Patents by Inventor Patrick A. Leonhardt
Patrick A. Leonhardt 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: 11970826Abstract: A crash cushion includes overlapping first and second rail sections coupled with a fastener. The first rail section is moveable relative to the second rail section from a pre-impact position to an impact position in response to an axial impact to the guardrail assembly. The first rail section includes an elongated slot aligned with the fastener and having a first length. A support post is releasably connected to the first rail section and is rotatable to a laid over position after the first rail section has moved a first travel distance, wherein the first length is greater than or equal to the first travel distance.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: VALTIR, LLCInventors: Sean Thompson, Patrick Leonhardt
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Publication number: 20240072714Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement includes an inverter, a driver circuit and a protective circuit. The inverter includes a plurality of inverter switching elements each having a drive connection. The drive connection of at least one inverter switching element is connected to the driver circuit via a first switching element of the protective circuit (6). A drive connection of the first switching element is connected to a circuit node, which is connected to a first potential via a resistor and to a second potential via a second switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2021Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Sebastian Ackermann, Patrick Augustin, Vincent Leonhardt, Denis Muller, Eduard Enderle
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Publication number: 20210381181Abstract: A crash cushion includes overlapping first and second rail sections coupled with a fastener. The first rail section is moveable relative to the second rail section from a pre-impact position to an impact position in response to an axial impact to the guardrail assembly. The first rail section includes an elongated slot aligned with the fastener and having a first length. A support post is releasably connected to the first rail section and is rotatable to a laid over position after the first rail section has moved a first travel distance, wherein the first length is greater than or equal to the first travel distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Trinity Highway Products LLCInventors: Sean Thompson, Patrick Leonhardt
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Patent number: 10047488Abstract: A frangible post captures and holds a cable anchor to a guardrail. The post breaks when struck by a vehicle, releasing the cable. The frangible post may include hinge members, which bias the post so that weakened sections are put in tension when the post is struck, thereby ensuring that the post breaks cleanly and the cable is released when the post is struck. A method of releasing a cable anchor includes impacting the post, biasing the weakened sections so that they are in tension, breaking the post, and releasing the cable anchor. The post may be configured with a notch to engage the cable anchor, which is then released from the notch as the post is broken.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Patent number: 9790653Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle barrier includes a frame defining a compartment. In one embodiment, the frame includes a nose. An energy absorbing cartridge is disposed within the compartment. A retaining device is coupled to the frame, with the retaining device disposed above and extending over at least a portion of an upper surface of the cartridge. The retaining device may contact and engage the upper surface of the cartridge when the barrier is impacted by a vehicle. In this way, the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the cartridge in at least a vertical direction during the impact. Methods of using and assembling the barrier are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sean Thompson, Aaron J. Cox, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Patent number: 9399845Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Sean Thompson, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Patent number: 9200417Abstract: A guardrail system includes a guardrail, a support post, and a fastener joining the guardrail and the support post. The support post includes a hole receiving the fastener, a fastener retention mechanism, and a slot for the movement of the fastener during an impact. The fastener retention mechanism retains the fastener in the hole until a predetermined level of force is attained during an impact, after which the fastener is released and moves into the slot. Methods of moving the guardrail relative to the post are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Brian E. Smith
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Publication number: 20150069771Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a frame having a first frame member and a second frame member rigidly connected with a hinge assembly in a pre-impact configuration. The first and second frames are hingedly connected with the hinge assembly in an impact configuration, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a living hinge when the hinge assembly is in the impact configuration. A method of using the crash attenuator is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: MICHAEL J. BUEHLER, SEAN THOMPSON, PATRICK A. LEONHARDT
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Patent number: 8905382Abstract: An end terminal for a guardrail system includes an elongated guardrail beam and a flattening or reshaping device defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet vertically aligned along a longitudinal axis. The guardrail beam is moveable along the longitudinal axis through the channel from the inlet to the outlet. An anchor is vertically spaced below the outlet, with a tether coupled between the anchor and an end portion of the guardrail beam. The tether is adapted to pull the guardrail beam downwardly from a first height at the outlet to a second height vertically spaced from the first height free of any engagement with any other structure once the guardrail beam exits the outlet, and with a bending of the deformed guardrail beam in only one direction after the deformed guardrail beam leaves the outlet. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Smith, Barry D. Stephens, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Publication number: 20140145132Abstract: A guardrail system includes a guardrail, a support post, and a fastener joining the guardrail and the support post. The support post includes a hole receiving the fastener, a fastener retention mechanism, and a slot for the movement of the fastener during an impact. The fastener retention mechanism retains the fastener in the hole until a predetermined level of force is attained during an impact, after which the fastener is released and moves into the slot. Methods of moving the guardrail relative to the post are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Energy Absorpiton Systems, Inc.Inventors: PATRICK A. LEONHARDT, Brian E. Smith
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Publication number: 20140110652Abstract: A frangible post captures and holds a cable anchor to a guardrail. The post breaks when struck by a vehicle, releasing the cable. The frangible post may include hinge members, which bias the post so that weakened sections are put in tension when the post is struck, thereby ensuring that the post breaks cleanly and the cable is released when the post is struck. A method of releasing a cable anchor includes impacting the post, biasing the weakened sections so that they are in tension, breaking the post, and releasing the cable anchor. The post may be configured with a notch to engage the cable anchor, which is then released from the notch as the post is broken.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: PATRICK A. LEONHARDT
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Publication number: 20130266369Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle barrier includes a frame defining a compartment. In one embodiment, the frame includes a nose. An energy absorbing cartridge is disposed within the compartment. A retaining device is coupled to the frame, with the retaining device disposed above and extending over at least a portion of an upper surface of the cartridge. The retaining device may contact and engage the upper surface of the cartridge when the barrier is impacted by a vehicle. In this way, the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the cartridge in at least a vertical direction during the impact. Methods of using and assembling the barrier are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sean Thompson, Aaron J. Cox, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Patent number: 8469626Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle barrier includes a frame defining a compartment. In one embodiment, the frame includes a nose. An energy absorbing cartridge is disposed within the compartment. A retaining device is coupled to the frame, with the retaining device disposed above and extending over at least a portion of an upper surface of the cartridge. The retaining device may contact and engage the upper surface of the cartridge when the barrier is impacted by a vehicle. In this way, the retaining device substantially prevents movement of the cartridge in at least a vertical direction during the impact. Methods of using and assembling the barrier are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sean Thompson, Aaron J. Cox, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Patent number: 8360400Abstract: A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Patent number: 8348546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20120217459Abstract: An end terminal for a guardrail system includes an elongated guardrail beam and a flattening or reshaping device defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet vertically aligned along a longitudinal axis. The guardrail beam is moveable along the longitudinal axis through the channel from the inlet to the outlet. An anchor is vertically spaced below the outlet, with a tether coupled between the anchor and an end portion of the guardrail beam. The tether is adapted to pull the guardrail beam downwardly from a first height at the outlet to a second height vertically spaced from the first height free of any engagement with any other structure once the guardrail beam exits the outlet, and with a bending of the deformed guardrail beam in only one direction after the deformed guardrail beam leaves the outlet. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Brian Smith, Barry D. Stephens, Patrick A. Leonhardt
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Publication number: 20120211710Abstract: A guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Patent number: 8215619Abstract: A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Leonhardt, Barry D. Stephens, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Publication number: 20120128418Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: James B. Welch, Douglas E. Wilkinson, Patrick A. Leonhardt, Michael H. Oberth, Barry D. Stephens, Sean Thompson, Donald L. Crothers
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Patent number: RE47626Abstract: An end terminal for a guardrail system includes an elongated guardrail beam and a flattening or reshaping device defining a channel having an inlet and an outlet vertically aligned along a longitudinal axis. The guardrail beam is moveable along the longitudinal axis through the channel from the inlet to the outlet. An anchor is vertically spaced below the outlet, with a tether coupled between the anchor and an end portion of the guardrail beam. The tether is adapted to pull the guardrail beam downwardly from a first height at the outlet to a second height vertically spaced from the first height free of any engagement with any other structure once the guardrail beam exits the outlet, and with a bending of the deformed guardrail beam in only one direction after the deformed guardrail beam leaves the outlet. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: ENERGY ABSORPTION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Brian Smith, Barry D. Stephens, Patrick A. Leonhardt