WO2008115901A2 - Association of refrigerated shipping containers with dispatch orders - Google Patents
Association of refrigerated shipping containers with dispatch orders Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008115901A2 WO2008115901A2 PCT/US2008/057295 US2008057295W WO2008115901A2 WO 2008115901 A2 WO2008115901 A2 WO 2008115901A2 US 2008057295 W US2008057295 W US 2008057295W WO 2008115901 A2 WO2008115901 A2 WO 2008115901A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- container
- power
- location
- outlet
- refrigerated
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
- B63B25/002—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for goods other than bulk goods
- B63B25/004—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for goods other than bulk goods for containers
Definitions
- This invention relates to initiating and terminating shipping container intermodal shipment orders automatically by wireless monitoring and communications.
- Shipping containers are used to transport freight in an intermodal environment, meaning that the container may be conveyed by truck, rail or ocean (container ship) transport at different phases of the transport cycle.
- An object of the invention is to improve such methods and systems.
- An embodiment of the invention involves determining whether a refrigerated container is connected to power source from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
- Another embodiment of the invention involves determining whether a refrigerated container is connected to power source from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through identification of precise container location and comparing with other location information (such as an existing map of power outlet locations).
- Yet another embodiment of the invention involves automatically initiating or terminating a specific phase within the transport cycle in real time based on information derived from a wireless system.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another aspect of the invention.
- Container shipping companies plan the transport of individual containers by issuing transportation orders to organizations responsible for each segment of the journey. For instance, a container company my issue an order for a motor carrier to pick up container A at a certain location X and deliver it to location Y.
- a container company my issue an order for a motor carrier to pick up container A at a certain location X and deliver it to location Y.
- land-oriented shipment orders are directed towards motor carriers and railroads while ocean oriented orders are directed towards container shipping carriers.
- the planning dispatch order segments for container intermodal transport are illustrated in the FIG 1.
- a wireless tracking device (with gps or other location determining component or capability) is attached to the container, so that each of the locations above is "geofenced", where such a device, with internal intelligence and communications capability, automatically determines when the container left location 1 and entered Iocation2, etc. throughout the shipment.
- a Central Information System (CIS)
- CIS Central Information System
- shipment orders, to rail, truck and ocean service freight service provider contain Location 1, Location 2, etc. so that the shipment segment can be tracked automatically by the wireless device.
- the wireless device indicates that the container arrived in Location 2, then the original Rail Shipment (Location 1 to 2) is automatically “terminated” and the Truck Order Shipment (Location 2 to 3) is automatically "initiated”.
- the CIS queries other relevant information sources and notifies the primary customer as well as the party responsible for that leg of the transport. This allows relevant responsibilites to be terminated and/or initiated automatically as the container moves through the shipment path.
- the shipment responsibility is transferred to the rail shipper from the time it left Location 1 and Arrived at Location 2, and the facility manager of Location 2 then has responsibility for the shipment while the container was resident there and the truck operator has responsibility when the wireless device indicates that the container left Location 2 until it arrived at Location 3.
- the benefit of the wireless device is that the responsibility of the shipment could be tracked in real time and that the shipments orders may be automatically "initiated” and "terminated” in a database. This initiation and termination is important so that the initiated shipment plan segment can be used to monitor the shipment in real time while the terminated shipments can be used to compare the performance of the trip plan with the actual performance derived from the wireless device.
- the ability to initiate and terminate planned order segments is enhanced because of the unique characteristics of the refrigerated transport cycle. This includes locations of varying power-sources for the refrigerated container which must be changed and monitored as the containers move through the cycle.
- the wireless device which monitors the condition of the refrigerated container
- the behavior of the refrigerated container will transmit to a database the following information in real time:
- the above shipment process is enhanced because: (a) If the container is ordered to be loaded at Location 1, then comparing the shipment order information to the wireless derived information indicates that the logical time frame that the shipment was initiated was when the refrigeration system was turned on and the set point was changed. In this manner, the segment may be "initiated" in the planning system, and relevant critical information captured in the CIS.
- segment planning system by virtue of an attached wireless device. This adds value since the refrigerated transport cycle requires more complex information and control functions than a standard dry-container.
- Refrigerated containers use power to refrigerate the load.
- this power is usually provided by the shipboard power network which is connected to the container via a heavy-duty power cable attached to the container.
- electrical plug power often (but not always) exists to power the container in the port.
- a "chassis” a trailer structure pulled behind a truck used to deliver the container from the port to its final destination
- power is normally provided by a generator set (“genset") which is temporarily bolted to either the container itself or the chassis.
- a genset is a large assembly typically consisting of: a diesel engine, an AC alternator to provide power, and a fuel tank and it is designed to power the container when it moves on land.
- a power cable connects the container to the genset.
- a container equipped with a wireless monitoring device which contains a location identifying system (such as a GPS or other RF system)
- a location identifying system such as a GPS or other RF system
- the refrigerated container is powered by the shipboard power on container ship.
- the refrigerated container leaves Location 3 in the appropriate condition by virtue of detection by a geofence and comparison between the actual condition (captured by the wireless device) and the expected (stored on the CIS and downloaded to the wireless device at the appropriate time in the shipment cycle.) And importantly, immediate notification if the container arrives in an inappropriate condition.
- the refrigerated container is powered by the shore power.
- the refrigerated container is powered by the genset.
- the wireless device may distinguish between ship and shore power versus genset power.
- Truck order 2 to 3 may be “terminated” when the genset is disconnected from the refrigerated container.
- Ocean order 3 to 4 may be "initiated” when the refrigerated container is connected to the ship power. Ocean order 3 to 4 may be “terminated” when the refrigerated container enters the geofence area for Location 4 and is plugged into the power strip on shore.
- Truck order 4 to 5 may be automatically initiated when a genset is used to power the refrigerated container in Location 4. To more extensively utilize the wireless information, Truck order 4 to 5 may be automatically initiated when (1) the monitoring device determines that the genset is used to power the refrigerated container and (2) the monitoring device indicates that the refrigerated container leaves Location 4.
- Shipment order "initiation” and "termination” based on the unique messages associated with refrigeration containers to include: a. The refrigeration system is switched on b. The refrigeration system's set point is changed c. The power source of the refrigeration system has been disconnected d. The power source of a refrigeration system has been connected. e. The power source of a refrigeration system has been changed within the same port location. f. The power source type (genset or electrical) is detected by the monitoring device. g. The refrigeration system is switched off..
- the invention offers the ability to determine whether a refrigerated container is connected to power sourced from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
- FIG 2 The invention offers the ability to determine whether a refrigerated container is connected to power sourced from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
- the invention offers the ability to determine whether a refrigerated container is connected to power sourced from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through identification of precise container location and comparing with other location information (such as an existing map of power outlet locations). See FIG 2 .
- the invention offers the ability to automatically initiate or terminate a specific phase within the transport cycle in real time based on information derived from a wireless device (connected to our near the container); said information to include, but not be limited to: location (via gps or other location-determining device mounted on or connected to the container), geo-fence arrival, change of power source, state of power or change-of-state-of-power (on or off), or other operational data. See FIG 1 .
Abstract
Wireless monitoring and communication initiate and terminate shipping container intermodal shipment orders automatically. AC power to the container is determined by analyzing the power characteristics.
Description
TITLE
Method for Initiating and Terminating Refrigerated Container Intermodal Shipment Orders Automatically by Wireless Monitoring and Communications.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to US Provisional Application No. 60895432 filed March 16, 2007. This application is also related to US Application Serial No. 60895435 filed 16-MAR-2007, US Application Serial No. 60895105 filed 15-MAR-2007, US Application Serial No. 60895081 filed 15-MAR-2007, and US Application Serial No. 60914783 filed 30-APR-2007 and application 12049999 filed 17 March 2008. Applicant claims the benefit of the filing of each of these applications. These applications are incorporated herein as if fully recited herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to initiating and terminating shipping container intermodal shipment orders automatically by wireless monitoring and communications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shipping containers are used to transport freight in an intermodal environment, meaning that the container may be conveyed by truck, rail or ocean (container ship) transport at different phases of the transport cycle.
An object of the invention is to improve such methods and systems.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the invention involves determining whether a refrigerated container is connected to power source from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
Another embodiment of the invention involves determining whether a refrigerated container is connected to power source from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through identification of precise container location and comparing with other location information (such as an existing map of power outlet locations).
Yet another embodiment of the invention involves automatically initiating or terminating a specific phase within the transport cycle in real time based on information derived from a wireless system.
These and other aspects of the invention are pointed out in the claims. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become evident when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Container shipping companies, and other organizations that use containers, plan the transport of individual containers by issuing transportation orders to organizations responsible for each segment of the journey. For instance, a container company my issue an order for a motor carrier to pick up container A at a certain location X and
deliver it to location Y. In general, land-oriented shipment orders are directed towards motor carriers and railroads while ocean oriented orders are directed towards container shipping carriers.
The planning dispatch order segments for container intermodal transport are illustrated in the FIG 1.
According to an embodiment, a wireless tracking device (with gps or other location determining component or capability) is attached to the container, so that each of the locations above is "geofenced", where such a device, with internal intelligence and communications capability, automatically determines when the container left location 1 and entered Iocation2, etc. throughout the shipment. Such information is determined by the tracking device, and communicated by that device to a Central Information System (CIS). From that point, with other appropriate information, the information is sent, automaticaly to appropriate parties' internal information systems for proper termination/updating of shipment documents.
In this way, shipment orders, to rail, truck and ocean service freight service provider contain Location 1, Location 2, etc. so that the shipment segment can be tracked automatically by the wireless device. In other words, when the wireless device indicates that the container arrived in Location 2, then the original Rail Shipment (Location 1 to 2) is automatically "terminated" and the Truck Order Shipment (Location 2 to 3) is automatically "initiated". Effectively, upon receiving the "arrived at Locatin 1" information from the device, the CIS queries other relevant information sources and notifies the primary customer as well as the party responsible for that leg of the transport. This allows relevant responsibilites to be terminated and/or initiated automatically as the container moves through the shipment path.
According to a variation of this embodiment the shipment responsibility is transferred to the rail shipper from the time it left Location 1 and Arrived at Location 2, and the facility manager of Location 2 then has responsibility for the shipment while the
container was resident there and the truck operator has responsibility when the wireless device indicates that the container left Location 2 until it arrived at Location 3. The benefit of the wireless device is that the responsibility of the shipment could be tracked in real time and that the shipments orders may be automatically "initiated" and "terminated" in a database. This initiation and termination is important so that the initiated shipment plan segment can be used to monitor the shipment in real time while the terminated shipments can be used to compare the performance of the trip plan with the actual performance derived from the wireless device.
In the special instance of refrigerated containers, the ability to initiate and terminate planned order segments is enhanced because of the unique characteristics of the refrigerated transport cycle. This includes locations of varying power-sources for the refrigerated container which must be changed and monitored as the containers move through the cycle.
Because of the wireless device, which monitors the condition of the refrigerated container, the behavior of the refrigerated container will transmit to a database the following information in real time:
(1) The time when a refrigerated container is switched on.
(2) The time when a set point temperature is changed to the appropriate setting for the commodity.
(3) The refrigerated left Location 1 (and its operational state)
(4) The refrigerated container arrived at/ and then left each subsequent Location, along with its operational state at each point.
(5) Any relevant alarms that occur within the cycle (and the relevant operational conditions and locations).
(6) The time and location when the refrigerated container is switched off (and relevant operational conditions).
Therefore, the above shipment process is enhanced because:
(a) If the container is ordered to be loaded at Location 1, then comparing the shipment order information to the wireless derived information indicates that the logical time frame that the shipment was initiated was when the refrigeration system was turned on and the set point was changed. In this manner, the segment may be "initiated" in the planning system, and relevant critical information captured in the CIS.
(b) If the refrigeration system arrives at Location 2 with the refrigeration system at the prescribed set point temperature in the on condition, then the segment initiated above may be "terminated".
(c) If the container is ordered to be unloaded at Location 5, then comparing the shipment order information to the wireless derived information indicates that the logical time frame that the shipment was initiated was when the refrigerated system was turned off. In this manner, the final segment may be terminated.
Additional information is gained by the segment planning system by virtue of an attached wireless device. This adds value since the refrigerated transport cycle requires more complex information and control functions than a standard dry-container.
Refrigerated containers use power to refrigerate the load. During the ocean leg of journeys (Ocean order 3 to 4 above), this power is usually provided by the shipboard power network which is connected to the container via a heavy-duty power cable attached to the container. Once the container is taken off the ship at a port, electrical plug power often (but not always) exists to power the container in the port. Once the container is placed on a "chassis" (a trailer structure pulled behind a truck used to deliver the container from the port to its final destination), power is normally provided by a generator set ("genset") which is temporarily bolted to either the container itself or the chassis. (A genset is a large assembly typically consisting of: a diesel engine, an AC alternator to provide power, and a fuel tank and it is designed to power the container when it moves on land. A power cable connects the container to the genset.
Therefore, at Location 3 and 4 above, which are port facilities, a container equipped with a wireless monitoring device which contains a location identifying system (such as a GPS or other RF system), will demonstrate when:
(1) A genset is disconnected and which power source is connected to the refrigerated container (Location 3). (Without power from some source, the refrigeration system on the container will shut off.) This also may be an event to be detected by the wireless device.
(2) Shore power is used to power the refrigerated container (Location 3) at the port facility. The refrigerated system will power on and allowing detection to be identified by the wireless device.
(3) The refrigerated container is disconnected from the shore power at the port faciltiy.
(4) The refrigerated container is powered by the shipboard power on container ship.
(5) The refrigerated container leaves Location 3 in the appropriate condition by virtue of detection by a geofence and comparison between the actual condition (captured by the wireless device) and the expected (stored on the CIS and downloaded to the wireless device at the appropriate time in the shipment cycle.) And importantly, immediate notification if the container arrives in an inappropriate condition.
(6) The refrigerated container arrives in the appropriate condition at Location 4 (another port).
(7) The refrigerated container experiences a loss of power as it is disconnected from ship power.
(8) The refrigerated container is powered by the shore power.
(9) The refrigerated container is disconnected from the shore power.
(10) The refrigerated container is powered by the genset.
In a previous embodiment of the invention, the wireless device may distinguish between ship and shore power versus genset power.
Therefore, Truck order 2 to 3 may be "terminated" when the genset is disconnected from the refrigerated container. Ocean order 3 to 4 may be "initiated" when the refrigerated container is connected to the ship power. Ocean order 3 to 4 may be "terminated" when the refrigerated container enters the geofence area for Location 4 and is plugged into the power strip on shore. Truck order 4 to 5 may be automatically initiated when a genset is used to power the refrigerated container in Location 4.
To more extensively utilize the wireless information, Truck order 4 to 5 may be automatically initiated when (1) the monitoring device determines that the genset is used to power the refrigerated container and (2) the monitoring device indicates that the refrigerated container leaves Location 4. This invention allows:
(1) Shipment order "initiation" and "termination" based on the unique messages associated with refrigeration containers, to include: a. The refrigeration system is switched on b. The refrigeration system's set point is changed c. The power source of the refrigeration system has been disconnected d. The power source of a refrigeration system has been connected. e. The power source of a refrigeration system has been changed within the same port location. f. The power source type (genset or electrical) is detected by the monitoring device. g. The refrigeration system is switched off..
The invention offers the ability to determine whether a refrigerated container is connected to power sourced from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container. FIG 2 .
The invention offers the ability to determine whether a refrigerated container is connected to power sourced from a shore outlet, a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through identification of precise container location and comparing with other location information (such as an existing map of power outlet locations). See FIG 2 .
The invention offers the ability to automatically initiate or terminate a specific phase within the transport cycle in real time based on information derived from a wireless device (connected to our near the container); said information to include, but not be limited to: location (via gps or other location-determining device mounted on or connected to the container), geo-fence arrival, change of power source, state of power or change-of-state-of-power (on or off), or other operational data. See FIG 1 .
While embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied otherwise without
departing from its spirit.
Claims
1. A transport system, comprising:
a container,
a power source with one of a shore outlet and a shipboard outlet,
a generator set,
an arrangement to determine the container is connected to the power source with a shore outlet, the power source with a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
2. A system as in claim 1, wherein the container is a refrigeration container.
3. A system as in claim 1, wherein a location sensing device identifies the container location and compares it with other location information
4. A system as in claim 1, wherein the container is transported along a transport cycle, and a wireless system acquires information and automatically initiates or terminates a specific phase within the transport cycle.
5. A method, comprising:
measuring the characteristics of AC power seen by a container being powered from a power source with one of a shore outlet and a shipboard outlet and a generator set,
analysing of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container, determining whether the container is connected to the power source with a shore outlet, the power source with a shipboard outlet, or a generator set through measurement and analysis of the characteristics of the AC power seen by the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89543207P | 2007-03-16 | 2007-03-16 | |
| US60/895,432 | 2007-03-16 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2008115901A2 true WO2008115901A2 (en) | 2008-09-25 |
| WO2008115901A3 WO2008115901A3 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
Family
ID=39766729
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2008/057295 WO2008115901A2 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2008-03-17 | Association of refrigerated shipping containers with dispatch orders |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2008115901A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2445751B2 (en) † | 2009-06-23 | 2021-02-17 | Carrier Corporation | Performance and position monitoring of a mobile hvac&r unit |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5872721A (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1999-02-16 | Transfresh Corporation | Monitor-control systems and methods for monitoring and controlling atmospheres in containers for respiring perishables |
| US20040158360A1 (en) * | 2003-02-04 | 2004-08-12 | Charles Garland | System and method of energy management and allocation within an energy grid |
| US20060109106A1 (en) * | 2004-11-22 | 2006-05-25 | Maersk Logistics Usa, Inc. | Shipping container monitoring and tracking system |
-
2008
- 2008-03-17 WO PCT/US2008/057295 patent/WO2008115901A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5872721A (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1999-02-16 | Transfresh Corporation | Monitor-control systems and methods for monitoring and controlling atmospheres in containers for respiring perishables |
| US20040158360A1 (en) * | 2003-02-04 | 2004-08-12 | Charles Garland | System and method of energy management and allocation within an energy grid |
| US20060109106A1 (en) * | 2004-11-22 | 2006-05-25 | Maersk Logistics Usa, Inc. | Shipping container monitoring and tracking system |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2445751B2 (en) † | 2009-06-23 | 2021-02-17 | Carrier Corporation | Performance and position monitoring of a mobile hvac&r unit |
| US11225186B2 (en) | 2009-06-23 | 2022-01-18 | Carrier Corporation | Performance and position monitoring of a mobile HVAC and R unit |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2008115901A3 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
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