IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AREA DENIAL

The present invention relates generally to the subject of area denial. Vehicle borne terror attacks are becoming more prevalent both inside and outside of traditional conflict zones. An effective, non-lethal method for arresting suspected hostile vehicles is required to mitigate this threat.

Some of the objectives of devices, methods and systems formed in accordance with the present invention include:

• To deny vehicular access to a specified route or area on demand. Vehicles may be wheeled or tracked.

• To include technology which allows the product to be disarmed or armed (locally and/or remotely) to allow or prevent the passage of vehicles.

· To include technology which allows the product to identify and confirm a specific target.

I n line with the Ottawa Treaty, this product is NOT intended as an anti-personnel product which can be "exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will incapacitate, injure or kill one or more persons."

For civil defence applications, a number of products are currently available which can be used to arrest vehicles via a variety of different techniques. These techniques could include one or all of the following;

· Spikes or 'stingers' to penetrate and deflate a tyre

• Nets/lanyards/lines which become entangled around the drivetrain of the vehicle

• Nets which capture the vehicle

• Hostile vehicle mitigation products which are permanent structures with strong foundations used to block the path of a vehicle

For military defence applications, there are a variety of anti-vehicle mines available which have been used to effectively damage or destroy both wheeled and tracked armoured fighting vehicles. These products typically include explosive charges. For anti-personnel applications, there are a variety of anti-personnel mines which have been historically used and which typically include explosives. These mines can no longer be

I manufactured or deployed by countries that have signed the Ottawa Treaty. There are a number of alternative products available which have been used to deny personnel access to a specified area on demand. These products do not use explosives (i.e. they comply with the Ottawa Treaty) but typically work to attack a person's key senses - for example optical, acoustic, physical (i.e. irritation to nose/eyes, excessive heat, electric shock, blunt trauma) etc.

An aspect of the present invention provides an area denial device (or system) comprising sensor means for sensing the presence of a vehicle and vehicle arrest means deployable in response to detection of a vehicle by the sensor means.

A further aspect provides an area denial device (or system) comprising a payload, and sensing means for detecting the presence of a vehicle, in which the payload is autonomously deployable. A further aspect provides an area denial device (or system) comprising an energy source, a payload, and sensing means for detecting the presence of a vehicle, in which the payload is deployable by means of release of energy from the source.

In some embodiments the energy source does not includes explosives. Sources of energy may include:

mechanical (e.g. springs)

chemical

electrical (e.g. batteries or capacitors) A "safe" source of energy may be used e.g. something that can be neutralised/disarmed/disabled relatively easily.

An intelligent area denial system may comprise, include or consist of one or more of the following building blocks, which can be used in full combination or as sub-groups.

· Control and communication system

• Sensing technology

• Area denial device

• Energy source

• Pneumatic energy device

· Firing mechanism

• Tyre penetration and attachment system

• Entanglement system Anchor and attenuation system

Aspects and embodiments of an intelligent area denial system may comprise one or more of the following key features:

· Control system used to operate the device. This could include 'arming' or 'disarming' the device upon request from a local or remote location.

• A communication system via which the device can communicate with the operator and/or other devices. This communication system could be radio frequency (RF), wired, optical, mechanical, acoustic etc.

· Sensing technology used to detect the presence of a vehicle. This could include the following types of sensor; pressure, load, mass, acoustic, inductive, vibration, seismic, displacement, proximity, motion, optical, thermal, capacitive, magnetic field etc. The sensing technology may form part of a device and/or be provided separately.

• A power supply which may include a single or multiple batteries; a single or multiple capacitors and/or a single or multiple solar panels to power the device(s) and/or charge the batteries.

• A pneumatic energy device (further details of which can be found below)

• A payload, fired/deployed/ejected by means of compressed gas release. This may include:

o A projectile used to penetrate the tyre or track of a vehicle

o A claw or grab used to capture or hold a tyre or track

o A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to conduct surveillance or other operations o A camera used to conduct visual and/or audio surveillance

o A microphone used to conduct audio surveillance

o A net used to capture a target

o A warning device, for example a light, flare or siren, used to warn nearby persons/vehicles

o A marker system, for example a paint 'bomb', used to mark a hostile vehicle o A tracking system, for example a GPS tracking device, used to track a hostile vehicle o Other unspecified payloads

• A barrel which may be used to deliver the payload to a specified position

• A latching mechanism which may be used to hold the payload in the required position

• An arrest system may be used to impart an arresting load onto the vehicle when used in combination with an appropriate payload. This may include:

o An anchor system which includes one or more anchors fixed to the ground or other appropriate body/surface o An entanglement system which includes one or more items which become entangled within the drivetrain of the vehicle

o A obstruction system which includes one or more items which become jammed within the drivetrain of the vehicle

o An attenuation system which includes one or more devices used to impart an arresting load over a distance/time period so as to bring the vehicle to a controlled arrest

• A safety mechanism used to render the device 'safe'. This system could be via local, remote or autonomous activation.

The device could be used in order to deny vehicular access to a specified area or route on demand. This may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Short term protection of the perimeter of a forward operating base

• Medium or long-term protection of the routes on approach to a military base or site of critical infrastructure

• Permanent protection of heavily pedestrianised areas in urban environments

In some embodiments an intelligent area denial device may be used in the following way.

• Each device would be emplaced within an appropriate surface, body or position. This could include the ground or a secure vertical surface (e.g. a wall or cliff face) etc.

• The arrest system would be secured in place around or within each device

• The pattern of device emplacement could be defined by the following parameters: o Assumed target vehicle

o Required probability of device activation

o Size of area to be denied

o Surface or body type (e.g. soil, sand, rock etc.)

o Surface or body conditions (e.g. wet, muddy etc.)

• The device would have multiple modes which may include 'disarmed', 'armed', 'sleep/low power', 'standby', 'deployed', 'deactivated', 'safe'

• The devices would be able to communicate to remote locations in order to pass on signals or information. The devices may also communicate with like devices. This could include a signal to prompt a device in the 'sleep' or 'low power' mode to 'wake up' ready for deployment.

The intelligent area denial device brings together the benefits of each of the key building blocks to create a unique device which can be used to deny vehicular access in a variety of potential applications. The intelligent area denial device can be enabled remotely and can autonomously discriminate between potential threats. Some aspects of the present invention relate generally to firing devices and more particularly to a pressurised gas-powered firing device, mechanism or the like. A further aspect relates to an energy release device, such as a pneumatic energy device.

In some embodiments the key feature is a "safe" source of potential energy.

Some of the objectives of a pneumatic energy device may include:

· Storage of energy in the form of compressed gas.

• Rapid release of the stored gas in order to do work.

• The ability to be rendered 'safe', precluding subsequent release of stored energy.

A number of applications have been identified which may require an energy source which has the following attributes:

• High density

• Rapid release

• Long term storage

• Maintenance-free

· Environmentally stable

• Does not include explosives and/or is non-explosive

Compressed gas cartridges are employed in a range of devices across various sectors, including applications such as air rifle and paintball gun cylinder recharging, tyre inflation, life jacket inflation, fire suppression, drinks carbonation and beer keg pressurisation.

In some embodiments the present invention relates to a firing mechanism and/or a pneumatic actuator. In one embodiment the present invention is in the form of a single use gas cartridge with a pyrotechnic actuator.

Some embodiments may include one or more of the following features:

• A sealed pressure vessel which contains pressurised or liquefied gas. The gas is either stored permanently within a single use pressure vessel (i.e. gas filled disposable cylinder) or can be charged via a separate external charging cylinder and valve mechanism. • An implement which releases the fluid from the pressure vessel. This could be done by puncturing, punching, piercing, cutting or other methods of rupturing the vessel. The implement is designed to provide minimum impediment to released gases, in order to maximise rate of gas release.

· An actuator which causes interaction of the vessel and implement. This could be done through actuating motion of vessel, implement or both. This actuator may be driven by pyrotechnic, electromagnetic (e.g. solenoid, motor driven etc.), manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or other means.

• A retaining mechanism which prevents unintended interaction between the vessel and release implement.

• A safety mechanism, by use of which an actuator can be disabled, or gas can be discharged slowly, rendering the device inoperable and/or de-energised. This may be by slow deflagration of a pyrotechnic actuator, locking or removal of a mechanical actuator, manually controlled puncture of the vessel or other means.

· A housing which contains and directs the working fluid once released from the sealed pressure vessel.

The device is intended to provide a compact, single-use, self-contained source of energy to actuate a range of mechanisms which could include, but not be limited to, the following:

· Propulsion of a projectile

• Jettison of removable components, systems, tools or equipment

• Deployment of a structure or device

• Pressurisation of a system or reservoir

• Operation of an impact device such as a hammer

The device may be particularly suitable for applications requiring long term, maintenance-free storage of energy. As such, it may be a suitable alternative to explosives where such devices are not favourable.

An energy source which is environmentally stable, maintenance free and has long life may be preferred. For example a source which does not include explosives. These key attributes, combined with a reliable and rapid release mechanism, create a novel pneumatic energy device.

The present invention also provides an array of a plurality of devices as described herein.

The present invention also provides an intelligent area denial system consisting of, comprising or including a device or an array as described herein. The present invention also provides an area denial system comprising vehicle denial means for arresting and/or deterring a vehicle, the means being automatically deployable. The present invention also provides an area denial system comprising vehicle denial means for arresting or deterring a vehicle, the means being selectively deployable.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a control, communication and sensor system.

To use control and communication systems in combination with appropriate sensing technology to automatically monitor a particular scenario/environment/situation; make decisions based on the outputs of these sensors using pre-programmed trigger levels and instigate an action or response of a subsequent connected system. Robust and reliable algorithms would be developed to define the pre-programmed trigger levels in order to create a safe, automatic system response.

A number of 'dumb' products or devices require a man-in-the-loop in order to monitor a situation and make decisions based upon the scenario/environment/situation etc. The control and communication system and the sensing technology building blocks, which have been developed as part of the intelligent area denial device, could be used to remove this requirement for a man-in-the loop to safely automate these products or devices.

Some embodiments of the control, communication and sensor include one or more of the following:

• Control system used to operate a device. This could include sending a number of commands to the device from a local or remote location.

• A communication system via which the device can communicate with an operator and/or other devices. This communication system could be radio frequency (RF), wired, optical, mechanical, acoustic etc.

• Sensing technology used to monitor a particular scenario/environment/situation. This could include, but not be limited to, the following types of sensor; pressure, load, mass, acoustic, inductive, vibration, seismic, displacement, proximity, motion, optical, thermal, capacitive, magnetic field etc.

· Algorithms used to analyse the response from the sensor array and make decisions based on pre-programmed trigger levels. The control, communication and sensor system is intended for use either as part of the intelligent area denial device or used separately in other applications. This could include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Deployment of an existing vehicle arrest systems (i.e. vehicle stingers, pop-up ramps) · Deployment of an existing hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) system or device

• Deployment of an alternative 'payload' (i.e. vehicle marking & tracking devices, vehicle identification & monitoring devices)

This device monitors the data from two or more sensors and makes autonomous decisions based on pre-programmed trigger levels.

Example Situations

The key building blocks of the intelligent area denial device could be used in full combination or as sub-groups in a wide variety of situations which may include, but not be limited to, the following;

• Permanent, long-term, medium-term, short-term or mobile installations

• Protection of a specific area, route or perimeter

• Protection of a military, civilian, urban or pedestrianised area Example Applications

The key building blocks of the intelligent area denial device/system could be used in full combination or as sub-groups in a wide variety of applications which may include, but not be limited to, the following;

· Protection against vehicle borne terror attacks on a Military Base

• Protection against vehicle borne terror attacks on an area of heavy pedestrian use

• Protection of a site of critical national infrastructure

• Arrest of a suspect vehicle in an urban environment

• Automatic deployment of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers

· Deployment of a device used to mark or track a particular target object

• Deployment of a device used to identify or monitor a particular target object.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together. For example, a device with a crimping flange in the ranges specified in combination with a valve having a peripheral flange in the ranges specified and a weight in the ranges specified. Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I shows a device package and key features of an intelligent area denial device formed according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure I and an anchor system forming part of, or usable in conjunction with, the device of Figure I ;

Figure 3 shows a pneumatic energy device formed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an example of a permanent installation used to protect a heavily pedestrianised area; and

Figure 5 shows an example of a mobile installation used to arrest suspect vehicles in an urban environment. All orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention or its connection to a closure.

Example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed and as well as individual embodiments the invention is intended to cover combinations of those embodiments as well. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. The terminology used herein is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent; however, the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Figures I and 2 show an intelligent area denial device formed in accordance with the present invention.

This embodiment of the device of the present invention comprises one or more of the following features:

• A pressure vessel (i.e. a cartridge, cylinder or reservoir) which contains high pressure compressed gas. The gas is either stored permanently within a single use pressure vessel (i.e. gas filled disposable cylinder) or can be charged via a separate external charging cylinder and valve mechanism.

• A gas release mechanism by which the gas is released from the pressure vessel. This could be a valve or a piercing/puncturing/cutting mechanism.

• Sensing technology used to detect the presence of a vehicle. This could include the following types of sensor; pressure, load, mass, acoustic, inductive, vibration, seismic, displacement, proximity, motion, optical, thermal, capacitive etc.

• A communication system via which the device can communicate with the operator and/or other devices. This communication system could be radio frequency (RF), wired, optical, mechanical, acoustic etc.

• Control technology used to operate the device. This could include 'arming' or 'disarming' the device upon request from a local or remote location. • A power supply which may include a single or multiple batteries; a single or multiple capacitors and/or a single or multiple solar panels to power the device(s) and/or charge the batteries.

• A payload, deployed (e.g. fired/released/ejected) by means of the compressed gas release. This may include;

o A projectile used to penetrate the tyre or track of a vehicle

o A claw or grab used to capture or hold a tyre or track

o A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to conduct surveillance or other operations o A camera used to conduct visual and/or audio surveillance

o A microphone used to conduct audio surveillance

o A net used to capture a target

o A warning device, for example a light, flare or siren, used to warn nearby persons/vehicles

o A marker system, for example a paint 'bomb', used to mark a hostile vehicle o A tracking system, for example a GPS tracking device, used to track a hostile vehicle

o Other unspecified payloads

• A barrel which may be used to deliver the payload to a specified position

• A latching mechanism which may be used to hold the payload in the required position · An arrest system may be used to impart an arresting load onto the vehicle when used in combination with an appropriate payload. This may include;

o An anchor system which includes one or more anchors fixed to the ground or other appropriate body/surface

o An entanglement system which includes one or more items which become entangled within the drivetrain of the vehicle

o A obstruction system which includes one or more items which become jammed within the drivetrain of the vehicle

• A safety mechanism used to render the device 'safe'. This system could be via local, remote or autonomous activation.

The device may be used in the following way.

• Each device would be emplaced within an appropriate surface, body or position. This could include the ground or a secure vertical surface (e.g. a wall or cliff face) etc.

• The arrest system would be secured in place around or within each device

· The pattern of device emplacement could be defined by the following parameters;

o Assumed target vehicle o Required probability of device activation

o Size of area to be denied

o Surface or body type (e.g. soil, sand, rock etc.)

o Surface or body conditions (e.g. wet, muddy etc.)

· The device would have multiple modes which may include 'disarmed', 'armed',

'sleep/low power', 'standby', 'deployed', 'deactivated', 'safe'

• The devices would be able to communicate with one another, and to remote locations, in order to pass on signals or information. This could include a signal to prompt a device in the 'sleep' or 'low power' mode to 'wake up' ready for deployment · The device, when used in quantity and placed in a particular pattern, could be used to both monitor and deny vehicular access to a specified area, for example a Forward Operating Base, critical infrastructure site etc.

Figure 3 shows a pneumatic energy device (which may provide a firing device) formed in accordance with the present invention. The device could, for example, be used in the system of Figures I and 2.

The device formed in accordance with the present invention may include one or more of the following features.

· A sealed pressure vessel which contains pressurised or liquefied gas.

• An implement which releases the fluid from the pressure vessel. This could be done by puncturing, punching, piercing, cutting or other methods of rupturing the vessel. The implement is designed to provide minimum impediment to released gases, in order to maximise rate of gas release.

· An actuator which causes interaction of the vessel and implement. This could be done through actuating motion of vessel, implement or both. This actuator may be driven by pyrotechnic, electromagnetic (e.g. solenoid, motor driven etc.), manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or other means.

• A retaining mechanism which prevents unintended interaction between the vessel and release implement.

• A safety mechanism, by use of which an actuator can be disabled, or gas can be discharged slowly, rendering the device inoperable and/or de-energised. This may be by slow deflagration of a pyrotechnic actuator, locking or removal of a mechanical actuator, manually controlled puncture of the vessel or other means.

· A housing which contains and directs the working fluid once released from the sealed pressure vessel. In some embodiments the device comprises a single use nitrogen cartridge, a specially designed cutter and a pyrotechnic actuator. The device is intended to provide a compact, single-use, self-contained source of energy to actuate a range of mechanisms. This could include:

• Propulsion of a projectile

• Jettison of removable components or systems

• Deployment of a structure or device

· Pressurisation of a system or reservoir

The device may be particularly suitable for applications requiring long term, maintenance-free storage of energy. As such, it may be a suitable alternative to explosives where such devices are not favourable.

Figures 4 and 5 show intelligent area denial devices formed in accordance with the present invention.

The key building blocks of the intelligent area denial device could be used in full combination or as sub-groups in a wide variety of applications which may include, but not be limited to, the following;

• Protection against vehicle borne terror attacks on a Military Base

• Protection against vehicle borne terror attacks on an area of heavy pedestrian use (see Figure 4)

· Protection of a site of critical national infrastructure

• Arrest of a suspect vehicle in an urban environment (see Figure 5)

• Automatic deployment of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers

• Deployment of a device used to mark or track a particular target object

• Deployment of a device used to identify or monitor a particular target object.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.