Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2010/091412 PCT/US2010/023643
SHIPPING CONTAINER INTEGRITY DEVICE AND SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of security and more specifically
to the field of
signal-based container integrity.
BACKGROUND
The most prevalent use for intermodal containers is for the shipment of goods
throughout
the world. These goods are boxed and/or palletized and placed in the
container. The container
doors are closed, and locked via a latch. Usually a seal made of plastic or
metal is affixed to
show that the container is sealed. The container is then placed on a chassis,
and leaves the yard
to be transported to the final destination.
Upon arrival at another intermodal facility, the container often passes
through a portal
containing a line scan camera to collect the container number. Upon arriving
at a check-in kiosk,
a second camera attempts to zoom in to the seal on the container door. The
numbers are then
checked and verified against a waybill as a means to determine if the contents
of the container
are intact. In the instance where the numbers do not match, the truck driver
is queried as to
whether or not s/he is aware of any tampering with the container. In the
absence of facts to the
contrary, the assumption is that a person mistakenly in entered the waybill
number.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, theft of the
contents of
intermodal containers costs companies between $2,000,000,000 and
$10,000,000,000 per year.
This wide array of figures is due to reluctance on the part of the
transportation industry to fully
disclose the true and full costs. The primary reasons cited include fear of
higher insurance rates,
potential fodder for competitors, and the belief that theft is just the cost
of doing business.
The current process of check-in and check-out of an intermodal container may
entail a
remote visual inspection of the container seal via camera. On many occasions
the truck driver
must exit the truck, move to the rear of the container, and manually
manipulate the seal so that
the camera operator can read the serial number on the seal. At times, the
driver is required to
read the seal number out loud to the camera operator. The average check-
in/check-out time is
approximately two minutes.
Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in
U.S. Patent
Nos. 5,831,531; 6,069,563; 6,265,973; 6,747,558; 7,036,729; 7,239,238;
7,342,497; 7,348,886;
7,364,089; and 7,385,510; and U.S. Published Patent Applications No.
2004/0041705;
2004/0113782; and 2006/0202824. However, each one of these references suffers
from one or
more disadvantages. There is a need for a system capable of simplified remote
monitoring of
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containers, both stationary and in transit; inexpensive monitoring of
containers; and cross-
checking the integrity of container data.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to a remotely monitorable shipping container
system.
The remotely monitorable shipping container system includes a shipping
container, a radio
frequency identification device, and a central authority. The shipping
container includes vessels
designed for shipments of goods, particularly intermodal containers. The term
"shipping" is
meant to include all aspects of transport of one container from one geographic
location to
another and is not meant to relate solely to transport by ship or other water-
traversing vehicle.
The container is of the variety that accepts internal contents and includes a
holed latch for a lock
or other security device.
The radio frequency device is a transmission unit for placement within a
shipping
container latch or other actuating barrier. The radio frequency transmission
device includes a
reception block with a surface that supports - internally, sub-internally, or
facially - a chipset
and one or more antennas. An elongate mast assembly extends from the reception
block and
includes a differential width that increases with distance from the reception
block. At least one
of the antennas includes a separable portion that extends to a separable
portion of the mast
assembly. A preferred embodiment of the mast assembly includes a mast and mast
cap that fits
over a terminus of the mast. Separation of the mast assembly severs the
antenna and prevents
further signaled transmissions to or from the device through the severed
antenna.
Versions of the radio frequency device may further include one or more
secondary closed
loop antennae that communicate with the chipset. It is preferred that versions
of the device with
a secondary antenna also include a chipset with a secondary integrated
circuit. The secondary
antenna may have a signaled wave transmission character, e.g. frequency,
amplitude, magnitude,
distinct from the primary antenna; the secondary antenna frequency is
preferably of a wave
character that emissions travel a distance lower in magnitude than that of the
primary antenna.
The system may further include a transmission module adapted to write and read
data to
and from antennae located on the transmission device. Any number of
transmission modules
may be used of varying portability and various permissions to access
information within the
device chipset.
Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a system
capable of
simplified remote monitoring of containers, both stationary and in transit.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
inexpensive monitoring of containers.
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It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
cross-checking the integrity of container data.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
transmissions/reception of container data along substantial distances.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
data entry/reading upon/from one or more electronic media.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
destruction of signal transfer capability of at least one data transfer medium
upon tampering.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
use without a dedicated power source.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
use with a minimal power source.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
quick affixation and removal.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a system and device
capable of
use with data protection schemes, both inherent and interactively escalating.
These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive. Furthermore,
some features
may apply to certain versions of the invention, but not others. Other
features, aspects, and
advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art
when read in conjunction with the following description, and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a partial, perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mast cap of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a partial, perspective view of the mast assembly of the present
invention.
FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the mast assembly of the present
invention.
FIG. 13 is a partial, perspective view of the mast assembly of the present
invention.
FIG. 14 is a partial, perspective view of the mast assembly of the present
invention.
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FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention with a
cross-sectional
view of an embodiment of the mast cap.
FIG. 17 is a partially exposed view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the mast cap.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the mast.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring first to FIG. 1, a basic embodiment of the remotely monitorable
shipping
container system 400 is shown. The remotely monitorable shipping container
system 400
includes a shipping container 300, a radio frequency identification (RFID)
device 100, a
transmission module 200, and a central authority (not shown). The shipping
container 300
includes any object suited to accept products for internal transport. Examples
of shipping
containers for use with the present invention include intermodal containers,
rolling stock,
transport trailers, storage containers, boxes, and the like. The shipping
container 300 of the
present invention includes an actuating portion that discloses the interior of
the container 300 in
one position and prevents substantial access to the interior of the container
in a second position.
The actuating portion may include a top cover, door, movable sidewall, and the
like. A
protrusion, such as a latch 302, is positioned proximate to the actuating
portion of the shipping
container 300 and includes an aperture 304 to receive a security device, e.g.
a padlock. The
protrusion 302 is adapted to prevent body actuation in the event of placement
of a security device
within the protrusion aperture 304. The system 400 may use a single container
300 or multiple
containers 300.
The RFID device 100 is positioned in the protrusion aperture 304 of the
container 300.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the RFID device 100 includes a reception block 102 with
a reception
surface 112. Embodiments of the present invention may feature a substantially-
planar reception
surface 112. By substantially planar it is meant that the reception surface
112 is flat to a degree
that allows a primary antenna 104 to be positioned on the reception surface
112 for transmission
and acceptance of data signals. The data signals, i.e. signaled transmissions,
of the present
invention may include radio transmissions, electromagnetic transmissions, and
other broadcasts
capable of conveying information, power, or any combination of the two through
an open
medium. References within this disclosure to one variety of transmission
includes all other
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transmissions capable of use by the mentioned device or like device,
particularly references to
electromagnetic or radio signals. When one or more antennae are placed on the
reception
surface, the substantially planar reception surface 112 is appropriately sized
to create a large
angle of incidence to accept incoming signals; this planar nature is
particularly important as the
RFID device 100 is adapted to be used in conjunction with large metal
containers in the LF (e.g.,
frequencies less than 135 KHz complying with ISO/IEC 18000-2), HF (e.g., 13.56
MHz
complying with ISO/IEC 18000-3 , ISO/IEC 15693 & ISO/IEC 14443), UHF (e.g.,
433MHz
complying with ISO/IEC 18000-7 & 860 MHz to 960 MHz complying with ISO/IEC
18000-6),
VHF and Microwave (e.g., 2.45 GHz complying with ISO/IEC 18000-4) bands. A
preferred
transmission character includes transmissions of approximately of those in the
UHF spectrum
(e.g., UHF used in accordance with the ISO 18000-6C standard). The present
invention is not
limited by the wavelength or frequency character of its signaled
communications, and may
utilize LF, HF, UHF, Microwave, and other transmissions across the frequency
spectrum of
RFID. Examples of the spectrum may include but are not limited to the entire
range defined
within the ISO/IEC 18000 parameters for air interface communication: part 1
through part 7.
The shape of the reception block 102 can include any dimensions suitable to
achieve the
purposes of the present invention. A significant width is preferred for the
RFID device 100 such
that placement of the RFID device 100 within the container latch assembly hole
positions the
reception block 102 against a wall of the container in a manner that prevents
substantial axial
rotation of the RFID device 100. The width of the reception block 102 includes
dimensions that
prevent the RFID device from slipping through a latch assembly hole. Preferred
dimensions of
the reception block 104 permit the RFID device 100 to rest in a self-
supporting fashion about an
upper surface of a latch or other holed closing mechanism.
The reception block 102 may be constructed of any durable materials suitable
for the use
of the electronic equipment of the present invention. Wood is a preferred
construction material
in some embodiments; while other embodiments preferably utilize a thermoset
plastic suitable to
shield electronics from relatively adjacent metallic surfaces proximate to
which the present
invention may operate. The preferred dimensions of the reception block include
a 5.1 cm to
25.4cm height; a 5.1cm to 25.4cm width; and a 1.3cm to 1.9cm depth. The
dimensions of the
reception block 102 are preferably such that, when in contact with a
substantially planar
container sidewall, the RFID device 100 will exhibit minimal turning
characteristics. A
backwall 172 with a substantially planar surface or bearing suitably
positioned protrusions may
assist the present invention in maintaining a stable orientation in times of
substantially container
motion. The relatively narrow depth, when viewed in conjunction with the
width, allows
substantially static placement close to the container sidewall. By
substantially planar container
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sidewall, it is meant that the container sidewall presents a surface having
multiple planar
structural points that may include a flat sidewall, a sidewall with multiple
planar outcroppings, or
other surface offering two points that are generally planar and positioned
proximate to a bolt
hole. It is preferred that the reception block 102 prevents the RFID device
from axial rotations
greater than 180 degrees, and more preferably from rotations greater than 30
degrees.
The reception surface 112 includes preferred dimensions that allow the primary
antenna
104 to be positioned about the periphery thereof. The present invention
includes at least one
antenna, and may include a primary antenna 104 and a secondary antenna 114 as
FIG. 3 shows.
Antennae are preferably embedded within the reception block 102 or protected
by a signal
translucent coating. The coating may include any plastic or other protective
coating suitable to
allow the transmission of radio signals therethrough while protecting the
reception block and the
components thereon and therein. The primary antenna 104 includes a thin metal
strip affixed to
an adhesive backing or a fine gauged wire. The primary antenna 104 connects to
an RFID
chipset 106, which may include one or more integrated circuit chips, shown
here as a primary
integrated circuit chip 106 and a secondary integrated circuit chip 116. The
terms primary and
secondary are used purely for the purpose of identification and may not
necessarily be indicative
of one component's utility with respect to another. The primary antenna 104
preferably spans
the periphery of the reception surface or a cross-section plane of the
reception block and extends
along a mast assembly 108, shown as a mast 108a and a mast cap 108b. In
passive versions of
the RFID device 100, the primary antenna 100 is arranged both to collect power
from incoming
signals and also transmit an outbound signal powered according to induction
created by an
incoming signal. The structural interrelationship between the mast assembly
108 and the primary
antenna 104 creates a substantial security mechanism of the present invention.
Antennae of the present invention are configured to have a certain resonance
frequency,
so that the antenna receives new information through radio communication with
a signal module
(not shown) to store the information by integrated circuit chip or transmit
the information from
the integrated circuit chip to the signal module. The antenna of the present
invention may be
formed by any process known in the art, including chemical and ink insulating
film etching. In a
preferred version of the RFID device 100, the primary antenna 104 spans the
periphery of the
reception block 102 and extends longitudinally along opposing portions of the
mast 108a. The
primary antenna 104, upon reaching the terminus, i.e. the base, of the mast
108a meets thereon to
form a conductive loop. The ability of the primary antenna 104 to form a
closed loop allows a
dual-role as a power-generation unit and transmission/reception unit. The mast
108a connects to
the mast cap 108b in a manner that creates a one-way bond such that removal of
the mast cap
108b from the mast 108a destroys the integrity of the primary antenna 104
closed loop nature.
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Destruction of the closed loop hinders, or eliminates, the ability of the
primary antenna from
transmitting and receiving data signals; and in passive versions of the RFID
device 100, may
destroy the ability of the primary antenna of the RFID device 100 to generate
power through
signal reception. Attempts to cut, twist, or pry the mast cap 108b from the
mast 108a indicate
container tampering.
The primary antenna 104 connects to the chipset and preferably only to the
primary
integrated circuit chip 106. However, alternate versions of the RFID may
include advantageous
arrangements of multiple integrated circuit chips connected to a single
antenna, or multiple
antennae connected to multiple integrated circuit chips. In the RFID device
100 of FIG. 3, the
primary antenna 104 connects only to the primary integrated circuit chip 106,
and a secondary
antenna 114 connects only to a secondary integrated circuit chip 116.
Integrated circuit chips 106, 116 of the present invention are electrically
connected to
antennas 104, 114, so that the chip may be powered by energy produced due to
an
electromagnetic field induced according to well known principals of power-
induction from a
signal transmission to store, retrieve, and update information. RFID
integrated circuit chips 106,
116 electrically connected to a terminal of the antennas 104, 114 through an
anisotropic
conductive film or other suitable adherent.
The primary integrated circuit chip 106 is positioned on the reception block
102,
preferably on or embedded into the reception surface 112. Commercially
available integrated
circuit chips may be utilized with the present invention. It is preferred that
each reception block
102 include the primary integrated circuit chip 106 and the secondary
integrated circuit chip 116.
The primary integrated circuit chip 106 is used to provide an automatic
identification function
for the identity of the RFID device 100. The primary integrated circuit chip
includes information
suitable to allow identification of the device 100. In embodiments of the
present invention, this
information may include only that information necessary to return a Boolean
value correlating to
a response or non-response from the primary integrated circuit. Preferred
embodiments of the
present invention include additional information stored within the primary
integrated circuit,
such as an electronic security number, seal date, shipment method, shipment
origin, shipment
destination, shipment history, and the like. The primary integrated circuit
chip 106 further
provides radio frequency ("RF") data transmission/receipt, and provides data
storage for
additional verification information that may include specialized cryptographic
information. The
primary integrated circuit chip 106 includes an integrated circuit for storing
and processing
information, modulating and demodulating an RF signal, and other specialized
functions for RF
seal identification. It is preferred that the primary integrated circuit chip
106 and the primary
antenna 104 be configured for RF transmission/receipt in the Ultra High
Frequency (UHF)
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spectrum, which in combination with a peripherally positioned antenna about
the preferred
dimensions, allows for readings/transmissions of 10 meters and beyond.
Distances permitted by
transmission of the antennae of the present invention may be adjusted
according to the
specifications and advantages of integrated circuits and antennae existing at
the time of use.
The secondary integrated circuit chip 116 is preferably positioned on the
reception block
102 and on, or embedded, within the reception surface 112. The secondary
antenna 114 connects
to the secondary integrated circuit chip and is preferably positioned on the
reception block 102
and on or embedded within the reception surface 112 completely within the
inner perimeter of
the primary antenna 106. Commercially available integrated circuit chips may
be utilized as the
secondary integrated circuit chip 116.
The secondary integrated circuit chip 116 is used to provide an automatic
identification
function for the identity of the RFID device 100. It is further preferred that
the secondary
integrated circuit chip 116 include data, either written or inherent, that
cross-references data of
the primary integrated circuit chip 106. In some versions of the RFID device
100, the secondary
integrated circuit chip 116 may include only information present on the
primary integrated
circuit chip 106, only information that corresponds in an identifying manner
to information
present on the secondary integrated circuit chip 116, and most preferably
information that
includes electronic security number, seal date, shipment method, shipment
origin, shipment
destination, shipment history, and the like. Preferred embodiments of the
present invention
utilize the secondary integrated circuit chip, when present, as the principal
means of data storage
of the device. The secondary integrated circuit chip includes an electronic
security number
individual to the device that identifies the device from other like devices.
Embodiments of the
present invention may include a physical identifier 170 that includes a
physical reproduction of
the electronic security number. The preferred physical identifier 170 is laser
etched into the
exterior of the device, preferably onto the reception surface 112. The
physical identifier 170
may also include a physical reproduction of an electronic security number of
the primary
integrated circuit, which may be similar to the electronic security number of
the secondary
integrated circuit, either singly or in combination with the physical
reproduction of the electronic
security number of the physical reproduction of the secondary integrated
circuit electronic
security number. The electronic security number may be any sequence capable of
reproduction
into a numeric, alphabetical, alpha-numerical, or other like sequence.
The secondary integrated circuit chip 116 further provides ("RF") data
transmission/receipt, and provides data storage for additional verification
information that may
include specialized cryptographic information. The secondary integrated
circuit chip 116
includes an integrated circuit for storing and processing information,
modulating and
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demodulating an RF signal, and other specialized functions for RF seal
identification. As the
primary integrated circuit chip 106 on a non-function RFID device 100 will be
incapable of
providing information to a signal module, it is the function of the secondary
integrated circuit
chip 116 to provide identification information to the signal module to
ascertain data related to the
non-functional RFID device 100. The secondary integrated circuit chip 116, as
is it need not be
the primary means of identifying the shipping container in transit, may
include a secondary
antenna capable of low frequency transmissions. It is preferred that the
secondary integrated
circuit chip 116 and the secondary antenna 114 be configured for RF
transmission/receipt at
frequencies lower than that of the primary antenna 104, which in combination
with a centrally
positioned antenna, allows for readings/transmissions of less than a meter.
With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 1, in operation a user places the RFID
device shown
into a container bolt hole 304. In doing so, the user first places the mast
108a into the bolt hole
304 and then fastens the mast cap 108b upon the mast 108a. The mast cap 108a
may include any
number of mechanisms that grasp, straddle, or cling to the primary antenna 104
positioned on the
terminus of the mast 108a. The user may then use a signal module 200 having
data entry inputs
204 and a data display screen 202 to read and write information onto the
primary integrated
circuit 106 or the secondary integrated circuit 116. The signal module 200 may
work in
cooperation with the chipset and antennas of the RFID device 100 to remotely
power the RFID
device 100 such that a power source incorporated into the RFID would be
unnecessary.
Preferred signal modules of the present invention include the MOTOROLA SYMBOL
XR440
RFID Reader and MC9090-G RFID Gun Terminal and THINGMAGIC ASTRA 1000. The
signal module may communicate with the RFID device, the central authority, or
a second signal
module. The signal module acts as a short distance reader/write in relation to
the RFID device
and may act as a long distance information conduit to the central authority.
The central authority
includes any association, business, or party that intends to informationally
interact with the RFID
device in a manner other than a line-of-sight transaction, preferably through
the signal module
intermediary.
The RFID device 100 may include one or more power sources to power any portion
of
the RFID device 100. The RFID device 100 may include a power source that
powers all
functions of the RFID device 100, no power source and rely on the signal
reception for all
necessary functions, or a power source that only powers one or more of the
integrated circuit
chips but does not power signal through one or more of the antennae. An
additional application
for any power source of the present invention is to power data storage and
transmissions for
future data transfers. The signal module may include encryption and decryption
functions, and
preferably provides long-range transmissions to a central authority for the
RFID device 200.
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The RFID device 100 possesses the structural ability to withstand prolonged
transportation and remains inactive until read by another signal module 200 or
acted upon (e.g.
written upon) by another signal module 200. The signal modules 200 of the
present invention
may be stationary or portable. Dislocation of the mast cap 108b from the mast
108a severs the
primary antenna 104, but not the secondary antenna 114. Destruction of the
closed loop nature
of the primary antenna 104 prevents the primary antenna 114 from being read in
particular
embodiments, but as the location of the secondary antenna is substantially
distinct from the mast
108a, it is presumably unaffected - barring tampering actions unrelated to the
separation of the
mast 108a from the mast cap 108b. The signal module 200 may read the data of
the secondary
integrated circuit chip to ascertain data written thereon, which may include
data existing upon
the primary integrated circuit but rendered unavailable due to RFID device 100
tampering.
Placement of the mast cap 108b onto the mast 108a creates a secure connection
that may
only be removed in a fashion destructive to the closed loop nature of the
primary antenna 104.
Turning now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the mast assembly 108 includes the mast 108a
and mast cap
108b of the present invention. As FIG. 4 shows, the primary antenna 104 may
run longitudinally
down the length of the mast 108a to the terminus thereof and end in a pair of
primary antenna
projections 196. The antenna projections 196 may be received by primary
antenna slots 198 that
create a closed loop connection with an internal primary antenna bridge 144
portion within the
mast cap 108b. The primary antenna bridge 144 is a primary antenna portion
adapted to connect
with a portion of the initially open-ended primary antenna to form a closed
loop primary antenna
that is may then be permanently severed upon removal of the primary antenna
bridge from the
initially incomplete primary antenna portion. Initial separation of the
primary antenna 104 that
creates a closed loop only upon fixation of the mast cap 108b, and that then
permanently severs
the closed loop nature of the primary antenna 104 upon removal of the mast cap
108b is an
aspect of the present invention.
As FIG. 5 shows, the primary antenna 104 may be internally embedded within the
mast
108a, particularly in versions of the RFID device 100 that include threading
194 to attach to a
threaded mast cap 108b. All antennae and integrated circuits of the present
invention may be
placed on an exposed surface, on a sub-surface protected from the environment
merely by a layer
of protective material, or wholly internally within the device. Use of
"surface" in the present
disclosure relates to "surface" and "sub-surface." Placement upon the surface,
subsurface, or
encased within a substantially solid or substantially open interior
constitutes being supported by
a component. FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the RFID device 100 with an
initially separated
primary antenna 104 that creates a closed loop primary antenna upon affixation
of the mast cap
108b. The mast 108a terminus includes an incomplete primary antenna portion
that is adapted to
WO 2010/091412 PCT/US2010/023643
be completed by the primary antenna bridge 144 located upon an interior
surface portion of the
mast cap 108b.
As FIGS. 6-8 show, the mast assembly 108 may include any number of components
advantageous to achieve the benefits of the mast assembly 108. The pictured
RFID device 100
includes a mast 108a, mast cap 108b, impediment 108c, and grip 108d. As is
common to many
embodiments of the cap-and-mast versions of the mast assembly, the mast cap
108b fits upon the
terminus of the mast 108a. However, prior to affixation of the mast cap 108b
upon the mast
108a, an impediment 108c is positioned within a mast assembly groove 192. It
is preferred that
the impediment is permanently affixed therein, such as with an adhesive or
mechanical means.
The mast cap 108b includes a depressible grip 108d that sinks within the mast
cap 108b upon
initial contact with the impediment 108c as the mast cap 108b is placed upon
the terminus of the
mast 108a. As the impediment 108c is positioned further into the mast cap
108b, the depressible
grip 108d returns to its natural state of protrusion and locks the impediment
108c into place
between the grip 108d and the portion of the primary antenna 104 positioned on
the terminus of
the mast 108a.
As FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show, the mast assembly 108 of the RFID device 100 need
not
include multiple components or a distinct mast and mast cap. The RFID device
100 of FIGS. 9-
10 is separated not proximate to the mast assembly terminus, but proximate to
the reception
block 102. The reception surface 112 supports the primary antenna 104 arranged
in multiple
concentric bands. The mast assembly 108 includes a mast assembly groove 192
dimensioned to
both accept the dimensions of the reception block 102 and position a mast
assembly antenna
bridge 144 upon the incomplete portions of the primary antenna 104 upon the
reception surface
112. Unlike cap-and-mast versions of the RFID 100, forced separation of the
pictured RFID
device 100 occurs proximate to the reception block 102 whereby the mast
assembly 108 removes
the antenna bridge or destroys the antenna bridge positioning in a manner
adapted to destroy the
closed loop integrity of the primary antenna 104.
The RFID device 100 bearing a separation point proximate to the reception
block 102
must include a mast assembly of differential diameter. The use of the present
invention relies
upon the differential nature of the various components to achieve security
benefits. The
reception block 102 includes a width substantially greater than the width of
the mast assembly
108. The mast assembly 108 must include at least two distinct dimensions that
may be either
sharply differential, such as a cliff, uniformly differential, such a gentle
incline, or some
combination thereof. Mast-and-cap versions of the RFID device 100 may rely on
the likely
sharp width differentiations between the mast cap (not shown) and the mast
(not shown).
Versions of the RFID device 100 lacking a distinct mast and mast cap, may
include a gentle
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incline toward the terminus of the mast assembly 108, sharp incline toward the
terminus of the
mast assembly 108, or some combination thereof. As the mast assembly 108 lacks
a cap to
provide width differential, the mast assembly includes a mast assembly
protrusion 118 to provide
suitable width differential. The width differential is suitable when the
reception block width is
greater than a centrally-located width of the mast assembly, which in turn is
less than a distally-
located width of the mast assembly. Such a width distribution permits the RFID
device 100 to
sit within a bolt hole (not shown) in a manner that prevents longitudinal
motion that dislocates
the RFID device 100 entirely from the bolt hole and prevents a trespasser
access to the interior of
the container without destruction of the RFID device along its mast assembly
108. When a mast
assembly protrusion 118 is used, it is preferred that it include a structural
integrity greater than or
approximately equal to structural integrity of the mast assembly 108.
FIGS. 11-14 depict a plug version of the mast assembly 108. The mast assembly
108
includes a plug 186 with prongs 190 of differential width that fit within mast
assembly grooves
192 positioned on the terminus of the mast assembly 108. The prongs 190
include a differential
width that allows insertion into the mast assembly grooves 190, which also
include a differential
interior width. Sharp differential portions of the prongs 190 and the interior
portions of the mast
assembly grooves 190 matingly cooperate to provide two substantially planar
surfaces that form
an interlocking fit. The mast assembly 108 includes a frangible mast assembly
portion 184
forming a substantially weak adhesion to the remainder of the mast assembly
108. The bond
strength of the frangible mast assembly portion 184 to the remainder of the
mast assembly is
weaker than the bond strength of the plug 186 to the frangible mast assembly
portion 184. A
longitudinal dislocating force pulls the frangible mast assembly portion 184
from the mast
assembly 108 rather than the plug 186 from the frangible mast assembly portion
184.
Dislocation of the frangible mast assembly portion 184 severs the closed loop
nature of the
primary antenna 104.
FIGS. 15-22 depict a buried embodiment of the RFID device 100. The buried
embodiment preferably includes the primary integrated circuit 106 and the
secondary integrated
circuit 116 disposed within the reception block 102. The reception block 102
is fabricated of a
plastic that encompasses and fully encloses the primary integrated circuit
106, the secondary
integrated circuit 116, the primary antenna 104, and the secondary antenna
114. The reception
block 102 and the mast 108a preferably consist of a unitary entity that
enclose their respective
components. The preferred buried device 100 includes a mast that terminates in
a mast base
characterized by a fissure recess 160 connected to a mast knob 158. The mast
knob 158 is an
entity bearing a sidewall dimensioned to sealingly engage an interior wall of
a mast cap 108b
adapted to slide upon the mast 108a. The knob 158 may include a knob recess
150 of recess
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dimensions less than that of the fissure recess 160 preceding the knob 158.
The knob recess 150
is dimensioned to accept a retention ring 152 for placement within the knob
recess 150 and
within a cap recess 162 positioned upon the interior sidewall of the mast cap
108b. The retention
ring 152 may be permanently affixed within the cap recess 162 or knob recess
150, or may be a
distinct entity capable of time-discriminated positioning in relation to the
knob and mast cap.
The retention ring includes an elastic material capable of providing radial
contortion sufficient to
allow the mast cap 108b to slide over the knob 158 and position the knob
recess directly over the
cap recess. The retention ring 152 in conjunction with a recess, either the
knob recess or the cap
recess, acts to create with the component bearing that recess an interference
fit in relation to the
recess of the mating component, either the knob or mast cap.
The mast cap 108b of the buried device for positioning upon the knob 158
preferably
includes longitudinal dimensions sufficient to extend well beyond the terminus
of the knob.
Such dimensions minimize the ability of objects to be inserted within the mast
cap 108b to
physically manipulate the retention ring 152. Embodiments of the present
invention may further
include a mast cap 108b with an endwall dimensioned to eliminate access to the
retention ring
152. The preferred dimensions of the mast cap 108b are further such that the
mast cap 108b
covers the fissure recess 160 to prevent manipulation of the gulf between the
mast proper and the
knob terminus of the mast. For example, the body of mast cap 108b, when
positioned, acts to
prevent an unauthorized user from bolstering the connection between the mast
knob and the mast
proper with an adhesive or other construction component capable of increasing
the force required
to rend the knob from the mast. The buried device 100 preferably includes a
substantially solid
mast and reception block, i.e. the mast and reception block are solid with the
exception of the
space occupied by components such as the antennae and chipset.
Upon application of sufficient force, the knob 158 may be removed from the
mast 108a,
taking the mast cap 108b with the knob 158 in the process. The fissure recess
150 may be
adjusted in dimensions to selectively alter the force necessary to create a
break in the mast 108a.
As FIG. 19 shows, the mast 108a of the buried device includes the primary
antenna 104 within
the body of the mast 108a. The primary antenna 104 winds to the terminus of
the mast 108a
such that it converges within the knob and is removed with the knob upon a
break proximate to
the fissure recess. As FIG. 18 shows, the buried device preferably includes a
verification
integrated circuit 136 within the mast cap 108b. The verification integrated
circuit 150 includes
a verification antenna (not shown) capable of short range transmissions. The
verification
integrated circuit includes information and data sufficient to verify that the
primary integrated
circuit, secondary integrated circuit - if present, and the verification
integrated circuit are valid
components of a verified unit.
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A verified unit is a device 100 of the present invention that is manufactured
to be utilized
as a set. For example, the device may be distributed to users in two, or
perhaps more, portions;
the verified unit ensures that each portion is manufactured to be used with
specific other portions
and discovery of later deviation from those specific portions indicates
tampering. The primary
integrated circuit and secondary integrated circuit may broadcast a signal
corresponding to an
identification value and the verification integrated circuit may broadcast a
short range signal
capable of readily-verified relation to the identification value of the
primary integrated circuit
and secondary integrated circuit.
With specific reference to FIGS. 20-21, the RFID device 100 may include non-
substantially-planar dimensions. The reception surface 112 may be enclosed
within the
reception block 102 and feature multiple primary integrated circuits 106,
multiple secondary
integrated circuits 116, multiple secondary antennae 114, and multiple primary
antennae 104.
Similarly multiple verification integrated circuits 136 and multiple
verification antennae 134
may be present in the RFID device 100. It is preferred that all antennae and
integrated circuits of
the reception block 102 are located on a single reception surface occupying a
planar cross-
section of the RFID device 100. Location on a single reception surface 112 is
unnecessary, and
in embodiments featuring multiple reception surfaces, it is preferred that the
reception surfaces
are parallel planar to each other reception surface. The exterior surface(s)
of the RFID device
may include rounded dimensions suitable to allow the RFID device to roll
within a latch, or
include dimensions adapted to prevent severance of components other than the
pre-intended
fracture zones proximate to the mast 108a. As. FIG. 22 shows, the backwall 172
of the RFID
device 100 may include a planar character, in contrast to its distal surface,
to prevent rolling yet
continue to allow for increased girth to deter cutting of the RFID device.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with
reference
to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily
apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended
claims should not be
limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The system and device of the present invention permit enhanced security of
sealable
devices, containers, and the like. The security may be enhanced per-container
by the addition of
the device to a container, or the security may be enhanced according to a
network of readings of
the device on a local, regional, national, or international scale.
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