Electronic security bonding device
First Claim
1. A bonding device for providing a seal and allowing remote electronic monitoring of the seal, comprising:
- sealing means for affixing said device to an item to be bonded, in a manner such that tampering with the item will disturb the sealing means, said sealing means comprising line means providing a circuit having first and second end terminals, said circuit exhibiting a detectible circuit characteristic;
sensing means connectible to the first and second end terminals, said sensing means producing a signal indicating a disconnection of the sensing means from the first and second end terminals, and a change in said detectible circuit characteristic, indicating tampering with said sealing means;
communicating means for transmitting said signal to a location remote from said bonding device; and
a seal body engageable with said sealing means and supportable thereby, said seal body housing said sensing means and communicating means as a unit.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic bonding device provides a seal for containers and equipment and allows the status of the seal to be remotely monitored. The device has a seal body housing sensing means and communication means, and sealing means for affixing the device to an item to be bonded. The sealing means comprises a line providing, between terminal end portions, a circuit having a detectible characteristic. In one embodiment, the circuit is an optical fiber light transmission circuit. Alternatively, the circuit may be an electrical circuit. A change in the circuit characteristic, e.g., a break in the continuity (optical or electrical), is sensed by the sensor and transmitted to a remote location by a transmitter, to indicate that tampering with the item has occurred. The line is provided with a protective sheath. In one embodiment, the sheath is a relatively flexible adhesive tape strip. In other embodiments, the sheath is a relatively rigid or flexible shackle member.
196 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A bonding device for providing a seal and allowing remote electronic monitoring of the seal, comprising:
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sealing means for affixing said device to an item to be bonded, in a manner such that tampering with the item will disturb the sealing means, said sealing means comprising line means providing a circuit having first and second end terminals, said circuit exhibiting a detectible circuit characteristic; sensing means connectible to the first and second end terminals, said sensing means producing a signal indicating a disconnection of the sensing means from the first and second end terminals, and a change in said detectible circuit characteristic, indicating tampering with said sealing means; communicating means for transmitting said signal to a location remote from said bonding device; and a seal body engageable with said sealing means and supportable thereby, said seal body housing said sensing means and communicating means as a unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification