Abstract: The components of the alarm system are fully enclosed within a portable housing and require no external power or data signal connections. An audible alarm signal is generated in response to the output to one or more sensors indicating a particular occurrence, if a proximity signal from a mobile transmitter located within a given range of the vehicle is not received, indicating that the driver has left the vehicle unattended and vulnerable to attack. When the vehicle is being driven by an authorized driver having the transmitter, the received proximity signal prevents the generation of the audible alarm resulting from sensor being triggered by vehicle movement during transit including irregular road surface conditions. A GPS unit transmits a signal indicating the state of the alarm and the location of the housing in response to the alarm signal.

Abstract: The protector includes a box-like metal housing formed of first and second housing parts connected by a spring-loaded hinge for movement between an open position, in which a seal associated with the vehicle cargo compartment door handle is exposed, and a closed position, in which the seal cannot be accessed. At least one of the housing parts is hollow and configured to accommodate the handle such that when the housing parts are in the closed position the seal is fully enclosed. A padlock may be used to lock the housing parts in the closed position such that the seal cannot be accidentally broken falsely indicating that the cargo compartment door has been opened during transit.

Abstract: The lock assembly includes a handle and a rod mounted for movement relative to the vehicle door which is movable between a first position wherein the door cannot be opened and a second position wherein the door can be opened. A mechanical linkage, including a bracket and pivot pin, connects the handle and the rod such that the rod moves between the first position and the second position as the handle is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. The protector includes a rigid member adapted to cover the mechanical linkage and a collar for mounting the cover member on the handle. The cover member extends from the collar wall and includes a section adapted to align with the mechanical linkage which extends in a plane substantially parallel to but offset from the plane of the collar wall to accommodate the increased width of the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring the delivery of fuel oil through a fuel oil delivery pipe including a flow meter and property sensor associated with the oil delivery pipe for measuring the flow rate, temperature, viscosity, density and dielectric constant of the fuel oil as it moves through the delivery pipe. The digital output signals from the flow meter and property sensor are used to generate data signals which are a function of the measured parameters. A memory records the data signals. The actual total quantity of fuel oil delivered through the pipe is calculated based upon the data signals. A clock circuit generates a timing signal reflecting the date and time the measurements were taken. A transmission signal formed of the calculated actual total quantity of fuel oil delivered and time signal may be sent to a remote location by a WiFi transmitter or through the internet using a modem.

Abstract: The components of the alarm system are fully enclosed within a portable housing and require no external power or data signal connections. An audible signal is generated by a siren in response to a trigger signal from a light sensor, indicating the opening of the cargo compartment access door, a motion sensor detecting movement, or a tilt sensor indicating the housing being moved. The components include a CPU for generating an alarm signal when a trigger signal is received from one or more of the sensors. A GPS unit transmits a signal indicating the alarm has been triggered and the location of the housing in response to the alarm signal. An internal power source in the form of rechargeable batteries is provided. The system can be controlled by switches located on the housing or remotely by buttons on a hand-held transmitter.

Abstract: The bins are situated in locations at one or more sites. A monitoring station located remotely from the bins is operably connected to each of the bins. Each bin includes an internal compartment having a given capacity for retaining paper to be shredded. An IR-LED distance measuring sensor is mounted within each bin for generating an output which is a function of the level of paper present in the compartment. The bin electronics monitors the status of the sensor and the power input to the bin. Signals are transmitted the monitoring station when the output of the sensor indicates that bin is filled to a pre-set percentage of its capacity and when a sensor or power failure are detected. At the monitoring station, information as to the remaining capacity and operational state of each bin is displayed and stored.

Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring the delivery of fuel oil through a fuel oil delivery pipe including a flow meter and temperature sensor associated with the oil delivery pipe for measuring the temperature and flow rate of the fuel oil as it moves through the pipe. The digital output signals from the flow meter/temperature sensor are used to generate data signals which are a function of the measured temperature and flow rate parameters. A memory records the data signals. The actual total quantity of fuel oil delivered through the pipe is calculated based upon the data signals. A clock circuit generates a timing signal reflecting the date and time the measurements were taken. A transmission signal formed of the calculated actual total quantity of fuel oil delivered and time signal may be sent to a remote location by a WiFi transmitter or through the internet using a modem.

Abstract: The bins are situated in locations at one or more sites. A monitoring station located remotely from the bins is operably connected to each of the bins. Each bin includes an internal compartment having a given capacity for retaining paper to be shredded. An IR-LED distance measuring sensor is mounted within each bin for generating an output which is a function of the level of paper present in the compartment. The bin electronics monitors the status of the sensor and the power input to the bin. Signals are transmitted the monitoring station when the output of the sensor indicates that bin is filled to a pre-set percentage of its capacity and when a sensor or power failure are detected. At the monitoring station, information as to the remaining capacity and operational state of each bin is displayed and stored.

Abstract: The lock has a rotatable latch. The latch is mounted for movement between a position wherein it engages a fixed part of the vehicle to secure the door in the closed position and a position remote from the fixed part of the vehicle such that the door can be opened. A latch movement preventing member is moveable relative to the latch between a position remote from the path of movement of the latch, wherein the latch is free to disengage the fixed part of the truck, and a position intersecting the path of the latch, wherein movement of the latch to disengage the fixed part of the truck is blocked. A pair of magnets are oriented to force the member to move from its remote position, against the action of a spring, to its intersecting position, to prevent the latch from disengaging the fixed part of the truck.

Abstract: The lock has a rotatable latch. The latch is mounted for movement between a position wherein it engages a fixed part of the vehicle to secure the door in the closed position and a position remote from the fixed part of the vehicle such that the door can be opened. A latch movement preventing member is moveable relative to the latch between a position remote from the path of movement of the latch, wherein the latch is free to disengage the fixed part of the truck, and a position intersecting the path of the latch, wherein movement of the latch to disengage the fixed part of the truck is blocked. A pair of magnets are oriented to force the member to move from its remote position, against the action of a spring, to its intersecting position, to prevent the latch from disengaging the fixed part of the truck.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a container having an opening defined by a door jamb, a cargo door adapted to close the opening, a rod linearly moveable to engage the door jamb, and a latch mountable to the rod. The assembly includes a casing having an inclined opening and mounted to the cargo door parallel the rod. The casing includes a protrusion changeable between an extended and a retracted position. A latch receiving means has an inclined opening adapted to align with the inclined opening of the casing for accepting the latch therein. The latch receiving means is responsive to movement of the latch within the casing between a locked and an unlocked condition and engages the locking means when the latch receiving means is in the locked condition. The rod is moved by the latch to engage and disengage the door jamb.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a container having an opening defined by a door jamb, a cargo door adapted to close the opening, a rod linearly moveable to engage the door jamb, and a latch mountable to the rod. The assembly includes a casing having an inclined opening and mounted to the cargo door parallel the rod. The casing includes a protrusion changeable between an extended and a retracted position. A latch receiving means has an inclined opening adapted to align with the inclined opening of the casing for accepting the latch therein. The latch receiving means is responsive to movement of the latch within the casing between a locked and an unlocked condition and engages the locking means when the latch receiving means is in the locked condition. The rod is moved by the latch to engage and disengage the door jamb.

Abstract: The lock includes a latch member moveable between a retracted position where the truck door can be moved and an extended position where movement of the door is prevented. The latch member is moved by a reversible motor connected to drive a threaded screw through a set of speed reduction gears. An internally threaded drive nut is moveable along the screw. The drive nut has a radially extending protrusion which engages a slot formed in the latch member. Limit switches are tripped by the latch member at either end of its path of movement. The drive nut is situated between two springs. A control circuit is provided to regulate the energization of the motor and other functions of the lock.

Abstract: The GPS tracking system regulates power supplied by a battery to the system components to transmit an alarm signal in response to detection of motion in the higher level “working” mode. After the motion has ceased for a predetermined time or upon detection of a “low battery” condition, the power consumption regulator will switch to a lower power level “sleep” mode to conserve power. In one embodiment, the system components and a light source are situated within a plastic housing identical to that of the marker light of the vehicle. The housing is designed to replace the marker light and go undetected. When operational, the vehicle electrical system energizes the light source and the GPS tracking system components. It also charges the battery which provides power to the system when the vehicle electrical system is not operational.

Abstract: The security system determines if the cargo area of a vehicle may have been opened in transit between a loading location and a destination location. The vehicle has an enclosed cargo area with a cargo door and lock. The system includes a digital counter which displays a number set thereon after the cargo area has been secured by locking the cargo door lock or by closing the cargo door. If a magnetic reed switch senses the unlocking of the cargo door lock or the opening of the cargo door after the cargo area has been secured, it causes the number on the counter to change. The set number is forwarded to the destination location by entering it on the shipping documents or transmitting it electronically. At the destination location, it can be determined if the cargo area may have been accessed in transit by comparing the set number forwarded to the recipient by the shipper with the number displayed on the counter when the vehicle reaches the destination location.

Abstract: The container for retaining paper to be shredded includes an alarm for generating an audible signal when tilted. The alarm includes first and second position sensors for generating first activation signals in response to a change in position in first and second directions, respectively. It also includes an auditable signal generator and control circuitry responsive to the activation signals for activating the signal generator. The control means preferably includes a sensitivity adjustment and a timer means for adjusting the duration of the audible signal. The container further includes an access door to permit removal of the contents of the container which a reinforced locked.

Abstract: The truck security system emits an audible alarm when a cargo door is open and a driver or other person working on the truck goes beyond a defined distance, generally the immediate vicinity, from the truck exposing cargo to possible theft. In a truck having more than one cargo door, an alarm is sounded if more than one door is open simultaneously. If an attempt is made to start the engine with a door open, the system sounds an alarm in the cab and ignition is prevented. The system includes sensing means to detect if cargo doors are opened or closed, control logic circuitry and a clock, a RF signal receiver, an ignition cut-off, an audible alarm and a battery to independently power the security system, all of which are situated on the truck.

Abstract: The security system determines if the cargo area of a vehicle may have been opened in transit between a loading location and a destination location. The vehicle has an enclosed cargo area with a cargo door and lock. The system includes a digital counter which displays a number set thereon after the cargo area has been secured by locking the cargo door lock or by closing the cargo door. If a magnetic reed switch senses the unlocking of the cargo door lock or the opening of the cargo door after the cargo area has been secured, it causes the number on the counter to change. The set number is forwarded to the destination location by entering it on the shipping documents or transmitting it electronically. At the destination location, it can be determined if the cargo area may have been accessed in transit by comparing the set number forwarded to the recipient by the shipper with the number displayed on the counter when the vehicle reaches the destination location.

Abstract: A security system is provided for a truck having at least one cargo door. The system emits an audible alarm when a cargo door is open and a driver or other person working on the truck goes beyond a defined distance, generally the immediate vicinity, from the truck exposing cargo to possible theft. In a truck having more than one cargo door an alarm is sounded if more than one door is open simultaneously. If an attempt is made to start the engine with a door open, the system sounds an alarm in the cab and ignition is prevented. The system includes sensing means to detect if cargo doors are opened or closed, control logic circuitry and a clock, a RF signal receiver, an ignition cut-off, an audible alarm and a battery to independently power the security system, all of which are situated on the truck. The system also includes portable a portable RF transmitter carried by a person normally doing work on the truck. The control circuit processes signals from a sensor indicating if a cargo door is opened or closed.

Abstract: A lock is provided for a vehicle having a door and a fixed part proximate the door. The lock includes a housing attached to the vehicle door. Latch means, including a hook, are mounted for rotation relative to the housing about an axis. The latch means rotates between a first position, wherein the hook engages a part of the vehicle to secure the door in the closed position, and a second position, wherein the hook is remote from the vehicle part such that the door can be opened. A latch rotation preventing member is moveable, relative to the housing, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the latch, between a forward position, remote from the path of movement of the latch means and a rear position, intersecting the path of the latch means to retain the latch means in its first position. Means are also provided for biasing the member toward the rear position.