Developmental History of Netgate

In 1994, Immigration & Naturalization (INS), in an attempt to control illegal immigration occurring across the U.S./Mexico border, increased their Border Patrol personnel. “Port runners” seeking to enter the country illegally with immigrants and drugs started to “run” the existing deterrent, spike strips, by filling their tires with silicone. Clearly, Border Patrol and the U.S. Customs Department needed an improved security system.

Also during that year, the Clinton Administration implemented The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. High-speed vehicle pursuits continue to be a very serious problem for State and local law enforcement officers in The United States. The National Institute of Justice, whose mission involved the application of useful technology into the operations of state and local law enforcement agencies, was assigned the task of soliciting and promoting research. Law enforcement agencies across the country placed the need for a vehicle stopping technology as their number two (2) priority.

In 1998, Phase III Engineering Testing was solicited for electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices, ultra-wide electromagnetic pulse (EMP) projected energy devices and high-powered microwave (HPM) or radio frequency (RF) projected energy devices. Due to the terrorists' attacks on 9/11, security needs changed, resulting in the creation of The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has focused on finding solutions to provide improved security through new technologies. The events of September 11, 2001 provided a new urgency for the development of such technology.

After more than 5 years of research and development, Ben Krewsun, of Krewsun Tool & Development, Inc., applied for and was granted a patent pending (U.S. 10/426,809) on “Netgate,” a Vehicle Stopping System (VSS). Netgate is used at border crossings to safely stop port runners. It can also be used by police enforcement agencies to stop speeding cars in pursuit situations. In March of 2003, the U.S. Customs Department, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, thoroughly field tested Netgate at the San Ysidro border crossing near San Diego, California. Netgate was 100% successful on every capture; vehicles weighed up to 6,000 lbs. with speeds as fast as 65 mph with no airbag deployment.

At a border crossing, Netgate employs a net that is strung between two mechanically operated towers about 50 feet beyond the choke point. When inactive, the net resides in a trench until engaged by an electronic signal triggered automatically by a sensing device or manually by a border agent. Netgate is a cost effective deterrent to any illegal entry gate situation and can be easily installed and deployed.

Netgate has a wide range of national and international applications, and can be used for private or governmental buildings, military installations, and embassies. Netgate can also be applied to airport and law enforcement situations.

Recently, technology similar to Netgate was presented by other companies. None of these systems performed to the required levels of quality and liability except for Netgate. (For further information, please see www.investorideas.com.)