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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A roadway deicing system uses a pressurized gas stored in a high pressure tank to dispense a solid or liquid deicer onto a roadway. An electrically powered controller responds to control inputs to control valves, such as solenoid valves, to cause the deicer to be dispensed at appropriate times. Since electrical power is not used for propelling the deicer onto the roadway, conventional storage batteries can provide long service life for the system between maintenance intervals.
Abstract:
A vehicle mounted crash attenuator includes an array of parallel diaphragms. A set of cell assemblies is interposed between adjacent diaphragms, and each cell assembly is formed of two L-shaped sheet metal components which are riveted together to form a rectangular column extending between the adjacent diaphragms. These columns are cross braced by ribbed braces which extend diagonally between adjacent columns. These cross braces stabilize the columns against long column buckling and promote short column buckling, thereby increasing the energy absorbing capability of the columns.
Abstract:
A self-restoring fender panel for a reusable impact attenuation device is provided. Buffer elements are positioned in an ordered array extending forwardly of a rigid backing member adjacent to a fixed structure. Diaphragm members are interposed in the array and extend laterally outward of the array at fixed intervals. Fender panels are pivotally coupled to laterally extending ends of the diaphragm members and extend rearwardly from their associated diaphragm members and partially overlap the fender panels coupled to the succeeding diaphragm members. Biasing means, such as an extension spring, interconnects each of the fender panels with the diaphragm member to which the fender panel is pivotally coupled to bias the fender panels laterally inward. Nonrigid means such as a cable connects the backing member and the diaphragm members. Preferably, the fender panels are connected to the nonrigid means by releasable clips, which may be made of wire.
Abstract:
A gate for providing an opening in a barrier system includes a gate barrier segment and a connector having first and second connector segments. The first connector segment is coupled to the gate barrier segment. The first and second connector segments are releasably coupled, and may be hingedly connected on at least one of a first and second side thereof. The second connector segment is configured to be coupled to a stationary barrier segment.
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.
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.
Abstract:
A vehicle crash cushion is mounted to a wall adjacent to a roadway. The cushion includes an array of panels positioned to overlap one another and oriented parallel to the wall. A mechanical linkage couples the panels to the wall and suspends the panels above grade such that the panels are movable toward the wall. Energy absorbing elastomeric tubes are positioned between the panels and the wall such that movement of the panels toward the wall deforms the energy absorbing elements, thereby retarding movement of the panels toward the wall.
Abstract:
A universal front anchoring system for reusable impact attenuation devices is provided. Buffer elements are positioned in an ordered array extending forwardly of a rigid backing member adjacent to a fixed structure. Diaphragm members are interposed in the array and extend laterally outward of the array at fixed intervals. Fender panels are pivotally coupled to laterally extending ends of the diaphragm members and extend rearwardly from their associated diaphragm members and partially overlap the fender panels coupled to the succeeding diaphragm members. Nonrigid means such as restraining cables and secondary cables interconnects the backing member and the diaphragm members. A pair of laterally spaced anchor assemblies is connected to the nonrigid means at the forward end of the impact attenuation device. The anchor assemblies are adapted for fixing to the ground and are symmetrical, identical and interchangeable with each other. Preferably, the anchor assemblies have a large central mounting bracket for securing one of the restraining cables and two smaller mounting brackets laterally spaced on opposite sides of the central mounting bracket, one of which is used to secure one of the secondary cables.