Patents by Inventor D. Lance Bullard, Jr.

D. Lance Bullard, Jr. 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).

  • Patent number: 11326314
    Abstract: A cable anchor deflector bracket includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to a guardrail at a location adjacent to a cable anchor bracket, which is an attachment point where a cable couples to the guardrail. The second portion slopes outwardly away from the guardrail and is proximate to an end of the cable anchor bracket and the end of the cable anchor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10851503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Roger P. Bligh, Akram Y. Abu-Odeh
  • Publication number: 20200115865
    Abstract: A cable anchor deflector bracket includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to a guardrail at a location adjacent to a cable anchor bracket, which is an attachment point where a cable couples to the guardrail. The second portion slopes outwardly away from the guardrail and is proximate to an end of the cable anchor bracket and the end of the cable anchor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR.
  • Patent number: 9528232
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Michael S. Brackin
  • Publication number: 20160305080
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: DEAN C. ALBERSON, D. LANCE BULLARD, JR., C. EUGENE BUTH, MICHAEL S. BRACKIN
  • Patent number: 9404231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth, Michael S. Brackin
  • Publication number: 20160060832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Dean C. ALBERSON, D. Lance BULLARD, JR., C. Eugene BUTH, Michael S. BRACKIN
  • Patent number: 9228304
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system including an anchor configured to be disposed within a foundation, wherein an upper side of the anchor is configured to be exposed at a surface of the foundation and a wedge-style anti-ram security barrier configured to mechanically couple to the anchor and mount to the surface of the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20150159333
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system including an anchor configured to be disposed within a foundation, wherein an upper side of the anchor is configured to be exposed at a surface of the foundation and a wedge-style anti-ram security barrier configured to mechanically couple to the anchor and mount to the surface of the foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8956072
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system including an anchor configured to be disposed within a foundation, wherein an upper side of the anchor is configured to be exposed at a surface of the foundation and a wedge-style anti-ram security barrier configured to mechanically couple to the anchor and mount to the surface of the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8882082
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
  • Publication number: 20140234024
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system including an anchor configured to be disposed within a foundation, wherein an upper side of the anchor is configured to be exposed at a surface of the foundation and a wedge-style anti-ram security barrier configured to mechanically couple to the anchor and mount to the surface of the foundation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: Moog Inc., The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8500103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
  • Patent number: 8118516
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system having a stanchion, a linearly extendable energy absorber coupled to the stanchion, a net coupled to the energy absorber, wherein the net transfers force to the energy absorber, and a securing mechanism that maintains tension between the net and the energy absorber until acted upon by tensile forces of at least a minimum threshold force, wherein at least a portion of the system is retractable into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Joseph Vellozzi, John S. Paner, Norman D. Mackenzie, Shubin Ruan, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Dean C. Alberson
  • Publication number: 20110057160
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR., C. Eugene Buth
  • Patent number: 7883075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
  • Publication number: 20100275515
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system having a stanchion, a linearly extendable energy absorber coupled to the stanchion, a net coupled to the energy absorber, wherein the net transfers force to the energy absorber, and a securing mechanism that maintains tension between the net and the energy absorber until acted upon by tensile forces of at least a minimum threshold force, wherein at least a portion of the system is retractable into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Joseph Vellozzi, John S. Paner, Norman D. Mackenzie, Shubin Ruan, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Dean C. Alberson
  • Patent number: 7785031
    Abstract: A heavy duty ground retractable automobile barrier for a railroad crossing. Concrete bunkers are placed at each side of a roadway. An upstanding concrete-filled steel pipe fixed in each bunker has a sleeve for rotational and axial movement. Shock absorbers are mounted on each sleeve. A net extends across the road and is attached to the opposite ends of the shock absorbers. Collision of an automobile with the net creates tensile forces in the net. The shock absorbers expand while rotating about the pipe's axis in response to tensile forces from the net that meet or exceed a minimum threshold. Forces from the net pass through the axis of the steel pipe. The net is stored in a pit transverse the roadway parallel to the railroad tracks and is raised and lowered as appropriate. The net includes a cable that extends across the road in a wave pattern, having peaks, valleys and midpoints, wherein tangents of the wave midpoints are at least 90 degrees from tangents of the peaks and valleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Safety Response, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Vellozzi, Matthew A. Gelfand, John S. Paner, Norman D. Mackenzie, Shubin Ruan, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Dean C. Alberson
  • Patent number: 7694941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr., C. Eugene Buth
  • Publication number: 20090272955
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh, Dean C. Alberson, Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR., C. Eugene Buth