The University of Texas System

The British Petroleum Company, P.l.c.

Richard A Zimmer

Lionel J Milberger

Don L Ivey

A collapsible crash barrier for use as and end treatment for a commonly known &ldquo;Jersey Barrier&rdquo; provides a frame assembly having a tubular construction and circular guides to control axial collapse of the barrier. A saddle is provided to rest upon and end section of a &ldquo;Jersey Barrier&rdquo; and slides along the top of a barrier when axially impacted by a vehicle in order to further control the collapse of the barrier.

Pipe rack crash cushion

A novel energy absorbing module is described which is relatively inexpensive, easy to make and provides for a relatively consistent crush resistance along its length when impacted axially. The module is made up of a generally cylindrical metal member which is formed from a roll of sheet metal that is wound into a tube having a spiral cross-section. A layer of spacer material, such as polyethylene foam, is placed adjacent the sheet metal so that the winds of the spiral are separated from one another. The energy absorbent module of the present invention provides a relatively constant and predictable level of crush resistance which makes it particularly suitable for such applications as an insert for a guardrail end treatment or other crash barrier. The module is formed by rolling a sheet of metal, or similar material, and the spacer sheet into a tubular or cylindrical form. A portion of one end of the module is then crushed slightly by impact loading. A binder may be applied to maintain the module in its cylindrical shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the module is used as an insert within barrels which are placed within a frame to provide a guardrail end treatment and used to dissipate energy from a collision in a controlled fashion. In another exemplary application, a module is used as a replaceable insert for a telescoping tube guardrail end treatment. The use of the module of the present invention in this application permits a relatively constant crush resistance to be created as the end treatment collapses telescopically.

Energy absorbant module

Method and apparatus for determining strain data during piling in which a strain gauge transducer mounted to the pile is excited with alternating current signals. The output of the transducer is sensed, amplified and demodulated to produce signals proportional to strain. The demodulated signals are used to control a voltage controlled oscillator whose output is transmitted by a telemetry transmitter via an antenna mounted to the pile. The signals are received at a remote location, converted back to strain proportional signals and recorded. An accelerometer mounted to the pile may be used to remotely turn on the equipment for a predetermined period. The arrangement is particularly suitable for use when piling offshore.

Growing community of inventors

College Station, TX, United States of America

Richard A Zimmer