Patent Application
20150033628
The present application relates to a modular system of controlling ingress and egress from a restricted or dangerous premises as found in hospitals, medical facilities and other settings. The disclosed embodiments provide a means to clearly communicate which premises are off limits to persons or equipment in addition to deploying a modular retractable barrier.
Many processes used in health care, industrial, and commercial fields require limited access to a room or portion of premises either at all times, or only at limited times. While one solution is to simply close or lock the door to the limited access premises, doing so isolates the limited access premises and individuals working in that area from the rest of the building and results in inaccessibility.
Within the MRI environment there is a superconducting magnet encapsulated in its own specific room. This room must be accessed through an RF shielded door. This door is kept open at certain times for a variety of clinical reasons including patient flow, medical staff egress, emergency situations and simple communication outside the room. An industry acknowledged exposure to MRI technologists and the patients they image on a daily basis is bodily injury or death resulting from a projectile accident occurring. A projectile accident is defined as an occurrence where an object containing ferromagnetic material is pulled into the superconducting magnet at a high rate of speed.
As shown in photograph of
A device which controls access to the room, protecting persons and equipment in that room and unequivocally communicates the danger found within the room without entirely isolating the room overcomes the aforementioned problems.
A need exists in the art for a means to control physical access to a premises without completely isolating the premises. The method and system should rely on active information signage that clearly communicates to any person that the premises of a given room is off limits and physically restricts its access with a retractable physical barrier.
In one aspect, a room access control system is provided that includes a base attachable to a wall or door jamb adjacent a door opening to a room, an extending arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end, wherein the extending arm is positionable in a first position wherein the arm is in a generally vertical, undeployed position with the second end of the arm positioned above a floor located adjacent the door opening, and wherein the extending arm is pivotable from the first, generally vertical undeployed position, to a second generally horizontal, deployed position, where the arm extends across the door opening.
The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.
As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.
An embodiment of the system controls access to a room by being mounted on the side of a door or a door jamb or a door opening. The system may include a telescoping arm, which pivots around a fulcrum point. In an un-deployed position, the arm is oriented vertically, i.e. in a parallel with vertically disposed portions of a door jamb, the arm defining a first length. Upon deployment, the arm first pivots upwardly (or downwardly) to a horizontal position such that the arm is now orthogonal to the vertically disposed portions of the door jamb. Upon attaining this position, the arm, may thereafter be extended automatically to a second length to cover the width of the door. (In an embodiment of the invention, extension to the second length occurs while the arm is positioning from a vertical to a horizontal position).
During and following deployment warning indicia are illuminated on the system. Indicia can be illuminated at all aspects of arm deployment, for example, just before deployment of the vertically disposed first length arm to its horizontal position, or at the beginning of deployment, or during extension to the second length, or only when the system attains final second length deployment status.
While described in the context of an MRI suite, the instant device can be deployed in conjunction with any process where access control is desired while maintaining an open or partially opened door.
One embodiment provides for a deployment completion audible tone or melody upon deployment, upon activation or during extension of the arm the second length or attainment of the final second length deployment status.
One embodiment provides for a modular room access control system, designed to notify third parties of a danger located within a premises. While the depicted embodiment is focused on limited access to MRI suites, the device is capable of protecting any limited access rooms or buildings. For example, one embodiment, not shown, is extended over a door while the premises are being flooded with ultra-violet light for disinfection purposes. Another embodiment, not shown, is extended over the entrance to a ‘clean room’ environment. In such an instance, the system is used in conjunction with a sealed door.
As shown in
The base 12 can be mounted on either an in-swing or out-swing door opening, specifically on the hinge-side or non-hinge side of an in-swing door or the non-hinge side of an out-swing door opening. Furthermore, some MRI/Medical doorways have a perpendicular wall on one side of the doorway or a corridor leading to a door opening. For addressing this situation an L shaped bracket, as shown in
An arm assembly 18 may be removably attached to the base 12 at the receptacle point 14. For example, the arm assembly 18 may be slidably received by the base 12, or else received in a snap fit configuration by the base 12, or magnetically coupled to the base 12.
In the embodiment shown in
The arm assembly 18 as shown in the embodiment of
The arm 22 pivots around the fulcrum attachment point 34 from an un-deployed position which is parallel to the sides 28 of the base 12 (and parallel to the vertically disposed portions of the door jamb) to the deployed position wherein the arm 22 forms an angle α to the sides of the base 12. While
During the deployed configuration in
A noted supra, in another embodiment, the sound generating component of the base 12 is engaged during the deployment process when the arm 22 is switching from the un-deployed vertical configuration to the deployed configuration shown in
In one embodiment, the base 12 further comprises a radio frequency antenna 36 for receiving wireless signals from a remote transmitter (or vice versa where the base incorporates a transmitter to communicate with a receiver). The arm 22 may be deployed or un-deployed in response to receipt of a wireless communication signal by control circuitry found within the base 12 as captured by the antenna 36. In one embodiment, the antenna 36 receives unencrypted signals over industry-standard frequencies such as those not subject to national regulation, i.e. 900 Mhz and 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. Optionally, the antenna 36 receives encrypted signals from the remote.
In one embodiment, a side 28 of the base 12 includes manual actuation buttons 38 which can be used to deploy or un-deploy the arm 22. The buttons 38 may also be used to select an encryption key for the wireless signal. In this embodiment, when both keys are pressed, the control circuitry within the base 12 selects a random encryption key and broadcasts it using the antenna 36. The encryption key is received by the remote. Upon acknowledgement of receipt of the encryption key by the remote, the control circuit ceases sending out of the encrypted key.
In one embodiment, the encryption keys are set by a series of dip switches in the remote and on the base. In order to function, banks of corresponding dip switches must be set to the same value.
In one embodiment, the base 12 is powered by a standard household current, 110-130V, with a power plug extending from an exterior surface of the base, such as the bottom surface 30 of the base 12. Inasmuch as during operation, the device preferably does not exceed 2.75 amps of current, the system is amenable to being powered by a backup power source, such as an off-the-shelf uninterruptible power supply or a low current generator. In another embodiment, the base 12 is powered by a direct current battery, such as standard batteries 12V batteries used with cordless tools. This DC configuration is particularly applicable when the system is used as a completely modular unit, so as to be wheeled from passageway to passageway, as needed. In this configuration, the system may be placed on a cart along with its power supply. The power supply can be reversibly attached to the base of the system for cosmetic purposes, or else in electric communication with the system via standard insulated conductors.
Turning to
In another embodiment, the attachment means are designed to be operable only in one direction, such as with anti-theft fasteners so as to allow fastening to the faceplate of the housing and prevent the unauthorized removal of the warning indicia 26 or other defacement.
The front plate 42 further includes an arm receptacle 14. The receptacle 14 includes a pair of weld-on hinges 46, discussed in detail below. The arm receptacle includes a keyed aperture 48 containing the arm actuator pin 50. The aperture is keyed to ensure that the arm is installed in the correct orientation, thereby deploying from a vertical position to a horizontal. Alternatively, and as discussed supra, the receptacle facilitates magnetic interaction with a ferrous containing portion of the arm.
Turning to
In one embodiment, there are mechanical limit switches which are set on the linear drive that communicates the relative position of the arm from disengagement, active deployment, to engagement and back again. A logic controller runs the program to activate the cautionary indicia to correspond with the position or activity of the arm.
Optionally, as a counter weight to the arm 22 and to increase rigidity of the arm 22, a support plate 58 is installed around the base of the arm 22.
Power and control circuitry is located within the base 12 in a replaceable module 60.
Turning to
In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic sensor that will monitor for the presence of someone standing in the arm deployment path that will prevent operation upon detection of a person or object. Additionally, a voltage monitoring chip monitors the operation of both the linear drive and telescoping linear actuator for spikes in current associated with resistance (if the arm were to come in contact with an object) and if pre-set thresholds are reached, the system will reverse the current operation until either a default engagement or disengagement state is achieved.
Turning to
Turning to
Turning to
Essentially, the bottom 84 of the hinge 46 will be mounted to a plate that is attached to the base 12, with the top 80 of the hinge 46 being attached to a plate that is on the back of whatever arm is being utilized. The hinge allows for the arm to swing parallel to the ground and into operational position at which point vinyl or plastic screws or bolts may be used to “sandwich” the plates together to hold the arm in position during operation. These screws or bolts would flex or destroy when pressure is placed on the arm rotating it parallel to the ground—allowing for emergency, manual override, upgrade or repair of the arm. The location of these hinges is designated on
Turning now the
As shown in
Alternatively, the arm 22 can define a plunger-cylinder configuration, whereby the arm extends when the plunger actuates and is pushed outwardly.
Turning now to
The embodiments disclosed herein advantageously provide an ingress and egress control method that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art. The disclosed embodiments may provide caution indicia for a premises that is impossible to overlook, ignore, or unintentionally bypass. In some embodiments, the use of a telescoping arm with warning indicia is employed. An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that any third party observer will understand the danger involved in entering the protected premises and will not accidentally wander into same. A further advantage of the disclosed embodiments is the providing of an arm that may extend over the entire width an opening without taking up excess space while the arm is in an un-deployed configuration. Further, the system may use a telescoping arm which pivots around a fulcrum point to extend over the entirety of the door. An advantage of a telescoping arm is that the arm prior to pivoting and extending does not require an excess amount of vertical clearance.
The disclosed embodiments provide an access control mechanism which does not impede communication, and may include a telescoping arm that extends over an open or partially open door. In addition, the disclosed embodiments allow for persons located in the secured premises to remain in visual, aural and fluid communication with those outside.
The present embodiments may also include the addition of a manual override switch which can be used in emergency situations or if the remote control functionality is somehow impeded. A safety feature may be provided of a side mounted ultra-sonic sensor that ensures no person or object is in the threshold of the door when operation of the modular arm is initiated. Further, the use of a voltage monitoring chip may be used to measure resistance on the arm during deployment to ensure that collisions are mitigated.
The disclosed embodiment may provide an access control device which can be removed in an emergency situation. For example, a break-away joint between a telescoping arm and its base may be used. Furthermore, the arm may be reversibly removed from the base to access the room in an emergency, without permanent damage to the telescoping arm. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may allow for simple retrofitting of existing premises to add access control systems. The access control system may be modular such that it can be installed on either side of a door, on any perpendicular wall, embedded in the construction of a wall or deployed on a mobile cart in an example embodiment. An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the access control system can be installed alone, or in tandem with another similar module. Another advantage is that the access control system can be installed on the premises that were originally designed without such deployments (and the associated power routing requirements therewith) in mind.
The disclosed embodiments provide for a variety of triggers that may be used for activation. For example, activation by be triggered by a smart phone AP trigger, an RFID trigger, a Bluetooth RFID trigger, a proximity trigger, a Ferromagnetic Detection trigger, a broken infrared beam trigger, or a camera trigger, as examples. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments may include internet connectivity for monitoring, remote programming, among other functionality, and may include date exporting functionality.
In addition, the disclosed embodiment may include a time measuring trigger for activation, and may include integration within a door, door jamb or integration with door movements as a trigger for activation. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may include an extendable arm link into a locking mechanism upon deployment for secure access control, and may also provide an audible signal when extended.
Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embedded within a wall or wall cavity for a reduced profile. The disclosed embodiments may also include rear indicators on the extended arm for visibility of the arm from within the space being restricted. A battery backup for power outages may also be provided.
The disclosed embodiments may provide a modular room access control system that may include a telescoping or fixed arm wherein said arm is adapted to pivot about a fulcrum point from a vertical position to a horizontal position and in the case of a telescoping arm may then to extend from a first point to a second point. The arm may also include a means for reversibly detaching the arm from the fulcrum point.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting, but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios disclosed herein also include all subratios falling within the broader ratio.
One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61860190 | Jul 2013 | US |
