A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.
A container (110, 410. 510, 610. 710) is configured to accommodate a temperature sensitive cargo (112. 112a, 112b, 712). The container includes a plurality of walls, first and second temperature sensors (S1, S2), and a temperature control system (116, 516, 616, 716). In response to determining the first temperature value being outside of the predetermined temperature range, the temperature control system is configured to: direct a first volume (VI) of the conditioned air to the first location within the interior (114) using at least the first fan (F1, R3), and direct a. second volume (V2) of the conditioned air to the second location within the interior using the second, fan (F2, R4) to alter the flow around the temperature sensitive cargo, lire first volume is greater than the second volume so that the change in temperature at the first location is greater than the change in temperature at the second location.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
F25D 17/06 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating gas, e.g. by natural convection by forced circulation
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Electronic data loggers; computer hardware and recorded software for tracking a shipment during transit, sold as a unit; computer hardware and recorded software for sensing environmental data of a shipment during transit, sold as a unit
A system for palletizing cargo includes a number of components that may be combined to produce an assembled pallet of cargo. A pallet base provides a cargo area where a payload may be stacked. The pallet base includes protective features such as feet that raise the payload above surface level, bumpers that prevent and absorb impacts to the pallet base, and a rim that encircles the cargo area. A pallet top is placed on top of the payload, opposite the pallet base, and a set of straps are used to connect the pallet base to the pallet top and friction fit the payload therebetween. Each of the base and top include a series of holes and spacers that allow airflow to pass around the bottom and top of the payload, while the bumpers allow airflow around the sides, even when the assembled pallets are surrounded by other cargo.
A system for palletizing cargo includes a number of components that may be combined to produce an assembled pallet (100) of cargo. A pallet base (106) provides a cargo area where a payload (102) may be stacked. The pallet base includes protective features such as feet that raise the payload above surface level, bumpers that prevent and absorb impacts to the pallet base, and a rim that encircles the cargo area. A pallet top (104) is placed on top of the payload, opposite the pallet base, and a set of straps (108) are used to connect the pallet base to the pallet top and friction fit the payload therebetween. Each of the base and top include a series of holes and spacers that allow airflow to pass around the bottom and top of the payload, while the bumpers allow airflow around the sides, even when the assembled pallets are surrounded by other cargo.
B65D 71/00 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottlesBales of material
Phase change materials (PCM) such as a liquid salt hydrate may be stored in capsules of various sizes and applied to fabrics and fibers to fabricate PCM features that provide passive temperature control for shipping containers and goods. In one implementation, PCM fabric covers (100) may be placed over palletized cargo (44) and over individual goods. Modular fabric pieces may be combined and interconnected to cover goods. Fabric covers may emphasize thermal performance over comfort or aesthetics when selecting microcapsule size and coating materials. In another implementation, PCM capsules (120) may be combined with fiber filler, shaped as desired, and sealed within an exterior skin to produce rigid PCM panels having various shapes. Panels (400) may be used to line interiors or exteriors of shipping containers or goods. Panels may be shaped to include contours that fit snugly against a desired surface, or to include interior portions in which goods can be fit into.
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.
A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.
A system for remote access to active shipping containers may gather information and analytics on containers during transit, and allow automated and manual configuration changes to be transmitted, from remote users, to the container during transit. A remote access device capable of long range communication over cellular or satellite networks may be coupled with a control system of the active shipping container, in order to send information from the control system to a remote server, and to receive and provide configuration changes to the control system. The remote access device may also include sensors, or may be coupled with a plurality of sensors that may be placed in an around the container to provide additional and more detailed sources of sensor data. Sensor and status data from containers may trigger automatic configuration changes or notifications, and may also be aggregated to provide high level analytics related to transit lanes.
A system includes an active container with data bridging capabilities that uses short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power. In one implementation, an aerial drone is configured to function as a bridge provider to send data from the active container to a remote server during flight. In another implementation, a base station is adapted to receive an aerial drone after flight and is configured to function as a bridge provider to send data from the active container to a remote server after flight.
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
B65D 81/18 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
14.
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING IN-TRANSIT POWER FOR ACTIVE STORAGE CONTAINERS
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
B65D 81/18 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
16.
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING IN-TRANSIT POWER FOR ACTIVE STORAGE CONTAINERS
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
A container having a battery and one or more active systems for maintaining temperature or other characteristics of goods stored within the container relies on a battery to maintain those active systems during transit. The size of the battery required for such applications may be reduced by providing access to external power during a shipment cycle. For example, shelves within transit vehicles or warehouses can supply electricity to the active systems via a wireless or wired connection, or they may recharge the container's battery, or both. The container may also have data bridging capabilities that use short range wireless technology to communicate with nearby devices that have access to other data streams, such as GPS data and internet connectivity. When bridged with a provider, the container may have access to new data streams, or may be able to disable internal devices providing those same data streams to conserve power.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distributionInventory or stock management
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
B65D 90/00 - Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
G07C 9/20 - Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
B65D 88/74 - Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
B65D 90/48 - Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
G07C 9/00 - Individual registration on entry or exit
At least one puck is used to manufacture a vacuum insulated panel with a shaped opening. A pair of barrier films are positioned about an insulated core having a shaped opening such as a through bore, cutout, or relief. The puck includes a protrusion having a shape similar to that of the opening of the insulated core. With the barrier films positioned about the insulated core, the pucks are inserted into the opening from opposite sides of the insulated core to thereby compress the barrier films between the shaped protrusions of the pucks to thereby prevent wrinkles and/or creases in the barrier films. The insulated core is then subjected to a vacuum to evacuate the insulated core of any gases and the barrier films are heat sealed to maintain the insulated core in the evacuated state. Excess barrier film is then removed to provide a wrinkle and/or crease free seal.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B65D 81/00 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
F16L 59/065 - Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum using vacuum
20.
Wrinkle free geometric opening in a vacuum insulated panel
At least one puck is used to manufacture a vacuum insulated panel with a shaped opening. A pair of barrier films are positioned about an insulated core having a shaped opening such as a through bore, cutout, or relief. The puck includes a protrusion having a shape similar to that of the opening of the insulated core. With the barrier films positioned about the insulated core, the pucks are inserted into the opening from opposite sides of the insulated core to thereby compress the barrier films between the shaped protrusions of the pucks to thereby prevent wrinkles and/or creases in the barrier films. The insulated core is then subjected to a vacuum to evacuate the insulated core of any gases and the barrier films are heat sealed to maintain the insulated core in the evacuated state. Excess barrier film is then removed to provide a wrinkle and/or crease free seal.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B65D 81/00 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
F16L 59/065 - Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum using vacuum
21.
Wrinkle free geometric opening in a vacuum insulated panel
At least one puck is used to manufacture a vacuum insulated panel with a shaped opening. A pair of barrier films are positioned about an insulated core having a shaped opening such as a through bore, cutout, or relief. The puck includes a protrusion having a shape similar to that of the opening of the insulated core. With the barrier films positioned about the insulated core, the pucks are inserted into the opening from opposite sides of the insulated core to thereby compress the barrier films between the shaped protrusions of the pucks to thereby prevent wrinkles and/or creases in the barrier films. The insulated core is then subjected to a vacuum to evacuate the insulated core of any gases and the barrier films are heat sealed to maintain the insulated core in the evacuated state. Excess barrier film is then removed to provide a wrinkle and/or crease free seal.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B65D 81/00 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B32B 37/18 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with all layers existing as coherent layers before laminating involving the assembly of discrete sheets or panels only
F16L 59/065 - Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum using vacuum
A container assembly for controlling the thermal condition of cargo includes an insulated container having a cover and a pair of belt assemblies having a plurality of pouches. The container may comprise handles and/or a detachable and/or adjustable shoulder strap. The container assembly further includes a plurality of phase-changing material packs configured to provide for the control of the temperature of cargo contained within the container. The phase-changing material packs are positioned within the belt assemblies and are thermally conditioned prior to use. The belt assemblies may be made of a durable material and may be configured to provide for the expedient exchange of thermal energy between the phase-changing material packs and an exterior of the belt assemblies. The belt assemblies may comprise features that provide for the efficient orienting of the belt assemblies within the container and/or the appropriate selection of phase-changing material packs for a respective belt assembly.
Automatic shutdown systems are used with refrigerated air cargo containers. When a fire signature is detected by one or more sensors, the container exhaust fan(s) are automatically shut down or their external airflow is automatically restricted. In addition, or in the alternative, the shutdown system may likewise act when air transit is detected, such as acceleration and/or a change in altitude.
Automatic shutdown systems are used with refrigerated air cargo containers (1). When a fire signature is detected by one or more sensors, the container exhaust fan(s) (103) are automatically shut down or their external airflow is automatically restricted. In addition, or in the alternative, the shutdown system may likewise act when air transit is detected, such as acceleration and/or a change in altitude.
A cargo container includes an outer aluminum shell or housing having side, rear, bottom and top walls and a front opening with a pair of hinged doors. The housing receives a molded box-shaped composite outer shell which receives a molded box-shaped composite inner shell defining a cargo chamber. Corresponding walls of the inner and outer shells and the doors confine insulation cassettes each including vacuum insulation panels forming layers, all protected by plastic sheets and plastic film. Air is circulated by blowers within the chamber through a refrigeration evaporator and electrical heating elements, and a rear portion of the housing encloses operating components including a refrigeration compressor, storage batteries and exhaust fans. A control system senses temperature within the chamber and smoke and humidity outside the container and controls the operation of the compressor, exhaust fans and other components from storage batteries or an external power source.
