System and method for locking a carrier/container for tracking, controlling access, and providing delivery confirmation
US9592969B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G51/44
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for tracking/controlling access to transported articles, includes a computing module in signal communication with sending and receiving stations. A first input device at the sending station receives identifying information identifying a carrier (“carrier ID”) and an item (“item ID”) placed within the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the item ID are transmitted to the computing module. A second input device at the receiving station receives the carrier ID for a carrier received at the receiving station and identifying information for an individual (“user ID”) at the receiving station provided access to the locked carrier. The carrier ID and the user ID are transmitted to the computing module, which unlocks the carrier and allows access to the item inside, and records the user ID of the individual provided access and the associated carrier ID and/or item ID to provide chain of custody information for the item.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.