Abstract: A vehicle barrier system is provided, which features a security barricade, a hydraulic actuator for moving the barricade between open and closed positions, a pump, a DC motor for operating the pump, and a controller. In a first embodiment, the system features a rechargeable battery for powering movement of the barricade between the open and closed positions in normal operation mode, and a hydraulic accumulator for effecting movement of the barricade from the open to closed position in emergency operation mode. According to a second embodiment, the system features a rechargeable primary battery for powering movement of the barricade in normal operation mode, and a rechargeable secondary battery for effecting movement of the security barricade from open to closed position in emergency operation mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle barricade comprising the steps of providing an hydraulic system comprising an electrically operated motor and a passive accumulator, the hydraulic system is operably connected to a barrier for causing the barrier to be displaced between a first lowered position and a second raised position. The presence of obstructions disposed below the barrier is monitored and the barrier is prevented from being displaced to the first position upon the detection of an obstruction. An electromechanical valve is electrically operated for causing the motor to displace the barrier between the positions. The valve is electrically operated causing the accumulator to displace the barrier between the positions when the motor is not operating. The barrier is displaced to the second position upon the occurrence of a defined emergency condition.