A Case Study in the Patent Process;
"Load Bearing Structural Assembly"
a.k.a. ‘ForceGenie’
This presentation is a discussion on the patent process in reference to patents filed with, and awarded by the USPTO (US Patent No. US 8,793,961 B2 and US 9,074,371 B2 - Load Bearing Structural ‘Assembly’), among other. The intention of this invention is focused on absorbing and / or redirecting forces two dimensionally or three dimensionally in any mechanism that relies on moving components, or force resolving members, so more benefits of the mechanism can be achieved. This ‘Assembly’ is focused on new ideas for framing / connections to resolve forces so the rigidity between members can be minimized and the ‘Assembly’ can expect performance under a longer durations and more unique loadings.
The ‘Assembly’ uses several techniques / fundamentals for efficient force dissipation with, or without deflection while creating a controlled rotation when loaded. The allowable arrangement of the ‘Assembly’ within itself (web members within outer and inner rings / arcs), and as an assortment of Assemblies, can be limitless. This arrangement, configuration of web members, numbering, width and flexibility, can be arranged for a predictable / controlled deflection or rotation in any direction, due to loading from any direction and type, thus creating a load bearing / load dissipating assembly with greater efficiency, and advance the life of interacting parts under loadings, i.e. seismic and wind loading of structures. This ‘Assembly’, in particular the web members, can be an arrangement of arcs to offer a desired response, as well as create a designed rotation when loaded.
About the Speaker:
Bradford Russell, AIA, P.E., SECB, F.SEI, is an Architect and Professional Engineer (structural). Bradford promotes his understanding and leadership in both disciplines relating to the built environment. He brings a unique perspective of realizing the total building assemblage with an innovative approach to solutions.
As well, he is a holder of two patents on devices for force resolving (i.e. seismic mitigation and force isolation in buildings’ construction) called ‘Load Bearing Structural Assembly’. He is a writer of numerous articles on the built environment for both architectural and structural engineering national publications and conferences: American Institute of Architects, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Steel Construction, among other. With the writing of this material, he has been asked to present in numerous national conferences on the built environment: American Institute of Architects National Convention, American Society of Civil Engineers - Structural Engineering Institute, International Structural Engineering Conference, among other. In addition, he has been invited to speak, present, and write on the force mitigation patent materials in a number of international structural engineering conferences: International Symposium on Structural Engineering, Beijing, China, the International Structural Engineering Conference, Istanbul, Turkey, among other. His innovative approach to resolving issues has brought national and international exposure to Bradford’s ideas for building design, both for structural engineering and architecture.
