Seal Bolts Patents (Class 292/327)
  • Patent number: 11183086
    Abstract: Systems and methods can secure freight container seals using electronic sensors. A hardened sensor clamp housing can include one or more sensing portals. The sensor clamp housing can receive a bolt seal through each of the sensing portals. One or more seal sensors may be positioned proximate to the sensing portals to sense a physical characteristic of the inserted bolt seal. This characteristic may be electrical, optical, magnetic, or so forth. The seal sensors can generate an electrical signal associated with cutting or tampering with the inserted bolt seal. The electrical signal can be coupled to a sensor clamp module operable to determine a tamper state of the bolt seal in response to the associated electrical signal. The determined tamper state can be communicated via a sensor clamp wireless module to a container controller or communications gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Meyers
  • Patent number: 10408865
    Abstract: A power monitoring system has a power monitoring device that couples to at least one conductor of a transformer and collect data indicative of power usage corresponding to the at least one conductor. Additionally, the power monitoring system may have a protective cover that may comprise a top plate having an arch-shaped back edge adapted to abut and conform with an outside surface of a transformer, a face plate integral with and extending from the top plate and mirroring the outside surface of the transformer, and a bottom plate integral with and extending from the face plate and having an arch-shaped back edge adapted to reasonably abut and conform with the outside surface of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GRID20/20, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahram Farrokhian
  • Patent number: 10358844
    Abstract: An anti-reverse sealing lock includes a transparent housing having a passage with an opening in a top side of the transparent housing. A locking block is mounted in the passage and includes a locking ring and an anti-reverse member mounted in the passage. The locking ring includes a locking ring hole having an inclined groove receiving a C-shaped ring. The anti-reverse member includes a through-hole. A latch rod includes an insertion section having a first stepped groove and a second stepped groove. The latch rod extends through the opening, the locking ring hole, and the through-hole. The C-shaped ring is retained in the first stepped groove. A peripheral edge of the through-hole at an end of the anti-reverse member abuts against an end wall of the second stepped groove when the latch rod moves in a removal direction, preventing removal of the latch rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Wen Ho Tsai
  • Patent number: 10202993
    Abstract: Devices and methods based upon the concept of a split ring (604) having certain multiple interior angles (604a, 604b) to engage a stem or post (608) having annular ring(s) with angular geometries that are complimentary to those of the split ring. The disclosure provides designs for a wide range of insertion and desertion forces between latch engagement stems and latch engagement bodies. Changes to insertion contact angles and contact area on engagement stems and corresponding changes to insertion contact angles and engagement areas on engagement bodies can significantly modify insertion forces required to engage various devices. Similarly, changes in degrees of angle between desertion angles and contact areas on engagement stems with corresponding changes in desertion angles and contact areas on engagement bodies will significantly modify the total desertion forces required to disengage various devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Lockdowel, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Venugopal Subramanyam
  • Patent number: 10007874
    Abstract: An attachment for a clamping bolt has a base body and an opening which passes through the base body. Around the through-going opening runs a contact face which is positioned orthogonally on the longitudinal axis of the through-going opening and which is configured to make contact with the clamping bolt. A receptacle region runs around the through-going opening in the basic body, between the through-going opening and the contact face. An RFID transponder is arranged in the receptacle region. The clamping bolt has a circular-cylinder-shaped clamping region. A first boundary region and a second boundary region bound the clamping region along the longitudinal axis of the clamping bolt Each boundary region has a larger external diameter than the clamping region. The attachment is arranged on the first boundary region. A through-going opening runs along the longitudinal axis of the clamping bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: Balluff GmbH, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Robert Beutler, Alexander Uhle
  • Patent number: 9402115
    Abstract: Generally, in accordance with one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a sensor, a wireless tag, a reader and a notification apparatus. The sensor is correspondingly arranged in a structure. The wireless tag is a passive wireless tag which is correspondingly arranged in the structure to send identification information and measurement information of the sensor by using received electromagnetic wave as a drive source. The reader communicates with the wireless tag to acquire the identification information and the measurement information. The notification apparatus acquires the identification information and the measurement information from the reader, detects a wireless tag or a structure serving as a notification target based on the identification information and the measurement information, and notifies the notification target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naohiro Matsushita, Shinji Saegusa, Hiroshi Hashidume
  • Patent number: 8991879
    Abstract: A tamper evident security seal includes a locking unit and a bolt with a groove at its shank locking portion, the groove for receiving a resilient locking ring attached to a lock body in a locking unit receiving the bolt in a locked state. The locking unit includes two housing portions one of which has a top wall, a bottom wall and a first upstanding segment of a circular cylinder side wall interconnected thereto may be of any color. The top wall has an aperture for receiving the bolt therethrough. A mating second housing portion has a second segment of a circular cylinder side wall, preferably white having ID indicia thereon, forms a circular cylindrical housing with the first housing portion and is captured between the top and bottom walls. A lock body first element is plastic and molded one piece with the second housing portion. A lock body second steel element mates with the first element forming a lock body with an annular channel in which the ring is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: EJ Brooks Company
    Inventors: Robert Debrody, George Lundberg, Richard Dreisbach, Andrew Bonczyk
  • Publication number: 20150061303
    Abstract: A bolt security seal has a bolt including a shaft having a non-cylindrical geometric shape. The seal further has a lock including a shaft opening having a non-cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the shaft. The shaft opening is configured for mating engagement with the shaft. The non-cylindrical shapes prevent rotational movement of the bolt and the lock with respect to one another once they are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: NovaVision, Inc.
    Inventor: Min Zhou
  • Patent number: 8960737
    Abstract: A security lock bolt for sealing objects against unauthorized access includes a lock bolt having two bolt locking features that cooperate with two locking features that cooperate with a locking cylinder and transparent cap member secured to the locking cylinder, respectively. The bolt locking feature cooperating with the locking cylinder secures the bolt from unauthorized separation from the locking cylinder and the locking feature that cooperates with the transparent cap is visible to an observer outside the cylinder and locks the bolt against separation from the transparent cap member. The transparent cap locking arrangement provides an indication of full locking of the lock bolt within the locking cylinder. The bolt locking feature associated with the transparent cap member is integrated with an overmolded bolt body casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NIC Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. Nazzari
  • Publication number: 20130277989
    Abstract: A security lock bolt for sealing objects against unauthorized access includes a lock bolt having two bolt locking features that cooperate with two locking features that cooperate with a locking cylinder and transparent cap member secured to the locking cylinder, respectively. The bolt locking feature cooperating with the locking cylinder secures the bolt from unauthorized separation from the locking cylinder and the locking feature that cooperates with the transparent cap is visible to an observer outside the cylinder and locks the bolt against separation from the transparent cap member. The transparent cap locking arrangement provides an indication of full locking of the lock bolt within the locking cylinder. The bolt locking feature associated with the transparent cap member is integrated with an overmolded bolt body casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: NIC Products Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. NAZZARI
  • Patent number: 8446278
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the security of closures of the type used on large trucks, and shipping or other containers wherein one or more doors are provided on an end and/or the sides of the container and are secured by vertical rods having cam-like latches at their ends that are rotatable from a first disposition in which they engage keepers to lock the doors in a closed position, and a second disposition in which they disengage the keepers to unlock the doors and allow them to swing into an open position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a monitoring assembly that attaches between the locking rod handles of the containers, senses any movement of the locking handles or the opening of the doors, and provides visual signals and/or transmitted signals as an indication of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Labs LLC
    Inventors: Victor S. Ivashin, John W. Webley
  • Patent number: 8392296
    Abstract: A system for monitoring chain of custody of contents of a container includes a lock mechanism configured to lock at least one door of the container in a closed position, a housing enclosing at least a portion of the lock mechanism, and a lock circuit at least partially enclosed within the housing. The lock circuit includes a memory, a lock controller, a wireless module configured to receive information from at least one sensor associated with the container, the information regarding at least one property of the contents of the container, wherein the wireless module is configured to store the information in memory, wherein at least one of the wireless module or the sensor is powered wirelessly, and a lock controller configured to receive commands related to operation of the lock mechanism, to monitor the stored information to identify a change of state of the at least one sensor, and to generate chain of custody data to be transmitted to a remote location via the wireless module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Powers, Donald H. Warf, Moses M. Kamai, Daniel Bertuna, Walter C. Bonneau, Jr., David K. Aberizk, Jon D. Neasham, Scott Wilson, Keith L. Frankie, Stuart J. Waddell
  • Patent number: 8111157
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and detecting movement of components of a shipping container latch. A latch monitor may embody an electromagnetic sensing unit and a nearby magnet or light emitter for measuring and characterizing the profile of a nearby electromagnetic field. The field profile is monitored to detect a change in the profile, log the change, and report any abnormal disturbance to the electromagnetic field, indicating a breach of the integrity of a latching mechanism on a shipping container. An alert of a breach event may be sent via a communication network to an authority for response. The invention can distinguish authorized, incidental, and tampering events, and also store and upload an electronic manifest for a shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: N7 Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Diener, John R. Keller, Rodney C. Montrose
  • Patent number: 8087705
    Abstract: A sealing bolt for sealing a container lid to a body with a threaded bore includes a shaft, a head connected to a first shaft end, and a threaded second shaft end engaged with the bore to lock the lid between the head and the body. The bolt includes a security element with a breakable integrity element. The security element comprises a first part arranged at the second shaft end, connected to the shaft with a breakable integrity element therebetween. The first part has a first thread cooperating with the bore, and a second part between the first part and second shaft end includes, a second thread cooperating therewith. An entrainment device disposed between first and second parts such that when the shaft and first part rotate in a tightening direction, second part is entrained. When the shaft and first part rotate in a loosening direction, second part remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The European Union, represented by the European Commission
    Inventors: Francois Littmann, Piercarlo Tebaldi, Marco Sironi
  • Patent number: 8026816
    Abstract: An RFID cargo/storage container tamper seal consisting of a main insulating body, a locking rod and a circuit module is disclosed. The main insulating body has a helix-shaped antenna and a ring-shaped metal ring, wherein the inner surface of the metal ring has a C-shaped ring inlaid therein, and the antenna has an antenna probe extending and protruding from the metal ring. A first portion of the locking rod is cone-shaped and encapsulated by an insulating material, and a second portion thereof exposed from the insulating material has a ring-shaped groove disposed around its peripheral surfaces. The circuit module has an RFID chip embedded therein and is packaged inside the rod portion, thereby allowing an RFID reader to read electromagnetic waves/signals containing identification codes transmitted from the RFID chip of the RFID tamper seal via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jin-Hao Chao Cheng
  • Patent number: 7938459
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and rotatable relative to, the locking body, configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, thereby preventing swinging motion of the locking body. The housing contains electronics, including memory, a wireless communication component, and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7900980
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip that electronically contains a unique serial number of the bolt; and a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway. The locking body contains electronics, including memory for storing data, wireless communications equipment, and a power source, configured to read and store the serial number form the microchip after the locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7895998
    Abstract: A door lock device includes a fixing rack, an operation rack, a solenoid device, an engaging member, and a locking pin. The fixing rack is installed in a receptacle and has a hinge shaft. The operation rack is coupled with the hinge shaft. The solenoid device is installed in the receptacle and has a rod. The engaging member is assembled to the rod and ascends or descends in response to the operation of the solenoid device. The locking pin is installed in the operation rack and performs a locking or unlocking function to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Poong Won Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: June-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7883126
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into an open end of a passageway of the locking body; and a component connected to the locking body such that the component and locking body are rotatable relative to each other, the component configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, whereby the locking body does not freely swing on the distal portion of the shaft of the bold during movement of the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7883127
    Abstract: The system described here is a shipping container security system including a bolt-type seal lock module located on an exterior surface of a door of a shipping container; and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container. The bolt-type seal lock module and the sensor module are configured to wirelessly communicate data therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7883128
    Abstract: The system described here is a system for monitoring security of shipping containers, which includes: a plurality of shipping containers, each having a bolt-type seal lock module, and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container, configured to wirelessly communicate data over an external network; and a centralized computer database configured to receive data over the network that is external to the shipping containers from the plurality of shipping containers, by which data the security of the shipping containers is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7828343
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; and a locking body having a passageway therethrough with first and second open ends on opposite sides of the locking body. The locking body is configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the first open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the first open end of the passageway, and to permit passage of the distal portion of the shaft through and out of the second open end of the passageway after separation of the head and the distal portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7828346
    Abstract: The method described here is for securing a shipping container for transport, and includes the steps of: providing a shipping container having a bolt-type seal lock module, a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container configured to wirelessly communicate data to the bolt-type seal lock module, and an RF device mounted on an inside surface of a door of the shipping container; providing a bolt; associating the sensor module with the RF device such that the RF device is specifically coded with a sensor module to deter spoofing the short-range communication link formed between the RF device and the sensor module; associating the sensor module with the bolt-type seal lock such that the bolt-type seal lock is specifically coded with the sensor module to deter spoofing communications between the bolt-type seal lock and the sensor module; and sealing the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7828345
    Abstract: The system described here is a shipping container security system which includes an RF data communications device; and an RF device mounted on an interior surface of a door of the shipping container and configured to form a short-range communications link with the radio communication component inside the shipping container via the antenna mounted on the exterior of the shipping container when the RF device and the radio communication component are within radio communications range. The RF device is mounted on the interior surface of the door such that, the RF device and the radio communication component are within radio communications range when the door is closed, and the RF device and the radio communication component are outside of radio communications range when the door is opened, whereby the opening and closing of the door of the shipping container is determinable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7828342
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a U-shaped shaft with first and second end portions; and a locking body having a passageway therethrough with first and second open ends on opposite sides of the locking body for receiving the first end portion of the shaft of the bolt, and an opening for receiving the second end portion of the shaft of the bolt. The locking body is configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement; and the locking body is configured to permit passage of the first end portion of the shaft through and out of the second open end of the passageway, and withdrawal of the second end portion of the shaft from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Patent number: 7828344
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip containing a unique serial number of the bolt; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and movable relative to, the locking body, having electronics and a power source therein. The electronics and the housing are configured to read the unique serial number of the bolt from the microchip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terahop Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20100253099
    Abstract: The invention is a locking arrangement for securely sealing the doors of a freight container. The container comprises two locking rods, each of which is fixed to one of each of the doors. A handle is pivotably connected to the first locking rod. The handle comprises a first opening situated at a location along its longitudinal length. A seal clasp is joined to the first of the doors. The said seal clasp comprises a second opening aligned with the first opening. The locking arrangement comprises a sealing device comprising a bolt seal and a cable. The bolt seal comprises an insertion bolt comprising an elongated body, an enlarged base and a securing tip. The bolt seal further comprises a locking bush into which the securing tip is inserted. The cable comprises a first end and a second end joined to the bolt seal. When the cable is wrapped around the locking rods, and when the insertion bolt is disposed through the first and second openings, the doors are securely sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Navatech Container Security LLC
    Inventor: Eliezer Navarsky
  • Patent number: 7740292
    Abstract: A mechanical tamper evident security seal for sealing a cargo container door includes a metallic pin having a head at an upper end and circumferential indents at a second end. An upper banner includes a portion non-removably encasing the head of the metallic pin. The banner includes first identifying indicia unique to a particular one of a plurality of like mechanical seals. A lock receptacle receives the second end of the metallic pin therein and includes a lock housing retaining at least two locks therein. A first of the locks engaging a first of the circumferential indents and a second of the locks simultaneously engages a second of the circumferential indents. Any attempt to withdraw the metallic pin results in visually identifiable destruction of the seal. A lower banner extending from the lock receptacle includes second unalterable identifying indicia identical to the first identifying indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: Lazzaro A. Fattori, Paul L. Fattori
  • Publication number: 20090179437
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into an open end of a passageway of the locking body; and a component connected to the locking body such that the component and locking body are rotatable relative to each other, the component configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, whereby the locking body does not freely swing on the distal portion of the shaft of the bold during movement of the shipping container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090146437
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; and a locking body having a passageway therethrough with first and second open ends on opposite sides of the locking body. The locking body is configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the first open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the first open end of the passageway and to permit passage of the distal portion of the shaft through and out of the second open end of the passageway after separation of the head and the distal portion of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090127873
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip containing a unique serial number of the bolt; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and movable relative to, the locking body, having electronics and a power source therein. The electronics and the housing are configured to read the unique serial number of the bolt from the microchip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090115202
    Abstract: The system described here is a shipping container security system including a bolt-type seal lock module located on an exterior surface of a door of a shipping container; and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container. The bolt-type seal lock module and the sensor module are configured to wirelessly communicate data therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090115200
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip that electronically contains a unique serial number of the bolt; and a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway. The locking body contains electronics, including memory for storing data, wireless communications equipment, and a power source, configured to read and store the serial number form the microchip after the locking engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090115201
    Abstract: The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and rotatable relative to, the locking body, configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, thereby preventing swinging motion of the locking body. The housing contains electronics, including memory, a wireless communication component, and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090108596
    Abstract: The method described here is for securing a shipping container for transport, and includes the steps of: providing a shipping container having a bolt-type seal lock module, a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container configured to wirelessly communicate data to the bolt-type seal lock module, and an RF device mounted on an inside surface of a door of the shipping container; providing a bolt; associating the sensor module with the RF device such that the RF device is specifically coded with a sensor module to deter spoofing the short-range communication link formed between the RF device and the sensor module; associating the sensor module with the bolt-type seal lock such that the bolt-type seal lock is specifically coded with the sensor module to deter spoofing communications between the bolt-type seal lock and the sensor module; and sealing the shipping container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090108597
    Abstract: The system described here is a system for monitoring security of shipping containers, which includes: a plurality of shipping containers, each having a bolt-type seal lock module, and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container, configured to wirelessly communicate data over an external network; and a centralized computer database configured to receive data over the network that is external to the shipping containers from the plurality of shipping containers, by which data the security of the shipping containers is monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20090091144
    Abstract: An electronic circuit senses and transmits a tamper condition of a bolt seal locked with a locking device external the module on a side of the module opposite the bolt head. The module is reusable intact when the bolt/locking device, which is conventional, is opened. In various embodiments, a tang type metal/plastic or plastic tamper indicative seal may be attached through a hole in the bolt tip region that has a narrowed diameter tip or attached in a one way clutch action on the tip, or which mates in a bolt groove at the bolt tip region and/or a conventional tamper evident seal is attached to the surface of the bolt shank at the bolt tip region in a clutch action. Different bolt embodiments comprise non-electrically conductive or electrically conductive plastic or steel shanks with juxtaposed electrical conductors along the shank connected to external conductors formed by coatings or axially spaced cylindrical sleeves forming contact regions which engage the circuitry contacts inside the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Debrody, Donald Ruth, George Lundberg, Richard Dreisbach
  • Publication number: 20090072554
    Abstract: A pin-style cargo seal that includes a pin and a tracking module. The tracking module is removably securable to the pin and allows the seal to be tracked while the seal is in transit. The tracking module may be removed from the pin so that the tracking module may be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED SECURITY APPLICATIONS ID. INC.
    Inventor: PAUL R. ARGUIN
  • Publication number: 20090058105
    Abstract: A security device includes a securement washer having a securement washer hole, and a circumferential groove within the hole. An end cap includes a well that contains the securement washer, and an end cap circumferential wall that extends around the securement washer. A portion of the end cap circumferential wall extends over a circumferential portion of the securement washer located around the securement washer hole. The portion of the end cap circumferential wall comprises tamper-evident indicia on a surface thereof. The tamper-evident indicia is formed so as to remain unchanged until and unless the security device is tampered with. The security device may be manufactured by forming tamper-evident indicia such as a disturbance on a surface of an end cap such that the indicia remains unchanged until or unless the security device is tampered with. The tamper-evident indicia may be formed by an orbital forming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BRAMMALL
    Inventors: Paul A. LITTRELL, Wanda K. BEARD, David L. GILBERT
  • Publication number: 20090026773
    Abstract: A bolt-type seal lock for use with shipping containers includes a bolt and a separate locking body. The locking body holds a locking mechanism that engages with an end of the bolt when it is inserted into the locking body. The locking body houses a flash memory or equivalent electronic storage device that stores shipping or transportation data relating to the contents of the shipping container. The seal also has a locking mechanism that can be released by a special tool through a lateral access opening. The lateral opening is covered by an identification tab that serves as an identification mechanism for indicating seal tampering and as a barrier to access to the locking mechanism. The identification tab is replaceable which makes the seal recyclable and reusable by shipping companies having a need for large numbers of bolt-type seal locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20080315596
    Abstract: The system described here is an improvement on ways to provide security and supply chain tracking for shipping containers. The system has a bolt-type seal lock module mounted on the container that has data storage capability and the capability to sense when the bolt is cut or certain environmental changes like impact. The system also includes a bolt-type seal lock that has data storage capability. The electronics module can be connected via wireless means to a centralized data base for the interchange of data. Individual modules or seal locks can be networked with each other to transmit data to and from a stack of metal shipping containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20080290670
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Norman Binz DeWalch, John Edward Staohowiak, JR., Zachary Leroy Davidson
  • Patent number: 7438334
    Abstract: The invention is a bolt-type seal lock for use with shipping containers or similar kinds of applications where seal locks are needed. The seal includes a bolt and a separate locking body. The locking body holds a locking mechanism that engages with an end of the bolt when it is inserted into the locking body. The locking body houses a flash memory or equivalent electronic storage device that stores shipping or transportation data relating to the contents of the shipping container. The seal also has a locking mechanism that can be released by a special tool through a lateral access opening. The lateral opening is covered by an identification tab that serves as an identification mechanism for indicating seal tampering and as a barrier to access to the locking mechanism. The identification tab is replaceable which makes the seal recyclable and reusable by shipping companies having a need for large numbers of bolt-type seal locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20080143123
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Norman Binz DeWalch, John Edward Stachowiak, Zachary Leroy Davidson
  • Patent number: 7270354
    Abstract: A locking device having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a locking arm prevents a closed door from being opened. The locking arm is pivotably mounted to the lower portion of the locking device and positioned in cavities of the upper portion and the lower portion. A pivot bolt is operatively attached to the lower portion and an end of the locking arm. A locking bolt extends transverse and through the locking arm and through the lower portion for securing the locking arm. The locking bolt has a key or detent, which is received by a corresponding groove in the lower portion. The locking arm extends vertically from the lower portion upwardly above the lower edge of the door, thereby preventing the door from being opened outwardly when in a closed position. The upper portion and the lower portion are preferably bulbous shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Radovan Soumar
  • Patent number: 7270353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal device, including a locking pin and a sleeve, the locking pin having a head and a stem having a groove which interacts with a locking ring disposed in the sleeve to lock the sleeve onto the pin by insertion. The sleeve also includes a first transponder housed in the upper portion of the sleeve at a depth that is greater than the height of the stem and the locking pin also comprises a second transponder disposed on the outer periphery of the stem. Each transponder includes storage means for storing at least one unique identification code. Thus, any unauthorized handling of the seal device may be detected even if the latter is completely replaced after breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The European Community
    Inventors: Marco Sironi, Piercarlo Tebaldi, Christophe Korn, Andre Poucet
  • Patent number: 7246980
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening member comprising a threaded part (150) and a head (100) with which the threaded part can be turned in order to tighten the fastening member in a corresponding element. The head (100) is formed of a plate (110) in one piece with the threaded part (150) and a cap (120) covering said plate. The cap (120) comprises a recessed portion (121) in which an offset is provided to form a housing (128). The plate (110) comprises a guide finger (111) located inside the housing (128) to form a stop against which the cap presses in order to impart a rotational movement to the plate in the tightening direction. The cap (120) further comprises a remotely interrogatable electronic component (130) comprising a data storage means (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: European Community
    Inventors: Graziano Azzalin, Christophe Korn, Andre Poucet, Marco Sironi
  • Patent number: 7226095
    Abstract: A sealing device includes a body part for irremovably receiving the shank of a bolt. The body has a barrel for receiving the bolt, a resilient clip being provided within the barrel for locating behind a shoulder of the bolt. The clip has a head having a widenable gap formed there-through, the head being attached to legs at either side which locate against the sides and bottom of the interior of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignees: ITW Limited, Snowberry Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Huang
  • Patent number: 7178841
    Abstract: A single-use security locking assembly for shipping containers, comprising, a pin, a tether assembly, a locking member, and locking means characterized in that the tether assembly snugly fits around door bars of a shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jose M. Moreno
  • Patent number: 7172225
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the cable lock provide a body defining a housing in which a cable can be received to lock the cable lock. In some embodiments, the cable is rotatable with respect to the housing when the cable lock is in a locked state, thereby increasing the difficulty of circumventing the lock. The cable lock can have a wall with an aperture shaped to compliment the cross-sectional shape of the cable passed therethrough, an end wall that can be attached to the housing by rolling or crimping an edge of the housing over the end wall, and/or one or more visual indicators providing a manner by which tampering of the cable lock can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Cargo Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Veniamin A. Foigel, Igor B. Matviev, Sergei F. Shapovalov, Uriy A. Vvedenskiy, Sergei A. Rogkov, Anatoliy A. Romov, Gregory Kleynerman