Patents by Inventor Michael H. Oberth

Michael H. Oberth 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: 8348546
    Abstract: A method for transferring a barrier includes providing a barrier having first and second sides and a plurality of barrier modules connected end-to-end, driving a transfer vehicle along a path on the first side of the barrier, wherein the vehicle is supported entirely by a support surface on the first side of the barrier and is free of any engagement with the support surface on the second side of the barrier. The transfer vehicle includes a barrier transfer device with a support disposed above the barrier and a carriage coupled to the support. The method further includes sequentially engaging the plurality of barrier modules with the carriage, sequentially moving the plurality of barrier modules in a lateral direction with the carriage, and sequentially releasing the plurality of barrier modules from the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Welch, Douglas E. Wilkinson, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, Barry D. Stephens, Sean Thompson, Donald L. Crothers
  • Publication number: 20120128418
    Abstract: A method for transferring a barrier includes providing a barrier having first and second sides and a plurality of barrier modules connected end-to-end, driving a transfer vehicle along a path on the first side of the barrier, wherein the vehicle is supported entirely by a support surface on the first side of the barrier and is free of any engagement with the support surface on the second side of the barrier. The transfer vehicle includes a barrier transfer device with a support disposed above the barrier and a carriage coupled to the support. The method further includes sequentially engaging the plurality of barrier modules with the carriage, sequentially moving the plurality of barrier modules in a lateral direction with the carriage, and sequentially releasing the plurality of barrier modules from the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: James B. Welch, Douglas E. Wilkinson, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, Barry D. Stephens, Sean Thompson, Donald L. Crothers
  • Patent number: 8109692
    Abstract: A barrier transfer device includes a cantilevered support arm and a carriage coupled to the support arm. The carriage includes at least a pair of barrier interface members extending downwardly from the support arm. The barrier interface members are configured to engage a barrier on opposite sides thereof when the barrier. A system for transferring a barrier includes a transfer vehicle having an outermost portion on each of first and second opposite sides of the transfer vehicle. The cantilevered support arm is coupled to the transfer vehicle and extends laterally outwardly past the outermost portion of the transfer vehicle on the first side of the transfer vehicle. A moveable barrier system includes at least one barrier having first and second sides and a bottom adapted to be supported by a ground surface and a transfer vehicle having a barrier interface element engaging only a first side of said barrier. Methods for transferring a barrier are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Welch, Douglas E. Wilkinson, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, Barry D. Stephens, Sean Thompson, Donald L. Crothers
  • Patent number: 7758277
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090129860
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN F. LATURNER, MICHAEL H. OBERTH, DOUGLAS E. WILKINSON
  • Publication number: 20090074507
    Abstract: A barrier transfer device includes a cantilevered support arm and a carriage coupled to the support arm. The carriage includes at least a pair of barrier interface members extending downwardly from the support arm. The barrier interface members are configured to engage a barrier on opposite sides thereof when the barrier. A system for transferring a barrier includes a transfer vehicle having an outermost portion on each of first and second opposite sides of the transfer vehicle. The cantilevered support arm is coupled to the transfer vehicle and extends laterally outwardly past the outermost portion of the transfer vehicle on the first side of the transfer vehicle. A moveable barrier system includes at least one barrier having first and second sides and a bottom adapted to be supported by a ground surface and a transfer vehicle having a barrier interface element engaging only a first side of said barrier. Methods for transferring a barrier are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: James B. Welch, Douglas E. Wilkinson, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, Barry D. Stephens, Sean Thompson, Donald L. Crothers
  • Patent number: 7484906
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes first, second and third bays. The first bay is positioned forwardly of the second bay and the second bay is positioned forwardly of the third bay. The first, second and third bays each have energy absorbing structures with first, second and third impact strengths respectively. The first impact strength is greater than the third impact strength, which is greater than the second impact strength. In another aspect, a deformable tube is at least partially filled with a secondary component, which filled portion has a greater deformation strength than unfilled portions of the tube. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels. A connector includes a first strap portion disposed in a valley of and connected to the first side panel and a second strap portion disposed adjacent to and connected to a ridge of the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7396184
    Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes front and rear anchors spaced along a longitudinal direction and at least one deformable attenuator member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first end coupled to the front anchor and a second end coupled to the rear anchor. A support member is positioned adjacent the attenuator member and is moveable in the longitudinal direction relative thereto between at least an initial position and an impact position toward the rear anchor and away from the front anchor. At least one deforming member is mounted on the support member and is engaged with at least a portion of the attenuator member. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels each having at least one longitudinally extending ridge and at least one longitudinally extending valley. The first side panel is moveable relative to the second side panel in response to an axial force being applied to the elongated frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. La Turner, Michael H. Oberth, Douglas E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6142452
    Abstract: A highway guardrail includes an elongated metal plate that forms at least one ridge. The plate includes weakened regions extending at least partially across the plate, and these weakened regions are oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to form at least one elongated fold region at which the plate tends to buckle when subjected to a sufficiently large column load. This fold region is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to push the forward end of the guardrail downwardly in an axial collapse. The forward end of the guardrail includes a cable that passes through an opening in the forward support post. A split washer is positioned around this cable adjacent to the forward support post. The split washer includes first and second load transferring members that readily separate from one another after the first support post breaks at the opening in an axial impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen S. Denman, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, James B. Welch, Lincoln C. Cobb
  • Patent number: 5967497
    Abstract: A highway guardrail includes an elongated metal plate that forms at least one ridge. The plate includes weakened regions extending at least partially across the plate, and these weakened regions are oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to form at least one elongated fold region at which the plate tends to buckle when subjected to a sufficiently large column load. This fold region is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction to push the forward end of the guardrail downwardly in an axial collapse. The forward end of the guardrail includes a cable that passes through an opening in the forward support post. A split washer is positioned around this cable adjacent to the forward support post. The split washer includes first and second load transferring members that readily separate from one another after the first support post breaks at the opening in an axial impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen S. Denman, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, James B. Welch, Lincoln C. Cobb
  • Patent number: 5868521
    Abstract: A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide rail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Oberth, David C. Gertz, John V. Machado, Barry D. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5733062
    Abstract: A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide rail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Oberth, John V. Machado
  • Patent number: 5577861
    Abstract: A crash attenuator for an exposed end of a concrete highway barrier includes a light weight array of sheet metal energy-absorbing elements interposed between diaphragms. The crash attenuator is cantilevered from one end of the barrier by a mounting arrangement that includes mounting tubes on the barrier and the attenuator that can be quickly secured together by removable pins. The energy-absorbing elements define a single row of tubular columns in forward portions of the crash attenuator and two rows of tubular columns in rearward portions of the crash attenuator. Vehicle deflecting members extend between the barrier and the crash attenuator and can fold against the barrier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Oberth, John V. Machado
  • Patent number: 5494371
    Abstract: A crash attenuator for an exposed end of a concrete highway barrier includes a light weight array of sheet metal energy-absorbing elements interposed between diaphragms. The crash attenuator is cantilevered from one end of the barrier by a mounting arrangement that includes mounting tubes on the barrier and the attenuator that can be quickly secured together by removable pins. The energy-absorbing elements define a single row of tubular columns in forward portions of the crash attenuator and two rows of tubular columns in rearward portions of the crash attenuator. Vehicle deflecting members extend between the barrier and the crash attenuator and can fold against the barrier for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Oberth, John V. Machado
  • Patent number: RE41988
    Abstract: A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide tail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael H. Oberth, John V. Machado