US20130166249A1 - Security Systems and Methods for Continuously Monitoring the Weight of a Container - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/523,254, filed Jun. 14, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/435,207 filed May 4, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,203,459, issued Jun. 19, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/948,821 filed Nov. 30, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,194,129 issued Jun. 5, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/903,000 filed on Apr. 3, 2007, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
• A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This description is related to weight monitoring systems and related methods.
BACKGROUND
• With the increasing value of commodities such as precious metals, oil, gas, or grains, monitoring and verifying the weight of these commodities is increasingly important. Accordingly, various types of scales have been developed to obtain the weight of the contents of a container. However, scales and other similar devices have limited functionality since these devices provide little to no security for the contents of the container. For example, unscrupulous individuals may add ballast to increase the weight of the container's contents to allegedly increase the value of the container's contents. Alternatively, individuals may remove items from the container's contents. Accordingly, there remains a need for devices and systems for monitoring a container's contents.
SUMMARY
• Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a weight monitoring system for recovering, processing and monitoring various commodities or products stored in a container. In one embodiment, the weight monitoring system includes a container having an identification tag provided on a surface of the container, a support device for receiving the container, a weight monitoring system, and a security system for monitoring the container. The weight monitoring system also includes a plurality of load sensors coupled to the support device, in which the plurality of load sensors monitors any weight variance of the container.
• In another embodiment, a weight monitoring system includes a system for processing a material and storing the material within a secured container. The weight monitoring system also includes a system for monitoring a weight of the secured container as the processed material is placed within the secured container. The weight monitoring system further includes a computer system in communication with the weight monitoring system, in which the computer system is adapted to generate an invoice based on the weight of the processed material within the secured container prior to removing the secured container from the weight monitoring system.
• In yet another embodiment, the weight monitoring system includes a system for processing and loading a material into a secured container. The weight monitoring system also includes a system for detecting weight variances of the processed material placed within the secured container. A web interface is also in communication with the weight monitoring system, in which the web interface is capable of obtaining a current value of the processed material. A computer system is also in communication with the weight monitoring system and the web interface. The computer system is adapted to assign and book a current monetary value to the processed material stored within the secured container.
• In another embodiment, a weight management system includes a weight monitoring system in communication with a central monitoring system. The weight monitoring system measures a weight of a secured container at a remote site, and the weight monitoring system transmits the weight of the secured container to the central monitoring system. The central monitoring system dispatches pickup of the secured container when a predetermined percentage of a weight capacity of the secured container is achieved.
• In addition to weight management systems, various methods for securely recovering materials are disclosed herein. According to one method, a secured container is locked onto a weight monitoring system having a plurality of load sensors for monitoring weight variances of the secured container. The secured container is identified, and the tare weight of the container is also obtained. A recovery transaction is then initiated. An alert is sent to one or more designated parties in response to a detected variance in container weight that is outside a predetermined weight variance during the recovery transaction. When the recovery process is terminated, recovery data is transmitted to one or more designated parties, in which the recovery data includes, at a minimum, data related to the weight of the material contained within the secured container. Additionally, a party is then invoiced based on the recovery data.
• Another method is directed to realizing assets for a company. According to one method, a secured container having a tare weight is locked onto a weight monitoring system. The weight monitoring system includes a plurality of load sensors for obtaining and monitoring a weight of the secured container. A recovery transaction is initiated, and scrap metal is recovered from a site. The recovered scrap metal is then stored in the secured container. A net weight of the stored scrap metal in the secured container is obtained, and a value of the scrap metal is calculated. The value of the scrap metal is based upon the net weight of the scrap metal and a monetary value of the scrap metal per unit of weight. Once the value of the scrap metal is calculated, the value of the scrap metal is booked as an asset of the company.
• Another method is directed to managing one or more containers located at one or more remote sites. In one method, a secured container having a tare weight is locked onto a weight monitoring system. The weight monitoring system includes a plurality of load sensors for obtaining and monitoring a weight of the secured container. The weight monitoring system is also in communication with a central management server. The container is identified at the remote site, and the weight of the container is monitored. A message is transmitted to a central management server when the weight of the container contents reaches a predetermined weight. Pickup of the container is scheduled in response to the transmitted message, and a designated party is invoiced based on the weight of the container once the container is transported away from the remote site.
• Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a weight monitoring system.
• FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various embodiments of a weight-obtaining system.
• FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate alternate embodiments of a weight-obtaining system.
• FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various embodiments of container usable with a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a computer system for one embodiment of a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 6B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a computer system associated with one embodiment of a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 7 is a front view of one embodiment of a label generated by the weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a data management system used with a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a processing system used with a weight monitoring system.
• FIG. 10 is a side view of one embodiment of a centrifuge used in the processing system ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the interior of the centrifuge shown inFIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Various embodiments are directed to a weight monitoring system that monitors the contents of a container in order to prevent any tampering altering of the container's contents. For the sake of brevity, the weight monitoring system will be discussed in terms of recovering and securing scrap metal. However, it is contemplated that the weight monitoring system may be utilized for any product or commodity in which a product's value is based on weight. For example, the weight monitoring system may be used in monitoring weight of fluids such as, but not limited to, crude oil or gasoline. The weight monitoring system may also be used to monitor the weight (or variances in the weight) of any commodity or product in which the value is weight-based.
• Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly toFIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of aweight monitoring system10 having a weight-obtainingsystem12 and asecurity system14. Generally, theweight monitoring system10 uses asecured container14 to ensure that the container's contents are not readily accessible. In one embodiment, theweight obtaining system12 includes acontainer14 and a weight-obtainingdevice16 such as, but not limited to, a scale, one or more load sensors, or weighing devices known or developed in the art. In one embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes, by way of example but not by way of limitation, a locking mechanism to secure the container to the weight-obtainingsystem16, one or more cameras, and/or one or more sensors.
• As shown inFIG. 2, theweight monitoring system10 may include additional systems for carrying out additional functions. For example, thesystem10 includes aprocessing system20 for converting unprocessed scrap metal into a final, processed material. Theprocessing system20 may include one or more devices for cleaning, shredding, crushing, pucking, or baling the scrap metal before it is placed within asecured container14. Additionally, theweight monitoring system10 may also include anaccounting system22 for booking assets, invoicing parties, and other accounting/data collection functions. In yet another embodiment, theweight monitoring system10 includes atracking system24 for managing the transportation of the containers. In one embodiment, theweight monitoring system10 is a self-contained system having its own power supply. For example, theweight monitoring system10 may have its own generator and/or one or more batteries. Alternatively, theweight monitoring system10 may include solar panels and/or wind turbines for generating electricity.
• FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of aweight monitoring system10 having asupport surface26 for receiving acontainer14 and a plurality of weight-obtainingdevices30 positioned below the support surface. In one embodiment, thesupport surface26 is a generally flat platform that is sized to receive acontainer14. The platform may include one or more slots, grooves, recesses, locks, hooks, elevated or recessed rails, or similar devices to secure the container to the platform surface. As shown inFIG. 3A, thesupport surface26 includes a pair ofelevated rails28 for engaging a container's rollers or wheels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, therails28 are sized and spaced to receive acontainer14. In one embodiment, therails28 are provided on anadjustable platform32 so that distance between the rails may be varied to accommodatecontainers14 of different sizes as shown inFIG. 3B. In yet another embodiment, therails28 are directly fixed to the ground as shown inFIG. 3C. In other embodiments, thesupport surface26 may be shaped or take the form of a container, tray, and/or bowl as shown inFIG. 3D.
• As shown inFIGS. 3A-3D, a plurality ofload sensors30 are placed below thesupport surface26, below theelevated rails28, or between the support surface and the elevated rails. The plurality ofload sensors30 are used to obtain the weight of thecontainer14 as well as any scrap metal placed within the container. As shown inFIG. 3A, theload sensors30 are positioned at opposite ends of eachrail28. In other embodiments, theload sensors30 may be positioned at the middle of therails28. In yet another embodiment, fourload sensors30 are positioned at the four corners of thesupport surface26. In yet another embodiment, asingle load sensor30 is placed in the middle or center of thesupport surface26. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any number ofload sensors30 may be used to obtain the weight of thecontainer14 and the container's contents.
• Additionally, the load capacity and sensitivity of theload sensors30 may be varied depending upon the weight and capacity of thecontainer14. For example, moresensitive load sensors30 may be used for lower weights and/or smaller variations in weight. Alternatively, morerobust load sensors30 may be used to obtain the weight of large shipping or roll-awaycontainers14. In yet another embodiment, the weight-obtainingdevice16 may use a combination of sensitive androbust load sensors30. Depending on the application, theload sensors30 may also be weight certified or non-certified sensors.
• In one embodiment, the weight-obtainingsystem12 may also include a drive mechanism for loading acontainer14 onto and/or off thesupport surface26. The drive mechanism may be a chain-driven, screw-driven, rack and pinion, or winch system. The drive mechanism may be hand-powered or may be powered by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or internal combustion motors. Optionally, the drive mechanism may include one or more gears and/or a transmission.
• As shown inFIGS. 3A-D, theweight monitoring system10 includes asingle support surface26. In another embodiment, theweight monitoring system10 has a plurality of support surfaces26 for engaging and securing a plurality ofcontainers14. As shown inFIG. 4A, the plurality of support surfaces26 may be arranged in a carousel fashion. Alternatively, the plurality of support surfaces26 may be arranged in a linear fashion as shown inFIG. 4B. In one application, the plurality ofcontainers14 may be used to load different types of materials (e.g., individual container for titanium, aluminum, and steel). Alternatively, themultiple containers14 may be used to increase capacity to store recovered scrap metal (as well as recovery efficiency) by eliminating the need to remove afull container14 from thesupport surface26 and subsequently load an empty container onto the support surface.
• According to one embodiment, thesupport surface26 and/or rails28 are sized to receive industry standard roll-off containers. In another embodiment, theweight monitoring system10 is capable of receiving smaller bins in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Thecontainers14 are generally rectangular in shape having abottom surface34 and at least onewall36 that defines an area capable of holding solid and/or semi-solid materials, or fluids. As shown inFIG. 5A, thecontainer14 includes abottom surface34 and fourwalls36. Optionally, thecontainer14 includes one ormore doors38 for accessing the contents of the container. Thedoors38 may include mechanical locks, electronic locks, combination locks, cylinder locks, or any other lock known or developed in the art. In yet another embodiment, thecontainer14 includes a top40 secured to the fourwalls36. In one embodiment, the top40 of the container includes anopening42 for receiving material. Optionally, theopening42 may be reversibly sealed with a lid, plug, or other device for limiting access to the contents of thecontainer14. The lid or plug may be pivotally coupled to the top40 so that the lid covers theopening42 in a first position and exposes the opening in a second position. Alternatively, the lid or plug may be welded or otherwise secured over the opening42 of the top40.
• In various embodiments, thecontainer14 may include one ormore rollers44 rotatably coupled to the bottom of the container for moving the container (e.g., loading or unloading the container onto or off a weight monitoring system or a truck). Alternatively, thecontainer14 includes one ormore rails46 coupled to the base of thecontainer14 as shown inFIG. 5B. In another embodiment, one ormore pockets48 for moving and/or lifting thecontainer14 as shown inFIG. 5C.
• As shown inFIG. 5A, thecontainer14 also includes an identification tag50 located on one or more of the outer surfaces of the container. The identification tag50 may include a bar code, color code, or numerical code, alphanumeric code, or other forms of identifying an object known and developed in the art. In one embodiment, the tare weight of thecontainer14 is also provided on the identification tag50. In another embodiment, the identification tag50 also includes a radiofrequency tag (RFID). The RFID may contain information about the container size, container capacity, tare weight of the container, origin, manufacturer name, or other information that a user may desire to store or associate with the RFID. In another embodiment, the identification tag50 may also be associated with or include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
• Referring back toFIGS. 1-2, theweight monitoring system10 includes asecurity system18. Thesecurity system18 includes one or more devices to prevent the removal of thecontainer14, scrap metal from the container, or contamination of the scrap metal stored in the container. In order to prevent the removal of thecontainer14 from theweight monitoring system10, thesupport surface26 includes a locking mechanism to secure thecontainer14 to the support surface. The locking mechanism may be a wheel block or a wheel chuck that is secured to thesupport surface26 by a mechanical lock, electronic lock, combination lock, cylinder lock, or any other lock known or developed in the art. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism that is used to position thecontainer14 on thesupport surface26 may include a driveshaft lock or other lock that prevents the movement of the container. In yet another embodiment, the lock mechanism is a pivotable hook that engages a portion of thecontainer14 such as, but not limited to, a lip of the container, an opening on the bottom of the container, orcontainer rail46. In another embodiment, thesecurity system18 controls or activates a brake mechanism associated with therollers44 of a container. The brake mechanism may be a simple brake shoe that contacts therollers44. Alternatively, the brake mechanism is a drum or disc brake associated with therollers44.
• In another embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes one or more devices for monitoring the weight-obtainingsystem12 and, optionally, the area surrounding the weight-obtaining system. Thesecurity system18 may periodically or continuously monitor acontainer14 locked to thesupport device26. Thesecurity system18 monitors thecontainer14 so that there is no unauthorized removal of scrap metal from the container. Additionally, thesecurity system18 may be used to ensure that no unwanted material (e.g., ballast or fluids) is added to the container14 (and thereby unscrupulously increase the weight and “value” of the container's contents).
• According to one embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes one or more cameras (photographic and/or video) that are positioned around thecontainer14 and/or weight-obtainingsystem12. In another embodiment, one or more motion detection sensors are positioned around thecontainer14. The motion detectors may be in operable communication with lights or an audible alarm. In yet another embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes one or more cameras and one or more motion detector sensors. Thesecurity system18 may be set at any particular times (e.g., after work hours, weekends, when the device is not in use, or the like). In the event that there is an intrusion into the container or a predefined area surrounding the container, visual and/or auditory warnings are emitted. Optionally, thesecurity system18 may generate a message (e.g., email, text message, or phone call) that is also sent to one or more designated individuals when the security system is tripped. The electronic message may also include a photograph or video footage of the intrusion.
• In another embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes features that limit access to a control panel and/or computer system that is associated with theweight monitoring system10. For example, thesecurity system18 may include card access locks that require a key card to access a computer system, release thecontainer14 from thesupport device26, or activate the weight-obtainingsystem12. It is also contemplated that the key cards have different levels of access. For example, a machine operator may only be able to access the computer system to initiate the weight monitoring and/or scrap metal recovery process whereas a manager may have a key card that gives the manager the rights to unlock thecontainer14 from thesupport device26 or access the computer system to generate reports or invoices.
• Alternatively, a personal identification number (PIN) or other challenge and response system may be used to gain access to the control panel and/or the computer system. In another embodiment, thesecurity system18 includes biometric devices for identifying an individual via fingerprints, iris scans, retinal scans, facial recognition, hand geometry, hand veins, finger veins, facial thermograms, odor or scent, palm prints, footprints, or any combination thereof Alternatively, thesecurity system18 includes devices to detect behavioral biometric data such as, but not limited to, an individual's signature, keystroke dynamics, voice recognition, or any combination thereof
• Optionally, thesecurity system18 may also include a communication system54. The communication system54 may be used to send messages or alerts to the local authorities or designated individuals in the company in response to a security breach detected by thesecurity system18. The communication system52 may include a computer, a phone line, wireless hardware, and/or network hardware to transmit voice and/or electronic messages (e.g., emails, text messages, picture messages, video messages, or the like). Alternatively, thesecurity system18 may utilize the communication equipment that is associated with a computer system of theweight monitoring system10.
• Additionally, thesecurity system18 may be used during the scrap metal recovery process. For example, thesecurity system18 may be used to verify the identity of the container by reading the identification tag50 or RFID associated with thecontainer14. Alternatively, thesecurity system18 may take a photographic or video image of the identification tag50. The photographic or video image may then be compared against a company's records to verify the container's identity. Additionally, thesecurity system18 may be used to compare the listed tare weight of the container to the actual weight of the container. In the event there is a discrepancy between the tare weight and the actual weight of the empty container, the container may be flagged for further follow-up. Optionally, a message is sent to one or more designated individuals in response to the container discrepancy.
• Thesecurity system18 may be used to detect irregular weight changes and signal an appropriate response such as, but not limited to, emitting an audible signal, alarm, or calling or sending a message to the appropriate individuals. For example, a dramatic weight loss, which may be indicative of someone stealing material from thecontainer14, may trigger a message to be sent to the local authorities as well as the designated individuals in the company. Alternatively, the message or signal may be emitted in response to an abnormal jump in the weight of the container's contents. For example, during the scrap metal recovery process, a dramatic rise in the weight of the container as compared to the filling rate of the container may be indicative of an individual adding ballast or fluids into the container to increase the weight of the container.
• In yet another embodiment, thesecurity system18 also includes an emergency shut-off switch. The switch may halt the recovery process in response to a security breach, natural disaster (e.g., earthquake, hurricane, flood), or an onsite injury.
• In addition to the weight-obtainingsystem12 and thesecurity system18, theweight monitoring system10 includes acomputer system60. As shown inFIG. 6, thecomputer system60 includes auser interface62 having adisplay64 such as, but not limited to, a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, or other display device. Theuser interface62 also includes one ormore input mechanisms66 such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, keypad, one or more buttons, mouse, trackball, touch screen, touch glass, or other user input device known or developed in the art. Thecomputer system60 further includes a computer processing unit, memory, operating system, and one or more software programs. The operating system may be Windows-based, Linux-based, Unix-based, a Mac operating system, or other operating systems known or developed in the art.
• In one embodiment, thecomputer system60 has wireless and/or wired communication capabilities with an onsite or offsite network. The communication capabilities allow thecomputer system60 to receive updates, reprogramming, diagnostics, maintenance, or any combination thereof. The communication capabilities also allow thecomputer system60 to send data to one or more designated parties, computer systems, or other networks. Any messages or packets of information sent over the network may be encrypted using a rotating algorithm, changing random keys, RSA, hashing, or other encryption techniques known or developed in the art. In one embodiment, thecomputer system60 has a data storage unit (e.g., one or more servers) that is remote (e.g., a separate onsite and/or offsite location) from the computer system.
• Thecomputer system60 may also include one ormore printers68 for generating reports, invoices, or labels. In one embodiment, aprinter68 is associated with theuser interface62 and is local to the weight-obtainingsystem12. Aprinter68 may also be remotely located on the backend of thecomputer system60. As shown inFIG. 7, thelabel70 may include information such as, but not limited to, container identification, user identification, weight monitoring system identification, time and date stamps, identification of material (e.g., aluminum, platinum, crude oil, or the like) tare weight, gross weight (container and material weight), and net weight. Thelabel70 may also include bar codes or other machine readable code that represents the information printed on the label.
• Thecomputer system60 includes auser interface62 that may be local to the weight-obtainingsystem12. For example, theuser interface62 may be positioned near thesupport surface26. In another embodiment, thecomputer system60 and theuser interface62 are located remotely from the weight-obtainingsystem12. For example, thecomputer system60 may be located in another location in the same facility or the computer system is located at a different facility. Thecomputer system60 is generally in communication with all the components of theweight monitoring system10. Alternatively, thecomputer system60 may only be in communication with the components of the weight-obtainingsystem12.
• In those embodiments in which thecomputer system60 is local to one or more of the components or systems of theweight monitoring system10, a secure housing72 for weather protection and to prevent unauthorized access to the computer system as shown inFIG. 6B. Optionally, thecomputer system60 as well as the other components of theweight monitoring system10 include adedicated power supply74 to prevent the system from being defeated, disabled, or tampered with by cutting the power supply. Additionally, adedicated power supply74 allows theweight monitoring system10 to be self-contained as well as portable.
• Since thecomputer system60 is in communication with theload sensors30 of theweight monitoring system10, the computer system can send alerts (e.g., email, text message, voice message, instant message) when a particular net weight is achieved or if a weight imbalance is detected within thecontainer14. Additionally, thecomputer system60 may send a message to designated individuals prior to a weight limit being achieved in order to prevent overloading of thecontainer14. Accordingly, the designated individuals may take steps to halt the loading of items into thecontainer14. In another embodiment, thecomputer system60 remotely locks thedoors28 of thecontainer14 to prevent further access or overloading of the container. In another embodiment, thecomputer system60 activates a mechanism to cover the top of thecontainer14 to prevent any additional items to be placed within the container.
• In another embodiment, a data management system80 is in communication with the various components of one or moreweight monitoring systems10 as shown inFIG. 8. The data management system80 includes asecure network82, acentral server84, and one ormore user interfaces86 in communication with the central server. Alternatively, the data management system80 may utilize theuser interface62 or computer associated with thecomputer system60. Thenetwork82 may be an Ethernet network, Wi-Fi network, or other networks known or developed in the art.
• The data management system80 may periodically request or receive weight information from aweight monitoring system10. Alternatively, the data management system80 will receive weight information related to aparticular container14 when thecontainer14 has achieved a predetermined weight, reached a particular capacity level (e.g., 80% of container's maximum capacity), when the container is full, or any combination thereof. Additionally, data may be automatically sent to thecentral server84 when thecontainer14 is removed from thesupport device26. In addition to weight information, the data transmitted may also include the container identification, user identification, weight monitoring system identification, time and date stamps, type of material stored in the container, or any combination thereof.
• Optionally, data is not only sent to thecentral server84, but the data is also sent to designated people such as, but not limited to, account manager, floor supervisor, one or more principals, executives, or the like. The designated recipients may be added or removed through thecentral server84. The data is sent in the form of an email, text message, voice message, instant message, or other forms of data communication known or developed in the art. The data transmissions to thecentral server84 and the designated party may be encrypted and authenticated using known techniques in the art.
• The data transmissions may also be sent to other systems in communication with thecentral server84 such as, but not limited to, accounting88 or tracking90 systems. When theaccounting system88 receives a data transmission, the accounting system may generate an invoice that is sent to the intended recipient of thecontainer14. The invoice is based upon the net weight of thecontainer14 as it leaves theweight monitoring system10, thereby resulting in an accurate and verifiable price that is priced by a pre-arranged formula. According to one embodiment, the price of the material per weight is agreed upon prior to recovery of the material. In another embodiment, the price of the material is obtained by using selected indices posted on a website or a designated database. Accordingly, a vendor or supplier may request that the recovery process terminate before the container is full to take advantage of a high price of the collected materials.
• Another embodiment of theweight monitoring system10 may include atracking system90 for tracking acontainer14. In one embodiment, thecontainer14 includes a global positioning receiver for identifying the location of acontainer14. Accordingly, a service provider or dispatcher can follow the location of thecontainer14. Additionally, a warning may be sent to the dispatcher in the event thecontainer14 has been diverted from a predetermined route. Thus, the dispatcher may take the necessary steps to determine the cause of the diversion.
• Thetracking system90 may also be used to manage thevarious containers14 that a service provider may have out in the field. Thetracking system90 is able to send a message to the dispatcher that thecontainer14 has reached a predetermined weight, thereby signalling the dispatcher to schedule a pickup of the container. In one embodiment, thetracking system90 includes software that will obtain the weight of the containers out in service and establish a pick-up schedule based upon the rate that the containers are being filled (e.g., rate of weight gain on a daily or hourly basis). The weight data obtained by thetracking system90 may be sent to a trucking and/or container company to ensure that a truck having the proper weight capacity is used to pick up the filledcontainer14. Additionally, the weight data may be used to notify the trucking company that a larger or smaller container may be needed on site. For example, if containers are typically overloaded or under utilized, a larger orsmaller container14 may be brought to the site when the full container is hauled away from the site.
• When the containers are picked up, the net weight of the container's contents and pickup data (e.g., time and date, location, truck driver, status of container (i.e., damaged)) may be transmitted to the central server. Optionally, the containers used with thetracking system90 may also include one ormore load sensors30 that can detect if there is a load shift (outside of an allowable norm) in thecontainer14. If a load shift has occurred, thetracking system90 may send a message to the driver of the vehicle as well as the dispatcher.
• According to another embodiment, theweight monitoring system10 may include aprocessing system92 for processing the material before being loaded into thecontainer14. The processing equipment provides an additional level of accuracy when determining the weight of the material to be recovered by removing any contaminants associated with the material. As shown inFIG. 9, theprocessing system92 may include apre-processing storage system94, asorting system96, and acleaning system98. Once the product is sorted and cleaned, the product is stored within asecured container14.
• In one embodiment, thepre-processing storage system94 is a bin holding the raw scrap metal. In another embodiment, thepre-processing storage system94 may be asecured container14 that is monitored by thesecurity system18. Thesecured container14 andsecurity system18 ensures that the entire process from recovering, processing and shipping scrap metal is monitored. Accordingly, thepre-processing storage system94 may include a weight-obtainingsystem12 having one ormore load sensors30 to obtain the gross weight of the raw material before processing. Accordingly, if thesystem10 monitors the weight of the raw material, net weight of the processed material, and the weight of the waste material, the operator is able to determine if there is any weight discrepancies due to the introduction of foreign substances (e.g., ballast to make the container heavier) or unexplained product loss (e.g., due to theft).
• In one embodiment, theprocessing system94 includes devices for sorting and cleaning the raw material such as, but not limited to one or more sorting tables, air separators, magnetic separators, or one or more centrifuges. In another embodiment, theprocessing system94 includes devices for cleaning or decontaminating the raw material. In yet another embodiment, theprocessing system94 includes one or more devices for analyzing the material composition (e.g., alloy analysis) of the raw materials. Theprocessing system94 may also include one or more devices for changing the form/shape of the raw material. These devices include, but are not limited to, crushers, rotary shredders, centrifuges (for separating liquid from the material), puckers, briquetters, or balers. In yet another embodiment, theprocessing system94 includes devices for moving the raw material from one device to another and/or loading the processed product into the container such as, but not limited to, conveyors, augers, or the like.
• According to one embodiment, acentrifuge100 is used to separate scrap metal from any associated fluids (e.g., water, coolants, lubricants, oils, water-soluble petroleums, or the like). As shown inFIG. 10, thecentrifuge100 includes amain body102 tilted at an angle. The angle of thecentrifuge100 allows dry scrap metal to be propelled out of the centrifuge due to centrifugal forces, thereby eliminating the need for a blower to remove dried scrap metal. In one embodiment, themain body102 of thecentrifuge100 is tilted at an angle of about 38° from horizontal. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, thecentrifuge100 may be oriented at any angle from horizontal to vertical (i.e., 90° from horizontal). Optionally, the centrifuge may include a blower or vacuum to facilitate the removal of dried material from the centrifuge.
• As shown inFIG. 10, themain body102 of thecentrifuge100 is generally conical in shape. Alid104 secured to the first end of themain body102. In one embodiment, thelid104 includes aninlet106 for receiving unprocessed (e.g., wet scrap metal) within themain body102 of thecentrifuge100. As shown inFIG. 10, theinlet106 is positioned around the center of thelid102. Anoutlet108 is positioned tangentially to the outer surface of themain body102 of thecentrifuge100. When pieces of the scrap metal are dried, the scrap metal becomes airborne and exits out of thecentrifuge100 through theoutlet108. Piping orother conduits109 are connectable to theoutlet108. In one embodiment, the piping leads to asecured container14.
• As shown inFIG. 10, ahousing110 is connected to themain body102 of thecentrifuge100. Thehousing110 includes the drive mechanism112 (e.g., motor, driveshaft, transmission, gears, bearings, etc.) for spinning adrum114 within themain body102 of thecentrifuge100.
• At the base of themain body102 of thecentrifuge100, an opening116 is provided to allow the liquids separated from the scrap metal drain from the centrifuge. The fluids may be stored in a pan or one or more containers. The collected fluids may be recycled for use in machining or manufacturing process. Optionally, the collected fluids may be further processed so that the valuable lubricants may be used again. Alternatively, the processed fluids may be sold or returned to a manufacturer or processor.
• FIG. 11 illustrates arotatable drum114 that is positioned within themain body102 of thecentrifuge100. Therotatable drum114 includes a generally conical body118. A driveshaft (not shown) or other force transmission element is coupled to the base of thedrum114. A generallycircular band120 having a plurality ofopenings122 is positioned at the top of the conical body118, and alip124 is attached to thecircular band120. Theopenings122 are used to separate the metal from the fluids. In another embodiment, the entire surface of thedrum114 may include a plurality ofopenings122 for separating fluid from the scrap metal. In one embodiment, thelip124 is generally perpendicular to the generallycircular band120. In another embodiment, thelip124 is angled relative to thecircular band120. As shown inFIG. 11, one ormore paddles126 protrude from the surface of therotatable drum114, but it is also contemplated that other embodiments of the rotatable drum do not include any paddles.
• When wet scrap metal is placed within thecentrifuge100, the wet scrap metal drops to the base of thedrum114. As the scrap metal is spun, the liquid moves up the side of thedrum114 and exits through the generallycircular band120. As the metal dries within thedrum114, the pieces of scrap metal become airborne due to centrifugal forces, move up toward the first end of themain body102, and exit through theoutlet108. Thelip124 prevents any scrap metal from falling back towards the base of themain body102.
• One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not all weight monitoring systems will have all these components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and described separately, various components may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
• The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (9)

What is claimed:

1. A weight management system, comprising:

a weight monitoring system measuring a weight of a secured container at a remote site, the weight monitoring system transmitting the weight of the secured container to a central monitoring site; and

a central monitoring system in communication with the weight monitoring system at the remote site, the central monitoring system dispatching pickup of the secured container when a predetermined percentage of a weight capacity of the secured container is achieved.

2. The weight management system ofclaim 1, further comprising an accounting system in communication with the central monitoring system, the accounting system generating an invoice upon the removal of the secured container from the weight monitoring system at the remote site.

3. The weight management system ofclaim 1, further comprising a tracking system for monitoring a current location of the secured container.

4. The weight management system ofclaim 1, wherein the secured container further comprises:

two or more load sensors; and

a data transmission device for sending a message to the central monitoring system when a load shift above a predetermined threshold is detected in the secured container.

5. A method for weight management of one or more containers located at one or more remote sites, the method comprising:

securing a container to a weight monitoring system located at a remote site, the weight management system including a plurality of load sensors for obtaining and monitoring a weight of the container, and a central management server in communication with the weight monitoring system;

identifying the container at the remote site;

monitoring the weight of the container;

transmitting a message to the central management server when the weight of the container reaches a predetermined weight;

scheduling pickup of the container; and

invoicing a designated party based on the weight of the container once the container is transported away from the remote site.

6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising preventing the loading of any additional material into the container after the message is transmitted to the central management server.

7. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising tracking the container during transit.

8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising transmitting an alert to designated individuals in response to the container deviating from a predetermined route.

9. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising:

detecting a load imbalance in the container during transit of the container; and

transmitting an alert to designated individuals in response to the load imbalance.

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