Abstract: A status detector and communication unit (20) for a padlock (10) having a body (11) and a shackle (12) at least one end (14) of which can be latched to and released from the body. The status detector and communication unit includes a casing (21) adapted to be securely retrofitted to the padlock so as to form a compact assembly without obscuring an operating mechanism (17) of the padlock, and a battery powered circuit (22) contained within the casing for co-operating with the shackle of the padlock for transmitting a signal indicative of a status of the shackle to a remote monitoring unit (93). The invention allows remote monitoring of a conventional padlock with little or no modification of the padlock.

Abstract: A tracking and monitoring device for a shipping container has a body section attachable to an inside surface of the container proximate the door frame such that an end protrudes through a gap in the door frame. Security sensors integrally mounted in the body section are coupled to a CPU for detecting a respective security event. A global position sensor in the body section provides a position signal, and a cellular or satellite modem and a long-range antenna in the body section allow long range communication with a remote monitoring center. Power is provided to the device and associated components via a battery. In order to minimize power consumption, the CPU is normally dormant and a power management controller monitors battery power level and awakens the CPU in response to sensor signals and external interrogation signals or interrupts.