ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUEL OR OTHER CARGO IN MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINERS
First Claim
1. A system for preventing access to a supply in a container through a load assembly thereof, the system used by an authorized user using a workstation and a server both in communication via a communications network, the system comprising:
- a lock system that mounts to the container on or adjacent the load assembly, wherein the lock system includes a base and a lock element that moves relative to the base between locked and unlock positions, in the locked position the lock system secures the load assembly in a closed position, and in the unlocked position the lock system permits movement of the load assembly to an open position;
a control unit that is operably connected to the lock system and that communicates with the lock system to selectively secure the lock system in the locked and unlocked positions, the control unit including a communications device and a switching device; and
a computer program that communicates with the communications device of the control unit via the communication network, is stored on the server and accessed via the communication network, and is operated by the workstation, the program including a locking component that the authorized user accesses using the workstation to selectively enter lock and unlock commands to remotely control the switching device to in turn manipulate the lock system between the locked and unlocked positions.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An anti-theft system and method prevents access to and theft of fuel or another material in a container such as a tanker or intermodal container with upload and/or download assemblies. The anti-theft system includes a respective lock for each upload and download assembly, at least one control unit that operates the locks, and a computer program that operates the control unit. The computer program is operated by a user using a workstation to enter commands for the computer program to send signals via a communications network to the control unit to lock and unlock the locks. In a typical embodiment, the locks are provided by electromagnetic locks with an electromagnet base and an armature plate lock, and a satellite network is used for communications in remote or hostile areas.
32 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for preventing access to a supply in a container through a load assembly thereof, the system used by an authorized user using a workstation and a server both in communication via a communications network, the system comprising:
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a lock system that mounts to the container on or adjacent the load assembly, wherein the lock system includes a base and a lock element that moves relative to the base between locked and unlock positions, in the locked position the lock system secures the load assembly in a closed position, and in the unlocked position the lock system permits movement of the load assembly to an open position; a control unit that is operably connected to the lock system and that communicates with the lock system to selectively secure the lock system in the locked and unlocked positions, the control unit including a communications device and a switching device; and a computer program that communicates with the communications device of the control unit via the communication network, is stored on the server and accessed via the communication network, and is operated by the workstation, the program including a locking component that the authorized user accesses using the workstation to selectively enter lock and unlock commands to remotely control the switching device to in turn manipulate the lock system between the locked and unlocked positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for preventing theft of a cargo in a mobile container through a load assembly thereof, the system used by an authorized user using a workstation and a server both in communication via a communications network, the system comprising:
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at least one lock system that mounts to the container on or adjacent the load assembly, wherein the lock system includes a base and a lock element that moves relative to the base between locked and unlock positions, in the locked position the lock system secures the load assembly in a closed position, in the unlocked position the lock system permits movement of the load assembly to an open position, wherein the lock system comprises an electromagnetic lock with the base comprising an electromagnet and the lock element comprising an armature; a control unit that is operably connected to the lock system and that communicates with the lock system to selectively secure the lock system in the locked and unlocked positions, the control unit including an antenna, a transceiver, and a switching device; and a computer program that communicates with the transceiver of the control unit via the communications network, is remotely stored on the server and accessed via the communication network, and is remotely operated by the workstation, the program including a locking component that the authorized user accesses using the workstation to selectively enter lock and unlock commands to remotely control the switching device to in turn manipulate the lock system between the locked and unlocked positions, and the program including a tracking component configured to remotely monitor a location of the container. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of preventing access to the supply using the system of claim 13, comprising:
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accessing the computer program via the communications network by using the workstation; entering the lock and unlock commands to remotely control the control unit to selectively lock and unlock the lock system.
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20-1. (canceled)
Specification