Abstract:
An enclosed security system includes a metal cage with security panel affixed thereto, forming a vault in which an item of value is enclosed. The security panels include a series of fiber optic security cables, preferably arranged in a sinusoidal pattern with nested fiber loops for added security. The cage preferably includes the security panels on the sides, front, top and door to form the vault enclosure. Fiber optical sensor cables are routed through the tubular frame members to a control box. An optical security tether may optionally be connected between the control box and a protected asset. The tether preferably comprises a jacketed fiber optic cable with internal strength member, surrounded by a metallic armored flex sheath. Any breakage or disconnection of the fiber optic cables within the panels or tether from the control box is detected by the monitor, causing an alert signal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to enclosed vault security systems, similar to safes, wherein items of value may be stored and protected against access by unauthorized personnel. More specifically, the present invention includes an enclosure or vault having a series of panels and at least one door, wherein each panel and the door include an embedded fiber optic line arranged either in a random configuration or in a pattern, such that any cut or tight bend in the fiber optic line results in an alarm signal, or other desired alarm output. The present invention has a particularly useful application with respect to blood irradiators, which are found in many hospitals and contain nuclear material that must be protected against theft. 
     Other types of secured enclosures have been developed heretofore. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,344,885 discloses a large shipping container with side panels of a composite material having a security element embedded in the panels, such as an optical cable or electrical cable. The security element is embedded in the panels in a serpentine pattern throughout the entire panels joined together. A monitor includes a light beam and a photo detector or any equivalents. If the side panel is breached, the breach will be sensed by the security element and the monitor will detect the breach. 
     Published Application US2011/0249252 discloses a sensing device including a first layer, a second layer, and an optical sensor. The first layer includes a flat surface for supporting an associated load that transmits a strain to the second layer. The second layer is formed of a compliant material and provides a uniform support for the first layer. The second layer deflects due to the associated load on the first layer and the optical sensor, positioned between the first and second layer, senses the strain due to the associated load. The sensing device may be used in various technologies that detect, or attempt to detect, the undesired, unlawful, or hazardous presence of persons, objects, or vehicles. 
     Published Application US2010/0141424 discloses an antitheft device for solar panels having at least one optical cable which is made to pass through the solar panels. At the ends of the cable, an electrical control circuit is connected capable of detecting a cut in the cable caused by interruption of the light beam in the fiber or voltage drop at the ends of the electrical cable. Cutting of the cable is detected by the control circuit which activates an alarm, acoustic, or visual signal. 
     Published Application US2008/0252084 discloses a shipping container having a tracking and seal monitoring system. The seal device includes a first unit affixed to the shipping container and a control system contained in the first unit. A second unit is configured to engage with an element of a shipping container door. The control system is configured to detect a breach of the second unit indicative of access being made to the shipping container. 
     Published Application US2012/0119910 describes a security system for displaying merchandise in a cabinet wherein the merchandise is tethered to an alarm unit which generates an alarm when one of the items is moved a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. 
     Published Application US2012/0268103 discloses a security system to prevent removal of handheld electronic devices, such as cell phones, sold to consumers in a retail location. The electronic device is held on a display panel permanently. The panel is attached to a wire wound around a mechanical retractor. The phone and display panel may be lifted and the cable may be extended to allow better inspection of the phone. If an attempt is made to remove the phone from the display panel, a security sensor transmits a signal to a remote location through the wire, which acts as a wireless antenna. 
     Each of the references set forth above are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     None of the prior art, however, shows a modular security vault having the combination of panels composed of plastic, laminated together with a fiber optic line running in series throughout, wherein the panels are fastened to a metal frame, and which further include a hinged door having the fiber optic cable embedded therein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The enclosed vault security system includes a metal cage with security panels affixed thereto, forming a vault in which an item of value, such as a blood irradiator machine, is enclosed. The security panels are formed of a first substrate on which a fiber optic security cable is laid on the substrate, preferably in a sinusoidal pattern with nested fiber loops for added security. Adhesive tape may be used to hold the fiber cable in place, while a second sheet of laminate is adhered to the other side so that the optic cable is sandwiched between the substrates to complete a single security panel. The cage includes the security panels on the sides, front, and possibly the top to form the vault enclosure. A front door includes an opening giving access to the irradiator control panel and other operative features when closed. However, the opening does not permit access or removal of the Cesium (or other nuclear material) contained within the irradiator machine. Fiber optical sensor cables are connected to each security panel at one end, and the cables are then routed through the tubular frame members to a control box. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cables in each security panel are routed individually to the control box. The security panel cannot be removed from the frame without breaking the optical cable. A monitor or light processor is connected to the system, and is used to detect the light passing through the fiber optic cable. Any absence or significant reduction of light is detected by the light processor, which generates a signal that an attempt at unauthorized access has occurred. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a mobile irradiator machine is kept inside a cabinet, which includes a front door providing access to the irradiator. Because the irradiator is routinely moved in and out of the cabinet for use, an optical security tether is connected between the control box and the irradiator. Any attempt to move the irradiator beyond the room is detected because the tether will break or become disconnected. The tether consist of a jacketed fiber optic cable with internal strength member, such as a Kevlar strand, surrounded by a metallic armored flex sheath. Any breakage or disconnection of the tether from the control box creates an absence of light, which is detected by the monitor, causing an alert signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a fiber optic vault security system, including a primary cage with a door, an extension member and a back panel; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a fiber optic vault security system, further including a tether assembly; 
         FIG. 2B  is a detailed view of one embodiment of a tether assembly, as taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a tether system anchor block to prevent unauthorized removal of an attached asset; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective, exploded view of another embodiment of a tether anchor block to prevent unauthorized removal of an attached asset; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fiber hinge system that maintains a consistent fiber path length and bend radius as the fiber passes from a fixed cage into a movable door; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a fiber optic vault security system, including a primary cage with a door, an extension member and a back panel; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a protective fiber tamper loop that is used to secure the proper operation of a balanced magnetic switch application in which there is unrestricted access to both the sensor and target elements of the switch, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a laminated fiber panel construction with fiber exit points at the four corners of the panel; 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a portion of a laminated fiber panel construction, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a secure anchor system for the cage in which the anchor points are positioned within the cage envelope and the cage door itself cover and protects access to the anchor hardware; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a secure anchor system for the cage in which the anchor points are positioned within the cage envelope and the cage door itself cover and protects access to the anchor hardware, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a control box including a splicing tray, fiber connectors, a fiber optic processor, a tamper switch for preventing unauthorized access to the box, a power supply, and an exploded view of a fiber optic line anchoring mechanism; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective exploded view illustrating the connection between a panel and a frame of an extension member; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective, exploded view illustrating the connection between a panel and a frame of an extension member, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a tether clamp block, used in conjunction with a loop at the end of a fiber optic tether, wherein the tether clamp block includes a mechanism for disengaging the loop from itself as shown, threading it through some portion of a protected asset, and then reconnecting the loop back together; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a tether clamp block, used in conjunction with a loop at the end of a fiber optic tether, wherein the tether clamp block mechanism is shown in the disengaged, disconnected position; 
         FIG. 11A  is a side perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a fiber optic vault security system, including a primary cage with a door, an extension member and a back panel; 
         FIG. 11B  is a side perspective view of a one embodiment of a wheel assembly attached to the bottom portion of the cage frame, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment fiber optic vault security system, wherein the cage includes fiber optic panels on the front and sides only, and where cage is further protected by a secure wall, floor and ceiling; 
         FIG. 12B  is a top perspective, exploded view the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12A , further showing one embodiment of a loop anchor assembly; and 
         FIG. 12C  is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , and further including one embodiment of a loop anchor assembly, taken from the inset portion of  FIG. 12B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Overview 
     Several embodiments of an enclosed security system are shown in  FIGS. 1, 2A, 5A, 7A, 11A . In a first embodiment, the enclosed security system  10  (also referred to herein as a “booth,” “vault,” or “cage”) preferably includes a 4-sided cage structure  24  (having no bottom or rear panel in some embodiments) that can be shipped fully assembled and ready for installation on site. The cage frame  12  is preferably fabricated from ERW structural steel tubing and each exterior surface of the cage is covered with a laminated sheet containing fine-diameter fiber optic cable  14 . The fiber panels  16  are monitored by a light source/receiver processor (“light processor”)  18  installed within an enclosure  20  that is mounted inside the security cage. It is contemplated that a bottom and/or rear panel may be incorporated into the present device, if desired, and other suitable materials may be used for the frame or cage structure, such as aluminum, fiberglass, or the like. 
     The door  22  of the cage  24  may be equipped with an electric strike  26  (such as Seco-Larm Model SD-997AQ Fail Secure Electric Deadbolt) that serves as a latching mechanism for the door  22  and as a safeguard intrusion protection device in the event of electrical power loss. A balanced magnetic switch  28  (such as Honeywell 968XTP) is mounted near the door closure to monitor the closed condition of the door  22 . 
     Cameras may be mounted inside the cage  24 , and a mounting platform may be included to allow attachment of a security access device. The cameras may be operatively connected to a monitor, a recording device (such as a tape, a hard drive, a DVD, or the like), or some combination thereof. The cage  24  may be equipped with floor anchoring means  30 , such as bolts, that secure it to the floor as well as prevent it from being lifted away from the floor or moved from its anchored position without detection. 
     The enclosed security system  10  is designed to provide secure storage of sensitive assets, and is particularly useful for use with blood irradiation machines (or “irradiators”) as well as high dose radiation units known as HDRs. Irradiator cages or vaults  24  are designed with pass-through openings  32  in the front door  22  to allow loading and unloading of specimens as well as operator control of the unit without having to activate the access control system. 
     In one embodiment, the security cages  24  are designed to be “close-fit” around the irradiator to minimize the required space requirements. These cages  24  are also designed to be rolled or slid away from the irradiator to allow access to the unit for authorized servicing and inspection. In this mobile embodiment, wheels or rollers  108  may be attached to the bottom portion of the frame  12 , as shown in  FIG. 11A . In a preferred embodiment, the roller  108  comprises a ball transfer assembly  110 , which consists of a roller ball  112  within a casing  114 , where the roller ball  112  is in contact with smaller ball bearings (or rolling elements, not shown) positioned within the casing  114 , which allows the roller ball  112  to rotate in any direction, as desired. The ball transfer assembly  110  may include means for height adjustment, such as the three jack screws  116  that are disposed through a surface of the bottom frame member  12  and may be used to force the assembly downwardly, as necessary. Other embodiments may include larger vaults, which can provide additional storage space for other valuable assets, or accessories to a protected asset. 
     In another embodiment, the security cages  24  can be constructed large enough to accommodate service access to the protected asset any time the cage door  22  is opened in an authorized manner. In this embodiment, the cage  24  remains stationary. 
     The security vault  24  provides immediate detection and alarm signal transmission if the fiber panel  16  skin is penetrated or removed or if the door  22  is forced open in an unauthorized manner. The light processor  18  within the vault  24  converts any disruption of the integrated fiber circuit  14  that guards the protected items into the operation of a set of dry contacts that can be configured as either normally open or normally closed, which can be used to trigger any type of desired alarm. 
     The vault  24  can be powered by either 120 VAC or 12-24 VDC as selected by the site. Typically, power enters the vault  24  though a provided input portal  34 , and the alarm signal leaves the vault through a separate output portal  36 , which may be operatively connected to a remote alarm system. The power and signal conduits for the vault  24  are both flexible so that the unit can be moved as needed for irradiator access. 
     Conceptually, the goal is to provide a secure cage  24  or vault that prevents unauthorized physical access to the irradiator, or other sensitive or valuable assets, by providing not only a physical barrier, in the form of a cage  24  or vault, but also by an electronic, or light, barrier to sound an alarm in the event of an unauthorized breach event. The provision of a light barrier is accomplished by providing paneling  16  having thin fiber optic cable  14  embedded therein, which enwraps the entire cage  24 , including the door  22 . The fiber optic cable  14  essentially circulates light about the cage  24 , and any disruption in the light, due to a bending or breaking of the fiber optic cable  14 , triggers an alarm. 
     The Cage 
     In a preferred embodiment, the enclosed security system includes a cage  24 , which comprises a frame  12  made from structural steel, and sections of expanded metal  38  extending between the frame members  12  to form a first physical barrier (although in some cases, the expanded metal sections may not be necessary). Mounting tabs  40  may be affixed to the frame members  12  in order to receive the expanded metal sections  38 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As an alternative to the expanded metal screens  38 , for example, closely-spaced metal bars  42  can be used, particularly for a door  22 . Maximum bar spacing to prevent access is typically 6 inches, although the spacing may be selected as desired. Metal bars  42  in conjunction with optically clear panels  16  can be used wherever it is desired to provide clear sight through the fiber panels  16  while maintaining the security of the fiber system. In such a case, it is desirable to arrange the fiber optic lines  14  within the clear panel  16  so that they correspond or line up with the metal bars  42  adjacent the clear portions of the panel  16 . In some cases, only portions of the panel  16  should be optically clear, for viewing purposes. For the rest of the vault  24 , it is preferred that the panels  16  be opaque, and more particularly, black in color. 
     The frame members  12  preferably have a square cross-section, and are preferably hollow, so that fiber optic cables  14  may be contained therein. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that no floor panels or rear panels are necessary, as the cage  24  may be situated on a thick concrete floor, or the like, and backed up to a secure wall. In these cases, the floor and wall provide the necessary security and protection against unauthorized access from those directions. It is contemplated, however, that floor panels and rear panels may be utilized, as necessary, and are formed similarly to the other side panels described herein, possibly with additional structural support for the floor panels, as determined by the weight requirements of the assets to be stored therein. 
     Means for securing the cage structure to the floor, such as lag bolts  30  or any other suitable means, may be utilized, and such means are affixed from the inside of the cage  24 , preferably through the frame member  12  and into the floor. In one embodiment, the floor anchoring means  30  includes threaded anchors that are embedded into the concrete or flooring beneath the vault, as shown in  FIGS. 2A, 5A, 7A, and 7B . Anchor bolts  30  extend through holes in the bottom frame member  12  on the inside of the vault, preferably in the doorway. In this embodiment, cover guards  44  may be welded to the bottom frame  12  of the door  22 , in order to conceal the anchor bolts  30  when the door  22  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 7 . This arrangement prevents unauthorized access to the floor-securing means, because a person must have authorized access to the inside of the cage  24  or vault in order to access such floor securing means. 
     A hinged door  22  may be affixed to the front portion of the cage, and the door frame  46  may include mounts or hinges on both sides, so that the door may be mounted to swing in either direction, as desired. The door  22  also preferably includes hollow frame members  12 , as described above, optionally together with expanded metal sections  38  extending therebetween. In the case of irradiator vaults, an access area  32  may be incorporated into the door  22  to provide access to the irradiator controls, as well as the loading and unloading of specimens. This arrangement allows medical personnel the ability to use the irradiator while the irradiator remains secured within the cage  24 . The frame  46  of the door  22  may define a hole adjacent the hinged portion thereof, for receiving fiber optic lines  14  from the cage  24 . Similarly, the fixed frame member  12  of the cage  24  may define a corresponding hole, through which a fiber optic cable  14  may extend. This arrangement allows the fiber optic cable  14  to run from the interior of the fixed frame  12  to the interior of the door frame  46 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In one embodiment, the cage  24  may be constructed in modular form, as shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein a primary cage includes a three-sided frame  12  comprising two sides and a ceiling, together with a hinged door  22  affixed to a front portion thereof. Additionally, an extension member  48  may be affixed to the rear portion of the primary cage  24 , wherein the extension member  48  also includes two sides and a ceiling. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that a floor is not necessary, as the entire vault  24  may be positioned on a secure floor, although floor components may be used, as necessary. The extension member  48  may have any desired depth (front-to-rear), while it is contemplated that the height and width of the extension member  48  preferably correlate with the height and width of the primary cage  24 . This arrangement allows the vault  24  to be lengthened to any desired depth, in order to accommodate any desired asset therein (such as particularly large irradiators, or the like). Further, this modular arrangement allows a large vault  24  to be constructed in a location having a restrictive door width or size. In other words, sections of the vault  24  may be moved through a small door and assembled on the other side thereof. Any suitable means may be used to secure the extension member  48  to the primary cage, including bolts or screws that affix the frame members of each component together within the inside of the vault  24 . 
     In this extended embodiment, corresponding holes may be defined within the abutting frame members of the primary cage  24  and the extension member  48 , so that fiber optic cables  14  may run therethrough in a continuous manner, may be operatively connected from one cage section to another, or may be run in any desired manner to form a complete circuit. 
     A stationary back panel  50  may be mounted to the floor or wall in close proximity to the rear frame of the extension member. Exterior fiber optic cables  14  can then be operatively connected between fiber exit points on the back panel  50  and corresponding connection points on the main cage frame  12 . In this embodiment, the fiber connections  52  between the stationary back panel  50  and the moveable security cage  24  must be disconnected before the cage  24  can be moved away from the protected asset. The back panel  50  and the extension member  48  are preferably constructed similarly to the primary cage member  24 , so that each includes a hollow metal frame  12  with expanded metal  38  extending therebetween, forming physical barriers against entry through gaps in the frames  12 . It is noted, however, that not all embodiments may require the use of expanded metal panels  38  attached to the frame members  12 , and the enclosed security vault system  10  may operate properly without the expanded metal panel components  38 . 
     The door  22  of the cage  24  may be equipped with an electric strike  26  that serves as a latching mechanism for the door  22  and as a safeguard intrusion protection device in the event of electrical power loss. Cameras may be mounted inside the cage  24 , as well, and a mounting platform may be included to allow attachment of a security access device. 
     A balanced magnetic switch  28  may be mounted near the door closure to monitor the closed condition of the door  22 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment, a balanced magnetic switch target  54  is mounted to the door frame  46  using plastic standoffs to provide a space between the magnetic switch target  54  and the door frame  46 . A fiber optic line  14 , preferably a 900 micron fiber line, is fed from the door frame  46  through a hole between the plastic standoffs, as shown, and the fiber optic line  14  loops around the magnetic switch target  54 , and then runs back into the door frame  46 . A magnetic switch  28  functions by maintaining a consistent magnetic field between a sensor and target  54 . If the spacial relationship changes between the sensor and the target  54 , detection is made. Attempts to thwart such a system have included detaching the target  54  from the door to maintain spacial relationship between the target and the sensor, allowing the door  22  to be opened undetected. Providing a fiber optic line  14  in a tight configuration around the target  54 , as shown, prevents this method of unauthorized access. This arrangement prevents any undetected tampering with the magnetic switch  28 . 
     Additionally, the door  22  may be equipped with a suitable locking device  56 , for security purposes. One particularly advantageous type of lock  56  is an electric deadbolt with a manual override. An access reader  58  may also be incorporated into the design, so that in order to gain access, a person must swipe a magnetized identification or security card. Alternatively, the access reader  58  may scan a person&#39;s fingerprints, retina, or other biometric features. Any suitable access reader may be employed, including access readers that may detect multiple factors in combination as a barrier to entry. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a partial cage may be mounted to a secure wall, floor and ceiling, in an arrangement shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C . In this embodiment, a three-sided frame may be constructed so that the panels may be attached to a front portion, side portions, and a door, as shown. This arrangement is designed similarly to other embodiments discussed herein, but the light panels are only necessary on the three sides that are not protected by a secure wall, floor or ceiling. The panels are preferably attached and the wires routed in the same manner as discussed hereinbelow, where provisions are made to reduce or eliminate any slack in the fiber optic lines, so that the removal of any panel after installation requires cutting the fiber optic line, which triggers an alarm. 
     Light Security System 
     A series of panels  16  may be attached to the outer surfaces of the frames  12 , preferably on the outside of the expanded metal portions  38  if those are used, and each panel  16  is embedded with or attached to fiber optic line  14  that extends throughout the inside portion of the panel, either in a sinusoidal pattern, randomly, or in some other desired configuration. Ideally, the fiber optic cable  14  pattern or configuration should ensure that the fiber optic lines  14  are close enough together to prevent someone from cutting a hole in the panel  16  that is large enough to remove the protected asset, or any portion of it, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In a preferred embodiment, each panel  16  is made from a laminated polycarbonate sheet containing fine-diameter fiber optic cable  14 , although other suitable materials may be used, if desired. 
     In one preferred embodiment, a panel  16  comprises an inner polycarbonate layer and an outer polycarbonate layer, having lengths of fiber optic cables  16  embedded therebetween in a generally sinusoidal pattern, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The panel  16  may be assembled by affixing a series of parallel longitudinally oriented high bond acrylic adhesive strips  60  to an inner layer of polycarbonate, and then attaching the fiber optic line  14  in any desired shape or pattern. It should be noted, however, that in a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic line  14  pattern includes a nesting feature, as shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein two fiber optic lines  14  are embedded within the panel  16 , and in some areas of the panel  16 , the first fiber optic line  14  extends into an area (a trough) within a wave pattern of the second fiber optic line  14 , and conversely, the second fiber optic line  14  extends within a trough of the wave pattern in the first fiber optic line  14 . This arrangement prevents someone from simply making a cut in a vertical line down the middle of the panel between the two fiber optic lines in order to gain undetected access into the vault. Then, an outer layer of polycarbonate may be attached on top of the fiber optic line  14  and secured thereto by the acrylic strips  60 . Additionally, screws may be inserted through the inner and outer layers of polycarbonate to secure the panel  16  together. Preferably, the fiber optic line  14  embedded within the panel is of finer gauge (for example, 250 micron fiber) than the fiber optic line  14  on the outside of the panel (for instance, 2 mm fiber tails). 
     At each of the four corners of each panel  16 , a hole or slot is defined where the fiber optic line  14  may extend outwardly on the inner layer thereof. In order to install the panels  16  to the frame  12 , the fiber optic lines  14  extending from the corners of a panel  16  are fed through corresponding holes in the frame  12  and into the hollow portion within the frame  12 . The fiber optic lines  14  may then be pulled taut as the panel  16  is positioned in its desired location on the frame  12 . When the panel  16  is in its proper position, and the fiber optic lines  14  are pulled taut, then the panel  16  may be screwed or otherwise secured to the frame  12  by any suitable means. 
     Each of the fiber lines  14  extending from the panels  16  is routed through the cage frame  12  and ultimately into a centralized control box  20 . Inside the control box  20 , all of the fiber lines  14  are physically anchored with minimum slack in the routing. This arrangement prevents the removal of any particular panel  16 , as the fiber optic line  14  extending from that panel  16  back to the centralized control box  20  would necessarily have to be cut in order to remove any panel  16 , and such action would trigger the alarm system. Ultimately, the panels  16  cover the entire outer portions of the cage  24 , including the door  22 , effectively creating a fiber optic shell about an outer portion thereof. 
     The panels  16  attach to the frame  12  of the extension member similarly to the manner in which the panels are attached to the primary cage member  24 , but the fiber optic lines  14  run through the frame  12  in a different manner. Because of the modular nature of this embodiment, it is preferred that the routing of the fiber optic lines  14  within the extension member  48  be completed before delivery of the modular vault to the desired site. The panels  16  are affixed to the frame  12  of the extension member  48 , and the fiber optic lines  14  are fed into the hollow frame member  12 .  FIG. 9  shows an embodiment wherein the fiber optic lines  14  are fed through the frame  12  to a top transverse frame member  12 . A cable loop anchor bolt  62  extends upwardly through the top transverse frame member  12 , and the fiber optic lines  14  from a panel  16  on a first side of the extension member  48  are fed to the cable loop anchor bolt  62 , around the bolt  62 , and back toward the first side, as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C . These fiber optic lines  14  are then fed through the adjacent top longitudinal member  12  to and through the front of the top longitudinal member  12  for connection to fiber optic cables  14  from the primary cage member  24 . Panels on the second side of the extension member  48  include fiber optic lines  14  routed similarly, only in reverse. The cable loop anchor bolt  62  serves to allow the fiber optic lines  14  to be pulled taut during installation of the panels  16 , so that there is little or no slack available in the fiber optic lines  14  for unauthorized removal of the panels  16 . A cable loop clamp  64  is affixed to the fiber optic line  14  adjacent the loop in order to secure the loop in a desired location along the fiber optic line  14 , and a sheath fits over the fiber optic line  14  where it comes into contact with the cable loop anchor bolt  62 . During installation, the cable loop anchor bolt  62  is positioned away from the opposed wall of the frame member  12  to allow room to place the fiber optic cable loops therearound, and once they are in place, the anchor bolt  62  is tightened into place to secure the fiber optic loops in place, so that the cable loop anchor bolt  62  spans the width of the hollow channel within the transverse frame member  12 . 
     Panels  16  with embedded fiber optic cables  14  may also be affixed to the outer side of the door  22  on the vault  24 . The fiber optic cables  14  for the door  22  extend from the control box  20 , through the hollow frame members  12  to a hole defined on a door frame member  46  near or adjacent to one or two door hinges. 
     A fiber hinge  66 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , includes a spring based mechanism that maintains tension on the fiber optic cables  14  that pass outwardly from the fixed door frame  46  and into the frame of the door  22 , so that they can be operatively connected to the panels  16  affixed to the door  22 . The fiber hinge  66  is used to prevent the fiber optic cable  14  from becoming crimped or bent into an unacceptable acute angle during operation of the door  22 . In one embodiment, the fiber hinge  66  includes a pivoting arm  68  that is pivotally attached to the fixed frame  12  of the vault  24  adjacent the floor, for instance. A pivot pin  70  is inserted and secured through the hollow frame member  12 , and the pivoting arm  68  is rotatably attached to the pivot pin  70 . On a lower portion of the pivoting arm  68 , below the pivot pin  70 , a spring  72  is attached. The spring  72  extends in the direction of the door frame  46 , as shown, and is attached to a fixed pin  74  that is positioned within the fixed frame  12  of the vault  24 . The pivoting arm  68  defines a hole at the approximate mid-point thereof, for receiving a fiber optic cable  14 . The cable  14  extends from the fixed frame  12  of the vault  24 , upwardly through the hole in the pivoting arm  68 , back over a top portion of the pivoting arm  68 , through a hole in the fixed door frame  46 , and into the frame of the door  22 , ultimately being operatively connected to fiber optic lines  14  in the door panel(s)  16 . This arrangement maintains a consistent fiber path length and bend radius as the fiber  14  passes from a fixed cage frame  12  into a movable door  22 . A rubber or plastic bushing  76  surrounds the hole in the door frame  46  through which the fiber optic cables  14  extend towards the door  22 . The fiber optic cables  14  are bundled together within a flexible sheath, which helps to prevent the fiber optic cables  14  from becoming crimped or otherwise disturbed (bent in an unacceptably acute angle, which would interrupt the light signal streaming therethrough) during the opening or closing motion of the door  22 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic cable  14  is configured in series, so that if one were to follow a single photon of light throughout the fiber optic matrix or system, one could trace that proton throughout the entire panel system of fiber optic lines  14 , much like a single blood cell may circulate through a person&#39;s body. 
     Cage Alarm System 
     The cage  24  and its components may be protected against unauthorized access by various electronic means, including the fiber optic system, motion sensors, infrared sensors and/or infrared cameras, door sensors and/or magnetic switches, tamper switches and/or cameras, in any desired combination or configuration, either inside the vault or outside the vault, or both. Cameras may be mounted on the inside of the vault, as well as outside, for viewing the vault. The cameras (as well as other sensors) may be operationally connected to, or form a part of, the cage alarm system, so that in the event of an alarm, visual verification of an alarm event may occur. The cameras may also be connected to remote monitors, recording devices, or both. The cage alarm system may trigger a local alarm (such as a horn sounding or lights flashing), as well as a remote or electronic alarm that alerts security forces to a potential breach. 
     Control Box 
     The fiber optic lines  14  are fed into a control box  20 , which is preferably mounted to a ceiling portion of the vault  24  on the inside thereof. The control box  20  includes a splice tray  78 , wherein the fiber optic cables  14  are spliced together, preferably in series (although it is certainly possible to configure the fiber optic cables  14  in parallel for each panel  16 , for instance, if desired), as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 8 . The control box  20  may also include the light processor (fiber optic processor)  18 , which transmits light from one port and circulates the light throughout the fiber optic system, and is then received back into the light processor  18 . Thus, any disruption of the light anywhere along the fiber optic matrix or circuit may be detected by the light processor  18  (which is operatively connected to an alarm system), triggering an alarm. The fiber optic lines  14  are also embedded in the panel  16  affixed to the door  22  of the vault  24 . 
     A pair of portals ( 34  and  36 ) is defined through the ceiling/roof of the vault, providing access to the control box  20 . Power can enter the vault through portal  34 , while alarm and control signals can exit the vault through portal  36 . It is contemplated that there may be enough slack maintained in the cables that are connected to these portals so that the vault may be moved and repositioned within the room where it is situated for maintenance or other purposes without having to unhook or disconnect those lines. 
     The control box  20  may include a pair of fixed capstans  80  around which fiber optic cables may be wound, so that when the panels  16  are being installed onto the outside of the frame  12 , the capstans  80  serve to secure the fiber optic lines  14  in the proper position. The capstans  80  serve as fiber optic anchors to ensure that the fiber optic lines  14  are locked or secured into a desired position to maintain the tension therein, as necessary. In one preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 , the control box  20  defines a hole through which fiber optic lines  14  enter the control box  20 . Adjacent this entry hole is a fixed rubber capstan  80  affixed to a wall of the control box  20 . A bundle of fiber optic lines  14  may be fed around the capstan  80  one time and held into place by a pair of fiber containment pins  82  that are placed about the periphery of the rubber capstan  80 , having enough distance therebetween to feed the fiber optic lines  14 . After the fiber optic lines  14  have been placed onto the capstan  80  between the fiber containment pins  82  and the undesired slack has been taken out of the fiber optic lines  14 , a fender washer  84  may be placed and secured against the distal end of the rubber capstan  80  opposite the control box  20  wall, the fender washer  84  butting against the fiber containment pins  82  to hold the fiber optic lines  14  in place, as shown. 
     The control box  20  may also include a splicing tray  78 , where the fiber optic cables  14  are spliced into a series or parallel circuit. Additionally, the control box  20  may further include the light processor  18 , as well as any other components that may be incorporated into the system. 
     Tether 
     Some assets are mobile, and may need to be removed from the vault  24  for use. In such cases, an integrated fiber optic tether cable  86  may be secured to the asset and operatively connected to the control box  20 . The fiber optic tether cable  86  includes a flexible outer sheath made of a strong material, such as steel, surrounding a fiber optic cable  14  that is attached to the control box  20  and the light processor  18  on one end and the protected asset on the other end, as shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 10A and 10B . The tether  86  can be attached to the asset in any desired secure manner, and if the light traveling through the tether&#39;s fiber optic cables  14  is interrupted or disturbed in any way, then an alarm is triggered. Thus, in order to remove the asset from the tether  86 , the tether must be cut, disconnected from the control box  20  and the light processor  18 , or disconnected from the asset. In any of these cases, an alarm is triggered. 
     Special consideration should be given to the manner in which the tether  86  is attached to the asset. One option is to pass a loop of the tether cable  86  around an area of small girth on the asset such that it cannot be removed because of the physical features of the asset. Another option is to pass a loop of the tether cable  86  through an opening in the asset, such as a hole or a gap between the asset body and a securely welded protrusion. A third option is to use a tether cable anchor block  88  that is permanently bonded to the asset, such as with high-strength epoxy, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In this option, a fine-diameter fiber  14  inside the tether anchor block  88  is separately bonded to the asset and protected from access by the bonded block itself. If the anchor block  88  is forcefully removed, the fiber  14  breaks, and a subsequent alarm is triggered. 
     In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable  14  is operatively connected to a light processor  18  in a control box  20  at one end, and includes a detachable loop mechanism  90  at the other end. Essentially, the light processor  18  sends a light signal from a light transmission port toward along the tether  86 , around the loop, back along the tether  86  and back into the receiving port. The detachable loop mechanism  90 , in a preferred embodiment, includes a tether clamp block  92  at the base of the loop, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The tether clamp block  92  includes a housing  94  with a removable cover  96  and a pair of channels  98  or tracks in a Y shape. The fiber optic line  14  extends along one channel  98  of the fork of the Y and out of the tether clamp block  92 , begins the loop, and then circles back into channel  98  of the second fork of the Y. Within the channel  98  of the second fork of the Y in the tether clamp block  92  is a fiber optic connection  52  having a squeeze tab, as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In use, the removable cover  96  may be removed, and the fiber optic connection  52  may be disconnected, so that the fiber optic cable  14  may be run through some fixed portion of a protected asset, and then the fiber optic connection  52  may be reconnected, so that the loop encircles some portion of the protected asset. Then, the fiber optic cable  14  may be replaced into the proper channels  98 , and the cover  96  may be replaced on the housing  94 . Once the tether  86  is activated, an alarm is triggered if either the tether  86  is disconnected from the control box  20 , or if the tether  86  is cut, or if the fiber optic connection  52  is disconnected within the tether clamp block  92 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the tether assembly may include a dedicated control box  20 , similar to an electrical enclosure, which houses a fiber optic processor  18  that may include dry contacts for the alarm system (normally closed or normally open). Power is supplied to the control box, and specifically to the fiber optic processor (light processor)  18 , from a suitable power source, which may include 12-24 VDC or 120 VAC. The tether  86  includes an armored cable extending from the control box  20  at one end, and formed into a loop at an opposed end by using a tether clamp block  92 , as shown. The control box  20  may include a tamper switch in order to detect attempts at unauthorized access into the control box  20 . 
     In another embodiment, a tether  86  may be directly attached to a protected asset, so that the tether loop includes contact members that are mounted on the asset using a strong adhesive, epoxy, mechanical hardware, or the like. The tether loop may include anchor blocks  88  spaced at intervals around the loop, and the anchor blocks  88  include a base member  100  with a series of fiber wrap pins  102  extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The base member  100  includes a pair of side members  104 , each defining a pair of holes for receiving fiber optic cables  14 . A top cover member  106  fits onto the base member  100 , and includes four side members, wherein two of the side members  104  define holes corresponding to the holes in the sides of the base member  100  to receive the fiber optic cables  14 . Fiber adapter/connectors  52  are affixed to the outer portion of the top cover holes for connecting external fiber optic lines  14  to the fiber optic lines  14  inside of the anchor block  88 . 
     These fiber connectors  52  are inserted into the corresponding holes in both the base member  100  and the top cover  106  after the two pieces are assembled with their holes aligned. The fiber connectors  52  serve as the securing hardware to prevent the top cover  106  from being removed in an unauthorized manner. Optionally, 4 small holes can be used in the top cover  106  in line with the release tabs on the fiber optic connectors  52  so that a pin could be inserted through these openings to release the fiber connectors  52  and remove the top cover  106 . This option might be used in locations requiring less security and more serviceability of the tether system. Alternatively, the 4 release pin holes could be positioned in the base member  100  instead of the top cover  106 . In this embodiment, the fiber connectors  52  would be rotated 180 degrees so that their release tabs faced the base member floor. In this configuration, the anchor block  88  would have to be forcibly removed from its mount in order to gain access to the internal components within the anchor block  88 . 
     The base member  100  defines a large hole in the central portion thereof. The internal fiber optic cables  14  may be wound about the fiber wrap pins  102  in a pattern or a random manner, and adhesive or epoxy may be used to attach the internal fiber optic cables  14  to the protected asset through the central hole in the base member  100 . Once the top cover  106  is secured in place and the internal fiber optic cables  14  are attached to the asset and operationally connected to the rest of the tether  86 , any attempts to remove the anchor block  88  necessarily causes a break in the internal fiber optic cables  14 , thereby triggering an alarm. 
     In yet another embodiment, particularly in a vault embodiment where the vault is mobile, on wheels for instance, the tether  86  may extend from the vault  24  to a floor or wall and an anchor block  88  (or multiple anchor blocks) may be mounted thereto using an adhesive, epoxy or other bonding agent or mechanical hardware. The opposed end of the tether  86  may be connected directly to the control box  20 , or may be integrated into the fiber optic system surrounding the vault. Either way, the tether  86  is ultimately operatively connected to the light processor  18  within the control box  20 . 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.