Sensor device for picket barrier intrusion detection and location system

Abstract

An alarm actuating sensor device for use in a picket barrier intrusion detection and location system including a generally t-shaped rocker element for rigid attachment to the upper end of a picket and for disposition within the upper longitudinally extending rail providing support for the picket, an elongated rocker spring pivotally engaged at its mid-point by a pin passed through the end of the picket and including downwardly turned end legs for engaging the lower wall of the rail and for exerting a biasing force on the picket pending to resist downward translation thereof, and a length of dual conductor 'tape switch' the longitudinal axis of which extends generally along the longitudinal axis of the rail and passes between the rocker element and the rocker spring, whereby downward forces applied to the picket, or lateral forces tending to bend to the picket, cause the tape switch to be pinched between at least one extremity of the rocker spring and a portion of the rocker element thereby creating an electrical short at the pinch point which emulates the closing of a switch that can be sensed by suitable electrical or electronic apparatus coupled to the conductors forming the tape switch. A modified embodiment includes a lever arm pivotally attached to the rocker element and having one end connectable to a finial plate and a second end for pinching the tape switch in the event a finial is deflected.