Security Systems and Methods for Continuously Monitoring the Weight of a Container

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.

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 of  claim 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 of  claim 1 , further comprising a tracking system for monitoring a current location of the secured container. 
     
     
         4 . The weight management system of  claim 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 of  claim 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 of  claim 5 , further comprising tracking the container during transit. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising transmitting an alert to designated individuals in response to the container deviating from a predetermined route. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 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.