Seismic retention assembly for weigh module and method
AssigneeConeCraft, Inc.
InventorsJames A. Austin, Jeffrey O. Getrum
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A seismic retention assembly for retaining equipment supported on weigh modules in place during and after a seismic event. The assembly includes a seismic bracket with a mounting plate and a flange that extends beyond the weigh module, and with a retention aperture formed through the flange, located adjacent to the equipment. A retention fastener includes a nut fixed to the equipment in alignment with the aperture, and also a bolt that passes through the aperture and engages the nut. Clearance between the bolt and the aperture enables unimpeded operation of the weigh module during normal use, but limits movement during a seismic event.
Claims16
A seismic retention assembly for equipment supported above a support structure by one or more weigh modules, each weigh module having a base plate, the assembly comprising:
- a seismic bracket having a mounting plate for placement between the support structure and the weigh module base plate, and having a flange fixed to said mounting plate that extends beyond the weigh module, and having a retention aperture formed therethrough and positioned adjacent to the equipment;
- a retention fastener, including a nut rigidly fixable to the equipment, which is aligned with said retention aperture, and including a bolt with a shank and a head, said shank passable through said retention aperture to threadably engage said nut while providing a clearance between said shank and said head of said bolt, and said flange and said retention aperture, to thereby enable unimpeded operation of the weigh module while preventing movement of the equipment beyond said clearance.
A seismic retention assembly for equipment supported above a support structure by one or more weigh modules, each weigh module having a base plate, the assembly comprising:
- a seismic bracket having a mounting plate for placement between the support structure and the weigh module base plate, and having a flange fixed thereto, which extends beyond the weigh module, and having a retention aperture formed through said flange, and positioned adjacent to the equipment;
- a retention fastener, including an attachment means for rigid connection to the equipment at a location aligned with said retention aperture, and having a shank with a boss at a distal end thereof, said shank passable through said retention aperture to fixedly engage the equipment with said attachment means, while providing a clearance between said shank and said boss, and said flange and said retention aperture, to thereby enable unimpeded operation of the weigh module while preventing movement of the equipment beyond said clearance.
A method of installing a seismic retention assembly between a support structure and an item of equipment that is supported by one or more weigh modules, the seismic retention assembly including a seismic bracket with a mounting plate and a flange extending therefrom, the flange having a retention aperture formed therethrough, the seismic retention assembly further including a retention fastener comprised of a nut and a bolt having a shank and a head, the method including the steps of:
- placing the mounting plate of the seismic bracket between the support structure and the weigh module base plate;
- supporting the equipment on the weigh module, wherein the flange extends beyond the weigh module, thereby locating the retention aperture adjacent to the equipment;
- positioning the nut adjacent the equipment and aligning the nut with the retention aperture;
- rigidly fixing the nut to the equipment;
- inserting the shank of the bolt through the retention aperture and threadably engaging a proximal end thereof with the nut, and thereby providing clearance between the shank and the head of the bolt, and the flange and the retention aperture, and thereby enabling unimpeded operation of the weigh module while preventing movement of the equipment beyond the clearance.
A method of installing a seismic retention assembly between a support structure and an item of equipment that is supported by one or more weigh modules, the seismic retention assembly including a seismic bracket with a mounting plate and a flange extending therefrom, the flange having a retention aperture formed therethrough, the seismic retention assembly further including a retention fastener comprising an attachment means for rigid connection to the equipment and a shank with a boss at a distal end thereof, the method including the steps of:
- placing the mounting plate of the seismic bracket between the support structure and the weigh module base plate;
- supporting the equipment on the weigh module, wherein the flange extends beyond the weigh module, thereby locating the retention aperture adjacent to the equipment;
- positioning the attachment means adjacent the equipment and in alignment with the retention aperture;
- inserting the shank through the retention aperture and fixedly engaging a proximal end thereof with the attachment means, and thereby providing clearance between the shank and the boss, and the flange and the retention aperture, and thereby enabling unimpeded operation of the weigh module while preventing movement of the equipment beyond the clearance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.