Arrangement and Method for Monitoring Shipping Containers

• US 20090143923A1
• Filed: 10/28/2008
• Published: 06/04/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David S. Breed
• Original Assignee: David S. Breed
• Inventors: Breed, David S.
• Application Number:
  US12/259,800
• Publication Number:
  US 20090143923A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/52 Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/59 inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/194 References adjustable by an adaptive method, e.g. learning
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/063 using wireless information transmission between the vehicle and a fixed station identification of vehicles G08G
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0092 for cargo, freight or shipping containers and applications therefore in general
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/63 Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 3/00 Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/205 Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental

Abstract

Arrangement for monitoring the weight of a shipping container includes a strain gage-based sensor system arranged to obtain information about the weight of a container and comprising one or more strain gage weight sensors for measuring weight at a mounting location, a wireless communication system arranged to receive the weight measured by the weight sensors and process the received weight into an indication of the weight of the shipping container or the weight of contents therein, and a wireless interrogator controlled by a processor to initiate a transmission of the weight measured by the weight sensors to the communication system.

Claims

1. An arrangement for monitoring the weight of a shipping container, comprising:

a strain gage-based sensor system arranged to obtain information about the weight of a container and comprising one or more strain gage weight sensors for measuring weight at a mounting location;

a wireless communication system arranged to receive the weight measured by said weight sensors and process the received weight into an indication of the weight of the shipping container or the weight of contents therein; and

a wireless interrogator controlled by a processor to initiate a transmission of the weight measured by said weight sensors to said communication system.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting the weight information to a remote facility.

3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is associated with a trailer chassis, said weight sensors being mounted on the trailer chassis.

4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is associated with a railroad chassis, said weight sensors being mounted on the railroad chassis.

5. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is associated with a support structure, said weight sensors being mounted on the support structure.

6. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is associated with a floor support structure, said weight sensors being mounted on the floor support structure.

7. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a display visible to an occupant of a compartment of the vehicle, and a processor arranged to direct said display to display the weight measured by said weight sensors.

8. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a wake-up sensor arranged to detect an action which warrants measurement of the weight of the shipping container and direct said interrogator to initiate a weight measurement.

9. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a time sensor for detecting a predetermined lapse of time and direct said interrogator to initiate a weight measurement.

10. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a processor arranged to receive the weight measured by said weight sensors and detect a change in weight of the shipping container.

11. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a processor coupled to said interrogator for initiating said interrogator and receiving the weight measured by said weight sensors.

12. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a processor for monitoring the weight distribution.