# US 8,464,477 B2 · Seismic base isloation and energy dissipation device

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- Number: US 8,464,477 B2
- Document ID: US8464477B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/199,032
- Filed: 2011-08-18
- Published: 2013-02-21
- Granted: 2013-06-18
- Earliest claimed: 2011-08-18
- Assignees: Larry Bowlus
- Applicants: Larry Richard Bowlus; Heidi Marie Bowlus; Robert Hawley Bowlus; Rebecka Joymae Bowlus; Ambrosia Danielle Bowlus; Katherine Leigh Bowlus; Marvin Jones
- Inventors: Larry Richard Bowlus; Heidi Marie Bowlus; Robert Hawley Bowlus; Rebecka Joymae Bowlus; Ambrosia Danielle Bowlus; Katherine Leigh Bowlus; Marvin Jones
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8464477B2

## CPC

- E04H 9/021: {Bearing, supporting or connecting constructions specially adapted for such buildings}
- E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D)

## Abstract

Seismic base isolation and energy dissipation device using a plurality of swing plate's that are placed on a central wall. This arrangement creates a strong load bearing swing beam that moves in true pendulum fashion. This system is placed between the structural load and its foundation. This seismic wave base isolation system has the purpose of absorbing seismic wave displacement energy in all directions. This unique design can scale up for very large and heavy loads or scale down to protect sensitive cargo and equipment from destructive motion. The swing plates inside the swing beam will provide support and absorption of motion by moving as a pendulum and therefore redirecting and dissipating seismic energy. This system has a simple design shape and is therefore inexpensive to construct, is easy to engineer and deploy, it requires no uncommon material and requires very little maintenance or advanced electronics.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A seismic base isolation and energy dissipation apparatus comprising:
a swing beam comprising;
an inverted T-shaped base plate having a web and a substantially perpendicular flange, the flange having a top surface;
an elongate beam disposed on the top surface of the flange, the elongate beam having notches on a top surface;
a plate rack, wherein the plate rack comprises;
two elongate beams having a plurality of notches on each respective bottom surface;
a housing disposed on top of the two elongate beams;
a plurality of substantially flat plates;
a slot in each of the plurality of plates extending from a bottom surface; and
wherein the innermost portion of each respective slot rests on a respective notch of the elongate beam disposed on the housing.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The seismic base isolation and energy dissipation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a first set of three parallel swing beams and a first sheet of metal disposed on top of the first set of three swing beams;
a second set of three parallel swing beams disposed on top of the first sheet of metal and a second sheet of metal disposed on top of the second set of three parallel swing beams;
wherein the second set of three parallel swing beams is offset 60 degrees from the first set of three parallel swing beams; and
a third set of three parallel swing beams disposed on top of the second sheet of metal and a third sheet of metal disposed on top of the third set of three parallel swing beams;
wherein the third set of three parallel swing beams is offset 60 degrees from the second set of three parallel swing beams.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The seismic base isolation and energy dissipation apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:
vertical apertures disposed in the top surface of the flange of the base plate; and
a vertical-wave absorption unit comprising a row of hydraulic rams disposed within the apertures of the flange of the base plate, the hydraulic rams configured to absorb vertically oriented shocks through fluid displacement.