Transportation security system and associated methods

• US 8,643,503 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2013
• Issued: 02/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kirsen Technologies, LLC
• Original Assignee: Kirsen Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: Mostov, Kirill
• Primary Examiner(s): HUNNINGS, TRAVIS R
• Application Number:
  US13/767,736
• Publication Number:
  US 20130154829A1
• Time in Patent Office: 355 Days
• Field of Search: 340/693.5, 340/539.1, 340/539.13
• US Class Current: 340/693.5
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/02 Mechanical actuation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/22 Electrical actuation
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0269 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the exact location of child or item using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence

Abstract

A security system for monitoring a shipping container being transported on a cargo transport vehicle and methods for making and using same. A mounting device removably couples a container security device (CSD) to the cargo container. Monitoring cargo inside the container and detecting vehicle intrusions and container damage, the CSD includes an anti-tamper sensor, a microcontroller, a communication device, and a plurality of accelerometers and strain gages. The microcontroller generates an alarm signal based on output data from the anti-tamper sensor and records container events. The anti-temper sensor undergoes individual and integrated sensor processing procedures; whereas, the integrated sensor processing procedure determines a container alert status. The accelerometers and strain gages define a moment of inertia of the cargo container. Communicating with a telecommunications network, a network operations center of the security system receives data from the CSD for storage and creating an archive of the container events.

Claims

1. A mounting device for coupling a container security device to a cargo container, comprising:

a U-shaped bracket having a first lateral side coupled with the container security device, a second lateral side, and a central side disposed between the first and second lateral sides, said U-shaped bracket configured for coupling with a door of the cargo container; and

a spring member having a first end region coupled with an interior surface of said U-shaped bracket and a second end region for automatically activating the container security device when the door of the cargo container is closed.

2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein said first lateral side is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the cargo container door.

3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the second end region of said spring member includes a magnet for engaging a magnetically-operated switch of the container security device.

4. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein said central side defines an opening, and wherein said spring member is partially exposed through the opening.

5. The mounting device of claim 4, wherein said spring member is compressed when the partially-exposed portion of said spring member engages with a surface of the cargo container.

6. A method for monitoring at least one cargo container, comprising:

enabling a mounting device for coupling a container security device to a cargo container, the mounting device comprising;

a U-shaped bracket having a first lateral side coupled with the container security device, a second lateral side, and a central side disposed between the first and second lateral sides, said U-shaped bracket configured for coupling with a door of the cargo container; and

a spring member having a first end region coupled with an interior surface of said U-shaped bracket and a second end region for automatically activating the container security device when the door of the cargo container is closed.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first lateral side is disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the cargo container door.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the second end region of said spring member includes a magnet for engaging a magnetically-operated switch of the container security device.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said central side defines an opening, and wherein said spring member is partially exposed through the opening.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said spring member is compressed when the partially-exposed portion of said spring member engages with a surface of the cargo container.