Superior Security Gates
Buyers Guide
Introduction
Why vertical lift? The vertical lift gate was developed because it was believed there was a better way to open a gate rather than swinging it or sliding it. In fact, many people remember when garage doors were either swung on hinges or pulled along a track. Why do garage door installers today use a vertical lift door rather than the old style swing or slider door? For the same reason that Superior Security Gates LLC builds a vertical lift gate --vertical lift gates avoid the problems associated with the other styles.
Swing Gate
The swing style gate is quite common and there are applications where they operate well. However, they have problems that limit their usage in many situations. For starters, a swing gate requires a large clear level area to operate. If space is an issue, this gate may be impractical. Also, a swing gate is easily obstructed by rocks and shrubs, snow and ice, parked cars and many other common objects. Finally, swing gates may be effective at blocking motor traffic but many swing gate systems can be forced open far enough for pedestrians to pass through.
Slide Gate
The slider is the other common style of automatic gate. They operate by pushing or pulling a gate on wheels along a steel track. However, the track may work loose and then will not guide the gate properly. Rocks and other small objects in the track can affect operation, causing the gate to stop or reverse. Snow and ice also can block gate movement, making slider gates less desirable in the northern states. Finally, like the swing gate, the slider needs a level roadway to operate properly.
Vertical Lift Gate
The vertical lift gate is the answer to these problems. The gate lifts vertically and folds back into the operator, requiring a minimal amount of space. The fact that the gate lifts rather than swings or slides makes it difficult to obstruct, and is ideal in regions where snow and ice are common. The vertical lift gate comes to rest in a steel yoke which prevents easy access by foot traffic. Finally, the vertical lift gate can be custom designed to operate and secure uneven or unlevel roadways.
Spring Assist
Why spring assistance? Perhaps the most unique feature of the Superior Security Gates LLC vertical lift gate is our spring assisted hydraulic system. Granted, we could have designed our gate so that hydraulics or electric motors could have done all the work like other vertical lift gates, but we didn’t. Why?
Low Voltage System
Since we use springs to balance our gates, a minimal amount of force is needed to move the gate up and down. This accomplishes three things: (1) A low voltage power system can be used, the heart of which is a 12 volt battery recharged by a trickle charger or solar panel. Because of low voltage requirements, in many instances a building permit is not required. (2) Large electric motors and pumps are not needed because of low power requirements. This makes our gate more economical to build, operate, and to maintain. (3) If for whatever reason our gate looses power, the hydraulic system can be opened manually, even by a child.
Hydraulics
Why hydraulic? Other vertical lift gates on the market use electric motor with reduction gears, bull wheel systems, winches, and so on. Why don't we use similar systems? The answer is simple: We think our customers have better things to do with their time than to tinker around with their gates. Complex electromechanical system have lots of visits by a repairman, not to mention lost service of the gates.
With hydraulics, we have overcome these problems. Our hydraulic power systems are very simple with fewer moving parts. All of the components are of industrial quality and have been rigorously tested. What this means to the potential customer is that their gate will be dependable, easy and inexpensive to maintain, and a valuable addition to the property rather than a source of constant aggravation.
Gate Control System
Our standard microcontroller based gate control board uses the latest technology currently available—a microcontroller integrated circuit manufactured by MicroChip, Inc. This approach was chosen because it can very efficiently perform all of the control functions required in a very small package. A custom program for the microcontroller was developed to perform the control functions required to operate the lift gate. The control board is small in size measuring a mere 1 1/2 x 3 inches and plugs into a socket on the main chassis. Other devices such as motor control relays, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, remote control radio receiver, and loop detectors are also mounted on the main chassis. The main chassis is enclosed in a fiberglass enclosure that provides good protection for the electronics. While our standard product does not meet the NEMA 4X standard, on special request, the enclosure can be made to meet this standard, which means the enclosure is so tightly sealed that it is submersible.
An alternate gate controller is available for applications that require the increased power provided by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This type of controller is widely used to control industrial processes. One place where this controller is useful is in an airport security system where the entire airport is under the control of a central computer and the computer communicates with the various devices in the system including the gate. The PLC can provide a means for communicating with the central computer.
Either of these controllers can be used in conjunction with the common computer systems used at mini-storage sites. The gate can be commanded to open in response to the computer or in response to a stand-alone key pad. Another common arrangement is to use a loop buried in the road at the exit from site to automatically open the gate when a vehicle approaches the gate from the exit side of the gate.
These gate controller options allow the gate to operate in almost any kind of security system that is encountered.
Why Superior Security Gates LLC?
Why Superior Security Gates LLC? In a nutshell, we feel that we have the best product on the market today. We have listened to you, the potential gate customer, and have listened to the problems and suggestion of gate owners. We understand that you, the buyer, want a gate that is ( 1) easy to install, (2) dependable and durable, (3) inexpensive and easy to maintain, (4) a deterrent to potential trespassers, (5) handsome and available in many different styles, (6) easily customized for different building situations, and (7) available with as many options as you may need to accommodate your needs. Our gates can be modified to meet just about any situation or need. We are constantly striving to make them even better.
Our gates are rugged and have withstood abuses far beyond what would be considered ordinary. They have been extensively tested and have proven to operate flawlessly at temperatures over 110 degrees and also in below zero degree conditions. They have survived earthquakes and collisions with tractor trailers. They are operating in areas where ten foot of snow in the winter is not uncommon and in remote areas with no source of electricity other than a solar panel.