Taylor Devices, Inc.

The State University of New York

William Marsh Rice University

The Research Foundation of Suny at Buffalo

Michael C Constantinou

Douglas P Taylor

David A Lee

John C Metzger

Apostolos A Sarlis

Andrei M Reinhorn

Satish Nagarajaiah

Dharma Theja R Pasala

The invention provides for a method, system and apparatus for resisting and restraining potentially destructive movement within a building structure while introducing little or no obstruction with respect to how a building structure is designed and how it is intended to function.

Motion damping system designed for reducing obstruction within open spaces

Negative stiffness systems and methods for seismic protection of a structure is described. A system can include a negative stiffness device having a first linkage pivotably connected to an anchor frame at a first pivot point and pivotably connected the movement frame at a second pivot point. The negative stiffness device can include a spring having a first end operably coupled to the anchor frame and a second end operably coupled to a movement frame. In a rest state, the spring can be compressed to exert a preload force to the first linkage and the anchor frame and not displace the first linkage and the movement frame. In an engaged state, the spring can be configured to apply a force to the first linkage such that the movement frame is displaced in a same lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force can be amplified by the first linkage.

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.

An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

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Amherst, NY, United States of America

Michael C Constantinou