Electrical connector configured as a fastening element
First Claim
1. A connector for rendering a carton tamper evident, the connector electrically connected to a conductive skin having conductive paths disposed about the perimeter of the carton, the connector-comprising:
- a first connector element electrically connected to the conductive paths and a second connector element electrically connected to the conductive paths,wherein a circuit loop of the conductive paths is closed by mating the first and second elements, and wherein the resistance of the conductive paths is altered by intrusive tampering of the carton; and
a detection circuit disposed in at least one of the first or second elements configured to detect an alteration of resistance of the conductive skin.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A carton-centric security system that uniquely combines a low-cost version of the rugged connector technology and a novel smart skin is provided. The carton-centric security system includes RF electronics for communication. The system can fully meet the homeland security need to autonomously seal, secure, and monitor the integrity of shipping cartons/parcels below the ISO intermodal shipping container level. The system can seal the contents of a shipping carton within a “smart skin/wrapper,” which physically surrounds the contents, monitors the physical integrity of the shipping carton and detects any intrusion into the carton. In case of an intrusion, the system provides notification of the intrusion of the carton or tampering with the carton security system, including alteration of the carton contents, theft or unauthorized removal of the entire carton.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A connector for rendering a carton tamper evident, the connector electrically connected to a conductive skin having conductive paths disposed about the perimeter of the carton, the connector-comprising:
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a first connector element electrically connected to the conductive paths and a second connector element electrically connected to the conductive paths, wherein a circuit loop of the conductive paths is closed by mating the first and second elements, and wherein the resistance of the conductive paths is altered by intrusive tampering of the carton; and a detection circuit disposed in at least one of the first or second elements configured to detect an alteration of resistance of the conductive skin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16)
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5. A connector affixed to a carton for use in indicating intrusive tampering of the carton;
- the connector comprising;
a pair of matable connector elements configured to be connected to a conductive skin having conductive paths disposed about the perimeter of the carton, wherein a circuit loop of the conductive paths is closed by mating the matable connector elements; and a detection circuit disposed in the matable connector elements configured to detect an alteration of resistance of the conductive skin. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19)
- the connector comprising;
Specification