Abstract: This invention describes a system and method for managing a supply chain. In particular, the present invention relates to a virtual warehouse system for providing item level inventory management and an apparatus for automatic data capture within a disaster relief operational setting.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus for securing and monitoring cargo containers. In particular, the present invention discloses the use of a combination of hall effect sensors, permanent magnets, optic sensors, and inductive sensors attached to a surface. This tamper-proof magnetic alarming unit can detect its location and can trigger an alarm if it is moved or if a door is breached.

Abstract: This invention describes layers of security sensors to determine the status of a container from point of departure to a final destination of the container. In particular, the present invention discloses the use of at least three levels of security applied to a single cargo container including an inductive sensor couples with an optical sensor to detect intrusions, a door switch sensor, and an RFID reader in communications with RFID tags embedded in the cargo and other sensors throughout the cargo hold. Security layering not only serves as a deterrent but also serves as an active defensive security system for establishing security “gates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for establishing a geo-fence for assigning and dispersing human resource assets in a disaster relief situation. The system of the present invention provides a method for deploying a ready-response volunteer force in which volunteers are assigned based on their skill sets and the needs or the situation. Volunteers may be notified, updated, and contacted via location based devices. The geo-fence of the present invention may incorporate mobilization centers, communication centers and the logistic assets.

Abstract: A method of establishing a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographic area in which a zone is digitally customized to receive and disburse ad-hoc supplies including procedures for authorizing volunteers and other relief entities to draw supplies from the geo-fence zone utilizing wireless technology. The method of the present invention includes establishing geo-fences and communication links between the geo-fences to form a virtual warehouse. The present invention is well suited for disaster relief operations or other emergencies in which donated supplies require distribution throughout a widespread area of need.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated rechargeable power system for a container monitoring and security system is provided. The power system is affixed to a container and comprises an integrated photovoltaic area conforming to the container construction, a battery pack module, power conditioning circuitry or recharge unit, and a power controller unit. The photovoltaic unit may be conventional photovoltaic crystalline cell array, or a photovoltaic coating with is applied to the walls, door, or roof of a container.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for communications between a plurality of shipping containers and a central monitoring station using a meteor burst communication method is provided. The system may also be used as a redundancy scheme as a backup communications device for a primary satellite or cellular channel. The channel also uses an error protection protocol, and proposes a method to conserve battery power for the system.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with sensors using an open architecture and standards based approach is provided. A sensor controller located on each container and any variety of one or more sensors are equipped with complementary short range wireless communications devices. The sensor may adhere to a predefined interface specification such that it may be automatically commissioned into, and operation in conjunction with the sensor controller and the container security system.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with sensors using an open architecture and standards based approach is provided. A sensor controller located on each container and any variety of one or more sensors are equipped with complementary short range wireless communications devices. The sensor may adhere to a predefined interface specification such that it may be automatically commissioned into, and operation in conjunction with the sensor controller and the container security system.

Abstract: A system for visually capturing and monitoring the contents and events surrounding a cargo container is provided. The system includes an image capture device, a control device, and an image processing device. This system may be used for both visible and infrared images. The image capture device may be situated on the container door, and record images at a more frequent rate if it is determined that an event has occurred based on comparison of successive images. Image compression techniques may also be used to transmit captured and computed images back to a central monitoring station where they can be viewed and further analyzed.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing with sensors using an open architecture and standards based approach is provided. A sensor controller located on each container and any variety of one or more sensors are equipped with complementary short range wireless communications devices. The sensor may adhere to a predefined interface specification such that it may be automatically commissioned into, and operation in conjunction with the sensor controller and the container security system.

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 tracking a plurality of shipping containers which are designated as a specific group or lot is provided. The system may use the receiver range of a short range wireless communications device to track containers among themselves, or alternatively use a global positioning device in conjunction with a long range satellite or cellular communications device to report position back to a central monitoring station which utilizes a centralized method for tracking the container lots. An alarm condition is generated if any given container gets separated from the group or lot.

Abstract: A laminate structure for making a cushioned component for a vehicle interior, such as a seat cushion or head rest, has a high density foam bonded to an interior surface of a seat cover material. After the laminate structure is formed into a desired shape for the cushioned component, it is inserted into a vacuum mold having a mold surface with a shape corresponding with a desired exterior surface shape of the cushioned component. Liquid foam-forming material is injected into the laminate structure within the mold and allowed to cure to form the cushioned component. The high density foam of the laminate structure preferably has a density of at least 4 lbs/ft3 and an air permeability of 5 to 100 ft3/ft2 minute. This high density foam may be created by felting a polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A laminate structure for making a cushioned component for a vehicle interior, such as a seat cushion or head rest, has a high density foam bonded to an interior surface of a seat cover material. After the laminate structure is formed into a desired shape for the cushioned component, it is inserted into a vacuum mold having a mold surface with a shape corresponding with a desired exterior surface shape of the cushioned component. Liquid foam-forming material is injected into the laminate structure within the mold and allowed to cure to form the cushioned component. The high density foam of the laminate structure preferably has a density of at least 4 lbs/ft3 and an air permeability of 5 to 100 ft3/ft2 minute. This high density foam may be created by felting a polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A simplified pressure sealing apparatus for acting on business forms having pressure activated cohesive to seal the cohesive has only two or three pressure-seal rollers for effecting proper sealing. The pressure seal rollers may receive a folded business form substantially immediately from the output of a folder, or one of the pressure-seal rollers may function to both assist in folding the form, and then pressure sealing it. The form may be held in a flip plate above the nip between first and second pressure-seal rollers, or a separate set of idler nip wheels may hold the form in position once it has passed completely through the sealing nip. In either case the form may pass completely through the sealing nip yet be moved through the sealing nip in the opposite direction, and then diverted to a stack.

Abstract: A simplified pressure sealing apparatus for acting on business forms having pressure activated cohesive to seal the cohesive has only two or three pressure-seal rollers for effecting proper sealing. The pressure seal rollers may receive a folded business form substantially immediately from the output of a folder, or one of the pressure-seal rollers may function to both assist in folding the form, and then pressure sealing it. The form may be held in a flip plate above the nip between first and second pressure-seal rollers, or a separate set of idler nip wheels may hold the form in position once it has passed completely through the sealing nip. In either case the form may pass completely through the sealing nip yet be moved through the sealing nip in the opposite direction, and then diverted to a stack.

Abstract: A simplified pressure sealing apparatus for acting on business forms having pressure activated cohesive to seal the cohesive has only two or three pressure-seal rollers for effecting proper sealing. The pressure seal rollers may receive a folded business form substantially immediately from the output of a folder, or one of the pressure-seal rollers may function to both assist in folding the form, and then pressure sealing it. The form may be held in a flip plate above the nip between first and second pressure-seal rollers, or a separate set of idler nip wheels may hold the form in position once it has passed completely through the sealing nip. In either case the form may pass completely through the sealing nip yet be moved through the sealing nip in the opposite direction, and then diverted to a stack.