Shipping container interrogation apparatus and methods
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8881574-B2
Publication Date
2014-11-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A shipping container interrogation apparatus and method that utilizes the tubular frame members of the container to deliver input air to the interior of the container, and to receive sample air from the interior of the container. A detection apparatus may be used to detect an unauthorized material in the sample air that is received from the interior of the container. Sample air from the detection apparatus may be recycled back into the container by use of a tubular frame member of the container. Input air may be delivered to the interior of the container with turbulence and in any desired direction or pattern for better interrogation of the interior of the container.
Core Innovation
The described invention is a shipping container interrogation apparatus in which a shipping container includes an air transfer tubular frame member operable to either receive input air and deliver the input air to the interior of the shipping container, or receive sample air from the interior of the shipping container and deliver the sample air to a location outside of the shipping container. The frame provides structural rigidity and shape for the shipping container, and the air transfer tubular frame member provides an air transfer function between the interior and outside locations.
In the apparatus configurations, the air transfer tubular frame member includes an air input tubular frame member having an air input exterior port and an air input interior port operable to receive input air and deliver the input air to the interior, respectively. In nozzle-based variations, the air input interior port includes a nozzle with an air discharge opening that is least generally rectangular and has an aspect ratio of at least about 3:1. In other configurations, first and second air transfer tubular frame members are used, including an air input tubular frame member and a sample air output tubular frame member with interior and exterior ports for receiving sample air from the container interior and delivering sample air to a location outside the container.
The invention further includes interrogating based on sample air handling for detection and, in certain configurations, container vibration for improved interrogation. A detection apparatus is operable to receive the sample air from the sample air output exterior port, and a sample air recycling conduit is operable to convey the sample air from the detection apparatus to the air input tubular frame member. Additionally, the invention includes a vibration apparatus that applies a time-periodic lateral rocking motion to the top wall of the shipping container about a longitudinal centerline, where the time-periodic lateral rocking motion is used to excite even harmonics of the top wall in a direction that is at least generally at about a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims identified are clm-00001, clm-00017, clm-00025, clm-00026, clm-00027, clm-00028, and clm-00029. Across these, the claims are centered on an air transfer tubular frame member that routes input air into the container interior and/or routes sample air out to an external location, with further inventive features including air input/nozzle discharge geometry, optional separate input and sample tubular frame members with detection and recycling, and time-periodic lateral rocking vibration exciting even harmonics.
Air transfer tubular frame member operable to receive input air or sample air
A shipping container interrogation apparatus comprising a shipping container with a frame providing structural rigidity and shape, wherein the frame comprises an air transfer tubular frame member and an interior, and wherein the air transfer tubular frame member is operable to either receive input air and deliver the input air to the interior of the shipping container or receive sample air from the interior and deliver sample air to a location outside of the shipping container.
Interrogating using air transfer tubular frame member
A method for interrogating a shipping container by using the air transfer tubular frame member for at least one of receiving input air and delivering the input air to the interior of the shipping container and receiving sample air from the interior and delivering the sample air to a location outside of the shipping container.
Air input tubular frame member with rectangular discharge aspect ratio
A shipping container interrogation apparatus where the air transfer tubular frame member comprises an air input tubular frame member with an air input exterior port and an air input interior port that delivers input air to the interior, and wherein the air input interior port comprises an air discharge opening having a width and a height, the shape is least generally rectangular, and the shape has an aspect ratio of at least about 3:1.
Nozzle with rectangular air discharge opening aspect ratio
A shipping container interrogation apparatus where the air input interior port comprises a nozzle, and the nozzle comprises an air discharge opening having a width and a height, the air discharge opening comprises a shape that is least generally rectangular, and the shape has an aspect ratio of at least about 3:1.
Input and sample air tubular frame members with detection and recycling conduit
A shipping container interrogation apparatus wherein the shipping container comprises first and second air transfer tubular frame members, the first air transfer tubular frame member comprises an air input tubular frame member with an air input exterior port and an air input interior port delivering input air to the interior, the second air transfer tubular frame member comprises a sample air output tubular frame member with a sample air output interior port receiving sample air from the interior and a sample air output exterior port delivering sample air to the location outside the container, and the interrogation apparatus further comprises a detection apparatus operable to receive the sample air from the sample air output exterior port and a sample air recycling conduit operable to convey the sample air from the detection apparatus to the air input tubular frame member.
Vibration apparatus applying time-periodic lateral rocking to excite even harmonics
A shipping container interrogation apparatus including a pair of sidewalls and a top wall, where the top wall has a longitudinal centerline situated halfway between the pair of sidewalls, and wherein the interrogation apparatus further comprises a vibration apparatus operable to apply a time-periodic lateral rocking motion to the top wall with respect to the longitudinal centerline, wherein the time-periodic lateral rocking motion is used to excite even harmonics of the top wall in a direction that is at least generally at about a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline.
Method steps including time-periodic lateral rocking for even harmonics
A method for interrogating a shipping container including steps of (a) using an air transfer tubular frame member for at least one of receiving input air and delivering input air to the interior and receiving sample air and delivering sample air to a location outside the shipping container, (b) applying a time-periodic lateral rocking motion to the top wall with respect to the longitudinal centerline, and (c) using the time-periodic lateral rocking motion for exciting even harmonics of the top wall of the shipping container in a direction that is at least generally at about a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline.
The claim set is anchored by an air transfer tubular frame member that routes input air into the container interior and/or routes sample air from the container interior to an external location. Additional claim coverage specifies input-air delivery through an air input tubular frame member and, in some cases, a nozzle with a rectangular discharge opening having an aspect ratio of at least about 3:1. Further coverage adds separate input and sample tubular frame members with a detection apparatus and sample air recycling conduit, and includes a vibration apparatus applying time-periodic lateral rocking motion to excite even harmonics of the top wall in a direction generally at about a right angle to the longitudinal centerline.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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