Abstract: An improved cargo tracking device which includes a main housing unit which can be secured to a roof or wall of a given cargo container using securing wings. The main housing of the tracking device of the present invention may preferably include a patch antenna and a front face/surface which extends out from the main horizontal plane of the tracking device and which includes an opening for the insertion/attachment of a solar panel array. According to further preferred embodiments, the solar panel of the present invention may preferably be electrically connected to the main circuit board via one or more electronic chokes which are preferably tuned to remove selected RF frequencies transmitted/received by the patch antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna array which includes a structure in the form of a hexagonal pyramid with a flat top surface/facet. According to preferred aspects, the pedestal support of the present invention preferably further includes six side facets which are preferably disposed 60 degrees from each other. Preferably, each side facet preferably supports a patch antenna and the top facet supports a top/zenith antenna. According to a preferred embodiment, the azimuth antennas may be offset from the ground plane by an angle between 20 and 60 degrees. The zenith antenna is preferably substantially parallel to the ground plane.

Abstract: The present invention preferably includes a monitoring device which is able to monitor both signals from the cab and the contents of a trailer/container. According to a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device may transmit monitoring signals (i.e., RF, ultra-sonic, IR) within the trailer/container and receive responsive signals/feedback indicating the status of the container interior. According to preferred embodiments, the monitoring device of the present invention may preferably receive data/signals from sensors internal to the container.

Abstract: An automatic identification system (AIS) communications payload for a space vehicle traveling in earth orbit includes an antenna; a receiver connected to the antenna to receive an AIS signal including a reported vessel position transmitted from a vessel; a processor to process the received AIS messages and determine the accuracy of the reported vessel position; and a transmitter to transmit the processed AIS messages and the determined accuracy to a ground earth element. The processor may be configured to determine a position of the space vehicle; compare the reported vessel position to the space vehicle position; and determine the accuracy of the reported vessel position based on the comparison. The processor also may be configured to flag the AIS message as suspect when the reported vessel position is determined to be inaccurate.