Abstract:
A room access control system including a base attachable to a wall or door jamb adjacent a door opening to a room, an arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end, wherein the arm is positionable in a first position wherein the arm is in a generally vertical, undeployed position with the second end of the arm positioned above a floor located adjacent the door opening, and wherein the arm is pivotable from the first, generally vertical undeployed position, to a second generally horizontal, deployed position, where the arm extends across the door opening.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present application relates to a modular system of controlling ingress and egress from a restricted or dangerous premises as found in hospitals, medical facilities and other settings. The disclosed embodiments provide a means to clearly communicate which premises are off limits to persons or equipment in addition to deploying a modular retractable barrier. 
         [0002]    Many processes used in health care, industrial, and commercial fields require limited access to a room or portion of premises either at all times, or only at limited times. While one solution is to simply close or lock the door to the limited access premises, doing so isolates the limited access premises and individuals working in that area from the rest of the building and results in inaccessibility. 
         [0003]    Within the MRI environment there is a superconducting magnet encapsulated in its own specific room. This room must be accessed through an RF shielded door. This door is kept open at certain times for a variety of clinical reasons including patient flow, medical staff egress, emergency situations and simple communication outside the room. An industry acknowledged exposure to MRI technologists and the patients they image on a daily basis is bodily injury or death resulting from a projectile accident occurring. A projectile accident is defined as an occurrence where an object containing ferromagnetic material is pulled into the superconducting magnet at a high rate of speed. 
         [0004]    As shown in photograph of  FIG. 1 , labeled as Prior Art, MRI suites are generally protected with passive signage, and in some instances, illuminated signs indicating the presence of a magnetic field. However, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the standard signage may use a green illuminated sign  1  displaying various warnings directly over the doorway  2  of door  3 . Most visitors or even facility staff members do not understand the danger caused by entering the room where the high-intensity magnetic field is located. Other symbols on doors may be used, however, they do not convey the danger and are not sufficiently active to guarantee attention of the viewer. 
         [0005]    A device which controls access to the room, protecting persons and equipment in that room and unequivocally communicates the danger found within the room without entirely isolating the room overcomes the aforementioned problems. 
         [0006]    A need exists in the art for a means to control physical access to a premises without completely isolating the premises. The method and system should rely on active information signage that clearly communicates to any person that the premises of a given room is off limits and physically restricts its access with a retractable physical barrier. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one aspect, a room access control system is provided that includes a base attachable to a wall or door jamb adjacent a door opening to a room, an extending arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end, wherein the extending arm is positionable in a first position wherein the arm is in a generally vertical, undeployed position with the second end of the arm positioned above a floor located adjacent the door opening, and wherein the extending arm is pivotable from the first, generally vertical undeployed position, to a second generally horizontal, deployed position, where the arm extends across the door opening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         [0008]    The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art notification system for limited access premises; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of an access control system  10 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the base  12  of the access control system  10  of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the base  12  of the access control system  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  taken along line  4 A- 4 A in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded view of the base  12  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4C  is a bottom view of base  12  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a base assembly  70  of the base  12  shown in  FIGS. 2-4C ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a hinge  46  shown in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a base segment  90  that may be used with arm  22  shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of telescoping components that may be used with arm  22  shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of a linear actuator  100  that may be used with a telescoping arm, in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of a foam tip  110  that may be used as a component of the telescoping arm, in accordance with features of an example embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the linear drive  52  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4A , according to an example embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of mounting plate  130  that may be used as wall plate  16  shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with features of an example embodiment; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of support bracket  140  that may be used as a support for base  12  shown in  FIG. 2 ; in accordance with features of an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
         [0025]    As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
         [0026]    An embodiment of the system controls access to a room by being mounted on the side of a door or a door jamb or a door opening. The system may include a telescoping arm, which pivots around a fulcrum point. In an un-deployed position, the arm is oriented vertically, i.e. in a parallel with vertically disposed portions of a door jamb, the arm defining a first length. Upon deployment, the arm first pivots upwardly (or downwardly) to a horizontal position such that the arm is now orthogonal to the vertically disposed portions of the door jamb. Upon attaining this position, the arm, may thereafter be extended automatically to a second length to cover the width of the door. (In an embodiment of the invention, extension to the second length occurs while the arm is positioning from a vertical to a horizontal position). 
         [0027]    During and following deployment warning indicia are illuminated on the system. Indicia can be illuminated at all aspects of arm deployment, for example, just before deployment of the vertically disposed first length arm to its horizontal position, or at the beginning of deployment, or during extension to the second length, or only when the system attains final second length deployment status. 
         [0028]    While described in the context of an MRI suite, the instant device can be deployed in conjunction with any process where access control is desired while maintaining an open or partially opened door. 
         [0029]    One embodiment provides for a deployment completion audible tone or melody upon deployment, upon activation or during extension of the arm the second length or attainment of the final second length deployment status. 
         [0030]    One embodiment provides for a modular room access control system, designed to notify third parties of a danger located within a premises. While the depicted embodiment is focused on limited access to MRI suites, the device is capable of protecting any limited access rooms or buildings. For example, one embodiment, not shown, is extended over a door while the premises are being flooded with ultra-violet light for disinfection purposes. Another embodiment, not shown, is extended over the entrance to a ‘clean room’ environment. In such an instance, the system is used in conjunction with a sealed door. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the access control system, designated as numeral  10  comprises a base  12  in rotatable communication with an arm receptacle  14 . The base is mounted to a wall plate  16 , and the wall plate  16  is in turn attached to a wall  20 . The base  12  includes a base assembly or housing  70  that substantially encapsulates internal componentry of the access control system  10  and electrically isolates the componentry from regions exterior of the base assembly or housing  70 . Portions of the housing  70  can provide a means for pulling heat away from the componentry so as to act as a heat sink. 
         [0032]    The base  12  can be mounted on either an in-swing or out-swing door opening, specifically on the hinge-side or non-hinge side of an in-swing door or the non-hinge side of an out-swing door opening. Furthermore, some MRI/Medical doorways have a perpendicular wall on one side of the doorway or a corridor leading to a door opening. For addressing this situation an L shaped bracket, as shown in  FIG. 9 , allows the system to be mounted securely and function in the same way as it would if mounted on the side of the door. 
         [0033]    An arm assembly  18  may be removably attached to the base  12  at the receptacle point  14 . For example, the arm assembly  18  may be slidably received by the base  12 , or else received in a snap fit configuration by the base  12 , or magnetically coupled to the base  12 . 
         [0034]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the arm assembly  18  comprises an arm  22  that may be made from a light weight material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, aluminum, wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass and combinations thereof. The arm  22  displays warning indicia  24 . Optionally, outwardly facing surfaces of the base  12  display warning indicia  26 . Additionally, perforations or holes may be formed on the back side of arm  22  to illuminate visibility of the arm to those persons approaching the deployed arm from the interior of the space being restricted. 
         [0035]    The arm assembly  18  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , comprises an arm  22  with a first end terminating in an end cap  32  and a second end in pivotal communication with a region of the outwardly facing surface of the base  12  defining a pivot point  34 . The pivot point  34  may define a nut-bolt configuration or a snap fit configuration the latter of which to provide a reversible attachment means of the arm  22  to the base  12 . The removable attachment facilitates the disengagement of the arm  22  from the base  12  in the event of an emergency or inadvertent collision, and is shown in detail below. Further, the removable attachment is truly modular allowing for the repair or upgrade of the arm  22 . 
         [0036]    The arm  22  pivots around the fulcrum attachment point  34  from an un-deployed position which is parallel to the sides  28  of the base  12  (and parallel to the vertically disposed portions of the door jamb) to the deployed position wherein the arm  22  forms an angle α to the sides of the base  12 . While  FIG. 2  shows the arm as substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal sides  28  of the base  12 , a myriad of angles are suitable, ranging from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees. An embodiment of the deployed configuration is shown in in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0037]    During the deployed configuration in  FIG. 2 , the arm indicia  24  and the base indicia  26  are illuminated. In one embodiment, the arm indicia  24  and the base indicia  26  flash, remain constant, or otherwise illuminate following deployment. In further embodiments multiple colors are utilized to correspond with differing stages of deployment. 
         [0038]    A noted supra, in another embodiment, the sound generating component of the base  12  is engaged during the deployment process when the arm  22  is switching from the un-deployed vertical configuration to the deployed configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the base  12  further comprises a radio frequency antenna  36  for receiving wireless signals from a remote transmitter (or vice versa where the base incorporates a transmitter to communicate with a receiver). The arm  22  may be deployed or un-deployed in response to receipt of a wireless communication signal by control circuitry found within the base  12  as captured by the antenna  36 . In one embodiment, the antenna  36  receives unencrypted signals over industry-standard frequencies such as those not subject to national regulation, i.e. 900 Mhz and 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. Optionally, the antenna  36  receives encrypted signals from the remote. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, a side  28  of the base  12  includes manual actuation buttons  38  which can be used to deploy or un-deploy the arm  22 . The buttons  38  may also be used to select an encryption key for the wireless signal. In this embodiment, when both keys are pressed, the control circuitry within the base  12  selects a random encryption key and broadcasts it using the antenna  36 . The encryption key is received by the remote. Upon acknowledgement of receipt of the encryption key by the remote, the control circuit ceases sending out of the encrypted key. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the encryption keys are set by a series of dip switches in the remote and on the base. In order to function, banks of corresponding dip switches must be set to the same value. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the base  12  is powered by a standard household current, 110-130V, with a power plug extending from an exterior surface of the base, such as the bottom surface  30  of the base  12 . Inasmuch as during operation, the device preferably does not exceed 2.75 amps of current, the system is amenable to being powered by a backup power source, such as an off-the-shelf uninterruptible power supply or a low current generator. In another embodiment, the base  12  is powered by a direct current battery, such as standard batteries 12V batteries used with cordless tools. This DC configuration is particularly applicable when the system is used as a completely modular unit, so as to be wheeled from passageway to passageway, as needed. In this configuration, the system may be placed on a cart along with its power supply. The power supply can be reversibly attached to the base of the system for cosmetic purposes, or else in electric communication with the system via standard insulated conductors. 
         [0043]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , a front view of the base  12  of the system  10  is depicted. The base  12  includes a front plate  42  which secures the interior components of the base  12  discussed herein, so as to provide a means for electrically insulating the components from passersby. The front plate  42  includes a mounting point  44  for the base warning indicia  26 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting point facilitates the installation of any number of removable warning indicia  26 . The warning indicia  26  can be added or removed depending on the desired cautionary message to be displayed thereon. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the warning indicia  26  cautions against the danger of the magnetic field, but could include other messages. In one embodiment, the indicia mounting point  44  includes removable attachment means, such that the indicia  26  can replaced in the field, as the base  12  is moved from one application to another. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the warning indicia  26  can be bolted on using screws or other threaded members. The removable attachment of warning indicia  26  to the mounting point  44  also allows for the replacement of the indicia  26  in the event that the indicia ceases to illuminate, or in the event that brighter illumination is required or becomes feasible. Also, warning indicia may be modular, for example a low-powered LED with its own power source can be removably attached to the housing such as via magnets, hook and pile connectors (e.g. Velcro) or with a simple elastic band adapted to encircle the housing unit. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the attachment means are designed to be operable only in one direction, such as with anti-theft fasteners so as to allow fastening to the faceplate of the housing and prevent the unauthorized removal of the warning indicia  26  or other defacement. 
         [0045]    The front plate  42  further includes an arm receptacle  14 . The receptacle  14  includes a pair of weld-on hinges  46 , discussed in detail below. The arm receptacle includes a keyed aperture  48  containing the arm actuator pin  50 . The aperture is keyed to ensure that the arm is installed in the correct orientation, thereby deploying from a vertical position to a horizontal. Alternatively, and as discussed supra, the receptacle facilitates magnetic interaction with a ferrous containing portion of the arm. 
         [0046]    Turning to  FIG. 4A , depicted therein is a schematic view of the interior of the base  12  taken along lines  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 3 . Installed within the base  12  is a linear drive  52 . The linear drive  52  comprises a cylindrical body  54  and drive element  56 . The drive element  56  is affixed to an off center edge of a round plate ( 69  in  FIG. 4B ) which upon extension of the drive element  56 , rotates the plate. The arm actuator pin  50  is affixed to the center of the round plate ( 69  in  FIG. 4B ) and the rotation of the plate  69  rotates the actuator pin  50  which in turn deploys the arm  22 . The drive element  52  is further connected to the cautionary indicia  26  and therefore the indicia  26  are illuminated when the drive element  56  is extending. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, there are mechanical limit switches which are set on the linear drive that communicates the relative position of the arm from disengagement, active deployment, to engagement and back again. A logic controller runs the program to activate the cautionary indicia to correspond with the position or activity of the arm. 
         [0048]    Optionally, as a counter weight to the arm  22  and to increase rigidity of the arm  22 , a support plate  58  is installed around the base of the arm  22 . 
         [0049]    Power and control circuitry is located within the base  12  in a replaceable module  60 . 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIG. 4B , the power supply  63  provides electrical power to the control board  66  which in turn runs a stored programmed set of instructions. The instructions are executed in response to input from the button  38  or the RF receiver  68 . Upon activation from either element, the linear drive  52  extends which rotates the round plate  69  which in turn rotates the attached arm. The plate  69  is under spring loaded tension from spring  73  which controls the velocity of the rotation and position. Limit switches on the linear drive  52  provide position data to the control board  66  to activate the display flash for warning indicia  26  or illumination color changes on the arm. In the case of the extendable arm, the limit switches in the linear drive  52 , communicate when the rotation has completed to horizontal upon which case the telescoping linear actuator in the arm is activated to extend the arm. The system is modular and the base can be used with either a non-telescoping lit arm or a telescoping, non-illuminating arm. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, upgraded arms are designed to operate with the master base. A connector detector of voltage allows for the base to recognize which arm has been attached and to activate the appropriate operational programs stored on the control board. In another embodiment, each arm includes an encrypted identifier to signify which arm has been installed on the base. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic sensor that will monitor for the presence of someone standing in the arm deployment path that will prevent operation upon detection of a person or object. Additionally, a voltage monitoring chip monitors the operation of both the linear drive and telescoping linear actuator for spikes in current associated with resistance (if the arm were to come in contact with an object) and if pre-set thresholds are reached, the system will reverse the current operation until either a default engagement or disengagement state is achieved. 
         [0052]    Turning to  FIG. 4C , the bottom plate  30  of the base  12  is depicted therein. A power socket  62  is located on the bottom plate  30 . The power socket  62  accepts using a friction fit of a standard power cord, in one embodiment wherein the socket  62  is a C13 receptacle accepting IEC 60320 compliant power cords. The bottom plate  30  further includes an LED indicator  64  to show that control circuitry is receiving power and is operating correctly. 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIG. 5A , shown there is an embodiment of a base assembly  70  for the base  12 . The base assembly  70  defines the sides  28  and front plate  42  as a single piece to facilitate ease of manufacturing. Corners  72  formed at the intersection of the sides  28  and the front plate  42  are tapered to eliminate sharp edges where a user may be injured. In another embodiment, not shown, the corners formed by the joining of the base assembly  70  and the top surfaces are likewise tapered. 
         [0054]    Turning to  FIG. 5B , depicted therein is a weld-on hinge  46 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4A , the support plate  58  includes two weld-on hinges  46 . Each weld-on hinge  46  comprises a first section  80  and a second section  84 . A smaller internal body  82  is located within the first section  80 . Each of the first section  80 , the second section  84  and the internal body  82  are capped with a half-spherical body  86 . The weld-on hinges  46  facilitate the separation of the arm  22  from the base plate  58  in the event of an emergency. 
         [0055]    Essentially, the bottom  84  of the hinge  46  will be mounted to a plate that is attached to the base  12 , with the top  80  of the hinge  46  being attached to a plate that is on the back of whatever arm is being utilized. The hinge allows for the arm to swing parallel to the ground and into operational position at which point vinyl or plastic screws or bolts may be used to “sandwich” the plates together to hold the arm in position during operation. These screws or bolts would flex or destroy when pressure is placed on the arm rotating it parallel to the ground—allowing for emergency, manual override, upgrade or repair of the arm. The location of these hinges is designated on  FIG. 3  as location  88 . 
         [0056]    Turning now the  FIG. 6A , the arm base segment  90  of the arm  22  is shown therein. The base segment  90  is used in a non-telescoping arm embodiment, with a vinyl illuminated cover which may be used thereon. The cover in one embodiment is an etched acrylate. The base segment  90  includes a fulcrum point  93 , which attaches the base segment  90  to the device base  12  as shown in other figures. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 6B , in another embodiment, the arm features a telescoping action. The arm extension  94  of one embodiment of the telescoping arm is depicted in  FIG. 6B . The arm extension  94  includes an aperture  96  designed to receive the extending mechanism described herein. The arm extension  94  comprises opposing rails  98  designed to be removably and slidably received by the rails  92  of the base segment  99 . The attachment point  96  would attach to the end of the actuator  100  and would extend upon activation. The actuator  100  is also covered by the base segment  99 , which covers the actuator at all times and is more visible upon deployment and resides within the interior of extension  94  when not extended. 
         [0058]    Alternatively, the arm  22  can define a plunger-cylinder configuration, whereby the arm extends when the plunger actuates and is pushed outwardly. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIG. 6C , the linear actuator  100  is depicted therein. The linear actuator is attached to the fulcrum point of the base segment  90  and the aperture  96  of the extension  94 . Upon activation of the linear actuator  100  the extension  94  moves along the rails  92  of the base segment  90 . The end  106  of actuator  100  is attached at point  96  in  FIG. 6B , while end  107  is attached to point  97  of  FIG. 6B . 
         [0060]      FIG. 6D  depicts a foam tip  110  of the assembled arm. In one embodiment, the extension  94  continues to extend outwardly away from the base  90  fulcrum point until the foam tip  110  touches an opposing surface, such as a door or wall frame. The foam tip  110  does not include a sensor. Instead, the linear actuator  100  is sensitive to the resistance from the foam tip  110  and will stop extending the extension  94  upon encountering resistance on the foam tip  110 . The extension therefore does not include any sensor or switch, instead it is capped with a simple foam tip  110  thereby avoiding complicated circuitry within the telescoping arm. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  depicts an additional view of the linear drive  52 . The linear drive  52  converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear movement which is used to extend the telescoping arm. The linear drive  52  includes a control enclosure  120 , the motor  122 , and the linear drive element  124 . The linear drive is attached to the base  12  at the linear drive pedestal  126 . In one embodiment, the linear drive  52  is a drop-in replaceable component with a mean time between failures of 20,000 cycles. In one embodiment, a linear drive from Duff-Norton Corporation, Model: TMD01-1906-D is used as the driving module. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  depicts a wall mounting plate pursuant to an example embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the mounting plate  130  may be used as wall plate  16  shown in  FIG. 2 , and may be attached directly to the wall, using apertures  134  adapted to receive any standard dry wall anchor, screw etc. The base assembly  12  in turn is connected to the mounting plate  130  through apertures  132 , which in an example embodiment may be threaded posts. The apertures  134  are spaced to correspond to locations of reinforcement studs within a standard commercial wall. In another embodiment, the apertures  134  are shaped to allow for mounting of different threaded members, such as ones optimized for anchoring to brick, drywall, metal, and wood studs. It is to be appreciated that inasmuch as the MRI systems must be electrically isolated from electromagnetic interference, MRI enclosures are typically encased in ferrous materials. As such, a magnetic mounting system for the system directly to the enclosure surface is a suitable alternative, particularly in instances where one system is to be used in different locations on the fly. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  depicts an alternative embodiment of support bracket  140  using a welded “L” support bracket shape that may be used to support base  12 . The alternative support bracket  140  uses affixment points  142  on a first face  144 . These affixment points  142  are for wall mounting. Further, a second face  148  of the bracket  140  includes threaded studs  146  for mounting on the base of the product. Finally, the bracket  140  includes a third reinforced angle section  149  for support. 
         [0064]    The embodiments disclosed herein advantageously provide an ingress and egress control method that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art. The disclosed embodiments may provide caution indicia for a premises that is impossible to overlook, ignore, or unintentionally bypass. In some embodiments, the use of a telescoping arm with warning indicia is employed. An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that any third party observer will understand the danger involved in entering the protected premises and will not accidentally wander into same. A further advantage of the disclosed embodiments is the providing of an arm that may extend over the entire width an opening without taking up excess space while the arm is in an un-deployed configuration. Further, the system may use a telescoping arm which pivots around a fulcrum point to extend over the entirety of the door. An advantage of a telescoping arm is that the arm prior to pivoting and extending does not require an excess amount of vertical clearance. 
         [0065]    The disclosed embodiments provide an access control mechanism which does not impede communication, and may include a telescoping arm that extends over an open or partially open door. In addition, the disclosed embodiments allow for persons located in the secured premises to remain in visual, aural and fluid communication with those outside. 
         [0066]    The present embodiments may also include the addition of a manual override switch which can be used in emergency situations or if the remote control functionality is somehow impeded. A safety feature may be provided of a side mounted ultra-sonic sensor that ensures no person or object is in the threshold of the door when operation of the modular arm is initiated. Further, the use of a voltage monitoring chip may be used to measure resistance on the arm during deployment to ensure that collisions are mitigated. 
         [0067]    The disclosed embodiment may provide an access control device which can be removed in an emergency situation. For example, a break-away joint between a telescoping arm and its base may be used. Furthermore, the arm may be reversibly removed from the base to access the room in an emergency, without permanent damage to the telescoping arm. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may allow for simple retrofitting of existing premises to add access control systems. The access control system may be modular such that it can be installed on either side of a door, on any perpendicular wall, embedded in the construction of a wall or deployed on a mobile cart in an example embodiment. An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the access control system can be installed alone, or in tandem with another similar module. Another advantage is that the access control system can be installed on the premises that were originally designed without such deployments (and the associated power routing requirements therewith) in mind. 
         [0068]    The disclosed embodiments provide for a variety of triggers that may be used for activation. For example, activation by be triggered by a smart phone AP trigger, an RFID trigger, a Bluetooth RFID trigger, a proximity trigger, a Ferromagnetic Detection trigger, a broken infrared beam trigger, or a camera trigger, as examples. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments may include internet connectivity for monitoring, remote programming, among other functionality, and may include date exporting functionality. 
         [0069]    In addition, the disclosed embodiment may include a time measuring trigger for activation, and may include integration within a door, door jamb or integration with door movements as a trigger for activation. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may include an extendable arm link into a locking mechanism upon deployment for secure access control, and may also provide an audible signal when extended. 
         [0070]    Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embedded within a wall or wall cavity for a reduced profile. The disclosed embodiments may also include rear indicators on the extended arm for visibility of the arm from within the space being restricted. A battery backup for power outages may also be provided. 
         [0071]    The disclosed embodiments may provide a modular room access control system that may include a telescoping or fixed arm wherein said arm is adapted to pivot about a fulcrum point from a vertical position to a horizontal position and in the case of a telescoping arm may then to extend from a first point to a second point. The arm may also include a means for reversibly detaching the arm from the fulcrum point. 
         [0072]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting, but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
         [0073]    As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios disclosed herein also include all subratios falling within the broader ratio. 
         [0074]    One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.