Integrated rapid access entry/egress system

Abstract

An integrated rapid access entry/egress apparatus, system, and method for controlling and directing the movement of people or objects between unsecured and secured areas using a plurality of panels is provided. Sensors detect a person's approach and entrance into the system or apparatus. An approval means alerts a processor as to whether the person is approved or not approved. The panels move to direct approved persons to a secured area and not approved persons to an unsecured area so as not to impede the flow of traffic through the apparatus or system. The apparatus accommodates bi-directional traffic and provides an effective and efficient access system.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of controlling traffic with a plurality of panels, comprising: 
 moving a first pair of panels separating an unsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;    identifying said person as approved; and    moving a second pair of panels separating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to a blocked position after said person has passed therethrough.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying said person while said person is in said unsecured area.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising identifying said person while said person in on said walkway.  
     
     
         4 . A method of controlling traffic with a plurality of panels, comprising: 
 moving a first pair of panels separating a first unsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;    identifying said person as not approved;    moving a second pair of panels separating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to a blocked position before said person can pass therethrough;    directing said person from said walkway to a second unsecured area; and    moving a side panel separating said second unsecured area from said walkway from an open position to a blocked position after said person has passed therethrough.    
     
     
         5 . A method of controlling traffic with a plurality of panels, comprising: 
 moving a first pair of panels separating a first unsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;    identifying said person as not approved;    moving a second pair of panels separating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to a blocked position before said person can pass therethrough; and    moving a side panel separating a second unsecured area from said walkway from an open position to a blocked position thereby trapping said person within said panels.    
     
     
         6 . A method of controlling traffic with a plurality of doors, comprising: 
 moving a first pair of doors separating an unsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;    identifying said person as approved; and    moving a second pair of doors separating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to a blocked position after said person has passed therethrough.    
     
     
         7 . A method of controlling traffic with a plurality of doors, comprising: 
 moving a first pair of doors separating a first unsecured area from a walkway from an open position to a blocked position after a person has passed therethrough;    identifying said person as not approved;    moving a second pair of doors separating said walkway from a secured area from an open position to a blocked position before said person can pass therethrough;    directing said person from said walkway to a second unsecured area; and    moving a side door separating said second unsecured area from said walkway from an open position to a blocked position after said person has passed therethrough.