Electronic control system used in security system for cargo trailers

• US 7,091,857 B2
• Filed: 02/12/2004
• Issued: 08/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mi-Jack Systems and Technology LLC (Lanco International, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Mi-Jack Products Incorporated (Lanco International, Inc.)
• Inventors: Smith, Clark E., Schmidt, Harvey E., Labowicz, Maciej, Lanigan, William P., Schuman, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie Bichngoc
• Application Number:
  US10/777,876
• Publication Number:
  US 20050179546A1
• Time in Patent Office: 915 Days
• Field of Search: 340/545.6, 340/5.1, 340/5.2, 340/5.21, 340/5.3, 340/5.8, 340/5.81, 340/5.82, 340/5.83, 340/5.84, 340/5.85, 340/545.1, 340/636, 705/28
• US Class Current: 340/545.6
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0092 for cargo, freight or shipping containers and applications therefore in general
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/14 Central alarm receiver or annunciator arrangements

Abstract

A security system is provided for a cargo container having a door. An electronic control unit is provided for monitoring the locked status of the door. The electronic control unit is operably communicable with a remote computer terminal. A first software control program is located within the electronic control unit to monitor the locked status of the door. A second software control program is located within the remote computer terminal and is capable of retrieving activity and functions from the first software control program. A protocol is provided to facilitate communication between the electronic control unit and the remote computer terminal.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a cargo security system, the method comprising:

providing an electronic control unit capable of performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function, wherein the electronic control unit includes a main power source;

providing a battery backup to power the electronic control unit if the main power source is not available;

measuring the main power source continuously to determine whether it has enough power to supply the electrical control unit; and

forcing the electrical control unit to use the main power source if available, even though the back up power source has a higher voltage.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing a remote computer terminal that uses a unique serial protocol to communicate with the electronic control unit;

providing a program in the remote computer terminal to adjust at least one setting of the electronic control unit.

2. A method for controlling a cargo security system, the method comprising:

providing an electronic control unit capable of performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function, and having a software control program for controlling its activities;

communicating with a remote computer terminal using a unique serial protocol;

providing a program in said remote computer terminal using communication protocol to adjust security system settings;

providing a battery backup to operate the security system if an external power source is not available, wherein the back up battery is trickle charged from the main power source to prolong its uninterrupted operation;

measuring voltage of bath batteries continuously;

connecting both batteries together and allowing the charging current to flow, if the main battery voltage is sufficiently higher;

protecting the charging circuit from overheating, by turning the charging current periodically on and off if there is a substantial voltage difference between both batteries.

3. A method for controlling a cargo security system, the method comprising:

providing an electronic control unit capable of performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function;

measuring temperature and supply voltage at the electrical control unit; and

increasing a control pulse duration of the electrical control unit in response to low temperature or voltages.

4. A method as defined in claim 3, including the step of triggering an alarm condition in response to rapid temperature or voltage changes.

7. The method of claim 3, further comprising

providing a remote computer terminal that uses a unique serial protocol to communicate with the electronic control unit;

providing a program in the remote computer terminal to adjust at least one setting of the electronic control unit.

5. A method for controlling a cargo security system, the method comprising:

providing a security device latch;

providing an electronic control unit capable of performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function including controlling movement of the security device latch, and

providing one of a short reverse pulse and a high impedance to stop security device latch movement at a desired position.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

providing a remote computer terminal that uses a unique serial protocol to communicate with the electronic control unit;

providing a program in the remote computer terminal to adjust at least one setting of the electronic control unit.