Yielding Patents (Class 404/10)
  • Patent number: 6813860
    Abstract: A railroad crossing gate is repaired by lowering the crossing gate mechanism with a lever. The end of the lever can contain a conical opening mating with the conical pivot pin on the gate mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne Board Burnette, Charles Glenn Perkins
  • Patent number: 6790021
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing or refurbishing thermoplastic drums. A damaged drum, or at least a damaged portion thereof, is heated until it reaches a softened state and is then drawn over a template, or mold, having the substantially the same shape and size of an undamaged drum. The drum is allowed to cool sufficiently to return to its hardened state, whereby it substantially assumes the shape of the template. The refurbished drum is then removed from the template and is essentially ready to be used again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Dowling & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil E. Dowling, Ray P. Richard, Samuel G. Dowling, Johnny M. Seago
  • Patent number: 6773201
    Abstract: A modular energy absorbing soft wall system consisting of a plurality of partially overlapping interlocking panel structures slidably mounted on anchors on the side surface of an elongated concrete roadway barrier or median. Each panel consists of a flexible core layer sandwiched between an front and rear high density plastic layer. The core layer consists of a plurality of vertically extending air chambers. An elongated top piece with a flat bottom and an arched top is secured to the top portion of the core layer. The bottom portion of the system rests upon intermittent supports which extend to the road surface. During a vehicular impact energy is absorbed when the plastic layers deform, the chambers collapse, and the trapped air in the chambers escapes out apertures in the inner plastic layer and through the bottom of the rubber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Witcher
  • Patent number: 6769833
    Abstract: A vehicular barrier post includes an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular stand-off. The upper portion is joined to a rocking base having a tubular bottom portion telescopically received in the stand-off. The upper end of a tension spring is secured to the upper body portion by a pin. The lower end of the spring is attached to a tension member, such as a chain, which passes through the stand-off so as to be received in a hole in a suitable external support. The chain is pulled past the external support and when the spring is appropriately tensioned, a locking pin is passed through the chain, preventing its reverse travel through the external support. The upper body portion is allowed to freely rock about the stand-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James Kokenes
  • Publication number: 20040141808
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds constructed of cellular concrete at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units resistant to such effects are described. A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft overrunning a runway. Relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material, such as a foam layer, positioned under the frangible material may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A fastening configuration at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn Allen, Richard D. Angley, John L. Gordon, Peter T. Mahal, Silvia C. Valentini
  • Patent number: 6761000
    Abstract: An infoboard having at least one board part intended for an imprint, the infoboard comprising a frame carrying the at least one board part, the frame near an underside being firmly connected with the base, which base has such a weight that the infoboard is only movable by means of a lifting crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bordbusters B.V. i.o.
    Inventors: Eric Cornelis Johannes Hendrikus Heijting, Jan Kemperman, Alexander Richardus Maria Hubers, Theodorus Hermanus Klaassen
  • Publication number: 20040076469
    Abstract: A flexible parking post is provided with an aluminum base, a flexible support and a rigid square tube which are mechanically fastened together, thus resulting in a durable device that may be used to easily display signs in parking lots or any other location. It can also be used to act as a barrier at the end of a parking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Sylvain Audet
  • Patent number: 6719484
    Abstract: A marker support for use on a ground surface utilizing a base member having a flexible body. The base member includes a first surface with a plurality of flaps which extend outwardly from the same. The second surface is intended to contact the ground. An upright member is positioned to extend outwardly from the first surface and includes an area for accommodating the plurality of flaps. The plurality of flaps are linked to the base member by an element located within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6715735
    Abstract: A guardrail extruder terminal includes a rail feeder chute associated with a downstream end of the guardrail extruder terminal. The terminal also includes an impact portion associated with an upstream end thereof. The impact portion is coupled to the upstream end of the rail feeder chute and includes an impact plate positioned to face oncoming traffic, a first side member coupled to the impact plate and positioned on a roadway side of the guardrail extruder terminal, and a second side member coupled to the impact plate and positioned opposite the first side member. The impact portion may include a top plate and a bottom plate, each being coupled between the first and second side members. The top and bottom plates each have a traffic side edge positioned to face a roadway that is approximately flush with a traffic side of the rail feeder chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Roger Bligh, Steve Brown, Eugene Buth, Hayes E. Ross
  • Patent number: 6702513
    Abstract: An impact barrier provides an impact absorbing wall surface for racecar tracks. The present invention comprises a car-contacting panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. The steel wall bottom edge is disposed in a groove at the periphery of a roadway and a bladder contacts the steel wall. In the case of a car hitting the impact barrier the bladder would deflate and absorb some of the force of the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: James E. Raupach
  • Patent number: 6702511
    Abstract: A reusable energy absorbing device constructed of an air bag, with one or more air chambers, in front of an obstruction (e.g., a concrete wall). The air bag has a release valve in each air chamber to release the trapped air at extreme pressure within and at a controlled rate. The air bag having a mechanical and/or electronic device to indicate the air bags internal air pressure. The electronic devices to be used to check air pressure level and monitor for a crash. The air bag is protected by a metal strike plate that is hinged on one edge. The hinge is anchored to the existing obstruction. The metal strike plate is held in place over the air bag by one or more restraints (e.g., cable) opposite the hinged edge. The restraints are to prevent the metal strike plate from swinging into the line of traffic after an impact. The metal strike plate is to point away from the on coming traffic. The metal strike plate is set between 5 degrees and 60 degrees to the obstruction and the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Rockford Roy Russell
  • Patent number: 6688805
    Abstract: Pre-cast curbside access ramp and methods of making and installing the same. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-cast ramp is a quasi-trapezoidal member shaped to include an integrally formed curb portion, a trapezoidal central portion disposed behind the curb portion and a pair of generally triangular side portions disposed behind the curb portion and seamlessly transitioning from opposite sides of the central portion. The ramp is made using a forming apparatus comprising an inner form positioned within an outer form. The inner form, which is more shallow than the outer form, is filled with gravel. A steel grid is then positioned within the outer form and over the inner form. The outer form is then filled with concrete, which is then shaped, screeded, edged, grooved, troweled and allowed to harden within the outer form. When removed from the outer form, the bottom of the cast is provided with a weight-reducing recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Edmund T. Kochling
  • Patent number: 6685387
    Abstract: Aircraft arresting beds constructed of cellular concrete at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units resistant to such effects are described. A block of compressible material, such as cellular concrete, provides compressive failure characteristics suitable for arresting travel of an aircraft overrunning a runway. A top sheet of relatively thin frangible material positioned above the block provides a stronger, more damage resistant surface, while still readily fracturing in an arresting incident. Intermediate material, such as a foam layer, under the top sheet may be included to provide a protective cushioning effect by mitigating transmission of external phenomena forces to the block. A wrapping, such as polyester net, at least partially enclosing other portions of the arresting unit provides a stable unified composite, without destroying desired compressive failure characteristics of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Allen, Richard D. Angley, John L. Gordon, Peter T. Mahal, Silvia C. Valentini
  • Patent number: 6685857
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or refurbishing thermoplastic drums, by which a damaged drum, or at least a damaged portion thereof, is heated until it reaches a softened state and is then drawn over a template, or mold, having the substantially the same shape and size of an undamaged drum. The drum is allowed to cool sufficiently to return to its hardened state, whereby it substantially assumes the shape of the template. The refurbished drum is then removed from the template and is essentially ready to be used again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dowling & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil E. Dowling, Ray P. Richard, Samuel G. Dowling, Johnny M. Seago
  • Publication number: 20040007654
    Abstract: A modular sign stand. The preferred embodiment consists primarily of a base portion attached to a breakaway column The base portion is intended to be driven into the ground. The breakaway column supports an attached sign The breakaway column is pierced by one or more breakaway holes at a position just above the ground. When the sign stand is struck by a moving vehicle, the one or more breakaway holes cause the breakaway column to fracture in a predictable fashion near its attachment to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Vega
  • Patent number: 6672008
    Abstract: A railroad gate release mechanism which attaches between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement by a vehicle. The railroad gate release mechanism includes a pivotable arm assembly which allows released movement in two directions of the crossing arm in reaction to impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detented position subsequent to impingement to maintain grade crossing protection. An alternative embodiment includes a pair of swing plates and an elongated arm to which is attached a crossing arm, the elongated arm with the attached crossing arm is pivoted to the pair of swing plates in such manner that the elongated arm and attached crossing arm can be pivoted aside without moving the swing plates for crossing arm maintenance without impeding vehicular traffic flow across the grade crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: MTR, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Luetzow, Richard L. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 6637971
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable high molecular weight, high density polyethylene guardrail designed for economical construction and rapid replacement of the elements comprising the guardrail system. This guardrail system is energy absorbing and comprises a plurality of stanchions, a plurality of connector sleeves, a horizontal barrier engaging the connector sleeves, and a plurality of location devices containing a contact surface used to support the connector sleeves. In the guardrail system, the stanchions engage the ground while the connector sleeves encompass a portion of the stanchion protruding from the ground. The horizontal barrier traverses consecutive connector sleeves by passing through from the exterior to the interior and back to the exterior of a connector sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: John F. Carney, III, Malcolm H. Ray
  • Patent number: 6637972
    Abstract: An inertial barrier system comprises inertial barriers formed of two modules, each of them being differently sized and being adapted to stack one upon the other. An interlocking geometry on each of the mating ends of modules assists in obtaining a secure stacking arrangement. One of the two modules functions as a container, facing upwardly so that its volumetric capacity is available for filling by a particulate ballasting material. The lower module functions only as a pedestal for the support of the upper module. The upper module is advantageously fillable to different predetermined levels, so that the apparatus, comprising the joined lower and upper modules, is capable of functioning as differently weighted barrier systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: David C Gertz
  • Patent number: 6626606
    Abstract: A pylon or barrier arrangement which is recessed into the ground or other surface and includes a post-like pylon which is movable between an extended position for control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and a retracted position beneath the ground. Movement of the pylon is achieved by a linear-type drive mechanism which acts as a clutch by decoupling from an upright and rotatable smooth drive shaft during abrupt downward driving of the pylon to avoid damage to the internal components of the arrangement. A sealing arrangement is provided for preventing the entry of debris into the interior of the pylon arrangement, and a heating unit is provided for preventing seizure of the arrangement during harsh weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: National Sign & Signal Co.
    Inventor: Dwight David Johnson
  • Patent number: 6623204
    Abstract: A vehicle impact attenuator includes a rail and at least one guide member moveable along the rail. At least a portion of the guide member is rotatable relative to the rail about a vertical axis by at least ±10° without binding the guide member against the rail. At least one energy absorbing element is located adjacent said guide member. A method of attenuating the impact of a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Buehler
  • Patent number: 6619630
    Abstract: A breakaway support post (18, 210) is provided for a highway guardrail system (10) to enhance safety of a vehicle impacting with either the rail face of the guardrail (16) or one end of the guardrail facing oncoming traffic. The breakaway support post may have upper and lower portions (26, 28) with releasable coupling assembly (29, 211) disposed therebetween to maintain the upper and lower portions generally aligned prior to impact of a vehicle with one end of the guardrail. The breakaway support post may also have releasable coupling (301) disposed between the upper and lower portions and cable (303). The releasable coupling may allow the upper portion to separate from the lower portion. The cable may be released during separation of the upper and lower portions. The coupling assembly preferably provides sufficient support during a rail face impact to direct an impacting vehicle back onto the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Patent number: 6619629
    Abstract: A guide device for guiding drivers and their vehicles into and out of vehicle parking spaces. The guide device comprises an operating arm, which is attached to a surface by two brackets, namely an outer bracket and an inner bracket. A cam plinth is situated between the two brackets. The guide device is arranged such that the arm can pivot relative to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Boswell
  • Patent number: 6616368
    Abstract: A traffic barricade includes a base which supports an upright member. The base includes two removably interlocking sections, each having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portions defines a socket for closely receiving a tab extending from the upright member. A deformably resilient material surrounds the socket, permitting the upright member to deflect slightly and return to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The upright member incorporates integral structural supports which permit the barricade upright member to maintain an upright member orientation without additional external support mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Custom Plastech, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry M. Birchler, Kia-Sheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 6616369
    Abstract: An impact recovery delineation quick connect/disconnect adapter system having studs and an alignment pin that enables an operator to connect and/or disconnect a delineation panel, support post and load cell from the supporting base (fixed or portable) without the use of any tools. The load cell provides for radially aligned slots in a shoulder portion to allow the load cell to engage and lock with studs that are connected to the supporting base when the load cell is rotated about its vertical axis. The studs are particularly geometrically configured and have shoulders that are larger than the stud barrel and have heads that are larger than the shoulders which results in a mechanical locking between the slots and the studs upon rotation of the cell with respect to the stationary studs. A quick release detent pin passes through aligned passages in the lower load cell element and supporting base to prevent rotation of the load cell with respect to the horizontal axis of the base after connection is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Flexco
    Inventor: Richard O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20030165356
    Abstract: Roadside barrier including barrier sections coupled to one another, each having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion extending upward from the horizontal portion and a front plate coupled to the vertical portion and adapted to receive an impact from a vehicle. The vertical portion extends upward from a middle region of the horizontal portion to form a T-shaped structure. A vehicle impacting the front plate is situated on a front part of the horizontal portion thereby preventing the vehicle from tipping over. A mass, such as gravel or sand, is placed on a rear part of the horizontal portion, either loose or in a barrel or box. The barrier section is optionally designed to provide an increased drag once moved from its installation position, for example, by forming downwardly-extending protrusions on a lower surface of the horizontal portion which are adapted to penetrate the ground below the barrier section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 6604888
    Abstract: An energy absorbing safety barrier is made of at least one horizontal stack of used tires, bolted together at the sidewalls. Both ends of the stack are closed by attached plates or an adjoining barrier. When the stack is struck axially, air escapes from the stack at a controlled rate through vents formed by forming U-shaped cuts in the tires. The vents close at the end of the impact to reduce or eliminate rebound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Donald L. Dolan
  • Publication number: 20030143023
    Abstract: A reactive speed hump (2) includes a fluid flow control valve assembly (4). A first valve (18, 20, 21) is naturally open and a second A valve (10, 14, 15, 16, 17), naturally closed. Application of fluid pressure on the control valve assembly below a first lower threshold level or above a second higher threshold level allows a flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, but an application of fluid pressure on the control valve between said first and second threshold levels allows substantially no fluid to flow between the inlet (7) and the outlet (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Graham Heeks, Nigel Peter Fox
  • Patent number: 6568877
    Abstract: A delineator pole (10) includes a top portion (10A), a center portion (10C) and a bottom portion (10B) and is intended to be rotatably mounted in the ground (50) adjacent a road. When a bumper contacts the delineator pole the bumper rotates the delineator pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Donald F. Behrens
  • Patent number: 6554256
    Abstract: An end terminal assembly of a highway guardrail system to enhance safety of a vehicle impacting an end of the guardrail facing oncoming traffic. The guardrail system includes a W-beam type guardrail mounted on a plurality of posts adjacent to the side of a highway. The guardrail includes at least one W-shaped beam having a first edge curl and a second edge curls. A kinetic energy absorbing assembly is integrally engaged with the one end of guardrail to stretch portions of at least one W-shaped beam to dissipate energy from an impacting vehicle. An anchor assembly may be provided as part of the end terminal assembly to provide tension support as desired for the guardrail during rail face impacts and a cable anchor bracket which releases from the guardrail during a head on impact with the end of the guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: ICOM Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlos M. Ochoa
  • Patent number: 6551010
    Abstract: A vehicle impact system includes a road accommodating vehicle traffic in a direction along its center line, a support structure and first and second adjacent energy-absorbing fender elements supported by the support structure and extending adjacent to the road. Each of the first and second adjacent energy-absorbing fender elements includes an elastomeric leg extending non-parallel from the support structure and a contact panel extending from the leg. The contact panel has a contact surface extending substantially parallel to the road center line, a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end of the first adjacent fender element faces the rearward end of the second adjacent fender element such that when the contact surface of the first adjacent fender element is engaged by a vehicle, the leg of the first adjacent fender element resiliently flexes to move the forward end of the first adjacent fender element into engagement with the rearward end of the second adjacent fender element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Kiedaisch, Michael A. Langford, Michael J. Grimsley, Lars G. Jonsson, Mats A. Malmberg, Bengt L. Dehlen
  • Patent number: 6551012
    Abstract: A guard rail construction comprises support elements to be provided at a side of a road and a guard member attached hereto, wherein, when a vehicle touches the guard member in and adjacent the collision point thereof, one or more support elements can pivot in rearward direction relative to the road about a pivot point and can absorb at least a part of the collision energy. The guard rail construction can pivot in rearward direction to such an extent that it can be supported on the ground by a support point. The angle &phgr; between the line through the pivot point and the collision point and the line through the pivot point and the support point is greater than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nederladnse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk on-Derzoek Tno
    Inventors: Laurentius Maria J. A. Hoebergen, Frederik Johan Wiltink
  • Patent number: 6536985
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate the severity of a collision between a moving motor vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent to a roadside hazard such as the end of a concrete barrier facing oncoming traffic. The energy absorbing system preferably includes at least one energy absorbing element. A sled assembly is also provided with a cutter plate such that a collision by the motor vehicle with one end of the sled assembly will result in the cutter plate tearing or ripping the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the motor vehicle collision. The configuration and number of energy absorbing assemblies and the configuration and number of energy absorbing elements may be varied depending upon the intended application for the resulting energy absorbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Exodyne Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Patent number: 6536986
    Abstract: Apparatus for absorbing energy when impacted by a vehicle includes a plurality of vertical, spaced supports. Positioned between the supports are energy absorbing, collapsible, pressurizable modules having two connected module segments. Each module segment has an outer wall in the form of a truncated cone extending away from an end of the energy absorbing module and diverging outwardly in the direction of the other module segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Barrier Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Anghileri, Franz M. Muller, Owen S. Denman
  • Patent number: 6533495
    Abstract: A deformable panel member is provided for absorbing the energy of a moving object impacting the panel member. The panel member is adapted to be connected to a rigid member and has a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls extending between and interconnecting the front and rear walls. A support member in panel member extends between and interconnects at least two of the walls. The side walls are adapted to be angled relative to the rigid member in a direction of movement of the object when the panel member is mounted to the rigid member. An impact on the panel member will tend to deform the panel member toward the rigid member in the direction of movement of the object. This deformation allows the panel member to absorb the energy of the object for decelerating and redirecting the object subsequent to impact. An energy absorbing barrier is also provided comprising a plurality of the panel members mounted at spaced intervals along the rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Tim Lee Williams, Bret A. Conway
  • Patent number: 6523872
    Abstract: Crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object including a frame mountable to the structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from the object, a movable displacement structure interposed between the frame and bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating impact energy of the object received by the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position. The energy dissipation system includes one or more deformable members which deform upon movement of the displacement structure from the first position toward the second position with such deformation causing dissipation of impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 6520711
    Abstract: A shock absorption stand for a road, which is capable of minimizing shock at the time of collision and making a car progress forward by having a roller and by being installed in a roadside, a central line, a pier, a guardrail of bridge or a wall surface of underground roadway. The shock absorption stand for a road includes upper and lower plates, shaft rods mounted between the upper and lower plates in regular intervals, and a plurality of roller rotatably mounted on the shaft rods. The rollers are made of a material capable of absorbing shock, such as rubber, synthetic resin or steel pipes. When the car collides, the shock absorption stand buffs shock and makes the car advance forward in the progressive direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Geo Do Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 6516573
    Abstract: A support post or coupling for a sign post assembly having an integrated breakaway system. The post or coupling has a selected predetermined shape and is adapted for carrying an associated structure. The post or coupling includes an integral weakened region providing an area of structural weakness for allowing the support post to shear upon impact by a vehicle traveling at a minimum speed and impacting the support post from a desired impact angle. The integral weakened region is formed by reducing the cross-sectional area of a portion of the support post such that it is slightly less than the cross-sectional area of the remainder of the support post. The integral weakened region may be formed by swaging the support post, by scoring a groove within the support post, or by creating a series of dimples or perforations within the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Flow Services AG
    Inventors: Kevin R. Farrell, Paul C. Stallman, II, Fred Kuhn, Richard Berkemeier
  • Patent number: 6517279
    Abstract: A safety barrier for roads, used as a traffic divider, includes a double row of concrete made New Jersey barrier elements which allow the realization of a hedge on earth interposed between the barrier elements. The earth is contained in a sack made of nonwoven fabric, fixed, to both barrier elements, so as to leave gaps behind the rear walls of the barrier elements. The gaps together with a plurality of sliders or runners provided on the barrier's base, allow during impact a controlled displacement of the barrier elements. The calibration of decelerations is adjusted by the material used for the sliders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Autostrade Concessioni e Construzioni Autostrade S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Camomilla, Stefano Bruschi
  • Patent number: 6505993
    Abstract: A method and a device for braking vehicles, in particular race car vehicles at the edge of a racetrack, whereby an elastic, safety wall consisting of individual elements linked together movably like a chain and extending far beyond the critical location is arranged in a clearance adjacent to the critical location of the racetrack. A vehicle coming off the racetrack and colliding with the safety wall is braked by the elastic movement of the safety wall with the vehicle. This inexpensive method of manufacturing a safe safety wall guarantees linear and soft deceleration of a vehicle, greatly improving the safety of the race car drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Reinhard Diem
  • Patent number: 6505820
    Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave the roadway, a guardrail system includes a guardrail terminal and a guardrail. The guardrail terminal includes cutting members positioned to cut said guardrail as guardrail moves within said guardrail terminal and the guardrail terminal moves with respect to the guardrail to cut the guardrail when impacted by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kothmann Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, Brian G. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6491470
    Abstract: An inertial barrier system comprises inertial barriers formed of two modules, each of them being differently sized and being adapted to stack one upon the other. An interlocking geometry on each of the mating ends of modules assists in obtaining a secure stacking arrangement. One of the two modules functions as a container, facing upwardly so that its volumetric capacity is available for filling by a particulate ballasting material. The lower module functions only as a pedestal for the support of the upper module. The upper module is fillable to different predetermined levels, so that the apparatus, comprising the joined lower and upper modules, is capable of functioning as differently weighted barrier systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Traffix Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Gertz
  • Patent number: 6488268
    Abstract: A support post for a guardrail which resists impact by a motor vehicle from one direction (strong direction) and yields to impact by a motor vehicle from another direction (weak direction). The support post is adapted to receive the guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong direction such that the support post resists an impact on the rail face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: James R. Albritton
  • Patent number: 6485226
    Abstract: A method of employing a safe and effective flexible plastic curb and gutter. The method of installing a curb along the side of a road having a lower layer prior to laying a top layer of asphalt on the road comprises providing elongated curb strips each having i) a horizontal holding side portion having spaced openings cut therealong; and, ii) a uniformly continuous upright trough portion having a lower edge portion continuously attached to the outer edge of the horizontal side portion. An upper edge portion of the upright trough portion is adapted to extend above the upper layer of asphalt so that water running off the road is channelled along an inner side of the upright trough portion. The horizontal holding side portion of the elongated strip is seated along and parallel to an outside edge portion of the lower layer so when the top layer of asphalt is laid thereon adhesion between the layers through the openings therethrough hold the elongate curb strip in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Bill A. Harger
  • Patent number: 6470626
    Abstract: A railroad gate release mechanism which attaches between the mount arms of a railroad gate actuator and a crossing arm to prevent breakage of the crossing arm due to impingement by a vehicle. The railroad gate release mechanism includes a pivotable arm assembly which allows movement of the crossing arm in two directions in response to the impingement and returns the crossing arm to the original and detented position subsequent to the impingement to maintain grade crossing protection. Spring assemblies, a shock absorber and a spring centering assembly act to return the pivotable arm assembly and attached crossing arm to the normal detented position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: MTR, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Luetzow, Richard L. Luetzow
  • Publication number: 20020150423
    Abstract: A vehicular barrier post includes an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular stand-off. The upper portion is joined to a rocking base having a tubular bottom portion telescopically received in the stand-off. The upper end of a tension spring is secured to the upper body portion by a pin. The lower end of the spring is attached to a tension member, such as a chain, which passes through the stand-off so as to be received in a hole in a suitable external support. The chain is pulled past the external support and when the spring is appropriately tensioned, a locking pin is passed through the chain, preventing its reverse travel through the external support. The upper body portion is allowed to freely rock about the stand-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenas
  • Patent number: 6454488
    Abstract: An energy absorbing system comprising a plurality of break-away post elements sequentially spaced to be sheared off by impact of a vehicle. Each post element individually absorbs and decelerates the impacting vehicle at a pre-determined rate that in multiple successive impacts slows the vehicle to a stop before the barrier or to an acceptable speed within the design requirements for impact with a barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: David Lewis, Sr., David Hubbell, William Bryson, William Atwood
  • Publication number: 20020122693
    Abstract: A slip base support system for tubular posts. The post supporting a highway sign or other highway roadside device is held in a casting that has a triangular, multi-directional base plate. The base plate mates with a similar shaped ground plate, and the two plates are held together with bolts oriented in notches in the apexes of each triangle. Upon impact by a vehicle, the post and support casting break away from the ground plate by ejecting one or more of the bolts laterally from the notches. The post is held within the casting after impact by an internal locking pin, which is retained within the post by grommets, thus minimizing the projectile missiles after impact. To facilitate breakaway, two sheets of galvanized steel having a low coefficient of friction are positioned between the base plate and ground plate. After impact, nearly all parts of the system, including the post, casting, ground plate and bolts, are able to be re-used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Northwest Pipe Company
    Inventor: Horace M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6428237
    Abstract: Crash cushion apparatus for a roadway barrier includes a noseplace assembly, one or more impact absorption elements, and a transition/attachment assembly. The impact absorption elements, and include containers with collapsible sides having different numbers of vertical indentations used to control wall collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Barrier Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Duckett
  • Patent number: 6416248
    Abstract: An impact recovery delineation quick connect/disconnect adapter system having studs and an alignment pin that enables an operator to connect and/or disconnect a delineation panel, support post and load cell from the supporting base (fixed or portable) without the use of any tools. The load cell provides for radially aligned slots in a shoulder portion to allow the load cell to engage and lock with studs that are connected to the supporting base when the load cell is rotated about its vertical axis. The studs are particularly geometrically configured and have shoulders that are larger than the stud barrel and have heads that are larger than the shoulders which results in a mechanical locking between the slots and the studs upon rotation of the cell with respect to the stationary studs. A quick release detent pin passes through aligned passages in the lower load cell element and supporting base to prevent rotation of the load cell with respect to the horizontal axis of the base after connection is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Flexco
    Inventor: Richard O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20020056251
    Abstract: A stanchion with sleeve includes an elongated member secured to a fixed structure and extending generally linearly away from the fixed structure. The sleeve has an elongated body extending curvilinearly between two opposing ends. An interior cavity extends along the sleeve and through one end of the sleeve. The interior cavity has a cross-sectional shape adapted for slip fit engagement with the stanchion post. The sleeve is formed with a curve for receiving the stanchion post in the interior cavity in force fit engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Venegas