Patents by Inventor C. Eugene Buth
C. Eugene Buth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10851503Abstract: An end treatment for a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam comprising a downstream end and upstream end, a first tension cable coupled to an upstream end of the terminal portion. An extruder configured to receive at least a portion of the guardrail beam and at least a portion of the first tension cable, and a terminal support post installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The extruder includes a narrowing throat providing a channel in which at least a portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. The narrowing throat is configured to flatten the guardrail beam in response to a collision with a vehicle moving the extruder in a downstream direction along the guardrail beam. The terminal support post coupled to an upstream end of the first tension cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Akram Y. Abu-Odeh
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Publication number: 20170051461Abstract: According to a particular embodiment, an end treatment for a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam comprising a downstream end and upstream end, a first tension cable coupled to an upstream end of the terminal portion. an extruder configured to receive at least a portion of the guardrail beam and at least a portion of the first tension cable, and a terminal support post installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The extruder includes a narrowing throat providing a channel in which at least a portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. The narrowing throat is configured to flatten the guardrail beam in response to a collision with a vehicle moving the extruder in a downstream direction along the guardrail beam. The terminal support post coupled to an upstream end of the first tension cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Akram Y. Abu-Odeh
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Methods for the manufacture of a module for use in a crash barrier and assembly of the crash barrier
Patent number: 9528232Abstract: A method of manufacturing a module suitable for use in a crash barrier includes adhering first and second cellular foam blocks to opposite sides of a diaphragm and wrapping a wrap layer around a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. In one embodiment, the wrap layer is configured as a metal cover member. Methods of assembling a crash barrier include one or more of positioning a plurality of modules end to end, supporting the modules with a base, covering a junction between adjacent modules with a connector, and/or coupling a mounting portion to the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Michael S. Brackin -
METHODS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A MODULE FOR USE IN A CRASH BARRIER AND ASSEMBLY OF THE CRASH BARRIER
Publication number: 20160305080Abstract: A method of manufacturing a module suitable for use in a crash barrier includes adhering first and second cellular foam blocks to opposite sides of a diaphragm and wrapping a wrap layer around a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. In one embodiment, the wrap layer is configured as a metal cover member. Methods of assembling a crash barrier include one or more of positioning a plurality of modules end to end, supporting the modules with a base, covering a junction between adjacent modules with a connector, and/or coupling a mounting portion to the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: DEAN C. ALBERSON, D. LANCE BULLARD, JR., C. EUGENE BUTH, MICHAEL S. BRACKIN -
Patent number: 9404231Abstract: A module suitable for use in a crash barrier has a diaphragm with opposite first and second sides. First and second cellular foam blocks are coupled to the first and second sides of the diaphragm respectively. A wrap layer surrounds a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. A sealant layer may be applied to the wrap layer. The wrap layer is configured as a metal cover member. A crash barrier may be configured with one or more modules. A method of manufacturing a module includes adhering first and second cellular foam blocks to opposite sides of a diaphragm and wrapping a wrap layer around a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. A transition rail may be connected between first and second crash barriers.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Michael S. Brackin
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Publication number: 20160060832Abstract: A module suitable for use in a crash barrier has a diaphragm with opposite first and second sides. First and second cellular foam blocks are coupled to the first and second sides of the diaphragm respectively. A wrap layer surrounds a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. A sealant layer may be applied to the wrap layer. In one embodiment, the wrap layer is configured as a metal cover member. A crash barrier may be configured with one or more modules. A method of manufacturing a module includes adhering first and second cellular foam blocks to opposite sides of a diaphragm and wrapping a wrap layer around a periphery of the first and second cellular foam blocks. A transition rail may be connected between first and second crash barriers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Dean C. ALBERSON, D. Lance BULLARD, JR., C. Eugene BUTH, Michael S. BRACKIN
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Patent number: 8882082Abstract: A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 8517349Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting guardrail terminal installations that incorporate safety end treatments such as the GET and the SRT. Preferred embodiments are described wherein guardrail terminal installations are primarily anchored to the ground using weak support posts that are preferably made of metal. The ends of the guardrail installation are secured to the ground using breakaway posts. In operation, the weak posts permit the central portion of the guardrail installation to contain and redirect the vehicle during a lateral collision to the rail member. The anchorage provided by the breakaway end posts helps prevent the guardrail from being excessively displaced, thus preventing the impacting vehicle from breaking through the guardrail. In operation, guardrail terminal assemblies constructed in accordance with the present invention provide an improved support system for the rail member which is more forgiving than conventional strong post anchorages, thereby providing an improvement in safety.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Hayes E. Ross, Roger Bligh, C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 8500103Abstract: A guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam operable to contain and redirect an errant vehicle to prevent the vehicle from leaving a roadway. At least a portion of the guardrail beam includes a thrie beam. A support post is coupled to the guardrail beam and includes a lower portion, a mid portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion is installed below grade adjacent the roadway. The mid portion lies substantially adjacent the grade and is weakened about a first axis without being substantially weakened about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. An upper portion is releasably coupled to the guardrail beam such that the upper portion is uncoupled from the guardrail beam when the mid portion yields about the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Publication number: 20110057160Abstract: A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR., C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7883075Abstract: A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at the upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7694941Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an end treatment of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam that has a downstream end and an upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a first vertical height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a second vertical height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A flattening portion forms a channel through which the terminal portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. A vertical dimension of the channel is greater at a downstream end of the flattening portion than at an upstream end of the flattening portion. An impact plate is connected to the flattening portion for engaging an impacting vehicle at an end of said guardrail beam. During an end-on impact, the impact plate and the flattening portion are advanced longitudinally along the guardrail in a downstream direction by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Publication number: 20090272956Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an end treatment of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam that has a downstream end and an upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a first vertical height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a second vertical height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A flattening portion forms a channel through which the terminal portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. A vertical dimension of the channel is greater at a downstream end of the flattening portion than at an upstream end of the flattening portion. An impact plate is connected to the flattening portion for engaging an impacting vehicle at an end of said guardrail beam. During an end-on impact, the impact plate and the flattening portion are advanced longitudinally along the guardrail in a downstream direction by the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR., C. Eugene Buth
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Publication number: 20090272955Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the end terminal. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR., C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7556242Abstract: A cable guardrail release system includes a firsts number of anchor posts installed adjacent a roadway. Each of the first number of anchor posts secures an end of a respective cable. Each anchor post is operable to release the respective cable secured by the anchor post upon a vehicle impact to the anchor post. The system may include a length of need section that includes a plurality of intermediate support posts each configured to support each of the respective cables. The length of need section may include portions of each of the respective cables running in between the plurality of intermediate support posts. Each anchor post may be configured to resist release of the respective cable secured by the anchor post upon a vehicle impact to the length of need section generally at an angle to the flow of traffic on the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemsInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7516945Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cable anchor system for an end terminal includes a cable anchor bracket configured to couple to a guardrail, in which the cable anchor bracket includes a flat plate having an aperture formed therein and a plurality of protrusions extending from a plane containing the aperture. The protrusions are configured to releasably engage the guardrail.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, TRN Business TrustInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Stephen L. Brown
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Publication number: 20080121856Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for supporting guardrail posts. The system includes a foundation tube, a guardrail post partially disposed within the foundation tube, and a spacer disposed between the guardrail post and the foundation tube. The spacer has overall dimensions of approximately (a) a first dimension that is smaller than a first interior dimension of the foundation tube, (b) a second dimension that is equal to or less than a second interior dimension of the foundation tube less an exterior dimension of the guardrail post and (c) a third dimension greater than or equal to one half of the first dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Roger P. Bligh, C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7325789Abstract: Guardrail installation designs are described that incorporate a box beam rail as the structural rail member. The box beam rail member may have an open cross-section or a closed cross-section. An impact head is provided to bend and deflect the rail member during an end-on collision, allowing the rail member to be deflected away from the roadway and out of the path of an end-on impacting vehicle. The impact head includes a striking face and a chute portion that receives the box beam rail member therewithin. In addition to bending and deflecting the rail member, the impact head may also include a flattening section for flattening the rail member.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Akram Abu-Odeh
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Publication number: 20070215849Abstract: A guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam operable to contain and redirect an errant vehicle to prevent the vehicle from leaving a roadway. At least a portion of the guardrail beam includes a thrie beam. A support post is coupled to the guardrail beam and includes a lower portion, a mid portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion is installed below grade adjacent the roadway. The mid portion lies substantially adjacent the grade and is weakened about a first axis without being substantially weakened about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. An upper portion is releasably coupled to the guardrail beam such that the upper portion is uncoupled from the guardrail beam when the mid portion yields about the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, C. Eugene Buth
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Patent number: 7243908Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cable anchor system for an end terminal includes a cable anchor bracket configured to couple to a guardrail, in which the cable anchor bracket includes a flat plate having an aperture formed therein and a plurality of protrusions extending from a plane containing the aperture. The protrusions are configured to releasably engage the guardrail.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignees: The Texas A&M Univeristy System, TRN Business TrustInventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Hayes E. Ross, Jr., Stephen L. Brown