Hazardous Material Transportation Monitoring Techniques

• US 20090058593A1
• Filed: 12/31/2007
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
• Inventors: Breed, David S.
• Application Number:
  US11/967,330
• Publication Number:
  US 20090058593A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.200
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 11/24 Wear-indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 19/00 Tyre parts or constructions not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/288 with means to adjust or regulate the amount of energy to be absorbed
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 : using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01546 : using belt buckle sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 : in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/201 : with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track for passive restraint systems B60R22/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 : Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 : Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 : Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 : Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 : responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/431 : specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/433 : using reflection from the obstruction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/822 : Light emitters, e.g. light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/85 : User input means
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/516 : for trucks or trailers
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 11/16 : using difference in transit time between electrical and acoustic signals
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/765 : with exchange of information between interrogator and responder
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/42 : Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates indirect measurement G01S15/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/04 : Systems determining the presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/14 : Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 : Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 : Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 : Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0237 : using prediction or retrieval techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 : Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 : Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/59 : inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 : communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 : by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 : with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1436 : with motion detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1618 : using ultrasonic detection means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1663 : using seismic sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 : Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 : Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/248 : EAS system combined with another detection technology, e.g. dual EAS and video or other presence detection system
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0286 : Tampering or removal detection of the child unit from child or article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 : responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 : responsive to presence or absence of persons
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/016 : Personal emergency signalling and security systems emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm activators G08B25/12
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/046 : prevention of tampering with detection circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/181 : due to failing power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 31/00 : Predictive alarm systems characterised by extrapolation or other computation using updated historic data
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/207 : with respect to certain areas, e.g. forbidden or allowed areas with possible alerting when inside or outside boundaries
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2283 : mounted in or on the surface of a semiconductor substrate as a chip-type antenna or integrated with other components into an IC package
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 : mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/38 : formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support patch antennas H01Q9/0407; microstrip dipole antennas H01Q9/065; microstrip slot antennas H01Q13/106; transmission line microstrip antennas H01Q13/206; manufacturing reflecting surfaces using insulating material for supporting the reflecting surface H01Q15/142

Abstract

Method and arrangement for monitoring transport of hazardous materials includes arranging at least one sensor capable of detecting hazardous materials on a vehicle, transmitting information about the detection of hazardous materials by each sensor upon approach of the vehicle to infrastructure regulating the transport of the hazardous materials, and regulating the transit of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure based on whether any sensor provides information about the presence of hazardous materials on the vehicle. When the vehicles are trucks having trailers, each sensor can be arranged to detect hazardous materials in the trailer. When transit of hazardous materials through or over the infrastructure is prohibited, regulating the transit of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure may entail preventing the vehicle from passing through or over the infrastructure, e.g., by interposing a barrier to the vehicle'"'"'s passage through or over the infrastructure.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring transport of hazardous materials, comprising

arranging at least one sensor capable of detecting hazardous materials on a vehicle;

transmitting information about the detection of hazardous materials by the at least one sensor upon approach of the vehicle to infrastructure regulating the transport of the hazardous materials; and

regulating the transit of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure based on whether the at least one sensor provides information about the presence of hazardous materials on the vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a truck having a trailer, the at least one sensor being arranged to detect hazardous materials in the trailer.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising arranging at least one receiver proximate the infrastructure, the information about the detection of hazardous materials being transmitted to the at least one receiver.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising commanding the at least one sensor to transmit the information about the detection of hazardous materials when the vehicle is within a predetermined range of the infrastructure.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein transit of hazardous materials through or over the infrastructure is prohibited, the step of regulating the transit of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure comprising preventing the vehicle from passing through or over the infrastructure.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

arranging a communications unit on the vehicle; and

coupling the at least one sensor to the communications unit, the information about the detection of hazardous materials obtained by the at least one sensor being transmitted via the communications unit.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

monitoring traffic through or over the infrastructure at a monitoring facility;

transmitting the information about the detection of hazardous materials from the vehicle to the monitoring facility; and

enabling the monitoring facility to regulate the transit of the vehicle relative to the infrastructure based on whether the vehicle contains hazardous materials.

8. An arrangement for monitoring transport of hazardous materials on vehicles, comprising

at least one sensor capable of detecting hazardous materials arranged on each vehicle;

a communications unit arranged on each vehicle and coupled to said at least one sensor; and

an infrastructure monitoring facility arranged to monitor transit of vehicles relative to infrastructure, said monitoring facility being arranged to receive transmission from said communications units on the vehicle containing information about the presence of hazardous materials on each vehicle and regulating the transit of the vehicles relative to the infrastructure based on whether any vehicles contain hazardous materials.

9. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein the vehicles are trucks having trailers, said at least one sensor being arranged to detect hazardous materials in each trailer.

10. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein said infrastructure monitoring facility comprises at least one receiver arranged to receive the transmissions from said communications units.

11. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein said infrastructure monitoring facility is arranged to command said at least one sensor in the vehicles to transmit the information about the detection of hazardous materials when each vehicle is within a predetermined range of the infrastructure.