Weight monitoring system for scrap and recycled materials

• US 8,194,129 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2007
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MJK Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: MJK Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Jones, David H., Kunnel, Douglas A., Megdal, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hussain, Imad
• Application Number:
  US11/948,821
• Publication Number:
  US 20090201369A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,649 Days
• Field of Search: 348/143
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

A scrap metal recycling monitoring system, wherein a container, identified and of a known tare weight is associated with a scale while scrap metal is placed therein. The scale continuously monitors the weight of the container, and can be polled, or automatically produces an auditable data stream revealing the change in weight of the container over time as it is associated with the scale. A camera records the container while it is on the scale and also produces auditable image data. As containers near capacity, a notice is automatically generated to coordinate dispatch activities of persons transporting containers.

Claims

1. A scrap metal, recycling, and waste monitoring system, comprising:

a. at least one containing means of a known weight when empty;

b. at least one weighing means designed to accommodate the at least one containing means;

c. at least one data transmission means connected to the at least one weighing means for transmitting data generated by the weighing means to a remote location, wherein data is transmitted continuously to enable constant monitoring of individual or multiple containing means, including monitoring a predetermined quantitative change in the weight of a containing means, and wherein the weighing means is capable of locking a containing means to prevent access to, including removal of the containing means.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a personalized security means, including a key or card, releases the locks of the at least one weighing means, and a data transmission means transmits a record of the event.

3. A scrap metal, recycling, and waste monitoring system, comprising:

a. at least one containing means of a known weight when empty;

b. at least one weighing means designed to accommodate the at least one containing means;

c. at least one data transmission means connected to the at least one weighing means for transmitting data generated by the weighing means to a remote location, wherein data is transmitted continuously to enable constant monitoring of individual or multiple containing means, including monitoring a predetermined quantitative change in the weight of a containing means, and wherein a recording means records an image, including a moving image, of the at least one containing means any time the means is accessed including any time the weighing means detects a weight change.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein recordings captured by the system are transmitted to designated parties, including to the company generating the weighed material and the owner of the at least one containing means.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein a recording means transmits a continuous video image via a permanent data link of the at least one containing means.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein a recording means can be polled by the recipient of the video image of the at least one containing means, to permit a real-time view of the means at any time.

7. A scrap metal, recycling, and waste monitoring system, comprising:

a. at least one containing means of a known weight when empty;

b. at least one weighing means designed to accommodate the at least one containing means;

c. at least one data transmission means connected to the at least one weighing means for transmitting data generated by the weighing means to a remote location, wherein data is transmitted continuously to enable constant monitoring of individual or multiple containing means, including monitoring a predetermined quantitative change in the weight of a containing means, and wherein an invoice based on a predetermined pricing schedule is generated and delivered to the appropriate party when a predetermined weight change, including any weight change, is detected;

including when a container is removed or reduced to its tare weight.

8. A scrap metal, recycling, and waste monitoring system, comprising:

a. at least one containing means of a known weight when empty;

b. at least one weighing means designed to accommodate the at least one containing means;

c. at least one data transmission means connected to the at least one weighing means for transmitting data generated by the weighing means to a remote location, wherein data is transmitted continuously to enable constant monitoring of individual or multiple containing means, including monitoring a predetermined quantitative change in the weight of a containing means, and wherein the data is transmitted to the dispatch operations of a trucking company to coordinate the collection and delivery of at least one containing means.