Balco/metalines

Hexcel Corporation

Stephen L Newcomb

Trest Polina

Dale A Schmitt

Henry J Gohlke

Frank Nishiura

Bill Heisterberg

Mark Honstra

Glen Duckworth

Tim Reed

Portal apparatus (40) is provided for interconnection between adjacent first and second structures (32, 34) in order to maintain operative communication between the structures (32, 34) under seismic conditions. The apparatus (40) includes a portal assembly (36) together with coupling assemblies (38, 40) permitting translation and rotational movement of the portal assembly (36) about three orthogonal axes (X, Y and Z) in space. The first coupling assembly (38) serves to secure assembly (36) to structure (32) and permits rotation about and translation along the X axis, as well as rotation about the Y and Z axes. The second coupling assembly (40) slidably connects the remote end of assembly (36) to structure (34) and accommodates Y and Z axes translation.

Seismic portal

A support for connecting a facade to at least one and preferably two buildings permits limited movement of the facade during seismic disturbances. The support includes a coupler presenting a projecting member and a mount presenting a receiver complementally configured with the projecting member. In one application, the projecting member and receiver define a track for permitting relative translational movement therealong, while in another application the projecting member and receiver define a hinge which may permit both limited pivotal movement and limited translational movement between the projecting member and the receiver. A plurality of tracks oriented in parallel or in perpendicular orientations may be employed to permit movement along different axes, and in particularly preferred embodiments wherein the facade spans the gap between two adjacent buildings, the support permits limited movement of the facade relative to the buildings along three orthogonal axes of translational movement and limited pivoting about three orthogonal axes.

Seismic facade support

An improved expansion joint assembly (10, 70) is provided for bridging an expansion void (12, 72) between adjacent, relatively shiftable structural sections (14, 6, 74, 76). The assembly (10, 70) includes a pair of supports (18, 20, 78, 80) respectively secured to the sections (14, 16, 74, 76), as well as a bridging member (22, 82) operatively engaging the supports (18, 20, 78, 80). A resilient compressible filler (24, 128, 130) is located between a bridging member (22, 82) and adjacent portions of the supports (18, 20, 78, 80). The filler (24, 128, 130) is preferably in the form of a compressible, resilient body including walls (62) defining a series of openings (64), so that the filler can accommodate significant movement without bulging or failure.

Expansion joint

Growing community of inventors

Moore, OK, United States of America

Stephen L Newcomb