Obstacle detection sensors are crucial for modern safety features, acting as the watchful eyes of many automated systems and assisting human operators in preventing accidents. Think of them as a digital safety net, constantly scanning the environment for potential hazards. From the mundane to the mission-critical, these sensors play a vital role in keeping us safe.
Take, for example, the parking sensors in your car. These unassuming little devices use ultrasonic waves to detect nearby objects, preventing those embarrassing (and potentially costly) fender benders. They give you an audible warning, a gentle beep that increases in frequency as you get closer to an obstacle, giving you time to react and avoid a collision. Similarly, more advanced systems utilize cameras and radar to not only detect obstacles but also classify them – differentiating between a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another vehicle. This information allows the cars safety systems to react appropriately, perhaps pre-tensioning seatbelts or even automatically applying the brakes.
But the applications extend far beyond parking assistance. In industrial settings, obstacle detection sensors are essential for protecting workers and equipment. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses rely on these sensors to navigate safely through busy aisles, avoiding collisions with racks, other vehicles, and human workers. On construction sites, similar technology is used on heavy machinery to prevent accidents in often chaotic environments.
The technology behind these sensors is diverse. We have lidar, which uses lasers to create a 3D map of the surroundings, providing highly accurate distance and shape information. Radar, as mentioned earlier, uses radio waves to detect objects and their speed. Ultrasonic sensors, like those in your parking assist system, are cost-effective and reliable for shorter-range detection. And increasingly, cameras combined with sophisticated image processing algorithms are being used to interpret the visual world, identifying and classifying obstacles in real-time.
The evolution of obstacle detection sensors is directly linked to advancements in safety features. As these sensors become more sophisticated, so too do the safety systems they enable. From automated emergency braking in cars to sophisticated collision avoidance systems in industrial robots, these sensors are constantly pushing the boundaries of whats possible in safety technology, helping us create a safer world.
Emergency release mechanisms are vital safety features integrated into various systems and machines to prevent harm or damage in critical situations. Think of them as the ultimate failsafe, the last line of defense when things go wrong. Theyre the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option, designed to quickly disengage or deactivate a system when normal operation becomes hazardous.
These mechanisms can take many forms depending on the specific application. In elevators, for instance, emergency brakes are activated if the car descends too rapidly. Industrial robots often have large, easily accessible buttons that cut power to the machine in case of malfunction or if a worker gets too close. Even something as seemingly simple as a quick-release buckle on a safety harness acts as an emergency release, allowing someone to detach themselves swiftly from a potentially dangerous situation.
The design of these mechanisms is crucial. They need to be both reliable and readily accessible. You dont want a release mechanism that jams when you need it most. At the same time, it shouldnt be so easy to trigger accidentally that it causes unnecessary disruptions. Its a delicate balance. Often, a two-step process or a shielded button is used to prevent accidental activation.
Sensors play a critical role in many emergency release systems. They act as the eyes and ears of the system, constantly monitoring for potential hazards. A pressure sensor might detect a sudden surge in a pipeline, triggering a valve to release excess pressure and prevent an explosion. A proximity sensor on a machine could detect a person getting too close and automatically shut down the equipment. These sensors work in conjunction with the release mechanism to provide a rapid and automated response to danger.
In conclusion, emergency release mechanisms, often working hand-in-hand with sophisticated sensor systems, are essential safety features in a wide range of applications. They provide a crucial layer of protection, minimizing the risk of injury or damage in emergencies. From the simple to the complex, these mechanisms are a testament to the importance we place on safety in our increasingly automated world.
Safety beams and photocells are unsung heroes in the world of safety features, silently working to prevent accidents and injuries in a variety of settings. Theyre like invisible guardians, watching over us and triggering protective measures when danger is present. Essentially, theyre a sophisticated version of the classic "tripwire" concept, but using light instead of a string.
A photocell, also known as a photoelectric sensor, is the core component. Think of it as an electric eye. It emits a beam of light – often infrared, so its invisible to us – towards a receiver. When this beam is broken, it signals a change. This simple principle has profound safety implications.
Imagine a garage door closing. If a child, pet, or even an object is in the path of the descending door, a safety beam positioned near the ground will be interrupted. The broken beam triggers a signal, instantly stopping and reversing the doors movement, preventing a potentially serious accident. This same principle is used in industrial settings to protect workers around heavy machinery. If someone reaches into a hazardous area, breaking the safety beam, the machine shuts down, preventing injury.
Safety beams arent just about stopping things. They can also be used to activate safety measures. In elevators, light curtains – a series of closely spaced beams – ensure the doors dont close on passengers entering or exiting. On escalators, beams detect objects or clothing caught at the entrance, triggering an emergency stop.
While often used interchangeably, theres a subtle distinction between "safety beams" and "photocells." The photocell is the individual sensor, the "eye" that detects the light. The safety beam refers to the entire system, including the emitter, receiver, and the associated control circuitry. Think of it like a camera – the photocell is the lens, and the safety beam is the entire camera system.
The beauty of these systems lies in their simplicity and reliability. They require minimal maintenance, operate effectively in various environments, and provide a crucial layer of protection in countless applications. From automatic doors and industrial equipment to public transportation and even home security systems, safety beams and photocells are silently working to keep us safe.
Vehicle detection loops, those humble rectangles etched into the pavement at intersections, play a surprisingly crucial role in road safety. They might not be as flashy as radar or lidar, but these unassuming loops are a workhorse technology, quietly contributing to the smooth flow of traffic and helping to prevent accidents. Essentially, theyre giant metal detectors buried just beneath the asphalt. When a vehicle passes over them, the magnetic field created by the loop is disrupted, triggering a signal that tells the traffic light system a vehicle is present.
This simple principle has significant safety implications. Think about emergency vehicles. That seemingly magical ability for fire trucks and ambulances to turn traffic lights green in their path? Often, its thanks to vehicle detection loops. The emergency vehicle transmits a signal thats picked up by the loop system, prioritizing its passage and allowing it to navigate intersections quickly and safely.
But its not just about emergency vehicles. These loops contribute to everyday safety as well. They help optimize traffic light timing, reducing congestion and frustration, which in turn can lessen the likelihood of aggressive driving and accidents. By detecting the presence of vehicles, the loops ensure that lights stay green long enough to clear intersections, preventing gridlock and improving overall traffic flow.
Furthermore, vehicle detection loops can be integrated with other safety systems. For example, they can be linked to pedestrian crossing signals, ensuring that pedestrians have adequate time to cross safely. They can also be used to trigger warning signs for approaching vehicles if traffic is stopped ahead, giving drivers valuable extra seconds to react.
While newer technologies like cameras and radar are increasingly being used for vehicle detection, the simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of inductive loops mean they’ll likely remain a vital part of our traffic infrastructure for years to come. Theyre a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones hiding in plain sight, quietly working to keep us safe.
An electric gate is a type of gate that can be opened and closed using an electrically powered mechanism.
Driveway gate openers can be the rollback (sliding) type that retracts a gate along the fence or wall on wheels or bearing, or the swing type that draws the gate open or closed on hinges. They are usually operated by a remote controller or a sensor
Articulated gate openers can be used for gates with wide posts allowing opening in small spaces.[1] An easy system for DIY installers as they are simple to install but not as aesthetically pleasing as other motor designs. Also known as Crank arm operators, they are the main type of automation system sold in France, where low aluminium gates are often used.
Under-gate Jack operators usually control the gate by directly moving the pivot point of each gate leaf. This makes the unit ideal cosmetically and also allows for up to 180 degrees of leaf swing as required. However controlling the pivot point of the gate, is like opening a door by twisting the hinge, and as so is very difficult due to the loads needed at that point. This is highlighted with snap, as the gate has to change direct, as soon as it can. For this reason they are recommend as only suitable for ‘Domestic’ systems in a low risk of abuse environment. Another major consideration with the use of under-gate units is that of water immersion/ingress and warranty voidance. If the water table is high or the drainage of the unit's foundation box inadequate throughout the systems life, then water ingress and unit failure is increased.
Ram or link arm units are usually simpler to install and maintain, they are visible to otherwise ignorant abuse and as they fix down along each gate leaf, they also have an obvious and sometimes major, mechanical advantage over Jacks. Therefore, Rams are far more suitable on Multi-user & commercial systems. Also the manual release is always above ground, making it often more user friendly in operation.
If space is an issue or the driveway behind the gates is on a steep incline, a better option would be a sliding gate. Sliding gates are also very popular in a commercial environment. Sliding gates are also used for cantilever gate systems.
One of the first electric gates was invented by a Canadian Fred W. Watson in 1881. It was designed to be used for railway systems.[2] In 1884, a number of American newspapers reported that the French railway companies were about to adopt an electric gate opener. “A catch connected with an electro-magnet keeps a gate closed,” reported The National Tribune on October 9, 1884.[3] One of the early demonstrations of such gates in the United States was arranged by the short-lived Toulmin Electric Railway Gate Company in 1887, in Baltimore.[4] At the end of the 19th century, electric gates were also used at horse racing tracks.[5]
The first commercial electric gate systems were hydraulic and designed for reliability and ease of use. The cost of the hydraulic systems however meant that other companies started producing more affordable electromechanical alternatives. Hydraulic motors are the preferred choice on large and heavy gates as they can generate high levels of torque, electromechanical systems designed for lower usage domestic installations because they can be produced more cost effectively.[6]
The backbone of any electric gate, whether automatic or not, is the electric gate motor, two distinct motor types exist hydraulic, or electromechanical. This is the electric device which actually enables the electric gate to open and close without having to manually push the gate.
The safety of an automated gate is an important consideration, in the European Union, automated gate safety is specified by a series of European Normalisations. An automated gate that has not been fitted with safety in mind can potentially become a major hazard particularly to untrained users. Various safety devices are available to make sure that your gates meet the highest of European or American safety standards.
Since electric gates operate slowly, they are susceptible to "tailgating" threats, in which a person or vehicle sneaks in behind an authorized user.[7] If security is a concern, a video surveillance camera should be installed.[7]
Electric gates alone, however solid and imposing they may be, cannot guarantee a completely secure environment electric locks, are often needed to boost the locking effectiveness of the gate motors. Electric gates are recommended to be used in combination with other security features to install a full security system. A few of these features are closed circuits with security cameras, additional gates in conjunction with the main gate, electronic keycards and keypads, security guards.[8]
Aside from the additional security features that should go with parking barrier gates, electric security gates often offer safety features like sensors that determine when there is an obstruction to prevent the electronic gate from swinging into a vehicle or closing on somebody's hands. To prevent the electronic gates from being damaged by irresponsible drivers driving fast speed bumps are also commonly placed before gate entrances to slow down vehicles.
In the United States all the electric gate installations must meet Underwriters Laboratories 325 (UL 325) standard while in Europe installations must meet with the Machinery directive 2006/42/EC with EN13241-1 being the regulations concerning gates.[9][10][11][12]
The installer of the gate is responsible for the conformity to regulation, not the manufacturer. The two main EN regulations that then apply are EN 12453 which describes the safety levels that should be observed when installing a gate and EN12445 which describes the testing method that must be undertaken.[13]
The major points are the maximum amount of force at certain test points. Example - a maximum of 400N of force can be applied in the last 50, 300 and 500 mm of travel of a gate, after the initial impact the force must drop to 150N within 0.75 of a second and reduce to 25N within 5 seconds. During the mid travel of a gate the allowable force is 1400N. A full risk assessment of the gates must take place with all crush, cutting points shown to the client with appropriate protection devices offered, a recommended maintenance program should also be provided. Finally the installer must confirm that all electrical equipment fitted has the European CE mark all the time.
To conform to these regulations the gate system must be checked with a calibrated force tester and the full results kept in a technical file for 7 years. If the gate is not tested it does not comply.
Most gate kits can be fitted with safety equipment so that these limits are achieved and so cover that part of EN13241-1.
In September 2010, following two incidents in Bridgend and Manchester, when children were killed by sliding gates, the UK Health and Safety Executive issued 2 safety notices aimed at gate manufacturers and installers, demanding them to comply with the Annex A of BS EN 12453:2001 standard.[14][15]
In recent years, aluminium has emerged as the material of choice for driveway gates in the UK, and for good reason. One of the key reasons for this shift is the ease with which aluminium gates can meet force limitation guidance. Force limitation refers to the maximum amount of force that a gate can exert on an object or person, ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries. With lightweight aluminium gates, meeting these force limitation guidelines becomes much more achievable, as they require less force to open and close compared to heavier materials such as wrought iron or steel.
Another advantage of aluminium gates is their compatibility with brushless motor operators. Brushless motors offer numerous benefits over traditional brushed motors, including higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements. Aluminium gates, being lightweight, work well with brushless motor operators, as the motors do not have to work as hard to maneuver the gates. This not only enhances the overall performance and reliability of the gate system but also contributes to energy efficiency, leading to cost savings in the long run.
Furthermore, aluminium gates provide additional advantages such as resistance to rust and corrosion, making them a durable and low-maintenance option. They are also highly customizable, allowing homeowners to choose from a wide range of designs, colors, and finishes to match their aesthetic preferences. Additionally, aluminium is a sustainable material as it can be recycled, aligning with the growing trend of eco-consciousness in the construction and home improvement industries.
[16]
Overall, the combination of meeting force limitation guidance more easily, compatibility with brushless motor operators, durability, low maintenance, and customizability has made aluminium the material of choice for driveway gates in the UK. With its numerous benefits, it offers homeowners a reliable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing option for enhancing the security and curb appeal of their properties.
A fence is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting.[1] A fence differs from a wall in not having a solid foundation along its whole length.[2]
Alternatives to fencing include a ditch (sometimes filled with water, forming a moat).
A balustrade or railing is a fence to prevent people from falling over an edge, most commonly found on a stairway, landing, or balcony. Railing systems and balustrades are also used along roofs, bridges, cliffs, pits, and bodies of water.
Another aim of using fence is to limit the intrusion attempt into a property by malicious intruders. In support of these barriers there are sophisticated technologies that can be applied on fence itself and strengthen the defence of territory reducing the risk.
The elements that reinforce the perimeter protection are:
In most developed areas the use of fencing is regulated, variously in commercial, residential, and agricultural areas. Height, material, setback, and aesthetic issues are among the considerations subject to regulation.
The following types of areas or facilities often are required by law to be fenced in, for safety and security reasons:
Servitudes[6] are legal arrangements of land use arising out of private agreements. Under the feudal system, most land in England was cultivated in common fields, where peasants were allocated strips of arable land that were used to support the needs of the local village or manor. By the sixteenth century the growth of population and prosperity provided incentives for landowners to use their land in more profitable ways, dispossessing the peasantry. Common fields were aggregated and enclosed by large and enterprising farmers—either through negotiation among one another or by lease from the landlord—to maximize the productivity of the available land and contain livestock. Fences redefined the means by which land is used, resulting in the modern law of servitudes.[7]
In the United States, the earliest settlers claimed land by simply fencing it in. Later, as the American government formed, unsettled land became technically owned by the government and programs to register land ownership developed, usually making raw land available for low prices or for free, if the owner improved the property, including the construction of fences. However, the remaining vast tracts of unsettled land were often used as a commons, or, in the American West, "open range" as degradation of habitat developed due to overgrazing and a tragedy of the commons situation arose, common areas began to either be allocated to individual landowners via mechanisms such as the Homestead Act and Desert Land Act and fenced in, or, if kept in public hands, leased to individual users for limited purposes, with fences built to separate tracts of public and private land.
Ownership of a fence on a boundary varies. The last relevant original title deed(s)[8] and a completed seller's property information form may document which side has to put up and has installed any fence respectively; the first using "T" marks/symbols (the side with the "T" denotes the owner); the latter by a ticked box to the best of the last owner's belief with no duty, as the conventionally agreed conveyancing process stresses, to make any detailed, protracted enquiry.[9] Commonly the mesh or panelling is in mid-position. Otherwise it tends to be on non-owner's side so the fence owner might access the posts when repairs are needed but this is not a legal requirement.[10] Where estate planners wish to entrench privacy a close-boarded fence or equivalent well-maintained hedge of a minimum height may be stipulated by deed. Beyond a standard height planning permission is necessary.
Where a rural fence or hedge has (or in some cases had) an adjacent ditch, the ditch is normally in the same ownership as the hedge or fence, with the ownership boundary being the edge of the ditch furthest from the fence or hedge.[11] The principle of this rule is that an owner digging a boundary ditch will normally dig it up to the very edge of their land, and must then pile the spoil on their own side of the ditch to avoid trespassing on their neighbour. They may then erect a fence or hedge on the spoil, leaving the ditch on its far side. Exceptions exist in law, for example where a plot of land derives from subdivision of a larger one along the centre line of a previously existing ditch or other feature, particularly where reinforced by historic parcel numbers with acreages beneath which were used to tally up a total for administrative units not to confirm the actual size of holdings, a rare instance where Ordnance Survey maps often provide more than circumstantial evidence namely as to which feature is to be considered the boundary.
On private land in the United Kingdom, it is the landowner's responsibility to fence their livestock in. Conversely, for common land, it is the surrounding landowners' duty to fence the common's livestock out such as in large parts of the New Forest. Large commons with livestock roaming have been greatly reduced by 18th and 19th century Acts for enclosure of commons covering most local units, with most remaining such land in the UK's National Parks.
A 19th-century law requires railways to be fenced to keep people and livestock out.[12] It is also illegal to trespass on railways, incurring a fine of up to £1000.
Distinctly different land ownership and fencing patterns arose in the eastern and western United States. Original fence laws on the east coast were based on the British common law system, and rapidly increasing population quickly resulted in laws requiring livestock to be fenced in. In the west, land ownership patterns and policies reflected a strong influence of Spanish law and tradition, plus the vast land area involved made extensive fencing impractical until mandated by a growing population and conflicts between landowners. The "open range" tradition of requiring landowners to fence out unwanted livestock was dominant in most of the rural west until very late in the 20th century, and even today, a few isolated regions of the west still have open range statutes on the books. More recently, fences are generally constructed on the surveyed property line as precisely as possible. Today, across the nation, each state is free to develop its own laws regarding fences. In many cases for both rural and urban property owners, the laws were designed to require adjacent landowners to share the responsibility for maintaining a common boundary fenceline. Today, however, only 22 states have retained that provision.
Some U.S. states, including Texas, Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina, have enacted laws establishing that purple paint markings on fences (or trees) are the legal equivalent of "No Trespassing" signs. The laws are meant to spare landowners, particularly in rural areas, from having to continually replace printed signs that often end up being stolen or obliterated by the elements.[13]
The value of fences and the metaphorical significance of a fence, both positive and negative, has been extensively utilized throughout western culture. A few examples include:
Notes
Bibliography
A gate or gateway is a point of entry to or from a space enclosed by walls. The word is derived from Proto-Germanic *gatan, meaning an opening or passageway.[1] Synonyms include yett (which comes from the same root word) and portal. The concept originally referred to the gap or hole in the wall or fence, rather than a barrier which closed it. Gates may prevent or control the entry or exit of individuals, or they may be merely decorative. The moving part or parts of a gateway may be considered "doors", as they are fixed at one side whilst opening and closing like one.[2]
A gate may have a latch that can be raised and lowered to both open a gate or prevent it from swinging.[3] Gate operation can be either automated or manual. Locks are also used on gates to increase security.
Larger gates can be used for a whole building, such as a castle or fortified town. Doors can also be considered gates when they are used to block entry as prevalent within a gatehouse.
Evergreen Electric Gates installed a gate at my entrance a couple of days back. Logan was very helpful in answering all my doubts. His crew did a fantastic job. The gate is visually impressive and the pricing was highly reasonable. I am extremely pleased with their quality of work and service!
I highly recommend Evegreen Electric Gate ! Logan and his crew were professional, friendly, and easy to work with. Gate posts, automatic gate, and fence were completed well and in a timely fashion.
After completing an inquiry on their website, we received a prompt response which was refreshing. They sent David out to come see what we wanted, took measurements & notes and was very professional & personable! It was a pleasure working with him from start to finish! The installation team lead by Roberto was also dedicated & precise, making sure we got what we wanted! We couldn’t be happier with the outcome! Awesome gate, glides easy & so happy we can latch & lock! THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF & TEAM! We’re extremely pleased and grateful!
Logan was prompt and arrived as scheduled and was very polite and friendly. We took the time to discuss my options, as was very clear about the costs. The steel gate itself was fine, so we only needed an installation of new LiftMaster dual swing gate system. Though my gate required the fabrication of new mounting arms, Logan fabricated, welded, and painted them on site. Logan offered us a price that was very fair; he was able to get us scheduled within the next week, and and the installation job was completed in less than a day. Thank you Logan and Evergreen Electric Gates NW.