Abstract: A gate assembly is provided including frame means for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. Barrier means are mountable on the frame means via hinge means and the barrier means are movable relative to the frame means between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. An automatic closure mechanism is provided for moving the barrier means from the open position to the closed position without user intervention. The automatic closure mechanism is associated with the hinge means and includes at least one ramp or inclined surface on which at least part of the gate travels when moving between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A vehicle diverting system includes a driveway has an upper surface. A trough extends into the upper surface. The trough is elongated and extends between lateral edges of the driveway. A housing has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably coupled to a first lateral wall of the trough and the second end is rotatably coupled to a second lateral wall of the trough. The housing has a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of spike shaped protrusions is attached to and extends away from the peripheral wall. The protrusions are comprised of a resiliently flexible material that is incapable of puncturing a vehicle tire. The protrusions are positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly from a plane of the upper surface or in a stored position positioned within the trough.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security gate. It is particularly related to a high impact gate able to withstand significant direct impact of vehicles and maintain a secure location by prevention of access by vehicle or foot. There is provided a high impact gate system including a lower reinforced elongated structure and an upper barrier means sized to extend across a roadway, and two spaced reinforcing means able to be positioned to at least partially overlap respective end portions of the elongated structure when the lower structure is in a closed position extending across the roadway, the reinforcing means able to provide supporting reinforcement to the elongated structure when receiving impact by vehicle or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle crash cushion for decelerating a vehicle includes front and rear anchors spaced along a longitudinal direction and at least one deformable attenuator member extending in the longitudinal direction and having a first end coupled to the front anchor and a second end coupled to the rear anchor. A support member is positioned adjacent the attenuator member and is moveable in the longitudinal direction relative thereto between at least an initial position and an impact position toward the rear anchor and away from the front anchor. At least one deforming member is mounted on the support member and is engaged with at least a portion of the attenuator member. In another aspect, a vehicle crash cushion includes first and second side panels each having at least one longitudinally extending ridge and at least one longitudinally extending valley. The first side panel is moveable relative to the second side panel in response to an axial force being applied to the elongated frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices, including program instructions, are provided for displaying information on a gate system. One embodiment includes a processor and a memory associated with a vehicle gate system. Program instructions are storable on the memory and executable by the processor to display target audience information.

Abstract: A retractable gate comprising a movable arm gate having multiple sections which nest or telescope into each other when parked (e.g. upright), and extends into a full length blocking position as it is deployed. The gate arm sections are deployed by the movement of one of the arms, e.g. the outer one section, relative to the ground or a stationary support member and is joined to the stationary support member by a pivot point or bearing, and is connected to the stationary support or ground by a cable connection (or equivalent) which powers the arm sections into extended or retracted positions by movement of the gate about the pivot bearing. A novel corresponding counterweight system provides selectable balance and torque requirements.

Abstract: A security cover for an automatic gate arm protects against disengagement and removal of the gate arm for the purpose of unauthorized entry through the gate. The security cover comprises four walls and a top plate joined to form a housing that encloses a rotating turret and a portion of a drive arm used to actuate the gate. The security cover mounts over the turret using a vertical rod that extends from above the housing to a location within the drive mechanism of the gate arm motor, and a lock that secures the housing and prevents unauthorized tampering with the drive arm.

Abstract: In order to stop a moving vehicle without injury to occupants, a vehicle barrier is provided having a pair of platforms disposed on opposite sides of a roadway, and a capture net extending across the roadway between the platforms. Each platform has a rotatably mounted spool attached to a different end of the net, and a dual acting extension-compression shock absorber pivotally mounted to the spool, such that when the force or energy of an impacting vehicle on the net is applied to the shock absorbers, via rotation of the spools. Rotation of spools operate the shock absorbers in compression, and if needed, in extension. In railroad crossing application, two of the vehicle barriers are provided on either side of the railroad tracks to prevent vehicles from crossing the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A removable bollard is provided. A bollard is attached to a bollard plate with a catch fixed to one end and a lock juncture fixed near the opposite end of the bollard plate. Additionally provided is a base plate with a catch receiver at one end of the base plate, a retractable latch and a latch receiver at an opposite end of the base plate. The retractable latch has a first position and a second position. In the first position the catch is encompassed by the catch receiver on the base plate to couple with the base plate end, where the retractable latch is then locked to the lock juncture to lock the bollard plate to the base plate. When in the second position, the retractable latch is recessed into the latch recess within the base plate and the bollard and bollard plate are removed, leaving an obstruction-free access way.

Abstract: There is provided a lifting pole apparatus which can lift and lower a pole having such strength as to be capable of preventing cars from entering. The lifting pole apparatus comprises a cylindrical pole which is capable of lifting and lowering inside a housing case; a screw shaft hanging from a top portion of the pole inwardly; a stay disposed upright on a bottom portion of the housing case, and housed in the pole; a driving gear rotatably supported on the stay, and having a screw portion on a through hole disposed at a center axis thereof, the screw portion being threadably mounted on the screw shaft; at least two motors disposed on the stay for rotating the driving gear; and an electro-magnetic brake disposed on the stay for activating the brake on the rotation of the driving gear.

Abstract: An articulate railroad grade crossing assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly has an adjustable reach so that it can be adjusted to completely or partially close roadways of various sizes. In another preferred embodiment, the assembly includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence of people and/or objects in the crossing area so that the assembly can automatically respond to such presence.

Abstract: A removable bollard is provided. A bollard is attached to a bollard plate with a catch fixed to one end and a lock juncture fixed near the opposite end of the bollard plate. Additionally provided is a base plate with a catch receiver at one end of the base plate, a retractable latch and a latch receiver at an opposite end of the base plate. The retractable latch has a first position and a second position. In the first position the catch is encompassed by the catch receiver on the base plate to couple with the base plate end, where the retractable latch is then locked to the lock juncture to lock the bollard plate to the base plate. When in the second position, the retractable latch is recessed into the latch recess within the base plate and the bollard and bollard plate are removed, leaving an obstruction-free access way.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices, including program instructions, are provided for displaying information on a gate system. One embodiment includes a processor and a memory associated with a vehicle gate system. Program instructions are storable on the memory and executable by the processor to display target audience information.

Abstract: A moveable barrier operator system includes a telescoping barrier arm. A motor is coupled to the telescoping barrier arm for extending the telescoping barrier arm from a retracted position to an extended position and retracting the arm from the extended position to the retracted position. A controller is coupled to the motor for selectively activating the motor to extend and retract the arm.

Abstract: A retractable road median used to divide a road that may be retracted to allow vehicles to cross it in the event of an emergency, comprising a median assembly, a frame assembly, a winch assembly, and a longitudinal base assembly. The retractable road median has means to move the median assembly from a retraced position into an extracted position and vise versa. In the retracted position, a cavity built underneath a road surface, retractably receives the median assembly therein. The longitudinal base assembly includes two angled lateral walls that, in the extracted position, are in a substantially vertical disposition and their longitudinal edges rest on the sidewalls of the median assembly. In the retracted position, the median assembly collapses into the cavity so that the angled lateral walls rotate into a nearly horizontal position to cover the cavity entrance, permitting vehicles to cross to the other side.

Abstract: A vehicle barrier is formed with a barrier gate mounted on a pair of opposing lift arms pivotally connected via pivot shafts to a support structure. A plurality of endless bands are looped around the opposing pivot shafts and positioned to pass through compartments in the barrier gate. The lift arms and the barrier gate may be fabricated from lightweight material, such as thin steel, aluminum or plastic, so that the stopping power of the vehicle barrier is provided by the anchored bands. In permanent or portable configurations, the lightweight barrier gate can be quickly raised by hydraulic cylinders, or other appropriate means, into a deployed position to interfere with the passage of a vehicle over the barrier. The anchoring of the bands at ground or below ground locations on both sides of the barrier provides stopping power without requiring massive barrier structures to be raised and lowered in use.

Abstract: The present application relates to a barrier assembly used to block access, improve security, and landscape property. The barrier assembly comprises at least a support assembly so configured to secure to the ground; a retractable assembly so configured to be received within the support assembly; and a locking assembly attached to the retractable assembly, the locking assembly comprising (a) a locking rod assembly configured to hold the retractable assembly in at least a first fixed position, (b) a tamper proof lock configured to maintain the orientation of the locking rod assembly, and (c) a locking tool configured to access the tamper proof lock and adjust the locking rod assembly so that the retractable assembly can be adjusted from the first fixed position to a second fixed position.

Abstract: A smart bollard includes a compartment wherein a smart bollard circuit may be located and the smart bollard circuit, in turn, includes at least one processor, a transceiver that may be connected in circuit with the processor and configured to communicate with a central control station in response to commands from the processor, at least one sensor provided for sensing for the presence of one or more airborne agents and at least one disinfection unit that is configured for receiving commands from the processor to effect a selected disinfection of a perimeter area about the bollard sleeve. Also, the processor may be configured to receive input from the at least one sensor concerning the presence of one or more airborne agents, analyze the input and provide commands to the at least one disinfection unit to effect a selected disinfection, and to communicate the presence of one or more airborne agents to the central control station via the transceiver.

Abstract: A portable traffic signalling device comprises a frame on wheels which supports an enclosed occupant compartment arranged to receive an occupant therein. The compartment is pivotal on the frame between an upright deployed position and a transport position lower in elevation than the deployed position. A traffic indicator is supported on the frame for directing vehicular traffic as controlled by the occupant of the compartment. The device permits a human operator to judge how to direct traffic within a safe environment. The use of a portable compartment with traffic indicators is safer than use of conventional flagpersons to temporarily direct traffic as the occupant of the device is less likely to be subject to fatigue and the like.

Abstract: A barrier is formed such that its barrier arm automatically moves back to its blocking position after forceful opening of the barrier.The barrier arm is pivotally mounted to a barrier post about a horizontal axis. The barrier post is formed to include a swivel joint having a vertical axis around which the barrier arm swivels upon forceful opening.

Abstract: An access control gate for parking lots includes an access gate main body with a built-in actuating device and a gate arm that is coupled to the gate control device of the access gate main body where the actuation of the actuating device controls the movements of the gate arm. The gate arm can be mechanically connected to or removed from the access gate main body. The gate arm has a light-emitting device (LED) installed longitudinally on one side. The joint structure connecting the gate arm and the access gate main body will immediately release the gate arm from the access gate main body and disconnects the electricity connecting to the LED upon an abnormal impact, such as a vehicle collides with the gate arm.

Abstract: A vehicle barrier arranged for moving from a first position that permits a vehicle to move past the vehicle barrier to a second position that prevents a vehicle from moving past the vehicle barrier, and a light mounted on the vehicle barrier that moves with the vehicle barrier, wherein when the vehicle is in the first position the light is illuminated in a first color (e.g., green) and in the second position the light is illuminated in a second color (e.g., red).

Abstract: A barrier for stopping the progress of vehicles, comprising a pivoted barrier adapted to pivot about a non-vertical axis from a first position generally alongside a carriageway to a position where it at least partially blocks the carriageway, and adapted to move between the positions under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A parking area entrance or exit barrier includes a control system which receives inputs from various accessories associated with the operation of the barrier, and which provides control signals to the various accessories of the barrier. One of the accessories includes a sensor attached to the barrier. The sensor senses an accident event, such as contact between the barrier and a vehicle. Whenever an accident event is sensed, the control system creates an accident event log of information concerning the accident event. The accident event log may include video images of the barrier, a position of the barrier, a movement direction and speed of the barrier, and an approximated speed of the vehicle. The control system may also monitor a performance of the various accessories of the barrier and create a performance log relating to any malfunction of the accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle capture net disposed between a pair of towers each of which includes a shaft, a pair of spools coupled to the shaft, and a pair of straps connected to the net. Each strap is wound on a spool. A brake is coupled to the shaft and to the spools for providing a restraining force of increasing magnitude as the straps are unwound. Unwinding of the straps from the spools advances the pair of spools on threaded portions of the shaft to compress the adjacent braking surfaces against each other. The vehicle is stopped by deploying a vehicle capture net connected to at least one pair of straps each wound on a spool, permitting the vehicle to collide with the capture net and to unwind the straps from corresponding spools, and providing a restraining force of increasing magnitude on the straps as the straps are unwound from the spools.

Abstract: A system for upgrading new and existing gates or barriers to provide improved crash barrier rating. This system comprises a reinforcing attachment to the gate or barrier and improved reinforced bollards with catch hooks to absorb the energy of impact from a vehicle. The reinforcing attachment is an arrangement of cable and structural members that provide for increased reinforcement by ensuring that the load is distributed on the cable to minimize the risk of breakthrough as a result of cable failure. The bollards have been improved by strengthening the catch hook attachments and adding reinforcement positioning elements to facilitate proper assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible traffic barrier system is disclosed which includes a steel vault having a top treated with anti-skid material. A rod is rotatably mounted to support members inside the vault, wherein the rod extends across the vault from end to end. A plurality of bollards are coupled to the rod substantially near the first end thereof, whereby rotation of the rod rotates the bollards so as to extend the second ends of the bollards above the vault in a vertical direction, or raised position. An actuator having a first end anchored within the vault and a second end is coupled to the rod by means of an arm. The actuator is a worm-drive mechanism disposed for rotating the rod. A stop is anchored to the bottom of the vault for engaging the first ends of the bollards when the bollards are in the raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a portable, rapid deployable barrier system which utilizes autonomous operation and one or more gas generators to rapidly activate the barrier. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for finding an unoccupied parking space in a parking lot using an On-Line computer system comprises barring mechanisms at a parking space having a receiver capable of receiving a specific wave energy frequency transmitting from a remote control unit. Upon receiving of such signal of matching frequency resulting in removal of the barring mechanism, permitting parking of a vehicle into such space and sending information on-line to the system computer at the entrance that the space is occupied. Upon leaving of the vehicle from the parking space, the barring mechanisms resumes and the transmitter unit at the parking space sending signal on-line to notify the computer at the entrance that such parking space is unoccupied. For a permanent parking space in condominiums or apartments, the receiver unit is assigned to receive a specific signal from a remote control for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path.

Abstract: A security gate is coupled via a positive-drive mechanical linkage to a DC gear motor, operative in response to a defined output voltage profile, to provide precise rotation and counter-rotation of the security gate through a defined range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The invention permits the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. or activation into a barrier position.

Abstract: A security barrier includes a horizontal composite beam extending across a roadway is mounted between vertical posts at either end of the beam. Hydraulic cylinders fastened at each beam end and to the vertical posts cause the beam to be raised and lowered, as needed. When the beam is at its lowest position, it allows for the normal flow of traffic over the top of the beam. When the beam is in its fully-raised position, it provides a vehicle barrier thirty-six inches above grade. A hydraulic power unit and components control the direction and speed of beam movement. The security barrier also includes electronic control and monitoring of the beam, and hydraulic system.

Abstract: An automatic barricade includes a trench across a road that is covered by a grate allowing vehicular traffic during normal dry weather. Inside the trench is a series of barricade elements, each of which includes a float. When rising water fills the trench to a predetermined level, each float rises and elevates the elements above the road. The barricade elements are sufficiently robust and intimidating to deter motorists from driving over them but are spaced apart to be light enough to be easily actuated by the float. The barricade elements are sufficiently close together that vehicles cannot pass between them. In another embodiment, a sensor is adjacent the trench to detect rising water and communicates with a motor connected to the barricade elements for raising them to a traffic blocking position.

Abstract: A gate operator in a first configuration opens and closes a gate that swings about an upstanding pivotal axis. In a second configuration the gate operator opens and closes a gate that extends and retracts along a straight line. A motor-driven wheel extends from the bottom of an open-bottomed enclosure and is perpendicular to the gate in the first configuration and parallel to the gate in the second configuration. The wheel is driven by a reversible DC motor. Turning a jack screw in a first direction increases the bias on an adjustable compression spring so that the weight of the gate is transferred to the wheel and rotation of the jack screw in an opposite direction shifts weight from the wheel to the gate.

Abstract: An anti-vehicle security system that includes a truss assembly formed with a plurality of monolithic stanchions. A container having a hinged door is fixed on the truss assembly. The system also includes two spaced-apart guides that extend from within the container to a portion of the truss assembly in ground contact. A gravitationally deployable restraining device, which may be stored in and deployed from the container, includes sleeves, clips and keepers to deploy the restraining device to snare a vehicle.

Abstract: A barrier for the control of access of vehicles through a roadway, which uses stored mechanical energy to place the barrier in one of three states, one a blocking position and two non-blocking positions. The mechanical energy is derived from the weight of the vehicle as it passes over the apparatus. The activation of the barrier can be controlled by remote control at will, time-independent from the passing of the vehicle over the apparatus.

Abstract: A road block having an extensible bollard that is manually or electronically actuated by a powerful spring force for slow extension, and by both the spring and a power lift for rapid extension.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate with a gate assembly. An extendible member slides within an outer member with minimal friction. When the gate is in its open position, gravity retracts the extendible member to hollow member. When the gate is in its blocking position, gravity causes the extendible member to move out of the hollow member to a final blocking position.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate assembly includes a gate arm adapter, which is pivotally mounted to allow a lowered gate arm to rotate in response to a generally perpendicular force in a generally horizontal plane either toward or away from a railroad crossing. The gate arm mechanism further includes multiple interchangeable spring assemblies that generate a return force to bring a displaced gate arm back to its normal operating position, and at least two latch hook assemblies for selectively latching the gate arm in its normal position and controlling the rate of return of the gate arm from a displaced position through application of a pivotally leveraged force to a braking surface of the adapter.

Abstract: A delimiter that can be arranged along the sides of a runway. The delimiter can be locked in an upright position for most normal operations. When the runway must be cleared of snow, an operator can lower the delimiters in place, either manually or by motor. After the runway has been cleared of snow, the delimiters can be raised again for use. Unlike the delimiters described above, these delimiters meet all aircraft regulation requirements. When collapsed, they do not protrude above the surface of the ground. The delimiters also have a shear mechanism that allows the raised portion of the delimiter to break off when struck. This shear mechanism protects aircraft by breaking away the upper portion of the delimiter.

Abstract: A parking area control and management system employs a card reader, which reads identification information from a card commonly carried by a person, such as a driver's license or credit card. A record is made of the identification information upon entrance of a vehicle into the parking area. The person may subsequently leave the parking area on foot and regain entry to the parking area by presenting the same card. Later, the same card is used to exit the parking area, via the vehicle, and to validate that the same person is leaving with the vehicle. The parking area control and management system also includes sensors, such as loop detectors and electric eyes, to determine if a second vehicle or a pedestrian follows behind a vehicle entering into, or exiting from, the parking area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turnstile suitable for the controlled admittance of persons to a building or to an otherwise enclosed or guarded area, comprising a body mounted on a rotatable and blockable axis, which body is provided with at least three arms extending from the body, the arms being oriented such that when rotation of the body is blocked, at least one of the arms is positioned to prevent passage, while the arms extend substantially horizontally or at an angle upwards from the body.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing a backup power supply for a security gate system. In a preferred embodiment it includes a primary power supply, an AC motor and an auxiliary DC motor that share the same accessory devices including controller, movement mechanism, sensors, communication unit, etc. The auxiliary DC motor has its own independent DC power supply. If the primary power supply fails the auxiliary power supply takes over and moves the barrier between the open and closed positions as needed without interruption of service.

Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

Abstract: The present invention is a pivoting crash barrier for arresting an impacting vehicle without causing excessive injury to the driver. The crash barrier has an easily replaceable expendable gate which houses multiple plastically deformable cables mounted within for absorbing the energy of the impacting vehicle. The crash barrier design causes the cables to deform as an unit, rather than separately. The crash barrier gate is pivotally supported on a horizontal shaft by an operator unit positioned on a first side of a roadway. An engagement stanchion engageable by the outer tip of the lowered gate supports the lowered gate on the second, opposed side of the roadway. The upper sections of both crash barrier stanchions consist of operator heads that can pivot about the vertical axes of their respective mounting posts after the shearing of restraining shear pins whenever a vehicle impact occurs.

Abstract: A pylon or barrier arrangement which is recessed into the ground or other surface and includes a post-like pylon which is movable between an extended position for control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and a retracted position beneath the ground. Movement of the pylon is achieved by a linear-type drive mechanism which acts as a clutch by decoupling from an upright and rotatable smooth drive shaft during abrupt downward driving of the pylon to avoid damage to the internal components of the arrangement. A sealing arrangement is provided for preventing the entry of debris into the interior of the pylon arrangement, and a heating unit is provided for preventing seizure of the arrangement during harsh weather conditions.

Abstract: A gate for controlling passage through an opening including a first support located on one side of the opening, a second support located on the other side of the opening, at least one elongate member, having a first and a second end, extendable across the opening between the first and second support; and a control for releasing the at least one elongate member to whereby enable passage through the opening and drawing in the elongate member to thereby restrict passage through the opening.

Abstract: A security device (2) is described for protection access to and from a parking space by being suitable for secure mounting to the entrance/exit of the parking space at ground level comprising a barrier or sign (9) capable of movement between a raised position for preventing movement of a vehicle past the barrier (9) and a lowered position permitting the vehicle to be driven over the device (2), and arming pedal (4) which is depressed when the vehicle is driven over the device (2) to energize a driving means in the form of a torsion spring (78) which is connected via a control means including a cam (40) having two cam lobes (42,44) for effecting movement of a bar (60), to the barrier (9) by a suitable connection means, such as for example a slotted wheel (84) and pulley arrangement, so that operation of the control means causes lower or raising of the barrier.