Abstract: The present invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring temperature and airflow from multiple sensors node for maintaining proper conditions within a refrigerated tractor-trailer unit or reefer. The system provides a mesh network of multiple sensors, which communicate between sensors and with a processing unit of a reefer unit for monitoring the condition of transported goods.

Abstract: A system and method for consolidating data collected using a hierarchical scanning system and assessing security risks regarding the shipping containers is provided. The hierarchical scanning system collects information from distributed and repeated screening throughout a container journey and enables pattern analysis over groups of containers. During the journey of a container, risk profiles are created at short term events based on information collected via non-intrusive rapid inspections. Using combined information from the risk profiles, the initial manifest, and group based statistical intelligence, a risk quotient for each container is determined based on deviations calculated at each point of the journey. Accordingly, authorities are alerted when the risk quotient indicates that a specific container is at risk.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for using electronic seals in container security systems is provided. According to the present invention, one or more biometric measurements may be used with an e-seal device to control access. In one preferred embodiment, the biometric signals received by an e-seal device may be transmitted to a remote monitoring station, and the remote monitoring station may wirelessly authorize access to a container.

Abstract: A system and method for improving supply chain visibility is provided. According to a preferred embodiment, an electronic manifest may be downloaded and linked or attached to an existing purchase order. This electronic manifest is preferably designed to accepted data from RFID devices and other sensors. Further, the electronic manifest is preferably configured to be easily accessed the carriers or others in the chain of custody. According to a further aspect of the present invention, sensor-enabled RFID tags may be employed to track a product through the supply chain, capture temperature data, and to calculate shelf life.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for the rapid inspection of shipping containers during transport and for intelligent data gathering for risk analysis are provided. More specifically, a portal based scanner is disclosed which includes a plurality of sensors positioned to create a target zone so that the shipping containers can be automatically scanned during loading and offloading operations. According to one aspect of the invention, the scanner is capable of wirelessly communicating with the containers, gathering data about each container, and reporting data to a Data Fusion Center for risk profile analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for translating between devices, updating device software, receiving and normalizing device signals, processing them, and determining appropriate responses to containers. The present invention seeks to keep intelligence at the back end allowing smart devices to remain effective under the complex conditions of the intermodal shipping industry. According to a further preferred embodiment, the invention further includes container transponders adapted to receive local signals and repeat or forward the signals. Further, the present invention discloses a method designed to increase signal reliability between smart devices which may act as relay nodes to communicate with existing devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart monitoring system incorporating various forms of hardware used to secure the tie-down straps of ULDs, pallets, or shipping containers. More specifically, the present invention provides a smart electronically enhanced strap for a container monitoring and security device which is integrated into the housing of the hardware of a tie down strap webbing. Using this system, discrete sensors housed in the ratcheting mechanism, the hook, the winch or the load bar that are attached to latching straps are able to actively monitor a securely loaded ULD, pallet or container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring temperature and airflow from multiple sensors node for maintaining proper conditions within a refrigerated tractor-trailer unit or reefer. The system provides a mesh network of multiple sensors, which communicate between sensors and with a processing unit of a reefer unit for monitoring the condition of transported goods.

Abstract: A system and method for consolidating data collected using a hierarchical scanning system and assessing security risks regarding the shipping containers is provided. The hierarchical scanning system collects information from distributed and repeated screening throughout a container journey and enables pattern analysis over groups of containers. During the journey of a container, risk profiles are created at short term events based on information collected via non-intrusive rapid inspections. Using combined information from the risk profiles, the initial manifest, and group based statistical intelligence, a risk quotient for each container is determined based on deviations calculated at each point of the journey. Accordingly, authorities are alerted when the risk quotient indicates that a specific container is at risk.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that pairs a container monitoring system with a handheld terminal application for ensuring a secure and verifiable chain of custody, real-time asset tracking, and document management. According to one aspect of the present invention, the remote monitoring station verifies identification and licenses and oversees transferring container custody from agent to agent for each container unit. The present invention further provides a system to manage documentation in which information from multiple sensors and multiple shipments travel and arrive with the actual shipments allowing the user to collect, view, scan, transmit and print all pertinent information pertaining to each specific shipment. The present invention may be used in conjunction with the prior art and function as a universal open architecture capable of linking to, for example, existing container sensor systems and/or shipping document management systems.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for using electronic seals in container security system is provided. According to the present invention, one or more biometric measurements may be used with an e-seal device to control access. In one preferred embodiment, the biometric signals received by an e-seal device may be transmitted to a remote monitoring station, and the remote monitoring station may wirelessly authorize the access.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically pairing a first container monitoring device equipped with a RFID reader and a second container in which stored data is embedded within an RFID tag or data storage device. The present invention provides a protocol for secure and supervised access between the first container monitoring device and the second container monitoring device as prescribed from an authorizing remote monitoring station.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for a high degree of container security using tamper-evident electronic seals is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the tamper evident electronic seal is implemented as a smart E-seal monitoring device and includes a GPS transponder, a sensor manager, an expandable sensor suite, and other components. The smart E-seal may be snapped into place in the door jamb of an existing container. According to one aspect of the invention, the smart E-seal automatically disarms itself after entering a safe zone, and automatically arms itself when leaving a safe zone. More specifically, the smart E-seal may transmit messages to a remote monitoring station regarding the arming/disarming events and the sensor conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for increasing the reliability of location data received from a container monitoring unit. According to a first embodiment, the system includes a GPS mesh network device to communicate with existing GPS devices and a remote monitoring station which receives data from unit devices applying back-end analysis for determining the most accurate and robust geo-location for each unit. The present invention provides a method to coordinate analysis of data to improve determination of the exact location and status of assets. This increased visibility will enable the customer to pinpoint the real time location of a single box more. This level of real time asset management translates into greater operational efficiency and performance, cost reductions, and improved safety and security.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for a high degree of container security using tamper evident indicator is provided. According to one embodiment, the tamper evident indicator may be a visible alarm, an audible alarm, or their combinations. Further, the tamper evident indicator may be incorporated into a smart container monitoring system. More specifically, the tamper evident indicator may be linked to a mesh network, thus a primary container in a set of linked containers may alert inspectors to other containers that have been tampered.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a weight related risk profile using RFID technology is provided. While the cargo container is in transit, a RFID reader inside a cargo container polls the contents of the container by reading RFID data from each RFID tagged item and calculate the payload weight. When the truck transporting the cargo container passes a weigh station, or a high-speed scale embedded in the road, a payload weight is measured by a scale. A risk factor is assessed by comparing the estimated weight by the RFID reader with the measured weight by the scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the RFID based polling system has the ability to map the weight and location for each tagged item and estimate a container weight distribution. The estimated weight distribution is compared with the weight distribution measured by the scale to determine potential anomalies.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided for managing the collection, preparation, and storage of shipping documentation. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes multiple sensors, a processing system and a control unit for organizing and transporting shipping documents for multiple shipments in a real-time tracking system. The shipping document management system of the present invention travels and arrives with the actual shipment and allows the user to collect information and produce documents for viewing, scanning, transmitting and/or printing. The present invention may function as a universal open architecture envelope capable of linking to existing container sensor systems.

Abstract: A hierarchical and distributed system architecture for a container monitoring and security system is provided. The architecture may be a hierarchical chain of separate, related processing elements. The partitioning of functions and distribution of processing among these or other similar hierarchical elements in the network is provided. The elements may further be described in successive layers, each have a greater level of network intelligence than the former.

Abstract: A system and method for communications between a plurality of shipping containers using a short range or local area wireless communication device is provided. The system also contains a cellular communications device, a satellite communications device, or both, which are used to transmit information to, and receive commands from remote central monitoring station. The system includes a method which creates dynamic links between the containers using the short range channel. Containers are organized in networks and sub networks, and have built in redundancy features.

Abstract: A system and method for an antenna which is constructed into or conforming onto the roof or wall of a cargo container is provided. The antenna system may have multiple antennas for short range wireless, cellular, global positioning, or satellite built into a single functional element. The antenna system may utilize a patch or phased array design. The method of construction of the antenna system may as part of the container fabricated or installed at the factory, applied as an adhesive film kit, or applied as a successive spray coating and etching process.