Container

Abstract

A container ( 1 ) including a payload volume that, in use, is to maintain at least one environmental condition within the payload volume within a predetermined range of values, a sensor ( 13 ) for measuring the environmental condition within the payload volume, and a telecommunications device ( 19 ) adapted to transmit data relating to the environmental condition measured by the sensor ( 13 ) to a computerised monitoring system via a telecommunications network.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container including a payload volume, a sensor for measuring a selected environmental condition within the payload volume, and a telecommunications device for transmitting data relating to the environmental conditioned to a computerized monitoring system via a telecommunications network.  
     
     
         2 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , further including an external temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature.  
     
     
         3 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , further including a recorder device connected to the sensor and arranged to record data relating to the temperature in the payload volume during a selected period of time.  
     
     
         4 . The container set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the recording device is arranged to calculate, from the recorded temperature-related data the remaining lifetime of an item transported in the payload volume.  
     
     
         5 . The container set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the telecommunications device is connected to the recorder device and arranged for transmitting data stored in the recorder device to the computerized monitoring system.  
     
     
         6 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the telecommunications device is a cellular telephonic device.  
     
     
         7 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , further including a switch device for deactivating the telecommunications device.  
     
     
         8 . The container set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the switch devices includes a first device for detecting electrical systems that operate within predetermined parameters, the switch device being arranged to deactivate the telecommunications device in response to the first device's detecting an electrical system that operates within the predetermined parameters.  
     
     
         9 . The container set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the first detecting device is arranged to detect an electrical system having a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.  
     
     
         10 . The container set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the switch device includes a second detecting device arranged to detect an electrical system having a frequency of approximately 50 Hz or approximately 60 Hz, and to inhibit operation of the switch device when such system is detected.  
     
     
         11 . The container set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the switch device includes a processor device for interpreting the signals received from at least one of the first and second detecting devices.  
     
     
         12 . The container set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the switch device includes an acceleration sensor for detecting at least one of acceleration and deceleration motion of the container.  
     
     
         13 . The container set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the switch device includes a pressure sensor.  
     
     
         14 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , further including position locating equipment.  
     
     
         15 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the payload volume is thermally insulated.  
     
     
         16 . The container set forth in  claim 1 , including at least one heat reservoir that, in use, is arranged to cool or heat contents of the payload volume.  
     
     
         17 . The container set forth in  claim 16 , including a device for controlling the flow of heat to or from the heat reservoir to the payload volume.  
     
     
         18 . A switch device for deactivating a telecommunications device located on-boar or in close proximity to an aircraft, including a detector for detecting the presence of aircraft, and a processor device for processing signals received from the detector and arranged for generating a deactivation signal to prevent operation of the telecommunications device in response to an output signal from the detector.  
     
     
         19 . The switch device set forth in  claim 18 , wherein the detector includes a first detector device for detecting electrical systems that operate within predetermined parameters.  
     
     
         20 . The switch device set forth in  claim 19 , wherein the first detector device is arranged for detect in electrical systems having a frequency of approximately 400 Hz.