U.S. patent application number 10/713630 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Marchwood Limited. Invention is credited to Rickson, Colin David.
Application Number | 20040194471 10/713630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9947912 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040194471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rickson, Colin David |
October 7, 2004 |
Container
Abstract
A container (1) including a payload volume that, in use, is to
maintain at least one environmental condition within the payload
volume within a predetermined range of values, a sensor (13) for
measuring the environmental condition within the payload volume,
and a telecommunications device (19) adapted to transmit data
relating to the environmental condition measured by the sensor (13)
to a computerised monitoring system via a telecommunications
network.
Inventors: |
Rickson, Colin David;
(Milton Keynes, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEINBERG & RASKIN, P.C.
1140 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 15th FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10036-5803
US
|
Assignee: |
Marchwood Limited
|
Family ID: |
9947912 |
Appl. No.: |
10/713630 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/025 20130101;
H04L 67/125 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/003.6 |
International
Class: |
F25B 021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 15, 2002 |
GB |
00226702.9 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container including a payload volume, a sensor for measuring a
selected environmental condition within the payload volume, and a
telecommunications device for transmitting data relating to the
environmental conditioned to a computerized monitoring system via a
telecommunications network.
2. The container set forth in claim 1, further including an
external temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature.
3. The container set forth in claim 1, further including a recorder
device connected to the sensor and arranged to record data relating
to the temperature in the payload volume during a selected period
of time.
4. The container set forth in claim 3, wherein the recording device
is arranged to calculate, from the recorded temperature-related
data the remaining lifetime of an item transported in the payload
volume.
5. The container set forth in claim 3, wherein the
telecommunications device is connected to the recorder device and
arranged for transmitting data stored in the recorder device to the
computerized monitoring system.
6. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein the
telecommunications device is a cellular telephonic device.
7. The container set forth in claim 1, further including a switch
device for deactivating the telecommunications device.
8. The container set forth in claim 7, wherein the switch devices
includes a first device for detecting electrical systems that
operate within predetermined parameters, the switch device being
arranged to deactivate the telecommunications device in response to
the first device's detecting an electrical system that operates
within the predetermined parameters.
9. The container set forth in claim 8, wherein the first detecting
device is arranged to detect an electrical system having a
frequency of approximately 400 Hz.
10. The container set forth in claim 7, wherein the switch device
includes a second detecting device arranged to detect an electrical
system having a frequency of approximately 50 Hz or approximately
60 Hz, and to inhibit operation of the switch device when such
system is detected.
11. The container set forth in claim 7, wherein the switch device
includes a processor device for interpreting the signals received
from at least one of the first and second detecting devices.
12. The container set forth in claim 7, wherein the switch device
includes an acceleration sensor for detecting at least one of
acceleration and deceleration motion of the container.
13. The container set forth in claim 7, wherein the switch device
includes a pressure sensor.
14. The container set forth in claim 1, further including position
locating equipment.
15. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein the payload volume
is thermally insulated.
16. The container set forth in claim 1, including at least one heat
reservoir that, in use, is arranged to cool or heat contents of the
payload volume.
17. The container set forth in claim 16, including a device for
controlling the flow of heat to or from the heat reservoir to the
payload volume.
18. A switch device for deactivating a telecommunications device
located on-boar or in close proximity to an aircraft, including a
detector for detecting the presence of aircraft, and a processor
device for processing signals received from the detector and
arranged for generating a deactivation signal to prevent operation
of the telecommunications device in response to an output signal
from the detector.
19. The switch device set forth in claim 18, wherein the detector
includes a first detector device for detecting electrical systems
that operate within predetermined parameters.
20. The switch device set forth in claim 19, wherein the first
detector device is arranged for detect in electrical systems having
a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a container.
[0002] Thermally insulated containers are used to transport items
that are sensitive to temperature and must therefore be maintained
within predetermined temperature ranges. Such items include goods
such as vaccines and drugs, human organs for transplant, tissue
cultures, chilled and frozen foods and many other products, some of
which have an extremely high value and are very sensitive to
temperature changes. It is essential that such products are
maintained within the appropriate temperature ranges during
transportation.
[0003] This can, however, be a difficult task. Although such goods
are normally transported within highly insulated containers,
sometimes with hot or cold "dogs" (heat reservoirs, which may
include eutectic materials) to provide additional heating or
cooling, heat will still flow into or out of the container,
according to the difference between the ambient temperature and the
internal temperature of the container. It cannot always be
predicted what temperatures will be experienced or how long they
will last. If the container is exposed to excessively high or low
temperatures for extended periods, the internal temperature may go
outside the required range, causing damage to the contents.
[0004] A further problem arises in relation to certain live
products, such as tissue cultures (for example artificial skin
grafts) that are sustained on a nutrient-containing agar. Such
products have to be maintained within a fairly narrow temperature
range (typically 21-30.degree. C.) to survive. However, the rate at
which they consume the nutrients in the agar also depends on the
temperature, increasing as the temperature rises. Therefore, if the
temperature remains at the upper end of the acceptable range, the
nutrients will be consumed more quickly than if it is at the lower
end of that range. In fact, the nutrients may last twice as long at
21.degree. C. than at 30.degree. C. Thus, for maximum life, it is
desirable to maintain the temperature as close as possible to the
bottom end of the acceptable range, while always staying within
that range.
[0005] A similar problem arises in relation to certain vaccines,
which degrade at a rate that depends on ambient temperature. As the
rate of degradation increases with temperature, it is desirable to
maintain the temperature as close as possible to the bottom end of
the acceptable range (e.g. 2.degree. C. to 4.degree. C.), while
always staying within the range of, for example 2.degree. C. to
8.degree. C. In this way, the rate of degradation can be
minimised.
[0006] One solution to the above-mentioned problems is described in
WO 01/02268. That document describes a reusable refrigerated
container that can maintain the payload within the specified
temperature limits. The container includes sensors and a data
logger to record information about the conditions within the
payload volume and externally of the container throughout the
journey. The data can then be analysed when the container is opened
to ensure that the temperature within the container did not at any
time exceed or fall below the upper and lower limits respectively
of the specified temperature range. If the temperature of the
payload volume was outside the specified range at any time during
the journey the goods transported may have to be scrapped. This is
particularly the case for medicines/vaccines which can be damaged
if they are not maintained within the specified temperature range.
Subsequent administration of drugs that have been transported
outside of their temperature range may either have little or no
effect or may actually be harmful to the recipient. Furthermore,
such cargo may have an economic value of tens of thousands of
pounds.
[0007] A drawback to the container described in WO 01/02268 is that
the recipient of the container can only confirm retrospectively
whether or not the goods were maintained within the specified
temperature range when the goods have been received. Thus there is
no opportunity for intervening to prevent the temperature within
the container from migrating outside the specified temperature
range. For example, if the container is lost by the courier, or
delayed because of bad weather or lack of available transport,
there might not be sufficient refrigerant/cooling means to keep the
payload volume cool over the extended journey time.
[0008] Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to
provide a container that mitigates at least some of the
aforementioned disadvantages.
[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a
container including a payload volume, a sensor for measuring an
environmental condition within the payload volume, and a
telecommunications device adapted to transmit data relating to the
environmental condition measured by the sensor to a computerised
monitoring system via a telecommunications network.
[0010] Advantageously the information received from the container
can be monitored to establish whether it is necessary to intervene
to prevent a condition within the payload from migrating outside
the predetermined range of values. The intervention can prevent the
payload from being damaged.
[0011] Preferably the payload volume is to be maintained within a
predetermined temperature range and the sensor is arranged to
measure the temperature within the payload volume.
[0012] Advantageously the container includes an external
temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature.
[0013] Preferably the container includes a recorder device that is
connected to the sensor and that is arranged to record data
regarding the temperature in the payload volume over a period of
time. Preferably the recorder device is connected to the external
temperature sensor for recording the ambient temperature. The
recording device can be arranged to calculate from the recorded
temperature an estimate of the remaining lifetime of the products
transported in the payload volume.
[0014] The telecommunications device is connected to the recorder
device and is arranged to transmit data stored in the recorder
device to the computerised monitoring system. Preferably the
telecommunications device is a cellular telephonic device.
[0015] The container includes a switch device for deactivating the
telecommunications device. The switch device is arranged to
deactivate the telecommunications device in response to the
detector device detecting an electrical system that operates within
the predetermined parameters. The switch device is used to prevent
operation of the telecommunications device when the container is
loaded onto an aircraft or is in close proximity to an aircraft
since operation of the telecommunications device can interfere with
the avionic systems on the aircraft.
[0016] The switch device includes a detector device for detecting
electrical systems that operate within predetermined parameters.
Preferably the detector device is arranged to detect electrical
systems having a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.
[0017] Advantageously the switch device includes an inductance
device arranged such that, in use, the electromagnetic field
radiating from the electrical system in an aircraft induces an
electrical signal in the inductance device. The inductance device
includes a wire loop having a plurality of turns. Preferably the
inductance device includes a plurality of loops wherein at least
two loops are arranged substantially perpendicular to each
other.
[0018] The detector device includes an electronic filter for
filtering signals received from the inductance device. The detector
device also includes an amplifier circuit for amplifying signals
received from the detector device, and a rectifier circuit for
rectifying the signal.
[0019] Advantageously the switch device includes a second detector
device that is arranged to detect electrical systems having a
frequency in the range 40 to 70 Hz and that is arranged to inhibit
operation of the switch device when such systems are detected. For
example, the second detector device can be arranged to detect
electrical systems having a frequency of approximately 45 to 65 Hz,
and preferably approximately 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
[0020] The second detector device includes a second electronic
filter for filtering signals received from the inductance device, a
second amplifier circuit for amplifying signals received from the
inductance device, and a second rectifier circuit for rectifying
the signal.
[0021] Advantageously the switch device includes a processor device
for interpreting the signals received from at least one of the
detector device and the second detector device. The processor
device is arranged to send a deactivation signal to the
telecommunications device when the detector device detects the
presence of an electrical system having a frequency within the
predetermined range and the second detector device does not detect
the presence of an electrical system having a frequency within the
predetermined range.
[0022] The processor device is arranged not to send a deactivation
signal to the telecommunications device when the detector device
detects the presence of an electrical system having a frequency
within the predetermined range and the second detector device
detects the presence of an electrical system having a frequency
within the predetermined range.
[0023] The telecommunications device remains operational when no
aircraft electrical system is detected.
[0024] Alternatively, the processor device is arranged to send a
deactivation signal to the telecommunications device when the
detector device detects the presence of an electrical system having
an electrical signal with a frequency within the predetermined
range.
[0025] Advantageously the switch device can include an acceleration
sensor for detecting at least one of acceleration and deceleration.
Preferably the acceleration sensor is arranged to sense
accelerations/decelerations of the order of magnitude of an
aircraft taking off and landing.
[0026] Advantageously the switch device can include a pressure
sensor. Preferably the pressure sensor is arranged to detect
changes in air pressure to indicate that the container is
airborne.
[0027] The acceleration and pressure sensors are preferably
connected to the processor device and are alternative means of
detecting that the container is on an aircraft. The processor
device can be arranged to send a deactivation signal to the
telecommunications device if the acceleration sensor detects an
acceleration/deceleration of a predetermined value. The processor
device can be arranged to send a deactivation signal to the
telecommunications device if the pressure sensor detects an air
pressure of a predetermined value. The processor device can be
arranged to send a deactivation signal to the telecommunications
device based on suitable logic combinations of signals received by
the detector device, the second detector device, the acceleration
sensor and the pressure sensor.
[0028] Advantageously the container may include position locating
equipment. Preferably the container includes Global Positioning
Equipment that is connected to the telecommunications device such
that data relating to the position of the container can be
transmitted to the computer monitoring system.
[0029] Preferably the container has the form of a sealable,
thermally insulated box. The container may include at least one
heat reservoir that, in use, is arranged to cool the contents of
the payload volume. The container may include at least one heat
reservoir that, in use, is arranged to heat the contents of the
payload volume. Preferably the heat reservoir includes a substance
that changes state during use to liberate or absorb heat. For
example, the heat reservoir can include a first substance for
absorbing heat during use from the payload volume, and/or a second
substance that liberates heat during use to the payload volume. In
one embodiment the heat reservoir includes a first substance that
changes state during use to liberate heat, and a second substance
that changes state during use to absorb heat. The container may
also include means for controlling the flow of heat to or from the
heat reservoir to the payload volume.
[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a switch device suitable for deactivating a
telecommunications device when located on-board or in close
proximity to an aircraft, including a detector means for detecting
the presence of an aircraft, and a processor device for processing
signals received from the detector means and arranged to generate a
deactivation signal to prevent operation of the telecommunications
device in response to an output signal from the detector means.
[0031] The switch device is used to prevent operation of the
telecommunications device when the container is loaded onto an
aircraft or is in close proximity to an aircraft, and in particular
when loaded on to an aeroplane.
[0032] Advantageously the detector means includes a detector device
for detecting electrical systems that operate within predetermined
parameters. Preferably the detector device is arranged to detect
electrical systems having a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.
[0033] The detector means includes an inductance device arranged
such that, in use, the electromagnetic field radiating from the
electrical system induces an electrical signal in the inductance
device. Preferably the detector device includes an electronic
filter for filtering signals received from the inductance device,
an amplifier circuit for amplifying the signals received and a
rectifier circuit for rectifying the signals received.
[0034] Advantageously the detector means includes a second detector
device that is arranged to detect electrical systems with a
frequency in the range 40 to 70 Hz. Preferably the second detector
device is arranged to detect electrical systems having a frequency
of approximately 45 to 65 Hz, and preferably approximately 50 Hz or
60 Hz.
[0035] Preferably the second detector device includes a second
electronic filter for filtering signals received from the second
detector device, a second amplifier circuit for amplifying signals
received from the second detector device, and a second rectifier
circuit for rectifying the signal.
[0036] The processor device is arranged to send a deactivation
signal to the telecommunications device when the detector device
detects the presence of an electrical system having a frequency
within the predetermined range and the second detector device does
not detect the presence of an electrical system having a frequency
within the predetermined range.
[0037] Preferably the processor device is arranged not to send a
deactivation signal to the telecommunications device when the
detector device detects the presence of an electrical system having
a frequency within the predetermined range and the second detector
device detects the presence of an electrical system having a
frequency within the predetermined range.
[0038] The telecommunications device remains operational when no
aircraft electrical system is detected.
[0039] Alternatively the processor device is arranged to send a
deactivation signal to the telecommunications device when the
detector device detects the presence of an electrical system having
a frequency within the predetermined range.
[0040] Advantageously the detector means can include an
acceleration sensor for detecting at least one of acceleration and
deceleration. Preferably the acceleration sensor is arranged to
sense accelerations/decelerations of the order of magnitude of an
aircraft taking off and landing.
[0041] Advantageously the detector means can include a pressure
sensor.
[0042] An embodiment of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in
which:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermally insulated
container;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 1, a
telecommunications network and a computerised monitoring
system;
[0045] FIG. 3a is schematic view of a switch device;
[0046] FIG. 3b is a logic table relating to the output of the
switch device of FIG. 3a;
[0047] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of switch device of FIG. 3a;
and
[0048] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the frequency response of a 400 Hz
Band Pass Filter.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a thermally insulated container 1. The
container 1 is designed specifically for use in transporting goods
that must be maintained at a temperature of between +2.degree. C.
and +8.degree. C., such as, for example, vaccines and transplant
organs. Containers for different temperatures will be generally
similar in construction, but may be modified to maintain the
required temperatures. For example, for some applications the
internal temperature must be maintained in the range +20.degree. C.
to +31.degree. C. whereas for other applications, the internal
temperature must be maintained at approximately -80.degree. C.
[0050] The container 1 includes a main body 3 that has a casing
that includes an outer shell of, for example, glass reinforced
plastic (GRP), metal or a plastics material such as polyethylene.
The casing has an inner liner of insulating materials with a very
high K value such as polystyrene, for example a foamed plastics
material. The container 1 includes a hinged lid 5 that has a
sealing fit with the body 3 of the container, and has a similar
construction to the body 3. The container 1 includes a coolant tray
7 arranged to receive a quantity of coolant, a gasket 9 attached to
the underside of the lid to seal the coolant tray 7 and a lock
mechanism 11 for securing the lid 5 against the body 3 of the
container.
[0051] Beneath the coolant tray 7 there is provided a payload
volume. In use, the payload is located in the payload volume and a
coolant such as dry ice is added to the coolant tray 7.
Alternatively coolants such as alcohol base coolants can be used,
or any other suitable coolant having suitable thermal mass or
eutectic properties. The coolant acts as a heat reservoir that
absorbs heat from the payload volume to keep the payload within the
predetermined temperature range. If the container 1 is to operate
in cold environments the container 1 may include a second heat
reservoir arrange to supply heat to the payload volume to maintain
the temperature in the payload volume within the temperature range.
The container 1 can include a combination of relatively hot and
cold heat reservoirs and means for controlling the flow of heat to
and from those reservoirs, such as a temperature regulator 12.
[0052] The container 1 may for example be substantially as
described in WO 01/02268, the content of which is incorporated by
reference herein, and may be arranged as described in that document
for the purposes of maintaining the temperature in the payload
volume within a specified range.
[0053] The container 1 also includes an internal temperature sensor
13 for measuring the temperature in the payload volume, an external
temperature sensor 15 for measuring the ambient temperature and a
micro-computer 17 that is arranged to process and record data
received from the temperature sensors 13, 15. The container 1 also
includes a telecommunications device 19 adapted to receive data
from the micro-computer 17 and to send messages to a monitoring
system 21 that includes data relating to the temperature in the
payload volume and the ambient temperature. For example, the
telecommunications device 19 can be a cellular telephonic device
that is arranged to use a Short Message Service (SMS), a GSM data
call service or a General Packet Radio System (GPRS) to send
messages to the monitoring system 21.
[0054] The micro-computer 17 is arranged to maintain a record of
the payload temperature and the external ambient temperature during
the entire transit time. In the case of a container 1 that is to be
used for transporting live cultures, the micro-computer 17 may be
arranged to calculate from the temperatures recorded inside the
container 1 the rate at which the nutrients inside the agar have
been consumed and, from that information, calculate the estimated
remaining lifetime of the culture. Similarly, if the container 1 is
to be used for transporting vaccines, the micro-computer 17 can
calculate the rate of degradation, thereby increasing confidence
that the vaccine will not degrade unacceptably during
transportation. All of the calculated data can be included in the
message sent to the computerised monitoring system 21.
[0055] The micro-computer 17 can be arranged to record the payload
volume and ambient temperatures periodically. For example,
temperature readings can be taken every fifteen minutes. A message
is sent by the telecommunications device 19 after temperature
measurements have been made by both temperature sensors 13, 15.
Alternatively, a message can be sent by the telecommunications
device 19 after a plurality of temperature measurements have been
made to reduce the number of messages sent.
[0056] The micro-computer 17 further includes a switch system 22
for activating and deactivating the telecommunications device 19.
If the container 1 is to be moved over a long distance there is a
likelihood that the container 1 will be transported by aeroplane,
for example in a baggage hold. However, operation of the
telecommunications device 19 to transmit information to the
monitoring system 21 may interfere with the aeroplane's navigation
systems and aviation systems and it may therefore be necessary to
temporarily de-activate the telecommunications device 19 to prevent
messages being transmitted when the container 1 is on the aircraft.
It is undesirable to perform this task manually since this would
require a person to check each container 1 and locate the on/off
switch. It would be easy to forget either to switch the
telecommunications device 19 off or to switch it back on at the end
of the flight. It is therefore desirable to have an automatic
switch system.
[0057] The switch system 22 includes a first detector device 23 for
detecting electromagnetic waves having a frequency in the range of
400 Hz.+-.24 Hz. The first detector includes a 400 Hz band pass
filter circuit 27, an amplifier circuit 29, and a rectifier circuit
31. The majority of commercial aircraft include power supplies to
supply the avionics and ancillary electrical equipment with an
alternating electrical supply at a frequency of 400 Hz.+-.24 Hz. It
is unusual for other devices to operate within that frequency range
and therefore it can be assumed when such a signal is detected that
the container 1 has been loaded onto an aeroplane or is in close
proximity to the aeroplane.
[0058] The switch system 22 includes an antenna 25 having multiple
turns of copper wire, for example ninety turns. Preferably, the
switch system 22 includes a plurality of antennas 25, with at least
two of the antennas 25 being arranged substantially perpendicular
to each other. This is to account for variation in the
electromagnetic field strength in the aeroplane, since it is not
possible to determine in what orientation the container 1 will be
placed relative to the aircraft hold.
[0059] The electromagnetic waves generated by the electrical system
of the aircraft induce a current in the antenna 25. The signal is
filtered by the 400 Hz band pass filter circuit 27, is amplified by
the amplifier circuit 29, rectified by the rectifier circuit 31 and
then input into a logic system 33.
[0060] The switch system 22 includes a second detector device 35.
The detector device 35 uses the antenna 25 for detecting
electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 55 Hz.+-.10 Hz. This is
to detect mains voltage electrical signals. The signal detected by
the antenna 25 is filtered by a broad band pass filter circuit 37
in the range 45 Hz to 65 Hz, is amplified by an amplifier circuit
39 and is rectified by a rectifier circuit 41. The output of the
rectifier circuit 41 is connected to the logic system 33. The broad
band filter pass filter circuit 37 may alternatively be replaced by
50 Hz or 60 Hz band pass filter circuits.
[0061] The logic system 33 outputs a telecommunications device
inhibit signal 43 in accordance with the logic table shown in FIG.
3b. If the first detector device 23 does not detect a signal having
a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.+-.24 Hz then no inhibit signal
43 is sent to the telecommunications device 19 and the
telecommunications device 19 can operate normally. If the first
detector device 23 detects a signal of approximately 400 Hz.+-.24
Hz and the second detector 35 detects a signal having a frequency
of approximately 55 Hz.+-.10 Hz, no inhibit signal 43 is sent to
the telecommunications device 19. This is because most aeroplanes
do not include electric systems operating around 55 Hz.+-.10 Hz
(i.e. around a mains frequency). In this instance it is assumed
that the container 1 is located close to an aeroplane but not
actually loaded on the aeroplane. For example, the container 1 may
be located in a warehouse within an airport perimeter and there may
be an aeroplane in close proximity to the warehouse. The second
detector device 35 can detect the mains signal from the warehouse
and therefore the telecommunications device 19 is not switched off.
If the first detector device 23 detects a signal of approximately
400 Hz.+-.24 Hz and the second detector 35 does not detect a signal
of approximately 55 Hz.+-.10 Hz the logic system 33 sends an
inhibit signal 43 to the telecommunications device 19 to prevent
operation of the device.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the first detector device
23. FIG. 5 shows a graph of the frequency response of the 400 Hz
band pass filter circuit 27.
[0063] The switch system 22 can also include an acceleration sensor
45 and/or a pressure sensor 47. The acceleration sensor 45 is
arranged to detect a pre-determined level of acceleration or
deceleration over a predetermined period of time that corresponds
with the order of magnitude of acceleration typically experienced
when an aircraft is taking off or landing over a sustained period.
The measurement is taken over a period of time to differentiate
between aircraft and other vehicles. If an acceleration is detected
having the pre-determined order of magnitude a signal is sent from
the acceleration sensor 45 to the logic system 33. The pressure
sensor 47 is arranged to detect air pressure. If the pressure
sensor 47 detects an air pressure that falls below a pre-determined
value, the pressure sensor 47 sends a signal to the logic system
33. The pressure sensor 47 is arranged to detect air pressures that
would indicate that the aircraft is airborne. Preferably, the
acceleration sensor 45 and pressure sensor 47 are back-up systems
in case the first detector device 23 fails to detect a 400 Hz.+-.24
Hz signal when located on an aircraft. The logic system 33 can be
adapted to send an inhibit signal 43 when suitable combinations of
signals are detected from the sensors 45, 47 and detectors 23,
35.
[0064] Thus the container 1 is able to transmit data regarding
conditions within the payload volume to the monitoring system 21
when located anywhere other than on an aeroplane and is prevented
from transmitting signals when located in the baggage hold of an
aircraft. The monitoring system 21 can store the information in a
database and can provide a user interface for the payload owners
via the internet or via a telephonic interface.
[0065] From the data received by the monitoring system 21 it is
possible to calculate whether the heat reservoir(s) has sufficient
coolant or heating means to maintain the payload volume within the
predetermined temperature range throughout the duration of the
journey. If it is determined from the data that the heat
reservoir(s) has insufficient capacity to maintain the temperature
within the predetermined temperature range, for example because of
a delayed flight, action can be taken to provide additional coolant
or heating means to the heat reservoir(s). This will maintain the
payload within the temperature range and prevent the payload from
being damaged.
[0066] Calculations can be made by either the micro-computer 17 or
the monitoring system 21 that take account of the duration of a
flight or other journey to be made. For example, if the container 1
is held in a warehouse for longer than expected and the container 1
does not have sufficient coolant or heating means to keep the
payload within the temperature range for the entire journey a
warning message can be generated to alert the monitoring system 21
of the situation.
[0067] The container 1 can also include a position locating system
49 such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular network
positioning from the telecommunications device 19 or a radio
frequency system. The position locating system 49 is connected to
the micro-computer 17 and positional information can be transmitted
to the monitoring system 21 via the telecommunications device 19.
Use of a position locating system 49 will assist in finding the
container 1 quickly in the event that maintenance has to be
performed on the container 1.
[0068] The container 1 may also include sensors for monitoring the
condition of the heat reservoir(s) and any power supply devices
included in the container 1, such as electric cells.
[0069] It will be appreciated that some aircraft may have
electrical systems having an operating frequency outside the range
400 Hz.+-.24 Hz. For example, some aircraft may have electrical
systems that have electrical signals having an operating frequency
in that falls within the range 350 Hz to 450 Hz, 300 Hz to 500 Hz,
or some other frequency range. The embodiment of the invention
described above can be easily adapted to detect electrical signals
having a frequency outside the 400 Hz.+-.24 Hz range. Similarly,
mains electrical systems in Europe typically have an operating
frequency around 50 Hz and in the US around 60 Hz. The embodiment
described above can easily be adapted to detect mains systems
operating around those frequencies or can be adapted to detect
mains systems operating at other frequencies.
[0070] The container 1 can be adapted to maintain other
environmental conditions within the payload volume. For example,
the container 1 may be adapted to maintain humidity within a
predetermined range of values. The container 1 would then include a
sensor for measuring humidity within the payload volume. Similarly,
the container 1 could be adapted to maintain pressure within the
payload volume within a predetermined range of values and would
include a pressure sensor.
[0071] The switch system 22 can be adapted to be included in mobile
phones, laptop computers or other electrical devices that may
interfere with an aircraft's avionics systems to automatically
temporally deactivate those devices.
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