Thomas Barry Mann

US Patent:

20080149482, Jun 26, 2008

Filed:

Dec 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/614944

Inventors:

Douglas Michael Marett - Toronto, CA
Nikolai Loukine - Toronto, CA
Thomas Mann - Knoxville TN, US

Assignee:

HealthWatchSystems, Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G01N 27/26
H01G 9/02

US Classification:

204414, 252 622

Abstract:

Reference electrodes for potentiometric measurement of pH and ion concentration typically use mercury calomel or silver/silver chloride element combined with a saturated solution of potassium chloride (KCl) for the development of a stable potential with respect to a sensing electrode when immersed in solution. The salt KCl is preferred because of it is almost equitransferent and thus minimizes the diffusion potential set up between the reference solution and the solution being tested. However, reference electrodes using concentrated solutions of KCl suffer a drawback, which is its propensity to develop a creeping salt discharge that rapidly covers surfaces with KCl crystals. This “salt creep” phenomenon appears to be unique to KCl; Salt creep is a major nuisance, particularly for reference electrodes used on semi-dry surfaces such as skin. It has been found that adding a secondary salt, such as sodium chloride on its own or with an evaporation inhibiting agent in selected ranges inhibits salt creep without adversely affecting the other properties of the reference solution.

US Patent:

20120212318, Aug 23, 2012

Filed:

Feb 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

12/932303

Inventors:

Eric L. Dobson - Knoxville TN, US
Joel K. Reed - Knoxville TN, US
Thomas L. Mann - Knoxville TN, US
Daniel L. Blankenship - Knoxville TN, US
Steven P. Kurant - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

G05B 23/02

US Classification:

340 31

Abstract:

An instrumented module attaches to a shipping container and preferably spans the two locking bars, preventing unauthorized opening. The module includes a means for detecting position and/or movement. The module may be latched onto one of the locking bars of the trailer while the doors are open; when the doors are closed, the module engages the corresponding bar on the opposite door to secure the trailer in transit. The manual latch keeps the module in position while the vehicle is at rest, but is not intended to keep the module in place when the truck is moving. If the module has been manually latched onto one locking bar but not the other, and the driver leaves the loading dock, the module's inherent situational awareness is used to activate the lock automatically, thereby securing the latch and keeping the module attached even if the door is unlocked and swinging freely.

US Patent:

20140266668, Sep 18, 2014

Filed:

Mar 12, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/815607

Inventors:

Daniel L. Blankenship - Knoxville TN, US
Thomas L. Mann - Knoxville TN, US
Steven P. Kurant - Knoxville TN, US

International Classification:

G08B 21/18
G08B 25/00

US Classification:

340501, 340541

Abstract:

A security system for shipping containers includes: a system monitor and a device mounted on the container for locking and/or tracking. The device includes a means of measuring at least one condition of said container (e.g., time of day, ambient light level, location, speed, and acceleration), a tamper sensing system that can be adjusted based on the changes in the measured condition, and a communication system for the tamper sensing system to alert the system monitor when tampering is detected. The tamper sensing system may employ a number of approaches for detecting a tampering event, including vibration, heat, load, impact, and acceleration sensing, as well as changes in location. The tamper sensing system may further disable the lock if tampering is detected.