TERAHOP NETWORKS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100231381 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 09-16-2010 |
20100219939 | SCREENING TRANSMISSIONS FOR POWER LEVEL AND OBJECT IDENTIFIER IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219938 | SCREENING TRANSMISSIONS FOR POWER LEVEL AND OBJECT IDENTIFIER IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver. | 09-02-2010 |
20100214074 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 08-26-2010 |
20100141449 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141401 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 06-10-2010 |
20100130267 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-27-2010 |
20100121862 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-13-2010 |
20100067420 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 03-18-2010 |
20100013635 | LOCKING SYSTEM FOR SHIPPING CONTAINER INCLUDING BOLT SEAL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH ARMS FOR RECEIVING BOLT SEAL - An electronic locking device secures a shipping container and includes a housing, two arms, a sensing circuit, and electronics. The pair of arms extend from the housing and couple to the hasp. The arms transition between locked and unlocked configurations relative to the hasp, with one or both of the arms pivoting relative to the other. A bolt seal locks the arms in the locked configuration. The sensing circuit, which includes sensing contacts, is in a “closed” state or “open” state depending on whether the arms are in the locked or unlocked configuration. The electronics record and report the state of the sensing circuit, thereby indicating whether the arms are locked or unlocked. | 01-21-2010 |
20100007470 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 01-14-2010 |
20090322510 | SECURING, MONITORING AND TRACKING SHIPPING CONTAINERS - A method of securing a container includes inserting, into a seal device at a container, an electronic bolt; reading, by the seal device, a serial number stored in the electronic bolt; communicating, from the seal device, to a user application, insertion of the bolt; scanning, by the user via a handheld device, a barcode on the seal device representative of an identification of the seal device; communicating, from the handheld device to the user application, the identification of the seal device; inputting, by a user at the container via the handheld device, information associated with the container; communicating, from the handheld device to the user application, the information associated with the container; associating, in a database by the user application, the information associated with the container with the bolt serial number and the identification of the seal device; communicating, by the user application, a confirmation to the seal device. | 12-31-2009 |
20090295564 | Container Tracking System - Shipping containers are networked for transferring data between the shipping containers. The shipping containers include sensors for detecting conditions associated with the shipping containers. The conditions sensed by any shipping container whether transported by rail or ship is transmitted from an ad hoc network, via a gateway configured for satellite or cellular communications for example, to a container-tracking application server or equivalent computer system. The computer system is remotely located to the shipping container for central compilation, analysis, and/or display of data regarding the shipping containers. | 12-03-2009 |
20090283320 | ALL WEATHER HOUSING ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - An all weather housing assembly for protection of electrical components includes a first housing having an open end and defining a first compartment for receipt therein of electronic components; a cover attached to the first housing for enclosing the first compartment, the cover further including a mounting structure for receiving and retaining a power source which structure is mounted on a side of the cover that is exterior to the enclosed first compartment; and a second housing having an open end and defining a second compartment that is dimensioned to cover and protect a power source when received and retained by the mounting structure of the cover, the second housing being connected to the first housing independent of the attachment of the cover to the first housing. | 11-19-2009 |
20090275338 | USING WAKE-UP RECEIVERS FOR SOFT HAND-OFF IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS - Multiple standards based radio (“SBR”) devices, each having a high-gain directional antenna, are utilized in a remote sensor interface (“RSI”) unit to optimize detection and reception by the RSI of radio signals from gateway controllers, hopping radios, and other wireless devices. | 11-05-2009 |
20090267770 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 10-29-2009 |
20090264079 | DETERMINING PRESENCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A RF data communication device operates in at least two states. In a first state, the device transmits a response to an RF transmission if specific data therein represents an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and if specific data therein corresponds to a class maintained by the device. The device does not transmit a response if specific data in the RF transmission is not representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices, or if specific data therein does not correspond to at least one maintained class. In a second state, the device does not transmit a response when specific data is included therein that is representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and specific data therein corresponds to at least one maintained class. | 10-22-2009 |
20090252060 | DETERMINING PRESENCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A RF data communication device operates in at least two states. In a first state, the device transmits a response to an RF transmission if specific data therein represents an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and if specific data therein corresponds to a class maintained by the device. The device does not transmit a response if specific data in the RF transmission is not representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices, or if specific data therein does not correspond to at least one maintained class. In a second state, the device does not transmit a response when specific data is included therein that is representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and specific data therein corresponds to at least one maintained class. | 10-08-2009 |
20090243924 | OPERATING GPS RECEIVERS IN GPS-ADVERSE ENVIRONMENT - A system for operating a GPS receiver in a GPS-adverse environment includes a plurality of GPS receivers, a plurality of remote sensor interfaces (RSIs), and a computer management system. The GPS receivers are adapted to determine positional parameters based on the GPS satellite signals. A first set of GPS receivers is able to accurately determine its positional parameters and a second set of GPS receivers is unable to do so. Each RSI is associated with a respective GPS receiver. The RSIs are communication nodes in an ad hoc wireless network. The computer management system identifies a GPS receiver that is not accurately determining its positional parameters, and in response, causes GPS information to be provided from one of the first set of GPS receivers to the identified GPS receiver. The identified GPS receiver then determines its positional parameters accurately using the provided GPS information. | 10-01-2009 |
20090237216 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 09-24-2009 |
20090215407 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 08-27-2009 |
20090181625 | LPRF DEVICE WAKE UP USING WIRELESS TAG - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 07-16-2009 |
20090181623 | LOGICALLY DISTINCT WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORKS SHARING GATEWAY FOR COMMUNICATING WITH EXTERNAL NETWORKS - An arrangement of logically distinct wireless data communication networks share a gateway for communicating with external networks. Each logically distinct network preferably is a class-based network, the nodes of which include a wireless two-way radio frequency data communication device. Each device filter wireless communications received by it for an identification within the communication of its class designation, or for a class, abstract class, or subclass corresponding to its class designation; and process the communication if found and do not process the communication if not found. The gateway wirelessly communicates with each logically distinct network by including the respective class designation for the network with which the communications are desired. The other class based networks do not process messages that are communicated to the desired class-based network, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption by the wireless devices. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179437 | Bold-type seal lock having locking body pivotably connected to mounting component for attachment to shipping container door - The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into an open end of a passageway of the locking body; and a component connected to the locking body such that the component and locking body are rotatable relative to each other, the component configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, whereby the locking body does not freely swing on the distal portion of the shaft of the bold during movement of the shipping container. | 07-16-2009 |
20090161642 | AUTOMATIC AND DYNAMIC CHANGING OF CLASS IN CLASS-BASED NETWORKS - A wireless radio frequency data communication device includes memory in which is stored a common designation; a radio frequency transmitter component and receiver component for wirelessly sending and receiving data packets; and electronics for processing data. The device is configured to filter a wireless communication received by it for an identification of its common designation within the communication, and process the communication if an identification of its common designation is found therein, and not process the communication if an identification of its common designation is not found therein. The device includes a profile stored in its memory and is configured to automatically and dynamically change its common designation in accordance with its profile. The profile may include a plurality of common designations, which may be conditional. The foregoing common designations may be class designations for use in class-based asset tracking systems. The device may include an interface for sensor-acquired data. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161589 | WAKE-UP IN CLASS-BASED NETWORKING - A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver. | 06-25-2009 |
20090146437 | Reusable locking body, of bolt-type seal lock, having open-ended passageway - The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; and a locking body having a passageway therethrough with first and second open ends on opposite sides of the locking body. The locking body is configured to receive and retain the shaft in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the first open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the first open end of the passageway and to permit passage of the distal portion of the shaft through and out of the second open end of the passageway after separation of the head and the distal portion of the shaft. | 06-11-2009 |
20090140915 | NETWORK AIDED TERRESTRIAL TRIANGULATION USING STARS (NATTS) - A method for determining a terrestrial location of an apparatus that is deployed in a generally known geographical region includes capturing, by the apparatus, an earthbound image of the sky from a terrestrial location at an identified time; communicating, by the apparatus, data representative of the captured earthbound image of the sky; and determining the terrestrial location of the apparatus based on the data communicated by the apparatus by comparing the captured earthbound image of the sky to a master mapping of the sky relative to the surface of the Earth. | 06-04-2009 |
20090135000 | AUTOMATIC AND DYNAMIC CHANGING OF CLASS IN CLASS-BASED ASSET TRACKING AND MONITORING SYSTEMS - A class-based asset tracking or monitoring system includes wireless radio frequency data communication devices, each including memory in which is stored a common designation; a radio frequency transmitter component and receiver component for wirelessly sending and receiving data packets; and electronics for processing data. Each device is configured to filter a wireless communication received by it for an identification of its common designation within the communication, and process the communication if an identification of its common designation is found therein. The device includes a profile stored in its memory and is configured to automatically and dynamically change its common designation in accordance with its profile. The profile may include a plurality of common designations, which may be conditional. The foregoing common designations may be class designations for use in class-based asset tracking systems. The device may include an interface for sensor-acquired data. | 05-28-2009 |
20090129306 | WAKE-UP BROADCAST INCLUDING NETWORK INFORMATION IN COMMON DESIGNATION AD HOC WIRELESS NETWORKING - A data communication device includes both a two-way communications component having a first receiver and transmitter, and a second receiver. The second receiver activates the two-way communications component from a dormant state upon receipt by the second receiver of a wake-up broadcast that includes a wake-up identifier of the data communication device. A method of providing information via the second receiver—which information is auxiliary to the wake-up of the two-way communications component—includes transmitting a wake-up broadcast capable of being received by the second receiver. The wake-up broadcast includes a data construct including a wake-up identifier and the auxiliary information. The wake-up identifier may or may not be a wake-up identifier of the data communication device. Nevertheless, the auxiliary information is received and recorded by the data communication device via the second receiver with the two-way communications component remaining in the dormant state. | 05-21-2009 |
20090127873 | BOLT-TYPE SEAL LOCK HAVING SEPARATE HOUSING, CONNECTED TO LOCKING BODY, WITH ELECTRONICS FOR DETECTING AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATING CUTTING OF BOLT - The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip containing a unique serial number of the bolt; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and movable relative to, the locking body, having electronics and a power source therein. The electronics and the housing are configured to read the unique serial number of the bolt from the microchip. | 05-21-2009 |
20090126424 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM INCLUDING RF DOOR ALARM MODULE - The system described here is a shipping container security system which includes an RF data communications device; and an RF device mounted on an interior surface of a door of the shipping container and configured to form a short-range communications link with the radio communication component inside the shipping container via the antenna mounted on the exterior of the shipping container when the RF device and the radio communication component are within radio communications range. The RF device is mounted on the interior surface of the door such that, the RF device and the radio communication component are within radio communications range when the door is closed, and the RF device and the radio communication component are outside of radio communications range when the door is opened, whereby the opening and closing of the door of the shipping container is determinable. | 05-21-2009 |
20090124304 | WIRELESS READER TAGS (WRTs) WITH SENSOR COMPONENTS IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124303 | WIRELESS READER TAGS (WRTs) WITH SENSOR COMPONENTS IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-14-2009 |
20090124302 | WIRELESS READER TAGS (WRTs) WITH SENSOR COMPONENTS IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122737 | MESH NETWORK CONTROL USING COMMON DESIGNATION WAKE-UP - Each of a plurality of network nodes in an ad hoc mesh network utilizes a data communication device that includes a two-way communications component, comprising a first receiver and transmitter, and a second receiver. The second receiver activates the communications component from a dormant state when it receives a broadcast including a wake-up identifier of the communication device. A method of activating and deactivating a mesh network includes, first, transmitting a broadcast that includes a wake-up identifier such that each second receiver of each communication device identified by the wake-up identifier, upon receipt, activates the communications component of the communication device, which then engages in mesh networking communications, and, second, transmitting a second broadcast including a second identifier such that the communications component of each communication device identified by the second identifier, upon receipt, will cease its mesh networking communications and will return to the dormant state. | 05-14-2009 |
20090121841 | SCREENING TRANSMISSIONS FOR POWER LEVEL AND OBJECT IDENTIFIER IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A method for communicating to a recipient transceiver from a plurality of transceivers located within the broadcast range of the recipient transceiver includes: transmitting a communication at a first power level such that only a first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, the communication including a command causing each of the first group of transceivers not to respond to a subsequent broadcast; and subsequent thereto, transmitting a communication at a second power level greater than the first power level such that a second group of transceivers greater than and including the first group of transceivers receive the broadcast, but such that only a limited number of transceivers of the second group respond to the broadcast, the limited number of transceivers excluding the first group of transceivers. Each of the plurality of transceivers is associated with a respective sensor for acquiring data and transmitting the data to the recipient transceiver. | 05-14-2009 |
20090117950 | WIRELESS READER TAGS (WRTs) WITH SENSOR COMPONENTS IN ASSET MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS - A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115202 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM - The system described here is a shipping container security system including a bolt-type seal lock module located on an exterior surface of a door of a shipping container; and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container. The bolt-type seal lock module and the sensor module are configured to wirelessly communicate data therebetween. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115201 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM - The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions and a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft; a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway; and a housing connected to, and rotatable relative to, the locking body, configured to be removably mounted to a door of a shipping container, thereby preventing swinging motion of the locking body. The housing contains electronics, including memory, a wireless communication component, and a power source. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115200 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM - The system described here is a bolt-type seal lock which includes a bolt, having a shaft with proximal and distal portions, a head that is wider than the distal portion of the shaft and located at the proximal portion of the shaft, and a microchip that electronically contains a unique serial number of the bolt; and a locking body having a passageway with an open end for receiving and retaining the distal portion of the shaft of the bolt in locking engagement after the shaft has been inserted a predetermined extent into the open end of the passageway, at which point the shaft cannot be withdrawn from the open end of the passageway. The locking body contains electronics, including memory for storing data, wireless communications equipment, and a power source, configured to read and store the serial number form the microchip after the locking engagement. | 05-07-2009 |
20090108597 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM - The system described here is a system for monitoring security of shipping containers, which includes: a plurality of shipping containers, each having a bolt-type seal lock module, and a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container, configured to wirelessly communicate data over an external network; and a centralized computer database configured to receive data over the network that is external to the shipping containers from the plurality of shipping containers, by which data the security of the shipping containers is monitored. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108596 | SHIPPING CONTAINER SECURITY SYSTEM - The method described here is for securing a shipping container for transport, and includes the steps of: providing a shipping container having a bolt-type seal lock module, a sensor module mounted to an interior surface of the shipping container configured to wirelessly communicate data to the bolt-type seal lock module, and an RF device mounted on an inside surface of a door of the shipping container; providing a bolt; associating the sensor module with the RF device such that the RF device is specifically coded with a sensor module to deter spoofing the short-range communication link formed between the RF device and the sensor module; associating the sensor module with the bolt-type seal lock such that the bolt-type seal lock is specifically coded with the sensor module to deter spoofing communications between the bolt-type seal lock and the sensor module; and sealing the shipping container. | 04-30-2009 |
20090104902 | CLASS-SWITCHING IN CLASS-BASED DATA COMMUNCATIONS NETWORK - In a wireless class-based data communications network, a class-switching method includes configuring a wireless two-way RF data communication device, of a wireless class-based data communications network, to adopt a different class designation of another wireless two-way RF data communication device of a proximate wireless class-based data communications network such that the particular wireless two-way RF data communication device joins the proximate wireless class-based data communications network. Another class-switching method includes communicating a command to a wireless two-way RF data communication device of a wireless class-based data communications network to change its class designation to that of another wireless two-way RF data communication device of a proximate wireless class-based data communications network such that the wireless two-way RF data communication device joins the proximate wireless class-based data communications network. | 04-23-2009 |
20090103462 | DETERMINING PRESENCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A RF data communication device operates in at least two states. In a first state, the device transmits a response to an RF transmission if specific data therein represents an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and if specific data therein corresponds to a class maintained by the device. The device does not transmit a response if specific data in the RF transmission is not representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices, or if specific data therein does not correspond to at least one maintained class. In a second state, the device does not transmit a response when specific data is included therein that is representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and specific data therein corresponds to at least one maintained class. | 04-23-2009 |
20090092082 | MAINTAINING INFORMATION FACILITATING DETERMINISTIC NETWORK ROUTING - In a wireless network that includes a plurality of nodes, a method of maintaining, by a first node, information regarding communications links between nodes in the wireless network includes: for each communications link that is established with another node, recording an identification of the other node; and for each message received by the first node from the other node through the communications link with the other node, recording a network pathway by which the message has been sent in the wireless network, the network pathway identifying the nodes and the communications links therebetween by which the message has been sent. Another method includes recording, by a server, for each message that is received by the server from the wireless network, a network pathway by which the message has been sent, the network pathway identifying the nodes and the communications links therebetween by which the message has been sent. | 04-09-2009 |
20090026773 | BOLT-TYPE SEAL WITH USB INTERFACE FOR USE WITH SHIPPING CONTAINERS - A bolt-type seal lock for use with shipping containers includes a bolt and a separate locking body. The locking body holds a locking mechanism that engages with an end of the bolt when it is inserted into the locking body. The locking body houses a flash memory or equivalent electronic storage device that stores shipping or transportation data relating to the contents of the shipping container. The seal also has a locking mechanism that can be released by a special tool through a lateral access opening. The lateral opening is covered by an identification tab that serves as an identification mechanism for indicating seal tampering and as a barrier to access to the locking mechanism. The identification tab is replaceable which makes the seal recyclable and reusable by shipping companies having a need for large numbers of bolt-type seal locks. | 01-29-2009 |
20090016308 | Antenna in cargo container monitoring and security system - An antenna system for a container monitoring system includes: a short range wireless communications device associated with each container, each short range wireless communications device including a transmitter element and a complementary receiver element; at least one long range communications device communications device associated with each container; a global positioning or GPS element; and an antenna system which is integrated into the construction of each container wall, door, or roof. | 01-15-2009 |
20080303897 | VISUALLY CAPTURING AND MONITORING CONTENTS AND EVENTS OF CARGO CONTAINER - A system for visually capturing and monitoring the contents and events surrounding a cargo container is provided. The system includes a camera such as a digital camera or still camera. | 12-11-2008 |
20080212544 | Method in a wireless sensor reader for obtaining sensor data from a radio frequency addressable sensor - A method in a wireless sensor reader for obtaining sensor data from one or more radio frequency (RF) addressable sensors includes transmitting signals to the one or more RF addressable sensors wherein the signals initialize the one or more RF addressable sensors; interrogating the one or more RF addressable sensors to isolate an individual RF addressable sensor; receiving sensor data from the isolated RF addressable sensor, wherein the received sensor data includes sensor identification information; communicating sensor identification information to a processor external to the wireless sensor reader; receiving sensor data processing information; and processing the sensor data based on the received processing information. At least the transmitting step includes common designation network communications. The wireless sensor reader is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal. | 09-04-2008 |