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).
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Patent number: 11326314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, Jr.
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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: 20200115865Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Roger P. Bligh, D. Lance Bullard, JR.
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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: 9228304Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignees: 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
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Publication number: 20150159333Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
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Patent number: 8956072Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignees: 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
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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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Publication number: 20140234024Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicants: Moog Inc., The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Michael S. Brackin, Dean C. Alberson, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Russell J. Norris, Craig R. Ackerman, Donald L. Moffett, James A. Kowalski
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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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Patent number: 8118516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: 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
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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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Publication number: 20100275515Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Matthew A. Gelfand, Joseph Vellozzi, John S. Paner, Norman D. Mackenzie, Shubin Ruan, D. Lance Bullard, JR., Dean C. Alberson
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Patent number: 7785031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: 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
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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: 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