HK1121278A - Smart container monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

Intelligent container monitoring system

Technical Field

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

Background

The following U.S. patents are believed to represent prior art in the field:

4,750,197, respectively; 5,056,837, respectively; 5,097,253, respectively; 5,127,687, respectively; 5,169,188, respectively; 5,189,396, respectively; 5,406,263, respectively; 5,421,177, respectively; 5,587,702, respectively; 5,656,996 and 6,069,563.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims 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 container body having associated therewith at least one door and at least one latch having a latch locking element arranged for locking engagement with a locking element mounted on the door; at least one wireless communication device mounted at a secure location within the container and operative to wirelessly transmit information regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted to the locking element to a remote monitor to ensure that the at least one door is in a locked condition; and at least one wireless antenna mounted within the secured enclosure on the outside of the 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, which in turn comprises: a shaft portion; a socket configured to engage the shaft portion in a monitorable manner, whereby disconnection of the socket from the shaft portion results in a monitorable event; and a wireless communication device associated with at least one of the shaft portion and the socket and operative to provide a remotely monitorable indication of the monitorable event.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the remotely monitorable shipping container further includes at least one sensor operative to sense at least one condition within the shipping container, and wherein the at least one wireless transmitter and the at least one wireless antenna are operative to wirelessly transmit information regarding the output of the at least one sensor to a remote monitor. Preferably, the at least one sensor senses at least one parameter of motion, carbon dioxide, infrared radiation and temperature. In addition, the at least one wireless communication device also transmits information about the status of the cargo placed in the container body.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remotely monitorable shipping container further comprises: at least one GPS antenna for receiving signals relating to the location of the container; and a position reporting circuit board responsive to output from the at least one GPS antenna for providing information indicative of the location of the container to the at least one wireless communicator. Preferably, the at least one wireless communication device comprises at least one RF transmitter. Additionally, the at least one wireless communication device includes at least one long range transmitter. Preferably, the at least one wireless communication device comprises a transmitter for communicating via at least one of a cellular, radio and satellite communication network.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a container communication system including a remotely monitorable container, the container in turn including: a container body having associated therewith at least one door and at least one latch having a latch locking element arranged for locking engagement with a locking element mounted on the door; at least one wireless communication device mounted at a secure location within the container and operative to wirelessly transmit information regarding the status of an electronic seal mounted to the locking element to a remote monitor to ensure that the at least one door is in a locked condition; and at least one wireless antenna mounted within the protected enclosure on the outside of the container for transmitting information from the at least one wireless communication device. The container communication system further includes at least one remote communication device in communication with the at least one wireless communication device. Preferably, the at least one wireless communication device comprises at least one transceiver for communicating with the at least one remote communication device. Additionally, 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 fully understood from the detailed description given herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a container communications system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the sealing engagement of door lock handles of a container of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the sealing engagement of a door lock handle of a container of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a container communications system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6A and 6B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a press-fit electronic seal, particularly for use as a remotely monitorable tamper-resistant electronic seal of the type shown in fig. 4, at two stages in assembly;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the press-fit electronic seal of FIGS. 5A and 5B;

fig. 8A and 8B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a lockable electronic seal, particularly for use as a remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seal of the type shown in fig. 4, at two stages in assembly;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the lockable electronic seal of FIGS. 7A and 7B;

10A and 10B are simplified illustrations of a press-fit electronic seal, particularly for use as a remotely monitorable tamper-resistant electronic seal of the type shown in FIG. 4, at two stages in assembly;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the press-fit electronic seal of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

fig. 12A and 12B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a lockable electronic seal, particularly for use as a remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seal of the type shown in fig. 4, at two stages in assembly;

fig. 13A and 13B are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks produced in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 11A and 11B.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1-3, there is illustrated a container communications system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in fig. 1, the container 10 may be a conventional container for land and sea transportation, the container 10 being shown in communication with a plurality of communicators, including, for example, a presence communicator (presenter) 12 located at a gate of a port, and a remote monitoring center 14, the remote monitoring center 14 being in communication with the presence communicator 12 via a wired or wireless network. It should be understood that any suitable type of container may be used. The term "shipping container" is used in this application in its broadest sense to include any enclosure in which goods may be transported or stored.

Typically, the container employs one or more buckles 15, the buckles 15 being secured to a latch in the manner shown in figures 1 and 2 and being rotatably engageable with a corresponding lockable member such as a shackle 16. Typically, the padlock 17 engages the portion of the shackle 16 extending through the hasp 15, thereby preventing disengagement of the hasp 15 from the shackle 16 and thus preventing the door from being unlocked. To ensure the integrity of the lock, an electronic seal wire 18 is preferably passed through the loop 16 and over the hasp 15. A preferred electronic seal wire is described and claimed in applicant/assignee's U.S. patent No. 6,069,563, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second plugs 19, in electrical communication with first and second ends, respectively, of the electronic seal wire 18, are removably received in corresponding sockets 20 recessed behind a wall 22 of the container door.

As seen in fig. 3, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, receptacle 20 communicates with a circuit board 23, which circuit board 23 in turn communicates with an RF antenna 26 by means of a conductor 24, antenna 26 being located within an enclosure 28 defined by an outer wall 30 of the container, which outer wall 30 is typically made of steel, and a cover 32, which cover 32 is preferably made of plastic or other dielectric material that does not significantly attenuate the output of RF antenna 26.

Preferably, a plurality of transceivers forming part of the circuit board 23 are employed for receiving and transmitting information relating to the integrity of the seal. Each transceiver preferably operates at RF frequency characteristics of a designated region of the world and communicates via a corresponding plurality of RF antennas 26. Typical transmission frequencies are: the far east is 315MHz, Europe 433MHz and the United states 916 MHz. Spread spectrum frequencies may also be used. It should be understood that alternatively, a unidirectional transmitter may be employed rather than a transceiver. The transceivers preferably communicate with electronic seals mounted on the container and with external communicators, namely the presence communicator 12 at the port gate and the remote monitoring center 14. Presence sensor and communication device 12 may also communicate with remote monitoring center 14.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, GPS and GSM antennas 34 and 36 and/or any other suitable type of communications antenna may also be disposed within enclosure 28 and may communicate with circuit board 23 to transmit data recorded by circuit board 23 to remote monitoring center 14 via antennas 26 and 36. An internal environment sensor 38 may also be in communication with the circuit board 23, the internal environment sensor 38 being one or more sensors such as for sensing the presence of carbon dioxide, infrared emissions, temperature, and motion. The output of the sensor 38, which may indicate the presence of contraband within the container, may also be transmitted via the antennas 26 and 36 for remote monitoring thereof.

Referring now to fig. 4, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of locking a container in a container communication system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in fig. 4, the container 110 may be a conventional container for land and sea transportation and may communicate with a plurality of communication devices, the container 110 employing one or more hasps 115, the hasps 115 being secured to a latch in the manner shown in fig. 1 and 2 and being rotatably engageable with a corresponding lockable member, such as a shackle 116. A remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seal 117 is employed here rather than the padlock 17 described above with reference to fig. 1 and 2. A preferred embodiment of a remotely monitorable tamper evident seal 117 is described below with reference to fig. 6A-13B, the seal 117 engaging a portion of the shackle 116 extending through the hasp 115 to prevent disengagement of the hasp from the shackle and thus prevent the door from being unlocked. To further ensure the integrity of the lock, an electronic seal wire 118 is preferably passed through the loop 116 and over the hasp 115. A preferred electronic seal wire is described and claimed in applicant/assignee's U.S. patent No. 6,069,563, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the embodiment shown 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 in electrical communication with respective first and second ends of the electronic seal wire 118 are removably received in respective sockets 121 recessed on a rear side of a wall 122 of the container door.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle 121 communicates with electronic circuitry (not shown), such as a circuit board 23 (fig. 3), which in turn communicates with an RF antenna, which is located within the enclosure 28 (fig. 3) defined by the container outer wall 124 and the cover 125, the outer wall 124 typically being made of steel, and the cover 125 preferably being made of plastic or other dielectric material that does not significantly impair the output of the RF transmitting antenna. It should be understood that remotely monitorable tamper seal 117 may also communicate directly with presence sensor and communication device 12.

Referring now to fig. 5, there is illustrated a container communication system constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in fig. 5, the container 150 may be a conventional container for land and sea transportation, the container 150 being shown in communication with a plurality of communicators, including, for example, an on-site communicator 152 located at a gate of a port, and a remote monitoring center 154, the remote monitoring center 154 being communicable with the on-site communicator 152 via a wired or wireless network. It should be understood that any suitable type of container may be used. The term "container" is used in the present application in its broadest sense to include any enclosure in which goods may be transported or stored.

Typically, the shipping container employs one or more buckles 155, the buckles 155 being secured to a latch in the manner shown in fig. 5 and 6 and being rotatably engageable with a corresponding lockable member such as a shackle 156. A remotely monitorable tamper-resistant electronic seal 157 is employed and the seal 157 engages the portion of the shackle 156 extending through the hasp 155 to prevent disengagement of the hasp 155 from the shackle 156 and thus prevent the door from being unlocked. To further ensure the integrity of the lock, an electronic seal wire 158 preferably passes through the loop 156 and over the hasp 155. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic seal wire 158 is encased in a reinforced steel sleeve 159. A preferred electronic seal wire is described and claimed in applicant/assignee's U.S. patent No. 6,069,563, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first and second plugs 160 in electrical communication with respective first and second ends of the electronic seal wire 158 are removably received in respective sockets 161 recessed behind the wall 262 of the container door.

Electronic circuitry (not shown) such as circuit board 23 (fig. 3) is provided which in turn communicates with an RF antenna located within the enclosure 28 (fig. 3) defined by the container outer wall 164 and cover 165, the outer wall 164 typically being made of steel, and the cover 165 preferably being made of plastic or other dielectric material which does not significantly impair the output of the RF transmitting antenna.

Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, GPS and GSM antennas (not shown) and/or any other suitable type of communication antenna may also be disposed within the enclosure and may be in communication with the electronic circuitry for transmitting data recorded by the electronic circuitry to the remote monitoring center 154 via the RF antenna.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor unit 180 is installed within the container 150. Sensor unit 180 is preferably in direct communication with electronic seal 157. Electronic seal 157 communicates with remote monitoring center 154. Electronic seal 157 may communicate with a remote monitoring center via presence communicator 152 via an RF antenna located behind cover 165 or in any other suitable manner. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor unit 180 located within the container 150 may communicate over a short distance with the remote communication unit 182 and may also communicate with the presence communicator 152.

It should be understood that sensor unit 180 may be an internal sensor that may include one or more sensors that sense the presence of carbon dioxide, infrared emissions, temperature, motion, seismic waves, acoustic waves, and radiation. Additionally or alternatively, sensor unit 180 may include any other suitable type of sensor and may also communicate with the electronic circuitry of container 150.

Reference is now made to fig. 6A and 6B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a press-fit electronic seal, particularly for use as remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seals 117 and 157 in the embodiments of fig. 4 and 5.

As seen in fig. 6A and 6B, a tamper resistant electronic seal is shown, which preferably includes a shaft portion 210, the shaft portion 210 being integrally formed with or secured to a sensing circuitry board and transceiver portion 212. The shaft portion 210 preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration and terminates in a press-fit tip 214. preferably, the tip 214 is formed with a series of circumferential teeth 216, the circumferential teeth 216 being adapted to engage in a press-fit manner with corresponding toothed recesses formed in a socket 218. The press-fit engagement between the tip 214 and the socket 218 of the shaft portion 210 is preferably provided by: it is not possible to remove the tip 214 from the socket 218 without breaking the shaft portion 210.

Shaft portion 210 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 220 intermediate the sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212 and the tip 214. The frangible portion 220 is preferably positioned closer to the sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212 than the tip 214 and is generally less thick than the remainder of the shaft portion 210.

The conductive ring 222 preferably extends through the shaft portion 210 and to the end tip 214 of the shaft portion 210 and is configured and mounted in the shaft portion 210 such that breaking of the shaft portion 210 causes the conductive ring 222 to break or a significant change in electrical characteristics.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 224 and RF transceiver 226 are housed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 212. Sensing circuitry 224 is electrically coupled to conductive ring 222 and senses the integrity of the conductive ring. Receiving an output from the sensing circuitry 224 is a transceiver 226 that is operative to provide transmitted information indicating whether the conductive loop 222 is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be employed to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 226 indicating tampering with the seal resulting in breakage of shaft portion 210.

Reference is now made to fig. 7A and 7B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks that occur in the press-fit electronic seal of fig. 6A and 6B. As described above, applying a force to the seal in FIGS. 7A and 7B in an attempt to disconnect the shaft portion 210 from the socket 218 will not disconnect the tip 214 from the socket 218 without first breaking the shaft portion 210. Fig. 7A shows a break-away condition along the shaft portion 210 and just above the tip 214. It can be seen that the break results in a break in the conductive loop 222 or a significant change in the electrical characteristics.

Fig. 7B shows the breakage at the breakable portion 220 along the shaft portion 210. It can be seen that the break also causes the conductive loop 222 to break or a significant change in electrical properties.

Reference is now made to fig. 8A and 8B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a lockable electronic seal, particularly for use as remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seals 117 and 157 in the embodiment of fig. 4 and 5.

As seen in fig. 8A and 8B, a tamper resistant and reusable lockable electronic seal is shown that preferably includes a shaft portion 310, the shaft portion 310 being integrally formed with or secured to a sensing circuitry board and transceiver portion 312. Shaft portion 310 preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration and terminates in a lockable tip 314, tip 314 preferably being formed with a notch slot 315, notch slot 315 being adapted for lockable engagement with a locking element 316 forming part of a lock 318, lock 318 defining a receptacle and including a magnet 319. The lock 318 is shown here as a key-operated lock, but it should be understood that any other suitable type of lock may be employed. The locking engagement between the head 314 of the shaft portion 310 and the locking element 316 is preferably arranged such that: it is not possible to disengage the tip 314 from the locking element 316 without breaking the shaft portion 310, without first unlocking the lock.

Shaft portion 310 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 320 intermediate sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 312 and tip 314. Frangible portion 320 is preferably positioned closer to sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 312 than to tip 314 and is generally less thick than the remainder of shaft portion 310.

A conductive ring 322 comprising series-connected reed switches 323, which reed switches 323 are closed by magnets 319 when shaft portion 310 is lockably engaged with lock 318, preferably extends through shaft portion 310 to tip 314 of shaft portion 310 and is configured and mounted in shaft portion 310 such that breaking of shaft portion 310 results in disconnection of conductive ring 322 or a significant change in electrical properties.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 324 and RF transceiver 326 are housed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 312. Sensing circuitry 324 is electrically coupled to conductive loop 322 and senses the integrity of the conductive loop. Receiving an output from sensing circuitry 324 is transceiver 326, which is operative to provide transmitted information indicating whether conductive loop 322 is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be employed to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 326 indicating when the shaft portion 310 is in lockable engagement with lock 318 and when the shaft portion 310 is disconnected from lock 318 either by tampering with the seal, resulting in breakage of the shaft portion 310, or by use of a key to unlock lock 318, resulting in disconnection of shaft portion 310 from lock 318. It will be appreciated that the provision of reed switch 323 and magnet 319 enables sensing circuitry 324 to sense when shaft portion 310 is lockably engaged with lock 318 and enables sensing circuitry 324 to sense when shaft portion 310 is disengaged from lock 318 for any reason, thereby enabling registration of the engagement and disengagement of shaft portion 310 and lock 318.

Reference is now made to fig. 9A and 9B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks that occur in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 8A and 8B. As described above, applying a force to the seal of fig. 9A and 9B in an attempt to disconnect the shaft portion 310 from the locking element 316 will not disconnect the tip 314 from the locking element 316 without first breaking the shaft portion 310. Fig. 9A shows a break-away condition along shaft portion 310 and just above tip 314. It can be seen that the break results in a break in the conductive loop 322 or a significant change in the electrical characteristics.

Fig. 9B shows a break at the frangible portion 320 along the shaft 310. It can be seen that the break also results in the conductive loop 322 breaking or a significant change in electrical properties.

It should be understood that the reed switches and magnets shown in the embodiments of fig. 8A-9B can be used in the embodiments of fig. 6A-7B as well.

Reference is now made to fig. 10A and 10B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a press-fit electronic seal, particularly for use as remotely monitorable tamper resistant electronic seals 117 and 157 in the embodiments of fig. 4 and 5.

As seen in fig. 10A and 10B, a tamper resistant electronic seal is shown, which preferably includes a shaft portion 410, the shaft portion 410 being integrally formed with or secured to a sensing circuitry board and transceiver portion 412. The shaft portion 410 preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration and terminates in a press-fit tip 414, the tip 414 preferably being formed with a series of circumferential teeth 416, the circumferential teeth 416 being adapted to engage in a press-fit manner with corresponding toothed recesses formed in a socket 418. The press-fit engagement between the head 414 of the shaft portion 410 and the socket 418 is preferably provided by: it is not possible to remove the tip 414 from the socket 418 without breaking the shaft portion 410.

Shaft portion 410 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 420 intermediate sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412 and tip 414. Frangible portion 420 is preferably positioned closer to sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412 than to tip 414 and is generally less thick than the remainder of shaft portion 410.

A pair of elongate conductors 422 and 424 preferably extend through the shaft portion 410 to the tip 414 of the shaft portion 410 and are configured and mounted in the shaft portion 410 such that breakage of the shaft portion 410 results in disconnection or significant change in electrical characteristics of at least one, and preferably both, of the conductors 422 and 424. Preferably, the conductors 422 and 424 are in communication with respective contacts 426 and 428, the contacts 426 and 428 being exposed at the end of the tip 414 and being arranged to electrically engage the shorting electrical contact 430 at a respective inner surface of the receptacle 418 when the shaft portion 410 is fully installed into the receptacle 418 in a press-fit manner, thereby forming a conductive loop.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sensing circuitry 432 and an RF transceiver 434 are housed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 412. Sensing circuitry 432 is electrically coupled to conductors 422 and 424 and senses the integrity of the conductive loop defined by conductors 422 and 424 when shaft portion 410 is fully seated in receptacle 418. Receiving an output from sensing circuitry 432 is transceiver 434, which is operative to provide transmitted information indicating whether the conductive loop is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be employed to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 434 indicating tampering with the seal resulting in breakage of the shaft portion 410.

Reference is now made to fig. 11A and 11B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks that occur in the press-fit electronic seal of fig. 10A and 10B. As described above, applying a force to the seal in FIGS. 11A and 11B in an attempt to disconnect the shaft portion 410 from the socket 418 will not disconnect the tip 414 from the socket 418 without first breaking the shaft portion 410. Fig. 11A shows a break-away condition along shaft portion 410 and just above tip 414. It can be seen that the break results in a break in the conductive loop defined by conductors 422 and 424 or a significant change in the electrical characteristics.

Fig. 11B shows a break at frangible portion 420 along shaft 410. It follows that the break also causes the conductive loop to open or the electrical characteristics to change significantly.

Reference is now made to fig. 12A and 12B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two stages in the assembly of a lockable electronic seal, particularly for use as remotely monitorable tamper evident electronic seals 117 and 157 in the embodiments of fig. 4 and 5.

As seen in fig. 12A and 12B, a lockable electronic seal is shown that preferably includes a shaft portion 510, the shaft portion 510 being integrally formed with or secured to a sensing circuit board and transceiver portion 512. Shaft portion 510 preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration and terminates in a lockable tip 514, tip 514 preferably being formed with an undercut groove 515, undercut groove 515 being adapted for lockable engagement with a corresponding locking element 516 forming part of a lock 518, lock 518 defining a socket and including a magnet 519. Lock 518 is shown here as a key-operated lock, but it should be understood that any other suitable type of lock may be employed. The locking engagement between the head 514 of the shaft portion 510 and the locking element 516 is preferably arranged such that: it is not possible to disconnect tip 514 from locking element 516 without breaking shaft portion 510, without first unlocking the lock.

Shaft portion 510 preferably includes a weakened frangible portion 520 intermediate sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 512 and tip 514. Frangible portion 520 is preferably positioned closer to sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 512 than to tip 514 and is generally less thick than the remainder of shaft portion 510.

A pair of elongated conductors 522 and 524 preferably extend through shaft portion 510 to a tip 514 of shaft portion 510 and are configured and mounted in shaft portion 510 such that breakage of shaft portion 510 results in at least one, and preferably both, of conductors 522 and 524 being open or having a significant change in electrical characteristics, wherein at least one of conductors 522 and 524 includes a series connected reed switch 525, reed switch 525 being closed by magnet 519 when shaft portion 510 is lockably engaged with lock 518. Preferably, the conductors 522 and 524 are in communication with respective contacts 526 and 528, the contacts 526 and 528 being exposed at the end of the tip 514. The contacts 526 and 528 are arranged to electrically engage shorting electrical contacts 530 at corresponding inner surfaces of the lock 518 when the shaft portion 510 is lockably engaged with the lock 518. This electrical engagement, together with the closing of the series connected reed switch 525 by the magnet 519, collectively defines a conductive loop.

Sensing circuitry 532 and an RF transceiver 534 are housed within sensing circuitry and transceiver portion 512, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Sensing circuitry 532 is electrically coupled to conductors 522 and 524 and senses the integrity of the conductive loop defined by conductors 522 and 524 when shaft portion 510 is lockably engaged with lock 518. Receiving an output from sensing circuitry 532 is transceiver 534, which is operative to provide transmission information indicating whether the conductive loop is intact. Conventional wireless monitoring circuitry (not shown) may be employed to receive information transmitted by RF transceiver 534 indicating when the shaft portion 510 is lockably engaged with lock 518 and when the shaft portion 510 is disconnected from lock 518 due to tampering with the seal, resulting in breakage of the shaft portion 510, or by use of a key to unlock lock 518. It will be appreciated that the provision of reed switch 523 and magnet 519 enables sensing circuitry 532 to sense when shaft portion 510 is lockably engaged with lock 518, while also enabling sensing circuitry 532 to sense when shaft portion 510 is disengaged from lock 518 for any reason, thereby enabling registration of the engagement and disengagement of shaft portion 510 and lock 518.

Reference is now made to fig. 13A and 13B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of two different types of breaks that occur in the lockable electronic seal of fig. 12A and 12B. As described above, application of a force to the seal of FIGS. 13A and 13B in an attempt to disconnect the shaft portion 510 from the locking element 516 will not disconnect the tip 514 from the locking element 516 without first breaking the shaft portion 510. Fig. 13A shows a break-away condition along the shaft portion 510 and just above the tip 514. It can be seen that the break results in a break in the conductive loop defined by conductors 522 and 524 or a significant change in the electrical characteristics.

Fig. 13B shows the breakage at the breakable portion 520 along the shaft portion 510. It can be seen that the break also causes the conductive loop defined by conductors 522 and 524 to open or the electrical characteristics to change significantly.

It should be understood that the reed switch and magnet shown in the embodiment of fig. 12A-13B can be used in the embodiment of fig. 10A-11B as well.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to 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 (11)

1. A monitored shipping container system, comprising:

at least one remotely monitorable shipping container, the shipping container in turn comprising:

a container; and

at least one sensor mounted within the container and operative to wirelessly transmit information to an electronic seal mounted on an exterior side of the container, the electronic seal operative to wirelessly transmit information regarding a status of the electronic seal to a remote monitor; and

at least one remote communication device in communication with the at least one electronic seal.

2. A monitored container system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor is operative to communicate directly with at least one short range remote communicator located outside said container.

3. A monitored container system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is operative to communicate wirelessly with said at least one short range remote communicator.

4. A monitored container system according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is in operative communication with said at least one short range remote communication device.

5. The container communication system of claim 1, wherein the at least one remote communication device comprises at least one of:

an presence communication device;

a remote monitoring station; and

an electronic seal.

6. The container communication system of claim 1, wherein the electronic seal includes at least one transceiver that communicates with the at least one remote communication device and:

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

an presence communication device;

a remote monitoring station; and

an electronic seal.

7. A monitored container system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is operative to sense at least one condition within the container and said at least one short range remote communicator is operative to wirelessly transmit information regarding the output of said at least one sensor to said remote communicator.

8. A monitored container system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor senses at least one of the following conditions: carbon dioxide, infrared radiation, motion, temperature, seismic waves, sound waves, and radiation.

9. A monitored container system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor senses at least one of the following conditions: carbon dioxide, infrared radiation, motion, temperature, seismic waves, sound waves, and radiation.

10. A monitored container system according to claim 7, wherein said at least one sensor senses at least one of the following conditions: carbon dioxide, infrared radiation, motion, temperature, seismic waves, sound waves, and radiation.

11. A monitored shipping container system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said at least one short range remote communication device also transmits information regarding the status of the cargo within said shipping container body.