System for moving a barrier with warning devices thereon

A system for moving a barrier protecting a restricted area. A stationary linear induction motor moves the barrier by applying a magnetic field from the linear induction motor to a reaction fin attached to the barrier. The reaction fin has a groove on each side, which is engaged with guide members to guide the barrier. Holes are evenly spaced along the length of the reaction fin. Magnetic sensors sense the holes during movement of the barrier to determine the speed, position and direction of the barrier. Current flows in the reaction fin melt ice in cold weather environments. The system is operated by a main control logic that receives input data from the electronic sensors and controls the linear induction motor, heater and locking mechanism. An inductive connection charges a storage device mounted on the barrier, which storage device powers warning signals on the barrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gates and barriers to protect and control access to an enclosure or restricted area. More particularly, the present invention relates to opening and closing systems for barriers, doors, gates and related access control obstacles used to protect an area or enclosure, which have warning devices thereon. A control system operates all functions of the gate or barrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gates, doors, and barriers have long been used to control access to an enclosed area such as a building, room, warehouse, shed, or a marked-off, or restricted area. Several different systems have heretofore been used to selectively or automatically open and close such barriers to allow access to these areas by authorized personnel, while restricting access for unauthorized persons. Chain-drive or pinch wheel systems have typically been used to horizontally slide a barrier along a track to control such access. Such systems typically wrap a chain around a sprocket or pulley on a motor and connect the chain ends to the gate to slide the gate along a track. The pinch wheel systems utilize a flat bar or angle attached to the gate in such a way that two drive rollers can pinch the bar/angle between them with enough friction force to cause the bar to move when the rollers are turned by electric or hydraulic motors. However, these chain-drive systems involve several if not many moving parts which tend to wear and break. Moreover, the rotation of the chain can only occur at slow speeds to prevent the chain from jumping track. The result is a slowly moving barrier that is prone to mechanical wear.

Hydraulic cylinders have been used by attaching one end of the cylinder to the gate and another end of the cylinder to the motor to swing the gate when actuated by a control system. Like the chain-drive systems, the hydraulic systems typically open very slowly and contain many moving parts prone to breakage and weathering.

In addition to the above disadvantages, the prior opening and closing systems typically do not have a self-contained locking mechanism or rely on friction forces (which can easily be defected using lubricants) to lock the barrier and prevent unauthorized access by manual manipulation or other tampering. Instead, any locking mechanism is typically between the gate itself and the adjacent post. Such a locking method or mechanism exasperates the problem of breakage of these prior systems if the gate is mistakenly left locked during operation of the system

Linear induction motors have been used in the past to open and close horizontally sliding gates or barriers, as is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,507,160 and 6,346,786. Typically a linear induction motor causes a reaction plate, which reaction plate is attached to a gate, to slide horizontally between opened and closed positions. A use of linear induction motors allows the acceleration/deceleration of the reaction plate and the gate attached thereto to be controlled to rapidly open or close a gate or barrier in a minimum amount of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an opening and closing system to open and close a barrier that moves the barrier faster than other systems and eliminates the moving mechanical drive and hydraulic components of other systems. The present system uses substantially no moving drive components in opening and closing the barrier. The present system also includes a self contained locking mechanism to lock the barrier in a fixed position.

The opening and closing system of the present invention is accomplished by use of a reaction fin attached to the barrier and is magnetically propelled by a linear induction motor. The reaction fin which has a general “T” shaped profile is made of multiple sections that are attached to each other with the overall length being dependent on the size of the opening to be controlled. Each plate substantially mirrors the other, and each plate has a flat top surface. The plates that comprise the reaction fin are attached to each other in a slightly offset manner wherein the end of one plate extends slightly beyond the other plate to form an overlap with attachment means.

There is a hollow, rectangular protrusion on each side of the reaction fin (i.e. on each plate) disposed a predefined distance below the top lips on the profile. The protrusions extend the length of the reaction fin on each side thereof, and receive guide members thereon. The guide members are disposed adjacently on the inner top surface of the linear induction motor housing on each side of the reaction fin and engage the respective protrusions on each side of the reaction fin. The protrusions and the guide members define a track during operation of the opening and closing system of the present invention.

The reaction fin is attached to the barrier using any suitable attachment device. In one embodiment, the reaction fin is attached to the barrier by triangular attachment brackets attached to the top surface of the reaction fin The bracket is substantially “L” shaped and has a triangular reinforcing plate extending across the outer surface of the legs that form the “L” shape of the bracket.

The linear induction motor is connected to a power source and has electromagnetic coils disposed in close proximity to the reaction fin on each side thereof. The linear induction motor is driven by a motor driver electronic control. The linear induction motor imparts an electric current in the coils when activated by the electronic control. The coils induce electric currents in the reaction fin which in turn produces a magnetic field in the reaction fin, thereby propelling the reaction fin along the track.

There are a plurality of apertures or holes along the bottom of the reaction fin which are parallel to the protrusions. The holes extend the length of the reaction fin and extend through the reaction fin. The holes are substantially equally dimensioned (i.e. having substantially the same size and shape) and are spaced along the length of the reaction fin in substantially equal intervals. This series of holes produces a position, speed and direction value for reading by sensors, as will be discussed later.

A locking mechanism is designed to engage any one of the holes in the reaction fin to lock the barrier in a fixed location. The locking mechanism is adjacent the linear induction motor in one embodiment and has a pin that pivots to engage/disengage any one of the holes in the reaction fin. Therefore, the locking mechanism should be located in close proximity to the holes of the reaction fin. It should be understood that the locking mechanism can be located anywhere along the length of the reaction fin so long as it is located in a position close enough to engage the holes of the reaction fin.

The pin of the locking mechanism comprises a flat vertical plate attached at its upper end to a lever engagement member within a locking mechanism housing. The lower outer end of the pin opposite the attachment site to the lever engagement member terminates in a cylindrical knob that engages one of the holes of the reaction fin to lock the barrier in a fixed location. The pin is disposed between and pivotally attached to two vertical plates within the housing. The two vertical plates are perpendicularly attached to a panel. The vertical plates and the panel define the housing for the pin

A manual operation lever extends through the panel of the housing and is exposed to the ambient environment on one end. The lever is pivotally attached to the two vertical plates of the housing. The lever terminates on the end within the housing in a substantially “L” shaped arm defining a slot. The arm of the lever is adjacent and engaged with the lever engagement member. The lever engagement member is retractable and extendable within a control housing. A coil is disposed adjacent the lever engagement member to extend or retract the lever engagement member. A spring is attached to the pin above the knob of the pin, and also to a rod extending between and attached to the two vertical plates of the housing. The spring assists the gravity return of the lock pin to the locked position when the lock electric control is deenergized.

In operation, an electric control is used to activate the coil. The coil extends the lever engagement member. The slot of the lever is designed to receive a portion of the lever engagement member as it descends. The lever engagement member pulls the pin upward, causing the pin to rotate along its rotational axis and retreat the knob of the pin into the pin housing which disengages a hole in the reaction fin. The lever can be operated manually, or electronically via a main control logic, as discussed below.

Two electronic sensors are disposed outside of the locking mechanism housing. The sensors are disposed on each side of the housing in one embodiment. However, the sensors could be disposed anywhere in the system so long as the sensors are in close proximity to the holes of the reaction fin. The sensors are aligned substantially in the same plane as the holes of the reaction fin. The sensors are designed to sense the motion of the reaction fin during movement by measuring reaction fin material between adjacent holes as they pass across the sensors. The sensors and associated electronic controls also determine the position and the location of the reaction fin by counting each successive hole in the reaction fin.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a heating device is provided within the hollow of the rectangular protrusion on each side of the reaction fin. The heating device is preferably a resistance heating wire. However, other heating devices may be used. The heating wire is disposed within the rectangular beams of the reaction fin, and runs the length of the rectangular beams. The heating wire is inductively coupled to a power source with no exposed electrical connections, and when activated, causes a current within the heating element inside rectangular protrusions of the reaction fin, thereby heating the reaction fin above the freezing point of water. The purpose of the heating wire is to melt ice or snow that may form on the reaction fin. The accumulation of ice and snow on the reaction fin in cold weather environments could cause the system to jam, which would prevent the barrier from moving.

The system of the present invention is controlled by an electronic control panel. System control software is loaded into the main logic controller. The main logic controller executes the software associated with the system to control the various parts of the system. The main logic control software to control the motor driver electronic control to energize the linear induction motor(s) to move the barrier. Similarly, sensor software is executed by the main logic controller to send and receive information from the sensors to determine the speed, direction and location of the reaction fin.

Lock control software is executed by the main logic controller to control the lock driver electronic control, which activates the locking mechanism when desired to lock or unlock the barrier by rotating the pin to either engage or disengage the pin from one of the holes of the reaction fin. Heater control software is executed by the main logic controller. The main logic controller operates the heater control software to control the heater driver electronic control to turn the heating device on or off

In an alternative gate operator controller, a programmable logic controller is provided that has a main logic control with inputs and outputs. A user interface display connects to the main logic control. Signals from electronic position sensors feed through electronic position sensors software to the main logic control, which indicates the position of the barrier or gate. The device inputs through device input software to the main logic control controls the outputs.

When the gate or barrier is closed, a closed limit output activates an inductive transmitter. The inductive transmitter is positioned adjacent to an inductive receiver mounted on the gate. The inductive receiver charges an ultra capacitor bank located on the gate. The ultra capacitor bank then can control the electronic devices mounted on the gate, such as multiple LED light arrays activated through an LED controller.

Depending upon the position of the gate or barrier as determined by electronic position sensors fed to the main logic controller through electronic position sensor software, logic control software may be activated through a lock driver controller to activate the lock mechanism.

The main logic controller through motor control software activates a variable frequency drive to active a primary and secondary linear induction motor to control horizontal movement of the gate or barrier.

From the main logic control through drive status software connecting through a variable frequency drive, a feedback through drive healthy software determines if the system is operating properly. By holding the gate or barrier in position through heater controlled software, inductive currents are created to cause current to flow through the reaction fin. During cold weather the inductive currents can melt any snow or ice to prevent jamming. An encoder feeding to the variable frequency drive ensures the primary and secondary linear induction motors move the gate or barrier in the proper speed and direction while controlling acceleration and deceleration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS.1,7,8and9, the system10of the present invention is disclosed. The system10is operated by at least one linear induction motor12. However, it should be understood that more than one linear induction motor12can be implemented into the system10. This is especially advantageous where a barrier16is particularly heavy, or where barrier16has a long distance to travel to block an entryway (not shown).

Referring toFIGS.4through9, a reaction fin14is attached to barrier16. Reaction fin14is comprised of a first plate14aattached to a second plate14b.First plate14ais slightly offset from second plate14bsuch that first plate14aextends longitudinally slightly beyond second plate14bon one end of reaction fin14. On the opposite end of reaction fin14, second plate14bextends longitudinally slightly beyond first plate14a.Other than the slight offset, plates14aand14bsubstantially mirror one another and are attached to each other along flat sides (not shown) of plates14aand14b.

Referring toFIGS.4,5and6, each of the plates14aand14bof reaction fin14terminate on their upper portions in flat, substantially horizontal lips14cand14d,respectively. Lips14cand14dextend the length of reaction fin14. Rectangular beam or protrusion15of first plate14aand rectangular beam or protrusion17of second plate14bare disposed a predefined distance below lips14cand14d,respectively. Rectangular beams or protrusion15and/or protrusion17are substantially parallel to lips14cand14d,respectively, and extend the length of reaction fin14. Lip14cand rectangular beam or protrusion15of first plate14adefine a groove18. Lip14dand rectangular beam or protrusion17of second plate14balso define a groove18.

The space between protrusion15and lip14c,as well as between protrusion17and lip14dforms the grooves18. Inside of the grooves18, and riding on the protrusions15and17are guide members19(seeFIG.7). Guide member19on protrusions15and17allow the linear induction motor12to easily move along the reaction fin14.

A plurality of apertures or holes20extend through first plate14aand second plate14band are disposed below grooves18. Holes20are shown on the lower longitudinal end of reaction fin14opposite grooves18. However, holes20could be placed anywhere on reaction fin14below grooves18. Holes20extend the length of reaction fin14, and are substantially identically sized and shaped. Holes20are spaced at a predetermined interval from each other such that each hole20is substantially equally spaced from adjacent holes20.

Referring toFIGS.7through9, reaction fin14is shown as being attached to barrier16by a plurality of brackets22. Brackets22are generally triangular shaped, having legs attached to lips14cand14dof reaction fin14. Vertical legs of brackets22are attached to posts16aof barrier16. There is a triangular reinforcement plate attached to the two legs of bracket22. The attachment of reaction fin14to barrier16using brackets22can be secured by screws or any other suitable attaching mechanism. Moreover, brackets22can be welded to posts16aof barrier16. Reaction fin14is preferably made of an aluminum alloy. However, other metals such as steel, copper or iron can be used.

Referring toFIGS.2,3A and3B, electronic sensors24and locking mechanism26of the system10are shown.FIG.3Ashows locking mechanism26in an engaged position with pin44extending outside locking mechanism26to engage one of the holes20of reaction fin14.FIG.3Bshows locking mechanism26in a disengaged position with pin44residing within locking mechanism26. Locking mechanism26has two vertical plates28, which are perpendicularly attached to a panel30along the back ends of vertical plates28. Panel30forms a base30aon which locking mechanism26rests. A pin mechanism32is disposed between vertical plates28and pivotally attached thereto. Pin mechanism32has a wide vertical portion, an upper horizontal portion, and a lower horizontal portion. Pin mechanism32has a hole32athrough which a bolt or other appropriate pivot is inserted. Hole32ais disposed on the upper portion of pin mechanism32. Corresponding holes28aare disposed through vertical plates28. A bolt, pin, or other pivot (not shown) is inserted through holes28aand32ato pivotally attach pin mechanism32to vertical plates28.

A spring34is attached on one end to a rod34adisposed between and connected to vertical plates28. On its other end, spring34is attached to pin mechanism32below hole32a.Spring34is loaded such that pin mechanism32will be biased to an engaged position by spring34.

Pin mechanism32is connected to a lever engagement member36. As shown, pin mechanism32is connected to lever engagement member36via a link plate mechanism38with a first pin38adisposed through link plate38into lever engagement member36, and a second pin38bdisposed through link plate38into pin mechanism32. However, any other suitable attaching mechanism can be used. Lever engagement member36has a flat bottom surface that engages pin mechanism32, and is extendable and retractable within a coil housing40. A coil (not shown) extends and retracts lever engagement member36when activated.

A lever42is pivotally attached to and between vertical plates28inside of panel30and opposite the pivotal attachment of pin mechanism32to vertical plates28. Lever42extends within vertical plates28, and terminates in an arm42aextending outward from Lever42. Arm42adefines a rectangular beam and provides a surface for receiving an end portion of lever engagement mechanism36.

FIG.3Ashows the locking mechanism26in the locked position, which is also when no electric current is being applied to the coil in coil housing40. The locking mechanism26can be manually opened by pushing down on lever42. By applying current to the coil, lever engagement member36is pulled upward, thereby pulling the link plate38and pin mechanism32upward. The pin mechanism32pivots around hole32aand the pivot pin contained therein. This pivoting motion extracts pin44from a locked position to the unlocked position as shown inFIG.3B.

Referring toFIG.2, two electronic sensors24are disposed adjacent locking mechanism26. Vertical plates28and pin mechanism are disposed between electronic sensors24. However, it is not critical that electronic sensors24be situated on each side of the locking mechanism26. Electronic sensors24can be situated at any position in the system10that allow electronic sensors24to sense holes20as reaction fin14passes by electronic sensors24during operation of the system10. Electronic sensors24can be any magnetic sensor known in the art capable of determining speed, position and linear direction. Electronic sensors24are disposed in close proximity to reaction fin14at an appropriate position to sense holes20of reaction fin14as reaction fin14moves past electronic sensors24. Electronic sensors24measure the speed of movement of the reaction fin14by sensing the time interval between the passage of successive holes20across electronic sensors24.

Referring toFIGS.7through9, the linear induction motor12is located in close proximity to reaction fin14. Linear induction motor12is arranged adjacent the reaction fin14such that reaction fin14is received within linear induction motor12. Linear induction motor12can have two portions, one on each side of reaction fin14, or one linear induction motor can be substituted with an equally shaped piece of ferrous metal of same thickness, and specifically in close proximity to first plate14aand second plate14b.

Guide members19can be rollers riding on the top of protrusion15, which guide members19are contained within groove18. Additional guide members19(not shown inFIG.7) may be on the other side of reaction fin14.

A plurality of electromagnetic coils (not shown) are disposed within linear induction motor12in close proximity with reaction fin14. While reaction fin14and barrier16can move linearly, the linear induction motor12is rigidly attached to a stationary object in close proximity of linear induction motor12, which holds linear induction motor12in position. During such movement, guide member19maintains the electromagnetic coil in a properly spaced relationship with the reaction fin14while also allowing ease of such movement. As shown inFIGS.8and9, linear induction motor12is attached to a pole48. However, linear induction motor12could be attached to any suitable stationary object in close proximity to linear induction motor12.

FIGS.10aandbshow the linear induction motor12of the present invention, but with portions removed to illustrate the position of the guide members19on top of protrusions15and17. The guide members19are contained within grooves18formed between protrusions15and17and lips14cand14d,respectively.

InFIGS.10aandb,the barrier16(not shown) would be attached to brackets22, which brackets22also connect to lips14cand14dof reaction fin14. Lower plate50attaches the left housing52to the right housing54for the linear induction motor12to keep everything securely mounted on the reaction fin14. The lever42and pin44of the locking mechanism26(not shown) can be seen in the background.

Linear induction motor12is connected to a power source (not shown). When activated, linear induction motor12imparts motion on reaction fin14by sending an electrical current (not shown) to electromagnetic coils (not shown). The coils induce electric current in the reaction fin14, which in turn produces magnetic fields about the reaction fin14, thereby causing propulsion of reaction fin14. To propel reaction fin14in the opposite direction, the electric rotation of the magnetic field produced by the coils is reversed.

Referring toFIGS.1and7through9, the system10of the present invention is operated by a main control logic100. Main control logic100connects to a user interface display102, allowing a person to observe, set, or alter parameters of the system10established and recorded on main control logic100. Main control logic100operates motor control software104to control motor driver electronic control106. Motor driver electronic control106controls the operation of linear induction motors12.

Initially, a travel distance (not shown) is calculated to determine the distance barrier16must travel to achieve a completely closed position and a completely open position. This calculation may be done manually, and input into main control logic100via user interface display102. Alternatively, an initial operation of the system10can establish such parameters by main control logic100receiving the positions of barrier16in open and closed position from electronic sensors24.

Once the travel distance is determined and input into main control logic100, parameters for starting, accelerating, decelerating and stopping the system10are established and input into main control logic100. Parameters for starting, accelerating, decelerating and stopping the system10may be established and input into main control logic100either manually through user interface display102, or by motor control software104.

Main control logic100operates electronic sensor software108. Electronic sensor software108communicates with electronic sensors24, receiving input data from sensors24to establish the speed, position and direction of reaction fin14. Main control logic100receives the input data from electronic sensors24and sends appropriate command signals (not shown) to motor driver electronic control106to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop or reverse the system10by varying linear induction motor12output to appropriately adjust the magnetic field imposed on reaction fin14in response to the command signal (not shown).

Lock control software112is operated by main control logic100, and communicates with a lock driver electronic control110to activate locking mechanism26to lock and unlock barrier16. Main control logic100sends an activation command (not shown) to lock driver electronic control110, which activates the coil (not shown) of locking mechanism26to engage/disengage pin44to/from one of the holes20of reaction fin14, as described herein above.

Optionally, a reaction fin heater46can be installed on reaction fin14. Reaction fin heater46is provided within each of rectangular beams or protrusions15and17of reaction fin14. Reaction fin heater46is preferably a resistance heating wire. However, other heating devices may be used. Reaction fin heater46is disposed within rectangular beams or protrusions15and17of reaction fin14, and runs the length of rectangular beams15and17. Reaction fin heater46is connected to a power source (not shown), and when activated, emits a current on the reaction fin heater46, thereby heating reaction fin14above the freezing point of water. Reaction fin heater46is particularly advantageous in cold weather environments where ice and/or snow can accumulate within grooves18of reaction fin14, causing the system10to jam, thereby preventing barrier16from opening or closing. Reaction fin heater46heats reaction fin14to cause the ice/snow forming on reaction fin14to melt.

Main control logic100operates heater control software114, which communicates with a heater driver electronic control116. Heater driver electronic control activates and/or deactivates the current flow through reaction fin heater46in response to a command (not shown) from main control logic100.

An alternative gate operator control210is shown inFIGS.11aand11b.A programmable logic controller212(commonly referred to as “PLC”) has a main logic control216with inputs214and outputs218. The programmable logic controller212is basically a computer with inputs214and outputs218that can be programmed to do different functions. In the present invention, the programmable logic controller212is used to open or close a gate or barrier using linear induction motors. The programmable logic controller212has a user interface display220, which connects into the main logic control216. The user interface display220has a liquid crystal display screen that is touch-sensitive so that a user can set parameters the way the user would like to operate the gate or barrier. Such parameters as speed and direction of movement of the gate or barrier are set in through the user interface display220. Those parameters are fed through the user interface display220to the main logic control216of the programmable logic controller212.

Electronic position sensors222feeds information through electronic position sensor software224of inputs214and to the main logic control216. The electronic position sensors222can be the same as electronic sensors24describing in conjunction withFIGS.1and2, or it could be any other type of position sensor. What is important is the electronic position sensors222give an accurate indication as to the position of the gate or barrier. In the alternative embodiment, the electronic position sensors222sense holes20in reaction fin14as reaction fin14moves past either electronic sensors24or electronic position sensors222(SeeFIGS.1,2,5, and7). The electronic position sensor software224is a program that is written to look at the output of the electronic position sensors222to determine what is being counted, how many have been counted, how fast the counts are occurring, and feeding the information to the main logic control216. This indicates where the gate or barrier is located. The main logic control216then operates the motor control software246, which is an output218fed to the variable frequency drive238. The variable frequency drive238as programmed by encoder248will drive the linear induction motor primary252and the linear induction motor secondary250. The linear induction motor primary252and linear induction motor secondary250controls the direction and the speed of the gate or barrier being opened or closed.

Many other inputs can be fed into the programmable logic controller212through device inputs226. An example may be the temperature of the air in which the barrier or gate is operated. Device input software228will process a signal from the device inputs226into a form that can be used by the main logic control216. Another example of a device input226may be a card reader that individuals can use to open or close the gate or barrier. There could be a multitude of different device inputs226depending upon the desires of the operator.

Assuming a device input226indicates the environment is very cold and freezing, main logic control216may activate heater controlled software244, which could hold the barrier or gate in position while operating the variable frequency drive238through the linear induction motor primary252and linear induction motor secondary250. This will cause current to flow in the reaction fin (SeeFIGS.4,5, and6) which would melt any snow or ice thereon.

If the gate or barrier is to be locked in position, it can be determined any number of ways including user interface display220. The main logic control216may operate lock control software230which will operate lock driver control232(normally a solenoid) to operate lock mechanism234.

The main logic control216operates drive status software236, which connects through the variable frequency drive238. If the variable frequency drive238is operating properly, feedback242connects back to drive healthy software240to one of the inputs214. If the system is not operating properly, drive healthy software240will cause the operator control210through the main logic control216and programmable logic controller212to shut down.

The motor control software246operates the variable frequency drive238to control the speed at which the linear induction motor primary252and linear induction motor secondary250open or close the gate or barrier. In opening, the movement will start very slow, speed up during the opening, and then slow down as it reaches the open position. This is controlled by the motor control software246.

The encoder248provides a backup system for the variable frequency drive238so that if the drive status software236gives incorrect information, the encoder248can override the drive status software236. The encoder248may have a drive wheel riding on the induction fin14to determine the position of the gate or barrier16.

From the input provided by the electronic position sensors222through the electronic position sensors software224through the main logic control216, a closed limit output254can be determined. If the barrier16is closed, close limit output254will send a signal to inductive transmitter256. Inductive transmitter256is stationary and mounted on a stationary object such as post16a,immediately adjacent to the barrier16. Carried on barrier16is an inductive receiver258so that when adjacent to inductive transmitter256will generate a current to charge ultra capacitor bank260. There is a small space separating inductive transmitter256from inductive receiver258. After the ultra capacitor bank260is charged, an LED controller262will provide current to multiple LED arrays264to light up the barrier16. Because of the low current drain of LEDs, the ultra capacitor bank260through LED controller262can maintain the multiple LED arrays264in the lit condition for some period of time before the ultra capacitor bank260is discharged. This allows oncoming traffic to see the barrier at night or in adverse weather conditions without having a physical electrical connection with the barrier16. This is important for high security areas such as military installations.