A reconfigurable enclosure system with barrier continuous loop intrusion detection.

Abstract

To provide a reconfigurable enclosure system with barrier continuity loop intrusion detection.SOLUTION: An enclosure system includes: barrier segments; and at least one electric cable connected to the respective barrier segments. Each electrical cable has electrical connectors disposed at each of a first terminus and a second terminus of the electrical cable. Each electrical connector is releasably coupled to another electrical connector of an adjacent electrical cable to form at least one continuity loop through the barrier segments. Each continuity loop includes two electrical terminal ends 160, 161 disposed at free ends of the continuity loop. A comparator system is coupled to a respective continuity loop and is configured to generate a closed loop signal when electrical current flows to the comparator system from one of the two electrical terminal ends of the respective continuity loop, and an open loop signal when electrical current ceases to flow to the comparator system from the one of the two electrical terminal ends of the respective continuity loop.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Exemplary embodiments relate generally to enclosures, and more particularly to reconfigurable enclosures with intrusion detection. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when access to a given closed area is restricted, the given closed area is enclosed by a barrier. Often, the barrier is a fencing, a railing, a movable barricade gate, and / or a crowd control stanchion. The restricted access to a given closed area may be in a manufacturing environment to prevent individuals or mobile machines (such as a forklift) from entering the given closed area while a manufacturing process is being performed in the given closed area. When a manufacturing process is performed at a fixed location, the barrier is fixed in place (such as on a factory floor) and does not move. However, when a manufacturing process uses a moving or pulsed assembly line, a fixed barrier may not be applicable because the article being manufactured moves throughout the factory. To accommodate moving articles, temporary barriers are employed, such as separate segments of a fence placed adjacent to each other to surround the article being manufactured on the moving or pulsed assembly line. However, gaps exist between adjacent separate segments of the fence, which may form an access point into the given closed area. Adjacent independent segments are strapped or buckled to one another to close gaps and entry points. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an apparatus and method intended to address at least the above-mentioned concerns would be useful.

[0004] The following is a non-exhaustive list of embodiments of subject matter according to the present disclosure, which may or may not be claimed.

[0005] One embodiment of the subject matter according to the present disclosure relates to an enclosure system comprising: barrier segments, at least one electrical cable connected to each barrier segment, each electrical cable having an electrical connector disposed at each of a first end and a second end of the electrical cable, each electrical connector configured to be releasably connected to another electrical connector of an adjacent electrical cable to form at least one continuous loop through the barrier segments, each continuous loop including two electrical terminations disposed at a free end of the continuous loop, and a comparator system connected to each continuous loop, the comparator system configured to generate a closed loop signal when current flows from one of the two electrical terminations of each continuous loop to the comparator system and to generate an open loop signal when current stops flowing from one of the two electrical terminations of each continuous loop to the comparator system.

[0006] Another embodiment of the subject matter according to the present disclosure relates to a barrier system comprising: a series of electrically connected cables extending along at least one barrier segment, adjacent electrical cables of the series of electrically connected cables being electrically connected to one another to form a continuous loop through the at least one barrier segment, and a comparator system connected to the continuous loop and configured to generate one or more audio and visual indications indicative of continuity between the adjacent electrical cables.

[0007] Yet another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter relates to a method of alerting an operator to an unauthorized presence in an enclosed area, the method including disconnecting connectors of adjacent electrical cables in a series of electrically connected cables, the series of electrically connected cables extending along at least one barrier segment, the adjacent electrical cables being electrically connected to one another to form a continuous loop through the at least one barrier segment, generating an open loop signal with a comparator system connected to the series of electrically connected cables, the open loop signal indicative of an absence of current in the series of electrically connected cables based on a comparison of voltages at each end of the series of electrically connected cables by the comparator system, and generating at least one of an audio and a visual indication based on the open loop signal.

[0008] Examples of the present disclosure have been generally described above and reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an enclosure system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1B is a schematic block diagram of a portion of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1B is a schematic block diagram of a portion of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]1B is a schematic diagram of a barrier segment and an electrically connected cable of the containment system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1B is a schematic diagram of a barrier segment and an electrically connected cable of the containment system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 1B is a schematic diagram of a barrier segment and an electrically connected cable of the containment system of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the enclosure system of FIG. 1A having a plurality of enclosures, each of the plurality of enclosures having a respective single continuous loop or multiple continuous loops, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a method according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1A-1C, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a reconfigurable containment system 100 with continuous loop intrusion / exit detection. The containment system 100 is mobile and may form one or more temporary and / or permanent barriers to restrict access into or out of a predetermined enclosed area 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 4), which may be a plot of land, an entertainment facility, a construction site, a portion of a factory, or other suitable location where a temporary barrier is used to create an enclosure with limited access. In one embodiment, the containment system 100 may be configured to completely surround / enclose the predetermined enclosed area to define the predetermined enclosed area (see, e.g., FIG. 4 and FIG. 7). In another embodiment, the enclosure system 100 may be configured to partially enclose / enclose the predetermined enclosed area 500 (see, e.g., FIG. 5) when a natural barrier (e.g., river, mountain, body of water, etc.) or a man-made structure (e.g., wall, building, etc.) extends between the ends of the enclosure system 100 to define the predetermined enclosed area 500. In yet another embodiment, the enclosure system 100 may take the form of a barrier system 604 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A) that may or may not completely enclose the predetermined enclosed area 500 but forms a barrier to prevent crossing a predetermined boundary 610 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A) of the predetermined enclosed area 500. For example, the barrier may be located between natural barriers such as mountains 601, 602 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). This is to substantially prevent passage between the mountains 601, 602 (or man-made structures) into or from a predetermined enclosed area 500 (which in this case may be a parcel of land, a recreational facility, a construction site, a state / country border, part of a factory, or other suitable location where a temporary barrier is used to create an enclosure with limited access).

[0011] The containment system 100 includes intrusion / escape detection through a comparator system 110, which includes at least one comparator 113 configured to detect the presence or absence of a low voltage signal (e.g., detect current from a constant voltage source), such as a 24 volt direct current (VDC) voltage passing through each of the continuous loop(s) 101. The 24 VDC voltage signal can accommodate use of the containment system 100 in any suitable indoor and / or outdoor environment(s), including locations where flammable gases, vapors, and / or liquids are present. The comparator system 110 is configured to output either an open loop signal 111 (indicating loss of current and possible intrusion into or escape from the given enclosed area 500) or a closed loop signal 112 (indicating the presence of current and an intact / properly installed barrier) depending on whether the low voltage signal is present or absent. The comparator system 110 is configured to distinguish between a zero VDC voltage signal and any voltage above zero VDC. Thereby, the length 699 (see FIG. 6A) of the single continuous loop 101 of the containment system 100 may span a distance greater than about 1 mile (about 1.6 kilometers) in one embodiment, and between about 3 miles (about 4.8 kilometers) and about 5 miles (about 8 kilometers) in other embodiments. The operable length of the containment system 100 may be facilitated by having no substantial loads in the continuous loop(s) 101 and having a high impedance input to at least one of the comparator(s) 113-113n of the comparator system 110.

[0012] The containment system 100 includes one or more of visual indicators 115, 121 and audible indicators 114, 122 that provide an indication that current has been received at at least one of the comparators 113-113n. For example, the visual indicators 115, 121 and / or audible indicators 114, 122 are activated when one of the comparators 113-113n outputs an open loop signal 111 indicating a loss of current received at one of the comparators 113-113n. The visual indicators 115, 121 may be any suitable light, strobe, or other suitable visual cue that notifies an operator (e.g., factory worker, ranch worker, border patrol, security officer, police, etc.) of a disconnection of continuity of at least one of the continuous loops 101 and a potential intrusion into or exit from the predetermined enclosed area 500. The auditory indicators 114, 122 may be any suitable siren, horn, or other suitable audible cue that notifies an operator (e.g., factory worker, ranch worker, border patrol, security officer, police, etc.) of a disconnection of the continuity of at least one of the continuous loops 101 and a potential entry into or exit from a predetermined closed area 500.

[0013] 1A-1C, the containment system 100 (which may take the form of a barrier system 604 spanning between two natural or man-made features / structures, see FIG. 6A) includes one or more (one or more) barrier segments 130, 131, 132 (for illustrative purposes only, three barrier segments are shown in each continuous loop 101-101n in FIG. 1A, in other embodiments, more or less than three barrier segments may be present in each continuous loop 101-101n), and at least one electrical cable 140, 141, 142 (for illustrative purposes only, three electrical cables are shown in each continuous loop 101-101n in FIG. 1A, in other embodiments, more or less than three barrier segments may be present in each continuous loop 101-101n) connected to each respective barrier segment 130, 131, 132. For example, at least one electrical cable 140 extends along barrier segment 130, at least one electrical cable 141 extends along barrier segment 131, and at least one electrical cable 142 extends along barrier segment 132. Each electrical cable 140, 141, 142 has an electrical connector 150, 151 disposed at a first end point 152 and a second end point 153 of the electrical cable 140, 141, 142, respectively. Each electrical connector 150, 151 is configured to be releasably connected to another electrical connector 150, 151 of an adjacent electrical cable 140, 141, 142 to form a series of electrically connected cables 620 (see also FIG. 6A ). The electrical connectors 150, 151 may be any suitable releasable connector (e.g., that separates / pulls apart substantially instantly without damaging the mating electrical connectors), such as, for example, a magnetically connected connector 690 (FIG. 6A includes at least one conductor 692 and a magnet connecting two electrical cable ends and respective conductors together) or an RCA type connector 691 (FIG. 6A) having one or more conductors 692, 693 therein. One or more of the conductors 692, 693 may be 18 gauge conductors, while in other embodiments one or more of the conductors may be more or less than 18 gauge.The series of electrically connected cables 620 are electrically connected to each other to form at least one continuous loop 101 through the barrier segments 130, 131, 132. (As described herein, a single barrier segment may have more than one continuous loop at different elevations of the single barrier segment.) For illustrative purposes only, although three barrier segments are shown in FIG. 1A, the series of electrically connected cables 620 may extend through at least one barrier segment 130, 131, 132.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1A, more than one continuous loop 101-101n (see also Figure 3) may be formed by a respective electrical cable 140-140n, 141-141n, 142-142n extending through a respective barrier segment 130-130n, 131-131n, 132-132n. In one embodiment, two or more of the continuous loops may be disposed on a common (i.e., same) side of an enclosure 550 (see Figures 4, 5, and 7) formed by the barrier segments 130-130n, 131-131n, 132-132n. In another embodiment, two or more of the continuous loops may be located on different sides of the enclosure 550 formed by the barrier segments 130-130n, 131-131n, 132-132n (e.g., each side 670-673 of the enclosure 550 has a respective (one or more) continuous loop 101-101n). Each continuous loop 101-101n includes two electrical terminations 160, 161 located at free ends 162, 163 of the continuous loop 101-101n. The free ends 162, 163 of the continuous loop are not connected to an adjacent electrical cable. For example, one of the electrical terminations 160 may be connected to a current / voltage source (referred to herein as a current source 170), such as a 24VDC source. The other of the electrical terminations 161 may be connected to a respective comparator 113-113n of the comparator system 110. Thereby, the comparator system 110 is connected to each successive loop 101-101n. In one embodiment, each of the successive loops 101-101n is connected to at least two comparators 113-1-113-2 (FIG. 4) in common with a respective one of the at least one successive loop 101-101n. In that case, the at least two comparators 113-1, 113-2 are connected to a respective one of the at least one successive loop 101-101n in parallel with each other to provide at least a primary and a secondary comparator.The comparator system 110 (through its comparators 113-113n) is configured in any suitable manner to generate a closed-loop signal 112 when current flows from one of the two electrical terminations 160, 161 of the respective successive loops 101-101n to the comparator system 110 (in FIG. 1A the current flows from termination 161, but in other embodiments the positions of the terminations may be reversed such that termination 161 is connected to the current source 170 and termination 160 is connected to the comparator system 110). The comparator system 110 (through its comparators 113-113n) is also configured in any suitable manner to generate an open-loop signal 111 when current stops flowing from one of the two electrical terminations 160, 161 of the respective successive loops 101-101n to the comparator system 110. The comparators 113-113n, in one embodiment, may include any suitable circuitry configured to compare the output voltage from the current source 170 to the respective continuous loop 101-101n with the input voltage from the respective continuous loop 101-101n to the respective comparator 113-113n, such that if no voltage is detected coming from the respective continuous loop 101-101n, the comparator detects / determines the absence of current flow in the respective continuous loop 101-101n.

[0015] In one aspect, the comparator system 110 is configured to generate one or more of an auditory and visual indication indicative of continuity between adjacent electrical cables 140, 141, 142. For example, the comparator system 110 includes one or more of an auditory indicator 114 (such as those described above) and a visual indicator 115 (such as those described above) that are activated (or not activated) when the comparator system 110 detects a current (e.g., via a comparison of voltages between the terminations 160, 161 of each continuous circuit 101-101n) and generates a closed loop signal 112. For example, activation of the auditory indicator 114 (such as those described above) and / or the visual indicator 115 may provide an indication to an operator of the enclosure system 100 that the enclosure formed by the barrier segments 130, 131, 132 is secured and that manufacturing may begin within the confines of the enclosure. If the audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115 (such as those described above) are not activated, the enclosure is not secured, providing an indication to the operator that there has been unauthorized access or that the barrier is not properly installed. In one aspect, each of the at least one continuous loop 101-101n includes a switch 190 configured to connect or disconnect the respective continuous loop 101-101n from the current source 170, such as to allow the operator to set up or otherwise reconfigure the enclosure system 100 without activating the audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115.

[0016] 1A and 1B, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A with the termination 160 connected, a current source 170 is configured to provide a current / voltage to at least each continuous loop 101-101n. The current source 170 comprises a DC power source 171 having at least one battery 172-172n. In one aspect, a charging system 180 is connected to the DC power source 171 and configured to charge the at least one battery 172-172n. The charging system 180 may operate from AC line power 173, such as when the enclosure system 100 is located in a factory building or any other location where alternating current line power is available. In other aspects, the charging system 180 may be any suitable charging system for charging at least one battery 172-172n in any suitable environment. For example, charging system 180 may include one or more of solar charging system 181, wind charging system 182, and hydrodynamic charging system 183 for charging at least one battery 172-172n (or for providing primary power in place of AC line power 173 in a remote environment when AC line power 173 is not available). In one aspect, at least one battery 172-172n is hot swappable (e.g., one battery can be replaced with another battery without disconnecting power to enclosure system 100 and / or power to at least one battery 172-172n). Current source 170 includes an alternating current (A / C) to direct current (D / C) converter 174 that converts AC line power 173 to DC power for operation of enclosure system 100. In one aspect, A / C to D / C converter 174 converts power from charging system 180 for operation of enclosure system 100. In that case, charging system 180 is the primary source of power for enclosure system 100, such as in a remote environment (with at least one battery operating as a power backup). In one aspect, charging system 180 may include an A / C to D / C converter for direct connection to DC power source 171.

[0017] 1A, 1B, and 3, when AC line power 173 is not available, the DC power source 171 is configured to supply current to the at least one continuous loop 101-101n via the at least one battery 172-172n. The comparator system 110 includes a line voltage comparator 116 configured to indicate a loss of the AC line power 173. Upon loss of the AC line power 173, the line voltage comparator 116 is configured to switch the current source from the AC line power 173 to the at least one battery 172-172n in any suitable manner. For example, the line voltage comparator 116 may activate one or more relays 301-303 (FIG. 3) in any suitable manner to disconnect the AC line power 173 from the at least one continuous loop 101-101n and connect the at least one battery 172-172n to the at least one continuous loop 101-101n. Conversely, the line voltage comparator is configured, upon detection of AC line power, to switch the current source from the at least one battery 172-172n to the AC line power 173, such as by activating one or more relays 301-303, to disconnect the at least one battery 172-172n from the at least one continuous loop 101-101n and to connect the AC line power 173 to the at least one continuous loop 101-101n.

[0018] As mentioned above, the comparator system 110 comprises at least one comparator 113-113n. In one embodiment, the comparator system 110 includes at least one comparator 113-113n for each of at least one respective successive loop 101-101n, while in other embodiments, two successive loops may share the same or a common comparator(s). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two or more adjacent enclosure systems 100, 100A may be communicatively connected, whereby, for example, the comparator 113 of the enclosure system 100 (FIG. 6A) transmits or relays either an open loop signal 111 or a closed loop signal 112 (which may take the form of a binary signal) to the comparator 113A of the adjacent enclosure system 100A (FIGS. 3 and 6A). The comparator 113A may in turn relay the open loop signal 111 or closed loop signal 112 received from the comparator 101 as well as the open loop signal 111 or closed loop signal 112 from the comparator 113A to a common enclosure controller 120C (substantially similar to the enclosure controller 120 of FIG. 1A and also referred to as a barrier controller, where the enclosure systems are configured as a barrier system 604 (see FIG. 6A )) that may be common to two or more adjacent enclosure systems 100, 100A and provides an indication of intrusion or exit (as described herein) via the two or more communicatively connected enclosure systems 100, 100A. In other aspects, the adjacent enclosure systems 100A may include any suitable programming / circuitry to account for the operational state of the enclosure systems 100 while transmitting only a single open loop signal or closed loop signal to the common enclosure controller 120C. For example, the comparator 113A may include any suitable processing to recognize the open loop signal 111 or the closed loop signal 112 from the comparator 113. If the comparator 113A receives the closed loop signal 112 from the comparator 113 and there is no ingress or egress through the enclosure system 100A, the comparator 113A relays only the closed loop signal 112 from the comparator 113A to the common enclosure controller 120C.If the comparator 113A receives the open loop signal 111 from the comparator 113 and there is no intrusion or escape through the enclosure system 100A, the comparator 113A relays only the open loop signal 111 from the comparator 113A to the common enclosure controller 120C. If the comparator 113A receives the closed loop signal 112 from the comparator 113 and there is an intrusion or escape through the enclosure system 100A, the comparator 113A relays only the open loop signal 111 from the comparator 113A to the common enclosure controller 120C. If the comparator 113A receives the open loop signal 111 from the comparator 113 and there is an intrusion or escape through the enclosure system 100A, the comparator 113A relays only the open loop signal 111 from the comparator 113A to the common enclosure controller 120C. In this relay fashion, the combined containment system may be stretched to lengths greater than the approximately 5 miles mentioned above (approximately 8 miles). In addition to the open or closed loop signals, the common containment controller 120C may receive an indication from an adjacent containment system 100, 100A which containment system 100, 100A is exhibiting an intrusion or exit to facilitate rapid response to intrusion or exit of the combined containment systems 100, 100A into a given area.

[0019] Although the containment system 100 may operate solely based on the audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115 of the comparator system 110, the comparator system 110 may be local to the predetermined enclosed area 500 and may not provide remote observation of the audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115. For example, referring to Figs. 1A, 4, 5, and 7, the containment system 100 is shown in Fig. 4 as a single continuous loop 101 system defining the predetermined enclosed area 500. Fig. 5 shows the containment system 100 as a multiple continuous loop 101-101B system, where the multiple continuous loops 101-101B together with man-made structures (e.g., walls 600) define the predetermined enclosed area 500. Fig. 7 shows the containment system 100 defining multiple predetermined enclosed areas 500, combining a single continuous loop 101-101D with multiple continuous loops 101E-101H. 4, 5, and 7, each of the multiple loops 101-101H has a respective comparator 113A-113H that activates a respective audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115. In this embodiment, the audible indicator 114 and / or visual indicator 115 may be located at or adjacent to each successive loop 101-101H to provide an indication to an operator which successive loop 101-101H requires attention when one of the comparators 113-113H detects a loss of current from the respective successive loop 101-101H. However, one or more of the successive loops 101-101H may be located out of the operator's field of view. In this embodiment, the enclosure system 100 includes an enclosure controller 120 that may provide central and / or mobile monitoring of the successive loops 101-101H.

[0020] 1A, 1C, 4, 5, and 7, the comparators 113-113H for each of the at least one respective continuous loops 101-101H are communicatively coupled to the enclosure controller 120 in any suitable manner. For example, the comparators 113-113H for each of the at least one respective continuous loops 101-101H are communicatively coupled to the enclosure controller via one or more of a dry contact connection 125, an Ethernet connection 126 (or other suitable wired connection), and a wireless connection 127. The wireless connection 127 may be a Bluetooth connection 128, a Wi-Fi connection 129, or any other suitable wireless connection (e.g., satellite, cellular, etc.). The enclosure controller 120 includes one or more of an auditory indicator 122 and / or a visual indicator 121 configured to indicate a disconnection of the continuity of each of at least one respective continuous loop 101-101H in a manner substantially similar to that described above in connection with the auditory indicator 114 and / or the visual indicator 115. In one aspect, where the enclosure controller 120 provides central monitoring of the continuous loops 101-101H, the enclosure controller may include a suitable stationary device (e.g., a desktop computer, a dedicated user interface, etc.) configured to receive signals from the comparators 113-113H and activate (or deactivate) the auditory indicators 122 and / or the visual indicators 121 connected to the stationary device (e.g., the stationary device may include an enclosure system monitoring program that diagrammatically illustrates the continuous loops 101-101H and provides an indication regarding the continuity of each respective continuous loop 101-101H based on the closed-loop signal 112 and the open-loop signal 111 generated by the comparators 113-113H). Where enclosure controller 120 provides mobile monitoring of continuous loop 101-101H, the enclosure controller may include a mobile / cellular phone, tablet computer, or other suitable mobile device.In that case, the audible indicators 122 and / or visual indicators 121 are incorporated into the user interface of the mobile device (e.g., the mobile device may include an enclosure system monitoring application that diagrammatically illustrates the continuous loops 101-101H and provides an indication of the continuity of each continuous loop 101-101H based on the closed loop signal 112 and the open loop signal 111 generated by the comparators 113-113H). In one aspect, the enclosure controller includes a memory or is connected to the monitoring system that records the location, date, and / or time (e.g., frequency) of entry or exit of any enclosure 550.

[0021] 1A, 4, 5, and 7, the enclosure system 100 is shown in FIG. 4 as a single continuous loop 101 system that defines a predetermined enclosed area 500. A plurality of barrier segments 130-138 are arranged in series to form sides 670-673 of the enclosure 550. In that case, the continuous loop 101 extends along two or more sides 670-673. For example, the barrier segments 130-138 are arranged in series relative to one another to form at least two sides of the enclosure system 100. In one aspect, as described herein, at least one barrier segment 130-138 of at least two sides of the enclosure system comprises at least two continuous loops 101, 101A vertically spaced apart from one another on the barrier segments 130-138. A series of electrically connected cables 620 extend along the barrier segments 130-138 arranged in series to form a continuous loop 101 (note that the barrier segments 130-138 are connected to each other to enclose a predetermined enclosed area 500, but are shown generally as separate for purposes of illustrating the comparator 113 and the continuous loop 101). The barrier segments 130-138 of the present disclosure are arranged in series relative to each other to define barrier segment interfaces 666, and adjacent electrical cables of the series of electrically connected cables 620 are electrically connected to each other at the respective barrier segment interfaces 666 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). In one embodiment, there may be more than one continuous loop 101 arranged on the barrier segments 130-138. For example, each continuous loop 101 may be spaced apart (e.g., vertically spaced apart) at different elevations along at least one height 698 of the barrier segments 130-138. Thereby, in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6A, a series of electrically connected cables 620 are positioned adjacent to the bottoms 611 of the barrier segments 130-138, and another series of electrically connected cables 620 are positioned adjacent to the tops 612 of the barrier segments 130-138.In yet other embodiments, in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 6B, a series of more than two electrically connected cables 620 may be vertically spaced apart from one another along a height 698, such as at the top 612, bottom 611, and middle 613 of the barrier segments 130-138. In this embodiment, one or more of the barrier segments 130-138 comprises at least a portion of two continuous loops 101, 101A spaced apart from one another on the barrier segment 130-138.

[0022] 5 illustrates the enclosure system 100 as a system of multiple continuous loops 101-101B, where the multiple continuous loops 101-101B form an enclosure 550 together with an artificial structure (e.g., wall 600) to define a predetermined enclosed area 500. In other embodiments, another continuous loop may be placed in place of the wall 600, whereby the continuous loop forms an entire perimeter (enclosure 550) that completely surrounds the predetermined enclosed area 500 (as shown in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the walls 600 define a respective side 670 of the given enclosed area 500, the barrier segments 130-133 define a respective side 671 of the given enclosed area 500, the barrier segments 130A-132A define a respective side 672 of the given enclosed area 500, and the barrier segments 130B-133B define a respective side 673 of the given enclosed area 500. Each side 671-673 of the containment system 100 formed by the barrier segments 130-133, 130A-132A, 130B-133B of FIG. 5 (and all sides in embodiments where the walls are replaced by barrier segments, see FIG. 7) includes at least one respective continuous loop 101-101B. For example, barrier segments 130-133 have a respective series of electrically connected cables 620 that extend along barrier segments 130-133 to form continuous loop 101. Barrier segments 130A-132A have a respective series of electrically connected cables 620 that extend along barrier segments 130A-132A to form continuous loop 101A. Barrier segments 130B-133B have a respective series of electrically connected cables 620 that extend along barrier segments 130B-133B to form continuous loop 101B.

[0023] 6C, where adjacent sides 671-673 of a given enclosed area 500 intersect or meet, a barrier segment (e.g., barrier segments 132A, 133B, FIG. 6C) may form a corner 679 of the given enclosed area 500. Where adjacent sides 671-673 intersect or meet with a portion of the electrical cable(s) 140-142 forming the respective continuous loops 101-101B, the barrier segment may be common to more than one side 671-673 of the given enclosed area 500 to provide for intrusion or exit detection at a corner, such as corner 679. For example, the continuous loop 101A may be formed from a series of electrically connected cables 620 having at least one conductor 692 within each electrical cable of the series of electrically connected cables 620 (FIG. 6A). In this embodiment, one or more of the electrical cables 141 of the continuous loop 101A may extend from the barrier segment 132A to wrap around a portion of the barrier segment 133B belonging to the continuous loop 101B. Thus, a portion of each continuous loop 101A for each side 672 is common to both the respective side 672 and the adjacent side 673. The electrical cable(s) 141 may be connected to the adjacent electrical cables 140, 142, such that the electrical connectors 150, 151 of the adjacent electrical cables are disposed adjacent to the barrier segment interface 666 between the adjacent barrier segments 133B, 132A. The adjacent barrier segments may then be coupled to each other using one or more coupling members 667 (e.g., straps, belts, ties, etc.). In this embodiment, a series of electrically connected cables 620 of the continuous loop 101A are disposed at different elevations (e.g., adjacent to the top, adjacent to the bottom) of at least one of the barrier segments 130A-132A.

[0024] Still referring to Figures 5 and 6C, in another embodiment, the continuous loop 101B may be formed from a series of electrically connected cables 620 having at least two conductors 692 (Figure 6C) in each electrical cable of the series of electrically connected cables 620, whereby a single cable includes corresponding opposite sides of each of the continuous loops 101-101n (e.g., current in one conductor in the electrically connected cable flows in one direction and current in another conductor in the cable flows in the opposite direction, where the direction is changed by the looped end 680). At least one electrical cable 143 of the series of electrically connected cables 620 of the continuous loop 101B includes a looped end 680 formed by an in-line T-coupling 681, a cable extension 682 extending from the in-line T-coupling 681, and an electrical connector 683 that forms a loop 684 when connected to the in-line T-coupling 681. In this embodiment, the cable extension 682 wraps around portions of both barrier segments 132A, 133B such that a portion of each continuous loop 101B for each side 673 is common to both the respective side 673 and the adjacent side 672. A further series of electrically connected cables 620 having at least two conductors 692 may be positioned at different elevations. Each of the at least two conductors 692 forms a respective continuous loop in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an enclosure system 100 that combines a single continuous loop 101-101D with multiple continuous loops 101E-101H to define multiple predetermined enclosed areas 500. In Figure 7, the enclosure 550 formed by each single continuous loop 101-101D is substantially similar to the continuous loop 101 described in connection with one or more of Figures 4, 6A, and 6B, respectively. The enclosure 550 formed by multiple continuous loops 101E-101H is substantially similar to the enclosure described in connection with one or more of Figures 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C.

[0026] 1A, 4, and 5, enclosure system 100 may be employed to provide enclosure 550 around a manufacturing area (e.g., for a vehicle 575, which may be an aircraft 575A, an automobile 575B, a ship 575C, etc.) that includes automated equipment 576, such as automated assembly robots or other automated machines. In this aspect, enclosure system 100 includes an automation controller 175 communicatively coupled to enclosure controller 120 in any suitable manner, such as via wired or wireless couplings (e.g., such as those described herein). In one aspect, automation controller 175 may be part of enclosure controller 120, while in other aspects, enclosure controller 120 may be part of automation controller 175. The automation controller 175 is communicatively coupled to the automated equipment 576 (e.g., via wired or wireless coupling such as those described herein) and is configured to command a shutdown of the automated equipment 576 when the comparator system 110 generates an open loop signal 111. For example, when one of the comparators 113-113n of the enclosure system detects a loss of current flow from the respective loop series 101n, the comparator system 110 generates an open loop signal 111 via one of the comparators 113-113n and transmits the open loop signal 111 to the enclosure controller 120 and the automation controller 175. Upon receiving the open loop signal 111, the automation controller 175 issues an appropriate command to the automated equipment 576b for a shutdown of the automated equipment 576. In this manner, in the event of an intrusion into (or an exit from) the predetermined enclosed area 500, the automated equipment 576 is shut down substantially immediately upon the intruder's entry. The automated controller 175 also includes one or more visual indicators 176 and audible indicators 177 (similar to those described herein) and is configured to generate one or more audible and visual indications when the comparator system 110 generates the open loop signal 111 to alert an operator of the containment system of a potential intrusion into (or exit from) the predetermined enclosed area 500.

[0027] 1A and 8, an exemplary method 800 of alerting an operator to an unauthorized presence in an enclosed area will be described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 800 includes disconnecting (FIG. 8, block 805) electrical connectors 150, 151 of adjacent electrical cables 140-142 in a series of electrically connected cables 620, where the series of electrically connected cables 620 extends along at least one barrier segment 130-132, and the adjacent electrical cables 140-142 are electrically connected to one another to form a continuous loop 101 through the at least one barrier segment 130-132. The electrical connectors 150, 151 may be disconnected when something or someone attempts to enter the enclosure 550 (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) formed by the barrier segments 130-132 by passing through the barrier segment interface 666 (see FIGS. 6A and 6C) and / or by climbing over the barrier segments 130-132. When the electrical connectors 150, 151 are disconnected, current from the power source 170 stops flowing through the continuous loop 101. This cessation of current flow is detected or sensed by the comparator 113. Upon detecting the absence of current flow, the comparator system 110 generates the open loop signal 111 via the comparator 113 (FIG. 8, block 810). In that case, the open loop signal indicates the absence of current in the series of electrically connected cables 620 based on a comparison by the comparator system 110 (e.g., via the comparator 113) of the voltages at each end 160, 161 of the series of electrically connected cables 620. The absence of current in the series of electrically connected cables 620 may indicate an attempted intrusion or intrusion into (or an attempted exit or exit from) the predetermined enclosed area 500 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Otherwise, the comparator system 110, upon detecting a current flow via the comparator 113, generates a closed loop signal 112 indicating the presence of current in the series of electrically connected cables 620 based on a comparison by the comparator system 110 (e.g., via the comparator 113) of the voltages at each end 160, 161 of the series of electrically connected cables 620.At least one of an audio and visual indication of the closed loop signal 112 may be generated as described herein to indicate to an operator that the enclosure 550 is properly secured and installed. The automation controller 175, if provided, may command a shutdown of the automated equipment 576 when the comparator system 110 generates the open loop signal 111. At least one of an audio and visual indication is generated based on the open loop signal as described herein (FIG. 8, block 815).

[0028] The predetermined enclosed area 500 is formed by sequentially disposing a plurality of barrier segments 130-132 relative to one another prior to disconnection of the electrical connectors 150, 151 to define a barrier segment interface 666 (FIGS. 6A and 6C). In this case, adjacent electrical cables 140-142 are electrically connected to one another at the respective barrier segment interfaces 666. Sides 670-673 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 7) of the predetermined enclosed area 500 are formed using a plurality of barrier segments 130-132. In one embodiment, each side 670-673 has a respective continuous loop 101-101n, and the comparator system 110 includes a respective comparator 113-113n for each respective continuous loop 101-101n. Current is provided to the continuous loop(s) 101-101n by a current source 170. In that case, a comparator system 110 is connected to one end 161 of the continuous loop(s) 101-101n and a current source 170 is connected to the other end 160 of the continuous loop(s) 101-101n. The comparator system 110 may be connected to the current source 170 to effect a comparison of the voltages at the ends 160, 161. The comparators 113-113n may thereby detect the absence or presence of a current in the respective continuous loop 101-101n.

[0029] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the following are provided: A1. A containment system, Barrier segment, at least one electrical cable connected to each barrier segment, each electrical cable having an electrical connector disposed at each of a first end point and a second end point of the electrical cable, each electrical connector configured to be releasably connected to another electrical connector of an adjacent electrical cable to form at least one continuous loop through the barrier segment, each continuous loop including two electrical terminations disposed at free ends of the continuous loop; and An enclosure system comprising: a comparator system connected to each of the continuous loops, the comparator system configured to generate a closed loop signal when current flows from one of the two electrical ends of each of the continuous loops to the comparator system, and to generate an open loop signal when current stops flowing from one of the two electrical ends of each of the continuous loops to the comparator system. A2. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, further comprising a current source connected to the other of the two electrical ends of each continuous loop, the current source configured to supply current to at least each continuous loop. A3. The enclosure system of paragraph A2, wherein the current source comprises a DC power supply. A4. The enclosure system of paragraph A3, wherein the DC power source comprises at least one battery. A5. The enclosure system of paragraph A4, further comprising a charging system configured to charge the at least one battery. A6. The enclosure system of paragraph A5, wherein the charging system is one or more of a solar charging system, a wind charging system, and a hydrodynamic charging system. A7. The enclosure system of paragraph A4, wherein at least one battery is hot swappable. A8. The enclosure system of paragraph A2, wherein the current source includes an AC-to-DC converter that converts AC line power to DC power. A9. The enclosure system of paragraph A8, wherein the current source comprises at least one battery configured to provide current when AC line power is not available. A10. The enclosure system of paragraph A9, wherein the comparator system includes a line voltage comparator configured to indicate a loss of AC line power. A11. The enclosure system of paragraph A9, wherein the comparator system includes a line voltage comparator configured to switch the current source from the AC line power to the at least one battery upon loss of the AC line power. A12. The enclosure system of paragraph A11, wherein the line voltage comparator is configured to switch the current source from the at least one battery to the AC line power upon detection of the AC line power. A13. The enclosure system of paragraph A2, wherein each successive loop includes a switch configured to connect and disconnect the respective successive loop from the current source. A14. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the comparator system comprises a comparator and one or more of an audible indicator and a visual indicator, the one or more of the audible indicator and the visual indicator configured to provide an indication that a flow of current has been received at the comparator. A15. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the free end of the continuous loop is not connected to an adjacent electrical cable. A16. the barrier segments are arranged successively relative to one another to form at least two sides of the containment system; and The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein each side of the enclosure system includes at least one respective continuous loop. A17. The enclosure system of paragraph A16, wherein the comparator system includes a comparator for each of the at least one respective successive loops. A18. The enclosure system of paragraph A17, wherein the comparator for each of the at least one respective continuous loop is communicatively connected to the enclosure controller, and the enclosure controller includes one or more of an audible indicator and a visual indicator configured to indicate a disconnection of the continuity of each of the at least one respective continuous loop. A19. The enclosure system of paragraph A17, wherein a comparator for each of at least one respective continuous loop is communicatively connected to the enclosure controller via one or more of a dry contact connection, an Ethernet connection, and a wireless connection. A20. The enclosure system of paragraph A19, wherein the wireless connection includes one or more of a Bluetooth® connection and a Wi-Fi connection. A21. The enclosure system of paragraph A16, wherein the barrier segment of at least one of the at least two sides of the enclosure system includes at least two continuous loops spaced from each other on the barrier segment. A22. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the comparator system includes a comparator for each of the at least one continuous loop. A23. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the comparator system is communicatively connected to the enclosure controller, the enclosure controller including one or more of an audible indicator and a visual indicator configured to indicate a disconnection of the continuity of each of the at least one continuous loop when the comparator system generates an open loop signal. A24. The enclosure system of paragraph A23, wherein the comparator system is communicatively connected to the enclosure controller via one or more of a dry contact connection, an Ethernet connection, and a wireless connection. A25. The enclosure system of paragraph A24, wherein the wireless connection includes one or more of a Bluetooth® connection and a Wi-Fi connection. A26. The containment system of paragraph A1, wherein one or more of the barrier segments comprises at least a portion of two continuous loops spaced from each other on the barrier segment. A27. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the comparator system is communicatively coupled to an automation controller, the automation controller configured to command a shutdown of the automated equipment when the comparator system generates an open loop signal. A28. The containment system of paragraph A27, wherein the automation controller is configured to generate one or more of an audible indication and a visual indication when the comparator system generates the open loop signal. A29. The enclosure system of paragraph A1, wherein the comparator system comprises at least two comparators that are common to a respective one of the at least one successive loops, the at least two comparators being connected to a respective one of the at least one successive loops in parallel with each other. B1. 1. A barrier system comprising: a series of electrically connected cables extending along at least one barrier segment, adjacent electrical cables of the series of electrically connected cables being electrically connected to one another to form a continuous loop through the at least one barrier segment; and A barrier system comprising: a comparator system connected in the continuous loop and configured to generate one or more of an audible indication and a visual indication indicative of continuity between adjacent electrical cables. B2. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein the comparator system is configured to generate a closed loop signal when a current is detected by the comparator system at an end of each successive loop and to generate an open loop signal when an absence of current is detected by the comparator system at an end of each successive loop. B3. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein at least one barrier segment comprises a plurality of barrier segments arranged in series relative to one another to define a barrier segment interface, and adjacent electrical cables are electrically connected to one another at the respective barrier segment interfaces. B4. The barrier system of paragraph B3, wherein a plurality of barrier segments are arranged in series to form sides of the enclosure, each side having a respective continuous loop, and the comparator system includes a respective comparator for each respective continuous loop. B5. The barrier system of paragraph B3, wherein a portion of each continuous loop for each side is common to both the respective side and an adjacent side. B6. The barrier system of paragraph B3, wherein a plurality of barrier segments are arranged consecutively to form sides of the enclosure, the continuous loop extending along two or more sides. B7. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein a series of electrically connected cables are disposed at different elevations of at least one of the barriers. B8. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein the comparator system comprises a comparator and one or more of an audible indicator and a visual indicator, the one or more of the audible indicator and the visual indicator configured to provide an indication that a flow of current is received at the comparator. B9. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein each continuous loop includes a free end, the free end forming an endpoint of the continuous loop that is not connected to an adjacent electrical cable of the series of electrically connected cables. B10. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein the comparator system is communicatively connected to the barrier controller, the barrier controller including one or more of an audible indicator and a visual indicator configured to indicate a disconnection of continuity of the continuous loop. B11. The barrier system of paragraph B10, wherein the comparator system is communicatively connected to the barrier controller via one or more of a dry contact connection, an Ethernet connection, and a wireless connection. B12. The barrier system of paragraph B11, wherein the wireless connection includes one or more of a Bluetooth® connection and a Wi-Fi connection. B13. The barrier system of paragraph B10, wherein the barrier controller is configured to indicate a disconnection of continuity of the continuous loop when the comparator system generates an open loop signal. B14. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein the comparator system is communicatively coupled to an automation controller, the automation controller configured to command a shutdown of the automated equipment when the comparator system generates an open loop signal. B15. The barrier system of paragraph B14, wherein the automated controller is configured to generate one or more of an audible indication and a visual indication when the comparator system generates the open loop signal. B16. The barrier system of paragraph B1, further comprising a current source, the comparator system connected to one end of the continuous loop, the current source connected to the other end of the continuous loop, and the current source configured to supply current to the continuous loop. B17. The barrier system of paragraph B16, wherein the current source comprises a DC power source. B18. The barrier system of paragraph B17, wherein the DC power source comprises at least one battery. B19. The barrier system of paragraph B18, further comprising a charging system configured to charge the at least one battery. B20. The barrier system of paragraph B19, wherein the charging system is one or more of a solar charging system, a wind charging system, and a hydrodynamic charging system. B21. The barrier system of paragraph B18, wherein at least one battery is hot swappable. B22. The barrier system of paragraph B16, wherein the current source comprises an AC-to-DC converter that converts AC line power to DC power. B23. The barrier system of paragraph B22, wherein the current source comprises at least one battery configured to provide current when AC line power is not available. B24. The barrier system of paragraph B23, wherein the comparator system includes a line voltage comparator configured to indicate a loss of AC line power. B25. The barrier system of paragraph B23, wherein the comparator system includes a line voltage comparator configured to switch the current source from the AC line power to the at least one battery upon loss of the AC line power. B26. The barrier system of paragraph B25, wherein the line voltage comparator is configured to switch the current source from the at least one battery to the AC line power upon detection of the AC line power. B27. The barrier system of paragraph B16, wherein the continuous loop includes a switch configured to connect and disconnect the continuous loop from the current source. B28. The barrier system of paragraph B1, wherein the comparator system comprises at least two comparators for successive loops, the at least two comparators being connected with the successive loops in parallel with respect to each other. C1. 1. A method of alerting an operator to an unauthorized presence in an enclosed area, comprising: disconnecting electrical connectors of adjacent electrical cables in a series of electrically connected cables, the series of electrically connected cables extending along at least one barrier segment, the adjacent electrical cables being electrically connected to one another to form a continuous loop through the at least one barrier segment; generating an open loop signal with a comparator system connected to the series of electrically connected cables, the open loop signal being indicative of the absence of current in the series of electrically connected cables based on a comparison of voltages at each end of the series of electrically connected cables by the comparator system; The method includes generating at least one of an auditory indication and a visual indication based on the open loop signal. C2. The method of paragraph C1, further including generating a closed-loop signal with a comparator system, the closed-loop signal indicating the presence of current in the series of electrically connected cables based on a comparison of voltages at each end of the series of electrically connected cables by the comparator system. C3. The method of paragraph C2, further including generating at least one of an audible and a visual indication of the closed-loop signal. C4. The method of paragraph C1, further comprising forming a confined area by sequentially disposing a plurality of barrier segments relative to one another to define barrier segment interfaces, wherein adjacent electrical cables are electrically connected to one another at the interfaces of the respective barrier segments to form the confined area. C5. The method of paragraph C4, further comprising forming sides of the closed area having a plurality of barrier segments, each side having a respective continuous loop, and the comparator system including a respective comparator for each respective continuous loop. C6. The method of paragraph C1, wherein generating at least one of an audible warning and a visual warning based on the open loop signal includes generating at least one of an audible warning and a visual warning using a barrier controller connected to the comparator system. C7. The method of paragraph C6, further including communicatively connecting the comparator system to the barrier controller via one or more of a dry contact connection, an Ethernet connection, and a wireless connection. C8. The method of paragraph C1, further including communicatively connecting the comparator system to an automation controller, and commanding a shutdown of the automated equipment with the automation controller when the comparator system generates an open loop signal. C9. The method of paragraph C8, further including generating, with an automated controller, at least one of an audible indication and a visual indication when the comparator system generates the open loop signal. C10. The method of paragraph C1, further including supplying current to the continuous loop using a current source, the comparator system being connected to one end of the continuous loop and the current source being connected to the other end of the continuous loop. C11. The method of paragraph C10, further comprising charging a battery of the current source with the charging system. C12. The method of paragraph C10, further comprising converting the AC line power to DC using a current source AC-to-DC converter. C13. The method of paragraph C12, further including using at least one battery of the current source to provide current when AC line power is not available. C14. The method of C13, further comprising indicating a loss of AC line power using a line voltage comparator of a comparator system. C15. The method of paragraph C13, further including automatically switching the current source from the AC line power to the at least one battery upon loss of the AC line power. C16. The method of paragraph C13, further including automatically switching the current source from the at least one battery to the AC line power upon detection of the AC line power.

[0030] In the referenced figures, where solid lines are present connecting various elements and / or components, these solid lines may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, and other connections, and / or combinations thereof. In this specification, "coupled" means directly and indirectly coupled. For example, member A may be directly coupled to member B, or indirectly coupled, for example, via another member C. It will be understood that not all relationships between the various elements disclosed are necessarily represented. Thus, other couplings (connections, connections) than those shown in the figures may exist. Where dashed lines are present connecting blocks representing various elements and / or components, these dashed lines represent connections similar in function and purpose to those represented by the solid lines. However, the connections represented by dashed lines may be either provided in a selective manner or relate to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, where dashed elements and / or components are present, they represent alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more elements shown with solid and / or dashed lines may be omitted from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Environmental elements, if present, are represented with dotted lines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features shown in the figures may be combined in various ways without necessarily including other features described in the figures, other figures, and / or the accompanying disclosure (although one or more such combinations are not explicitly shown herein). Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein.

[0031] In FIG. 8 above, the blocks may represent operations and / or portions thereof, and the lines connecting various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. Blocks shown with dashed lines represent alternative operations and / or portions thereof. Where there are dashed lines connecting various blocks, the dashed lines represent alternative dependencies of operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies between the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. FIG. 8 and the accompanying disclosure, which describes the implementation of one or more methods set forth herein, should not necessarily be construed as dictating the sequence in which operations are performed. Rather, while one exemplary order is shown, it will be understood that the sequence of operations may be changed when appropriate. Thus, certain operations may be performed in different orders or simultaneously. Moreover, one skilled in the art will recognize that it is not necessary to perform all of the described operations.

[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, although the concepts may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known devices and / or processes are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items they refer to. Further, reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or exclude, for example, a "first" or lower number item and / or a "third" or higher number item.

[0034] References herein to "one embodiment" mean that one or more features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one implementation. Multiple appearances of the phrase "one embodiment" in the specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.

[0035] As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a particular function is not in fact capable of performing that particular function without any modification, but rather may perform that particular function after further modification. In other words, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a particular function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing that particular function. As used herein, the phrase "configured to" refers to the existing characteristics of a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a particular function without further modification. In this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being "configured to" perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being "adapted to" and / or "operative to" perform that function.

[0036] Various embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein include a wide variety of components, features, and functions. It should be understood that the various examples of the device(s) and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functions of any of the other examples of the device(s) and method(s) disclosed herein, in any combination, and all such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Using the teachings presented in the above descriptions and the associated drawings, one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will come to mind many modifications of the examples set forth herein.

[0038] It is therefore to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific examples illustrated, and that variations and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, while the above description and associated drawings describe embodiments of the disclosure with reference to specific example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that alternative implementations may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. As such, any reference numerals placed in parentheses in the appended claims are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided within the disclosure.

Claims

1. Barrier segments (130, 131, 132), At least one electrical cable (140, 141, 142) connected to each barrier segment (130, 131, 132), each electrical cable (140, 141, 142) having an electrical connector (150, 151) disposed at a first end point (152) and a second end point (153) of said electrical cable (140, 141, 142), respectively, each electrical connector (150, 151) including a magnet, said electrical connector (150, 151) being defined by a plurality of said barrier segments (130, 131, 132) disposed successively relative to one another. at least one electrical cable (140, 141, 142), releasably magnetically connected to another electrical connector (150, 151) of an adjacent electrical cable (140, 141, 142) at an interface (666) of each of the barrier segments to form at least one continuous loop (101) through the barrier segments (130, 131, 132), each continuous loop (101) including two electrical terminations (160, 161) disposed at free ends (162, 163) of the continuous loop (101); 1. A movable enclosure system (100) comprising: a comparator system (110) connected to each continuous loop (101), the comparator system (110) configured to generate a closed-loop signal (112) indicative of the presence of said current in a corresponding continuous loop (101) when current flows from one of the two electrical ends (160, 161) of said respective continuous loop (101) to said comparator system (110), and to generate an open-loop signal (111) indicative of a loss of said current in the corresponding continuous loop (101) when current stops flowing from one of the two electrical ends (160, 161) of said respective continuous loop (101) to said comparator system (110).

2. 2. The enclosure system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a current source (170) connected to the other of the two electrical ends (160, 161) of each of the continuous loops (101), the current source (170) configured to supply current to at least each of the continuous loops (101).

3. The enclosure system (100) of claim 2, wherein the current source (170) comprises a DC power supply (171).

4. The enclosure system (100) of claim 2, wherein the current source (170) comprises an AC-to-DC converter (174) for converting AC line power (173) to DC power.

5. The enclosure system (100) of claim 4, wherein the comparator system (110) includes a line voltage comparator (116) configured to indicate a loss of the AC line power (173).

6. 6. The enclosure system (100) of claim 1, wherein the comparator system (110) comprises a comparator (113) and one or more of an audible indicator (114) and a visual indicator (115), the one or more of the audible indicator (114) and the visual indicator (115) configured to provide an indication that a current flow is received at the comparator (113).

7. 7. The enclosure system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the comparator system (110) is communicatively connected to an enclosure controller (120), the enclosure controller (120) including one or more of an audible indicator (122) and a visual indicator (121) configured to indicate disconnection of the continuity of each of the at least one continuous loop (101) when the comparator system (110) generates the open loop signal (111).

8. 8. The enclosure system (100) of claim 7, wherein the enclosure controller (120) includes one or more of an audible indicator (122) and a visual indicator (121) configured to indicate proper continuity of each of the at least one continuous loop (101) when the comparator system (110) generates the closed loop signal (112).

9. 1. A method (800) for alerting an operator to an unauthorized presence in an enclosed area (500), comprising: Disconnecting electrical connectors (150, 151) of adjacent electrical cables (140, 141, 142) in a series of electrically connected cables (620), the series of electrically connected cables (620) extending along at least one barrier segment (130, 131, 132) and including a looped end (680), the looped end (680) extending from a first end of the at least one barrier segment (130, 131, 132) to a barrier segment adjacent to the first end, disconnecting electrical connectors (150, 151) surrounding a second end of a barrier segment (130, 131, 132) and an interface (666) of the barrier segment defined between the first and second ends, the electrical connectors (150, 151) including magnets such that the adjacent electrical cables (140, 141, 142) are magnetically connected to one another such that they form a continuous loop (101) through the at least one barrier segment (130, 131, 132); generating an open loop signal (111) using a comparator system (110) connected to the series of electrically connected cables (620), the open loop signal (111) being indicative of the absence of current in the series of electrically connected cables (620) based on a comparison of voltages at each end (160, 161) of the series of electrically connected cables (620) by the comparator system (110); generating at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication based on said open loop signal (111); and The method (800) includes generating a closed-loop signal (112) using the comparator system (110), the closed-loop signal (112) being indicative of the presence of a current in the series of electrically connected cables (620) based on a comparison of voltages at each end (160, 161) of the series of electrically connected cables (620) by the comparator system (110).

Images