The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 21, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1996
C Warren Duncan, Costa Mesa, CA (US);
Richard G Meehan, Laguna Hills, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A system is provided for relieving the downwardly acting load on a structural column, such as a reinforced concrete column supporting a roadway, bridge, overpass, or other massive structure. Horizontally oriented keyways are formed into the concrete column on transversely opposite sides thereof and at the same elevation thereon. The keyways are of rectangular cross section. Clamps likewise having vertical bearing surfaces and keys that extend horizontally with a corresponding rectangular cross section are clamped against the transversely opposite sides of the columns so that keys project into the keyways. A load bearing support system is positioned beneath the clamps. The bolts are torqued to tighten the clamps and hydraulic jacks are inserted in between the lowermost clamps and the load-bearing support structure to exert vertically upwardly acting forces against the clamps. These vertical forces counter the load on the column, thereby preloading the column. This reduces the vertically downwardly acting load on the column beneath the level of the clamps so that the base of the column can be retrofitted to withstand major seismic events.