U.S. patent application number 14/151538 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for tracking system and device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roberto Salvat, JR.. Invention is credited to Roberto Salvat, JR..
Application Number | 20140129475 14/151538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44646765 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140129475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salvat, JR.; Roberto |
May 8, 2014 |
TRACKING SYSTEM AND DEVICE
Abstract
A tracking device and system for tracking containers, in
particular, containers and their contents, is disclosed. The
tracking device utilizes
AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/WiFi/RFID/Bluetooth.RTM./TDMA technology
to enable an individual to locate and monitor the movement of a
Container at any given time and for any desired period of time. The
tracking system utilizes virtual geo-fences to identify buildings
or specific addresses to assist in determining the specific
location of the containers in relation to these addresses. The
tracking devices can be activated by motion sensors to alert the
tracking system of a possible theft or sudden movement. The
tracking system incorporates software which enables an individual
to determine the location and contents of the containers, and
schedule the use of containers by specific persons at specific
locations. The tracking system also retains information regarding
the persons, the supplier's representatives, the warehouses and
sales of the containers and any contents they may have.
Inventors: |
Salvat, JR.; Roberto; (Palm
Beach Gardens, FL) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Salvat, JR.; Roberto |
Palm Beach Gardens |
FL |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
44646765 |
Appl. No.: |
14/151538 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12973394 |
Dec 20, 2010 |
8659420 |
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14151538 |
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11861858 |
Sep 26, 2007 |
7868754 |
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12973394 |
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12963309 |
Dec 8, 2010 |
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11861858 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/0833 20130101;
G16H 40/20 20180101; G01S 5/0027 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 10/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/333 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08 |
Claims
1. A tracking system comprising: a transmitting device located in
at least one object to be tracked; a second communicator for
receiving signals from said transmitting device; said signals
including information with respect to the location of said at least
one object to be tracked, said signals also including information
regarding identification of said at least one object; said signals
including information with respect to the precise location of said
at least one object to be tracked in a building; said tracking
system including information regarding an intended use of said at
least one object; said system enabling a user to arrange delivery
of said at least one object to a location where said object is to
be utilized; said system further including information regarding
the intended user of said object; said system enabling a user of
said system to schedule the use of and arrange the location of said
at least one object so that said intended user will have use of
said at least one object when necessary.
2. The tracking system of claim 1 wherein said signals are
transmitted using LTE.
3. The tracking system of claim 1 wherein said signals are
transmitted using GPS.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein information regarding the intended
user of said object is retained in said system.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein information regarding the user of
said system is retained in said system.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein information regarding the location
of said at least one object and other intended locations of said at
least one object is retained in said system.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said object is a container.
8. The system of claim 4 wherein said intended user is the
recipient of the container.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said object is an inventory
item.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said object is a recipient.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said user is a representative of
a supplier.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said representative can order
specific containers with specific contents.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/973,394, filed Dec. 20, 2010, entitled
"TRACKING SYSTEM AND DEVICE", which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/861,858, filed Sep. 26, 2007,
entitled "MEDICAL SYSTEM AND TRACKING DEVICE", now U.S. Pat. No.
7,868,754, issued on Jan. 1, 2011, and is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/963,309, filed Dec. 8, 2010,
entitled "MEDICAL SYSTEM AND TRACKING DEVICE", and the entirety of
these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to supplies, supply
containers, and in particular to an apparatus and system for
tracking and locating these supply containers and their relative
contents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recent terrorist threats with means of using shipments as a
way to deliver life threatening explosives has created concern for
how a container can be shipped, and what the status of its relative
contents might be during the shipment process. A supplier's
container may be stolen and its respective contents may be tampered
with along its shipping route. Current methods of tracking these
containers, and their contents, present many dark zones or areas
where traceability is not visible. A need for a more detailed level
of accountability is now being required. It is for this reason that
a real-time, true transparent method of tracking shipments from
suppliers must be established.
[0004] These containers are subject to various methods of shipping.
Because of this, the container and contents may be subject to
different environmental pressures that could jeopardize or spoil
the status of the shipment. Therefore, the contents, in some
instances, may require a method of monitoring their temperature and
exposures to the elements. When the items are shipped in the air by
plane they may also have to abide by certain regulations such as
those determined by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
including, but not limited to the tracking device powering down so
that it does not attempt to send/receive signal transmission on its
own or without proper protocol. In this instance the tracking
device can use the altimeter sensor or barometric pressure portion
of the device to signal the unit to enter into a dormant mode.
Another method is to communicate directly through the airplane's
wireless relay system, such as an onboard Wi-Fi router such as
Gogo.RTM. Inflight Internet Wi-Fi service used to communicate the
container's position and its overall status.
[0005] Another problem is excessive shipping. With the use of a
real-time location tracking system, the inventory managers of the
suppliers can use a system called "Radial Replenishment" where only
inventory closest to the order's point of final destination is used
to fulfill the order. By incorporating this method of inventory
management, suppliers will spend less money on shipping, less
resources will be exhausted, and less emissions from vehicles or
airplanes will be expelled into the atmosphere.
[0006] Another problem is theft of the containers between the point
of shipping origin and the final destination. Once the container is
delivered to a shipping port and someone accepts shipment to
forward to its next transient point, the container becomes the
property and responsibility of the port authority. This creates a
higher level of liability. There have also been instances of theft
within the shipping ports. In some instances the containers have
been shipped to the incorrect warehouse and this has not been
discovered until the day delivery is expected. This shipping error
will again result in postponement of the delivery and incur related
expenses.
[0007] Therefore, what is needed in the art is a tracking device
and system for tracking these containers and their respective
contents from origination to the point of scheduled destination.
This would enable the supplier's field representative to locate and
monitor the container from the time it has left the point of origin
until it arrived at the scheduled destination. The system is also
capable of ordering additional supplies and billing for the use of
the supplies and equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0008] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0017545 discloses
a tracking system for monitoring the location of an object or a
group of objects using RFID tags. These tags must be passed by an
interrogator or tracking device to be detected. If the RFID devices
are not within the range of the tracking devices, such an in a
hospital store room, the tracking devices are unable to located the
RFID devices. Some of these RFID tags can include a GPS feature to
report their location. However, if the tags cannot communicate with
the GPS satellites, such as when they are located within buildings,
their location cannot be determined. Therefore, this system is not
practical when tracking medical trays in hospitals.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,158,754, issued to Anderson and U.S. Pat.
No. 7,158,030, issued to Chang, both disclose RFID tags which can
be encapsulated on or attached to medical devices. These tags can
only be tracked when they are passed by an interrogator or other
tracking device. They cannot be located by tracking devices
positioned outside of the building when they are within the
building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly, the present invention is directed toward a tracking
device and system for tracking supplies, in particular, containers
and their components. The tracking device utilizes
AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/TDMA technology to enable an individual
to locate and monitor the movement of a container at any given
time, and for any desired period of time. It may also use Wi-Fi to
recognize the router's IP address to establish a location point of
where the package may be. This is similarly portrayed in the
software solution provided by Skyhook Wireless. The tracking system
can also utilize virtual Geo-fences, a method of creating a
perimeter of latitude and longitudinal points, to assist in
determining the specific location of the containers relative to
their destination points. Whenever a container passes one of these
Geo-fences, the software recognizes it and information is sent to
an individual or device monitoring the location of the container.
Those directly related to the GeoFence will know what inventory may
be within their perimeter and care for it accordingly. The tracking
devices can also be activated by motion sensors to alert the
tracking system of a possible theft of the container. The tracking
system can also be programmed so the tracking device transmits its
position at specific time intervals. The tracking device can also
utilize other wireless communications such as Bluetooth, Zigbee,
Rubee, RFID or Wi-Fi in order to determine a more specific
location, such as a room within a building.
[0011] The tracking device is normally attached to a container in a
manner such that only the individual who installed the tracking
device, or the company providing the tracking service, can remove
the tracking device. This prevents the tracking device from being
removed from the container and left at a known location, such as
the store room of a warehouse, while the contents are stolen.
Normally the only time the tracking device may be removed from the
container is to replace the batteries. The tracking device can also
be equipped with a pager or beeper to assist in determining its
precise location in large store rooms.
[0012] The tracking device is also weather/water proof and capable
of withstanding elevated temperatures, such as those encountered in
an autoclaving or in the cryogenic process. The tracking device may
or may not include a shock, cold, heat, and moisture absorption
insulation system to protect the device. The tracking device will
also go through a power switch mode of operation to utilize the
least amount of power necessary to transmit signals and
information. This sequence will bring the unit to operate through
several modes going from least power to most power based on signal
transmission ability. The unit may also use various methods in
order to charge the tracking device's power supply such as
inductive charging, wireless radio frequency charging, or
thermionic conversion which uses heat to recharge the battery.
Additional methods of wireless recharging can also be used, such as
solar panels or photovoltaic cells.
[0013] Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to
provide a system for tracking a container and its contents at all
locations including inside of buildings.
[0014] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a tracking device which can withstand extreme
temperatures.
[0015] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide a system for tracking shipments which includes information
regarding the intended user of the shipment, the location at which
the shipments are to be delivered and the representative of the
shipper.
[0016] It is a still further objective of the invention to enable
the containers to be ordered and shipped to the desired locations
when required.
[0017] It is still a further objective of the instant invention to
provide a tracking device which enables a determination of the
status of the object being tracked.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIGS. 1A-D are an overall flowchart of the various aspects
of the device and how they are connected;
[0020] FIGS. 2A-D are a flowchart similar to FIGS. 1A-D with some
additional information;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a web page of the system illustrating an example
through the scheduling of surgeries;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a web page of the system illustrating how data is
entered regarding suppliers or medical devices representatives;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a web page illustrating the color codes on the
charge sheet;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a web page for entering warehouse or hospital
data;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a web page for obtaining warehouse or hospital
data;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a web page illustrating container, content, or
medical device information;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a web page for entering surgical procedure or
delivery information;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a web page illustrating a schedule of surgeries
or destinations for shipments to arrive;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a web page illustrating supplier's client or
surgeon's information;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a web page illustrating container or medical tray
availability;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a web page illustrating inventory orders for
products or medical trays;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a web page illustrating the location of product
containers or medical trays;
[0033] FIGS. 15A-C illustrates an embodiment of a tracking device
for a container or medical tray;
[0034] FIGS. 16A-C illustrates a second embodiment of a tracking
device for a container or medical tray;
[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates a third embodiment of a tracking device
for a container or medical tray;
[0036] FIG. 18 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a tracking device
for a container or medical tray;
[0037] FIG. 19 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a tracking device
for a container or medical tray;
[0038] FIG. 20 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a tracking device
for a container or medical tray;
[0039] FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a tracking device
wherein the container does not permit the transmission of signal
therethrough; and
[0040] FIG. 22 illustrates the software that can be used with the
tracking device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred, albeit non limiting, embodiment
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0042] A system and method for tracking an object, an article or an
individual as it moves along a path is disclosed hereinafter. The
system and method of the present invention do not require input
from an individual whenever the object or article moves from one
location to another. The system and method of the present invention
do not require input from an individual to determine whenever the
object or article's contents are removed from the container. A
position indication device such as a Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), AGPS (Assisted Global
Positioning), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), LTE (Long Term Evolution), CDMA
(Code Division Multiple Access), RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) Interrogator, or Reader (Passive or Active), Rubee
(IEEE P1902.1) Reader, Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) Reader or Gateway,
Z-Wave Relay or Gateway, Wibree Transponder/Master, Bluetooth.RTM.
Transponder/Master and/or GPS (Global Positioning System) device is
attached directly to the article, container or object which is
being tracked. A position indication device such as a Wibree
Chip/Slave, Bluetooth Chip/Slave, RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) (Tag, Antenna, or Sensor)(Passive or Active), Rubee
Tag (Tag, Antenna, or Sensor), Zigbee (Tag, Antenna, or Sensor),
Z-Wave (Tag, Antenna, or Sensor) device is attached directly to or
located in close proximity to the article, inventory item(s),
container content(s), container, or object which is being tracked.
Various types of GPS systems which are available for use include
National Differential GPS System (NDGPS); Wide Area Augmentation
System (WAAS); Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS);
Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) and International GNSS Service
(IGS). Other types of position indicating devices may be used in
place of the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)(Passive or
Active) or GPS devices. The positioning indicating device will
transmit its location utilizing GPS (Global Positioning System),
GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), EVDO (Evolution Data
Optimized), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), WiMax (IEEE 802.16), TDMA (Time
Division Multiple Access), or SMS (Short Message Service)
technologies or a combination thereof. In addition, Relative
Location Awareness (RLA) or an aircraft takeoff sensor can be
employed.
[0043] The system is accessed through a web site or smartphone
application wherein inventory personnel, port authorities,
supplier's representatives, users, warehouse personnel and
manufacturers can access information relating to the containers and
their location. The containers and their contents can be ordered
and transferred utilizing this web site. The costs of the
containers and their contents can also be billed at this web site.
For example, the information regarding the identification and
location of the object being tracked can be transmitted to a
cellular network tower using AGPS and then processed through a back
end server. This information is then contained in a web-based
platform and/or software.
[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes
communicators which communicate with each other and other devices
and transmit information regarding the identification and location
of various objects being tracked. For example, a first communicator
is preferably located in at least one object being tracked. The
first communicator can be a RFID reader or utilize Bluetooth.RTM.
communications. The first communicator can also be located in an
autoclaveable enclosure. The first communicator communicates with a
second communicator. The second communicator can be located in at
least one object being tracked. The second communicator can include
a pager, a beeper, etc. The second communicator can employ GPS,
CDMA, GSM, LTE, TDMA and be SMS enabled. The second communicator
can also be located in an autoclaveable enclosure. The second
communicator further can communicate with a motion sensor. The
second communicator communicates with a network or satellite to
transmit information regarding the location and identification of
the objects being tracked. A third communicator communicates with
the first communicator. It provides the first communicator with
information regarding the identification and location of the object
being tracked. The third communicator can be an ID tag, a RFID tag
or a Bluetooth.RTM. chip. Alternatively, the system can employ a
fourth communicator. The fourth communicator can be Wi-Fi, Zigbee,
Bluetooth.RTM. or a relay system.
[0045] In addition to the identification and location of the object
being tracked, the present invention can indicate the status of the
contents of the object/objects being tracked. For example, when the
objects being tracked include many individual items, the present
invention can determine if all of the items which were initially
shipped are still in the container or if some have been removed,
altered, broken, etc. The system of the present invention is also
ISN Band Airport and healthcare environment compliant.
[0046] FIGS. 1A-D illustrates how the various menus are linked to
each other so that the supplier's reps can access all the
information pertaining to the trays and the orders in which they
are to be used. The various menus illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D include
examples using a medical illustration of how this functions, the
Rep Surgeons, the Surgeon Family Members, the Surgeon Phones, the
Surgeon Documents, the Surgeon Hospital Affiliations, the Charge
Detail Sheet, the Charge Sheet Header, the Surgeons, the Surgeon
Procedures, the Order for Surgery Containers, the Rep Procedures,
the Container Location Tracking, the Surgery Booking, the
Hospitals, the Containers, the Container Classes, the Container
Types, the Inventory Locations, the Order for Surgery Items, the
Container Bill of Material, the Distributor or Hospital, the DH
Pricing, the Items, the Location Inventory, the Item Lots, the
Product Line, the Distributor Hospitals Reps, the Distributors, the
Item Types, the Item Groups, the Reps, the Alert Recipients, the
Alerts, the Alert Frequencies, the Rep Supervisors and the Rep
Commission.
[0047] FIGS. 2A-D also illustrate how various menus are linked to
each other so that the medical device reps can access all the
information pertaining to the Containers and the surgical
procedures in which they are to be used. The various menus
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D include the Charge Sheet Detail, the
Charge Sheet Header, the Surgeons, the Surgeon Procedures, the
Surgery Booking, the Container Location Tracking, the Hospitals,
the Containers, the Container Classes, the Container Types, the
Inventory Locations, the Container Bill of Materials, the
Distributor Hospital, the DH Pricing, the Items, the Location
Inventory, the Item Lots, the Product Line, the Distributor
Hospital Reps, the Distributors, the Item Types, the Rep
Supervisors, the Reps, the Alert Recipients, the Alerts, the Alert
Frequencies and the Rep Commission.
[0048] An example of the surgical case coverage for different
surgical procedures is illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, on
Monday, Sep. 10, 2007, the time and type of the procedure is listed
at the top, 7:00 AM--TLIF. Next, the name of the surgeon is listed,
Argent Agrawal. Next, the hospital where the procedure is being
done is listed, North Fulton Regional Hospital. Next, the name of
the medial device representative present at the procedure is
listed, Jeffery Smith. Finally, if the medical device
representative is not available, his replacement is listed, Jason
Graves. The charge sheet menu appears in all of the web pages. This
enables the user to quickly access the information that he or she
is seeking.
[0049] An example of the information with respect to each surgical
representative is illustrated in FIG. 4. The representative's
personal information is available including how he can be
contacted. The surgeons he is assigned to are also illustrated. The
surgical procedures in which he has an expertise are listed. His
commissions for the use of various medical devices are listed.
Finally, all personnel that he supervises are also listed.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a menu of the various colors which are assigned to
various events. For example, doctor visits are navy, Surgeon
training is blue and hospital in-service is red. These colors are
utilized in the case coverage illustrated in FIG. 3. Hospital
information is illustrated in FIG. 6. A list of the hospitals which
utilize the medical Containers is provided. When a particular
hospital is selected, the address and location of the hospital is
provided. Also, information regarding billing is provided. Another
method of accessing hospital information is illustrated in FIG. 7.
The hospital or billing contact can be searched in the system. This
web page also includes a quick contact information list.
[0051] The contents of the various medical Containers are
illustrated in the web page in FIG. 8. A description of each of the
items including a photograph, the procedure in which they are used,
the cost of the items and the manufacturer are readily available.
An inventory of the various Containers is also available. Utilizing
this information, the surgical representative can familiarize
himself or herself with the contents of each Container prior to the
surgical procedure.
[0052] The information with respect to different surgical
procedures and the medical Containers required for the procedures
is illustrated in FIG. 9. The representative can select the various
Containers which the surgeon will need or has requested for the
procedure. This information is submitted to the system to indicate
the availability of the Containers, and if certain Containers and
their respective contents must be supplied from other locations. If
this is the case, then an order is placed and the required
Container is shipped to the desired location.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a medical representative's calendar. His
surgeries and other activities are on the calendar. He can also
access his sales information, track the medical inventory, and
access information with respect to his contacts. All of this can be
done wherever he has access to the Internet. An example of the
information regarding specific surgeons is illustrated in FIG. 11.
With this information he is better equipped to establish a working
relationship with the surgeon. Should the representative need
information regarding specific Container, he can also access this
as illustrated in FIG. 12. This information includes an
identification of the Containers, the location of the Containers,
information regarding a hospital at which the Container is
required, the date on which the Container is to arrive at the
hospital, the date of the surgery and the date the Container will
be available again if it is not needed for the surgery.
[0054] An inventory of Container orders is illustrated in FIG. 13.
The date of the surgery, the surgeon's name, the specific Container
required, the hospital and the representative's name assigned to
the Container are provided. The representative can then locate an
appropriate Container and assign it to the surgery. A list of the
Containers available is illustrated in FIG. 14. This information
lists the specific Container, the location of the Container, if the
Container has already been purchased by the hospital and any
special notes regarding the Container. The notes are indicated by
an icon next to the Container class.
[0055] Various tracking devices for the Containers are illustrated
in FIGS. 15-17. In FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a first embodiment
of the present invention wherein the Container of the present
invention is indicated as 10. The Container normally comprises a
closed box. The contents (not shown) are arranged within the
Container to insure proper placement. The tracking device Container
is preferably composed of a stainless steel or polymer based
exterior 13 and has a similar interior. Other materials with the
desired properties could also be utilized. The tracking device 14
is located in the lower portion or attached to the body of the
Container, FIG. 15B. The tracking device is placed in the lower
portion, in a false bottom, or attached to the undercarriage of the
Container in a enclosure composed of a stainless steel or polymer
based exterior insulated with a foam or syntactic microballoon
glass woven quilted material incorporating a phase changing
material (PCM) 16. The foam functions as both an insulator and a
shock absorption device. The Containers are normally sterilized at
temperatures above 270.degree. F. or cryogenically frozen at
temperatures below -240.degree. F., and the insulator helps protect
the tracking device from these extreme temperatures. Sterilization
of the containers or objects within the containers can be
accomplished utilizing wet or dry heat, chemicals or radiation.
Once the tracking device is placed in the Container 10, an access
door 18 is secured in a manner that prohibits unauthorized
personnel from accessing the tracking device. The access door is
preferably provided with a waterproof and extreme temperature
resistant seal, preferably a hermetic seal or gasket ring (not
shown). The access door is used for battery replacement in the
power source. The foam can be a syntactic microballoon glass woven
quilted material or a PCM (Phase Change Material). The tracking
device 14, as illustrated, in a second embodiment of the present
invention, in FIG. 16A, comprises a power source 20, a motion
sensor 22, and a communicator 24 which utilizes AGPS, GSM, GPRS,
CDMA, SMS, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth.RTM. to communicate the location
of the Container. An individual seeking the location of the
container can establish contact with the tracking device with their
mobile phone, web-based device such as an Ipad.RTM., tablet PC,
laptop computer, desktop computer or second transceiver. The
tracking device will then indicate the location of the container.
This type of communication system permits the tracking of
containers inside of buildings where GPS devices will not function.
The individual's mobile communication device, or another external
communication device, can be programmed through the system's
software to ping the tracking device at regular intervals. This
helps conserve the batteries in the power supply of the tracking
device. The location ping will also utilize the tracking device's
technology in the most power efficient sequence, which is usually a
method of utilizing the short range solution first, and then the
long-range solution if transmission is hindered. An example of this
would be that the unit would first use the less power consuming
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.RTM. network established in the building to
send/receive the location signal; if that is not possible, it can
then use GPS. If that is not possible, it can then use cellular
triangulation to establish location, connectivity, and transfer of
information to its respective user. In some cases a motion sensor
22 can trigger the second communicator 24 whenever the container is
moved.
[0056] Objects which can be tracked include, but are not limited
to, medications, medical devices, patients, batteries, implants,
coolers, produce items, weapons, animals, boxes, cylinders,
pelican.TM. cases, a chest, submarines, assault vehicles, jewels,
pallets, luggage, cabinets, money bags, airplanes, helicopters,
vehicles, boats, tanks, thermometers, works of art, safes,
toolboxes, computer systems, servers, freight containers,
motorcycles, shopping carts, sleeping monitors, heart monitors,
oxygenators, vials, vacutainer bottles, film containers, engines,
construction equipment, mobile armories, trains, etc. Some of the
objects being tracked are powered. They can receive their power
from photovoltaic cells, a wireless radio frequency method, a
kinetic charging method, an inductive charging method, a
switched-mode powering method or a Thermionic conversion
method.
[0057] The ultimate user of the device being tracked is normally
concerned with the location of the device and the approximate time
or arrival of the device. This is especially important to hospital
personal, surgeons, and doctors. It is also important to inventory
managers, police officers, pilots, military agents, jewelers,
baggage handlers, etc.
[0058] A second embodiment of the tracking device is illustrated in
FIGS. 16A-C. This tracking device is secured around the outer
periphery of the Container. This is known as the "Halo" design. The
tracking device is located in the main element 26 of the device.
The tracking device includes a motion sensor or altimeter 22, a
power supply 20, an inductive charging mechanism and a first
communicator, a second, third, and fourth communicator 24. An
access door or panel (not shown) provides access to the tracking
device to enable battery replacement or other operations. The
access door may be secured by a keyed or keyless lock, and cannot
be readily accessed by unauthorized personnel, and is normally
located on the rear side of the main element 26. The main element
26 is provided with legs or extensions 28. These legs connect to
corner elements 30. The legs are secured to the corner elements
utilizing rivets or other fasteners 32. A connection member 34
secures corner elements together, as illustrated in FIG. 16C. The
corner elements 30 are designed to connect to each other when they
are secured to any sized Container. Connection members 34 can also
be utilized to connect corner elements 30 to each other whenever
the width of the medical Container is larger than normal. A
connection member 34 is illustrated in FIG. 16B. The connection
member 34 is provided with zip-tie-like one way connectors 36 at
both ends of the connection member. These connectors allow the
connection member to be inserted into the corner elements but not
withdrawn therefrom. After these elements have been connected to
each other, additional fasteners such as rivets 32 are also used to
secure the elements together. Connectors 36 are also provided on
the main element 26 as illustrated in FIG. 16A. The Container can
be formed from the same material as the Container of the embodiment
of FIGS. 15A-C. Protective foam can also be utilized in the main
element to protect the tracking device.
[0059] A third embodiment of the tracking device is illustrated in
FIG. 17. The tracking device is positioned in a housing 40 which is
secured to an outer portion of a Container 10. Straps 42 secure the
housing 40 to the Container. Rivets 44 or similar fasteners such as
keyed or keyless locks secure the straps 42 to the Container. The
fasteners are designed so they are not removable by unauthorized
personnel. An access door or panel (not shown) provides access to
the interior of housing 40 for battery replacement or access to the
tracking device. A handle 46 can be provided on the Container to
assist in transporting the Container. The Container is formed from
the same material as the Container of the embodiment of FIGS.
15A-C. Protective foam can also be utilized in the housing 40 to
protect the tracking device.
[0060] A fourth embodiment of the tracking device is illustrated in
FIG. 18. This is known as the "Exoskeleton" design. The Container
50 can be formed from the same material as the Container of the
first embodiment. The tracking device is positioned in the housing
50 which is attached to the internal or external portion of the
container. The corner portions of the device 54-60 contain sensory
antenna contact points 62 which detect the contents of the
container. Externally, these antennas transmit through a radio
frequency transferrable material. If the items are removed, the
tracking device (second communicator) is notified via the first
communicator of the present status. This information is then
transferred via the fourth or second communicator to the web-based
software's interface for the user to identify the container's
status of its contents.
[0061] A fifth embodiment of the tracking device is illustrated in
FIG. 19. This is known as the "Compartment" design. The Container
64 can be formed from the same material as the Container of the
first embodiment. The tracking unit 66 connects to a separate piece
that houses the antennas for the units. The embodiment of the
smaller separate enclosure is made of a protective material that
allows the antennas to transmit signals through. The tracking
device is positioned in the container 64 which is attached to the
internal or external portion of the container. Inside of the
container each item has an assigned location 68 within a tray 70.
When the item is removed from its assigned location, the first
communicator is notified and transmits the information through the
fourth or second communicator 72 in order to notify the user of the
container's inventory status. There is a transmission barrier
between the locations 68 within the trays so that one location 68
does not pick up the information transmitted from an adjacent
location and transmit it to the tracking unit. This would result in
duplicate information being transmitted.
[0062] A sixth embodiment of the tracking device is illustrated in
FIG. 20. This is known as the "Mobile Vendor" design. The tracking
device 76 is positioned in the uppermost portion of the container
housing 74. Inside of the container, various antennas 78 are placed
to recognize tagged items (third communicator). On the front of the
door of the enclosure is a lock 80 which can be keyed or keyless.
This lock is connected with a wire or wirelessly to the tracking
device 76 in the uppermost portion of the container. When the door
has opened and an item is removed, the tracking device will report
its inventory status once the door is closed and the lock is in the
closed or sealed position. The tracking device's fourth or second
communicator receives this information from the first communicator
which is monitoring the status of the third communicator(s). The
lock will assist in identifying which user opened the door and at
what time.
[0063] FIG. 21 illustrates a container 82 made of stainless steel
or other materials which do not permit the transmission of signals
therethrough. Therefore, the tracking unit 84 is located within the
container to receive information regarding the objects being
tracked which are located within the container. The tracking unit
84 is connected to an external antenna 86 via a hard wire
connection 88 which passes through the container 82.
[0064] FIG. 22 is a screen shot of the software which can be used
in conjunction with the tracking device of the present invention to
locate the object being tracked.
[0065] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0066] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
[0067] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *