Security gate combined with a cattle guard

1. A security gate comprising:

a pit, wherein the pit has a length and a width;

at least one gate post; and

a gate panel, wherein the gate panel is made up of multiple, spaced apart structural members, wherein the gate panel is rotatably attached to the at least one gate post, wherein the gate panel has a length and a width, wherein the length of the pit and the length of the gate panel are substantially similar such that when the gate panel is horizontal it covers the length of the pit, wherein the gate panel has a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is substantially vertical and the second position is substantially horizontal,

an energy recovery counterbalance connected between an actuator and a bell crank to facilitate movement of the gate panel between the first position and second position, wherein the actuator and the counterbalance are located inside the gate post.

2. The security gate of claim 1 , wherein the gate further comprises:

a frame, wherein the frame is connected to the pit and the at least one gate post.

3. The security gate of claim 2 , wherein the at least one gate post is a first and second gate post having a top and a bottom, wherein the frame has a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member have a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the first and second members are connected to the pit and the second ends of the first and second members are connected to the tops of the first and second gate posts, wherein the first and second members are spaced apart to substantially match the width of the gate panel.

4. The security gate of claim 3 , wherein the frame has extensions in the pit on which the gate panel rests when in the horizontal position.

5. The security gate of claim 4 , wherein the security gate further comprises:

a tabular bearing support assembly attached to the bottom of the gate post;

a trunnion rotatably attached within the support assembly;

the bell crank rotatably connected to the trunnion to facilitate movement of the gate panel between the first position and second position;

the actuator connected to the gate post and the bell crank to facilitate movement of the gate panel between the first position and second position.

6. The security gate of claim 5 , the security gate further comprising:

a dashpot connected to the gate post and the bell crank to facilitate movement of the gate panel between the first position and second position, wherein the dashpot is located inside the gate post.

7. The security gate of claim 6 , wherein the speed of descent of the gate panel is modulated by the dashpot, wherein the bell crank transfers rotational torque to the gate panel.

8. The security gate of claim 3 , wherein potential energy of the gate panel is transferred to the energy recovery counterbalance when the gate panel is lowered, wherein the raising of the gate panel from a horizontal to a vertical position is aided by stored energy in the counterbalance.