Arresting systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and methods for arresting vehicles or other moving objects are detailed. The systems may be bi-directional, so as to arrest vehicles on either side of a barrier. They additionally may be reset for reuse relatively rapidly following deployment and comprise mechanical controllers for facilitating suitable deformation of the barriers. Modular slotted beams also may be employed to accommodating differing widths and crowns of roadways.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to systems and methods for impeding movement of moving objects and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to bidirectional, reusable systems and methods for arresting travel of ground-based (or other) vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,613 to Gelfand, et al. discloses an energy absorbing system forming part of an automobile barrier for placement preferably at a railroad crossing. The system includes a net stored in a pit spanning a roadway and parallel to railroad tracks. The net may be raised as an automobile approaches along the roadway in a particular travel direction; should the automobile not stop timely it will collide with the net, causing the automobile to cease travel prior to reaching the tracks.[0003]The system of the Gelfand patent also contemplates placing a second automobile barrier opposite the railroad tracks from the first barrier. Such a two-barrier system is depicted es...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides systems and methods for arresting or impeding the movement of objects, such as vehicles, in a bi-directional manner. The systems use a net and brake assemblies, and may also include sheave rollers and mechanical controllers. The invention can be reset and reused, and can be adapted to different road widths and weather conditions. The technical effects of the invention include reducing likelihood of injury to occupants of arrested vehicles, and the ability to operate regardless of the direction of travel of the vehicles."

Problems solved by technology

Such systems additionally may use some or substantially all of available stopping space when deployed, potentially reducing likelihood of injury to occupants of arrested vehicles.

Upon such engagement, forces acting on the controllers cause shear pins to fail, releasing portions of the controllers to remain attached to the net and allowing tape to pay out with the net via friction pins.

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