Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BREACH CONTROL BARRIER SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of personnel access control. More
particularly, this
application describes deployable/stowable barriers for controlling or
restricting access of
individuals to specific physical areas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personnel access control systems or barriers have existed for many years, but
historically were
implemented in obscure and specialized environments such as in high security
office buildings.
These previous personnel barrier and access control systems have incorporated
some form of
gate or door, which is designed to be deployed manually to restrict passage of
pedestrians into
the controlled area. These access control systems were designed to meet basic
performance
requirements such as the ability to close off a conventional hallway (rather
than an atrium, for
example) and to meet specified strength requirements when closed. There was no
concern for
other performance issues such as speed of deployment and safety of deployment,
with even less
emphasis being placed on how the systems could be incorporated in large
atriums.
Today there is a demand for personnel access control systems in a completely
different setting,
which has a completely different set of design parameters. The previous
systems typically do not
satisfy any of the design concerns for implementation in public areas such as
airports, subway
stations, courthouses, governrnent offices serving the public, and
laboratories, to name but a few.
These environments typically require the following:
quick deployment, on the order of 2-4 seconds;
a design which can be incorporated in areas ranging from narrow corridors, to
wide
atriums;
integration with a complete barrier system;
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integration with building structure;
aesthetically pleasing and/or inconspicuous;
consistent with public safety concerns, particularly during activation;
in compliance with building fire and safety codes;
strength;
having minimum or no impact on throughput particularly in high traffic
situations; and
reasonable cost, including cost of fabrication, installation, maintenance and
staffing.
There is therefore a need for an improved personnel barrier design and system,
which addresses
one or more of the problems outlined above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In facilities where individuals are screened for security purposes, prior to
entering a specific area,
the area on the downstream side of the screening process is considered
"sterile". All personnel
within that area have been screened by security personnel (for weapons or
explosives) or have
been pre-approved for entry. If an individual deliberately or inadvertently
bypasses the screening
area and enters the "sterile" area it is considered "contaminated". A
dangerous person or
material/device may have been introduced to the sterile area by the intruder
thereby
compromising the safety of the area.
As a result of this breach the area must be evacuated, the area must be
inspected to ensure that no
dangerous materials/devices have been introduced into the area by the
"intruder"; and all
personnel have to be re-screened prior to re-entering the area.
The present invention, which is referred to as the Breach Control Barrier
System (BCBS) in this
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application, allows security personnel at a screening station (at an airport,
for example) to
quickly react to an "intruder" who is bypassing the screening area by quickly
and safely closing
the passageway and/or walkways between the screening area and the sterile
area. Specifically,
the objective of the BCBS is to delay deliberate or inadvertent intruders long
enough for facility
security forces to permanently restrain and/or capture the intruder.
The performance of the BCBS is as follows:
Automatically deployable from a control station within 2 to 4 seconds;
Automatically stowable from a control station within 30 seconds
Manually deployable (from the BCBS module) within 30 seconds;
Manually stow able (from the unit) within 60 seconds;
Designed to withstand vertical load (middle of the barrier) of 750 lb (three
people
hanging); and horizontal load applied to the barrier of 500 lb. (three people
running into
it).
Designed with a high level of safety incorporated in both the control system
and
mechanical system while complying with all applicable codes;
Operated from a Master Control Station, which can control and monitor all
barrier
modules in a facility or specific zone;
Barrier material is semi-transparent to minimize the stress on children and
seniors
separated from traveling companions when the barrier is deployed;
Barriers are freestanding based on modules elements being anchored to the
floor.
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Furthermore, the system meets certain facility integration requirements to
ensure that at least one
of the concepts is suited for installation in a facility. They include:
Modular configuration with each module approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet
high;
Can be installed in buildings with structural steel frames, concrete floors
and suspended
ceilings;
Designed to be blended into the aesthetics of the building with minimal
aesthetic impact
from physical perspective (buried in the floor, hidden in single posts,
mounted in a full
frame); and from an appearance perspective (i.e. the system can be sheathed in
a
matching material, painted the same colour, etc.);
Recognizing that different facilities and different applications place more
emphasis on some
design requirements than others, three BCBS concepts were designed to increase
overall
suitability for different facilities:
Drop Down BCBS;
Pop Across BCBS; and
Pop Up BCBC.
The three BCBS concepts are considered to be the subject of this patent
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings.
The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the
drawings, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drop down embodiment of the disclosure.
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FIG. 2 is a close up internal view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross closing embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a close up internal view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spring upwards closing embodiment of the
disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a close up internal view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Drop Down BCBS
An exemplary embodiment is presented in FIGS. 1-2.
Barrier module frames 2 with overhead frame 4 are permanently installed.
Module frames 2 are "dressed" to match the architectural features of the
facility.
Barrier material 6 is stowed in a pleated manner in the overhead storage area
8. Any flexible
netting that meets the desired strength and durability specifications for the
application may be
used as a barrier material 6 including, for example, Kevlar.TM., vinyl-coated
nylon; knotted,
knotless, woven, extruded, nylon polyester, polyethylene and similar products.
Barrier material 6 drops when a command is received from the control system.
Barrier material is attached to main guide posts 12 on either side of the
barrier 1 preventing
intruder from getting between the frame 2 and the material 6.
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Barrier material 6 is attached along the full length bar 14 at the lower edge
of the material 6. The
bar 14 is latched and locked when the barrier is deployed, thereby making it
impossible to raise
the bar 14 and get under the barrier 1.
Barrier material 6 is connected to the upper frame 4 along the fill length of
the material 6,
thereby making it impossible to climb between the material 6 and the upper
frame 4.
The barrier material 6 is locked in the "stowed" position with an electric
brake 16 that is failsafe
on, powered to release (deploy).
When the "DEPLOY" button on the Master Control Station is pressed:
The brake 16 releases;
The barrier 1 drops. Note that the horizontal bar 14 at the bottom of the
barrier will be made stiff
enough to withstand the specified loads. It will also include a layer of
padding or protection
(similar to a rubber seal on a garage door), to minimize likelihood of
injuring people if the
barrier contacts a bystander when it is activated. The speed at which the
barrier 1 drops will be
set to meet the specified deployment (closure) time.
Speed of deployment is controlled by controlling the rate at which air escapes
from two linear
pneumatic cylinders 22. Pneumatic retarding is provided on this embodiment
primarily to offset
the effect of gravity. Hence, the pop-up and pop-across embodiments generally
do not require
any retarding.
Electric eyes 24 integrated into the module frame 2 at two levels sense an
object in the plane of
the barrier 1 and trigger the brake 16 immediately to stop deployment. The way
in which the
barrier operates during an interference will depend on the application. In an
airport, public safety
may be a higher priority, so the brake 16 may hold the barrier 1 once there is
an alarm. If security
is the higher priority, then the barrier 1 may continue to close once the
blockage has cleared.
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When the metal bar 14 at the leading edge of the material 6 reaches the bottom
of the drop, the
bar 14 is automatically locked into position.
The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is
based on a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the
electronic eyes
24, latches 7, brake 16, etc.
Pop Across BCBS
An exemplary embodiment is presented in FIGS. 3-4.
Barrier module frames 2 (posts 12 only) are permanently installed providing
clear passage
without a height restriction.
Module frames 2 are "dressed" to match the architectural features of the
facility.
Barrier material 6 is stowed on a roll 25. Any flexible netting that meets the
desired strength and
durability specifications for the application may be used as a barrier
material including, for
example, Kevlar.TM., vinyl-coated nylon; knotted, knotless, woven, extruded,
nylon polyester,
polyethylene and similar products.
Barrier material 6 has vertical aluminum slats (not shown) integrated into it
to prevent an
intruder from passing over or under the barrier 1 while allowing the necessary
flexibility to store
the barrier material 6 on the roll 25.
Barrier 1 extends from the storage area 8 when a command from the control
system is received.
Leading edge 30 of the barrier (moving post) locks against the backside of the
adjacent barrier
module 2 (stationary post) or against a stationary post 2 adjacent to the
wall.
Barrier material 6 is attached along the full length moving post 30 (at the
leading edge of the
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material 6). The moving post 30 is latched and locked to the stationary post
12 when the barrier
is deployed, thereby making it very difficult to open the bather 1.
Bather material 6 is connected to the roll 25 inside the storage post 8 along
the full length of the
material 6, thereby making it impossible to climb between the material 6 and
the roll 25.
The barrier material 6 is locked in the "stowed" position with an electric
brake 16 that is failsafe
on, powered to release (deploy).
When the "deploy" button is pressed:
The brake 16 releases.
The "initial accelerator" springs 32 initiate the movement of the barrier 1
from the storage frame
8.
The "arm link accelerator" springs 34 continue to power the barrier 1 across
the opening as the
scissor mechanism 36 extends.
The barrier 1 is guided across the opening with small rollers 38 in a shallow
track 40;
When the barrier 1 is fully deployed the bar on the leading edge 30 of the
bather 1 is locked into
the catcher mechanism 42.
When the control system receives a signal indicating that the barrier 1 has
been locked at the
leading edge 30, the electric recoil gear motor 44 back drives the roller 25
such that the barrier
material 6 is tensioned to withstand the specified loads.
Electric eyes 24 at two levels sense an object in the plane of the barrier 1
and lock the brake 16
immediately to stop deployment.
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The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is
based on a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the
electronic eyes
24, latches 7, brake 16 etc.
Pop Up BCBS
An exemplary embodiment is presented in FIGS. 5-6.
Barrier module frames 2 are permanently installed below floor level in a
storage container 8
approximately 14" square by 10 feet long.
Barrier material 6 is stowed in a folded configuration inside the container 8.
A command from the control system releases solenoid controlled latches 48 on
the covers 50 on
each module 2. Some degree of positive force is desirable to prevent the
covers 50 from
accidentally opening when they are walked on, or driven over.
Barrier material 6 is raised out of the storage container 8 on two posts 12.
Posts 12 lock against the matching posts from adjacent modules or a
permanently mounted mate
on the wall thereby locking a chain of modules together.
Barrier material 6 is attached to a cable (not shown) at the top preventing
intruder from getting
over the barrier 1 by pulling the material 6 down.
Battier material 6 is attached along the full length arms at either side.
The adjoining posts 12 are latched and locked when the barrier 1 is deployed,
making them
impossible to move.
Barrier material 6 is connected to the bottom of the container 8 making it
impossible to get
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. .
through or around the barrier 1.
When the "deploy" button is pressed:
The container covers 50 open.
The "launch" springs 32 initiate the movement of the posts 12 and barrier
material 6 from the
storage container 8.
The "extend" springs 34 continue to power the posts 12 to their fully upright
position.
As the adjacent barrier posts rise they lock with each other in the middle of
the hallway or
against a mating latch next to either wall.
The latch mechanism 48 on the covers 50 will prevent the barrier 1 from being
deployed if an
object or person is in the plane of the barrier (i.e. on top of the cover).
Electric eyes 24 at two levels mounted on dedicated posts on either side of
the hallway/opening
will sense an object in the plane of the barrier 1 and prevent the container
cover latches 48 from
releasing.
The Master Control Station provides the interface for control system which is
based on a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This system addresses inputs from the
electronic eyes
24, latches 7, 48, brake 16 etc.
Breach Control Barrier System (BCBS)
This Breach Control Barrier System (BCBS) will be used in the following
scenario.
In facilities where individuals are screened prior to entry, the area on the
downstream side of the
screening process is considered "sterile". All personnel within that area have
been screened by
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security personnel (or have been pre-approved for entry). If a person
deliberately or inadvertently
bypasses the screening area and enters the "sterile" area it is considered
contaminated. A
dangerous person or material/device may have been introduced. As a result, the
area must be
evacuated of all personnel, the area must be inspected to ensure that no
dangerous
materials/devices have been introduced into the area by the "intruder" and all
personnel re-
entering the area have to be re-screened prior to reentry.
The present invention will allow security personnel at a screening station
(i.e. at an airport) to
quickly react to an "intruder" bypassing the screening area by quickly and
safely closing the
passageways and/or walkways leading from the screening area to the sterile
area.
Operation
"Drop Down" Breach Control Barrier System
In the operation of the "Drop Down" BCBS the following sequence of events
occurs to deploy
the barrier if an "intruder" manages to bypass the security screening area on
the way to the sterile
post-screen area:
The security guard will depress the "DEPLOY" button on the Master Control
Station (in which
the PLC is incorporated).
The electric brake 16 releases.
The barrier netting 6 begins to drop.
The barrier netting 6 is accelerated to maximum speed with the assistance of
the torsion spring
34.
Maximum speed of fall or deployment is controlled by controlling the rate at
which air escapes
from two linear pneumatic cylinders 22
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The barrier curtain 6, initially stowed in a pleated fashion in an upper
housing 8, is secured to
two structural elements or posts 12 with sliding net securing rings 54.
Electric eyes (transmitters and reflectors) 24 integrated into the module
frame 2 at two levels
sense an object in the plane of the barrier and trigger the electric brake 16
immediately.
When the bottom locking cross bar 14 at the leading edge of the material 30
reaches the bottom
of the drop, the bar 14 is automatically locked into position with the Latch
and Catch Securing
Crossbar (7).
To retract the barrier, the operator will press the "STOW" button on the
Master Control Station:
The latches 7 on the bottom lower crossbar 14 will release.
The electric brake 16 will be released.
A compressed air source will be connected to the barrier 1.
The pneumatic cylinders 22 will retract the barrier 1 into the stowed position
thereby retracting
the material 6.
While retracting the barrier 1 the torsion spring 34 will be rewound for the
next deploy.
When the barrier 1 is fully retracted the electric brake 16 will be reset and
the barrier 1 will be
ready for the next deploy cycle.
"Pop Across" Breach Control Barrier System
In the operation of the "Pop Across" BCBS the following sequence of events
occurs to deploy
the barrier if an "intruder" manages to bypass the security screening area on
the way to the sterile
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post-screen area:
The security guard will depress the "DEPLOY" button on the Master Control
Station (in which
the PLC is incorporated).
The electric brake 16 releases.
The initial accelerator springs 32 begin to move the arm linkages 12 with the
barrier material 6
out of the stowed position.
The barrier material 6 is stored on a roller 25. Aluminum tubular slats (not
shown) are
incorporated in the material 6 to provide stiffness while allowing the
material 6 to roll onto the
roll 25.
The thaglink 56 synchronizes the movement of the arm linkages 36.
The arm linkage accelerator springs 34 continue to power the barrier 1 across
the opening.
The lead edge of the barrier is the moving post 30, which locks against the
stationary catcher
post 12.
The latches 48 on the moving post 30 lock to the mating catches 42 on the
stationary post when
the barrier 1 is fully closed.
Once the latches 48 are locked the electric recoil gear motor 44 backwinds the
barrier 1 and
linkage 56 so the material 6 is tight enough to meet the specified loading
requirements. Note that
the drop-down systems generally does not need this tension to provide barrier
strength since its
strength comes from the frame.
The barrier 1 travels across the opening on a grooved track 40 under which run
cables for
intermodule power and control.
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To retract the barrier 1, the operator will press the "STOW" button on the
Master Control
Station:
The latches 48 on the moving post 30 will be activated and release the catches
42 on the
stationary post 12.
The electric recoil gear motor 44 will rewind the material storage roller 38
thereby retracting the
material 6 and the arm linkages 56 until the barrier 1 is full retracted.
During the retraction process the initial accelerator springs 32 and the arm
linkage accelerator
springs 34 will be compressed for the next deploy.
"Pop Up" Breach Control Barrier System
In the operation of the "Pop Up" BCBS the following sequence of events occurs
to deploy the
barrier if an "intruder" manages to bypass the security screening area on the
way to the sterile
post-screen area:
The security guard will depress the "DEPLOY" button on the Master Control
Station (in which
the PLC is incorporated).
The floor cavity trap door solenoid latch 48 is activated.
The floor cavity trap door 50 is released and opens.
The solenoid releasing latch 52 releases the posts 12.
"Launch" springs 32 initiate movement of the posts upward.
"Extend" springs 34 continue to power the posts 12, which are carrying the
material 6, into the
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vertical position.
As the posts 12 rise into the vertical position they carry the barrier
material 6 which is connected
along the length of both posts 12.
When the posts 12 arrive at the vertical position they lock with a matching
latch 42 on the post
12 from the adjacent module or on a matching latch mounted on or adjacent to
the wall.
To retract the barrier 1, the operator will press the "STOW" button on the
Master Control
Station:
The latches 42 on the posts 12 will release.
The winch for stowing 60 connected to the barrier material 6 will draw the
material 6 back into
the container 8.
The post latches 52 will lock the posts 12 in the stowed position in the
container 8.
The floor cavity trap door 50 will drop and the solenoid latch 48 will lock
the trap door 50 in
place.
During the retraction process the "extend" springs 32) and "launch" springs 34
will be reloaded
for the next deploy.
Options and Alternatives
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and
described, it is clear
that changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without
departing from the
true scope and spirit of the invention. For example, rather than using springs
to drive the barriers
to the deployed position, one could use pre-charged pneumatic or hydraulic
cylinders, an electric
motor with a battery back-up, a counterweight system, or the like. Of course,
one could also use
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the same mechanisms and drivers to return the barriers to the stowed
positions. As well, the
invention is not limited by the manner of the mechanical linkages and
components described.
Other variations on the design include the following:
1. any of the described systems could be implemented to "fail open" or to
"fail closed",
depending on the application and the user's requirements;
2. the systems could use low voltage power supplies with battery or UPS
(uninterruptible power
supply) backup;
3. the described systems could be integrated with existing security systems,
various alarms
automatically causing deployment;
4. various audible and visual alarm systems can be incorporated to provide a
warning to
personnel in the area that the system is deploying; and
5. Portable and semi-portable versions of all three embodiments have also been
considered to
enable the barrier systems to be moved within a facility to best address the
facility owner's
evolving security requirements.
Conclusions
The present invention has been described with regard to one or more
embodiments. However, the
scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a
whole.
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