US3833093A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cyclic energy absorber
Assignee: Development Finance Corp of New Zealand
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Filing: 1972-12-21
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Granted: 1974-09-03
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Expires: 1992-12-21
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorber for incorporation in bridges or buildings which must withstand earthquakes or other vibratory forces. It has two concentric members which in action move longitudinally relative to each other as the structure vibrates. At one point of its length one of the members is shaped such that the annular space between the members forms an orifice. The space between the members is filled with lead. The forcing of the lead through the orifice absorbs energy, while the subsequent recovery and recrystallization returns the material nearly to its original state.
Inventors
- 👤 W Robinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:33
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/127
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A cyclic energy absorber interposable between members of a structure which are caused by incoming energy to move cyclically relative to each other, said absorber comprising concentric elements separated by captive extrudable material and movable relative to each other during relative movements of the members, and means defining an extrusion orifice between the elements through which the extrudable material is cyclically forced during corresponding movements of said concentric elements, so absorbing energy without permanent structural breakdown of the extrudable material at the operating temperature of said absorber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A cyclic energy absorber interposable between members of a structure which are caused by incoming energy to move cyclically relative to each other, said absorber comprising concentric elements separated by captive extrudable material and movable relative to each other during relative movements of the members, and means defining an extrusion orifice between the elements through which the extrudable material is cyclically forced during corresponding movements of said concentric elements, so absorbing energy without permanent structural breakdown of the extrudable material at the operating temperature of said absorber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
An absorber as claimed in claim 1 wherein the concentric elements are cylinders with a distortion at one point in the length to form an annular extrusion orifice.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
An energy absorber as claimed in claim 1 wherein the extrudable material is a crystalline substance which at the operating temperature of said energy absorber, spontaneously recovers and recrystallises to regain its original mechanical properties so that the absorber exhibits the same characteristics on each cycle of its operation, without self-destruction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An absorber as claimed in claim 3 wherein thE extrudable material consists of lubricated lead.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
122 words
A device for absorbing energy comprising: cylinder means; rod means disposed within said cylinder means and relatively movable therewith; at least one pair of spaced sealing means annularly disposed between the adjacent movable surfaces of said rod means and said cylinder means, to form an annular sealed enclosure therebetween; reducing means locatably positioned within said sealed enclosure at a predetermined point between said spaced sealing means to form an annular extrusion orifice therein; a self-healing extrudable material disposed within said sealed enclosure whereby during cyclical relative movements of said rod means and said cylinder means the extrudable material is cyclically deformably forced through said extrusion orifice without destruction of its initial mechanical properties thus permitting cyclical absorption of energy by said device.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
122 words
A device for absorbing energy comprising: cylinder means; rod means disposed within said cylinder means and relatively movable therewith; at least one pair of spaced sealing means annularly disposed between the adjacent movable surfaces of said rod means and said cylinder means, to form an annular sealed enclosure therebetween; reducing means locatably positioned within said sealed enclosure at a predetermined point between said spaced sealing means to form an annular extrusion orifice therein; a self-healing extrudable material disposed within said sealed enclosure whereby during cyclical relative movements of said rod means and said cylinder means the extrudable material is cyclically deformably forced through said extrusion orifice without destruction of its initial mechanical properties thus permitting cyclical absorption of energy by said device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said reducing means comprises a smooth swelling of said rod means at a point along its length within said sealed enclosure, and said sealing means are fixedly disposed relative to said cylinder means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said reducing means comprises a reduction in internal diameter of the cylinder, said rod means is fitted with pistons for propelling the extrudable material through said extrusion orifice, and said sealing means are fixedly disposed relative to said rod means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
An absorber as claimed in claim 5 wherein a tangent to the surface of said rod means is at an angle to the axis thereof which does not change abruptly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the extrudable material consists of lubricated lead.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-02 | 1978-03-04 | 1978-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-02 | 1982-03-04 | 1982-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-02 | 1986-03-04 | 1986-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |