US4098034A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Building sway control
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-05-06
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Granted: 1978-07-04
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Expires: 1996-05-06
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of movable vanes are secured to the top of a structure such as a tall building. A fan to create an independent air stream is disposed within the building. The air stream flows across the surfaces of the vanes. When the building is moved, such as by the wind, this motion is sensed. In response to this movement, the vanes are orientated whereby a thrust force of reaction opposes the motion of the building.
Inventors
- 👤 Wallace E. Howell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:55
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/62; E04B1/92; E04B1/98; E04H; E04H9/00; E04H9/14; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A50/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for controlling the motion of a building which motion is caused by winds which comprises: (a) a plurality of movable vanes arranged in a sail-like configuration, the vanes adapted to direct an air stream and secured to the building in a movable manner; (b) means to sense a linear magnitude arising substantially from translational motion of the building and to provide a signal corresponding to the translational motion; and, (c) means to control the movement of the vanes, said means directly responsive to the means to sense whereby when the building moves the translational motion is sensed and the surfaces of the vanes interact with the air to generate a force opposed to the motion of the building.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for controlling the motion of a building which motion is caused by winds which comprises: (a) a plurality of movable vanes arranged in a sail-like configuration, the vanes adapted to direct an air stream and secured to the building in a movable manner; (b) means to sense a linear magnitude arising substantially from translational motion of the building and to provide a signal corresponding to the translational motion; and, (c) means to control the movement of the vanes, said means directly responsive to the means to sense whereby when the building moves the translational motion is sensed and the surfaces of the vanes interact with the air to generate a force opposed to the motion of the building.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vanes include first and second sets of vanes, each set adapted to be moved independently of the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the vanes of the first and second sets are arranged in alternating relationship.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means to sense includes an accelerometer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means to sense includes means to sense a plurality of distinct translational motions to provide outputs corresponding to the same.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the linear magnitude is representative of the velocity and which includes the means to sense the velocity.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of cliam 1 wherein the linear magnitude is representative of displacement and which includes a siesmometer to sense said velocity.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of cliam 1 wherein the linear magnitude is representative of displacement and which includes a siesmometer to sense said velocity.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for controlling the motion of a building which motion is caused by winds which comprises: (a) means to generate an independent movement of air; (b) at least one set of a plurality of vanes disposed substantially normal to the direction of the independent movement of air, and secured to the building; (c) means to sense a linear magnitude arising substantially from translational motion of the structure and to provide a signal corresponding to the translational motion; and, (d) means to control the movement of the vanes directly responsive to the means to sense whereby when the structure moves the translational motion is sensed and the adjustable surfaces interact with the air and generate a force opposed to the motion of the building.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for controlling the motion of a building which motion is caused by winds which comprises: (a) means to generate an independent movement of air; (b) at least one set of a plurality of vanes disposed substantially normal to the direction of the independent movement of air, and secured to the building; (c) means to sense a linear magnitude arising substantially from translational motion of the structure and to provide a signal corresponding to the translational motion; and, (d) means to control the movement of the vanes directly responsive to the means to sense whereby when the structure moves the translational motion is sensed and the adjustable surfaces interact with the air and generate a force opposed to the motion of the building.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the means to sense includes an accelerometer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 which includes first and second sets of vanes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second set of vanes is substantially normal to the first set and adapted to be operated independently thereform and both sets of vanes are normal to the independent movement of air.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the linear magnitude is representative of velocity and which includes means to sense velocity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the linear magnitude is representative of displacement and which includes a siesmometer to sense the displacement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-07-03 | 1982-01-02 | 1982-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-03 | 1986-01-02 | 1986-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-03 | 1990-01-02 | 1990-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |