Fluidized bed technology for security enhancement

• US 20070008122A1
• Filed: 07/08/2005
• Published: 01/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Procedyne Corp.
• Original Assignee: Procedyne Corp.
• Inventors: Staffin, H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,405,654 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/126 Pitfall barriers, causing the vehicle to face a step-like obstruction

Abstract

An improved system and methods for increasing security at sensitive locations from unwanted third parties through the use of fluidized granular solids.

Claims

1. A security system for inhibiting unauthorized entry by a third party, the system comprising:

a defined surface area extending from a location and adapted for movement of personnel to or from the location;

a first enclosure disposed in the defined surface area, the first enclosure having an open perimeter substantially parallel and proximal to the defined surface area and a majority of the first enclosure being disposed below the defined surface area;

a fluid bed configuration disposed in the first enclosure, the fluid bed configuration including a gas distribution piping array and a plurality of fluidizable granular solids in a surrounding relationship to the gas distribution piping array; and

a fluidizing gas means fluidly connected to the gas distribution piping array.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the open perimeter of the first enclosure is substantially flush to the surface of the defined surface area.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the defined surface area is substantially planar.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein gas injection nozzles are fluidly connected to the gas distribution piping array.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein a retaining structure is disposed along the perimeter of the first enclosure to inhibit collapse of the defined surface area.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluidizing gas means is disposed in a second enclosure having a volume less than the first enclosure.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fluidizing gas means is a blower.

8. The system of claims 6, wherein the fluidizing gas means is an air compressor fluidly connected to a pressurized tank.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein a support structure is disposed within the plurality of fluidizable granular solids.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the support structure is a perforated metal.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the support structure is a steel grating.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein a guiding structure is disposed within the plurality of fluidizable granular solids to control a vehicle entering the bed when fluidized.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the guiding structure is a wheel guide.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein a shield is disposed over the first enclosure to provide protection from environmental elements.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first enclosure is in a rectangular configuration.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the defined surface area is selected from the group consisting of a walkway, a roadway, a pathway, an access way, a passageway and any combination thereof.

17. A method of fabricating a security system for inhibiting unauthorized entry by a third party, the steps comprising:

providing a defined surface area extending from a location and adapted for movement of personnel to and from the location;

disposing a first enclosure in the defined area, the first enclosure having an open perimeter substantially parallel and proximal to the defined surface area and a majority of the first enclosure being disposed below the defined surface area;

disposing in the first enclosure a fluid bed configuration, the fluid bed configuration including a gas distribution piping array and a plurality of fluidizable granular solids in a surrounding relationship to the gas distribution piping array; and

fluidly connecting a fluidizing gas means to the gas distribution piping array whereby fluidizing gas is provided to the piping array to fluidize the granular solids.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the perimeter of the first enclosure is substantially below or flush to the planar surface of the defined area.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluidizing gas means is disposed in a second enclosure having a volume less than the first enclosure.

20. A method for inhibiting movement by an unauthorized third party at a location, the steps comprising:

providing a security system for inhibiting unauthorized entry by a third party, wherein the security system comprises a defined surface area extending from a location and adapted for movement of personnel to or from the location;

a first enclosure disposed in the defined surface area, the first enclosure having an open perimeter substantially parallel and proximal to the defined surface area and a majority of the first enclosure being disposed below the defined surface area;

a fluid bed configuration disposed in the first enclosure, the fluid bed configuration including a gas distribution piping array and a plurality of fluidizable granular solids in a surrounding relation to the gas distribution piping array; and

a fluidizing gas means fluidly connected to the gas distribution piping array;

detecting the presence of the unauthorized third party; and

fluidizing the fluid bed configuration so that movement of the unauthorized third party is inhibited when the party enters the open perimeter of the first enclosure.

21. The method of claim 21, wherein the bed is defluidized once the movement of the unauthorized third party is inhibited.