Locking apparatus for shipping containers
US8058985B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/554
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A security system for freight containers comprises: a locking device configured to reliably attach to the container and prevent unauthorized opening of the container doors; an electromechanical locking mechanism; and a GPS receiver so that unlocking may be authorized when the container is at a selected location. The system may further include a device to sense conditions affecting the container; and, a communication system to transmit the output of the sensing device to a system administrator located remotely. The locking and sensing devices may be capable of two-way communication with the system administrator. The system may include a visual display on the exterior of the container capable of displaying selected messages. The messages may be preprogrammed or may be changed as the container moves from one geographic location to another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.