Patrick A Leonhardt

Title: Patrick A. Leonhardt: Innovator in Guardrail Systems

Introduction: Patrick A. Leonhardt, a resident of Rocklin, CA, is an accomplished inventor with an impressive portfolio of 22 patents. His work focuses primarily on safety innovations in road infrastructure, particularly guardrail systems designed to enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety.

Latest Patents: Among his latest innovations, Leonhardt has developed a groundbreaking end terminal for a guardrail system. This invention features an elongated guardrail beam and a unique flattening or reshaping device that creates a vertically aligned channel. The design allows for the guardrail beam to move along the longitudinal axis from the inlet to the outlet. It includes an anchor positioned below the outlet, to which a tether is attached, facilitating the downward movement of the beam once it exits the outlet. The invention ensures minimal interference with other structures, focusing on bending the beam only in one direction after exit.

Another significant patent is the frangible post designed for highway barrier end terminals. This inventive post securely holds a cable anchor to a guardrail and is engineered to break cleanly upon impact with a vehicle, effectively releasing the cable. With innovative hinge members, the post is biased to tension weakened sections when struck, ensuring a safe release of the cable anchor. This clever design also includes a notch to engage the cable anchor, ensuring it is freed as the post breaks.

Career Highlights: Leonhardt has made substantial contributions to the field of road safety through his patents, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of guardrail systems. His inventions not only improve the structural integrity of safety barriers but also prioritize the safety of road users.

Collaborations: Leonhardt works at Energy Absorption Systems, Inc., where he collaborates closely with fellow innovators, including Sean Thompson and Barry D. Stephens. Their teamwork fosters a spirit of innovation, leading to the development of cutting-edge safety solutions for highway infrastructure.

Conclusion: Patrick A. Leonhardt’s contributions to guardrail technology underscore his role as a key innovator in the field of road safety. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced in transportation safety and a dedication to creating solutions that protect lives on the road. As an inventor, his impact is seen not only in his individual patents but also in the collaborative efforts with his colleagues at Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.