Abstract: A secure insert comprises a shell including a lid and a container configured to receive and encase one or more circuit cards, wherein the shell is further configured to be inserted into and engage a card slot area of a chassis. A bridge connector is disposed inside the shell and configured to couple the one or more circuit cards to a chassis connector. A tamper sensor is disposed inside the shell and configured to detect unauthorized tamper events.

Abstract: Detecting a discontinuity or impedance irregularity in an active line, a neutral return line and/or an earth return path of a power distribution network is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus is configured to measure a change in voltage and/or current associated with a deliberate switching of a known impedance and/or a naturally occurring random switching of an impedance in the electrical network wherein the change in voltage and/or current flow results from a discontinuity or impedance irregularity in the active line, neutral line and/or earth return path. The apparatus includes an algorithm for identifying discontinuity or impedance irregularity in the presence of allowable variation in voltage and/or current that may mimic or hide a discontinuity or impedance irregularity in the active line, neutral return line and/or earth return path including a reverse current flow through the earth return path.

Abstract: A system for clamping a flexible tube containing medical fluids includes a cable assembly coupled to a remote driver and a slidable clamp that imparts a clamping force to the flexible tube. An electrical continuity detector is included to measure the wear of an internal insulating layer of the cable between a sliding inner wire and a cable casing member. An indication of the wear to the cable is generated in response to a comparison of the electrical integrity of the insulating layer with a threshold. The wear indication enables the cable to be repaired or replaced prior to a malfunction of the overall tube clamp system.

Abstract: A metric of a system is monitored using a monitoring tool that receives an operation metric and a planned downtime metric that reflects whether the monitored system is currently in a planned downtime, the planned downtime metric received as another one of the multiple metric inputs. The operation metric and the planned downtime metric are combined into a processed operation metric for the monitored system.

Abstract: A computer system includes a cabinet, a motherboard, and a control device. The cabinet includes a front panel. The front panel has an network cable interface. The motherboard is received in the cabinet and electrically connected to the network cable interface. The control device includes a controller and an LED. The LED is positioned on the front panel. The controller is connected to the LED and the network cable interface. The controller turns the LED on if detecting that a network cable is plugged into the network cable interface and turns the LED off if detecting that the network cable is plugged out from the network cable interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a communication abnormality in a multi-type air conditioner is disclosed. The apparatus, which performs data communication with peripheral devices having an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a repeater and a wired remote controller, includes a level converter for serving as an interface to allow multiplex communication between the apparatus and the peripheral devices; and an abnormality detector connectable with the peripheral devices from a remote site through the level converter, the abnormality detector detecting a communication abnormality in the peripheral devices by automatically changing an operation mode thereof into a slave or master mode depending on whether an operation mode of each of the peripheral devices connected thereto is the master or slave mode. Thus, when the communication abnormality occurs, the communication abnormality can be detected in a convenient way by using the apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided in which the voltage phases, neutral, and ground are monitored and an alarm is generated if specific trigger conditions are met. These conditions are indicative of a possible loose neutral, loose wiring, or general over/under voltage condition. Specific algorithms can be used to determine the possibility of a loose wiring condition, and if limits are met, various alarm modes are started.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating operating status of a plurality of hardware devices of a computer includes a detecting module, a decoding module, and an indicating module. The indicating module includes a dual color indicator and two electronic switches connected to a first input and a second input of the dual color indicator respectively. The detecting module detects an operating status of the plurality of hardware devices, and outputs state signals of each hardware device during power on self test of the computer. The decoding module decodes the state signals, and outputs level control signals to turn on or off the two electronic switches. The dual color indicator indicates operating status of the plurality of hardware devices by shifted to be at different indicating states by the two electronic switches correspondingly.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Abstract: A lighting device including a test device for testing the proper operation of a primary and a secondary power supply alternatively providing electrical power to the light. The test device is attached to a bracket using a single fastener such as a nut and the bracket is attached to a receptacle for the light using a different single fastener, such as a pop-rivet or screw.

Abstract: A metering apparatus is connectable to the terminals of a circuit breaker and includes a detection apparatus that is configured to detect a status of the breaker and one or more operational parameters of the breaker. The metering apparatus may further include a communication apparatus that is configured to communicate the status of the breaker and/or one or more operational parameters of the breaker to another device. The metering apparatus may additionally include a power input that is independent of the breaker. Alternatively or additionally, the metering apparatus can be configured to communicate with the other device via any of a variety of established protocols, with the metering apparatus being capable of retrofitting to change the communications protocol by which it communicates with the other device.

Abstract: A secure data entry device including a housing, a keypad mounted in the housing and including a plurality of selectably depressible keys, tampering alarm indication circuitry and at least one electrical conductor located in the housing in operative association with the keypad, the at least one electrical conductor being coupled to the tampering alarm indication circuitry and being arranged such that extraction of at least one of the plurality of selectably depressible keys results in at least one break in the at least one electrical conductor, which causes the tampering alarm indication circuitry to provide a tampering alarm indication.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a sensing element to generate output signals corresponding to receiving signals received from an object and an evaluation unit coupled to the sensing element and weighting the output signals from the sensing element with at least one switching threshold to generate object detection signals. The evaluation unit includes a key adapted to selectively reset the at least one switching threshold to higher and lower values through differences in activation of the key.

Abstract: A time control apparatus, which is not equipped with an auxiliary batter for real time control, includes a time information memory for storing real time information updated for a user; and a real time controller, in response to powering on, if the real time information stored in the time information memory is earlier than time information of the real time controller, displaying the real time information of the real time controller to a user and simultaneously updating the real time information in the time information memory without performing a time setting operation. It is possible to discern between a powering-off case where the battery is not removed from the terminal and a powering-off case where the battery is removed from the terminal in order to avoid a time setting operation that is unnecessary to the user.

Abstract: An electronic device powered by a primary power source includes a switch, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, a warning unit and a secondary power source. The switch is configured for connecting and disconnecting the primary power source and the electronic device. The first detection unit is configured for detecting whether the switch is activated. The second detection unit is configured for detecting whether the primary power source is available if the switch is activated. The warning unit is configured for activating an alarm if the primary power source is unavailable. The secondary power source is configured for supplying electrical power to the first detection unit, the second detection unit and the warning unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for ground fault detection. One embodiment of a method for diagnosing a ground fault in a notification appliance circuit comprising a plurality of field wiring connections includes individually testing each of the plurality of field wiring connections until a source of the ground fault is detected and outputting a signal identifying the source of the ground fault.

Abstract: A metric of a system is monitored using a monitoring tool that receives an operation metric and a planned downtime metric that reflects whether the monitored system is currently in a planned downtime, the planned downtime metric received as another one of the multiple metric inputs. The operation metric and the planned downtime metric are combined into a processed operation metric for the monitored system.

Abstract: A system for detecting and containing a breach in a container. The container wall includes containment layers and a sensor layer sandwiched between the containment layers. The sensor layer contains a signal path that can be carried by a signal cable such as fiber optic or wire cable. The containment layers contain shards of material. When the wall of the container is compromised, the signal in the sensor layer is altered by the disturbed shards cutting the signal cable, thus allowing for the detection of a rupture, vandalism or an unauthorized access attempt, The containment layers may be composed of a gel or rubber material to slow leakage.

Abstract: A device for detecting three states, namely ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘triggered’ of an electric circuit breaker. The device includes a mobile magnetic device, movable between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker, and at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field provided with magnetic field lines for driving two DIP switches via the magnetic effect. In each of the magnetic device's positions, the two DIP switches are controlled in either an open or closed position to form a specific combination representing one of the three states of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A device for containing sensitive data including a housing, an anti-tamper protected enclosure located within the housing and being adapted to contain the sensitive data, anti-tamper protection circuitry located within the anti-tamper protected enclosure and at least one ball grid array arranged within the housing and mounted on an outer surface of the anti-tamper protected enclosure and electrically coupled to the anti-tamper protection circuitry for protecting against unauthorized access to the interior of the anti-tamper protected enclosure.

Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: An emergency device actuator absence notification system and method therefore capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the presence and operability of the emergency device actuator and also capable of notifying an observer or system supervisor of the absence or inoperability of the emergency device actuator.

Abstract: A coordinate-based system, method, and computer program product are provided for disabling a device. In use, a power down state of a device is detected. In response to the power down state, a first set of coordinates of the device is stored. Additionally, a power up state of the device is detected. In response to the power up state, a second set of coordinates of the device is identified. Further, the first set of coordinates and the second set of coordinates are compared. To this end, the device may be conditionally disabled based on the comparison.

Abstract: Computer systems and techniques for predicting a cable failure in a network system begin by receiving a remote alarm indicator followed by a remote alarm indicator clear as a transmission alarm indicator of an intermittent short duration failure on the transmission path of a circuit. If the transmission alarm indicator is of a duration less than or equal to a preset threshold D it is considered an acceptable short hit transmission alarm. When at least N acceptable transmission alarms have been received and the time stamps of the last N acceptable transmission alarms have been recorded, then a determination is made as to whether N acceptable transmission alarms have been received within a preset time period. A moving window time period is calculated as the difference between the time stamp of the present acceptable transmission alarm K and the time stamp of the [(K?N)+1] acceptable transmission alarm. If the difference is less than or equal to T, a cable error signature is indicated.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: A keyboard module adapted for connecting with a security unit is provided. The keyboard module includes a bottom plate, a plurality of buttons and a flexible circuit board. The buttons are disposed on the bottom plate, and the flexible circuit board is disposed between the bottom plate and the buttons. The flexible circuit board has a wire mesh circuit. The wire mesh circuit is adapted for electrically connecting with the security unit, so that the security unit generates a trigger signal while the wire mesh circuit is broken.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for producing a defined output signal in CMOS integrated circuit is provided in which the output of a sensor signal conditioning circuit is connected to the drain terminal of a first N channel depletion transistor, to a source terminal of a second N channel depletion transistor and to the output (OUT) of an integrated CMOS circuit. The gate terminals of the first and second N channel depletion transistors are connected to the output (VP) of a control circuit and the first terminal of a discharge resistance. The second terminal of the discharge resistance and the source terminal of the first N channel depletion transistor are connected to a potential VSS, and the drain terminal of the second N channel depletion transistor is connected to a potential VDD.

Abstract: A theft preventative system, such as which is specifically associated with high resale value metals employed in heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) assemblies. A first embodiment utilizes a transformer and relay arrangement creating a closed circuit through the lines of conductive copper pipe, via interconnecting wires, and which is also hooked to an alarm for notifying when the metal conductive circuit to the copper line is opened, either by cutting the copper pipe or the wire connected to it. A second variant discloses incorporating a fluid pressure switch into each of the copper lines, for notifying when fluid pressure within the line decreases, this indicative of the normally fluid filled copper line being sectioned.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of screen panels configured for use in a materials screening process is provided. The system includes a plurality of screen panels. Each screen panel is coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit which is configured to alter its behavior if its associated screen panel breaks.

Abstract: A burglarproof purse installs a control switch and an alarm for issuing a warning sound at hidden positions of the purse, and a closed and opened loop is distributed all over each surface of the purse and connected to the control switch and the alarm, such that after a user turns on the control switch, the closed and opened loop will be disconnected whenever the purse is opened or any surface of the purse is damaged, and a warning sound is produced to alert the abnormal situation and scare away the thief who tries to open the purse illegally.

Abstract: A tape seal includes electronic circuitry to detect tamper- and manipulation events relating to sealed items in various embodiments. A complex impedance is formed in a continuous seal. The seal is designed in such a way, that any attempt to break or remove the seal results in a change of the complex impedance. An electronic module in connection with the seal quantifies a complex impedance, and when a change is detected above a programmed threshold, this is treated as a tamper event. In one embodiment, the inclusion of reference impedances are applied to allow a more precise detection of a tamper event and allow for automatic calibration of natural variations of the complex impedance. In a further embodiment, a method of determining tampering with a sealed item is disclosed.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor. The circuit employs an anti-tamper sensor that includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element.

Abstract: A theft protection device for photovoltaic solar panels is provided. The device includes of at least one cable which is made to pass through the solar panels. The cable can be fibre optic or electrical, and a light beam or an electrical current, respectively, is made to circulate through the cable. At the ends of the cable, an electrical control circuit is connected, capable of detecting a cut in the cable caused by the interruption of the light beam in the fibre or a voltage drop at the ends of the electrical cable. Cutting of the cable for theft of the solar panels is detected by the control circuit which activates an alarm, acoustic and/or visual, which can belong to the device or be remote.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the medicament delivery device. The second surface includes a textual indicia. The label further includes an electronic circuit system configured to output an electronic signal.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a broken wire in a communication cable coupling a powered device to power sourcing equipment. Powered Devices (PDs) may be powered by power sourcing equipment via communication cables as in power over Ethernet systems. A current share technique is employed at the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) side or the PD side of the Ethernet cable to force currents in twisted pairs of the communication cable to be equal. In one embodiment, first and second power supplies within a PSE are coupled to first and second powered device controllers (PDCs). A characteristic within the system that is indicative of first and second PDC input voltages is measured and the two measured characteristics are compared. If the two measured characteristics are not substantially the same, such indicates the presence of a broken wire.

Abstract: An open-wire detection system and method includes a current transmitter that can be connected to one or more wires, wherein the current transmitter provides a minimum current and/or a current that is greater than the minimum current. An anti-aliasing filter is connected to an analog-to-digital converter, such that the anti-aliasing filter receives the minimum current provided by the current transmitter and provides an output signal to the analog-to-digital converter. A noise filter is generally connected to an open-wire threshold detector, wherein the noise filter and the open-wire threshold detector permit detection of input levels below the minimum current provided by the current transmitter. An output from the open-wire threshold detector can be sampled multiple times at intervals that correlate with a frequency of a plurality of digital signals to produce sampled data, such that if the sampled data is below the minimum current, one or more of the wires (e.g.

Abstract: A damage locating system also provides thermal protection. An array of sensors substantially tiles an area of interest. Each sensor is a reflective-surface conductor having operatively coupled inductance and capacitance. A magnetic field response recorder is provided to interrogate each sensor before and after a damage condition. Changes in response are indicative of damage and a corresponding location thereof.

Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable locking unit and a one time use electrically conductive molded thermoplastic shackle loaded with carbon black particles and having a linear resistance that is periodically monitored. The locking unit includes an integrated circuit for measuring shackle impedance through terminals capacitively coupled to the shackle. The terminals allow for adjustment of the length of the seal shackle in the locked secured state. The terminals and shackle form an RC network having a complex impedance that manifests the locked adjusted shackle length. Two AC signals at two different frequencies are used to measure impedance, which is compared with an initially determined or continually generated reference impedance to determine a tampered state of the shackle. Temperature compensation is also disclosed. A time stamp is stored for noting the tampering time of occurrence.

Abstract: An aircraft seating system comprises a seat frame having a top side, a seat cushion having a bottom side, a plurality of conductive first sides of a hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the bottom side of the seat cushion in a first pattern, a plurality of conductive second sides of the hook-and-loop fastener system attached to the top side of the seat frame in a second pattern, and a sensor connector connected to the second pattern. The plurality of conductive first sides and the plurality of conductive second sides engage each other and create a closed circuit for the sensor connector when the bottom side of the seat cushion is placed on the top side of the seat frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection are provided. In addition, apparatus for AC fault (ACF) detection and verification are provided. In addition, apparatus for identification of a module which is the cause of an AC fault (ACF) are provided. In one implementation, one or more of these apparatus can be combined to provide a fast, simple, low cost and reliable ACF detection, verification and/or identification circuit.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.

Abstract: A system for evaluating at least one tripping stimulus for a ground-fault circuit interrupter includes: a sensing circuit configured to measure a leakage current from a voltage line to ground, wherein the sensing circuit is capable of generating a leakage signal including a voltage representative of the leakage current; and an evaluating circuit configured to evaluate the leakage signal to generate an indication signal, wherein the indication signal includes information corresponding to the at least one tripping stimulus. The sensing circuit may include a circuit substantially similar to at least a portion of a ground-fault circuit interrupter, and the evaluating circuit may include a peak hold circuit. The system may further include an indicator circuit for receiving the indication signal and displaying a status of the tripping conditions.

Abstract: A material medium, such as an optical fiber or electrical cable, is commonly used to carry services, such as telecommunications or energy service. The current invention identifies the following problems which may be encountered when monitoring a material medium. They are: (1) requiring a time and labor intensive investigation to find a fault, (2) needing a significant change in a current material medium infrastructure to support a monitoring effort, or (3) reducing available bandwidth in a material medium due to a monitoring device intruding into the material medium to send data. These problems are solved, in accordance with a feature of the current invention, by monitoring a material medium with at least one diagnostic sensor, and using an electromagnetic (EM) signal, such as radio frequency (RF), signal to wirelessly transmit the sensor data. The diagnostic sensor may measure the operational health of the material medium, or may measure local environmental conditions around the material medium.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal includes a microcontroller integrated circuit. In one aspect, a regulator within the IC receives power from a supply voltage terminal and/or a battery terminal. If the regulator does not receive adequate power from either terminal, then energy stored on-chip in a capacitor is used to erase secure memory. In another aspect, pulses of current are made to pulse through conductors of a conductive mesh. A tamper condition is detected if an improper voltage is detected on the IC terminal through which the pulse is conducted. In another aspect, each vendor signs his/her firmware with his own vendor ID. A bootloader uses the vendor ID to lookup a public key that is then used to verify a private key supplied by the firmware to be executed. In another aspect, a magnetic card reader includes a digital peak detector circuit involving programmable positive and negative thresholds.

Abstract: An object (201) (such as a containment mechanism) supports both a functional electrical circuit (203) and an electrical circuit (202) to which the functional electrical circuit is responsive. In a preferred approach the functional electrical circuit has both a low power state of operation and a higher power state of operation. Upon detecting (104) that an area of connectivity of the electrical circuit has been severed (via, for example, corresponding manipulation of the object itself), the functional electrical circuit responsively operates (106) using the higher power state of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the security of containers and the goods within them and for tracking a shipping container from its origin to its destination. A shipping container uses a breach containment system comprising a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, a status record and a plurality of conductors to detect any breach of the shipping container structure. The conductors are embedded in, or applied to, the structures that form the shipping container and are connected a processor. The processor maintains a local timer. Upon the sealing of the shipping container, the conductors form circuits and the local timer contributes a time value to the status record. An open circuit condition experienced by circuits formed by the conductors causes the local timer to be reset and status record to be revised to reflect the revised time value. A monitoring station maintains a master timer that is synchronized with the local timer when the shipping container is sealed.

Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.

Abstract: A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer.