HK1085041A - Smart container monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

Accurate container monitoring system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the shipping and transportation of cargo, and more particularly to remotely monitorable shipping containers.

Background

The following U.S. patents are believed to represent the current state of the art:

US 4750197; US 5056837; US 5097253; US 5127687; US 5169188; US 5189396; US 5406263; US 5421177; US 5587702; US5656996 and US 6069563.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention seeks to provide an improved remotely monitorable shipping container.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a remotely monitorable shipping container including a shipping container body, at least one wireless communicator and at least one wireless antenna. The shipping container body having associated therewith at least one door and at least one door latch, the door latch having a latch lock member mounted thereto for locking the door with the lock member mounted thereto and engaged therewith; the at least one wireless communicator is mounted at a secure location within the shipping container and is adapted to wirelessly transmit information to a remote monitor regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted on the locking element for determining that the at least one door is locked; the at least one wireless antenna is disposed in a containment vessel outside the shipping container for transmitting information from the at least one wireless communication device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one wireless communication device comprises a transceiver. Preferably, the latch locking element comprises a tamper resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal including a shaft portion, a socket and a wireless communication device. The socket engaging the shaft in a monitorable manner so that disconnection of the socket from the shaft is monitorable; the wireless communication device is connected to at least one of the shaft and the socket to provide an indication of a remotely monitorable monitoring event.

According to another preferred embodiment, the remotely monitorable shipping container further comprises at least one sensor, at least one wireless transmitter and at least one wireless antenna. The sensor is used for sensing at least one state in the shipping container; the wireless transmitter and the wireless antenna are used to wirelessly transmit information about the output of the at least one sensor to a remote monitor. Preferably, the at least one sensor senses at least one of motion, carbon dioxide, infrared radiation, and temperature. In addition, the at least one wireless communication device also transmits information regarding the status of the cargo, which is placed within the shipping container body.

According to another preferred embodiment, the remotely monitorable shipping container also includes at least one GPS antenna and a position reporting circuit. The GPS antenna is used to receive signals relating to the location of the shipping container; the position reporting circuit provides information indicative of the position of the shipping container to the at least one wireless communicator in response to the output of the at least one GPS antenna. Preferably, the at least one wireless communication device includes at least one RF transmitter. In addition, the at least one wireless communication device includes at least one wideband transmitter. More preferably, the at least one wireless communication device includes a transmitter that communicates via at least one of cellular, radio and satellite communication networks.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a shipping container communication system including a remotely monitorable shipping container, at least one wireless communication device and at least one wireless antenna. A remotely monitorable shipping container comprising a shipping container body having attached thereto at least one door and at least one door latch having a latch locking element mounted thereto for attachment to a door locking means having a locking element mounted thereto; the wireless communicator being mounted in a secure location within the shipping container for wirelessly transmitting information indicative of the status of an electronic seal mounted on the locking element for determining that at least one door is locked to a remote monitor; the wireless antenna is mounted in a security box outside the shipping container for transmitting information from the at least one wireless communication device. The shipping container communication system also includes at least one remote communication device in communication with the at least one wireless communication device. Preferably, the at least one wireless communicator includes at least one transceiver that communicates with at least one remote control communicator. In addition, the at least one remote communication device includes a presence sensor and at least one of a communication device, a remote monitor, and an electronic seal.

Drawings

The present invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of the structure and operation of a shipping container communications system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of the seal attachment of the door lock handle of a shipping container of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of FIG. 2 taken along line III-III;

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of another embodiment of a seal connection of a door lock handle of a shipping container of the type shown in FIG. 1;

fig. 5A and 5B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a press-fit electronic seal of the type shown in fig. 4, particularly suitable for tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seals.

Fig. 6A and 6B are simplified views of two different types of breaks in the press-fit electronic seal of fig. 5A and 5B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a lockable electronic seal particularly useful as a tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal of the type shown in FIG. 4;

fig. 8A and 8B are simplified pictorial views of two different types of breaks produced in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 7A and 7B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly process of a press-fit electronic seal particularly useful as a tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal of the type shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the press-fit electronic seal of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a lockable electronic seal, particularly useful as a tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal of the type shown in FIG. 4, at two stages in the assembly process; and

fig. 12A and 12B are simplified illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 11A and 11B.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

Reference is now made to fig. 1-3, which illustrate the structure and operation of a shipping container communication system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, the shipping container 10 may be a conventional shipping container used for both land and sea transportation, shown in communication with a multi-way communicator, including, for example, a presence sensor and communicator 12 and a remote monitoring center 14. Wherein the presence sensor and communicator 12 is located on the port gate; the remote monitoring center 14 may communicate through the internet (internet). It will be apparent that any suitable type of shipping container may be used. The term "shipping container" as used herein is intended to have a very broad concept including any box in which goods may be transported or stored.

Typically, shipping containers use one or more buckles 15 which are used to secure the latch and rotatably engage a corresponding locking element such as a loop 16 in the manner shown in fig. 1 and 2. Typically, the padlock 17 is engaged on a portion of the loop 16, and the loop 16 extends through the hasp 15 to prevent the hasp 15 from disengaging from the loop 16 and thereby preventing the door from being unlocked. To ensure the integrity of the lock, an electronic seal 18 is preferably passed over the hasp 15 through the loop 16. Preferred electronic seal wires are described and claimed in applicant/assignee's U.S. patent No.6069563, the description of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second plugs 19 are electrically connected to first and second ends of the electronic seal wire 18, respectively, and the first and second plugs are removably connected to sockets 20, respectively, which are recessed behind the container door wall 22.

Referring to fig. 3, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, receptacle 20 communicates with an electronic circuit 23 which in turn communicates via a wire 24 with an RF antenna 26, RF antenna 26 being located within a box 28 defined by an outer wall 30 of the container, which box is typically made of steel, and a cover 32, preferably made of plastic or other insulating material, does not at all impair the output of RF antenna 26.

Preferably, a multi-way transceiver forms part of the circuit 23 for receiving and transmitting information relating to the integrity of the seal. Each transceiver preferably operates at a specific RF frequency characteristic around the world and communicates via a corresponding multi-path RF antenna 26. The typical transmission frequency in the far east is 315MHz, 433MHz in europe and 916MHz in the united states. Spread spectrum frequencies may also be used. Instead of a transceiver, another unidirectional transmitter may be used. The transceivers preferably communicate with electronic seals mounted on the container, and with external communicators, such as presence sensors and communicators 12 located at the gate of the port, and a remote monitoring center 14. The presence sensor and communication device 12 may also be in communication with a remote monitoring center 14.

Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a GPS antenna 34 and a GSM antenna 36 and/or other suitable type of communication antenna may be provided in the box 28 and may be in communication with the circuitry 23 for communicating data recorded by the transmit circuitry 23 to the remote monitoring center 14 via the antennas 26 and 36. A built-in environmental sensor 38, such as one or more sensors, may also be in communication with the circuitry 23, the environmental sensor 38 sensing carbon dioxide, infrared radiation, temperature, and motion. The output of the sensor 38 may be used to indicate the presence of contraband in the container, and the output of the sensor 38 may also be transmitted via the antennas 26 and 36 for remote monitoring.

Referring now to fig. 4, there is shown another embodiment of a shipping container communications system that is configured and operative to lock a shipping container in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, the shipping container 110 may be a conventional shipping container for land and sea transportation, which may also be in communication with a multiplex communicator and employ one or more buckles 115, which buckles 115 are secured to the latches and may also be rotatably engaged with corresponding lockable elements such as ring buttons 116 in the manner shown in fig. 1 and 2. Here, a tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 is used in place of the padlock 17 described above with reference to fig. 1 and 2. A preferred embodiment of a tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 will be described hereinafter with reference to figures 5A-12B, which electronic seal 117 engages a portion of the loop 116 extending through the hasp 115 to resist removal of the hasp from the loop and thereby prevent the door from being unlatched. To additionally confirm the integrity of the lock, an electrical seal wire 118 is preferably pressed over the hasp 115 and through the loop 116. Preferred electronic seal lines have been described and claimed in applicant/assignee's U.S. patent No.6069563, the description of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrative embodiment in fig. 4, the electronic seal wire 118 is encased in a reinforced steel sleeve 119.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first and second plugs 120 are electrically connected to first and second ends, respectively, of the electronic seal wire 118, the first and second plugs being removably connected into respective sockets 121, the sockets 121 being recessed behind a door wall 122 of the shipping container.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, receptacle 121 communicates with electronic circuitry (not shown), such as circuitry 23 (fig. 3), which in turn communicates with an RF antenna located in a box 28 (fig. 3) defined by the outer wall 124 of the shipping container and a cover 125, typically made of steel, which is preferably made of plastic or other dielectric material that does not attenuate the output of the RF transmitting antenna. Tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 should also be able to communicate directly with presence sensors and communicator 122.

Reference is now made to fig. 5A and 5B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a press-fit electronic seal particularly useful as tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 in the embodiment of fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, a tamper-evident electronic seal is provided that preferably includes a shaft portion 210 that is either integral with or affixed to a sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212. The shaft portion 210 preferably has a generally cylindrical outer shape and terminates in a press-fit end 214 and preferably defines a series of circumferential teeth 216 adapted to engage in a press-fit manner with corresponding toothed recesses formed in a socket 218. The press-fit provides engagement between the tip 214 of the shaft 210 and the socket 218, preferably such that it is impossible to extract the tip 214 from the socket 218 without breaking the shaft 210.

The shaft portion 210 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 220 disposed intermediate the sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212 and the tip 214. The frangible portion 220 is preferably located a shorter distance from the sensing circuitry and the transceiver portion 212 than it is from the tip 214, typically being thinner than the remainder of the shaft portion 210.

Preferably, a conductor loop 222 extends through the shaft portion 210 from the distal end 214 thereof, the conductor loop being disposed and mounted in the shaft portion 210 such that disconnection of the shaft portion 210 causes a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 222.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 224 and an RF transceiver 226 are enclosed in sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212. Sensing circuitry 224 is electrically coupled to conductive loop 222 and senses the integrity of the conductive loop. The output of sensing circuitry 224 is received by transceiver 226, which is operative to transmit a signal indicating whether conductor loop 222 is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be employed to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 226 indicating a seal failure that could result in breakage of shaft portion 210.

Reference is now made to fig. 6A and 6B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the press-fit electronic seal of fig. 5A and 5B. As mentioned above, applying a force to the seal of fig. 6A and 6B to pull shaft 210 out of socket 218 does not cause tip 214 to disengage from socket 218, nor does it break shaft 210 in advance. Fig. 6A shows a break created along the shaft 210 and just above the tip 214. It can be seen that such a break can produce a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 222.

The fracture shown in fig. 6B occurs at the frangible portion 220 along the shaft portion 210. It can be seen that such cracking can also produce a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 222.

Reference is now made to fig. 7A and 7B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a lockable electronic seal particularly useful as tamper resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 in the embodiment of fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, there is provided a tamper-resistant reusable lockable electronic seal preferably comprising a shaft portion 310 either integrally formed with or secured to a sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 312. The shaft portion 310 preferably has a generally cylindrical outer shape and terminates in a lockable tip 314 and preferably has a cut-out recess 315 adapted for lockable connection with a corresponding locking element 316, wherein the locking element 316 forms part of a lock 318, the lock 318 defining a socket and including a magnet 319. The lock 318 shown here is a keyed lock and any other suitable type of lock could be used. The locking engagement between the tip 314 of the shaft portion 310 and the locking element 316 is preferably such that, without prior opening of the lock, it is only possible to break the shaft portion 310 to remove the tip 314 from the locking element 316 with which it is engaged.

The stem portion 310 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 320 intermediate the sensing circuitry and the transmitter portion 312 and the tip 314. The frangible portion 320 is preferably located a shorter distance from the sensing circuitry and transmitter portion 312 than the tip 314, and is typically thinner than the remainder of the shaft portion 310.

The conductor loop 322 includes a series connected reed switch 323 closed by a magnet 319 when the shaft portion 310 is in locking engagement with the lock 318, the conductor loop preferably extending beyond the shaft portion 310 through the shaft portion end 314 and being configured to be mounted in the shaft portion 310 such that rupture of the shaft portion 310 results in a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 322.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 324 and an RF transmitter 326 are housed in sensing circuitry and transmitter portion 312. Sensing circuitry 324 is electrically coupled to conductor loop 322 and senses the integrity of the conductor loop. The output of sensing circuit 324 is received by transceiver 326, which operates to transmit information as to whether conductor loop 322 is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be used to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 326 indicating when shaft 310 is disposed in lockably engaged lock 318 and when shaft 310 is disengaged from lock 318 either by breaking shaft 310 as a result of removing the seal or by disengaging shaft 310 from lock 318 as a result of opening lock 318 with a key. The reed switch 323 and magnet 319 should be provided to enable the sensing circuit 324 to sense when the shaft 310 is in locking engagement with the lock 318 and when the shaft 310 is disengaged from the lock 318, whichever reason is the disengagement, and to allow registration of the engagement or disengagement of the shaft 310 and lock 318.

Reference is now made to fig. 8A and 8B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 7A and 7B. As described above, applying a force to the seal of fig. 8A and 8B to pull the shaft portion 310 out of the locking element 316 will not disengage the tip 314 from the locking element 316 without having to break the shaft portion 310 beforehand. Fig. 8A shows a break at the tip 314 along the shaft 310. It can be seen that such a break produces a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 322.

Fig. 8B shows a break at the frangible portion 320 along the shaft portion 310. It can be seen that such a break produces a disconnection or effective change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop 322.

The reed switch and magnet shown in the illustrative embodiment of fig. 7A-8B should also be usable in the embodiment of fig. 5A-6B.

Reference is now made to fig. 9A and 9B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a press-fit electronic seal particularly useful as tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117 in the embodiment of fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, which provide a tamper-evident electronic seal, the electronic seal preferably includes a shaft portion 410 with sensing circuitry integrally formed with the transmitter portion 412 or with the shaft portion and sensing circuitry integrally secured to the transmitter portion 412. The shaft portion 410 preferably has a generally cylindrical outer shape and terminates in a tip 414 adapted for press-fit engagement and preferably is formed with a series of circumferential teeth 416 adapted for press-engagement with corresponding toothed recesses formed in a socket 418. The press-fit engagement between the tip 414 of the shaft portion 410 and the socket 418 is preferably such that it is impossible to pull the tip 414 out of the socket 418 without breaking the shaft portion 410.

The shaft portion 410 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 420 disposed intermediate the sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412 and the tip 414. Frangible portion 420 is preferably located a shorter distance from the sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412 than the tip 414, and is typically thinner than the remainder of the shaft portion 410.

A pair of elongated conductors 422 and 424 preferably extend out of shaft 410 to pass through the distal end 414 of the shaft, the elongated conductors being disposed and mounted in shaft 410 such that breaking of shaft 410 results in a disconnection or significant change in the electrical characteristics of at least one, and preferably both, of conductors 422 and 424. Preferably, conductors 422 and 424 communicate with contacts 426 and 428, respectively, which are exposed at the end of tip 414 and are positioned to electrically connect with electrical shorting contact 430 on the corresponding inner surface of socket 418 when shaft 410 is fully press-fit into socket 418, thereby defining a conductor loop.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 432 and an RF transceiver 434 are housed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412. When the shaft portion 410 is fully inserted into the socket 418, the sensing circuit 432 is electrically connected to the conductor 422 and senses the integrity of the conductor loop defined by the conductors 422 and 424. The output of which is received from sensing circuit 432 by transceiver 434, which operates to send information indicating whether the conductor loop is complete. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be used to receive information transmitted by the RF transceiver 434 indicating breakage of the shaft portion 410 due to damage to the seal.

Reference is now made to fig. 10A and 10B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks that occur in the press-fit electronic seal of fig. 9A and 9B. As described above, without breaking the shaft portion 410 beforehand, a force is applied to the seal of fig. 10A and 10B to separate the shaft portion 410 from the socket 418 without causing the tip 414 to separate from the socket 418. The break is shown in fig. 10 on the shaft 410 and just on the tip 414. It can be seen that such a break through conductors 422 and 424 causes a break or effective change in the electrical characteristics of the conductor loop.

Fig. 10B shows a state where the rod portion 410 is broken at the fragile portion 420. It can be seen that such a break also produces a disconnection or effective change in the electrical properties of the conductor loop.

Reference is now made to fig. 11A and 11B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a lockable electronic seal particularly suited for use as tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal 117, as in the embodiment of fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, which provide a tamper-resistant lockable electronic seal, the seal preferably includes a shaft portion 510 that is either integrally formed with the transmitter portion 512 or secured to the transmitter portion 512 with the sensing circuitry. Shaft portion 510 preferably has a generally cylindrical outer shape and terminates in a lockable tip 514, and is preferably formed with a cutting recess 515 that is adapted for locking engagement with a corresponding locking element 516, locking element 516 forming part of a lock 518, lock 518 defining a socket and including a magnet 519. The lock 518 shown here may be a keyed lock, although it will be apparent that any other suitable type of lock may be used. The locking connection between the tip 514 of the shaft portion 510 and the locking element 516 is preferably such that it is impossible to pull the tip 514 out of the connected locking element 516 without breaking the shaft portion 510.

Shaft portion 510 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 520 disposed between the sensing circuitry and transmitter portion 512 and tip 514. Frangible portion 520 is preferably located a shorter distance from the sensing circuitry and transmitter portion 512 than the distance from tip 514, and is typically thinner than the remainder of shaft portion 510.

A pair of elongated conductors 522 and 524, at least one of which includes a series connected reed switch 525 that is closed by a magnet 519 when the shaft portion 510 is lockably connected to the lock 518, extend from the shaft portion 510 to the distal end 514 thereof and are disposed and mounted in the shaft portion 510. This causes the breakage of the shaft portion 510 to produce a break or effective change in the electrical properties of at least one, and preferably both, of the conductors 522 and 524. Preferably, conductors 522 and 524 communicate with contacts 526 and 528, respectively, exposed at the ends of tip 514. Contacts 526 and 528 are electrically connected to electrical shorting contacts 530 mounted on corresponding interior surfaces of lock 518 when shaft portion 510 is lockingly engaged with lock 518. Such electrical connection, together with the closure of series reed switch 525 by magnet 519, defines a conductor loop.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 532 and an RF transceiver 534 are enclosed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 512. When the shaft 510 is lockingly connected to the lock 518, the sensing circuit 532 is electrically connected to the conductors 522 and 524 and senses the integrity of the conductor loop defined by the conductors 522 and 524. The output of sensing circuit 532 is received by transceiver 534, which is operative to transmit information indicating whether the conductor loop is complete. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be used to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 534 indicating when shaft portion 510 is in locking connection with lock 518 and when shaft portion 510 is separated from lock 518, either by breaking shaft portion 510 as a result of removing the seal or by disengaging shaft portion 510 from lock 518 by using a key to unlock lock 518. The reed switch 525 and magnet 519 are arranged so that the sensing circuit 532 can sense when the shaft portion 510 is in locking engagement with the lock 518 and when the shaft portion 510 is disengaged from the lock 518, whichever occurs, and allow registration of the engagement and disengagement of the shaft portion 510 and lock 518.

Reference is now made to fig. 12A and 12B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 11A and 11B. As described above, without having to break shaft portion 510 beforehand, applying a force to the seal of fig. 12A and 12B to separate locking element 516 from shaft portion 510 does not cause tip 514 to break away from locking element 516. The break is shown in fig. 12A just above the tip 514 along the shaft 510. It can be seen that such a break produces a break or effective change in the electrical properties of the conductor loop defined by conductors 522 and 524.

Fig. 12B shows a break at the frangible portion 520 along the shaft portion 510. It can also be seen that such a break produces a break or effective change in the electrical properties of the conductor loop defined by conductors 522 and 524.

The reed switch and magnet shown in the illustrative embodiment of fig. 11A-12B can also be used in the embodiment of fig. 9A-10B.

It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.

Claims (20)

1. A remotely monitorable shipping container comprising:

a shipping container body having at least one door and at least one door latch associated therewith, the door latch having a latch locking element for locking engagement with the door to which the locking element is mounted;

at least one wireless communicator mounted in a secure location within the shipping container and wirelessly transmitting information to a remote monitor regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted on the locking element for determining the locking of the at least one door; and

at least one wireless antenna mounted within the security box outside the shipping container for transmitting information from the at least one wireless communication device.

2. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and wherein: the at least one wireless communication device includes a transceiver.

3. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and wherein the latch locking element comprises:

but electron seal of dismantlement formula remote monitoring, it includes:

a rod-shaped portion;

a socket arranged to engage the shaft in a monitorable manner, whereby disconnection between the socket and the shaft may result in a monitorable condition; and

a wireless communication device connected to at least one of the shaft and the socket for providing an indication of a remotely monitorable condition.

4. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and also comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one condition within the shipping container and wherein the at least one wireless communicator and the at least one wireless antenna are adapted to wirelessly transmit information relating to the output of the at least one sensor to the remote monitor.

5. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 4 and wherein the at least one sensor is adapted to sense at least one of motion, carbon dioxide, infra-red radiation and temperature.

6. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 4 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator also transmits information concerning the status of the cargo within the shipping container body.

7. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and also comprising: at least one GPS antenna for receiving signals relating to the location of a shipping container; and a position reporting circuit responsive to signals output by the at least one GPS antenna for providing information to the at least one wireless communicator indicative of the position of the shipping container.

8. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one RF transmitter.

9. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one broadband transmitter.

10. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 1 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises a transmitter communicating over at least one of a cellular, radio and satellite communications network.

11. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 2 and also comprising: at least one GPS antenna for receiving signals relating to the position of the shipping container; and a position reporting circuit responsive to signals output by the at least one GPS antenna for providing information to the at least one wireless communicator indicative of the position of the shipping container.

12. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 2 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one RF transmitter.

13. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 2 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one broadband transmitter.

14. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 2 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises a transmitter communicating over at least one of a cellular, radio and satellite communications network.

15. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 3 and also comprising: at least one GPS antenna for receiving signals relating to the position of the shipping container; and a position reporting circuit responsive to the output of the at least one GPS antenna for providing information to the at least one wireless communicator indicative of the position of the shipping container.

16. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 3 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one RF transmitter.

17. A remotely monitorable shipping container according to claim 3 and wherein the at least one wireless communicator comprises at least one broadband transmitter.

18. A shipping container communication system comprising:

a remotely monitorable shipping container comprising:

a shipping container body having at least one door and at least one latch associated therewith, the latch having a latch locking element mounted thereon for locking engagement with the door having the locking element mounted thereon;

at least one wireless communicator mounted at a secure location within the shipping container, the wireless communicator wirelessly communicating information regarding the status of the electronic seal mounted on the locking element to determine the latching of the at least one door to a remote monitor; and

at least one wireless antenna mounted in a security box external to the shipping container for transmitting information from the at least one wireless communication device; and

at least one remote communication device in communication with at least one wireless communication device.

19. The shipping container communication system of claim 18, wherein said at least one remote communication device comprises at least one of:

a presence sensor and a communication device;

a remote monitor; and

an electronic seal.

20. The shipping container communication system of claim 18, wherein the at least one wireless communication device comprises at least one transceiver that communicates with at least one remote communication device, and wherein:

the at least one remote communication device comprises at least one of the following:

a presence sensor and a communication device;

a remote monitor; and

an electronic seal.