Modular perimeter electronic security system

Abstract

A modular array for a security fence system includes a tension module with a plurality of tension devices, a tensioning compensation module with a plurality of tensioning compensation devices, and a plurality of conductors each extending between a tension device and a tensioning compensation device. The modular arrays may be stacked for increased fence height. A conductor support module individually supports each conductor. An angular deviation module accommodates right, obtuse or acute angles. The tension devices automatically set the tension in the conductors to a predetermined tension. The tensioning compensation devices automatically accommodate expansion or contraction of the conductors due to temperature changes. All of the components of the modular array may be shipped in a standard pallet.

1 . A modular array for a security fence system, said modular array comprising:
 a tension module including a first upright support with a plurality of tension devices affixed to the first upright support;   a tensioning compensation module including a second upright support with a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the second upright support; and   a plurality of conductors, with each conductor extending between a tension device and a tensioning compensation device;   wherein a plurality of array modules may be shipped on a standard pallet.   
   
   
       2 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , said modular array further comprising:
 a conductor support module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for supporting each conductor.   
   
   
       3 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the conductor support module has a plurality of through-holes with one through-hole for each conductor. 
   
   
       4 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , said modular array further comprising:
 an angular deviation module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for accommodating a right angle, an obtuse angle or an acute angle along the fence system.   
   
   
       5 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 4 , said angular deviation module further comprising:
 an upright member, said upright member having a plurality of pulleys attached thereto, one pulley for separately supporting and bending each of the plurality of conductors about the right angle, the acute angle or the obtuse angle.   
   
   
       6 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said modular array may be vertically arranged on top of another modular array to create a fence system of increased height. 
   
   
       7 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said modular array may be laterally arranged to another array module to create a fence system of increased length. 
   
   
       8 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said tension module further comprises:
 a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the first upright support to provide a mixture of tensioning compensation devices and tension devices on the tension module.   
   
   
       9 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said tensioning compensation module further comprises:
 a plurality of tension devices affixed to the second upright support to provide a mixture of tensioning compensation devices and tension devices on the tensioning compensation module.   
   
   
       10 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said tensioning compensation module or said tensioning compensation module further comprises:
 a first vertical column including a plurality of tensioning compensation devices and a second vertical column including a plurality of tension devices.   
   
   
       11 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said first vertical column also includes a plurality of tension devices and said second column also includes a plurality of tensioning compensation devices. 
   
   
       12 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said tension device comprises:
 a bracket;   a fastener attached to the bracket;   a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;   a tension adjusting plate rotatably mounted on the fastener, a first side of said tension adjusting plate disposed against a first side of the spool;   a compression spring disposed between the bracket and a second side of the spool to bias the first side of the spool against the first side of the tension adjusting plate; and   frictional means disposed on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate for restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.   
   
   
       13 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape. 
   
   
       14 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       15 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       16 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said tensioning compensation device comprises:
 a bracket;   a fastener attached to the bracket;   a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;   a torsion spring disposed between the bracket and the spool to hold the conductor in tension.   
   
   
       17 . The modular array in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein said tensioning compensation device accommodates contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by rotation of the spool. 
   
   
       18 . A tension device comprising:
 a bracket;   a fastener attached to the bracket;   a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;   a tension adjusting plate rotatably mounted on the fastener, a first side of said tension adjusting plate disposed against a first side of the spool;   a compression spring disposed between the bracket and a second side of the spool to bias the first side of the spool against the first side of the tension adjusting plate; and   frictional means disposed on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate for restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.   
   
   
       19 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape. 
   
   
       20 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       21 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       22 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 18 , further comprising:
 means for simultaneously adjusting the tension provided by a plurality of tension devices with a single tool.   
   
   
       23 . A tensioning compensation device comprising:
 a bracket;   a fastener attached to the bracket;   a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;   a torsion spring disposed between the bracket and the spool to hold the conductor in tension.   
   
   
       24 . The tensioning compensation device in accordance with  claim 23 , wherein said tensioning compensation device accommodates contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by rotation of the spool. 
   
   
       25 . The tensioning compensation device in accordance with  claim 23 , wherein rotation of the spool incrementally adjusts the length of the conductor. 
   
   
       26 . A method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor, said method comprising the steps of:
 attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool;   disposing a first side of a tension adjusting plate against a first side of the spool;   disposing frictional means on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate;   biasing the spool against the tension adjusting plate; and   restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.   
   
   
       27 . The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape. 
   
   
       28 . The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       29 . The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate. 
   
   
       30 . The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with  claim 26 , wherein the tension provided by a plurality of tension devices is simultaneously adjusted. 
   
   
       31 . A method for compensating for expansion or contraction of a conductor, the method comprising the steps of:
 attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool;   biasing the spool to hold the conductor in tension; and   permitting the spool to rotate to accommodate contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by providing incremental adjustment of the length of the conductor.   
   
   
       32 . A conductor support module for supporting conductors in a security fence system, said conductor support module comprising;
 an elongate member formed of an insulating material, said elongate member having a plurality of through-holes with one through-hole for each conductor to space the conductors with respect to each other.   
   
   
       33 . A tension device comprising:
 a bracket;   a fastener attached to the bracket;   a spool mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor, said spool permitted to rotate in only one rotational direction; and   said spool having boss for receiving a tension adjusting tool.   
   
   
       34 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 33  wherein the tension adjusting tool has a clutch mechanism to limit the tension in the conductor to the desired tension. 
   
   
       35 . The tension device in accordance with  claim 33  further comprising:
 a plurality of teeth disposed on the periphery of the spool; and   a pawl in contact with the teeth in a ratchet and pawl arrangement to permit the spool to rotate in only one rotational direction.