Provisional Application No. 60/468 010, filed on May 5, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to an energy absorbing retractable security barricade or barrier used to secure perimeters and control access to specified areas, such as buildings, entry ways and the like.

Retractable Security Pylon Background [0003] Currently, retractable security pylons are available commercially. National Intelligent Traffic Systems currently markets a retractable pylon product that utilizes a flexible pylon under the trademark Its delineatorTM. Manufacturers of retractable security pylons or bollards include Delta Scientific (UK) and Urbaco (France). Delta Scientific markets a hydraulically powered retractable security pylon under license of US Patent 4 576 508 (Dickinson). Another retractable bollard is disclosed in U. S. Patent No.

6 099 200 (Pepe et al).

Product Description/Potential Applications [0004] The Its security barrier'or retractable security barricade according to the invention is an automatically retractable, underground (or below grade) housed security pylon (or delineator) for perimeter protection. The Its security barrier product is a wonderful solution to many pedestrian, traffic, and security applications.

[0005] For security and traffic applications, the Its security barrier-provides a means of remotely controlling vehicular access to avenues of approach to secure perimeters. Typical applications include U. S.

Federal buildings, U. S. Department of Defense facilities, private commercial facilities, denying access to pedestrian only areas, protecting high value assets, entrances to secure compounds, etc. Other applications include private drives, private lots, and as a protective countermeasure for"drive-in"robberies, where the pylons are located in front of glass store fronts thereby enabling the store owner to raise stainless steel security pylons after closing to form a protective wall against potential drive in robberies.

[0006] The Its security barrier provides a reliable solution in applications where repetitive changes in lane usage and access to secure areas is required. Manual operation of security barricades such as concrete barriers, tractor-trailers, water filled barriers, etc. is time consuming and labor intensive and can subject workers to exposure to hazardous traffic situations. The Its security barrier is housed underground and remains inconspicuous and unobtrusive when not deployed into the raised position.

Crash Verification [0007] The Its security barrier is verified by full scale crash testing and is designed to meet the U. S.

Department of State/U. S. Department of Defense K12 certification, which requires the barricade to stop a 15,000 lb. vehicle traveling at 50 mph, within three feet of vehicle penetration. Additionally, National Intelligent Traffic Systems plans to market a smaller scale version of the Its security barrier system, which is designed to stop a 15,000 lb. vehicle traveling at 30 mph. The Its security barrier system is designed to withstand the force of impact of an attacking vehicle whereby the energy of impact is absorbed by the deformation of the vehicle's frame and body around the pylons. Typically, the Its security barrier system is installed such that the pylons are spaced 3 ft. apart from one another causing an encroaching vehicle to engage three of the pylons upon impact to an array of pylons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retractable security barricade according to the invention, with the inner tube or pylon in a raised position; [0009] Figure 2 is a side view of the retractable security barricade of Figure 1 installed in the ground, with the inner tube in a lowered position; [0010] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing a plurality or an array of retractable security barricades installed in side-by-side relation with one another in the ground ; [0011] Figure 4 is an enlarged detail view of Figure 1, which view illustrates the wiper; [0012] Figure 5, is a perspective view of the array of security barricades illustrated in Figure 3; [0013] Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of the lower hydraulic support arrangement; [0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the outer frame of the reinforcing structure, prior to installation of the framing pieces which secure the outer tube to the outer frame; [0015] Figure 8 is a top view of the reinforcing structure secured to the outer tube; [0016] Figure 9 is a side view of an array of security barricades during installation ; and [0017] Figure 10 is a top view of the array of security barricades of Figure 9 during installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION System Design [0018] The Its security barrier incorporates two concentric, telescoping high carbon steel tubes, an inner tube (pylon) and the outer tube, which is attached to an engineered steel reinforcement frame that is embedded in concrete. The Its Security Barrier pylons remain unobtrusive and inconspicuous while stored in an underground housing when not in use. When the pylons are deployed into the service position, they provide a highly visible deterrent.

[0019] Each Its security barrier pylon is powered by its own independent hydraulic unit, which is housed inside of the inner tube (pylon). The Its security barrierTM system utilizes solid state control, rubber encapsulated heaters for service in cold climates, internal illumination for added visibility day or night, and high resistance to environmental conditions through the application of polyurethane coatings on steel parts and an integrated bilge pump to remove excess water that drains through the systems brushes that surround the pylon just under the surface of the road. Remote activation, monitoring, and control of the Its security barrierTM system is available through direct connect, wireless, and web-enabled interface.

[0020] Figure 1 depicts the overall design of the Its security barrierTM mechanical system to include the outer reinforcing frame, outer tube, inner tube (pylon), and drive system. The Its security barrier employs a highly modular design and consists of a minimum of parts, namely, the outer tube and external reinforcing frame that along with concrete make up the foundation, the inner tube or pylon or barrier tube, the hydraulic drive system which is fully self-contained within the pylon, and other supporting parts and systems such as guidance bars, position sensors, rubber encapsulated heaters, bilge pump, etc. Figure 2 illustrates the installation elevation. Figure 3 further details an installation of a row of Its security barrier pylons.

[0021] The security barricade 9 according to the invention includes the inner tube or pylon 10, the outer tube 11 and a reinforcing frame 12. The inner tube 10 telescopes within outer tube 11, and is defined by an upright annular wall 15. Wall 15 has an upper end which is closed off by a plate-like cap or hat 16, and a lower open end 17. Outer tube 11 is defined by an upright annular wall 20. Wall 20 has a lower end which is closed off by a plate-like lower cap 21, and an upper end which mounts thereon an upper annular collar 22 which encircles or surrounds the inner tube 10. A top annular plate 23 is fixed atop collar 22 at the ground surface and is flush therewith. One or more spacers 25 are provided between outer tube 11 and inner barrier tube 10, which spacers are fixed to the inner surface of tube 11.

[0022] The barrier tube 10 in one embodiment is guided during raising and lowering by a guide arrangement. The guide arrangement includes a pair of diametrically opposed and vertically oriented guide slots which can be provided in a base of the barrier tube 10 which projects sidewardly from lower end 17 thereof, and which slots open sidewardly and outwardly from the outer periphery of the base. A pair of vertically elongate guide bars can be fixed to an inner surface of outer tube 11 in diametrically opposed locations for engagement within the respective slots. The guide bars can extend along a substantial portion of the vertical extent of outer tube 11, and the engagement of the guide bars within the respective slots guides the barrier tube during raising and lowering thereof and prevent rotation of the barrier tube 10 relative to the outer tube 11. In another preferred embodiment, rotation of the barrier tube 10 is prevented by an anti-rotation arrangement discussed further below.

Installation [0023] Installation is often overlooked in the planning process when customers consider purchase of an automatically retractable security pylon system.

However, installation is a major cost factor in the overall system cost of a retractable security pylon system. The unique design of the Its security barrier external reinforcing frame makes installation far easier and trouble free than any other retractable security pylon product available in the world. Installation literally consists of digging a 50"x 40"x 70. 5" deep hole for each Its security barrier pylon to be installed, lowering and leveling of the Its security barrier'into place, connecting power, and pouring concrete.

[0024] In this regard, a cross-brace arrangement 26 as shown in Figures 9 and 10 can be utilized to rapidly install an array of security barricades 9 in the ground.

Prior to installation of the array in the ground, three security barricades 9 are fixedly secured to one another to form an integral array or unit by welding the frames 12 of the respective barricades 9 together as shown in Figure 10. Thus, in a preferred installation method, the security barricades 9 arrive on site in a welded, array configuration.

[0025] The cross-brace arrangement 26 includes an elongate and rigid brace or bar 27, which at opposite ends thereof mounts thereon a pair of feet or supports 28. A pair of barricade mounting elements 29 project downwardly from. a central area of bar 27.

[0026] A pair of cross-brace arrangements 26 are attached to the respective barricades 9 located at the outer ends of the array by securing the mounting elements 29 to the top plate 23 of the outer tube 11 of the respective barricade 9. It will be appreciated that the brace arrangements 26 may be secured to the barricade array prior to or after the array is delivered to the site.

[0027] A hoist or crane is then attached to the cross- brace arrangements 26, the array is inserted into the predefined hole in the ground, and the barricade array is lowered into the hole until the feet 28 of the respective cross-brace arrangements 26 engage the ground surface on opposite sides of the hole. If necessary, the cross- brace arrangements 26 are leveled at the ground surface to effectively level the barricade array within the hole.

The security barricade array is thus effectively temporarily suspended within the hole in a level manner by the cross-brace arrangements 26, and concrete is poured into the hole. After the concrete is fully cured, the cross-brace arrangements 26 are removed from the array by detaching mounting elements 29 from the respective top plates 23 of the outer barricades 9.

Environmental Countermeasures [0028] Water, ice and debris can severely limit the reliability of a retractable pylon system installed below the roadway. Figure 4 details the layout of the weather guards and brushes that resist infiltration of water and debris into the system. The pylon brush wiper system cleans from the pylon any attached debris during each stroke of pylon activation.

[0029] As Figure 1 illustrates, the hydraulic pump, valve, and fluid storage reservoir is located fully within the inner tube or pylon, which serves to protect the drive system from the effects of water and debris.

[0030] Entry of water and grit into the drive compartment of an underground, retractable pylon system is inevitable, regardless of sealing strategy.

Therefore, the Its security barrier system utilizes a bilge pump to relieve the system of excess water that infiltrates the brushes and weather guards. Further environmental countermeasures include the use of rugged- ized polyurethane as a coating on all steel parts.

[0031] Operation of an automatic pylon system in northern climates requires a method of ice removal. The Its security barrier-product utilizes rubber encapsulated, low voltage heaters to warm the pylon and top flange of the product. The idea being that ice is melted all around the pylon until it is free to rise.

Once a film of water is developed at the exterior surface of the pylon tube, the Its security barrier drive system is capable of breaking through a considerable glazing of ice on the surface of the roadway.

[0032] In this regard, one or more heaters 118 may be mounted on the reservoir 56 (discussed below) of the hydraulic drive, which effectively heats the fluid within the reservoir 56 and maintains same at the appropriate temperature, and through convection also heats the top cap 16 of tube 10.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the wiper or brush 30 has an annular configuration and is mounted via a retaining ring 31 to the inner diameter of collar 22 of outer tube 11. The wiper 30 is disposed in surrounding and contacting relation with the outer surface of inner barrier tube 10, so that the barrier tube 10 is cleaned during each stroke of tube 10 relative to outer tube 11.

An annular weather guard 24 is also provided beneath wiper 30 and is mounted on collar 22 by retaining ring 30.

[0034] The bilge pump as mentioned above is mounted on a lower hydraulic support arrangement 35 shown in Figures 1 and 6. The lower support arrangement 35 is disposed within outer tube 11 and supported on lower cap 21. It will be appreciated that lower support arrangement 35 is prevented from rotating relative to outer tube 11 by a plurality of upright flanges 115 which project upwardly from lower cap 21 (Figure 1). Support arrangement 35 includes a horizontally oriented foot plate 36, upon which bilge pump 37 is mounted. Bilge pump 37 is connected to a discharge tube 38 by conduit 39 and a check valve 40. Discharge tube 38 directs excess fluid outside of outer tube 11. Support arrangement 35 also includes a piston rod mounting plate 44 which projects upwardly from a central region of foot plate 36, between check valve 40 and bilge pump 37. A cable anchor arrangement 45 is also provided adjacent check valve 40.

The bilge pumps 37 of respective barricades 9 installed in series are cross-connected for added back-up and redundancy.

Road Grade Solution [0035] Variations in road grade in the field are common and should be expected. In an effort to ensure ease of operation, the Its security barrier system is designed for easy use and installation throughout a range of road grades up to 20% grade. The Its security barrierTM product accommodates a range of road grades because the inner diameter of the top plate 23 is considerably larger in diameter than the pylon tube outer periphery. The gap between the top plate and the pylon tube allows for angular misalignment of the pylon tube and the top plate 23.

Control System [0036] Control of the Its security barrier is done with all solid-state devices. Communication with the Its security barriers is possible with direct connection, radio control, or web-enabled interface. Upward directional control of the pylon is accomplished by energizing the hydraulic pump motor, while downward directional control of the pylon is accomplished by opening the hydraulic valve to the cylinder allowing gravity to pull the pylon down below grade while forcing the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder back into the reservoir.

[0037] In one embodiment, the Its security barrier incorporates an innovative means of sensing the position of the pylon. The Its security barrier can sense and supply feedback indicating whether the pylon is in the up position or the down position. A permanent magnet 27 embedded into the pylon supplies a magnetic field, which trips a hall-effect electronic switch located in the wall of the outer tube. This system is inexpensive and affords the advantage of being easier to assemble and service than systems incorporating limit or proximity switches into the interior of the product. A preferred method of sensing the position of the pylon is through the use of pressure switches. More specifically, a pressure sensor or switch is located in the hydraulic circuit which senses pressure changes when the pylon is moved into the up and down positions.

[0038] The Its security barrier drive system is unique for a number of reasons including the use of an independent, self contained hydraulic power unit for each pylon in an array, the location of the hydraulic power unit within the interior of the inner tube (pylon), the inverted orientation of the hydraulic cylinder, and the absence of any removably inserted mounting bracket used to cradle the hydraulic cylinder within the outer tube as in Dickinson and used in practice by Delta-Scientific.

Furthermore, the Its security barrier is unique in that the product design incorporates an external steel reinforcing structure which is welded to the outside of the outer tube, and which serves as the steel reinforcing structure within the concrete foundation.

[0039] The Dickinson patent (4 576 508) and the retractable security bollards that Delta-Scientific produce under license from Dickinson specifically rely on a mounting frame which is attached to the hydraulic power unit, and which is removably inserted into the outer tube or foundation, and which is supported from the upper end of the foundation. The Dickinson patent and the Delta- Scientific products in practice utilize a below grade foundation, the aforementioned mounting frame to include the hydraulic power unit which is removably inserted into the outer tube or foundation, a bollard or pylon centered over the hydraulic power unit where the hydraulic cylinder is mechanically fastened to the top of the bollard or pylon, and a controlled power means to actuate the hydraulic power unit. However, the Its security barrierTM product differs in that same does not use a removably inserted mounting frame that cradles the hydraulic unit and holds it in place within the outer tube. The Its security barrier does not utilize a removably inserted mounting frame of any kind. Our design integrates an independent hydraulic power unit completely within the protected environment of the interior of the pylon or inner tube.

[0040] Each Its security barrier unit has an independent hydraulic power unit, which is self-contained completely within the confines of the interior of the inner tube (pylon). A unique feature of the product architecture is that the hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic power unit is mounted upside down or inverted, where the cylinder and hydraulic power unit effectively push themselves up with the pylon when the pylon is deployed.

Advantages of this design include the fact that the entire hydraulic drive system is serviceable through the removable flange or hat 16 on top of the inner tube (pylon). Another advantage of locating the hydraulic drive in an inverted position inside the inner tube (pylon) 15 is that the entire drive system is located in a dry, protected environment, and that all hydraulic lines are internal to the inner tube (pylon). Also, this system configuration allows the hydraulic power unit to reside in the safest place possible within the inner tube (pylon) near the top of the interior of the pylon, as air trapped within the interior of the inner tube (pylon) prevents water from entering the pylon even in flood conditions. An additional benefit of this product architecture is that all powered electro-mechanical components including the drive system, illumination system, and heater system may be located in the same area within the protected housing of the inner tube (pylon).

These components can be accessed by removing the cap 16 of inner tube 10, which allows ready servicing from the roadway.

[0041] With reference to Figure 1, the hydraulic drive 50 in the figure includes a pressure cylinder 51, and a piston rod 52. The lower end of the piston rod 52 is fixed to the lower hydraulic support arrangement or base 35, and the cylinder 51 is fixed to and carried on the barrier or inner tube labeled 10 and moves relative to the piston rod 52. Accordingly, when the hydraulic pump/reservoir 53 is actuated or energized, hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder 51 which causes upward movement of the cylinder 51, pump/reservoir 53 and barrier tube 10 relative to the piston rod 52 and outer tube 11.

[0042] The hydraulic pump/reservoir 53 is defined by a pump 54, a valve arrangement 55 and a reservoir 56.

These components, along with cylinder 51 and piston rod 52 are supported within inner tube 10 by an upper hydraulic support arrangement 60. The upper support arrangement 60 includes an upper open-frame support 61 which supports thereon the pump/reservoir 53 and mounts thereon the upper end of the cylinder 51. An anti- rotation tube 62 depends downwardly from support 61 and has an upper end fixed to support 61 and a lower end which receives therein an anti-rotation bar or rod 63.

Rod 63 telescopes within tube 62 during movement of barrier tube 10. Piston rod 52 has a lower end 66 which is secured to mounting plate 44 of lower support arrangement 35, and a lower end 67 of rod 63 is secured to support arrangement 35 by a bracket 68 fixed thereto.

The lower end 67 of rod 63 is also secured to end 66 of piston rod 52 by an additional bracket 69. The upper support arrangement 60 is secured to the upper cap 16 of inner barrier tube 10 by a mounting plate 70. The anti- rotation tube 62 and bar 63 serve to prevent rotation of barrier tube 10 relative to and within outer tube 11.

[0043] As discussed briefly above, the inner barrier tube 10 is raised by energizing the motor of the pump 54, which pumps hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the cylinder 51 which causes the inner tube 10, cylinder 51, and pump/reservoir 53 to move upwardly relative to outer tube 11 and piston rod 52. When the barrier tube 10 reaches the uppermost position (as determined by the sensing arrangement discussed above), the cylinder valve 55 is closed to maintain the barrier 10 in the raised position. When it is desirable or necessary to lower the barrier tube 10, the cylinder valve 55 is opened, and gravity forces the hydraulic fluid within the cylinder 51 back into the reservoir 56 thereby allowing lowering of the barrier tube 10.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the entire hydraulic drive system can be serviced through the removable cap 16 located at the upper end of the inner barrier tube 10, as mentioned above. More specifically, when the hydraulic drive is in need of service, for example, when it is desirable to change the hydraulic fluid or to repair or replace a component or components, the tube 10 is moved to the lowered position within outer tube 11, and the cap 16 is removed. In this regard, the upper hydraulic support arrangement 60 can first be disconnected from cap 16, and the cap 16 removed to provide access to the interior of tube 10. Further, if necessary or desirable, the entire hydraulic drive can be lifted out of the tube 10 by lifting the upper hydraulic support arrangement 60 (and the hydraulic components attached thereto) and lower hydraulic support arrangement 35 completely out of tube 10.

Independent Hydraulic Control and DC Power [0045] Disadvantages of Dickinson and Delta-Scientific include the use of a central hydraulic power unit which is plumbed to each pylon unit to drive each hydraulic cylinder, which is mounted within their removably mounted inserted mounting frame that is assembled within their outer tube. The Dickinson and Delta-Scientific product requires a central hydraulic power unit that needs 230V, 3-Phase AC electrical service, and is costly due to the need for installation of plumbed hydraulic lines which are plumbed to each pylon in an array. The Its security barrier product utilizes independent hydraulic control, which provides a greater degree of system reliability than a centrally powered system, as each pylon has its own power unit and the hydraulic circuit is much smaller and consists of far fewer potential leak points when compared to a centrally powered system. Further advantages of an independent power system include the need for only DC power.

[0046] The Its security barrier-requires only DC power to operate the hydraulic pump/reservoir, lights, heaters and any other components requiring electrical power. DC power is provided with appropriate electrical cabling (shown in dotted lines in Figure 1) which is routed to these components through the electrical conduit 78 in Figure 1. The cabling can be anchored to cable anchor arrangement 45 and a further cable anchor plate 46 of support 61. The conduit 78 is supported on the outer tube 11 and extends upwardly through the reinforcing frame 12 welded to the outer tube 11. The electrical cabling in the illustrated embodiment is connected to a battery pack 79 (shown schematically in Figure 1) including two 12V batteries connected in series with one another. The battery pack 79 operates one Its security barrierTM 9. In this regard, the barriers 9 pursuant to the invention require only about six seconds to raise into their elevated protective positions, and many uses can thus be obtained from one fully-charged battery pack.

The battery pack 79 is also associated with a charging system which monitors the condition of the battery pack and charges same as necessary. Alternatively, the electrical cabling can be suitably wired into the electrical system of a building or structure to be protected by the security barriers, and the battery pack can serve as a back-up power source in the event of a power outage.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a housing or box 98 containing battery pack 79 therein is provided at the upper end of outer tube 11 and is secured thereto and to frame 12. The cabling which provides electrical power to the various components of the security barricade 9 is routed from battery pack 79 in box 98 through conduit 78 and into inner tube 10. The top plate 23 includes a sidewardly projecting flange or tongue 99 (Figure 5) which covers the box 98 to prevent unauthorized access thereto.

[0048] The array of security barricades are preferably controlled as a unit from a remote location with a control panel (not shown), which communicates with a control board (such as PLC) located within a control module 120 mounted adjacent the ground surface or other suitable location. The remote control panel can communicate with the control board in module 120 wirelessly via radio signals, web-enabled interface, or through a direct electrical connection. The barricades 9 of an array in the illustrated embodiment are thus controlled as a unit so as to move up or down synchronously, and the appropriate cabling is provided to interconnect each of the power sources (i. e. battery packs 79) of the respective barricades 9 to the control module 120 through a suitable conduit arrangement 112.

However, as mentioned above, each of the barricades 9 within an array each include their own battery packs 79 to power the respective components of the barricade 9.

External Steel Reinforcing Structure.

[0049] The Its security barrier incorporates an external steel outer reinforcing structure or frame 12, which is welded to the outside of the outer tube 11, and which serves as the steel reinforcing structure within the concrete foundation. This innovative product feature provides an easy installation that essentially only includes digging the hole, lowering the Its security barrier-into place, positioning and leveling the structure with the cross-brace arrangement 26 discussed above, and pouring concrete 100 into the frame of the outer reinforcing structure 12 until the hole is filled and the concrete is leveled to make a flush transition to the roadway. The Its security barrier does not require the installer to erect a lattice of re-barb during the installation process. By pre-fabricating our engineered external reinforcing structure in our manufacturing facility, the structural integrity of the Its security barrierTM is guaranteed to have excellent quality and the design is such that the foundation is reinforced in the most critical areas. Whereas, requiring the installer to erect a standard re-barb lattice before pouring the concrete leaves more to chance, and does not provide a guarantee of reliability and quality. The Its security barrierTM external steel reinforcing frame 12 provides a steel reinforced foundation that is engineered to provide high structural integrity and is manufactured and inspected to ensure that the finished product fully meets all technical requirements and that the frame is of the highest quality construction prior to shipment. The prior art does not anticipate the use of a pre-fabricated external reinforcing frame.

[0050] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the reinforcing structure or frame 12 includes a box-type open outer frame 85 defined by a plurality, and here four, of upright and corner-shaped frame members 86 which define the four respective corners of frame 12, and a plurality of upper and lower corner-shaped cross-frame members 87 which interconnect the respective upright frame members 86 at the top and bottom of the frame 85.

Frame 85 additionally includes a plurality of intermediate cross-frame members 88 which extend in vertically spaced and parallel relation with one another and interconnect respective adjacent pairs of upright frame members 86.

[0051] The outer tube 11 is positioned within the central opening of frame 12, and is welded thereto by means of a plurality of angled frame members 89 which are welded to and extend between the outer surface of outer tube 11 and the frame members of outer frame 85.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the outer tube 11 and frame 12 secured thereto are oriented so that the shortest sides of the frame 12 face respective opposite directions of potential attack as indicated by arrows A, so that the boxes 98 of the respective barricades 9 and the tongues 99 of the respective cover plates 23 are oriented at a 90 degree angle with respect to these directions A. This arrangement can prevent damage to the boxes 98 during an impact. In Figure 3, the ground surface is referenced with number 102, and the outer perimeter of the foundation (defined by frame 12, tube 11 and concrete 100) is referenced with number 103.

Internal Illumination [0053] The Its security barrier utilizes internally mounted solid-state lighting. Internal illumination using solid-state light sources (Light Emitting Diodes) increases the visibility of each pylon when deployed into the up position and provides increased positive guidance to approaching motorists. National is the first manufacturer in the world to integrate LED illumination into a retractable security pylon product. Internal illumination of the pylon is accomplished by integrating LED components 110 (Figure 1) into drilled holes in the pylon wall.

Barrier Collision Detection and Vehicle Arrest System [0054] The Its security barrier in one embodiment can include a sensor system, which is designed to sense when an Its security barrier pylon has been compromised by an attacking vehicle. The barrier collision detector system provides indication of pylon buckling failure using strain gauge technology and/or accelerometers which can be mounted into the base of the inner tube (pylon).

National's Its security barrier product can also be provided with an integrated vehicle arrestor, which immobilizes an attacking vehicle by destroying its on- board electronics with high-voltage pulse technology or microwave technology. The vehicle arrestor is triggered by the barrier collision detector which senses the onset of pylon structural rupture.

[0055] Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.