Composite automatic gate paddle

Embodiments of the present invention may encompass gateline paddles that include a paddle body having a composite material forming an outer surface of the paddle body. The composite material may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that define an open interior therebetween. The composite material may include a fiber-reinforced resin. The paddle body may include a cellular reinforcement member disposed within the open interior. The paddle body may include a mounting region formed along a lateral edge of the paddle body. The paddle body may include a mounting block disposed within a portion of the open interior disposed within the mounting region.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional paddles and other barriers in automatic gate systems are often heavy, which over time, causes wear on the drive train that moves the paddles between open and closed states. This wear leads to the drive train needing to be serviced and/or replaced, which may take a given gate or other access point out of service for a period of time, as well as increase costs and manual labor requirements. Additionally, the outer surface materials of conventional paddles or other barriers often wear out and/or create friction when in contact with users and may subsequently contribute to users becoming trapped between paddles if the paddles close on the user. Conventional barrier gate barriers also typically do not fully satisfy fire safety standards due to the materials used to construct the barriers. Thus, improvements in gate barrier design and construction are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention may encompass gateline paddles that may include a paddle body having a composite material forming an outer surface of the paddle body. The composite material may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that define an open interior therebetween. The composite material may include a fiber-reinforced resin. The paddle body may include a cellular reinforcement member disposed within the open interior. The paddle body may include a mounting region formed along a lateral edge of the paddle body. The paddle body may include a mounting block disposed within a portion of the open interior disposed within the mounting region.

In some embodiments, the mounting region may protrude laterally from the lateral edge of the paddle body. The cellular reinforcement member may include a honeycomb cellular structure. Cells of the cellular honeycomb structure may extend along a length of the paddle body. Cells of the cellular honeycomb structure may each have a width of between about 0.0625 inches and 0.75 inches. The gateline paddle may have a weight of less than about 2.5 kg. A thickness of the composite material may be greater within the mounting region than in a main portion of the paddle body.

Some embodiments of the present invention may encompass gateline paddles having a paddle body that includes a composite material forming an outer surface of the paddle body. The composite material may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that define an open interior therebetween. The composite material may include a fiber-reinforced resin. The paddle body may include a cellular reinforcement member disposed within the open interior and filling a space between the first surface and the second surface. The paddle body may include a mounting region formed along a lateral edge of the paddle body. A thickness of the composite material may vary along a width of the paddle body and may be greatest within the mounting region. The paddle body may include a mounting block disposed within a portion of the open interior disposed within the mounting region.

In some embodiments, the fiber-reinforced resin may include a polyfurfuryl alcohol resin. The fiber-reinforced resin may include one or both of glass fibers and carbon fibers. The thickness of the composite material within the mounting region may be at least four times thicker than in a main body of the paddle body. The mounting region may protrude laterally from the lateral edge of the paddle body and may include a fillet that extends between a mounting edge of the mounting region and the lateral edge of the paddle body. Variations of the thickness of the composite material may be caused by providing different numbers of sheets of the composite material in different regions of the paddle body. The paddle body may include an inner edge positioned opposite the lateral edge. The inner edge may include reinforcement sheets of the composite material.

Some embodiments of the present technology may encompass gateline paddles having a paddle body that includes a composite material forming an outer surface of the paddle body. The composite material may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that define an open interior therebetween. The composite material may include a polyfurfuryl alcohol resin that is reinforced with one or both of glass fibers and carbon fibers. The paddle body may include a cellular reinforcement member disposed within the open interior and filling a space between the first surface and the second surface. The paddle body may include a mounting region formed along a lateral edge of the paddle body. The paddle body may include a mounting block disposed within a portion of the open interior disposed within the mounting region.

In some embodiments, the composite material may be bonded to the cellular reinforcement member and the mounting block using a polymeric adhesive film. The mounting block may be bonded to the cellular reinforcement member using a polymeric adhesive film. The cellular reinforcement member may include aluminum. The mounting block may include aluminum. The composite material may include between about 30% and 50% by weight of the polyfurfuryl alcohol resin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gate paddles and/or other barriers that are lightweight and fully fire safety compliant for use in automatic gate applications. The reduced weight of the gate paddles (which may be less than half the weight of conventional paddles) may significantly reduce the wear on the paddle motor drive train, while the materials used to fabricate the gate paddle may satisfy fire safety standards. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may include low-friction surfaces on one or both sides of the gate barrier. The low-friction surfaces may be provided on user-facing surfaces, and may help prevent people and/or objects from being entrapped by the gate barriers. While discussed primarily in the context of automated gatelines, such as those used in transit applications, it will be appreciated that the present technology is not so limited, and that the gate barrier designs described herein may be used in any access control equipment that requires a physical barrier to prevent unwanted entry and/or exit.

Turning now toFIG.1, one embodiment of a gate system100is illustrated. Gate system100may include a number of stanchions102, which may define lateral boundaries of a given gateline and which may house or otherwise include access credential validation equipment (such as NFC readers, cameras, barcode readers, Bluetooth beacons, biometric readers (e.g., scanners for fingerprint, facial recognition, voice recognition, retinal, etc.), and/or other access credentials) and/or gate actuation devices (e.g., motors, gearboxes, sensor systems (e.g., force, proximity, object detection, etc.)), and/or other equipment that is used in the operation of the gate system100. In some embodiments, the drive mechanisms of gate system100may operate with software and/or sensors that may reduce opening and closing force of barriers in the event that a person or object is detected within the barrier. One or more paddles104and/or other barriers may be provided between a pair of stanchions102. For example, as illustrated one paddle104is pivotally coupled with each interior-facing side of a respective one of the stanchions102. The actuation devices of the stanchions102may operate to move the paddles104between open and/or closed positioned based on the presence of a user and/or based on a validation result of an access credential. In some embodiments, a stanchion102may define the boundary for and/or include a paddle104for multiple gatelines. For example, stanchions102on the interior of the gate system100may define a boundary of two parallel gatelines, while outermost stanchions102of the gate system100may define a single gateline that is positioned on an interior-facing side of the stanchion102.

Each gateline within the gate system100may be the same (e.g., a same lane width, same equipment size/style, etc.) in some embodiments, while in other embodiments one or more of the gatelines may be different. For example, the gate system100may include gatelines of different widths (e.g., standard gatelines and accessibility gatelines), with each type of gateline including a different spacing between paddles104, a different type of paddle104, and/or a different size of paddle104. The use of standard gatelines (e.g., with paddles104a) may provide a greater efficiency (e.g., use of space) to increase throughput, while accessibility gatelines (e.g., with paddles104b) may be used to provide more room for patrons with mobility issues, luggage, and/or other circumstances that require more space and/or time to clear a gateline. In some embodiments, the drive mechanisms of the standard gatelines and the accessibility gatelines may operate in the same manner, while in other embodiments the drive mechanisms of the different gatelines may operate differently. As just one example, the accessibility gatelines may hold the paddles104bopen longer, slow down and/or reduce the closing force of the paddles104b, and/or perform another action that may improve the ability of users to pass through the accessibility gateline.

Each paddle104may include and/or be coupled with a paddle shaft (or other mechanism that transmits the force from the actuator to the paddles104), which may be rotatably coupled with a drive system or other actuator of the gate system100. For example, each paddle shaft may extend into and/or be otherwise coupled with a rotary actuator of the gate system100. Upon actuation of the rotary actuator, such as upon successful validation of a patron, the rotary actuator may rotate the paddle shaft, which may cause paddle104that is coupled with the paddle shaft to pivot relative to the stanchion102to open and/or close the gateline. The paddle shaft may be formed from a material such as aluminum and/or stainless steel, in some embodiments.

Turning now toFIGS.2-2C, one embodiment of a gateline paddle200is illustrated. Paddle200may be used as a barrier of a gateline for a gate system (including gate system100) and/or any other access control system. For example, paddle200may be used as paddle104adescribed above, and may be coupled with an actuator of one of the stanchions102that may rotate, pivot, and/or otherwise move the paddle200between an open position and a closed position. The paddle200may include a paddle body202, which may have any profile shape. As illustrated, the paddle body202has a generally stadium shaped, with an inner lateral edge204, an outer lateral edge206, a top edge208, and a bottom edge210. The lateral edges204,206may be substantially linear in some embodiments, however in other embodiments the lateral edges204,206may include some bowing, tapering, and/or other curvature. The top and bottom edges208,210may be generally semicircular in some embodiments, although may have other arcs/curvatures and/or may be generally linear in some embodiments. The paddle body202may include a mounting region212, which may be formed along a portion of the outer lateral edge206. The mounting region212may be used to secure the paddle200to an actuator of a stanchion or other support mechanism. In some embodiments, the mounting region212may protrude laterally outward from the outer lateral edge206of the paddle body202, which may ensure that the outer lateral edge206is spaced apart from and has clearance to move relative to the stanchion or other support device. In some embodiments, the mounting region212includes and/or is otherwise coupled with one or more fillets216that extend between and couple a mounting edge214of the mounting region212and the outer lateral edge206of the paddle body202. The fillets216provide areas of increased material that may strengthen the connection between the mounting region212and a main portion218(e.g., a portion that serves to block access of a gateline when the paddle200is in a closed position) of the paddle body202.

FIG.2Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of paddle200. As illustrated, paddle body202may include a composite material220that forms an outer surface of the paddle body202. For example, in some embodiments the composite material220may encapsulate all or a substantial portion of (e.g., at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or more) of interior components of the paddle body202. In some embodiments, the composite material220may be provided as a number of layers, sheets, or plies, with a number and thickness of each layer determining a total thickness of the composite material220at a given location on the paddle body202. In some embodiments, each of the layers may be identical (e.g., same composition, width, thickness, and/or other characteristic) while in other embodiments some or all of the layers may be different (e.g., different composition, width, thickness, and/or other characteristic).

In some embodiments, an outer layer228of the composite material220may wrap around one or both lateral edges of the paddle body202and may form a first surface222and a second surface224opposite the first surface222. The first surface222and second surface224may be spaced apart from one another such that an open interior226is formed therebetween. In a particular embodiment, the outer layer228of the composite material220may be thinner and/or less dense than interior layers that may be used to reinforce the outer layer228. For example, the outer layer228may have a density of between about 150 and 350 grams per square meter (gsm), between about 175 and 325 gsm, between about 200 and 300 gsm, or between about 225 and 275 gsm. Interior layers may have densities of between 350 gsm and 1000 gsm, between 400 gsm and 950 gsm, between 450 gsm and 900 gsm, between 500 gsm and 850 gsm, between 550 gsm and 800 gsm, between 600 gsm and 750 gsm, or between 650 gsm and 700 gsm. It will be appreciated that the densities described herein are only meant as examples and that higher or lower densities of composite material may be used in various embodiments.

A thickness of the composite material220may vary across a width (e.g., a lateral dimension extending through the lateral sides204,206) of the paddle body202. For example, a thickness of the composite material220may be greatest within the mounting region212, smallest within the main portion218, and at an intermediate level proximate the inner lateral edge204. Variations in the thickness of the composite material220may be caused by providing different numbers of sheets, plies, or layers of the composite material220at various regions of the paddle body202and/or by varying the thickness of one or more of the layers of the composite material220. The thickness of the composite material220may be increased in areas that are likely to be subjected to the highest stresses and/or other forces. For example, the mounting region212may be subject to the highest forces due to the proximity to the actuator and the moment generated by the weight of the paddle200and/or any forces applied to the main portion218and/or inner lateral edge204. In some embodiments, a thickness of the composite material220within the mounting region212may be at least two times, at least three times, at least four times, at least five times, at least six times, at least seven times, at least eight times, at least nine times, at least ten times, or more than a thickness of the composite material220within the main portion218. For example, a number of reinforcement sheets, plies, or layers230may be provided within the mounting region212. The mounting region212may include at least or about one reinforcement layer, at least or about two reinforcement layers, at least or about four reinforcement layers, at least or about six reinforcement layers, at least or about eight reinforcement layers, at least or about ten reinforcement layers, at least or about twelve reinforcement layers, at least or about fourteen reinforcement layers, at least or about sixteen reinforcement layers, at least or about eighteen reinforcement layers, at least or about twenty reinforcement layers, or more. In some embodiments, the reinforcement layers230may be divided into to sections, with each section being positioned against and/or proximate a respective side of the outer layer228. In some embodiments, each section may have an equal number of reinforcement layers230, while in other embodiments, the sections may have different numbers of reinforcement layers230. In some embodiments, the sections include multiple reinforcement layers230positioned against and/or coupled together to form rectangular prisms of reinforcement material, with each reinforcement layer230having a same length and width, although other configurations are possible in various embodiments.

As illustrated, the inner lateral edge204may include a number of reinforcement layers or sheets232. For example, at least or about one, at least or about two, at least or about three, at least or about four, or more reinforcement sheets232of composite material220may be positioned within the outer layer228of composite material220at or proximate the inner lateral edge204. In some embodiments, each reinforcement sheet232may have a same length and/or width. In other embodiments, some or all of the reinforcement sheets232may have different dimensions. For example, as illustrated, an outermost one of the reinforcement sheets232may have a greatest width, with each successive reinforcement sheet232in an inward direction having a smaller width, although other configurations are possible.

In some embodiments, in addition to the outer layer228, the composite material220may include an inner layer234, which may be adjacent to and/or coextensive with the outer layer228. The inner layer234may be disposed between the outer layer228and any reinforcement layers and/or sheets. The inner layer234and the outer layer228may have identical compositions in some embodiments, while in others the layers may be different. For example, the inner layer234may have a greater density than the outer layer228. As just one example, the inner layer234may have a density of between 350 gsm and 1000 gsm, between 400 gsm and 950 gsm, between 450 gsm and 900 gsm, between 500 gsm and 850 gsm, between 550 gsm and 800 gsm, between 600 gsm and 750 gsm, or between 650 gsm and 700 gsm in some embodiments.

The composite material220may include a fiber-reinforced resin. For example, fibers, such as (but not limited to) glass fibers and/or carbon fibers, may be woven, randomly oriented, and/or otherwise arranged and saturated with a resin material. In some embodiments, the fibers may be woven in a twill pattern, such as a 1×1 twill, a 2×2 twill, a 3×3 twill, a 4×4 twill, etc. The fibers and resin may be cured, such as using techniques including vacuum bag/oven curing, autoclave curing, and/or press molding curing processing. The resin may include a thermosetting resin, such as a phenolic resin. In a particular embodiment, the resin may include a polyfurfuryl alcohol resin, which may be a bioresin (e.g., derived from crop waste) in some embodiments. The resin may be present in the composite material220in various amounts, such as between about 30% and 50% by weight of the composite material220, and more commonly between about 35% and 45% by weight. In some embodiments, the composition of the composite material220may vary by sheet or layer of the composite material220. For example, the outer layer228may have a greater resin content (e.g., between 40% and 50% by weight, more commonly between 40% and 45% by weight) than the inner layer234and/or reinforcement layers/sheets, which may commonly have a resin content of between 30% and 40%, and more commonly between 35% and 40%. It will be appreciated that other resin contents are possible, and that in some embodiments each piece of composite material220used in paddle body202may have an identical composition.

The composite material220may provide fire retardant properties to the paddle200, as well as provide a strong, yet lightweight outer skin or shell for the paddle200. Additionally, the composite material220may provide a low-friction user-contacting surface that may help prevent patrons from being stuck between paddles that close on the patron. The use of a bioresin, such as a polyfurfuryl alcohol resin, may ensure that the composite material220may have a low toxicity, low VOC emissions, and a low environmental impact. The composite material220may withstand operating temperatures of up to 200° C. and may be stored in or otherwise withstand temperatures as low as −18° C. for up to 6 months. In some embodiments, the fibers within the composite material220may be woven to have a herringbone pattern.

In some embodiments, a cellular reinforcement member236may be disposed within the open interior226as illustrated inFIG.2B. For example, the cellular reinforcement member236may extend between and/or fill a space between the first surface222and the second surface224of the composite material220. In some embodiments, the cellular reinforcement member236may have a honeycomb cellular structure, although other cellular structures are possible in various embodiments. As illustrated, the cells of the honeycomb structure (or other cellular structure) of the cellular reinforcement member236extend vertically along a length of the paddle body202. However, in other embodiments, the cells may be oriented at different angles. Individual cells of the cellular honeycomb structure each have a width of between about 0.0625 inches and 0.75 inches, more commonly between or about 0.125 inches and 0.375 inches. The cells may have various shapes, such as pentagonal shapes, hexagonal shapes, octagonal shapes, and/or other polygonal shapes. In some embodiments, the walls of the cells may be solid along a length of the cell, while in other embodiments, the cells may be perforated along the length. The cellular reinforcement member236may be formed from strong, lightweight materials, including (but not limited to) metals such as aluminum and/or titanium. The cellular reinforcement member236provides compressive strength to the paddle body202while adding minimal weight. This may enable the entire paddle body to have a weight of less than or about 2.5 kg. The thickness of the cellular reinforcement member236at any position within the open interior226may be determined based on a corresponding thickness of the composite material220. For example, in areas where the composite material220is thicker the open interior226is narrower such that a thinner portion of cellular reinforcement member236is needed to span the distance between opposing surfaces of the composite material220.

In some embodiments, the cellular reinforcement member236may be coupled with the composite material220via adhesive bonding. As just one example, a polymeric adhesive film or web may be positioned between surfaces of the cellular reinforcement member236and the composite material220to bond the materials together. In a particular embodiment, the polymeric film may include a thermoplastic adhesive film that may be positioned between the materials. The paddle body202may be placed in a heating device, such as an autoclave, oven, or other heater that may heat the paddle body202to a temperature that exceeds a melting point of the film, which may melt the film and enable the film to bond the materials together once cooled/cured.

The paddle body202may include a mounting block238, which may be disposed within a portion of the open interior226of the mounting region212. For example, an edge of the mounting block238may be positioned at or proximate the mounting edge214of the mounting region212. The mounting block238may be formed from a lightweight, strong material, such as (but not limited to) aluminum. For example, a block of aluminum may be machined and/or otherwise formed to fit within the open interior226. The mounting block238may include one or more coupling mechanisms, such as threaded receptacles240, that may enable the paddle body202to be coupled with a an actuator of a stanchion or other support, such as by inserting a fastener (such as a screw or bolt) into each threaded receptacle240. A thickness length, and/or width of the mounting block238may be selected based on a size and/or weight of the paddle body202to ensure that the mounting block238provides sufficient strength to support and facilitate movement of the paddle body202. Similarly, a number and/or dimensions of the threaded receptacles240may be selected based on a size and/or weight of the paddle body202to ensure that the combination of fasteners and threaded receptacles240provides sufficient strength to support and facilitate movement of the paddle body202. In some embodiments, the mounting block238may have a tapered profile, such as illustrated inFIG.2C. For example, the sidewalls of the mounting block238may flare outward, with a non-linear taper in an outward direction from an outermost edge to an innermost edge of the mounting block238, which may enable a shape of the mounting block238to more closely match a contour provided by the fillets216. The taper may be contoured with a constant radius or a varying radius or degree of curvature. It will be appreciated that the mounting block238may have other shapes as well, such as having linear sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the mounting block238may be fully encapsulated within the composite material220, with access to the threaded receptacles240being provided via apertures (not shown) that are formed in the composite material220of the mounting edge214and in alignment with the threaded receptacles240. In other embodiments, an outermost surface of the mounting block238may be exposed through an aperture (not shown) in the mounting edge214of the mounting region212that may match a size and/or shape of the mounting block238in some embodiments. An innermost surface of the mounting block238may contact the cellular reinforcement member236. Major surfaces of the mounting block238may contact inner surfaces of the composite material220within a portion of the mounting region212, and may entirely fill the distance between opposing surfaces of the composite material220. For example, the mounting block238may fill the entire space between opposing sections of the reinforcement layers230. In some embodiments, the cellular reinforcement member236and mounting block238may not overlap, with each component individually spanning a full distance between opposing surfaces of the composite material220. In other embodiments, there may be some overlap such that portions of each component span the full distance between opposing surfaces of the composite material220at one or more regions of the paddle body202.

The mounting block238may be coupled with the composite material220and/or the cellular reinforcement member236using adhesive bonding. As just one example, a polymeric adhesive film or web may be positioned between surfaces of the mounting block238and the cellular reinforcement member236and/or the composite material220to bond the materials together. In a particular embodiment, the polymeric film may include a thermoplastic adhesive film that may be positioned between the materials. The paddle body202may be placed in a heating device, such as an autoclave, oven, or other heater that may heat the paddle body202to a temperature that exceeds a melting point of the film, which may melt the film and enable the film to bond the materials together once cooled/cured. The adhesive may be the same or different as the adhesive used to bond the cellular reinforcement member236with the composite material220.

FIG.3illustrates another embodiment of a paddle300. Paddle300may be larger than paddle200described above, and may be used as a paddle for an accessibility gateline in some embodiments, while paddle200may be used as a paddle in a standard gateline. Paddle300may be used as a barrier of a gateline for a gate system (including gate system100) and/or any other access control system. For example, paddle300may be used as paddle104bdescribed above, and may be coupled with an actuator of one of the stanchions102that may rotate, pivot, and/or otherwise move the paddle300between an open position and a closed position. The paddle300may include a paddle body302, which may have any profile shape. As illustrated, the paddle body302has an inner lateral edge304, an outer lateral edge306, a top edge308, and a bottom edge310. The lateral edges304,306may be substantially linear in some embodiments, however in other embodiments the lateral edges304,306may include non-linear designs. For example, as illustrated, the inner lateral edge304may include an inward cutout320, which may help reduce the weight of the paddle body302, while still providing one or more portions of the inner lateral edge304that extend into a gateline a sufficient distance so as to impede passage of patrons when the paddles300are in a closed position. The top and bottom edges308,310may be generally linear in some embodiments, although may have other shapes in some embodiments. A top corner322(e.g., coupling the top edge308and inner lateral edge304) may be generally rounded, with a constant or varying degree of curvature. A bottom corner324(e.g., coupling the bottom edge310and inner lateral edge304) be angled, which may reduce the weight of the paddle body302, while still providing one or more portions of the inner lateral edge304that extend into a gateline a sufficient distance so as to impede passage of patrons when the paddles300are in a closed position. The paddle body302may include a mounting region312, which may be formed along a portion of the outer lateral edge306. The mounting region312may be used to secure the paddle300to an actuator of a stanchion or other support mechanism. In some embodiments, the mounting region312may protrude laterally outward from the outer lateral edge306of the paddle body302, which may ensure that the outer lateral edge306is spaced apart from and has clearance to move relative to the stanchion or other support device. In some embodiments, the mounting region312includes and/or is otherwise coupled with one or more fillets314that extend between and couple a mounting edge316of the mounting region312and the outer lateral edge306of the paddle body302. The fillets314provide areas of increased material that may strengthen the connection between the mounting region312and a main portion318(e.g., a portion that serves to block access of a gateline when the paddle300is in a closed position) of the paddle body302.

An interior structure of the paddle body302may be similar to that described in relation to paddle200. For example, the paddle body302may include an outer skin or surface of composite material, which may have a thickness that varies across a width of the paddle body302. The composite material may be thickest within the mounting region312, thinnest within the main portion318, and may include reinforcement sheets at the inner lateral edge304. The composite material may define an open interior that receives a cellular reinforcement member and a mounting block338, which may be positioned within the mounting region312proximate the mounting edge316.

The paddle bodies shown inFIGS.2-3are merely provided as examples. It will be appreciated that other paddle designs are possible in various embodiments. In particular, the profile shape (e.g., a shape of the paddle when viewed by a patron approaching a gateline with closed paddles) may be selected to have any geometry and dimensions that suits the needs or other design aspects of a particular application.

In some embodiments, the materials used to form the paddle may be oriented to give patrons visual assistance through the gateline. For example, when the fibers of the composite material are oriented in a herringbone pattern, the lines of the herringbone pattern may be aligned at an angle (such as, but not limited to, 45 degrees) to direct patrons to a center of a given gateline. In some embodiments, an external color of materials used may be neutral black, which may remove the need for multiple elastomer coating colors. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the paddles may have a surface finish that is unaffected by UV light and airborne ozone. The finish may have a gloss level of less than about 50% in some embodiments to prevent unwanted station lighting or direct sunlight reflections and be consistent over the whole paddle surface. The composite material, when used as the outermost surface of the paddle body, may provide a low-friction surface that may help reduce entrapments of patrons, animals, and/or objects. The coefficient of friction of the paddles may be selected to be sufficiently low so as to not grip or hold any passengers clothing or luggage or similar around a periphery of the paddle or cause friction burns to skin. Additionally, the composite material may eliminate the need to include a soft, impact-absorbing material (such as rubber) about an outer surface of the paddle body. This may enable the paddle body to resist wear better than conventional paddles as the rubber used in conventional paddles includes additives to improve the fire retardancy, but that make the rubber less durable. As noted above, the resins used to fabricate the composite material may be sufficiently fire retardant such that no further fire retardant additives are needed.

Such paddle designs may also provide a lightweight design that also fully satisfy fire safety standards. The low weight of the paddle may help reduce wear of the drive components of gate systems (such as gate system100) and may prevent sagging of the paddle over time. In some embodiments, the paddles may have a weight of no more than 2.5 kg (for standard paddles200) and 4.5 kg (for the wider accessibility paddles300), although the weight may vary based on the size and geometry of a given paddle.

It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

The methods, systems, devices, graphs, and tables discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein may provide differing results with different types of context awareness classifiers.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. “About” and/or “approximately” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. “Substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.