Aseismic system

ABSTRACT

The Improved Aseismic System of the present invention isolates a structure from seismic forces, and wind forces and seismic forces combined. During an earthquake the structure will slide on seismic filters, while gas dampeners act as shock absorbers to absorb the tremors and keep the structure from impacting its foundation. Fluid flow control assemblies control the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action ram assemblies and the gas dampeners. Seismic filters provide a frictionless base for the structure support pillars to isolate them from the foundation and any forces which would otherwise be transmitted from the foundation to the structure's support pillars.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 09/393,233, filed Sep. 9, 1999, and issued Oct. 1, 2002, as U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,285.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a structure showing the installation of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a basement of a structure showing the installation of the double-action hydraulic pistons of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the double-action hydraulic piston of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention along section line — in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the gas dampener of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention which is partially shown in FIG. and demarcated by dashed box ;

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross section view of the flow control assembly of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention, shown in the normal position and demarcated by dashed box in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross section view of the flow control assembly of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention in the wind countering position when the structure is subjected to a transverse load due to strong winds;

FIG. 7 is a detailed cross section view of the flow control assembly of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention in the combined wind-tremor position when the structure is subjected to a transverse load due to an earthquake and strong winds acting in the same direction;

FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-section view of the flow control assembly of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention in the counteractive wind-tremor position when the structure is subjected to a transverse load due to an earthquake and strong winds acting in opposite directions;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the generic roof showing the installation of the pressure generator of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pressure generator of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention, demarcated by dashed box in FIG. 1, with the pressure generator housing cut away to reveal the internal components;

FIG. 10A is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the pressure generator of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 with the hollow conical housing cut away to reveal the internal components;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the seismic filter of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention along section line — in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the cross-section of the seismic filter of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention which is demarcated by dashed box in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12A is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the seismic filter of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the seismic filter of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention showing the circular continuous channel of the upper seal plate, and the seal being captured between the upper seal plate and the seal support plate to establish a confined fluid chamber;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the seal being plastically deformed between the upper seal plate and the seal support plate to provide a wider seal to maintain the fluid within the confined fluid chamber;

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a structure with the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention installed showing the structure subjected to a transverse load caused by strong winds;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a structure with the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention installed showing the structure subjected to a transverse load caused by an earthquake;

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a structure with the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention installed showing the structure subjected to a transverse load caused by an earthquake and strong winds acting in opposite directions; and

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a structure with the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention installed showing the structure subjected to a transverse load caused by an earthquake and strong winds acting in the same direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention is shown and generally designated . FIG. 1 shows the major components of Improved Aseismic System installed in a structure . The structure includes a base , a plurality of support pillars , a roof and a basement . Installed in the basement of the structure are the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies, generally designated .

The structure in this instance is a multi-story building with a square perimeter. It can be appreciated that the structure could be a house, a bridge, or any other similar structure.

The double-action hydraulic ram assemblies are rigidly attached to the base of the structure , but are isolated from the foundation by the seismic filters . One seismic filter may be affixed vertically to each end of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies . Additionally, a seismic filter may be mounted horizontally under each support pillar . These seismic filters isolate the support pillars from the foundation . It is to be appreciated that the structure is not rigidly linked to the foundation .

Mounted on roof of the structure is the wind-sensitive pressure generator, generally designated . The wind-sensitive pressure generator actuates the flow control assembly . The wind-sensitive pressure generator and the flow control assembly interact through the use of an incompressible fluid which is contained in a sealed pipe connected to the wind-sensitive pressure generator and the flow control assembly . FIG. 1 shows the sealed pipe installed in the structure from the roof to the basement .

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies in the basement of the structure . The double-action hydraulic ram assemblies are arranged under the base of the structure in a pattern reflecting the perimeter of the structure .

In this embodiment of the Improved Aseismic System , the structure has a square perimeter and thus, includes four double-action hydraulic ram assemblies arranged in a square under the base of the structure . It can be appreciated that if the structure had a triangular perimeter it would include three double-action hydraulic ram assemblies arranged in a triangle under the base of the structure .

FIG. 3 shows a single double-action hydraulic ram assembly in greater detail. The double-action hydraulic ram includes a cylindrical ram housing rigidly attached to the base of the structure . Within the cylindrical ram housing is a vertical piston rigidly attached to the center of a ram . On each side of the vertical piston is a hydraulic ram fluid chamber filled with an incompressible fluid .

The ram is placed between two solid walls of the foundation and is stationary along axis . The cylindrical ram housing is free to move along the ram in directions and . Consequently, the structure is free to move with respect to the ram along axis in directions and .

It is to be appreciated that the ram does not move in directions and . The ram is held stationary between the two solid walls of the foundation along axis by the seismic filters attached at each end of the ram . The seismic filters , however, may allow motion of the entire double-action hydraulic ram assembly perpendicular to axis . Referring now to FIG. 2, it is shown that the entire double-action hydraulic ram assembly may be free to move in directions and , perpendicular to axis .

Referring back to FIG. 3, as the structure moves with respect to the ram , in either direction or direction , the incompressible fluid contained in the hydraulic ram fluid chamber opposite the direction of motion may be forced out of the hydraulic ram fluid chamber and into a corresponding gas dampener fluid chamber . Each hydraulic ram fluid chamber has a separate gas dampener and the incompressible fluid may not flow between the individual fluid chambers .

Referring now to FIG. 4, the gas dampener is shown. Each gas dampener consists of a cylindrical dampener housing having a top , a bottom , a first internal diameter , a second internal diameter , and a third internal diameter . Within the gas dampener is a first piston , a second piston and a third piston . The gas dampener also includes an air valve through the cylindrical dampener housing located between the first piston and the second piston .

The first piston has an internal diameter , an external diameter and a lower surface . The second piston has an internal diameter and an external diameter . The third piston has an internal diameter , an external diameter , and an upper surface

FIG. 4 shows that the external diameter of the first piston may be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the second piston to allow the first piston to slide into the second piston . The external diameter of the second piston may be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the third piston to allow the second piston to slide into the third piston .

FIG. 4 also shows first piston separated from the second piston by the first gas and the second piston separated from the third piston by the second gas . In between the third piston and the top of the cylindrical dampener housing is a static divider . The third piston and the static divider are separated by a third gas .

The chamber created by the static divider and the top of the cylindrical dampener housing is filled with a fourth gas . The static divider includes a gas valve which is normally open and allows the third gas to co-mingle with the fourth gas . The upper surface of the third piston is equipped with a spring-loaded stem assembly that will engage the gas valve and close it. The spring-loaded stem assembly consists of a stem mounted on a spring and fitted into a slider .

It is to be appreciated that when the gas dampener is in the at rest position, the pressures of the fourth gas and the third gas are equal. This pressure is greater than that of the second gas which, in turn, is greater than the pressure of the first gas .

FIG. 4 further shows the lower surface of the first piston in contact with the incompressible fluid within the gas dampener fluid chamber . As the incompressible fluid is forced out of the hydraulic ram fluid chamber and into the gas dampener fluid chamber , the first piston will be forced upward along axis .

The upward motion of the first piston will compress the first gas until the pressure in the first gas is equal to the pressure of the second gas . When the pressure of the first gas is equal to pressure of the second gas , the first piston and the second piston will move upward, in unison, along axis .

The upward motion of the first piston and the second piston will continue to compress the first gas and begin compressing the second gas at the same pressure as the first gas . As the incompressible fluid continues to be forced into the gas dampener , the pressures of the first gas and the second gas will continue to increase until they reach the pressure of the third gas .

Once the pressures of the first gas and the second gas equal the pressure of the third gas , the third piston will then travel upward along axis , in unison with the first piston and the second piston . This motion will continue to compress the first gas and the second gas and begin compressing the third gas and the fourth gas at the same rate.

As more incompressible fluid is forced into the gas dampener fluid chamber , the pressure in the first gas , the second gas , the third gas and the fourth gas may gradually increase. This gradual increase will continue until the spring loaded stem assembly , mounted on the upper surface of the third piston , engages the gas valve , closes the gas valve , and keeps the third gas from interacting with the fourth gas .

Closing the gas valve significantly decreases the volume that the third gas occupies, and, as such, the pressure in gases , and may rapidly rise with the continued influx of the incompressible fluid . The pressure in the fourth gas will remain constant once the gas valve is closed.

The air valve allows air to enter the gas dampener between the first piston and the second piston , which will prevent a vacuum from forming, between the first piston and the second piston , when the incompressible fluid is drawn out of the gas dampener and into the corresponding hydraulic ram fluid chamber .

As the incompressible fluid is forced out of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and into the gas dampener , it will move through the flow control assembly . FIGS. 5 through 8 show the flow control assembly in the various positions that it may encounter. FIG. 5 shows the flow control assembly in the normally open position without any forces acting on the structure .

FIG. 6 shows the flow control assembly in the wind countering position. FIG. 7 shows the flow control assembly in the combined wind-tremor position caused by earthquake forces and wind forces acting in the same direction. FIG. 8 shows the flow control assembly in the combined wind-tremor position caused by earthquake forces and wind forces acting in opposite directions.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, the flow control assembly includes a flow control housing which contains all the parts of the flow control assembly . The flow control housing includes an upper fluid chamber , a central cylindrical portion with an internal diameter , and a lower cylindrical portion with an internal diameter .

The flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener occurs through the upper fluid chamber of the flow control assembly . FIGS. 5 through 8 show an upper orifice which, when open, may allow the incompressible fluid to flow between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener . FIGS. 5 through 8 also show a lower orifice , which may also allow the incompressible fluid to flow between the hydraulic ram fluid chamber and its corresponding gas dampener .

An upper valve sized to fit into and seal the upper orifice is shown and includes an upper valve stem fitted into an upper valve guide aligned perpendicularly with the upper orifice along axis . Around the upper valve stem is an upper valve spring which holds the upper valve in the normally closed position. The upper valve also includes a perimeter surface which is beveled at angle , as shown in FIG. .

FIG. 7 shows that the upper orifice also includes an interior surface beveled at an angle . The angle is the same as the angle to allow the upper valve to fit tightly into the upper orifice and block the flow of the incompressible fluid between the hydraulic ram fluid chamber and the gas dampener . In a preferred embodiment, the angles and are approximately forty-five degrees (45°). It can be appreciated, however, that these angles and may be in a range from five degrees (5°) to eighty-five degrees (85°).

FIGS. 5 through 8 show a lower valve sized to seal the lower orifice . The lower valve has a hollow cylindrical base , a valve cap , a lower pressure surface and an interior surface . FIG. 5 shows the valve cap with a perimeter surface beveled at an angle and a lower surface . The lower orifice has an interior surface beveled at an angle .

The angle may be equal to the angle to allow the lower valve to fit snugly into the horizontal circular orifice and effectively block the flow of incompressible fluid through it when the lower valve is closed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In a preferred embodiment, the angles and are approximately forty-five degrees (45°). It can be appreciated, however, that these angles and may be in a range from five degrees (5°) to eighty-five degrees (85°).

The hollow cylindrical base has an internal diameter and an external diameter . The external diameter of the hollow cylindrical base may be slightly less than the internal diameter of the central cylindrical portion of the flow control housing . The hollow cylindrical base fits into the central cylindrical portion of the flow control housing and slides up and down along axis . The hollow cylindrical base also fits over a stationary block which has an upper beveled surface and an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the hollow cylindrical base .

In between the stationary block and the lower surface of the valve cap is the upper piston which has an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the hollow cylindrical base , an upper surface and a lower surface . The lower surface of the upper piston is held in contact with the upper beveled surface of the stationary block by a spring located between the top surface of the upper piston and the lower surface of the valve cap .

Located in the center of the valve cap is a small vertical hole . The small vertical hole allows a portion of the incompressible fluid to flow into the interior fluid chamber of the lower valve created by the interior surface of the hollow cylindrical base , the lower surface of the valve cap , and the top surface of the upper piston .

FIGS. 5 through 8 also show a lower piston with a hollow cylindrical portion , a solid cylindrical portion , an upper surface , a lower surface , and an intermediate surface . The hollow cylindrical portion has an external diameter which may be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the central cylindrical portion of the flow control housing to allow the lower piston to fit within the central cylindrical portion of the flow control housing . The hollow cylindrical portion of the lower piston includes a small horizontal hole which leads to an interior chamber within the lower piston . The interior chamber of the lower piston is partially filled with a fifth gas .

The solid cylindrical portion has an external diameter which may be slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the lower cylindrical portion of the flow control housing . The hollow cylindrical portion of the lower piston fits into the central cylindrical portion of the housing while the solid cylindrical portion of the lower piston fits into the lower cylindrical portion of the housing. The lower piston will slide up and down along axis .

FIGS. 5 through 8 show a lower fluid chamber beneath the lower piston . As incompressible fluid is injected into the lower fluid chamber , the lower piston will be forced upward along axis . As the lower piston moves upward, incompressible fluid will be forced through the small horizontal hole into the interior fluid chamber of the lower piston and compress the fifth gas . The fifth gas acts a spring to return the lower piston to its original piston when the wind subsides and incompressible fluid is no longer injected into the lower fluid chamber.

FIGS. 5 through 8 also show incompressible fluid confined between the bottom surface of the lower valve and the upper surface of the lower piston . As the lower piston is forced up by incompressible fluid , the lower valve will be forced upward along axis and the valve cap will seal the lower orifice as shown in FIG. .

It can be appreciated that the upper valve is directional and only allows the incompressible fluid to flow from the gas dampener to the hydraulic ram fluid chamber . Moreover, the upper valve is spring-loaded and normally held in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 5, and . The upper valve will only open when the lower valve is closed and the fluid pressure in the gas dampener is greater than the fluid pressure in the hydraulic ram fluid chamber of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly .

When the lower valve is shifted into the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bottom surface of the lower valve will be above the beveled upper surface of the stationary block . FIG. 6 shows that when the lower valve initially closes, the incompressible fluid may be in contact with the lower surface of the upper piston . Any further injections of incompressible fluid into the lower fluid chamber may be transmitted directly to the upper piston via the lower piston and incompressible fluid . The upper piston may move upward along axis and force incompressible fluid out of the interior fluid chamber through the small vertical hole in the valve cap .

FIG. 9 shows the wind-sensitive pressure generator assembly mounted in the center of the roof of the structure . FIG. 10 shows the wind-sensitive pressure generator assembly in greater detail. FIG. 10 shows a pressure generator housing which holds the working parts of the wind-sensitive pressure generator assembly . The pressure generator housing includes a top plate with a spherical socket formed near the center of the top plate .

Inserted through this spherical socket is an arm having a vertical portion , an angled portion , an upper end and a lower end . Located centrally along the vertical portion of the arm is a ball sized to fit into the spherical socket . In can be appreciated that this ball and socket configuration may allow the arm to move in all directions with respect to the pressure generator housing .

FIG. 10 shows a sail attached to the upper end of the angled portion of the arm . Attached to the lower end of the vertical portion of the arm is a counterweight to balance the sail and keep the arm in the upright position, as shown in FIG. 10, when not subjected to wind. As the sail moves under the force of the wind, the arm will rotate three-hundred and sixty degrees (360°) about the ball and pivot back and forth along arc . Located between the counterweight and the ball is the plunger actuator .

On each side of the plunger actuator is a hydraulic plunger . Each hydraulic plunger fits into a cylinder which is connected to a corresponding flow control assembly via a sealed pipe . Each sealed pipe and adjacent cylinder is filled with an incompressible fluid . As the arm is moved by the sail , the plunger actuator will depress one of the hydraulic plungers into its cylinder . The motion of the hydraulic plunger will cause the incompressible fluid to move within the sealed pipe and inject incompressible fluid into the lower fluid chamber of the flow control assembly and close the lower valve to block the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and its corresponding gas dampener .

FIG. 10A shows an alternative embodiment of the wind-sensitive pressure generator assembly generally designated . The wind-sensitive pressure generator assembly includes an arm assembly mounted on a ball and socket joint . The arm assembly includes an arm with an upper end and a lower end . Attached to the upper end of the arm is a sail .

Attached to the lower end of the arm is a hollow conical housing having an interior surface . Within the hollow conical housing are the hydraulic plungers and the balancing spring . As the sail is moved by the wind, the arm assembly rotates about the ball and socket joint and pivots about the ball and socket joint along arc . The motion by the arm assembly causes the hollow conical housing to move back and forth.

The interior surface of the hollow conical housing maintains contact with the hydraulic plungers , and as the hollow conical housing moves, at least one of the hydraulic plungers will be depressed and force the incompressible fluid to move within the sealed pipe and into a corresponding flow control assembly . The balancing spring rotates with the arm assembly about the ball and socket joint and returns the arm assembly to the upright position when the wind ceases.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross-section of a seismic filter along line — in FIG. 2 is shown. The seismic filter may be installed vertically or horizontally. The seismic filters which are installed to isolate the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies from the foundation are installed vertically between the ends of each ram and the foundation .

The seismic filters which are installed to isolate the support pillars from the foundation are installed horizontally between the support pillars and the foundation . Regardless of the orientation of the seismic filter , the components are identical and the function is the same.

FIG. 11 shows a seismic filter installed horizontally between the support pillar and the foundation . FIG. 11 further shows a pillar support plate with a flat upper surface and an interior cavity ; a jack plate with a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface ; an upper seal plate with a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface ; a seal ; a seal support plate with a flat upper surface and a convex lower surface ; and a main support plate with a concave upper surface and a flat lower surface .

The upper surface of the pillar support plate is in contact with the support pillar . The jack plate fits into the interior cavity of the pillar support plate . The flat lower surface of the jack plate is in contact with the upper surface of the upper seal plate . The seal is sandwiched between the lower surface of the upper seal plate and the upper surface of the seal support plate .

The convex lower surface of the seal support plate fits into the concave upper surface of the main support plate and is separated from the concave upper surface of the main support plate by a lubricant . In a preferred embodiment this lubricant may be a heavy grease, however, any lubricating material well known in the art may be used.

This curved joint allows the main support plate to pivot with respect to the seal support plate in all directions including, but not limited to, direction and direction . The flat lower surface of the main support plate is rigidly attached to the foundation . During an earthquake, if the ground buckles and the foundation shifts out of level, the support pillar will not be affected, and it will remain vertical.

Between the upper seal plate and the seal support plate is a hermetically confined fluid which is held in place by the seal . The seal and the hermetically confined fluid provide a frictionless surface between the upper seal plate and the seal support plate .

In a preferred embodiment, the seal is manufactured from plastic which will allow significant deformation without breaking at the point of contact of the seal with the upper seal plate and the seal support plate . Also, in a preferred embodiment, the hermetically confined fluid may be oil or any other fluid with similar characteristics which will reduce the friction between the upper seal plate and the seal support plate .

Around the seal is a seal support ring , having an interior surface , which keeps the seal from bursting under the pressure of the hermetically confined fluid . This allows the upper seal plate to move in any horizontal direction with respect to the seal support plate . During an earthquake, as the earth shifts back and forth, the foundation may move with respect to the support pillar and not cause any major damage to the structure .

FIG. 12 shows a detailed cross-section view of the seal and how it contacts the lower surface of the upper seal plate and the upper surface of the seal support plate . The upper seal plate includes a seal plate valve and a seal plate vein which leads to the seal . The seal may be formed with a “V” shape having a base in contact with the inner surface of the seal support ring , a first leg in contact with the lower surface of the upper seal plate , and a second leg in contact with the upper surface of the seal support plate .

At the point of contact of the first leg with the upper seal plate and the second leg with the seal support plate , the seal may be plastically deformed due to the pressure of the hermetically confined fluid and the weight of the structure above. This plastic deformation of the seal serves as a barrier to keep the hermetically confined fluid within the inner confines of the seal . In the event of leakage, fluid may be added to the hermetically confined fluid through the seal plate valve and the seal plate vein which leads directly to the hermetically confined fluid .

FIG. 12 also shows the interaction between the pillar support plate and the jack plate . The pillar support plate includes a support plate valve which leads directly into the interior cavity of the pillar support plate . The pillar support plate also includes an “O” ring seal between the jack plate and the pillar support plate .

As incompressible fluid is pumped through the support plate valve and into the interior cavity of the pillar support plate , the fluid will fill the volume of the interior cavity not displaced by the jack plate and eventually lift the pillar support plate from the jack plate . In the event that the foundation beneath a support pillar settles during an earthquake, this may will allow the support pillar to be raised back to its original elevation.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, an alternative embodiment of the upper seal plate/seal configuration is shown. The upper seal plate includes a flat upper surface , flat lower surface , and a seal plate valve . Additionally, the upper seal plate may be formed with a seal plate vein , leading from the seal plate valve to a hermetically confined fluid , and a continuous channel having a width and a height.

The seal has a width that may be slightly smaller than the width of the channel and may fit into the continuous channel . The seal also has a height which may be slightly larger than the height of the continuous channel to allow a portion of the seal to protrude from the continuous channel and separate the upper seal plate from the seal support plate while containing the hermetically confined fluid .

The continuous channel may keep the seal from bursting due to the pressure of the hermetically confined fluid and the weight of the structure . It may be possible to increase the width of the continuous channel and install more than one seal concentrically within the channel .

Referring now to FIG. 12B, the seal is shown located within the circular continuous channel . The first leg of the seal forms an upper circular point contact along the lower surface of the upper seal plate , and the second leg forms a lower circular point contact along the upper surface of the seal support plate . These circular point contacts establish a seal fluid chamber . The hermetically confined fluid occupies the seal fluid chamber created by the upper seal plate , the seal support plate , and by the seal .

Additionally, the seal may be self sealing, for if the hermetically confined fluid loses volume, then the weight of the structure acting on the upper seal plate will cause the upper seal plate to lower, further deforming the seal at the circular point contacts by causing the upper circular point contact to flatten and the lower circular point contact to flatten until the leakage ceases. The seal with flattened circular point contacts is shown in FIG. C.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 16, the structure is shown being acted upon by wind forces and seismic forces . The structure includes a windward side , a leeward side , a leading side and a trailing side .

FIG. 13 shows the structure subjected to wind forces only. FIG. 13 shows the wind forces acting on the windward side of the structure . The leeward side of the structure is not subjected to the wind forces . FIG. 13 further shows the sail belonging to the wind-sensitive pressure generator aligned perpendicularly to the wind forces .

FIG. 14 shows the structure subjected to a seismic force only. FIG. 14 shows the seismic force transmitted through the foundation to the ram . The leading side of the structure is the side of the structure which would have initially felt the shock of the seismic force if the structure was rigidly affixed to the foundation . The trailing side of the structure is the other side of the structure .

FIG. 15 shows the structure subjected to wind forces and a seismic force . FIG. 15 shows the wind forces and the seismic force acting in the same direction. FIG. 15 shows the windward side of the structure on the same side as the leading side of the structure . FIG. 15 also shows the leeward side and the trailing side on the same side of the structure .

FIG. 16 shows the structure subjected to wind forces and a seismic force acting in opposite directions. As such, the windward side and the leading side of the structure are opposite each other. The leeward side and the trailing side of the structure are also opposite each other.

Operation of the Invention

The operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention depends on the types of forces acting on the structure . There are five major components comprising the Improved Aseismic System described above: the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies , the gas dampeners , the fluid flow control assemblies , the wind-sensitive pressure generators , and the seismic filters . These five components will react and interact differently if the structure is subjected to wind forces only, seismic forces only, or wind and seismic forces combined.

The basic configuration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes four double-action hydraulic ram assemblies , eight gas dampeners , eight fluid flow control assemblies , four wind-sensitive pressure generators and twelve seismic filters . The double-action hydraulic ram assemblies are arranged in a square in the basement of the structure , but depending on the shape of the structure , the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies may be arranged in other patterns.

Each double-action hydraulic ram assembly is attached to two gas dampeners , two fluid flow control assemblies , one wind-sensitive pressure generator and two seismic filters . Each support pillar may be mounted on a seismic filter . In the present configuration of the present invention, there are four support pillars .

Regardless of the forces that the structure is subjected to, the seismic filters will perform the same function. The seismic filters , installed beneath the support pillars , provide a stable frictionless base for the structure . If the structure is subjected to a force in any direction, the upper seal plate of each seismic filter installed beneath the support pillars may move in any direction along the corresponding seal support plate and isolate the support pillars from the foundation . This will effectively eliminate the transmission of destructive forces from the foundation to the support pillars .

The seismic filters , attached to the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies , may also effectively isolate the rams from destructive forces transmitted by the foundation . As the structure moves longitudinally along a pair of double-action hydraulic ram assemblies , the seismic filters attached to the ends of the rams will allow the same double-action hydraulic ram assemblies to move laterally. The upper seal plates of each seismic filter , installed between the ram and the foundation , will move along the corresponding seal support plates . This will allow the rams to move laterally as the structure moves longitudinally along the rams .

Reaction of the Improved Aseismic System to Wind Forces Only

When the structure is subjected to wind forces only, as shown in FIG. 13, the Improved Aseismic System will react accordingly and keep the structure from moving along the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies . As the wind blows across the structure , the sail belonging to the wind-sensitive pressure generator will rotate about the spherical socket and align itself perpendicular to the direction of the wind forces .

As the wind blows, it will cause the sail to dip downward and pivot along arc toward the leeward side . The motion of the sail will cause the plunger actuator to move in toward the windward side and depress the plunger on the windward side of the structure . The motion of the plunger will force the incompressible fluid to move within the sealed pipe on the windward side of the structure and inject incompressible fluid into the lower fluid chamber of the fluid flow control assembly .

The injection of incompressible fluid into the lower fluid chamber will cause the lower piston to travel upward along axis , which will in turn force the incompressible fluid upward. This will force the lower valve into the closed position as shown in FIG. . With the lower valve closed the incompressible fluid cannot move from the hydraulic ram fluid chamber into its corresponding gas dampener .

The structure will not be able to move in the direction of the leeward side if the flow of incompressible fluid from the fluid chambers on the windward side of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies is blocked.

If the wind subsides, each component will return its equilibrium state. The lower valve in the fluid flow control assembly will open allowing the free flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener .

Reaction of the Improved Aseismic System to Seismic Forces Only

When the structure is subjected to a seismic force only, as shown in FIG. 14, the Improved Aseismic System will react accordingly and isolate the structure from these transverse forces. As the foundation shifts due to the seismic force , the two double-action hydraulic ram assemblies that are aligned with the motion of the foundation will allow the foundation to move with respect to the base of the structure . The rams will shift within the cylindrical housings forcing the pistons to push the incompressible fluid out of the fluid chambers on the trailing side and into the fluid chambers of the corresponding gas dampeners .

The gas dampener will act as a shock absorber and, depending on the strength of the seismic force , the gas dampener will provide the appropriate resistance. A small tremor resulting in little motion of the ram with respect to the cylindrical ram housing will force less incompressible fluid into the gas dampener fluid chamber than a large tremor causing greater motion of the ram with respect to the cylindrical ram housing . Initially, the incompressible fluid , which flows into the gas dampener fluid chamber , will force the first piston to travel upward along axis and compress the first gas .

If the tremor ceases, the first gas will return to its starting pressure and return the first piston to its static position which will force the incompressible fluid back into the hydraulic ram fluid chamber in the cylindrical ram housing of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and return the structure to the equilibrium position centered on the ram .

If the tremor continues or the seismic force is stronger, the first piston will continue to move upward along axis until the pressure in the first gas is equal to the pressure of the second gas . When the pressure of the first gas is equal to pressure of the second gas , the first piston and the second piston will move upward, in unison, along axis .

The upward motion of the first piston and the second piston will continue to compress the first gas and begin compressing the second gas at the same pressure as the first gas . If the tremor ceases, the second gas and the first gas will return to their respective starting pressures and return the second piston and the first piston to the static position which will force the incompressible fluid back into the hydraulic ram fluid chamber in the cylindrical ram housing of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and return the structure to the equilibrium position centered on the ram .

If the tremor continues or the seismic force becomes even stronger, the first piston and the second piston will continue to move upward along axis until the pressures of the first gas and the second gas are equal to the pressure of the third gas . Once the pressures of all three gases are equal, the first piston , the second piston and the third piston will travel upward in unison along axis . This motion will continue to compress the first gas and the second gas and begin compressing the third gas and the fourth gas at the same rate.

Again, if the tremor ceases, the third gas , the second gas , and the first gas will return to their respective starting pressures and return the third piston , the second piston and first piston to their static positions which will force the incompressible fluid back into the hydraulic ram fluid chamber in the cylindrical ram housing of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and return the structure to the equilibrium position centered on the ram .

If the tremor continues or the seismic force continues to grow in strength, the first piston , the second piston , and the third piston will continue to move upward along axis until the spring loaded stem assembly closes the gas valve . Closing the gas valve significantly decreases the volume that the third gas occupies, and, as such, the pressures in gases , and will rapidly rise with the continued increase in the force of the tremor. The pressure in the fourth gas will remain constant once the gas valve is closed.

If the tremor ceases, the fourth gas , the third gas , the second gas , and the first gas will return to their respective starting pressures and return the third piston , the second piston and first piston to their static positions which will force the incompressible fluid back into the hydraulic ram fluid chamber in the cylindrical ram housing of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and return the structure to the equilibrium position centered on the ram .

If the tremor continues or the seismic force again increases in strength, the first piston , the second piston , and the third piston will continue to move upward along axis and the pressure in the first gas , the second gas and the third gas will increase sharply and act as a cushion keeping the cylindrical ram housing from impacting the seismic filter attached to the end of the ram. If the tremor ceases, the gas dampener will return to the static position and return the structure to the static position centered along the ram .

As the structure moves with respect to the foundation along two of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies , the other two double-action hydraulic ram assemblies will move with respect to the foundation at the seismic filters . Moreover, the configuration of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention allows for lateral motion of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies as the structure moves longitudinally along the rams . The seismic filters , attached to the ends of the rams , isolate the rams from the foundation and allow lateral motion of the rams with respect to the foundation .

It is to be appreciated that earthquake tremors are not typically unidirectional. As such, the gas dampeners located on each side of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies act in tandem to absorb the oscillating forces caused by the seismic activity. The operation described above is simply the operation of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention during one theoretical cycle of the oscillating tremor.

As the tremor oscillates, the force will come from the opposite direction. The hydraulic ram fluid chamber and the gas dampener opposite those described above will then take the brunt of the earthquake's force and react to absorb that force and cushion the structure from any impact by the foundation or seismic filters .

It is also to be appreciated that in most cases the seismic forces will not be transmitted in a direction directly in line with a single pair of the double-action ram assemblies . In most cases, the seismic force will impact the foundation at an angle with the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies . It can be shown, through the use of vector mathematics, that the component parts of the seismic forces may be transmitted along all of the rams at the same time. It can then be appreciated that it is possible that the structure may move with respect to the foundation along all four of the double-action hydraulic ram assemblies at the same time while the rams also move with respect to the foundation .

Reaction of The Improved Aseismic System to Wind Forces and Seismic Forces

When the structure is subjected to wind forces and seismic forces , the reaction of the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention will depend on whether these forces and are acting in the same direction or in opposing directions. If the wind is blowing constantly in one direction, the combination of the wind force and the seismic force will vary with the oscillation of the seismic forces .

When the direction of the wind force coincides with the direction of the seismic force , the Improved Aseismic System will react accordingly.

Initially, the fluid flow control assembly on the leeward side of the structure will be in the open position as shown in FIG. . The fluid flow control assembly on the windward side of the structure will react as described previously and the lower valve will close and block the flow of incompressible fluid through the upper fluid chamber of the fluid flow control assembly between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener . This will provide the initial resistance to the wind forces .

However, the seismic force acting in the same direction as the wind forces will cause the foundation to move toward the leeward side . As the foundation moves the ram will also move toward the leeward side causing the volume of the hydraulic ram fluid chamber on the windward side of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly to increase.

The increase in volume will cause a pressure drop in the hydraulic ram fluid chamber on the windward side and the upper valve will be open, as shown in FIG. 7, allowing the incompressible fluid to flow from the gas dampener on the windward side of the double-action hydraulic ram assembly to the corresponding hydraulic ram fluid chamber also on the windward side .

This will allow the foundation to move with respect to the structure along the rams and isolate the structure from the seismic force . The gas dampeners on the trailing side of the structure will function as described above and absorb the tremor and keep the base of the structure from impacting the foundation .

When the direction of the wind force is opposite the direction of the seismic force the Improved Aseismic System will react accordingly. Initially, the fluid flow control assembly on the leeward side of the structure will be in the open position as shown in FIG. . The fluid flow control assembly on the windward side of the structure will react as described previously and the lower valve will close and block the flow of incompressible fluid through the upper fluid chamber of the fluid flow control assembly between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener on the windward side . This will provide the initial resistance to the wind forces.

However, if the seismic force acting opposite the wind forces creates a pressure in the incompressible fluid with a resultant force on the valve cap that is greater than the force transmitted to the lower pressure surface by incompressible fluid , the lower valve will open, as shown in FIG. 8, and allow the flow of incompressible fluid between the double-action hydraulic ram assembly and the gas dampener on the windward side .

This will allow the double-action hydraulic ram assembly to overcome the initial resistance to the wind forces and the foundation will move in toward the windward side to isolate the base of the structure from the seismic forces transmitted by the foundation . The gas dampeners on the windward side of the structure will function as described above and absorb the tremor and keep the base of the structure from impacting the foundation .

While the Improved Aseismic System of the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of a preferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

CLAIMS

1. An upper seal plate and seal assembly on an aseismic system comprising: a flat upper surface that supports a pillar of a building having a foundation; a flat lower surface; a seal plate valve located between said flat upper surface and said flat lower surface; and at least one seal located in a cutout at a bottom portion of said flat lower surface, and wherein said flat upper surface can shift its position relative to said flat lower surface and the foundation.

2. The upper seal plate and seal assembly on an aseismic system in claim 1 further comprising a seal plate vein that creates a gap between said flat upper surface and said flat lower surface.

3. The upper seal plate and seal assembly on an aseismic system in claim 2 further comprising hermetically confined fluid located within said seal plate vein.

4. A seismic filter in combination with a structure comprising: an upper seal plate having a lower surface, and supporting said structure; a seal support plate having an upper surface; a seal having a first leg, a second leg and a base, wherein said lower surface of said upper seal plate contacts said first leg and said upper surface of said seal support plate contacts said second leg, forming a chamber located between said lower surface of said upper seal plate, said upper surface of said seal support plate, and said seal; a hermetically confined fluid, wherein said hermetically confined fluid is contained in said chamber; and a means for pressurizing said seismic filter with said hermetically confined fluid.

5. The seismic filter of claim 4 wherein said first leg of said seal and said second leg of said seal form a “V” shape with said base of said seal.

6. The seismic filter of claim 5 wherein said first leg of said seal forms a top circular point contact with said lower surface of said upper seal plate and said second leg of said seal forms a bottom circular point contact with said upper surface of said support plate.

7. The seismic filter of claim 6 wherein said first leg of said seal plastically deforms such that the weight of said structure over said upper seal plate and the pressure of said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber flattens said top circular point contact, to seal said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber.

8. The seismic filter of claim 7 wherein said second leg of said seal plastically deforms such that the weight of said structure over said upper seal plate and the pressure of said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber flattens said bottom circular point contact, to seal said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber.

9. The seismic filter of claim 8 wherein said first leg and said second leg of said seal plastically deforms such that the weight of said structure over said upper seal plate and the pressure of said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber flattens both said top circular point contact and said bottom circular point contact, to seal said hermetically confined fluid within said chamber.

10. The seismic filter of claim 4 wherein said means for pressurizing said seismic filter comprises a seal plate valve and a seal plate vein, wherein said seal plate valve is located on said upper seal plate and allows fluid to be added through said seal plate vein to said chamber containing said hermetically confined fluid.

11. The seismic filter of claim 4 further comprising a seal support ring placed around said seal, said seal support ring having an inner surface contacting said base of said seal.

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