Security systems and methods for continuously monitoring the weight of a container

• US RE45,012 E1
• Filed: 10/09/2013
• Issued: 07/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MJK Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: MJK Holdings LLC
• Inventors: Jones, David H., Kunnel, Douglas A., Megdal, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): HOFSASS, JEFFERY A
• Application Number:
  US14/050,051
• Time in Patent Office: 279 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/539.1, 340/666, 235/385, 177136-139, 705/414
• US Class Current: 340/666
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Claims

1. A weight monitoring system, comprising:

a container having an identification tag provided on a surface of the container;

a support device for receiving the container;

a weight monitoring system including a plurality of load sensors coupled to the support device, the plurality of load sensors continuously monitoring any weight variance of the total weight of the container;

a security system for monitoring the container; and

a computer system in communication with the weight monitoring system, the computer system being located remotely from the weight monitoring system, and if any weight variance of the container is detected, the computer system provides a response.

2. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising an accounting system for generating invoices once the container is removed from the support device.

3. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising an asset realization system for booking assets based on a value of a material loaded into the container.

4. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a tracking system for monitoring a current location of the container.

5. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the container includes a bottom surface and at least one side wall to define a space for receiving a material.

6. The weight monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the container further includes a top.

7. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the identification tag is a radiofrequency identification tag.

8. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the identification tag includes a bar code, color code, or numerical code.

9. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the identification tag includes a tare weight of the secured container.

10. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the support device is a platform, one or more rails, tray, or any combination thereof.

11. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the support device further comprises a locking device for securing the container to the support device.

12. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the security system includes one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, a card access system, a personal identification number system, a challenge and response system, or any combination thereof.

13. The weight monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a data transmission system providing a communication link between the security system and the weight monitoring system.