Container monitoring system

• US 7,911,336 B1
• Filed: 02/17/2010
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gregory J. Hummer
• Original Assignee: Gregory J. Hummer
• Inventors: Hummer, Gregory J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Hung T.
• Application Number:
  US12/707,062
• Time in Patent Office: 398 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.13, 340/539.1, 340/539.17, 340/539.26, 340/541, 340/426.19, 340/825.49, 340/825.69, 340/531, 340/540, 340/568.1, 340/686.1, 235/380, 235/384
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/012 using recorded signals, e.g. speech G08B25/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence

Abstract

A detection system for an enclosed container includes many nanosensors for detecting materials harmful to human beings within an enclosed container and transmitting a corresponding resonance frequency. The nanosensors are carried on or within walls of the container, e.g., embedded in a coating. At least one detection device detects a condition of the nanosensors and outputs a signal responsive thereto, which can be received by a monitoring system external to the container. Containers which have harmful materials within them can be inspected or stopped before entering the country.

Claims

1. A detection system for an enclosed container, comprising:

many nanosensors for detecting materials harmful to human beings within an enclosed container and transmitting a corresponding resonance frequency; and

at least one detection device which detects a condition of the nanosensors and outputs a signal responsive thereto.

2. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the nanosensors are embedded in one or more walls of the container.

3. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the nanosensors are embedded in a coating forming an inner surface of walls of the container.

4. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises a strip which supports at least one of:

a sensor which detects the transmitted resonant frequencies; and

a transmitter which transmits signals in response to the detected transmitted resonant frequencies.

5. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device includes an encrypted serial numbered (ESN) computer chip which stores and transmits information about an encrypted serial number that is specific to the one or more particular detection devices.

6. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device includes a global positioning system computer chip for identifying at least one of origin and travel of the detection device and container to which the detection device is attached.

7. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device includes a power source.

8. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device is calibrated to produce and transmit a distinct resonant frequency which is independent of any other frequencies transmitted by the detection device.

9. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the detection device includes at least one metal stud embedded in a sticky side of the strip for contacting walls of the container to facilitate and improve transmission of resonant frequencies from the detection device inside a container.

10. The detection system of claim 1, wherein the nanosensors are designed to detect one or more harmful materials selected from the group consisting of harmful explosives, chemicals, biological materials, radioactive materials, and illegal drugs.

11. The detection system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the nanosensors are designed to detect heat.

12. The detection system of claim 1 in combination with a monitoring device for receiving signals from the detection device and translating such frequencies into digital readouts on the monitoring device and/or transmitting information about the containers based on the signals to a computer device or printer at a remote location.

13. The detection system of claim 12, wherein the monitoring device is stationary and remote from a container inside which a detection device is located.

14. The detection device of claim 12, wherein the monitoring device includes a hand held device which is outside a container in which a detection strip is located.

15. In combination, the detection system of claim 12 and an enclosed container to be monitored for said harmful materials.

16. In combination, the detection system of claim 1 and an enclosed container to be monitored for said harmful materials.

17. The detection system of claim 16, wherein the container is a cargo container in which foreign products and foodstuffs are shipped into the United States of America.

18. The detection system of claim 17, wherein at least one detection device and multiplicity of embedded nanosensors are used in every cargo container entering the United States.

19. In combination:

a) a cargo container in which any suitable cargo is placed for transport from one place to another place;

b) a detection system disposed in the container for detecting tampering with the container, the detection system including numerous nanosensors which are designed to transmit a predetermined frequency;

c) means of storing and transmitting information about the condition of the nanosensors and optionally a serial number specific to the detection system using an ESN computer chip; and

d) a power source for operating the detection system.

20. The combination of claim 19, further comprising a global positioning computer chip for identifying at least one of origin and travel of the container.

21. The combination of claim 19, further comprising means outside the container for receiving resonant frequencies transmitted from inside the container or signals generated by the detection system in response thereto.

22. A method for detecting harmful materials using hardware devices comprising:

embedding nanosensors in walls of an enclosed container or in a coating applied to the container walls; and

monitoring signals output by the nanosensors with a monitoring device external to the container.