System for facilitating compliance with materials handling rules

• US 6,688,475 B2
• Filed: 01/18/2001
• Issued: 02/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (XPO, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Con-Way Transportation Services Incorporated (XPO, Inc.)
• Inventors: Petrancosta, Robert Gregory
• Primary Examiner(s): MILLER, JONATHAN R
• Application Number:
  US09/766,109
• Publication Number:
  US 20020103570A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,118 Days
• Field of Search: 700/115, 700/281, 702/9, 702/24, 702/55, 702/100, 209/3, 209/546
• US Class Current: 209/546
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management

Abstract

System and apparatus for determining a relationship between transportable or storable materials and plural transportation or storage modes for the materials. In a transportation system, placard rules that correlate placards, materials, and transportation or storage modes are pre-stored in a computer memory. Materials data is entered corresponding to a first predetermined material, as well as data corresponding to a predetermined transportation mode or a predetermined storage mode. One of the plurality of predetermined placards is selected in response to the materials data, the transportation or storage data, and the placard rules data. The transportable or storable material may be a hazardous material, and the placard rules therefore correspond to safety rules. In an apparatus aspect, an arrangement selects one of a plurality of placards. The arrangement has an input for facilitating entry of data corresponding to a first material, a classifications memory for storing classification data corresponding to a plurality of hazzard classifications, an exceptions memory for storing exceptions data corresponding to a plurality of exceptions to the hazzard classifications, at least one of the exceptions being selected in response to the input arrangement, a general rules memory for storing general rules data corresponding to the plurality of placards; and a processor for selecting the determinable one of the plurality of placards in response to the input arrangement, the classifications memory, the exceptions memory, and the general rules memory.

Claims

1. A system for determining a relationship between a plurality of transportable materials and a plurality of transportation modes for the transportable materials, the system comprising:

placard rules pre-storing in a computer memory placard rules data corresponding to a plurality of predetermined placards, each such placard corresponding to a selectable one of a characteristic of a transportable material and a predetermined relationship between a plurality of the transportable materials, and the plurality of transportation modes for the transportable materials;

first materials data inputting of first materials data corresponding to a first predetermined transportable material;

transportation data inputting of transportation data corresponding to a predetermined transportation mode; and

placard selecting one of the plurality of predetermined placards in response to the first materials data, the transportation data, and the placard rules data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to the transportable material.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined transportable material is a hazardous material and the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to transportable hazardous material.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined transportable material is a hazardous material and the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to determine whether the hazardous material is transportable.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules data corresponds to handling rules applicable to the manner by which the transportable material is to be handled.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules data corresponds to perishability rules applicable to a perishability characteristic of the transportable material.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules data corresponds to contractually derived rules applicable to the transportable material by agreement.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules data corresponds to rules derived under law applicable to the transportable material by operation of law.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein there is further provided the step of second materials data inputting of second materials data corresponding to a second predetermined transportable material.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, prior to performing said step of second materials data inputting, there is further provided the step of segregation rules pre-storing in the computer memory segregation rules data corresponding to predetermined minimum spatial relationships between the plurality of materials and the plurality of transportation modes for the transportable materials.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein there is further provided the step of segregation determining of a segregation requirement between the first and second transportable materials, in response to the first materials data, the second materials data, the transportation data, and the segregation rules data.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein there is further provided the step of temperature limitations pre-storing in the computer memory materials temperature limitations data corresponding to temperature limits to which the first predetermined transportable material can safely be subjected and to which the second predetermined transportable material can safely be subjected.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein there is further provided the step of segregation determining of a temperature limitation segregation requirement between the first and second transportable materials.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein there is further provided the step of temperature limitations pre-storing in the computer memory materials temperature limitations data corresponding to temperature limits to which the first predetermined transportable material can safely be subjected.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said step of first materials data inputting comprises the further step of quantity inputting of quantity data corresponding to a quantity of the first predetermined transportable material.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein there is further provided the step of determining a transportability characteristic of the first transportable material in response to the quantity data.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein, prior to performing said step of placard selecting, there is further provided the step of materials characteristics pre-storing transportable material characteristics data responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the transportable material.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the characteristics data corresponds to a predetermined characteristics classifications of the transportable material.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined characteristics classifications are selected from the group of classifications comprising:

a. non-transportable transportable materials class;

b. transportable explosives class;

c. transportable gases class;

d. transportable inhalation hazards class;

e. transportable flammable liquids class;

f. transportable flammable solids class;

g. transportable organic oxidizers class;

h. transportable organic peroxides class;

i. transportable poisons class;

j. transportable radioactive hazards class;

k. transportable combustible hazards class;

l. transportable miscellaneous hazards class;

m. transportable reactive hazards class;

n. transportable infectious hazards class;

o. transportable “

dangerous when wet”

class;

p. transportable “

do not shake”

class;

q. transportable perishable class;

r. transportable corrosives class; and

s. transportable non-hazards class.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the transportable material characteristics data corresponds to a magnetic flux density related to the transportable material.

21. The arrangement of claim 18, wherein the predetermined characteristics classifications are established pursuant to regulation under law of the transportation mode.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting transport mode data corresponding to a transport mode.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the transport mode is selected from the group of transportation modes comprising:

a. truck transport;

b. rail transport;

c. vessel transport; and

d. aircraft transport.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting transport mode data corresponding to the dimensions of a transport vehicle.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting environmental temperature control data.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting transport mode data corresponding to a heater arrangement of a transport vehicle.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting transport mode data corresponding to an air conditioning arrangement of a transport vehicle.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein said step of transportation data inputting comprises the step of inputting transport mode data corresponding to limitations on solar exposure.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein there is further provided the step of destination data inputting of destination data corresponding to a destination of the first predetermined transportable material.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the destination data includes data corresponding to a route via which the transportable material is to be transported.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the destination data includes data corresponding to obstacles that are expected to be encountered along the route.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the destination data includes data corresponding to limitations that are expected to be encountered along the route.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the limitations that are expected to be encountered along the route correspond limitations applicable to a bridge on the route.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein the limitations that are expected to be encountered along the route correspond limitations applicable to a tunnel on the route.

35. The system of claim 29, wherein the destination data includes data corresponding to a country of destination of the first predetermined transportable material.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the destination data includes data corresponding to controls imposed on exports by operation of law.

37. A system for determining a selectable one of a plurality of predetermined safety placards to be installed on a transport vehicle in response to a selected one of a plurality of hazardous materials to be transported therein, the system comprising:

placard rules pre-storing in a computer memory placard rules data corresponding to the plurality of predetermined safety placards, such placard rules data including regulatory data responsive to applicable rules and regulations, the placard rules data associated with respective ones of the predetermined safety placards containing hazardous material data associated therewith corresponding to a predetermined one of a plurality of hazard characteristic classifications of the associated hazardous material;

first materials data inputting of first materials data corresponding to a first hazardous material of said plurality of hazardous materials selected to be transported in the transport vehicle;

transportation data inputting of transportation data corresponding to a predetermined transportation mode; and

placard selecting one of the plurality of predetermined safety placards in response to the first materials data, the transportation data, and the placard rules data.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein in said step of placard rules pre-storing there is provided the further step of inputting data corresponding to a predetermined relationship between a plurality of the hazardous materials.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein in said step of placard rules pre-storing there is provided the further step of inputting data corresponding to a segregation relationship that imposes spatial limitations between respective ones of the plurality of hazardous materials.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein there are provided a plurality of segregation relationships, and there is provided the further step of selecting a strictest one of the plurality of segregation relationships.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein there is further provided the step of second materials data inputting of second materials data corresponding to a second hazardous material of said plurality of hazardous materials selected to be transported in the transport vehicle.

42. The system of claim 37, wherein in said step of placard rules pre-storing there is provided the further step of inputting data corresponding to the plurality of transportation modes for the hazardous materials.

43. The system of claim 37, wherein the hazard characteristic classifications are selected from the group of classifications comprising:

a. non-transportable transportable materials class;

b. transportable explosives class;

c. transportable gases class;

d. transportable inhalation hazards class;

e. transportable flammable liquids class;

f. transportable flammable solids class;

g. transportable organic oxidizers class;

h. transportable organic peroxides class;

i. transportable poisons class;

j. transportable radioactive hazards class;

k. transportable combustible hazards class;

l. transportable miscellaneous hazards class;

m. transportable reactive hazards class;

n. transportable infectious hazards class;

o. transportable “

dangerous when wet”

class;

p. transportable “

do not shake”

class;

q. transportable perishable class;

r. transportable corrosives class; and

s. transportable non-hazards class.

44. The system of claim 37, wherein said step of first materials data inputting include the further step of inputting quantity data corresponding to an amount of the first hazardous material to be transported in the transport vehicle.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein there is further provided the step of determining whether the first hazardous material to be transported in the transport vehicle is a limited quantity shipment.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein there is further provided the step of determining whether the first hazardous material to be transported in the transport vehicle is a bulk shipment.

47. The system of claim 37, wherein there is further provided the step of non-hazardous materials data inputting of non-hazardous materials data corresponding to non-hazardous materials selected to be transported in the transport vehicle.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein there is further provided the step of comestible materials data inputting of comestible materials data corresponding to comestible materials selected to be transported in the transport vehicle.

49. A system for determining a relationship between a plurality of storable materials and

a plurality of storage modes for the storable materials, the system comprising:

placard rules pre-storing in a computer memory placard rules data corresponding to a plurality of predetermined placards, each such placard corresponding to a selectable one of a characteristic of a storable material and a predetermined relationship between a plurality of the storable materials, and the plurality of storage modes for the storable materials;

first materials data inputting of first materials data corresponding to a first predetermined storable material;

storage data inputting of storage data corresponding to a predetermined storage mode; and

placard selecting one of the plurality of predetermined placards in response to the first materials data, the storage data, and the placard rules data.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to the storable material.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the first predetermined storable material is a hazardous material and the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to storable hazardous material.

52. The system of claim 50, wherein the first predetermined storable material is a hazardous material and the rules data corresponds to safety rules applicable to determine whether the hazardous material is storable.

53. The system of claim 49, wherein the rules data corresponds to handling rules applicable to the manner by which the storable material is to be handled.

54. The system of claim 49, wherein the rules data corresponds to perishability rules applicable to a perishability characteristic of the storable material.

55. The system of claim 49, wherein the rules data corresponds to contractually derived rules applicable to the storable material by agreement.

56. The system of claim 49, wherein the rules data corresponds to rules derived under law applicable to the storable material by operation of law.

57. The system of claim 49, wherein there is further provided the step of second materials data inputting of second materials data corresponding to a second predetermined storable material.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein, prior to performing said step of second materials data inputting, there is further provided the step of segregation rules pre-storing in the computer memory segregation rules data corresponding to predetermined minimum spatial relationships between the plurality of materials and the plurality of storage modes for the storable materials.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein there is further provided the step of segregation determining of a segregation requirement between the first and second storable materials, in response to the first materials data, the second materials data, the storage data, and the segregation rules data.

60. The system of claim 58, wherein there is further provided the step of temperature limitations pre-storing in the computer memory materials temperature limitations data corresponding to temperature limits to which the first predetermined storable material can safely be subjected and to which the second predetermined storable material can safely be subjected.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein there is further provided the step of segregation determining of a temperature limitation segregation requirement between the first and second storable materials.

62. The system of claim 49, wherein there is further provided the step of temperature limitations pre-storing in the computer memory materials temperature limitations data corresponding to temperature limits to which the first predetermined storable material can safely be subjected.

63. The system of claim 49, wherein, prior to performing said step of placard selecting, there is further provided the step of materials characteristics pre-storing storable material characteristics data responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the storable material.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the characteristics data corresponds to a predetermined characteristics classifications of the storable material.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein the predetermined characteristics classifications are selected from the group of classifications comprising:

a. non-storable storable materials class;

b. storable explosives class;

c. storable gases class;

d. storable inhalation hazards class;

e. storable flammable liquids class;

f. storable flammable solids class;

g. storable organic oxidizers class;

h. storable organic peroxides class;

i. storable poisons class,

j. storable radioactive hazards class;

k. storable combustible hazards class;

l. storable miscellaneous hazards class;

m. storable reactive hazards class;

n. storable infectious hazards class;

o. storable “

dangerous when wet”

class;

p. storable “

do not shake”

class;

q. transportable perishable class;

r. transportable corrosives class; and

s. transportable non-hazards class.

66. The system of claim 64, wherein the storable material characteristics data corresponds to a magnetic flux density related to the storable material.

67. The arrangement of claim 66, wherein the predetermined characteristics classifications are established pursuant to regulation under law of the storage mode.