sleeve, and two sets of a plurality of fasteners driven through the coupling members and the cup-shaped cap members into the first rings. | 10-11-2012 |
20120260585 | DAMPING SYSTEM - A damper has two sets of first elongate members, second elongate members that are connected so that they can rotate and that connect the first elongate members to one another, and damping members which attenuate the relative movement between the first elongate members and the second elongate members. The respective first joints of each of the first members are connected to the first connection members and the second connection members so that they can rotate. The first joint of the first elongate member, the first joints of the other first elongate members, and each of the second joints are located along the common axes. | 10-18-2012 |
20120317899 | MODULAR WALL SYSTEM - A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel. | 12-20-2012 |
20130000225 | PROTECTION CELL - A protection cell having an upper wall and a lower wall spaced with respect to each other through a plurality of side walls integrally connected to each other, to form an open box-like container with an entrance opening. The container defines inside a shelter space arranged to accommodate a user. In particular, the container is produced as a single block that reproduces the open box-like container. The anti-seismic cell has a movable wall portion mounted slidingly on the box-like container, by means of a sliding cooperating element, in particular a plane sliding board that slidingly engages between at least two slide paths, which are arranged at opposite sides with respect to each other. The plane sliding boards allows movable wall portion to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, where the movable wall portion blocks the opening defining the protection cell. | 01-03-2013 |
20130019545 | Engineered Wood Construction System for High Performance Structures - A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated. | 01-24-2013 |
20130047523 | PASSIVE STRUCTURES WITH HIGH STIFFNESS AND HIGH DAMPING PROPERTIES - A passive structural system includes a structural element which may be subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration in the element. At least one bi-stable sub-structure is coupled to the element. Each bi-stable sub-structure has two stable equilibrium states between which the sub-structure can physically transition when subjected to a sufficient amount of energy which gives rise to vibration in the element, with each bi-stable sub-structure arranged to dissipate at least a portion of the energy and thereby damp the vibration in the structural element when it transitions from one equilibrium state to the other. The passive structural system may also be intentionally mistuned such that when subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration, the vibration energy is substantially confined to localized regions within the system. The bi-stable structures are then located in the localized regions and arranged to dissipate the localized vibration energy. | 02-28-2013 |
20130055660 | STRUCTURE FOR STRENGTHENING OF BUILDING COLUMN STRUCTURES - An earthquake-resistant strengthening structure for building column structures, includes: a plurality of strengthening plates which are made of fiber sheet, are coupled by a concavo-convex structure in a vertical direction and are coupled by a sliding coupler in a horizontal direction; and mortar which strengthens a coupling between the strengthening plates and adheres the strengthening plates to an earthquake-resistant object. The earthquake-resistant strengthening structure is light, can be easily coupled or assembled, and provides a large binding force and tensile force by structural engagement between pieces of the strengthening plates and fusion of bonding materials. In addition, since the strengthening plates are made of glass fiber or carbon fiber, it is possible to provide an optimal earthquake-resistant strengthening structure having high durability, flexibility and strength with no corrosion. | 03-07-2013 |
20130086850 | MODULAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM USING LIGHT WEIGHT PANELS - Light-weight modular panel systems including a plurality of panels formed of a cementitious material, with a fiber-reinforced shell layer and an adjacent substrate layer. The panels employ a light-weight aggregate that provides the panels with the ability to be cut, sanded, drilled, screwed, and otherwise shaped using common wood working tools. A dual panel thickness wall construction may be formed by using the panels to provide interior and exterior portions of a wall construction. Seams between adjoining panels may be spanned with fiberglass mesh and bonded with polymer modified cementitious adhesive, providing excellent strength in that the joints between adjacent modular panels do not represent a weak point of the wall construction. The resulting wall provides greater strength than the individual panels, and results in a monocoque structure in which interior and exterior panels, and their respective fiber reinforced layers are spaced apart from one another. | 04-11-2013 |
20130086851 | DOORS AND WINDOWS SYSTEM HAVING EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT PERFORMANCE - A Door or window system having earthquake-resistant performance, comprising: a main frame having two vertical frame members that are separated so as to be mutually parallel to each other, and an upper frame member and a lower frame member connected to the upper and lower end portions of the vertical frame members; a plurality of pillar members that are separated from the vertical frame members and arranged side by side thereto; a support beam, which is fixed to the end portions of the pillar members, extends horizontally, and has both end portions separated from the vertical frame members; and a damper, which is fixed between the support beam and the upper frame member, or between the support beam and the lower frame member, receives a horizontal load applied from the exterior, and is plastically-deformed when yielding to a horizontal load that is more than the tolerated horizontal load. | 04-11-2013 |
20130118097 | MODULAR SAFETY SYSTEM - Embodiments provide modular seismic safety systems and methods of providing safe zones and emergency equipment for use in public and private buildings. In various embodiments, the modular safety systems may include at least one safety module that may be installed in a pre-existing structure in order to provide a safety zone configured to withstand a seismic emergency. In various embodiments, the safety module may be configured to withstand the forces of an earthquake, and may be seismically isolated from the preexisting structure by an expansion joint. In some embodiments, a plurality of safety modules may be installed, and they may work together to form in internal bracing structure. Various embodiments also may include a freestanding safety capsule that contains safety equipment and that is exterior to the building. Also disclosed are methods of providing a cost-effective modular safety system for use in a school or other public building. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118098 | NEGATIVE STIFFNESS DEVICE AND METHOD - A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point. | 05-16-2013 |
20130145702 | Earthquake-Resistant Structure and Earthquake-Resistant Construction Method - Disclosed are an earthquake-resistant structure and an earthquake-resistant construction method which secure survival space and breathable space in a building even when the building is damaged by an earthquake, thus suppressing victims originating from earthquake disaster. Partitions inside the building are removed, and steel racks that support the dead load of a building above the floors when the structure framework of the building is damaged by an earthquake are disposed in an exclusive area in the building to partition the exclusive area into rooms. Joint members or the like which connect a plurality of steel racks are attached to hold the layout form of the steel racks. | 06-13-2013 |
20130145703 | Seismological Engineering - The invention is directed to develop for the construction method for strong resistance to the earthquake according to new architecture rationale which all construction for building should be founded on the platform to be moved in alignment with the movement of the earthquake eliminating any piles to drive into the earth to adhere and building materials to combine each other firmly, by means of converting the vibration energy of the earthquake into the kinetic energy either to run idle the balls or to operate the up and down movement of the cylinder applied to the pile as the leg of the building rested on the ground in alignment with the movement of earthquake to deteriorate efficiency of transmissibility or to consume away for vibration energy of the earthquake as much as possible from an architectural point of view, it were just like idling operation as if car tires have sunk into sand. | 06-13-2013 |
20130174500 | SEISMIC RESISTANT GRID CEILING SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION - Ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174501 | COMPRESSED ELASTOMER DAMPER FOR EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION - A passive damper for earthquake hazard reduction includes an inner member received in an outer member, with an elastomeric material disposed in the gaps between the inner and outer member. The elastomeric material has at least a first and a second portion. The first portion is bonded or connected to both the inner member and outer member such that no slippage occurs between the members and the material. The second portion is not bonded or connected to at least one of the inner and outer members such that slippage may occur. | 07-11-2013 |
20130199112 | STRUCTURAL SHEARWALL - A shearwall adapted for use in a building or other structure includes a main concrete portion and structural reinforcement positioned within the main concrete portion. The shearwall is configured to resist lateral forces to which the building or other structure may be subjected. Further, the shearwall is configured to accommodate a vertical load such that the need for at least one separate structural column is eliminated. | 08-08-2013 |
20130205689 | CONNECTOR FOR SUSPENDED METAL CEILING FRAMEWORK AND CEILING EMPLOYING SAME - A connector for a ceiling framework including profile sections crossing one another at right angles for connecting the profile sections by being fitted to ends of certain profile sections which fit into apertures pierced in other profile sections. The connector includes two parts, a primary clip and a secondary clip, the two parts being associated with one another via a meltable mechanism capable of melting at a temperature of a fire to separate the two parts. In a fire, the secondary clips become detached allowing the primary clips to fit more deeply into the apertures of the profile sections, making it possible to absorb expansions due to heat of the fire and keep the framework and the ceiling sections it supports in place. The connector can be applied to the field of building construction, for example. | 08-15-2013 |
20130232893 | BACKUP WALL REINFORCEMENT WITH T-TYPE SIDERAIL - A backup wall reinforcement with T-type siderail anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and integral anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are manually connected through swinging or twisting the veneer ties until the veneer ties are interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked, lateral and vertical veneer tie movement is limited strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer ties and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure. | 09-12-2013 |
20130247482 | HIGH-STRENGTH PARTIALLY COMPRESSED VENEER TIES AND ANCHORING SYSTEMS UTILIZING THE SAME - A high-strength pintle anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The high-strength pintle anchoring system employs a partially compressively reduced veneer tie that is cold-worked with the resultant body partially having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The partially compressively reduced veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the receptor portions of a wall anchor and are dimensioned to preclude significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247483 | THERMALLY-ISOLATED ANCHORING SYSTEMS FOR CAVITY WALLS - A high-strength thermally-isolating surface-mounted anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The thermally-isolated anchoring system is adaptable to varied structures, including high-span applications, and for use with interlocking veneer ties and reinforcement wires. The anchoring system includes an anchor base and a stepped cylinder which sheaths the mounting hardware to limit insulation tearing and resultant loss of insulation integrity. The anchoring system is thermally-isolated through the use of a series of strategically placed compressible nonconductive fittings. Seals are formed which preclude penetration of air, moisture, and water vapor into the wall structure. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247484 | BACKUP WALL REINFORCEMENT WITH T-TYPE ANCHOR - A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247485 | Anti-Torsion Construction System Providing Structural Integrity and Seismic Resistance - A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces, torsion forces, and seismic forces, such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a unitized system of structural integrity. The components further cooperate with a secondary water sealing ability to minimize and/or prevent influent water damage to the structure in the event that the primary sealing system is compromised. | 09-26-2013 |
20130283709 | COUPLING MEMBER FOR DAMPING VIBRATIONS IN BUILDING STRUCTURES - A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively. The fuse member is selected from a material, and otherwise sized and dimensioned to exhibit semi-rigid behavior when the damping element undergoes deformation due to loads below a predetermined load limit and to undergo deformation without substantially increasing the load in the fuse and in the damping element when loads exceed the predetermined load limit, such that the damping element is prevented from deforming beyond its predetermined deformation limit and therefore avoiding any occurrence of damage that would reduce its ability to provide damping to the structure. First and second connecting means are also provided for rigidly connecting the first and second fuse members to the first and second vertical elements, respectively. | 10-31-2013 |
20130340359 | System and Method for Structural Restraint Against Seismic and Storm Damage - A system for structural restraint of structures against seismic and storm damage comprises a plurality of structural framing components; a plurality of structural sheathing components; a plurality of structural fasteners; one or more structural foundations; and a structural bonding agent applied to the interior and exterior to prevent failure of structural fasteners. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340360 | SELF-CENTERING DAMPER - A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one elongated-sheet shape first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding ribbed-plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting ribbed-plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding ribbed-plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting ribbed-plate and connected the holding ribbed-plates in a tension condition. | 12-26-2013 |
20140075855 | HIGH-STRENGTH VENEER TIE AND THERMALLY ISOLATED ANCHORING SYSTEMS UTILIZING THE SAME - An anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a wall anchor and a high-strength veneer tie. The anchor includes nonconductive thermally-isolating components that maintain the insulation R-values. The anchor features seals located at insertion points in the layers of the interior wythe that stabilize the wall anchor and protect against the entry of liquids and vapor. The veneer tie utilizes a ribbon connector that is cold-worked with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the wall anchor and is dimensioned to preclude significant veneer tie movement and to preclude pullout. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075856 | PULLOUT RESISTANT PINTLE AND ANCHORING SYSTEM UTILIZING THE SAME - A high-strength pullout resistant pintle and anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The modified veneer tie utilizes ribbon pintles formed from a wire formative construct that is cold-worked with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The ribbon pintles hereof, when part of the anchoring system, interengage with receptor portions of a wall anchor and are dimensioned to preclude significant lateral, vertical and horizontal movement. | 03-20-2014 |
20140075857 | Energy Absorbing System for Safeguarding Structures from Disruptive Forces - The invention is an energy absorbing system for safeguarding structures from disruptive forces, which may be implemented into structures or devices to provide protection from seismic motion, blasts or other disruptive forces, due to the system's displacement and damping characteristics. The system's performance can be better molded analytically to predict performance of the structure under earthquake and wind motions, for example. By utilizing cost effective materials and a simple design, the present invention provides a more efficient cost-effective system for absorbing unwanted energy, for example, a base isolation system. | 03-20-2014 |
20140090315 | Wooden Building Skeleton - The wooden building skeleton of the present invention has excellent quake resistance because the column of a rigid-frame structure joined to a cross member or the foundation so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween and the load-bearing wall therein exhibit their load bearing ability. A foundation and a wooden column and the wooden column and a beam are respectively joined by two bolts so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween. A load-bearing wall is also provided between the beam and the foundation. The length of the section of the bolts which undergoes elongation when inter-story deflection occurs between the beam and the foundation or the cross-sectional dimensions of the wooden column is set such that the inter-story deflection which is generated before the wooden column is fractured is almost equal to or greater than the inter-story deflection which is generated before the load-bearing wall is fractured. | 04-03-2014 |
20140123577 | ESCAPE STAIRCASE AND METHOD FOR ALLOWING OCCUPANTS OF A BUILDING TO ESCAPE SAFELY DURING AN EMERGENCY - A multistory emergency stairwell structure for escape and rescue in different emergency situations adapted for building proximate to a pre-existing multistory building, and being built as a separate construction from the pre-existing building for facilitating passage of occupants between the pre-existing building and the stairwell structure by means of a passageway that is attached at one end only to either the pre-existing building or to the stairwell structure and is free to move at its opposite end. | 05-08-2014 |
20140215935 | INTERSTITIAL SEISMIC RESISTANT SUPPORT FOR AN ACOUSTIC CEILING GRID - Ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof. | 08-07-2014 |
20140259992 | High-Strength Rectangular Wire Veneer Tie and Anchoring Systems Utilizing the Same - A high-strength rectangular pintle veneer tie and cavity wall anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The rectangular wire formative construct optionally includes a square cross-section that provides greater volumetric occupancy than that of a similar diameter circular wire formative. The interengaging portions and insertion portion are optionally compressed for greater strength and the rectangular shaped interengaging portion provides a locking interconnection within the anchor precluding significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259993 | STRUCTURAL CONNECTION MECHANISMS FOR PROVIDING DISCONTINUOUS ELASTIC BEHAVIOR IN STRUCTURAL FRAMING SYSTEMS - A structural frame for a building includes first structural members and second structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations where the first and second structural members are coupled and through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic zone connections couple the first and second structural members and are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame. Each discontinuous elastic zone connection includes faying surfaces opposing each other, fastening devices configured to secure respective first and second structural members, and a compression element positioned on each fastening device configured to act in combination with a fastening device to regulate movement of the faying surfaces relative to each other, and thus regulate the behavior of the discontinuous elastic zone connection resulting from loads applied by first and second structural members on opposing sides of a respective discontinuous elastic zone. | 09-18-2014 |
20140305048 | BRACE MEMBER - A buckling stiffening brace member eliminates welding time. Readily available components such as a steel rod and a steel pipe can be used as an axial force member and a stiffening member. The axial force member and the stiffening member can be easily connected in a dry manner by threads. A thread for screwing with a joint is formed at an end of an axial force member. At an end of a stiffening pipe that does not have a retaining ring, a sleeve for suppressing neck bending of the axial force member is joined to the outer surface of the axial force member. The axial force member and the stiffening pipe are joined together with the retaining ring therebetween by inserting an end of the axial force member that does not have the sleeve into the inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring and joining it to the retaining ring. | 10-16-2014 |
20140318041 | CASSETTE-VIBRATION ISOLATION DEVICE - Provided is a cassette-vibration isolation device that is easy to upkeep (maintain) and that can cause a heavy structure to rise during an earthquake. The device is provided with an upper base and a lower base that are arranged so that the bottom surface of the upper base faces the upper surface of the lower base; a cavity, which is formed between the upper base and the lower base, and the inside of which is filled with fluid; sealing members, which are provided in an attachable/detachable manner along the inner walls of the cavity, and which maintain the state wherein the cavity is filled with fluid; and a valve, which connects the cavity and a fluid-supply source, and which supplies fluid to the inside of the cavity. During an earthquake, the upper base can rise from the lower base due to the supply of fluid via the valve to the inside of the cavity. | 10-30-2014 |
20140345208 | BACKUP WALL REINFORCEMENT WITH T-TYPE ANCHOR - A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure. | 11-27-2014 |
20150033641 | EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT REINFORCEMENT APPARATUS, EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDING, AND AN EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT REINFORCING METHOD - An earthquake resistant reinforcement apparatus of a structure that can be attached simply and conveniently even to an aged building and imposes no substantial burden on inhabitants. The structure has an anti-seismic device for absorbing a seismic energy, an attaching member for attaching the anti-seismic device to the outside of a building, and a horizontal supporting member for supporting the anti-seismic device substantially horizontally. A plurality of attaching members are provided spot-wise to the girder or the beam of an existent building and the horizontal supporting member is a horizontal connection beam for connecting the attaching member horizontally. | 02-05-2015 |
20150052831 | ADJUSTABLE BRACKET FOR THE ATTACHMENT OF BUILDING CLADDING SYSTEMS - A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall. | 02-26-2015 |
20150068139 | FIRE AND WATER RESISTANT EXPANSION JOINT SYSTEM - A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions. | 03-12-2015 |
20150082715 | SELF-CENTERING DAMPER - A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one elongated-sheet shape first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding ribbed-plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting ribbed-plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding ribbed-plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting ribbed-plate and connected the holding ribbed-plates in a tension condition. | 03-26-2015 |
20150096243 | ONE-PIECE DOVETAIL VENEER TIE AND WALL ANCHORING SYSTEM WITH IN-CAVITY THERMAL BREAKS - A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096244 | STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to structural, seismic beams and columns as well as to structures including such beams and columns. The seismic beams and columns may be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to produce approximately even or uniform load distribution (e.g., during a seismic event and/or wind loading event). | 04-09-2015 |
20150101268 | VISCOUS WALL COUPLING DAMPER - A building structure in an outrigger configuration having a building core, at least one perimeter column, and at least one outrigger beam having a main body portion connected to the building core, an end portion distal from the building core in a direction of the at least one perimeter column and a vane portion extending from the end portion. At least one damper having a high-viscosity fluid container connected is connected to the at least one perimeter column and the vane portion extends into the high-viscosity fluid container to couple the building core to the at least one perimeter column, such that when the building structure is subjected to lateral loads and the building core is displaced with respect to the at least perimeter column, high-viscosity fluid within the high-viscosity fluid container is sheared by the vane to damp vibrations and provide coupling in the building structure. | 04-16-2015 |
20150308106 | STRUCTURAL CONNECTION MECHANISMS FOR PROVIDING DISCONTINUOUS ELASTIC BEHAVIOR IN STRUCTURAL FRAMING SYSTEMS - A structural frame for a building includes first and second structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations where the first and second structural members are coupled and through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic zone connections couple the first and second structural members and are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame. Each discontinuous elastic zone connection includes faying surfaces opposing each other, fastening devices configured to secure respective first and second structural members, and a compression element positioned on each fastening device configured to act in combination with a fastening device to regulate movement of the faying surfaces relative to each other, and thus regulate the behavior of the discontinuous elastic zone connection resulting from loads applied by first and second structural members on opposing sides of a respective discontinuous elastic zone. | 10-29-2015 |
20150322671 | System and Method for Structural Restraint Against Seismic and Storm Damage - A system for structural restraint of wood framed structures against seismic and storm damage comprises a plurality of structural wood framing components; a plurality of structural wood sheathing components; a plurality of structural wood fasteners; one or more structural foundations; and a structural bonding agent applied to the interior and exterior over top of and in direct contact with structural fasteners to prevent failure of structural wood fasteners. | 11-12-2015 |
20150345133 | STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT - An apparatus for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members. Each of the structural members extends between first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member having first and second ends and being sized to extend between adjacent first and second structural members. The apparatus further comprises a first socket connected to the first end of the rigid member sized to receive a first edge of the first structural member therein and a second socket connected to the second end of the rigid member. The second socket is sized to receive a first edge of the second structural member corresponding to the first edge of the first structural member therein. | 12-03-2015 |
20160017591 | CONCRETE-STRUCTURE CONNECTING ASSEMBLY - A concrete-structure connecting assembly includes a recessed frame body that defines a frame recess; a cushioning unit that is disposed in the frame recess and resiliently deformable; first and second hinge plates that are stacked together along a stacking direction and surrounded by the recessed frame body, each of the first and second hinge plates having a peripheral end portion that is disposed in the frame recess to abut against the cushioning unit; a first anchoring unit that substantially protrudes from the first hinge plate in the stacking direction away from the second hinge plate; and a second anchoring unit that substantially protrudes from the second hinge plate in the stacking direction away from the first hinge plate. | 01-21-2016 |
20160040446 | ASEISMIC CONNECTION DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A PANEL TO A BEAM - A seismic connection device for connecting a panel to a beam includes a dissipating element with a longitudinal axis fixed to the beam only in correspondence of its longitudinal ends, a sliding connector slidingly mounted on the dissipating element in such manner to slide along the longitudinal axis of the dissipating element, a fixed connector fixed to the panel, a tensioning element disposed between the fixed connector and the sliding connector to allow for a linear displacement of the fixed connector towards the sliding connector. The panel is adapted to move with respect to the beam in the direction of the longitudinal axis. | 02-11-2016 |
20160053488 | FREE SPAN CEILING GRID SYSTEM - Components for constructing a ceiling grid across a span free of or with a limited number of suspension wires including main runners with a relatively high moment of inertia secured at their ends with brackets to wall moldings on opposing walls. | 02-25-2016 |
20160097205 | BASE ISOLATION FLOOR STRUCTURE - Provided is a base isolation floor structure containing a base isolation flame containing plural flames, and plural base isolation bearings that support the base isolation flame, in which the base isolation bearing contains a base isolation structure that has plural rolling member and is disposed horizontally movably freely on a floor surface, a connecting member that is disposed above the base isolation structure and is connected to the base isolation flame, an elastic plate member that is disposed between the connecting member and the base isolation structure, and a rod member having one end thereof that extends downward and is fixed to the base isolation structure, and the other end thereof that extends upward and is inserted with an allowance into a through hole formed in the connecting member. | 04-07-2016 |
20160108613 | VIBRATION CONTROL WALL STRUCTURE - A vibration control wall structure, capable of damping vibration, includes a wall frame provided at a wall part of a building, a vibration control wall body provided at the wall frame, and a vibration control damper provided between the wall frame and the vibration control wall body. In the vibration control wall body, any one of an upper end portion and a lower end portion and both side end portions of a face material are fixed to a frame material, a plurality of face materials is provided inside the wall frame by connecting in a width direction via the frame material, and a gap part that separates both side portions of the vibration control wall body and the wall frame is formed so as to absorb displacement in an in-plane direction caused when vibration acting on the building is damped by the vibration control damper. | 04-21-2016 |
20160122498 | DAMPING MATERIAL, VIBRATION DAMPING MEMBER USING THE DAMPING MATERIAL, AND SEISMIC ISOLATION APPARATUS INCORPORATING THE VIBRATION DAMPING MEMBER - A vibration isolation apparatus | 05-05-2016 |
20160122998 | FORMWORK OF REDUCING THICKNESS DUE TO LOADING OF SLAB CAST IN-SITU - An apparatus for forming a concrete slab to be supported on a surface of load bearing members, and a method of use of the apparatus, are provided. The apparatus may includes a support element having a layer of active material bonded on each side by a backing sheet. The active material is chosen to slowly compress over time when placed under a load of the concrete when poured onto the apparatus. The rate of compression is chosen such that the layer of active material continues to support the slab until such time as the slab becomes self-supporting (i.e., the concrete has cured/set) on the load bearing members. The active material is chosen such that the load supported by the active material reduces gradually from an original value of 100% when the concrete is poured to less than 40% of its original value after 10 days as the concrete cures. Another feature is the inclusion of a surface of the backing sheet with a relatively low coefficient of friction. When two support elements are laid one on top of the other with the surfaces in contact, the upper support element may slide over the lower support element, for example during a seismic event. | 05-05-2016 |
20160138263 | DAMPING DEVICE - A damping device includes a first member to be fixed to one of the horizontal members and protruding toward the other horizontal member, a second member to be fixed to the other horizontal member having a flexural rigidity smaller than the flexural rigidity of the one horizontal member and protruding toward the one horizontal member, and attenuation means coupled to the First member and to the second member. The attenuation means is provided closer to the other horizontal member. | 05-19-2016 |
20160145856 | COVER PANEL SEISMIC EXPANSION JOINT - A seismic expansion joint cover assembly installed at an expansion gap between a first structural member on one side of a gap and a second structural member on the opposite side of the gap including a cover panel bridging the gap having at least one connector joining one edge of the cover panel to the first structural component to allow movement of the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly includes at least one slide support, which attaches to the second structural member, and which includes a track having a lift component located on the track to lift the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly also includes a rider assembly for engaging with the track of the slide support. One or more spring assemblies are attached to the second structural member and the cover panel. The expansion joint cover assembly is mechanically latched when the system is in the normal service position, but has the capability of becoming unlatched in response to large displacements. | 05-26-2016 |
20160153189 | SEISMIC CEILING SYTEM | 06-02-2016 |
20160160493 | BACKUP WALL REINFORCEMENT WITH T-TYPE ANCHOR - A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure. | 06-09-2016 |
20160194894 | Hanger Devices for Interstital Seismic Resistant Support for an Acoustic Ceiling Grid | 07-07-2016 |
20190145076 | INVERTED FASTENING MORTISE BUILDING STRUCTURE FOR RESISTING EARTHQUAKE, STRONG WIND AND TRUNAMI AND TECHNICAL PROCEDURE THEREOF | 05-16-2019 |
20190145157 | INTEGRAL ANTISEISMIC DOOR FRAME | 05-16-2019 |