US20070000188A1

US20070000188A1 - Wind, hurricane, and cold protection devices

Info

Publication number: US20070000188A1
Application number: US11/171,179
Authority: US
Inventors: Aleksandr Smushkovich
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-30
Filing date: 2005-06-30
Publication date: 2007-01-04

Abstract

The invention concerns devices protecting a frangible object against high wind loads, described in several embodiments including cushioning means, performed as differently shaped chambers or bladder-panels, inflated by fluid, substantially compressed air, preferably enclosed into fence means, interconnected by connecting means, essentially hoses, positioned in front of and mostly attached to the outward object's surface, except where separated from the object's structure particularly protecting against vibrations caused by winds. The fence means, proposed in several combinations, preferably performed as flexible covers coupled with fence screens, protect against windborne debris. Multi-layer versions provide increased damping of wind loads and covering any part of the object's surface. Control means, controlling the damping, generally include sensor means, control valve connecting units, central control unit, regulating the fluid flow inside the cushioning means. Proposed MID-devices provide additional wind damping, also used for heater pads in clothes, footwear, producing electricity, alternative mechanical forces, etc.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to devices protecting a building, modular home, transportation means, etc. against heavy winds, hurricanes, and missiles carried by such winds. It also introduces a MID-device capable to be used in cushioning of the high winds, in personal means of protection against cold weather, generation of electricity, producing alternative mechanical forces, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As known, every year heavy winds, hurricanes, and tornados cause tragic loss of lives and enormous property damages. Naturally, people have taken numerous steps to protect themselves from those disasters. Some solutions are dedicated to aboveground weather shelters secured to the earth, but most of them are heavy weighted and expensive (e.g., heavy steel cables and rods are used to anchor a dome covering the object to be protected to a concrete base), require extensive concrete works on the site and are often impractical to protect regular private houses. In contrast, other weather shelters are weak and incapable to withstand high wind loads.
Usual protection measures in high wind conditions involve the use of special shields and panels, often called shutters, being installed on windows and other parts outside of building structures. Typically, the shutters are expensive, cumbersome, made from stiff, heavy, and costly materials, require unsightly and difficult-to-mount reinforcing bars at multiple locations. As opposed to the stiff shutters, there is a lot of patents that teach the utilization of knitted or woven fabric such as netting, tarpaulins, drop cloths, blankets, sheets wrapping and the like for anchoring down recreational vehicles, nurseries, loose soil etc. However, they are not intended nor are capable of withstanding the forces of missile-like objects carried by hurricanes or heavy winds.
There is a recent solution based on flexible materials capable of withstanding high wind loading or impact loads without bursting, taught by the U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,852 to Gower, teaching a fabric barrier disposed in front of the building or structure to be protected, and anchored on opposing edges, to form a curtain sufficiently spaced from the frangible area to contain the impact of foreign objects hurled by the high winds. It can also serve to tie down the roof and protect it from blowing off. The barrier does not have rigidity and is very flexible. It is placed a distance out from the surface to be protected. The protection effect is caused by stretching the barrier's material, which slows down the flying missile or absorbs the wind load. The distance from the frangible object can basically be calculated by a formula, disclosed by Gower, where the distance depends on the properties of the fabric and the span of the barrier. The distance is also affected by additional deflection from wind pressure and from slack from an improper installation.
Therefore, the required distance should be measured and arranged when the installation takes place (usually in absence of high winds) and further maintained, for example, when a hurricane occurs. Apparently, the deflection during the high wind conditions will be greater than in absence of such conditions. Since the lower edge of the barrier is essentially attached to ground based anchors, the locations of the anchors are determined during the installation and difficult to change afterwards. Thus, the installation of the barrier will most likely require a qualified specialist to more or less correctly mount and configure the barrier. Further, if the barrier is attached to or covers the roof and ties it down, then the barrier must be physically connected with the structure of the object to be protected. This will necessarily cause vibrations of the structure during high wind conditions. Moreover, the tie-down forces and torques caused by the winds on the windy side of the object's roof will be different from the forces and torques on the opposite side of the roof, which may negatively affect structural elements of the object to be protected. Also, while the barrier seams to be effective in protection against flying debris, the cushion effect against the wind load will most likely be limited to the textile's elasticity or stretchability, which would usually decrease, when the strength characteristic of the textile is increased. Consequently, a barrier made of durable and firm fabric, having a limited stretchability, will transfer a substantial part of the wind impact to the means attached to the barrier, such as straps, battens, an overhanging eave of the roof, etc., usually secured to the building structure, causing negative effects to those elements and to that structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of this invention is to provide a new and useful device for securing a frangible object, against heavy winds and hurricane conditions, as well as against flying missiles carried by the winds. In general, the device includes fence means, cushioning means substantially comprising a number of flexible chambers or bladder-panels, disclosed in the description, filled by a suitable inner fluid, preferably by air subjected to a pressure generally greater than the normal atmosphere pressure, and disposed on the outward surface of the frangible object, generally behind the fence means and, in most of the embodiments, attached to the frangible object's surface. The cushioning means are connected by connecting means, adapted for connection with apertures arranged on the cushioning means. There are different forms and shapes of the cushioning means, fence means, and their combinations described in the specification.
Another aim of the device is to partially or fully separate the initial missile deceleration and, on the other hand, the damping of missile impacts and wind loads, between different elements of the device, which allows to efficiently choose a proper form or material for the fence means complying with the anti-missile testing requirements, as well as provide the best impacts and wind loads absorbing by the cushioning means.
Another aim is to provide a predetermined spacing of the cushioning means from the frangible object's surface in an easy manner, where the spacing is essentially automatically installed at the time of assembling and further automatically maintained by the device.
Another aim is to use a two-layer (or multi-layer) version of the cushioning means on the surface of the frangible object or a part thereof, generally increasing the cushioning effect.
Another aim is to provide control of the damping of wind loads depending on their intenseness, generally by including control means measuring the actual wind loads, regulating the inner fluid flow inside and between the cushioning means, dynamically creating pneumatic pressure loops for damping the wind loads in a regulated fashion.
Another aim is to increase the damping effect of wind impacts and alternative loads, and to enforce the transformation of the wind kinetic energy into heat by means of the use of a MID-device disclosed in the specification.
Another aim is to enable the use of the MID-devices subjected to alternative outer forces not only for high wind protection of frangible objects, but also particularly for individual heater means, in designing of clothing or footwear for cold and windy weather conditions.
Another aim is to protect the frangible object against vibrations caused by alternating wind loads and missile impacts by providing the cushioning means attached not to the frangible object's surface, but to separate supporting means installed substantially on the ground area around the frangible object.
Another aim is to present different possible utilizations of the MID-devices, possessing features of an electrical power generator, electrical engine, electromagnetic damping apparatus for damping not only high winds loads, but air blasts and shockwaves in fluid or solid environments.
Other aims of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings, ensuing description, and claims as hereinafter related.
The description of the invention, discussed herein below, will show the following advantages of the devices:

- the present device is distinguished over the prior art in particular by its capability to protect the frangible object from high winds and hurricanes as well as from flying debris carried by such winds or hurricanes, by means of damping the wind loads and debris impacts, while essentially automatically arranging and maintaining a predetermined space from the frangible object needed for proper deceleration of the debris;
- the device may be placed on the frangible object in any place or part of its surface to be protected (e.g. windows, roof) by properly securing it to the surface;
- the device does not cause unbalanced forces and torques on the roof of a building protected by the device from flying debris and side high wind loads;
- the device may be designed so that will allow to control the amplitude and time of the impacts and loads applied to the frangible object's structure during the damping process;
- the damping effect of the cushioning means of the device may be supplemented by an additional electromagnetic damping effect produced by the MID-device;
- the MID-device may be used for personal cold protection purposes. For example, gloves incorporating the MID-device may warm up the hands simply by clapping the hands. The MID-device may be enclosed in shoes, boots, etc. as a pad, during cold weather, and be activated and warm up the feet when the person walks, jumps, or runs. Similar pads may be enclosed in a jacket or a coat to be worn during cold and windy conditions, and activated by the hands and by the winds;
- the device, proposed in a special embodiment disclosed herein, may be used in instances where it cannot be placed immediately on the surface of the frangible object (e.g. where its structure is not strong enough), but rather it may be placed around the object, while keeping its protection properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthogonal frontal view of the device and the frangible object, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view (c-d) of the device and the frangible object, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the device's parts—the chambers, and their connections, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the device's parts—the whole side chamber and the corner chamber, and their connections, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an orthogonal plan view of the partial blank for a casing cover of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an orthogonal plan view of the partial blank for a front screen of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an orthogonal plan view of the casing comprising a partial blank for the casing cover connected by seams to the fence screen of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an isometric sectional view of a part of the casing containing chambers of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8-I is an isometric sectional view of a part of the casing containing chambers of the device, not showing the cover, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a frangible object with attached holders for supporting of corner chambers of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an isometric detail view of the attached holders for supporting of corner chambers of the device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of connecting means for the chambers according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an isometric frontal view of two vertically neighboring front screens, an overlapping screen, and the attachment elements joining the screens, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an isometric rear view of two vertically neighboring fence screens, an overlapping screen, and the attachment elements joining the screens, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the device and part of the frangible object, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the device, covering only one side of the frangible object, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of the device, protecting the frangible object, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a sample pneumatic schema of a connecting unit for connection of the adjacent chambers of both an internal and external layers of the device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a sample pneumatic connection schema of several connecting units and several adjacent chambers of both an internal and external layers of the device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a functional block-schema of connecting units, sensor means, and the central control unit of the device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a partial sectional side view of the device, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a partial isometric view of the device, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a partial sectional side view of the modified device, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a partial sectional side view of the device, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an expandable post in the highest end position, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a sectional view of an expandable post in the lowest end position, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a sample isometric view of four expandable posts in the highest end position with chambers installed on them, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a sectional view of two expandable posts in the highest end position with chambers installed on them, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a detail isometric view of a half of the holding shelf, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a X-like chamber shape implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a plus-sign-like chamber shape implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a frame-like chamber shape implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is an orthogonal front view of the bladder-panel implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an orthogonal side view of the fence net screen implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is an orthogonal front view of the fence net screen implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is an orthogonal side view of the fence plates implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the common fence screen implementation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is an orthogonal side view of the implementation without a separate fence screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is an orthogonal side view of the implementation without a separate fence means according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is an isometric view of the pre-constructed folded bladder-panel, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 40 is an orthogonal front view of the flexible cover with mail snap parts, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 41 is an orthogonal front view of the common fence screen with female snap parts, according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will be described in detail herein, six specific embodiments of the present invention with their implementations and modifications, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.
Description of Simple Shape Chamber Implementation of First Embodiment
Referring to the drawing on FIGS. 1, 2, there is shown a simple shape chamber implementation of the first embodiment of the device for protection of a frangible object (50), for simplicity exemplified as a house, against high winds, hurricanes, and flying debris carried by the winds. Object 50 has a roof (51), a window (52), and a door (53).
The device comprises a number, preferably a plurality, of fluid inflatable cushioning means, generally performed in the form of flexible chambers, or the like, inflated by a suitable fluid, preferably air subjected to a pressure greater than the normal atmosphere pressure, herein further referred as chambers (10), illustrated on FIG. 3. Chamber 10 is preferably shaped in the form of a prism, a cylinder, or other suitable geometrical form capable to cooperate with other elements of the device. A modified elongated chamber (11) shown on FIG. 4, essentially extending through the length of an entire side of object 50 may optionally be used. It may be divided into internal sections by membranes (not shown herein). The sections can be connected sequentially, for instance, by special holes (with or without valves) in the membranes. Optionally, an internal or external common duct (not shown herein), capable of distributing the fluid pressure between the sections, can connect them.
Conventional pump means (not shown herein) can be used to inflate chambers 10 and 11. The inflating is provided through an inlet hose (42) adapted to be connected to an aperture (48), situated for example on a side surface of chamber 11 as shown on FIG. 4. Chamber 10 is preferably inflated through inlet hose 42, a hub (41), a connecting hose (40) adapted for connection to hub 41 and to aperture 48, and through aperture 48, as shown on FIG. 11. Another option is to use a springed connector (49) schematically shown on FIG. 11 to ease the assembling when joining the connecting hose to the aperture. Such springed connectors are known in the art, for instance, “straight line-shaped connector 150” described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,198 to Lee. As illustrated on FIGS. 3 and 4, chambers 10 and 11 are preferably made in a prism-like shape, whose side and base surfaces may be joined by seems or other appropriate means and techniques depending on the particular material chosen for making the chamber. Chambers 10 (or 11) cover the side surfaces of object 50, other chambers cover the corners of object 50, and herein are referred to as corner chambers (15) shown on FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. All chambers 10 and 15 (or 11 and 15) are preferably connected to each other through their apertures 48 and connecting hoses 40, preferably, but not necessarily, forming a circular chain of chambers, where the first chamber is connected to the second, etc., and the last chamber is connected to the first chamber.
It is also possible to connect chambers 10 and 15 in a different order, for instance, the first to the third, the third to the fifth, etc., and, on the other hand, the second to the fourth, the fourth to the sixth, etc., that is forming an odd chain and an even chain of chambers (not shown herein). Such connection may sometimes be advantageous, for example, if one odd chamber has a hole and the odd chain is deflated, the even chain is still inflated. Two connected chambers independently of the connection order are further called pneumatically adjacent chambers.
Chambers 10 (or 11) and 15 are preferably made of a suitable flexible material. It can be recommended, that the well-developed conventional airbag-making technology be used to manufacture the chambers. An automobile airbag must withstand abrupt impacts produced by a human body in a high-speed car collision. It therefore should be able to sustain high wind loads of hurricane conditions, since the density of air is about 1000 less than the average human body density, while the highest speed of the wind is comparable with a possible highest speed of a frontal auto collision. Some patents, for instance U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,529, teach that the materials suited for manufacturing airbags are well known in the art. They should be pliable and impervious to gas. Air-impervious foils of resinous materials, such as, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, and polyurethane, with or without a fabric backing, have been found to be particularly useful. The material should retain its imperviousness and pliability for a period not less than the expected life of the airbags. Some U.S. patents, mention various conventional means and methods of joining parts of airbags. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,010 teaches that the inflatable airbag cushion may be formed from a first and second membrane. The first and second membranes may each be formed from separate pieces joined together, or they may be formed from a single piece folded to create two portions. The membranes may be attached by various mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical fastening, sewing, weaving, chemical bonding, adhesive bonding, thermal welding, sonic welding, RF welding, and electromagnetic welding.
The cushioning means of the chamber implementation of this embodiment therefore include chambers 10 or 11, corner chambers 15, aperture 48, connecting hoses 40, and optionally spring connectors 49.
The device comprises fence means, particularly including a fence screen (22) shaped as a flat elongated sheet, shown on FIG. 6, having reinforced hems (23) with eyes (27). Fence screen 22 is made of materials capable to withstand an impact of a flying missile, according to the existing tests requirements, preferably a flexible fabric or textile with appropriate characteristics. Such materials are known in the art, and in particular are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,852 to Gower, e.g. polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester, materials to be used outdoors in trampolines. In the present invention, fence screen 22 is primarily intended for initial protection against flying debris, while the main cushioning effect against wind loads and against the flying debris is provided by chambers 10 (or 11) and 15.
The fence means of the device generally include a cover (21) attached to screen 22, made of a suitable material, whose partial blank cut is illustrated on FIG. 5. Optionally, cover 21 can be performed as a net (not shown herein) of appropriate threads, e.g. made of artificial fiber.
Cover 21 has fasten means (26) attached to its longitudinal edges. For example, such fasten means 26 can be performed as Velcro™ strips. Similar fasten means may be used to connect the beginning vertical edge (e.g. the left edge) and the ending vertical edge (e.g. the right edge) of cover 21 to each other to form a circular figure (not shown herein). Optionally, a hook and loop type of fastener, a zipper or zippers, snaps, hooks and eyes, or the like may be used for fasten means 26.
The assembly of cover 21 and screen 22 forms a casing (20), a portion of which is illustrated on FIG. 7, where marks a1, a2, a3, a4, and b1, b2, b3, b4 shown also on FIG. 6 are superimposed on marks a1′, a2′, a3′, a4′, and b1′, b2′, b3′, b4′ shown on FIG. 5. The attachment of cover 21 and screen 22 is made by seems (24), shown on FIG. 6, produced by an appropriate means. A number of chambers 10 and 15 (not shown on FIG. 8), called a chain, is enclosed in cover 21, fasten means 26 are locked, eyes 27 of hems 23 outstand as reflected on FIG. 8. Chambers 10 are depicted separate on an isometric view FIG. 8-I without cover 21.
Corner chambers 15 are supported with supporting means, preferably in the form of corner holders (55) shown on FIG. 9 and on FIG. 10. Corner holder 55 comprises preferably two rotatable rods (56), which support corner chamber 15. Rods 56 are capable to be rotated horizontally around an upper hinge (58). Corner holder 55 comprises a supporting rod (57) secured with an angle by its upper end to rod 56, and by its lower end to a lower hinge (58). Thus, rods 56 and 57 are capable to be rotated together around a vertical axle extending through the upper and the lower hinges 58. A removable fixing rod (59), adapted to join both rotatable rods 56, allows to fix a certain angle between the two rods 56 as shown on FIG. 10, making a rigid construction capable to be rotated around the axle. Rods 56 may be conventionally fastened to the vertical walls of object 50 in normal weather conditions, but in windy conditions may be moved into the supporting position and joined by a fixing rod (59), which is shown on FIG. 10.
Where required, additional conventional supporting means (not shown herein) to restrict any rotation of corner holder 55 in the supporting position may be used in conjunction with hinges 58 or otherwise. Appropriate strings or the like means (not shown herein) may optionally be stretched along a sidewall and attached by their ends to rods 56 of corner holders 55 situated on the different corners of the same sidewall. Those strings may be used alone to support casing 20 with chambers 10 positioned along that sidewall, or in a combination with the corner holders. Other proper supporting means may be used instead of the corner holders, but essentially performing the same function.
Casing 20 with enclosed chambers 10 and 15 connected by connecting hoses 40 are installed on the sidewalls preferably around object 50 using the supporting means, whereas the internals of all the chambers in the casing form a preferably common circular space (except for constructions forming the odd and even chains described above, or having another order of chambers connection) filled with a body of a suitable fluid, preferably air subjected to a pressure developed by proper inflating means, generally greater than the normal atmosphere pressure. Another such casing with inflated chambers may be situated in a similar fashion on the sidewalls (or on the roof) of object 50 next to the first casing with a vertical (or correspondingly horizontal for the roof) interval, which is shown on FIG. 1. The number of the installed casings with the chambers should be determined taking into account the height of the sidewalls (or respectively the width of the roof) and the particular requirements for protecting the frangible object's structure.
The vertical intervals between the neighboring casings are preferably covered by an overlapping screen (60) having reinforced hems similar to hems 23, with eyes similar to eyes 27, which is shown on FIGS. 12 and 13. Overlapping screen 60 is made preferably of transparent material having strength characteristics similar to those of the material of screen 22. The transparency is desirable if screens 22 are opaque to provide seeing from object 50 and viewing object 50 from the outside during storm or hurricane conditions.
Vertically neighboring screens 22 and overlapping screen 60 are joined with an attachment means, preferably in the form of straps (29) made of materials with appropriate strength characteristics, e.g. artificial fiber. FIGS. 12 and 13 show the preferable way of joining the screens by passing straps 29 through eyes 27 and eyes of overlapping screen 60. The upper and the lower ends of straps 29 are preferably tied to upper and lower battens (54) positioned horizontally as shown on FIG. 9, and properly secured to the corresponding parts of the sidewalls of object 50. Battens 54 are made of a sufficiently strong material, generally a suitable metal. Battens 54 are provided with holes or other suitable means to pass straps 29 through and to secure the upper and lower ends of the straps. When straps 29 are tied in the manner shown on FIGS. 12 and 13, a flying debris impact or wind load exerted onto overlapping screen 60 is substantially transferred to the adjacent screens 22 and to chambers 10 and 15 situated behind them, providing a cushioning effect. Overlapping screen 60 must be positioned a predetermined distance from the surface of the frangible object, providing all reasonable precautions to avoid a physical contact between overlapping screen 60 and the surface during a strongest flying debris impact. This condition depends on the stretchability of straps 29 and tightness of their securing to battens 54.
Alternatively, straps 29 may be attached to the optional strings (described above, not shown herein) stretched between corner holders 55. Another option is the use of the attachment means in the form of a hook-and-loop or hook-and-eye fastener, or zipper, or the like (not shown herein), rather than using straps 29 and battens 54. In some cases, this may increase the cushioning effect of the device. For the same purpose, additional chambers (not shown herein), similar to chambers 10 and enclosed in a cover (not shown) similar to cover 21, may be inserted in some places within the vertical interval between the neighboring fence screens 22 behind overlapping screen 60, provided the casing of the additional chambers would be properly secured to the object's surface, to the optional strings, to the overlapping screen, or otherwise.
Therefore, the fence means of the chamber implementation of the first embodiment generally include covers 21, screens 22, overlapping screens 60, whereas straps 29 or other attachment means are parts of the supporting means.
It may not be necessary to use the overlapping screen for particular types of frangible object, for example where its surface is relatively small, or where the object requires special protection with full covering by the casings 20 with the chambers 10 or 11 with no vertical (or horizontal) intervals (not shown herein), or in a case of using a common fence screen described further below.
The advantage of the partial separation of the fence means and cushioning means is that the fence means are better suitable for absorbing initial impacts of hard windborne objects, whereas the cushioning means perform much better providing substantially the damping of wind loads primarily and the additional damping of missile impacts secondarily. This separation is preferable versus to the having both the specialized and contradicting properties (rigidness to withstand the hard impact and flexible cushioning to damp wind loads) embodied in one element.
A Common Fence Screen Implementation of First Embodiment
Another implementation of the first embodiment of the device uses of a common fence screen (65) illustrated on FIG. 36. Screen 65 has reinforced hems 23 with eyes 27 similar to screen 22. Screen 65 may be secured to the upper and lower battens 54 by straps 29 passed through eyes 27 of the screen and the batten's eyes as shown on FIG. 36. Other straps 29 suitably attached to screen 65 and are furnished with the fasten means 26, described above. These straps hold a chain of chambers 10 enclosed in a cover 21 that is depicted on FIG. 36. Common fence screen 65 covers not one, but rather several or all horizontal chamber chains each enclosed in its own cover 21, thereby the common screen will absorb the flying debris' initial impacts directed to a whole sidewall or the top of the object, or portions thereof. In this implementation the overlapping screen 60 would be unnecessary.
The casing with the chambers may cover not only vertical or other sidewalls of the frangible object, but may also be secured on the top of the object (for example, on a building's roof while placed above the root not shown herein) protecting it from flying debris, falling down on the object, in a similar manner.
Different Chamber Shape Implementations of First Embodiment
Of course, there may be other ramifications or implementations of the device elements performed in different forms. The shape of chambers 10 or 11 may be different from that shown on FIGS. 3 and 4. They may be shaped with hollow spaces in the middle (not shown), or as X-like shaped chambers (17) depicted on FIG. 29, or as plus-sign-like shaped chambers (19) depicted on FIG. 30, having connection apertures (48). The four projections of chambers 17 and 19 may preferably be shaped as cylinders, or prisms, or the like. Apertures 48 are preferably located on the base surfaces of the cylinders or prisms, substantially on the ends of the projections of such chambers. Apertures 48 of the pneumatically adjacent chambers 17 or 19 are connected to each other by the external connecting means, preferably hoses, similar to hose 40.
Another possible shape of the chamber is an inflatable frame (13) shown on FIG. 31, with a circular, elliptical, or square-like cross-section (not shown), having apertures (48) for mutual connections arranged in appropriate places, preferably on the side surfaces of the neighboring inflatable frame chambers by the external connecting means, preferably hoses 40, as illustrated.
The chambers of the X-like, plus-sign-like, frame-like, (or similar) shape are preferably united in panels having several horizontal rows of chamber chains as shown on FIGS. 29, 30, 31.
The chambers shaped in such ways may be covered by a common cover and a common screen (not shown herein), respectively similar, but differently shaped, as to the above described cover 25 and screen 65 shown on FIG. 36, covering for instance the whole sidewall of a house, or a portion thereof. The shape of the common cover respectively cooperates with the shapes of chambers 13, or 17, or 19 enclosed in the cover and attached for example by straps 29 to the common screen, similar to the attachment shown on FIG. 36.
This would eliminate the need in the overlapping screen 60, and therefore a special arrangement of the predetermined space from screen 60 to the surface of frangible object, mentioned above, would be unnecessary. Such constructions also have the advantages of more even distribution of the initial flying debris impacts throughout the fence screen and the chambers, though may be more difficult in manufacturing.
A Bladder-Panel Implementation of First Embodiment
Another example of different implementation of the first embodiment illustrated on a sectional view on FIG. 32. There is shown an inflatable panel divided into sections pneumatically joined to each other, further called a bladder-panel (18), creating a cushioning effect similar to the one created by the above-described chambers 10. Bladder-panel 18 looks similar to a cushioning “bubble-pad” or air-filled sectioned “pillow” known to be used in packaging. Bladder-panel 18, illustrated on FIG. 32, is preferably composed of two or more flexible sheets coupled preferably by seems (28), so that forming a plurality of sections further called bladders, wherein each of the bladders, having its own membrane, is connected to its pneumatically adjacent bladders by internal connection means, preferably by through holes (46) in the common parts of the membranes of neighbor bladders, or, possibly, hoses (not shown) similar to hose 40, or tubes or channels (not shown herein) joining non-neighbor bladders, if a non-sequential order of connection is chosen for the bladders, similar to the aforesaid odd and even chamber chains. A number of bladder-panels 18 are positioned in front of the outward surface of the frangible object. All the bladder-panels 18 are generally interconnected by external connecting means, including preferably hoses (not shown, but identical to hose 40 on FIG. 11) and apertures (48) shown on FIG. 32. Apertures 48 are preferably arranged on the side surface of each bladder-panel 18, and each of the hoses interconnects the two apertures 48 arranged on two pneumatically adjacent bladder-panels 18.
Seems 28 on the flexible sheets composing bladder-panel 18 may be achieved by the use of conventional sewing, chemical bonding, adhesive bonding, thermal welding, sonic welding, RF welding, and electromagnetic welding, depending on the type of material used. The sheets may be made of the same materials described for chambers 10 and 11. Holes 46 will be created between two neighboring bladder membranes in the places where seems 28 are interrupted, which is seen on FIG. 32.
A common body of an inner fluid (or separate bodies of inner fluid for the non-sequential connection) is placed inside such a bladder-panel and subjected to a predetermined pressure developed by proper inflating means through one of the apertures 48, provided on bladder-panel 18 depicted on FIG. 32. Bladder-panel 18 is enclosed into a cover (25) shown on FIGS. 33, 35, 37, and a fragment of cover 25 is illustrated on FIG. 40.
The device comprises a common fence screen (65M), depicted on FIG. 41, capable to be removably fastened to cover 25, shown on FIG. 40 and placed in front of the cover 25. The fasten means are performed preferably in the form of mail-female snaps. For example, male snap parts (26M), illustrated on FIG. 40, are properly attached to cover 25 being placed in the spots marked: r′, s′, t′, u′, w′, x′. The corresponding female snap parts (26F), illustrated on FIG. 41, and are attached to common screen 65M in the spots marked: r″, s″, t″, u″, w″, x″. Additionally, corresponding spots marked r, s, t u, w, x are shown on FIG. 32, which preferably should coincide with the positions of the snaps placed over them on the cover and on the screen.
Illustrated on FIG. 37, cover 25 has reinforced upper and lower hems (23) with eyes similar to eyes 27 (not shown herein). Cover 25 enclosing bladder-panel 18 inside, and having been fastened to common screen 65M on its outward surface in front of the cover, can be secured to the structure of the frangible object (50) by supporting means, shown on FIG. 37. Common screen 65M, fully covering the cover 25 from the outside, is not depicted on FIG. 37, but its fragment is reflected on FIG. 41. The supporting means include a plurality of upper and lower brackets (61), shown on FIG. 37, properly attached to the outward surface of frangible object 50. Upper and lower rods (67) are mounted respectively on the upper and lower brackets 61. Straps (29) passed through the eyes of hems 23 and attached or locked by suitable conventional means arranged on the ends of the straps to upper and lower rods 67. The brackets 61 and rods 67 are preferably made of an appropriate metal and are capable to sustain necessary loads.
A bladder-panel (18) may be pre-constructed as exemplified and illustrated on FIG. 39. The bladder panel has apertures (48) for inflating and also for interconnection of two or more bladders located on the opposite edges of one bladder-panel (which is used in the second embodiment further described herein) or on the edges of two different neighboring bladder-panels. The connection is provided by the external connecting means, preferably in the form of hoses (40) adapted to join apertures 48 arranged on such opposite edges. The opposite edges are capable to be mechanically attached to each other by suitable conventional fasten means, for example, Velcro™ strips (26) shown on FIG. 39. The pre-constructed bladder-panel 18 may be enclosed in a common cover similar to cover 25 shown on FIG. 37, and wrapped around the whole frangible object. Such bladder-panel may be used with different fence means, described in the implementations of the first embodiment below. If folded, it can also be implemented in a two-layer construction further described in the second embodiment.
The bladder-panel may be composed by a different method, a body of inner fluid may be placed inside the bladder-panel permanently or temporarily, a bladder may be pneumatically connected not with all bladders of the bladder-panel but with some of them, the bladder-panel may be divided into separate sections containing a plurality of bladders. Pneumatically adjacent bladders may not necessarily be the neighboring bladders. It should be understood, that all such modified elements would perform essentially the same function irrelevant to the form they are embodied in.
First Embodiment's Implementation of a Bladder-Panel with Fence Net Screen
As mentioned above, the fence means for the cushioning chambers may be performed in the form of a net (not shown herein) made of metallic or other suitable threads, or a perforated sheet (not shown herein) or other compositions capable to absorb the initial impact of flying missiles, but passing the wind to chambers 10 and 15 enclosed in cover 21. Similarly, a net of a suitable type may be combined with bladder-panel 18. FIGS. 33, 34 illustrate such a combination.
The device comprises a plurality of upper and lower holders (62) properly secured preferably to the upper and lower part of sidewall of frangible object 50 as shown on FIGS. 33 and 34. Elongated upper frontal rod (64) and upper rear rod (63) are supported by upper holders 62. Analogously, lower holders 62 support an elongated lower frontal rod (64) and an elongated lower rear rod (63). Holders 62, rods 63 and 64 are preferably made of a suitable metal capable to bear necessary loads. The device comprises a plurality of bladder-panels 18, preferably one panel for each sidewall. FIGS. 33 and 34 show only one such bladder-panel. Bladder-panels 18 of all the sidewalls are generally interconnected by connecting means, preferably by hoses 40 (not shown on FIGS. 33 and 34, but depicted on FIGS. 11 and 39). Each bladder-panel 18 is enclosed in a cover (25), which can be made substantially of the same materials as cover 21. Cover 25 has reinforced hems (23) along its horizontal upper and lower edges with eyes (27). Straps (29) are passed through eyes 27 of cover 25 and secured on the rear upper and lower rods 63 by any suitable conventional fasten means, e.g. rings and clamps.
The device comprises a fence net screen (66) reflected on FIGS. 33 and 34, performed in the form of a net made of a suitable material, preferably proper metallic threads or artificial fiber, capable to absorb the maximum expected initial impact of flying debris according to the testing requirements for high wind protecting barriers, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,852 to Gower. Screen 66 is disposed in front of bladder-panel 18 and attached by straps (69) to the frontal upper and lower rods 64. Other suitable attachment means are also possible. The distance between screen 66 and the surface of cover 25, enclosing bladder-panel 18, must be sufficient to prevent a physical contact between the deformed screen 66 and the cover 25 at the time of the strongest expected missile impact. Screen 66 and bladder-panel 18 may be arranged capable of rolling up or down for convenient storage and the positioning for protection of the frangible object.
While fully absorbing the debris impacts, screen 66 passes the wind flow through to bladder-panel 18, which damps the wind loads only. In contrast, the chamber implementation combines the flexible screen(s) absorbing a flying debris impact as a primary initial stage, and the chambers enclosed in the covers coupled with the screen(s), which chambers damp the wind loads plus they damp the remaining debris impact transferred from the screen(s) as a secondary absorbing stage.
The advantage of the fence net screen implementation is that the net screen can be made of materials best suitable for absorbing stronger impacts of hard windborne objects. If the net screen is capable to essentially absorb those impacts, the bladder-panel will not damp such impacts, and would perform much better providing substantially the damping of wind loads only, and accordingly its materials may be chosen to be more flexible providing more efficient dissipation of the wind energy. In the other words, the fence net screen implementation provides a greater (essentially fill) extent of separation of the fence means and cushioning means than the partial separation of the chamber implementation with the flexible screen 22, and therefore provides more efficient damping of wind loads, and a better choice of materials for designing both the fence and cushioning means.
A Fence Plates Implementation of First Embodiment
Another implementation of the first embodiment comprises fence means in the form of a plurality of fence plates (68) of a suitable shape and size illustrated on FIG. 35, generally made of the same materials as fence screen 22, which may be superimposed on and attached to the outward surface of cover (25), enclosing bladder-panel (18), with appropriate intervals, protecting the cover and bladder-panel from initial impacts of flying missiles rather than a fence screen. The attachment of the plates to the bladder-panel may be performed by conventional means depending on the materials of the plates and bladder-panel. Cover 25 has reinforced hem (23) with eyes. The device comprises upper brackets (61) and lower brackets (61) mounted on the outward surface of frangible object (50), and supporting respectively elongated upper rod (67) and lower rod (67). The attachment means are preferably performed as straps (29), passed through the eyes of hem 23, and with their other ends locked to rods 67 by any conventional fasten means.
Such construction may have increased flexibility comparatively to the implementation including a fence screen and the bladder-panel, and the convenience of assembling and storage. For example, it can be rolled and compactly stored.
An Implementation of First Embodiment without a Separate Fence Screen
If the strength and stretchability of the material, which the cover of the bladder-panel is made of, allows for sufficient dissipating the energy of flying debris, the fence screen, overlapping screen, or the superimposed plates would be unnecessary and should not be used.
FIG. 37 shows such an implementation of the first embodiment, comprising a bladder-panel (18), enclosed in a cover (25) disposed in front of the frangible object (50). Cover 25 has reinforced hem (23) with eyes, and may be secured to the structure of the object in a fashion similar to the previous implementation. The device comprises upper brackets (61) and lower brackets (61) mounted on the surface of frangible object (50), and supporting respectively elongated upper rod (67) and lower rod (67). The attachment means are preferably performed as straps (29), passed through the eyes of hem 23, and with their other ends locked to rods 67 by any conventional fasten means.
In this implementation cover 25 is characterized in that it's made of suitable materials capable to sustain the strongest impact of flying debris borne by hurricanes and high winds.
An Implementation of First Embodiment without a Separate Fence Means
If the strength and stretchability of the material, which the bladder-panel is made of, allows for sufficient dissipating the energy of flying debris, the fence screen, overlapping screen, the superimposed plates, or even the cover would be unnecessary. The device may also be constructed without fence means if it's intended to be used with no protection against flying debris, or in other special circumstances where it's used to damp only an outer fluid flow by the cushioning means inflated by a suitable inner fluid.
FIG. 38 shows such an implementation of the first embodiment, comprising a modified bladder-panel (18M), disposed in front of the frangible object (50). Modified bladder-panel 18M has reinforced hem (23) with eyes. The device comprises a plurality of upper brackets (61) and lower brackets (61) mounted on the outward surface of frangible object (50), and supporting respectively elongated upper rod (67) and lower rod (67). The attachment means are preferably performed as straps (29), passed through the eyes of hem 23, and with their other ends locked to rods 67 by any conventional fasten means.
This implementation contains the modified bladder-panel 18M, which is characterized in that it's made of suitable materials capable to sustain the strongest impact of flying debris borne by hurricanes and high winds. In this aspect, any fence means, being intermediate between the wind flow or flying debris and the cushioning means, may be considered as a protection means of the cushioning means, if the properties of the cushioning means material do not enable the cushioning means to sustain strongest expected impacts of the flying debris.
Operation of First Embodiment
The operation of the device is exemplified for the simple shape chamber implementation of the first embodiment. When the device is assembled and installed as described above, it's ready for operation. The initial deceleration of windborne hard bodies (flying missiles) and initial absorbing of their impacts and high wind loads are first provided by the fence screens and overlapping screens by stretching their fabric, and then the impact or wind load forces is transferred to the inflated chambers located behind the spot of the impact or the wind load application, or through straps 29 to the chambers. The width between the front and rear sides of the chambers, the initial pressure inside them, the properties of their material will essentially define a predetermined distance between the fence screen (or overlapping screen) and the frangible object's surface. Therefore, the mentioned characteristics should be sufficient to stop the flying missile before it can ever touch the object's surface. The predetermined distance between the fence screen (or overlapping screen) and the object's surface will then be maintained in acceptable limits by the device substantially automatically during high wind conditions.
The body of inner fluid, contained in the chambers, becomes subjected to additional pressure of the impact or wind load, which is sequentially distributed to the pneumatically adjacent chambers, united in the chain of a preferably circular configuration, which forms a pneumatic loop. The energy of the impact or wind load is transformed into heat, increasing the temperature of the inner fluid body, the fabric of chambers, the connecting hoses, etc. Simultaneously, the additional pressure is being propagated along the chain of the chambers, creating forward and backward waves. During this damping process, the missile is gradually decelerated and the wind load is gradually absorbed. Due to this process, the cushioning or damping time is extended; the amplitudes of forces eventually exerted onto the frangible object's structure are substantially reduced, thereby protecting the frangible object.
The aforesaid partial separation of the first impact absorbing stage (initial missile deceleration) and, on the other hand, the secondary damping of missile impacts and the damping of wind loads, between two elements (screens and chambers) of the device allows to more efficiently use the fence screen, complying with the mentioned anti-missile testing requirements, as well as provide better conditions for the dissipation of the remaining impact energy and the damping of wind loads by the chambers to secure the frangible object from hurricanes and high winds. It allows to shift the dissipation of the wind energy from the fence screen's body essentially to the body of inner fluid in the chambers subjected to changes of pressure and to expansions and contractions of the chambers volume, transforming most of the energy of such expansions and contractions into the heat. The more flexible the material of the chamber is, the more intense the expansions and contractions are, and generally the more inner fluid energy is dissipated. Also, it is important, that the partial separation can provide the designer with a better choice of materials suitable to perform their specialized functions for both the cushioning and fence means.
During the damping, the body of inner fluid in the chambers, the connecting hoses, the cover, etc. are subjected to the outcome heat, which may be used to warm up the frangible object during the high wind conditions.
After the end of a hurricane or high winds, the casings and overlapping screens may be taken off from the sidewalls or the roof. Then the casings and the chambers are dissembled, and, after the chambers are deflated, the casings and the chambers may be separately put into storage. Alternatively, if the construction of the casing allows, they may be wrapped and stored together. The corner holders are placed in their initial position and may be fastened to the sidewalls, or optionally may also be taken off.
The operation of other implementations of the first embodiment described herein above is similar to the simple shape chamber implementation operation, except the particularities of the impact distribution between the cushioning and fence means, as particularly discussed in each of the sections for those implementations.
If needed, the device may be used on the sidewalls or on the roof even in absence of high winds or hurricane conditions, for instance, when it can provide additional heat insulation of the object or somehow be combined with other systems of the frangible object.
The device may be properly combined with suitable conventional tie-down roof protection means (not shown herein), if necessary. Most of the known tie-down systems include anchors located in proximity of the object to be protected and cables tying the roof to the anchors. Such systems should be easily installed together with the device. The use of separate tie-down means allows to better balance the forces and torques exerted onto the roof by winds from different sides.
Description and Operation of Second Embodiment
The second embodiment provides ways for further modifications of the cushioning means. Referring to the drawing on FIGS. 14, 15, there is shown the second embodiment of the device for protection of a frangible object (50). Such object 50 may be constructed for example as a semi-attached house or a house attached with two its sidewalls to the adjacent houses or other objects. The device comprises chambers similar to those described in the simple shape chamber implementation of the first embodiment. The chambers are preferably sequentially connected to each other into a circular chain (except for constructions implementing the odd and the even chains, described in the first embodiment). The chain of the second embodiment, however, is composed of two layers: an internal layer, immediately covering the sidewalls (or the roof) of object 50, and an external layer, positioned outwardly to and covering the internal layer as illustrated on FIGS. 14 and 15. The chambers of the internal layer are herein referred to as chambers (10 i), and the external layer's chambers are referred as chambers (10 e). Chambers 10 e and 10 i may be made in the same or different sizes. They are connected by connecting hoses 40 in the manner described in the first embodiment. The ending chambers of one layer are subsequently connected to the neighboring chambers of the other layer as shown on FIGS. 14, 15.
The internal and external layers may each be enclosed in a separate cover (not shown herein) similar to cover 21. Alternatively, a common cover may enclose both layers.
A fence screen (not shown herein) similar to screen 22 is disposed in front of the external layer by properly coupling it with the cover of the external layer or with the common cover of both the layers, if such common cover is used. The coupling is performed, for instance, in the ways described in the first embodiment. The device of the second embodiment can also be positioned in a vertical manner (not shown herein) as opposed to the preferential horizontal disposition of the first embodiment, provided it's properly secured on the object's surface or otherwise appropriately attached.
A two-layer version can also be applied to the bladder-panel implementation, described in the first embodiment. For example, two (or more) such bladder-panels may be enclosed in a common cover (not shown herein) with the common fence screen placed in front of the cover. The peripheral bladders of the bladder-panels may have apertures, similar to aperture 48, arranged on the edges of the bladder-panel (shown on FIG. 32). The peripheral bladders of the internal bladder-panel can be connected preferably by suitable connecting hoses to the peripheral bladders of the external bladder-panel.
The bladder-panel (18) may be pre-constructed in a cylinder-like shape illustrated on FIG. 39, as described in the first embodiment. Its opposite vertical edges are mechanically joined along line p-q by suitable conventional fasten means, and then folded along lines l-k and m-n to form two layers: internal and external. Some of the bladders preferably situated on the opposite vertical edges of the bladder-panel have apertures (48), which are pneumatically connected to each other by hoses (40), preferably placed inside the folded bladder-panel, concluding the bladder-panel in a pneumatic loop. Alternatively other types of connecting means may be used instead of hoses 40. For instance, a connecting means (not shown), similar to springed connector 49 shown on FIG. 11, described earlier in the first embodiment, may be adapted to connect said apertures 48. The folded bladder-panel 18 may be enclosed in a cover similar to cover 25 shown on FIGS. 33, 34, 37 with the internal layer preferably positioned on the rear side of cover 25, facing the outward surface of frangible object.
Cover 25 may be mounted on the structure of the frangible object with the supporting means illustrated on FIG. 37. The device comprises a plurality of upper brackets (61) and lower brackets (61) mounted on the outward surface of frangible object (50), and supporting respectively elongated upper rod (67) and lower rod (67). The attachment means are preferably performed as straps (29), passed through the eyes of hem (23) of cover 25, and with their other ends locked to rods 67 by any conventional fasten means.
This two-layer version of the bladder-panel implementation may be used as prescribed above in the implementations of the first embodiment containing the bladder-panel.
The operation of the device of the second embodiment does not essentially differ from the one of the first embodiment. The two-layer construction can be used to create a circular chain of chambers in case if not all sidewalls of the frangible object are available for installation of the device. It may become useful when there is a need to cover only part of the sidewall or roof, for instance, a window or a solar energy device. If necessary, a multi-layer device may also be used to increase the damping effect.
Description and Operation of Third Embodiment
The third embodiment of the invented device provides ways for implementation of control means for the device. Referring to the drawing on FIG. 16, there is shown a schematic plan view of the device for protection of a frangible object (50).
The device described below comprises cushioning means, particularly in the form of chambers of a prism-like or a cylinder-like shapes, inflated with a suitable inner fluid, preferably air subjected to a pressure greater than the normal atmosphere pressure, similar to chambers 10 described in the simple shape chamber implementation of the first embodiment.
The third embodiment may also be applied to the other implementations of the cushioning means disclosed above. For example, the chambers may be substituted by compact plus-sign-like shaped chamber panels or bladder-panels of a suitable size, wherein such panels having generally two common apertures (e.g. the left and the right apertures), used in the construction in the same fashion as the prism-like or a cylinder-like shaped chambers.
The cushioning means of the third embodiment include two layers: an internal layer, immediately covering the sidewalls (or the roof) of object (50), and an external layer, positioned outwardly to and covering the internal layer as illustrated on FIG. 16. The chambers of each layer are sequentially pneumatically connected into a circular chain. A non-sequential order (e.g. the odd and even chamber chains described in the first embodiment) is also possible, though generally routine constructive changes may be required. The internal layer's chambers are referred to as chambers (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, 10M, 10N, 10O, 10P, 10Q, 10R, 10S, 10T), and the external layer's chambers are referred as chambers (10A′, 10B′, 10C′, 10D′, 10E′, 10F′, 10G′, 10H′, 10I′, 10J′, 10K′, 10L′, 10M′, 10N′, 10O′, 10P′, 10Q′, 10R′, 10S′, 10T′), all schematically represented by rectangular boxes on FIG. 16.
The device comprises fence means, including a common cover (not shown herein), similar to cover 21 described in the first embodiment. The common cover encloses the chambers of the internal and external layers.
The fence means of the device preferably include a fence screen (not shown herein), similar to screen 22 described in the first embodiment, which is disposed in front of and joined to the common cover, for instance, by the means disclosed in the first embodiment.
The device comprises control means for regulation of the damping effect produced by the cushioning means. The control means include a control valve connecting unit (33), further herein shortly referred as a connecting unit 33, for connection of the adjacent chambers of both the internal and external layers of the device, illustrated on a pneumatic schema of FIG. 17. The schema shows four conventional two-way directional valves 33-I (mounted between marks “e” and “h”), 33-II (between “e” and “g”), 33-III (between “e” and “f”), 33-IV (between “h” and “g”), capable to be electronically controlled, and connected so that each valve is situated as a side of a square “e-h-g-f”. Connecting units 33 are preferably mounted on the fence screen by proper means, e.g. clamps, or optionally secured to the frangible object's surface. Connecting unit 33 is joined by connecting hoses 40, described in the first embodiment, to the two adjacent chambers of the internal layer (e.g. where marked “f” and “g”) and to the two adjacent chambers of the external layer (e.g. where marked “e” and “h”). Each valve of connecting unit 33 can operate in one of three states: closed, forward opened (for valves 33-I, and 33-II) or upward opened (for valves 33-III and 33-IV), backward opened (for valves 33-I, and 33-II) or downward opened (for valves 33-III and 33-IV). Switching the states of these valves is preferably carried out by electrical signals, further called regulating signals, of control means described herein below. If there is a need to more precisely regulate the fluid flow through the valves, a suitable conventional proportional type of valves can be used instead in connecting unit 33.
The sample pneumatic schema illustrated on FIG. 16 shows chambers 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, 10M, 10N, 10O, 10P, 10Q, 10R, 10S, 10T, and 10A′, 10B′, 10C′, 10D′, 10E′, 10F′, 10G′, 10H′, 10I′, 10J′, 10K′, 10L′, 10M′, 10N′, 10O′, 10P′, 10Q′, 10R′, 10S′, 10T′ of the internal and external layers described above in connection with the connecting units (marked 33VBA, 33VCB, 33VDC, 33VED, 33VFE, 33VGF, 33VHG, 33VIH, 33VJI, 33VKJ, 33VLK, 33VML, 33VNM, 33VON, 33VPO, 33VQP, 33VRQ, 33VSR, 33VTS, 33VAT). Rectangular boxes on FIG. 16 schematically represent the chambers and the connecting units, and functional blocks also depicted as rectangular boxes on FIG. 19 schematically represent the connecting units.
The control means of the device include conventional sensor means (marked 31A, 31B, 31D, 31E, 31F, 31G, 31I, 31J, 31K, 31L, 31N, 31O, 31P, 31Q, 31S, 31T) schematically shown as functional blocks on FIG. 19. The sensor means are preferably mounted on the fence screens along the perimeter of the protected by the device outward surface of the frangible object, covered by the fence screens (or optionally, for example, on the frangible object's surface, while having a mechanical contact with the fence screen). The sensor means are capable to measure the outside dynamic pressure exerted by the wind on the fence screens in predetermined spots of the covered surface, and to transform the amount of pressure preferably into a proportional electrical signal, further called a measure signal.
Alternatively, the control means may be operated based on pneumatic measure and regulating signals or signals of another physical nature, which generally should not principally change the goals, functions, and results of the regulation. Also, the sensor means may optionally be encapsulated with connecting unit 33 in one common device.
The control means of the device include a central control unit (30) depicted as a dotted rectangle on FIG. 19, comprising several functional blocks. The proportional electrical signals from the sensor means are further sent through wiring (31W) to control unit 30.
FIG. 19 reflects a functional block-schema of the connecting units, sensor means, and central control unit 30 of the device, according to the third embodiment. The functional block-schema is applied to a sample rectangular plan configuration of frangible object 50 having four sidewalls as schematically shown on FIG. 16. Central control unit 30, shown on FIG. 19, comprises a microprocessor capable to be programmed, memory, and all necessary means to provide data processing, represented by a functional block (38) marked “MP+Memory”. It should be understood, that this block (essentially a computer) provides all computations and logic operations, which are conditionally represented by the other functional blocks illustrated on FIG. 19 and included in central control unit 30. Arrows pointing from the circled numbers 38 to the respective functional blocks represent this relationship.
Sensor means 31S, 31T, 31A, 31B, installed on one of the four object's sidewalls, transmit their measure signals proportional to the amounts of dynamic pressure measured by each sensor means through wiring 31W to one of functional blocks (32), marked “Avg (B, A, T, S)”, illustrated on FIG. 19, for determination of average pressure of the sidewall zone covered by external chambers 10S, 10T, 10A, 10B shown on FIG. 16. Analogously, the other sidewall zones have their sensor means, which respectively transmit their measure signals to functional blocks 32, marked “Avg (L, K, J, I)”, “Avg (J, F, E, D)”, “Avg (Q, P, O, N)”. All these functional blocks 32 compute the average amounts of dynamic pressure for each corresponding sidewall zone. Functional block (39), marked “MAX”, determines the zone of the current maximum average dynamic pressure (i.e. the sidewall currently most affected by the wind) and the amount of this pressure. Central control unit 30 comprises a functional block (34), marked “Level Setter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10”, which is programmed so that a pre-set level 1 would correspond to a predetermined minimum wind load the device should be used to damp, and a pre-set level 10 would correspond to a predetermined maximum wind load, generally slightly greater than the expected strongest wind load in given location. All the intermediate levels may be pre-set by equally dividing the scale between level 1 and level 10. Optionally, the designer may use another scale and number of levels, accordingly to a particular construction of the device.
Block 39 sends its first signal proportional to the measured dynamic pressure of the sidewall zone of maximum wind to a functional block (35) marked “Comparator”, which compares the measured pressure with the pre-set levels data stored in block 34, and finds the corresponding level. Block 35 sends a signal reflecting the determined corresponding level to a functional block (36) marked “Configurator”. Block 36 also receives the second signal from block 39, reflecting the sidewall zone of the current maximum wind load. Based on those signals, block 36 computes a configuration for the particular chambers of the external and internal layers that must be connected by the respective connecting units 33 forming pneumatic loops. Block 36 outcomes a list of the connecting units 33, and the state of each valve of these connecting units, which together with the corresponding chambers form the pneumatic loops.
According to the list, another functional block (37) marked “Commuter” sends sufficiently powerful regulating signals through wiring (33W) to the respective connecting units 33, switching their valves into the required states. This will immediately create the pneumatic loops. Connecting units 33 are generally capable of transmitting feedback signals to central control unit 30 through wiring 33W. The feedback signals are used by functional block 38 to maintain the state information about the valves of all connecting units 33. The data processing, performed by functional block 38, is preferably divided into on/off strobes to set time periods when the next wind pressure measurements will start again after the receiving of the feedback signals.
The chambers of the pneumatic loops will carry out the damping of the wind load exerted onto the sidewalls. This embodiment allows to establish a regulated damping process, and particularly to damp the high wind impacts in a uniform manner depending on the wind dynamic pressure, reducing the amplitudes of alternative loads eventually exerted onto the object's structure, while extending the time of the loads application. This also should reduce the amplitudes of high-frequencies structure vibrations.
The regulated damping process may allow to tune the device in such a way, that it would be capable to provide the damping of the high wind loads in either the exponential or gently sloping form, rather than in the oscillatory form also involving the vibrations negatively affecting the structure of the frangible object, or in a way to reduce parameters (e.g., amplitude, frequency, and phase) of vibrations or harmonics, caused by alternative wind loads, to acceptable levels.
Such regulation may be optionally optimized by measuring the parameters with conventional vibration sensor means (not shown herein), and forming parameter signals corresponding to the current amounts of the parameters. This implementation may use conventional proportional types of valves in a connecting unit (not shown herein) similar to connecting unit 33. A central control unit, similar to central control unit 30, but including an additional functional block, capable to input and process the parameter signals, may receive the parameter signals. A data processing functional block (not shown herein) similar to block 38, programmed for rough regulation as described above, can be additionally programmed using, for example, an algorithm based on the conventional gradient methods, or similar algorithms. The output regulating signals of the central control unit then are sent to the proportional valves of the connecting units, which can gently regulate the flows of inner fluid between the chambers, and mildly change the damping process in the pneumatic loops. It will consequently change the parameters of vibrations, and the parameter signals will be input as a feedback into the central control unit. The gradient method program will produce the output regulating signals until the parameters are minimized to predetermined acceptable levels, or until the exponential form of the damping process is achieved.
Example of Operation of Third Embodiment
The following example shows how the pneumatic loops are created. Suppose the current average wind load (shown by double-arrows) on the sidewall zone including chambers 10B, 10A, 10T, 10S, illustrated on FIG. 16, is greater than for the other three sidewall zones. Also, suppose the current average wind load on this zone corresponds to the pre-set level 6. Central control unit 30, according to the above described order, computes a particular configuration of the pneumatic loops that must be involved in the damping process, sends regulating signals, which switch into the required states the connecting units 33VAT, 33VBA, 33VCB, 33VDC, 33VED, 33VFE, 33VGF for the first pneumatic loop, and 33VAT, 33VTS, 33VSR, 33VRQ, 33VQP, 33VPO, 33VON for the second loop. This will connect chambers 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F and 10F′, 10E′, 10D′, 10C′, 10B′, 10A′ into the first loop, and 10T, 10S, 10R, 10Q, 10P, 10Q, and 10O′, 10P′, 10Q′, 10R′, 10S′, 10T′ into the second loop. FIG. 18 illustrates a fragment of the first loop, which involves external chambers 10A, 10B, and partially 10C, and internal chambers 10A′, 10B′, and partially 10C′, showing by arrows the direction of the pressure wave propagation for each of the chambers. It also shows that valves 33-III and 33-IV of connecting unit 33VAT are in the upward opened state, valves 33-I of connecting units 33VBA and 33VCB are in the forward opened state, valves 33-II of connecting units 33VBA and 33VCB are in the backward opened state. All the other shown valves are in the closed state. Connecting unit 33 VAT is common for the two pneumatic loops, but isolates the first loop from the second loop by switching valves 33-III and 33-IV in the upward opened state, and 33-I and 33-II in the closed state. Therefore twelve chambers are involved for each pneumatic loop in the damping process for level 6. Respectively, for level 7, fourteen chambers will be involved, and so on. Of course, the numbers are chosen arbitrarily to demonstrate the relationship. The size of a pneumatic loop would generally correspond to the amount of wind energy, which the loop is capable to dissipate during the damping process in a mild form. It is desirable, that the programming of block 34 be completed on the site where the device is installed to achieve a milder form of the damping, using for instance equipment capable to simulate wind loads and a means to measure the vibrations of the object's structure.
Description of Other Implementations of Third Embodiment
Other implementations of the control means are possible. For example, the control means comprising a connecting unit (not shown herein) partially similar to connecting unit 33 may be designed consisting only of two two-way valves, “almost like 33-I and 33-II” (not shown herein). They would, however, differ from the valves 33-I and 33-II described above in that they are not capable to be regulated by an outside regulating electrical signal. Instead, they would be triggered into the forward opened state (or into the backward opened state) from the closed state by the difference of the pressures on their ends. Suppose, such a self-regulating valve would switch to the opened state when the pressure difference is more than 6% and a wind load adds 10% of pressure in the first chamber of the loop. Suppose, also, that when an additional chamber joins the pneumatic loop, the extra pressure in the loop reduces by 1% (chosen arbitrarily). This means, that when four such connecting units sequentially open their forward directed valves (i.e. triggered into the forward opened state), the pressure difference between the fifth chamber and the sixth chamber would be equal or less than 6%, and thus the forward directed valve of the fifth connecting unit will not be triggered into the opened state. When the load force decreases (the wind pressure drops), the backward directed valves will start to trigger into the backward opened state, and therefore the backward wave will propagate in the opposite direction continuously dissipating the energy of the compressed inner fluid. In this case only five chambers will be involved in the pneumatic loop.
Generally, the greater the wind impact, the more chambers should be involved in the damping process regulated by the self-regulating valves. There are different conventional types of such valves; some of them are used, for instance, in automobile engines. This device implementation may also have a two-layer or multi-layer version, where, for example, the chambers of the external layer are connected by self-regulating valves, whereas the chambers of the internal layer (pneumatically separated from the external layer) are connected by simple hoses, similar to connecting hoses 40 of the first embodiment, stabilizing the cushioning effect. This self-regulating valve implementation differs from the above described implementations of the third embodiment in that it should be less expensive and simpler to build, but generally may be difficult to tune the device or change the valve's preset levels of triggering pressure into the opened state, though not impossible.
Description of Fourth Embodiment
The fourth embodiment is particularly dedicated to further development of the cushioning means. The device of the fourth embodiment further comprises additional cushioning means to increase the aforesaid damping of high wind loads. The device exemplified below preferably includes chambers (10) of the simple shape implementation of the first embodiment, inflatable with a suitable inner fluid, one of which is depicted on FIG. 20, with connecting hoses similar to hoses 40 (not shown on FIG. 20), all described in the first embodiment.
It is also possible to adapt the additional cushioning means of the fourth embodiment for use with the cushioning means of the other embodiments or implementations of the device described herein with routine constructive modifications.
Analogously to the first embodiment, the chambers of this embodiment are enclosed in cover (21), with fasten means (26), where the outer surface of cover 21 is preferably coupled with fence screen (22). This implementation may, for example, use the same supporting means for attachment to the frangible object 50, as described in the first embodiment, that is brackets 61 with rods 67 and straps 29 shown on FIGS. 35 and 37, or battens 54 and corner holders 55 illustrated on FIGS. 9 and 10, depending on the type of the fence means used.
The additional cushioning means generally include a number of identical apparatus. Each of the apparatus is substantially a magnetic induction dynamical generator or engine, further called a MID-device. In the fourth embodiment of the invention, the MO-device is enclosed in cover 21, and exemplified as follows.
The MID-device generally comprises magnetic means. In this implementation, the magnetic means comprise a plurality, at least two, preferably identical magnetic members in the form of flexible magnetic sheets (71) with a plurality of flat ferromagnetic plates (70) of a suitable shape and size, superimposed on and attached to sheets 71. An exemplary square-like shape of plates 70 is shown on FIG. 21, showing the plates and the sheets in an isometric view.
Optionally, instead of the ferromagnetic plates 70, sheets 71 may contain magnetic materials in an appropriate form embedded in their structure. Sheets 71 may also be made of suitable elastic composites containing a ferromagnetic component. The plurality of flexible sheets 71 includes at least one sheet, further called a frontal sheet 71, in this implementation of the fourth embodiment properly coupled with the inner front surface of cover 21 and positioned in front of chamber 10, as illustrated on FIG. 20. The plurality of flexible sheets 71 includes at least one sheet, further called a rear sheet 71, and in this implementation positioned behind chamber 10. It should be positioned preferably after the chamber is inflated to avoid a delay and wasting additional power while inflating the chamber. The back surface of frontal sheet 71 and the front surface of rear sheet 71 are preferably in a mechanical contact with the corresponding sides of chamber 10 when the ND-device is assembled.
The MID-device generally comprises elastic means. In this particular implementation, chamber 10 being part of the cushioning means of the device is simultaneously part of the MID-device, forming said elastic means.
The MID-device generally includes electrically insulation means, here exemplified as a flexible insulation sheet (72) made of a suitable dielectric material. FIGS. 20 and 21 depict insulation sheet 72, positioned behind the back surface of rear sheet 71.
The MID-device includes electrically conducting means, herein exemplified as a conducting sheet (74) that is disposed behind insulation sheet 72 as shown on FIGS. 20 and 21. Conducting sheet 74 is preferably made of a flexible base material with an electrically conducting layer continuously superimposed thereon, or electrical conducting wires, threads, strips, or a plurality of interconnected conducting plates embedded in the base structure of the material (not shown herein).
Optionally conducting sheet 74 may be laminated with an insulation means in the form of dielectric layers (not shown herein), which would substitute the insulation sheet 72. Also, the magnetic material may optionally be superimposed on or embedded in the material of the front and rear sides of the chamber itself (not shown herein), substituting sheets 71, in which case insulation sheet 72 and conducting sheet 74 would be positioned behind the back of the chamber. Such a construction of the chamber would speed up its deflating after the use, though would delay its inflating.
The MID-device includes fixing means essentially immovably disposed in a coordinate system. In this implementation of the fourth embodiment, the fixing means are substantiated in the form of cover 21 enclosing the above described elements of the MID-device. The cover 21 is secured to the structure of the frangible object by the supporting means, for example, brackets 61 with rods 67 and straps 29 shown on FIGS. 35 and 37, or another version of the supporting means as described herein. In the other words, this implementation deploys a part of the fence means (cover 21) and the supporting means of the device to perform the function of the fixing means of the MID-device, that is essentially immovable attaching to the object's structure established on the ground, which represents the coordinate system for the given example of the MID-device.
Operation of the MID-device in Fourth Embodiment
The operation of the MID-device in this implementation of the fourth embodiment is based on the following: the wind alternative load or impact received by the fence screen will be transmitted to and deform the elastic means represented here as chamber 10, and bring the magnetic members, that is flexible sheets 71 in this example, closer to each other that will increase the magnetic field around them inducing an electric current in the conducting means, i.e. conducting sheet 74. The induced current will cause the heating of conducting sheet 74. The elastic means (chamber 10 in the example) returns the magnetic members (sheets 71) to their initial position after the impacts or alternative loads discontinue. The elastic means may also create a condition for producing higher frequencies oscillations of the magnetic members, which will induce the higher frequencies currents in the conducting means causing more effective dissipation of the impacts' or loads' energy generally resulting in more heating of the conducting means. The fixing means (in the example: cover 21 and the elements of any described type of the supporting means) provide a positioning of the rear magnetic member substantially immovable within the coordinate system (here is the frangible object founded on the ground). This provides for a movement of the magnetic members relatively to each other, causing the change of their resultant magnetic field, and consequently the inducing of electric current in the conducting means (sheet 74).
The dissipation of the wind energy and transforming it into the induced electric current and eventually into the heat can be used to warm up the frangible object. It might also be possible to use the induced current for electrical lighting of objects subjected to alternative wind loads by providing a special circuitry for the induced current (not shown). For instance, instead of a stand alone sheet 74 conducting coils may be used, connected to suitable electrical bulbs mounted inside or outside the object.
The induced current will also create an additional damping effect of the electromagnetic nature, which damps the movement of the magnetic members. Herein this effect will cause a deceleration of frontal sheet 71 coupled with screen 22, tending to repulse them, or push them away of rear sheet 71 and conducting sheet 74 both depressed against the structure. The electromagnetic damping and heating effects are caused by the electromagnetic field of the induced electrical current and partially depends on the conductivity of the conducting means that is sheet 74. The stronger the impact is, the greater the effects will be, which will extend the damping time and reduce the amplitude of the force exerted onto the object's structure. The intensiveness of the electromagnetic effect also depends on magnetizability of the ferromagnetic material used for plates 70, and the distance between sheets 71. Obviously, the ferromagnetic material should have sufficiently high magnetizability to provide said effects. The distance between sheets 71 can be constructively reduced by a modification of the device to substantially increase their resultant electromagnetic field.
As mentioned above, the MID-device of the fourth embodiment might be implemented not only for two magnetic members, but also for a plurality of such members. Generally, they are placed a distance from each other. The elastic means are disposed inside each adjacent pair of the members. The conducting means may be represented by a plurality of conducting sheets embedded in (a means for heat outcome should be considered) such elastic means simultaneously serving as insulation means. The conducting means may also be performed as printed conducting plates, conducting coils, solenoids, and other similar conventional means for creation a circuitry for induced electric current. These conducting means may additionally increase the electromagnetic damping effect, e.g. in some special implementations the magnetic members may be constructed as electromagnets having additional sources of electric current.
Description of Modified Device of Fourth Embodiment
A modified device of the fourth embodiment is illustrated on FIG. 22. The modified device comprises chamber 10 as the cushioning means, the fence means in the form of cover 21 enclosing chamber 10, and fence screen 22 preferably coupled with cover 21.
The modified device of the fourth embodiment also comprises a number of the MID-devices preferably equal to the number of the chambers. The MID-device and chamber 10 are enclosed in cover 21 coupled with screen 22, as illustrated on FIG. 22. The MID-device includes the following elements:

- the fixing means comprising cover 21 secured on the structure by the supporting means described in the first embodiment;
- the magnetic means comprising a plurality of magnetic members including at least and exemplified here as frontal and rear sheets 71 with superimposed magnetic plates 70;
- the insulation means in the form of sheet 72,
- the electrical conducting means in the form of conducting sheet 74;
- the elastic means in the form of an impact absorbing insertion (75) disposed between sheets 71. Chamber 10 is placed behind the front of cover 21 coupled with screen 22. Each MID-device is entirely disposed behind its corresponding chamber 10 in this modification.

The order of positions of the ND-device elements follows: frontal sheet 71, insertion 75, rear sheet 71, insulation sheet 72, and conducting sheet 74, which is depicted on the sectional view on FIG. 22. In some special applications it can be useful to change the order of these elements, e.g. to place the conducting sheet in front of the frontal magnetic sheet, or even combine the conducting sheet with the fence screen, especially for the fence net screen implementation of the first embodiment. It is however important that the rear sheet be substantially immovably supported by the fixing means for the above indicated reasons.
Since the width size between the front and the back of the inflated chamber 10 is determined by its material and other factors mentioned in the description of the first embodiment and in general is restricted for substantial changes, the distance between sheets 71 may be reduced by placing them both behind chamber 10, that is accomplished in the modification. The distance here is determined by the width of insertion 75 disposed between sheets 71, which can be substantially less than the width size of chamber 21. This allows intensifying the resultant magnetic field of the magnetic members (in the example: frontal and rear magnetic sheets 71), and as a result to increase the electromagnetic damping and hearing effects. For this reason, the version of MID-device embedded in the modification is considered to be preferred.
Impact absorbing insertion 75 can be made, for example, of suitable kinds of porous rubber or other elastic materials or composites, possessing necessary spring properties. Since initial magnetic forces between sheets 71 may be substantial, insertion 75 should be strong enough to restrain their attraction and keep them a distance, and to return sheets 71 to their initial position after the impacts or alternative loads discontinue. On the other hand, insertion 75 should be sufficiently elastic to easily change its thickness under the impact force, causing possible greater changes in the distance between sheets 71 to induce greater electric current in sheet 74.
Therefore, it may be efficient to combine materials of different extent of elasticity for construction of the insertion. Proper materials, whose elasticity depends on the amplitude of an alternative impact or load imposed thereon, may be useful in insertion 75 of the device.
For some constructions of the insertion, it may be beneficial to use conditional or custom-made springs (not shown herein) of suitable shapes, made of appropriate materials. An insertion comprising a polymeric pad confining fluid bubbles, acting similar to springs when depressed, might be suitable in certain types of the device as well. The use of springs with magnetic properties may contribute to the resultant magnetic field of the MID-device to increase it. Conventionally known magnetic fluids can be placed in a bladder or bladders encapsulated in the insertion. When such an insertion, having its own magnetic properties, is subjected to alternative load forces, it would generate an additional changing electromagnetic field generally including different frequencies, inducing additional harmonics of electric current in sheet 74, increasing the dissipation. Such magnetic insertion with the magnetic members may produce an additional damping effect conditioned by the changing of magnetic polarity described in the Canadian patent 10,239 to Wesley W. Gary. Similar effect may be produced by a MID-device with non-magnetic insertions if the number of magnetic members is three or greater. A more substantial increase of the damping may be achieved, if the rear magnetic member is performed as a permanent magnet with a sufficiently high magnetic field.
The MID-device deploying the insertion may also be used in combination with the earlier described bladder-panel (the ferromagnetic sheets with the insertion and the electrically insulated conducting sheet can be placed behind the bladder-panel, or the bladder-panel itself may be used as the impact absorbing insertion) or with the other implementations above. The MID-device can be utilized for some other particular purposes described in the next embodiment.
Description of MID-device in Fifth Embodiment
The fifth embodiment further explores possible applications and utilizations of the MID-device previously described in the fourth embodiment.
The MID-device of the fifth embodiment is illustrated on FIG. 23, and comprises

- the fixing means in the form of an envelope (77) with fasten means (26). The envelope 77 is immovably supported in a coordinate system of the object supporting and interacting with the MID-device, and is preferably made of suitable flexible dielectric materials with a sufficient heat-conducting characteristic;
- the magnetic means including a plurality of magnetic members in the form of flexible magnetic sheets (71) with magnetic plates (70) superimposed on sheets 71. In this implementation only two magnetic sheets are exemplified: the frontal sheet 71 shown in the upper part of FIG. 23, and the rear sheet 71 shown in the lower part of FIG. 23;
- the insulation means including insulation sheet (72) positioned behind the rear sheet 71;
- the electrical conducting means including conducting sheet (74) positioned behind insulation sheet 72;
- the elastic means including an impact absorbing insertion (75) disposed between the frontal and rear sheets 71.
  Envelope 77 encloses the flexible magnetic sheets 71, insulation sheet 72, conducting sheet 74, and impact absorbing insertion 75.

The MID-device of the fifth embodiment generally operates in the same fashion as for the fourth embodiment, but its heating, electromagnetic, or electro-dynamic effects are utilized in a different measure depending on the purpose of its application.
Heater Applications of MID-Device
As it was mentioned in the fourth embodiment section, the dissipation of the wind energy and transforming it into the induced electric current and eventually into the heat can be used to warm up the frangible object. It is also usable in general for heating of a heat-consuming object, for example, personal heater means for protection against cold weather.
All the elements of the MID-device may be made of those materials described for the respective elements in the fourth embodiment or other appropriate materials, capable to provide the heating effect of the induced electrical current mentioned above and to substantially direct the heat flow toward the heat-consuming object, that is to a heat consuming direction. For this particular application it is also important that the materials of insulation sheet 72 have sufficient heat isolation properties to possibly prevent the heat flow from conducting sheet 74 to the rear magnetic sheet 71 that is opposite to the heat consuming direction. Sheet 74 may have shining or glossy surface from the side of sheet 72, and blacked surface from the opposite side to provide better heat radiation toward the heat consuming direction. Insertion 75 may be performed in different versions generally described in the fourth embodiment.
The MID-device of this embodiment, subjected to an alternative outer force and producing the heating effect, may be used, for example, in designing of individual heater means, particularly clothing or footwear for cold and windy weather conditions.
For instance, the MID-device may be built in gloves. In the gloves implementation it would be preferable to have thin flexible sheets 71 with a narrow ferromagnetic layer superimposed thereon, or such sheets made of mixed materials containing a ferromagnetic component of sufficient magnetizability. Conducting sheet 74 should be made of flexible material containing electrically conducting powder, or thin conducting threads, or other such means to provide sufficient conductivity and circuits for the induced electrical current. Insulation sheet 72 can be performed in the form of a dielectric layer continuously coupled with conducting sheet 74 and electrically isolating it from the adjacent magnetic sheet 71. Envelope 77 is also made of a suitable electrically insulation material, but the rear part of the envelope positioned across the heat consuming direction (from sheet 74 to the hands) must be made of materials with a substantial heat-conducting property. Therefore, it may be reasonable to perform the rear part of envelope 77 from a different material than the frontal part, which frontal part generally may require high heat insulation properties to insulate the hands from the outside low temperature.
Materials used for electrical insulation and heat conducting in conventional personal electrical heaters placed on the human body may be useful in the designing of envelope 77. In general, a high level of electrical insulation is not required in the MID-devices (which distinguish them from the conventional electrical heaters connected to standard home outlets) of fourth and fifth embodiments, since the induced voltage is expected to be of essentially low figures (it is generally in the opposite proportion to the conductivity of conducting sheet 74), and therefore should not cause any hazard to the person protected from cold air by such MID-devices. Since the energy of the electromagnetic field is essentially transformed into heat in conducting sheet 74, which also serves as an electromagnetic screen, and since the frequency of the electromagnetic field is expected to be low (it is generally proportional to the frequencies of the alternative forces applied to the frontal sheet 71 of the MID-device), the surrounding humans and animals should not be negatively affected by the electromagnetic field.
The gloves may warm up the hands simply by clapping the hands. Other ways of activations of the gloves in cold weather conditions are by subjecting them to vibrations, for instance, during the use of a power tool by a worker wearing the gloves, or the like. The saddle of a motorcycle or the jacket of the driver may also be furnished with such a MID-device to warm them up in cold weather.
Such a heating MID-device may be enclosed in shoes, boots, etc. as a pad, during cold weather, and be activated when the person walks, jumps, or runs. Similar pads may be enclosed in a jacket or a coat to be worn during cold and windy conditions, and activated by the hands and by the high winds. A tent or a sleeping bag may have a layer in the form of a MID-device to warm it up by the wind impacts.
Other Possible Utilizations of MID-Device
Since the MID-device is essentially an electrical generator, it may be used as such. A MID-device can transform the impacts of ocean waves into electric power. Mounted on the sea bottom, appropriate polls or posts with bars or stretched strings arranged across and between, and secured to them, and envelopes, similar to envelope 77, fixed to the strings or bars, each enclosing a MID-devices, may be used as the fixing means. The strings or bars should be preferably disposed closely to the surface of the sea to better utilize the waves power. The strings or bars must substantially immovably support the rear magnetic members of the MID-devices. The electrical conducting means may be performed as electrical coils and sequentially or in parallel connected into electrical circuits. Induced currents of low frequencies may be transformed into direct electric current by conventional means, such as rectifiers. Such MID-device may also be installed on a ship or a floating platform, often subjected to ocean waves impacts.
The same principle of the alternative load transformation into induced electric current may be applied in a combination of the MID-device with a conventional wind-electrical generator. A special construction of the MID-device may directly transform the wind energy into electric power. As an example, the blades propelled by the wind may rotate the magnetic members performed in the form of coincided cylinders around a vertical axle, so that creating a changing pressure on different parts of the frontal magnetic member, continuously generating electric power in addition to the power conventionally generated due to the rotation of the blades. The MID-devices generators generally distinguish from conventional hydro-electrical and wind-electrical generators in that the mechanical forces of the outer fluid flow are exerted onto and distributed throughout the entire continuous surface of the frontal magnetic member of the MID-device, versus the application of such forces to the limited surface of blades of the conventional mechanisms coupled with electrical generators.
Since the MID-device is also essentially an electrical engine, it may be used, for example, for moving of ships or other floatable means. Such MID-device may comprise the conducting means in the form of electromagnetic inductors, fixed to a ship's frame. The inductors connected to a source of electric power may carry alternative electric current of a predetermined waveform. The electric current will create an alternative electromagnetic field, which will cause an oscillating movement of the magnetic members. The rear magnetic member is immovably secured to the inductor, while the frontal magnetic member is coupled with a propeller of a suitable construction. A plurality of MID-devices may also be installed along the length of a floatable vehicle. The magnetic members may be shaped as concentric half-rings, wherein the outmost member is the frontal member. The magnetic members can be enclosed in a common cover. If the inductors of the MID-devices carry the alternative electric currents with different phases, a transverse wave would be spread through the cover, which may propel the floatable vehicle in a water environment.
Since the MID-device is also essentially an electromagnetic damping device (as shown in the fourth embodiment for high wind loads), it may be used, for example, for the damping of an air blast or a shockwave of an explosion. A frangible object's surface covered by such MID-devices fixed to the structure and disposed behind special screens may be protected against such blasts or shockwaves in the air, water, or another fluid environment. MID-devices can be specifically implemented to reduce cavitation. They may also be used for protection of frangible objects against waves in a solid environment, such as earthquake waves, etc.
Description and Operation of Sixth Embodiment
The sixth embodiment is directed to further development of the supporting means of the device for protection of the frangible object against high winds and hurricanes. The device of the sixth embodiment and its parts are depicted on FIGS. 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28. This embodiment is intended to be used for frangible objects having a structure, which is not strong enough to sustain wind loads and missiles impacts even dissipated by the cushioning means described in the above embodiments. The device may be used where it's especially important to substantially avoid vibrations of the structure caused by the winds. This becomes possible where the wind protection device and the frangible object to be protected are not mechanically jointed to each other.
According to the sixth embodiment, the device comprises supporting means including a plurality of supporting posts (80), one of which is shown in a sectional view on FIG. 24, and on FIG. 25, substantially vertically disposed on the ground around the object. In general posts 80 are made expandable (or optionally removable, not shown herein), to avoid encumbering the space around the object in absence of high winds and hurricanes. In other cases the posts can be made non-expandable and non-removable, which may substantially simplify the construction. Supporting post 80 exemplified and illustrated on FIG. 24 is made as a plurality of telescopically jointed and expandable elongated hollow barrels. In the example, there are shown on FIG. 24 three said barrels: a lower barrel (82), intermediate barrel (84), and upper barrel (86) of different length, having a cylindrical shape. Of course, the number of barrels here is chosen arbitrarily.
The barrels are preferably made of a suitable metal or another material having similar rigidness characteristics. They must be strong enough, so that the construction would be capable to sustain the maximum foreseen wind load without deformation. The most inner upper barrel 86 has the least diameter to snug-fit into the intermediate barrel 84 telescopically enclosing it. The intermediate barrel 84 snug-fits into the next enclosing lower barrel 82, which is respectively wider than barrel 84. The length of barrel 86 is greater than of barrel 84, which in turn is greater than of barrel 82. The barrels are capable to freely slide in both directions within certain limits.
Each barrel has a footing flunge, correspondingly (82D), (84D), and (86D). Flunge 86 is made in the form of a round piston, shown on FIGS. 24, 25, or optionally can be made in an annular shape (not shown). Flunges 84D and 82D are made in an annular shape as shown on FIGS. 24, 25. An underground hollow (87) is arranged to place in post 80 absence high winds.
The supporting means of the device include a generally annular base rim (81), which covers the upper edge of hole 87. Flunges 86D, 84D, and 82D are used to set the limits of the upward movement of the barrels, where the flunges meet each other and flunge 82D meets base rim 81 in a highest end position of post 80 reflected on FIG. 24.
Post 80 has a lowest end position shown on FIG. 25 where its barrels are freely collapsed into underground hollow 87 until flunge 86D meets the bottom of hollow 87. The inner walls of hollow 87 are shaped in three adjacent hollow cylindrical portions of different diameters. The diameter of the lowest narrowest portion allows flunge 86D to pass through down, but not flunge 84D, which rests on the annular bottom edge of the intermediate portion of hollow 87 in the lowest end position. Analogously in the lowest end position, flunge 82D rests on the annular bottom edge of the upper portion of hollow 87. In this position, the tops of flunges 86D, 84D, and 82D are disposed slightly below the ground level, and then base rim 81 may be properly and safely covered in normal weather conditions.
The inner walls of hollow 87 and base rim 81 are preferably made of concrete or another suitable material. Each barrel 82, 84, and 86 has a fixing through hole respectively (82H), (84H), and (86H) of equal diameters, made in the barrels in a horizontal direction in such a way that in the highest end position of post 80 the center axles of the fixing holes are coincided and situated slightly above the ground level.
The lifting of the barrels from the lowest end position into the highest end position may preferably be accomplished by pulling a pull string (86S) shown on FIGS. 25 and 26. Pull string 86S is preferably made of suitable metal threads, or another material capable at least to support the weight of the construction. Pull string 86S is secured by its lower end to flange 86D, passed inside barrel 86 along its height. In normal weather conditions, using a suitable means (not shown), pull string 86S is locked by its upper end to a bracket (86U) mounted on the top of barrel 86 that is shown on FIG. 25.
FIG. 26 illustrates in isometric view four posts 80 in the highest end positions with pull strings 86S passed through brackets 86U of the neighbor post 80, and by their upper ends locked to anchors (81A) mounted on base rim 81 of the neighbor post 80. Pulling up the pull string allows beginning the lifting of flunge 86D with barrel 86. When flunge 86D catches flunge 84D, barrel 84 also begins lifting; and when flunge 84D catches flunge 82D, all barrels 86, 84, and 82 are lifted, until barrel 82D catches base rim 81 in which point post 80 reaches its highest end position shown on FIG. 24. At this point barrels 82, 84, and 86 are fixed by fixing means preferably in the form of fixing bolt (88B) and fixing nut (88N), depicted on FIG. 24, by inserting bolt 88B in the coincided horizontal holes of all the barrels, and tightening nut 88N on bolt 88B. Optionally, the barrels may be fixed in the highest end position by other suitable fixing means.
The device comprises intermediate supporting means, constructed preferably in the form of attachable (under hurricane or high wind conditions) and removable (under normal weather conditions) holding shelves (83) shown on FIG. 27, and illustrated in detail on the isometric view of FIG. 28. Shelf 83 is preferably shaped as two halves of an annular figure and attached by bolts (83B), or other proper means, to the outer walls of barrels 86 and 84 in the places slightly above the tops of barrel 84 and barrel 82 correspondingly in the highest end position of post 80 as reflected on the sectional view of FIG. 27. Each half of shelf 83 has a through hole (83H).
The device comprises cushioning means in the form of chambers (12)—the upper layer chambers, (14)—the intermediate layer chambers, and (16)—the lower layer chambers, all inflatable by a suitable inner fluid, similar to chambers 10 described in the first embodiment, but having preferably a toroid-like shape shown on FIGS. 26 and 27. The number of the vertical layers preferably corresponds to the number of barrels in post 80, mostly determined by the height of the frangible object. The outer diameters of chambers 12, 14, and 16 are essentially equal, while the inner diameters of the chambers are different, allowing the corresponding barrels 82, 84, and 86 to fit in the chambers, as depicted on FIG. 27. In the highest end position of posts 80, chambers 14 and 16 are installed being supported by holding shelves 83 attached respectively to the intermediate and upper barrels as described above, and chamber 12 is installed and being rested upon base rim 81. The pair of chambers 12 and 14, and the pair of chamber 14 and 16, are respectively connected by connecting hoses (40), shown on FIG. 27.
Connecting hoses 40 are passed through holes 83H described above, shown on FIG. 28. FIG. 27 shows chamber 12 having an aperture (48) on its lower part. A connecting duct (47) is connected to apertures 48 of two chambers 12 pertaining to two neighboring posts 80, which is illustrated on FIG. 27. Aperture 48 is also used to inflate the chambers with the use of hub 41 and inlet hose 42 described in the first embodiment, shown on FIG. 11, or otherwise. Connecting duct 47 may be performed as a pipe or a hose, preferably embedded in the ground. Optionally, a different order of chambers connection is also possible, e.g. by arrangement of the odd and even chains of chambers similarly to that described in the first embodiment, which may require additional routine constructive changes.
The device comprises fence means in the form of a common fence screen (not shown) similar to fence screen 22 of the first embodiment, which is tightly stretched around inflated chambers 12, 14, and 16, installed on posts 80 surrounding the frangible object. This may be accomplished in the following manner: the fence screen is preferably coupled by the means described in the first embodiment or otherwise to the outer corner sectors of covers (not shown herein and similar to cover 21) of a shape cooperating with the outward surface of chambers 12, 14, and 16. This assembly is preferably pre-fabricated. On the object's site, each of the chambers is first enclosed into its individual cover, which is then locked or zipped. The chambers are installed on the posts and supported by the holding shelves. The fence screen is wrapped around the area and locked, surrounding chambers 12, 14, and 16, posts 80, and the frangible object. Thereafter the chambers are inflated and the fence screen will be stretched.
If more convenient for assembling and storage, separate for each layer fence screens or fence strips (not shown herein) similar to screen 22, may be used, surrounding only chambers 12, or 14, or 16 of all posts 80, and one of the separate fence screens can be joined to the other vertically adjacent separate screen by straps 29 shown on FIGS. 12, 33, by zippers, Velcro™ strips, or otherwise. The common fence screen or upper separate screen may be attached (not shown) by suitable means to pull strings 86S, when the strings are stretched and locked in the highest end positions of posts 80.
The operation of the device of the sixth embodiment does not essentially differ from the device of the first embodiment, except that the damped impact of the wind is not eventually transferred to the frangible object's structure, but to the posts and finally the ground. The device in this embodiment may also be used as a permanent fence around a house, protecting not only against high winds, but also against floods, provided the device would be made water impervious.

Claims

1. A device for protection of a frangible object against mechanical loads or impacts, especially caused by a flow of an outer fluid, comprising

a number of cushioning means for damping of said loads or impacts, and

supporting means for support of said cushioning means and positioning them relatively to the frangible object, said supporting means configured to cooperate with said cushioning means.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said cushioning means comprising

a number of flexible bladder-panels each including a plurality of inflatable bladders, inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid, said bladder-panels having means for inflating, said bladder-panels supported by said supporting means, said bladder-panels each disposed in front of and covering the entire outward surface of said frangible object or a portion thereof, said bladder-panels each having

connecting means for providing a propagation of the changing pressure of said body of the inner fluid between the pneumatically adjacent to each other bladders said connecting means generally including

internal connecting means for connection of the pneumatically adjacent bladders within each one said bladder-panel, and

external connecting means for interconnection of the pneumatically adjacent bladders situated on the edges of different said bladder-panels;

said supporting means having attachment means to cooperate with said bladder-panels.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprising

fence means for protection of said cushioning means substantially from impacts of hard airborne objects during high wind or hurricane conditions, said fence means configured to cooperate with said cushioning and supporting means;

said cushioning means comprising

a number of flexible bladder-panels each including a plurality of inflatable bladders, inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid, said bladder-panels having means for inflating, said bladder-panels supported by said supporting means, said bladder-panels each having attachment means to cooperate with said supporting means, said bladder-panels each disposed in front of and covering the outer surface of said frangible object or a portion thereof; and

connecting means, for providing a propagation of the changing pressure of said body of inner fluid between the pneumatically adjacent to each other said bladders, including

internal connecting means for connection of the pneumatically adjacent bladders within each one said bladder-panel excluding the bladders situated on the opposite vertical edges of the same bladder-panel,

external connecting means for interconnection of the pneumatically adjacent bladders situated preferably on the edges of different said bladder-panels or for interconnection of the bladders situated on the opposite vertical edges of one said bladder-panel.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein

said fence means comprising

a number of flexible covers, each enclosing preferably one said bladder panel, said flexible covers each having on its upper and lower horizontal edges a reinforcing hem with eyes;

said bladder-panels each pre-constructed in a cylinder-like shape, having two opposite vertical edges fastened by suitable conventional fasten means, and folded to form an internal and an external layers, wherein a number of bladders situated on the two fastened opposite vertical edges of one bladder-panel pneumatically connected by said external connecting means;

said supporting means comprising

a plurality of brackets attached to the structure of the frangible object, preferably mounted on the upper and lower parts of sidewalls of said frangible object, an upper and a lower rods mounted on said brackets, and

attachment means preferably in the form of straps passed through the eyes of said reinforcing hem of said cover, and attached to said upper and lower rods by conventional fasten means.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein

said fence means comprising

a number of flexible covers, each enclosing preferably one said bladder panel, said flexible cover each having on its upper and lower horizontal edges a reinforcing hem with eyes,

a plurality of fence plates of a suitable shape and size superimposed on and attached to the outward surface of each said cover with appropriate intervals, protecting said cover from initial impacts of said flying debris, said fence plates made of materials capable to sustain strongest impacts of said flying debris without being destroyed;

said supporting means comprising

a plurality of brackets supporting an upper and lower rods secured on the outward surface of the frangible object, and

attachment means preferably in the form of straps passed through the eyes of said reinforcing hem and attached to said upper and lower rods by conventional fasten means.

6. The device according to claim 3, wherein

said fence means comprising

a number of fence net screens, performed in the form of a net made of a suitable material, substantially capable to absorb the maximum expected initial impact of flying debris without being destroyed, said net screens each preferably covering one sidewall of the frangible object; and

said supporting means comprising

a plurality of upper and lower holders properly secured preferably to the upper and lower parts of the sidewall of said frangible object,

an elongated upper frontal rod and an elongated upper rear rod mounted on and supported by said upper holders,

an elongated lower frontal rod and an elongated lower rear rod mounted on and supported by said lower holders,

attachment means preferably in the form of straps, wherein

some said straps passed through the eyes of said upper and lower reinforcing hems of said cover and correspondingly attached to said upper and lower rear rods by conventional fasten means, and

the other straps with their first ends attached to the upper and lower horizontal edges of said net screen, and with the second ends attached to said upper and lower frontal rods by conventional fasten means.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprising

fence means for protection of said cushioning means from impacts of hard airborne objects, said fence means configured to cooperate with said cushioning and supporting means said fence means supported by said supporting means; and

said cushioning means comprising

a plurality of inflatable chambers, inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid, said chambers each having a shape to cooperate with said fence means and supporting means, and connecting means for providing a propagation of the changing pressure of said body of inner fluid between the pneumatically adjacent to each other chambers, said connecting means adapted for connection with said chambers;

said supporting means mounted on the structure of said frangible object.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein

said chambers each having a shape chosen from the group consisting essentially of

a) a prism-like shape,

b) a cylinder-like shape,

c) a shape formed by two prisms or cylinders combined in an X-like configuration, having apertures preferably on the bases surfaces of said prisms or cylinders,

d) a shape formed by two prisms or cylinders combined in a plus-sign-like configuration, having apertures preferably on the bases surfaces of said prisms or cylinders,

e) a shape formed by four prisms or cylinders combined in a frame-like configuration, having apertures preferably on the outward side surfaces of said prisms or cylinders; wherein

said apertures of the pneumatically adjacent chambers are connected by said connecting means, said chambers of the shapes (c), or (d), or (e) preferably united in panels having several horizontal rows of chamber chains, said panels enclosed in said fence means, attached to and positioned in front of the outward surface of said frangible object.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein

said supporting means including suitable attachment means for joining said fence means;

said fence means comprising

a number of flexible covers each enclosing a chain of said chambers positioned on the outward surface of said frangible object,

a number of flexible continuous fence screens preferably coupled with said flexible covers, disposed in front of said covers and positioned so that having vertical intervals between said fence screens, and

a number of overlapping screens disposed a predetermined distance from the surface of said frangible object, covering the area of said vertical intervals between said fence screens;

said fence screens and overlapping screens joined by said attachment means.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device further comprising

fence means for protection of said cushioning means from impacts of hard airborne objects during high wind or hurricane conditions, said fence means configured to cooperate with said cushioning and supporting means; and

said supporting means comprising

a plurality of supporting posts detached from the structure of said frangible object,

preferably mounted on the ground area surrounding said frangible object,

a plurality of base rims, each mounted on the ground surface around each of said supporting posts,

intermediate supporting means, capable to be removably secured on said posts; and

said cushioning means comprising

a plurality of inflatable chambers, inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid, said chambers each having a shape to cooperate with said fence means and supporting means, preferably a toroid-like shape, and

connecting means for providing a propagation of changing pressure of said body of inner fluid between the pneumatically adjacent to each other chambers, said connecting means adapted for connection with said chambers;

said fence means stretchably installed around the outer sectors of said chambers, surrounding said chambers, posts, and frangible object;

the chambers and fence means supported by said intermediate supporting means and base rims.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein

said supporting posts preferably made expandable and capable to be fixed by fixing means during high winds and to be removed, preferably under the ground, in the normal weather conditions.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising

control means for regulation of the damping of high wind loads by said cushioning means to provide a possible gentle sloping damping process, and to maximally reduce vibrations caused by said wind loads;

said control means disposed in several suitable locations within or surrounding the frangible object, cooperating with said cushioning means.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device further comprising fence means for protection of said cushioning means from impacts of hard airborne objects during high wind or hurricane conditions, said fence means configured to cooperate with said cushioning and supporting means, said fence means supported by said supporting means;

said supporting means mounted on the structure of said frangible object;

said cushioning means comprising

a plurality of inflatable chambers each inflated with a body of a suitable inner fluid, said chambers each having a shape to cooperate with said fence means and supporting means, said chambers arranged in chains having an internal layer positioned adjacent to the outward sidewalls of the frangible object, and an external layer positioned in front of the internal layer, the chambers of both layers secured to and covered by said fence means, and

connecting means for providing a propagation of the changing pressure of said body of inner fluid between the pneumatically adjacent to each other chambers, said connecting means adapted for connection with said chambers

said control means comprising

a plurality of sensor means mounted in predetermined spots preferably on said fence means, capable to measure the outside wind dynamic pressure exerted on the fence means covering the frangible object's surface or part thereof, and to transform the pressure into measure signals of a type of physical nature for convenient processing,

a plurality of control valve connecting units for connection of the adjacent chambers, mounted preferably on said fence means, said control valve connecting units each including

preferably four two-way directional valves pneumatically connected preferably in a square-like configuration, wherein the corners of the square pneumatically connected to the two adjacent chambers of the internal layer and to the two adjacent chambers of the external layer, said valves capable to be switched by regulating signals into a closed state, or forward opened state, or backward opened state, or upward opened state, or downward opened state, so that said control valve connecting units each capable to close and open in these directions the inner fluid flows between the four said adjacent chambers, thereby dynamically creating pneumatic loops confining said propagation of the changing pressure of an inner fluid body in a number of connected said chambers of both layers, providing said damping in a regulated fashion,

a central control unit disposed in a convenient location, capable to input said measure signals, compare the signals with preset levels of dynamic pressure corresponding to predetermined numbers of chambers to be connected in the pneumatic loops, calculate the actual numbers of chambers to be connected in the pneumatic loops, determine the particular chambers of the device to be connected in the pneumatic loops, output said regulating signals, transmit the regulating signals to the respective control valve connecting units controlling the connection of said particular chambers, receive feedback signals from these units, and maintain control of the state of all said control valve connecting units.

14-17. (canceled)

18. A method for protection of a frangible object from impacts or alternative mechanical loads especially created by an outer fluid flow, comprising the acts of:

providing cushioning means for damping of the impacts or alternative mechanical loads;

providing supporting means for support and positioning of said cushioning means; and

positioning said cushioning means outside of the frangible object or portions thereof.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein

said cushioning means performed in a form chosen from the group consisting essentially of

a) a plurality of inflatable chambers inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid, and

b) a number of flexible bladder-panels each including a plurality of inflatable bladders, inflated by a body of a suitable inner fluid.

20. (canceled)