WO2009063471A2

WO2009063471A2 - System and method for securing fuel supply chain delivery process with a rfid electronic seal

Info

Publication number: WO2009063471A2
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001504
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Kelrich; Oz Goren
Original assignee: Orpak Systems Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-11-16
Filing date: 2008-11-16
Publication date: 2009-05-22
Also published as: WO2009063471A3; EP2227793A2; WO2009063471A4; EP2227793A4

Abstract

A system and method for protecting the fuel supply chain process with an electronic seal.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING FUEL SUPPLY CHAIN DELIVERY PROCESS WITH A RFID ELECTRONIC SEAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic seal. In particular, the present invention relates to an RFID electronic seal used to protect cargo such as fuel. The present invention also relates to a system using the RFID electronic seal for tracking cargo such as fuel, and fueling trucks, and particularly for tracking the state of the truck openings that provide access to the fuel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fuels such as gas, oils and natural gases are transported by land with the use of tanker trucks that leave a depot and are then distributed to various end point customers. Unfortunately, during the final stages of the fuel supply chain, particularly for ground transport, the fuel is subject to and is most susceptible to various forms of theft and tampering, for example fuel dilution and/or adulteration. To overcome this problem various tracking systems and security systems have been devised.

Current cargo tracking systems use an IC (integrated circuit) card and GPS (global positioning system) and/or mobile telephone system to monitor the location of the cargo truck, providing the cargo owner with the information of the number of the license plate of the cargo truck, the code number of the cargo container, the current location of the cargo truck, etc. It is, however, impossible to know whether the fuel cargo tank has been untimely opened and/or the cargo in the cargo container has been tampered with, stolen, switched, adulterated or diluted, nor is it possible to prevent such events, with currently available solutions. Cargo security and transport efficiency are major concerns. Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) are used today to monitor the seal state of a container, in order to determine whether a container opening, hatch or door has been opened. These devices are commonly referred to as electronic seals or eSeals. Knowing the seal state of a container opening or door is important to identify cargo that may have been tampered with illicitly during transport.

RFID electronic seals allow the owner of the cargo to acquire the required information regarding the state of the container and hence of the cargo. This technology provides an owner with pertinent real time data after unauthorized access to cargo when the RFID electronic seal is broken. Once the electronic seal is broken, it communicates the state of the seal to other data processing centers. The transmission may be coupled to a wireless communication system and also to a tracking system such as GPS, to provide real time monitoring.

Current state of the art tracking systems allow a user to identify where the fuel truck is located, whether it has reached its destination and also unloaded the fuel; however the state of cargo and also of the contents during shipping is not currently known. Systems today are able to monitor the fuel as it is loaded onto the truck at the depot, providing information as to the volume, type of fuel as well as the destination, as described in European Patent Publication No. EP0699624, EP0623551 to F.A. Sening GmbH or Japan Publication No. JP2007084134. However, these systems do not provide any type of monitoring for the fuel during shipping.

This information regarding the fuel as it is shipped and/or of the state of the fuel at a particular destination is potentially very important and may prevent costly losses, as tampering with the fuel may take place at any point during the supply chain process. The additional security data may then be integrated into a database accessible to people who need to understand the location and seal status of the particular container.

Previously described eSeals as are known in the art are not sufficient, because they do not relate to the container and lid (covering for an opening) identity. Even though the database can store this association, there is no positive confirmation that a particular identified container is at a particular location and also that its seal status is known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have, a system and method for identifying a container and its covering, and also whether such a covering has been opened in an unauthorized manner or location during the supply chain process.

There is also an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have, a system and method which feature RFID technology for securing the fuel supply chain processes, particularly for identifying when a fuel container has been tampered with during the transportation process. Furthermore, there is an unmet need for a system and method for controlling and tracking fuel supply chain processes, specifically regarding the fuel container itself and its location and state.

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the background by providing a system and method for securing the fuel supply chain process by providing an electronic seal that is able to identify where and when a fuel container has been tampered with. According to some embodiments, the electronic seal incorporates a transmitter for transmitting such information, which is preferably a RFID device.

The term "container" includes but is not limited to a tanker, a compartment of a tanker, a balloon. The container has an opening, which may include but is not limited to a hatch, a door, a valve, a female receiver for a hose, a spigot and the like.

The fuel supply chain typically begins at a fuel depot, a ship or refinery or any other location for loading tanker trucks or train cars with fuel for delivery to various locations for example including but not limited to gas stations, storage sites, shipyards, consumers or the like. A fuel tanker truck is frequently used for the ground transport and delivery of fuel; the following description centers around the use of such a truck for the purpose of illustration only and without any intention of being limiting in any way.

This process starts with loading fuel onto a truck and ends with the fuel delivery at its destination. However, during ground transport of fuel, it is prone to unauthorized tampering including theft, misuse, adulteration and dilution. The present invention goes to secure the ground transport process by providing a system and method that secures the delivery process with an electronic seal.

Normally each tank for a truck has one or more tanker compartments, each of which is provided with a large hatch at the top of the tank that is optionally used to load the truck compartments with fuel for delivery. Individual compartments on the truck are equipped with a corresponding opening mediated by a valve at the bottom of the truck that is usually used for fuel delivery at a destination. Both the top loading hatch and the bottom delivery opening must be securely covered with a cover that securely seals the liquid in the fuel compartment when it is closed, ensuring safety during transport.

A tanker truck may contain a plurality of fuel compartments. Optionally each compartment is destined for a particular location with a specific fuel type and fuel volume for delivery, such that one truck may have a number of destinations or fuel types that is equal to the number of tank compartments in the truck. Therefore, each tank compartment is optionally independent of the other. Accordingly, each compartment preferably features an individual security system or measures to protect its content from tampering, theft or misuse.

According to some embodiments, the present invention teaches a RFID reader and tag that are proximally and securely coupled in communication over a predetermined distance, forming an electronic seal. The distance between the RFID reader and RFID tag defines and forms the seal. Preferably, when the reader senses that the tag is at a distance that is greater than the predetermined threshold distance, the seal is deemed to be broken. Preferably, when the seal is broken the RFID reader produces a signal that is communicated to one or more higher processing centers for further analysis. Optionally, the seal breakage signal may be communicated to a higher processing center for example through any suitable communication mechanism, including but not limited to SMS, GPS, email, any cellular telephone or radio communication protocol, wired communication, wireless communication, cellular communication, optical communication or the like. Optionally, the higher processing center may for example include an on board computer, remote computer, remote server, remote database, or the like.

An optional embodiment of the present invention is for a system comprising an RPID tag and a corresponding RFID reader associated with each other to form an electronic seal over a fuel container opening. Preferably, RFID tag and reader communicate with each other in a secure, coded manner. Coded communication between RFID reader and tag optionally includes a security mechanism for example including but not limited to encryption (including for example DES, AES and the like), asymmetric encoding, anti-spoofing measures or the like. Therefore communication between reader and tag is preferably protected. Optionally and preferably, the RFID tag (or other electronic seal component) is associated with a compartment opening mechanism, optionally including but not limited to a detachable cover, a hinge, a lever or the like as is accepted and known in the art. Optionally and preferably, the RFID reader is associated with an integrated, stationary portion of the opening for example including but not limited to the filling neck, hatch body, opening body or other part of the opening.

Optionally and preferably, the RFID tag is associated with a compartment cover while RFID reader is associated with a compartment opening. Optionally and preferably, the RFID tag may be associated with the compartment opening while the RFID reader associated with the compartment cover. Optionally the RFID reader and RFID tag may be coupled to non stationary portions of the opening mechanism that are integrated with the opening. For example, an overlapping dual hinged flap cover opening may comprise a RFID tag associated with a first hinge handle while the RFID reader is associated with a second hinge handle. Preferably the seal is formed when first and second hinged handles are proximally associated with each over predetermined distance while securely covering the opening not providing access to the opening. Preferably, when first hinged handle is moved away from the second hinge handle the seal is broken. Optionally, RFID reader may be coupled to a first hinge handle while RFID tag is coupled to a second hinge handle covering a fuel tank compartment opening.

Preferably, the secure communication mechanism between the RFID reader and tag, respectively coupled to a compartment opening and cover produce a compartment opening and cover that are specific to one another, and to the tanker truck. Such that, one cover can only be used for one opening once the security measures and identification data have been set. Such security measures produce a security system that is specific to each individual compartment in an individual tanker truck. Optionally and preferably the embedded identification data for example includes but is not limited to, tanker truck license plate, registration number, compartment number, RFID tag ID, RFID reader ID, cover number, driver details, handlers, time and date or the like.

Preferably the RFID reader and RFID tag are individually encased in a protective shell that protects them from tampering and limits access to them. For example, the protective shell may optionally be made of tamperproof material for example including but not limited to metal, metal alloys, steel, or the like. The protective shell limits and prevents external access to the embedded RFID reader and RFID tag. Optionally and preferably, the protective shell is formed as male and female connectors that may be coupled by fitting one into the other. Optionally and preferably, the RFID reader and tag are placed in proximity to each other through male and female connectors. Optionally, the RFID tag is encased in female connector while the RFID reader is encased in a male connector. Optionally, the RFID tag is encased in a male connector while the RFID reader is encased in a female connector. Preferably, the female and male connectors are made of tamperproof material for example including metal, steel or the like.

Preferably, an encased RFID tag is stably and securely fixed to the compartment cover, for example optionally by soldering or welding or like process, to form a secure coupling of the RFID tag to compartment cover. Preferably, the encased tag and cover are coupled in a manner that does not cause loss of function of the cover. Coupling does not hinder or obstruct the cover from associating with an opening or any other functional unit.

Preferably, an encased RFID reader is stably and securely fixed to the compartment opening optionally by soldering or welding or like process to form a secure coupling of the RFID reader to a compartment opening. Preferably, the encased reader and opening are coupled in such a manner that does not cause any loss of function of the opening. The coupling also preferably does not hinder or obstruct the opening from being associated with a cover, pipe or any other functional unit.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a system and method comprising an RFID tag, an RFID reader and a GPS system for securing the fuel supply chain process. So as to further protect the tanker truck compartments' contents from misuse, an RFID electronic seal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may optionally be further used in combination with a GPS system to define specific locations or areas where the electronic seal may be broken in an authorized manner. It is only in those areas that the seal may be unarmed anywhere else the seal is considered sealed only when the RFID reader and tag are within the threshold distance from one another. Optionally, a GPS system may communicate with the RFID reader portion of the RFID electronic seal, for example optionally by means of wireless communication. Preferably GPS areas, specific locations, or coordinates where a tanker truck's compartments may be opened in an authorized manner are defined in the GPS system. Preferably, the GPS system continuously tracks the movement of a truck, such that during the tracking process the GPS system senses when a truck reaches an area, specific location or coordinates wherein the tank compartments may be opened in an authorized manner. Preferably, only once the GPS system senses that the truck has reached the allowed area for such an opening, the GPS system communicates to the RFID reader a securely coded key optionally protected with encryption (DES, AES and the like), asymmetric encoding, anti-spoofing measures or the like. More preferably the GPS communicated securely coded key is specific to individual tank compartments. Therefore, each truck compartment is preferably associated with a specific GPS location and may only be unsealed in an authorized manner at that particular GPS location.

An optional embodiment of the system and method of the present invention is the use of an RFID tag and reader specific to each compartment of the tanker truck, at the depot or other filling location when loading the tanker truck with fuel. The tanker truck compartment is preferably opened by removing a cover that exposes the top hatch opening to allow the compartment to be filled with fuel. Preferably the top hatch cover is coupled to an RFID tag while the top hatch opening is coupled to a RFID reader. The opened compartment may then be filled with a filling hose. Optionally the filling hose is fixed with a RFID tag that is optionally able to communicate with the RFID reader fixed to the top hatch opening where fuel is being loaded. RFID reader preferably obtains data from the RFID tag fixed to the hose. The data communicated from the hose's RFID tag may for example include but is not limited to fuel type, fuel volume, destination, date stamp, time stamp or the like. Optionally and preferably, communication between the hose's RFID tag and RFID reader is coded in a secure manner as previously described.

Once the compartment is filled the hatch opening is also preferably closed in a secure manner with its specific top hatch cover, the electronic seal according to the present invention is initiated, preferably having a set electronic seal. More preferably only the specific hatch cover and opening may be matched; alternatively and more preferably, once a particular hatch cover and opening have been matched, they are sealed to each other with the electronic seal. Optionally and preferably once the RFID electronic seal according to the present invention is set, the compartment top and/or bottom openings are tracked. Openings are optionally tracked by means of a GPS system. Preferably, the security system of the present invention defines set locations that a particular compartment may be opened in an authorized manner. Any unauthorized opening of the compartments preferably produces a signal that is communicated to higher processing centers which may optionally include a remote computer, remote server, an onboard computer, database, PDA or the like. Higher processing center preferably comprises a database of the seal state, fuel data, delivery data, driver and truck information that may be analyzed. Once a truck reaches its authorized destination optionally the GPS system communicates a coded secure key that allows the authorized deactivation of the electronic seal of the present invention. Optionally the electronic seal is deactivated in a time dependent manner, preferably authorizing seal deactivation for a predetermined amount of time which more preferably corresponds to the time needed to deliver the fuel.

A further optional embodiment of the electronic RFID electronic seal of the present invention is its use during delivery of the fuel at an authorized destination. A truck reaching its destination removes the bottom opening's cover exposing the bottom opening and decoupling the bottom compartment's RFID reader from its RFID tag. Optionally and preferably when the RPID reader is decoupled from the RFID tag, the RPID reader records the decoupling time. Preferably the recorded time also ensures that the time taken to deliver the fuel is not beyond the expected allotted time, therefore insuring that fuel is not being tampered with or stolen during the delivery process itself. Optionally and preferably, data related to the delivery for example including but not limited to, the decoupling time, and time for delivery or the like, are noted by the RPID reader and optionally communicated to higher processing centers. For example a higher processing center may include but is not limited to an onboard computer, remote computer, remote server, remote database or the like. Optionally, communication to the higher processing center is achieved for example by cellular, wireless, wired, GPS communication or the like. A delivery hose then couples the opened bottom opening to the receiving container, such as a tank for example. Preferably, the receiving tank is fixed with a RFID tag that preferably communicates with RFID reader fixed to the bottom opening of the tanker truck. However, the distance between, RFID tag and RFID reader is too larger for direct, state of the art, contract-less communication via a proximity antenna. To date this obstacle has been overcome by human intervention used to mediate between two RFID components with a handheld device. However such human intervention leaves the end of the fuel supply chain delivery process susceptible to theft, tampering or fraud. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a delivery system comprising a RFID tag fixed to the receiving tank that is able communicate with a RFID reader coupled to the fuel delivery tanker truck over a long distance, without human mediation or intervention. This eliminates the need for active human intervention, and hence limits the opportunity for human tampering; therefore further securing the fuel supply chain process.

Preferably, communication between RFID reader and RFID tag is mediated via the delivery hose connecting the receiving tank and the fuel delivery tanker truck, compensating for the large air interface between tag and reader. Preferably the delivery hose is a standard, state of the art conducting leakage hose that is an electrostatic sensitive device, having very low conductive properties with resistance in the order of 1 mega ohm that is designed for safety purposes against electrostatic voltage and sparks. RFID tag associated with the receiving tank preferably has an integrated antenna however optionally RFID tag may be antenna-less.

Preferably, the respective RFID devices of the tanker truck and receiving tank communicate data regarding the fuel delivery, for example including but not limited to fuel type, volume, receiving tank capacity, time and date or the like data. Optionally and preferably communication between RFID tag fixed to the receiving tank and RFID reader fixed to the bottom opening is mediated by the delivery hose. Preferably the delivery hose is the medium for communication between RFID reader associated with the tanker truck and RFID tag fixed to the receiving tank. Preferably once the RFID devices of the receiving tank and of the delivery tank compartment opening authenticate each other confirming various delivery parameters, the bottom opening of the tanker truck is opened allowing fuel delivery. Optionally, further data may be communicated to the RFID reader via cellular, radio, wireless, GPS communication. Optionally, further data may be communicated to the RFID reader via the GPS system for example including but not limited to a coded key to confirm and allow delivery to the receiving tank.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in the context of a fuel delivery tanker truck any asset transported with a truck or other locomotive having a bottleneck opening, door, container door or like passageway may be used with the RFID electronic seal of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a tag or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

Although the present invention is described with regard to a "computer" on a "computer network", it should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and/or the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computer, including but not limited to a PC (personal computer), a server, a minicomputer, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA (personal data assistant), a pager. Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other, and/or any computer in communication with any other computer, may optionally comprise a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

FIG. IA-B are a schematic diagram of a tanker truck and supply chain system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2A-C are exemplary schematic diagrams of a tanker truck's bottom opening according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a tanker truck's bottom opening according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4A-B are exemplary schematic diagrams of a tanker truck's bottom opening cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5A-B are exemplary schematic diagrams of a tanker truck's bottom opening according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6A-B are exemplary schematic diagrams of a tanker truck's top hatch according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7A-D are exemplary schematic diagrams and views of a tanker truck's top hatch electronic seal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8A-B is a schematic diagram of the delivery truck and receiving tank; and

FIG. 9 is an exemplary method according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a system and a method for protecting the fuel supply chain process with an electronic seal on a container for containing fuel for shipping.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. Referring now to the drawings, Figure IA is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary tanker truck 100 comprising at least one or more compartments 102. Compartments 102 have at least one hatch opening, and preferably have a plurality of hatch openings preferably including but not limited to at least one or more top hatch 104 and at least one or more bottom opening 106, of which two are shown for the sake of illustration and without any intention of being limiting. Tanker truck 100 further comprises communication module 103, at least one or more antenna 101 used to relay different forms of communication for example including but not limited to cellular, wireless, GPS communication or the like. On board computer 105 optionally and preferably is used to process data and to relay info from communication module to at least one or more RFID reader (not shown).

Figure IB depicts an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present invention comprising tanker truck 100 of Figure IA, and a server 110 that optionally and preferably tracks truck 100 movements' via GPS satellite 112 and GPS antenna 114. Server 110 communicates with tanker truck 100 and its components via at least one or more antenna 101 that may optionally and preferably be processed by onboard computer 105. Optionally onboard computer 105 further communicates with at least one RPID reader (not shown). RFID reader (not shown) is associated with the openings of individual tank compartments 102, located at top hatch 104 and bottom opening 106.

Figure 2A is a close up perspective view of bottom opening 106 of truck 100 of Figure IA. Figure 2B is a side view of a closed bottom opening 106 comprising cover 202, cover latch 203, opening 204 to opening body

205 , supported by support plate 210. Cover 202 closes opening body 205 by covering opening 204 and is locked into place with latch 203. Cover 202 is preferably manufactured from sturdy material for example including but not limited to metal, steel, metal alloys or the like as is known and accepted in the art. Preferably, cover 202 is stably fixed to a male connector portion 206 that optionally and preferably encases a RFID tag (not shown). Preferably cover 202 is stably coupled to male connector portion 206 by a coupling process, for example including but not limited to welding or soldering or the like, as is known and accepted in the art. Preferably opening body 205 is stably fixed to a female connector portion 208 that optionally and preferably encases a RFID reader (not shown). Male connector 206 and female connector 208 preferably make up the protective shell 200 that preferably encases and protect the RFID reader and tag that form the electronic seal according to this illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2C depicts protective shell 200 of Figure 2B in greater detail, removing all non related parts. Cover 202 is preferably stably integrated with and/or attached to male connector portion 206. Female connector portion 208 is stably fixed to hatch support plate 210 that is optionally and preferably fixed to the truck body via bolt hole 209. Male connector 206 and female connector 208 are preferably specific to each other, allowing male connector

206 to fit into female connector 208. Preferably, male connector 206 encases a RFID tag (not shown) that is specific to RFID reader (not shown) encased in female connector 208. Optionally and preferably cover 202 is specific to one opening body (not shown) due to the specificity of RFID reader (not shown) for a particular RFID tag (not shown). Optionally, specificity of cover 202 may be accomplished by the specificity of male connector 206 and female connector 208, for example in a "lock and key" system. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of protective shell 200 as depicted in

Figure 2B and Figure 2C, exposing RFID tag 216 and RFID reader 218, optionally RFID reader 218 may be a full reader comprising a processor or a RFID reader antenna that is connected by wire to RFID processor (not shown) that is placed elsewhere in the truck. RFID tag 216 is preferably encased and/or embedded in, and/or otherwise protected by male connector 206. Encasing tag 216 within male connector 206 provides tag 216 with physical protection that preferably prevents tampering, removal or theft. RFID reader 218 is preferably encased and/or embedded in, and/or otherwise protected by female connector 208. Encasing reader 218 within female connector 208 provides reader 218 with physical protection that preferably prevents tampering, removal or theft. RFID tag 216 encased in male connector 206 and RFID reader 218 encased in female connector 208 are preferably placed in sufficiently close proximity to allow communication between tag 216 and reader 218, thereby defining the threshold distance that foπns the RFID electronic seal of the present invention. Optionally and preferably when reader 218 senses that tag 216 is more than the threshold distance apart the electronic seal is broken optionally and preferably setting off a signal that is optionally communicated to higher processing centers.

Figure 4A is a close up view of bottom opening cover 202 having an integrated male connection portion 206. Figure 4B is an underside view of bottom opening cover 202 exposing RFID tag housing 406. Optionally and preferably RFID tag housing 406 stably and securely maintains RFID tag (not shown) in position to allow the sealing of the electronic seal of the present invention, throughout the transportation process. Figure 5 A is a close up view of bottom opening support plate 210 that is attached to the truck via bolt holes 209 having an integrated female connector 208. Figure 5B depicts an underside view of support plate 210 and female connector 208 exposing RFID reader housing 508. Optionally and preferably RFID reader housing 508 stably and securely maintains RFID reader (not shown) in position to allow the sealing of the electronic seal of the present invention, throughout the transportation process.

Figure 6A depicts a close up perspective view of an optional form of top hatch 104 of truck 100 in Figure IA having non stationary opening mechanism of opening 603. Figure 6B is a perspective view of top hatch 104 comprising first hatch lever 604 having first hinge 605 and second hatch lever 606 having second hinge 607 that are used to open top hatch 104 thereby exposing opening 603. Preferably, lever 604 is stably coupled to female connector 602 that preferably encases RFID tag (not shown). Preferably lever 606 is stably coupled to male connector 608 that preferably encases RFID reader (not shown). Female connector 602 and male connector 608 and levers 604 and 606 form the secure shell 600 forming the RFID electronic seal of the present invention.

Figure 7A is a close up depiction of a secure shell 600 according to other embodiments of the present invention where the opening mechanism is non-stationary. The RFID electronic seal of the present invention is kept sealed so long as the sensed distance between male conector 608 and female connector 602 does not go beyond the threshold distance. When lever 604 is pulled away from lever 606 it causes female connector 602 encasing RFID tag (not shown) to increase its distance from male connector 608 encasing RFID reader (not shown) the change in the distance between RFID reader and tag optionally and preferably causes RFID reader to produce a signal indicating that the seal was broken in an unauthorized manner.

Figure 7B is a depiction of an exemplary electronic seal system 601 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising male connector 608, female connector 602 and proximity threshold distance 700. Preferably, if distance 700 is increased it will cause the RFID reader (not shown) to communicate a signal to the RFID reader processing unit (not shown) via external connector 616. Optionally RFID reader processing unit then communicates to a higher processing center for example including but not limited to an onboard computer, computer, server, database or the like, that the electronic seal has been broken. Figure 1C and 7D depict the different components comprising the electronic seal according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7C depicts a see-through (partially transparent) view of electronic seal system 601 described in Figure 7A-7B while Figure 7D depicts an exploded view of the seal system 601. Female connector 602 encases and/or embeds, and/or otherwise protects RFID tag 612 within a RFID tag housing 614. Male connector 608 encases and/or embeds, and/or otherwise protects RFID reader 618 within a RFID reader housing 620. RFID reader housing 620 is connected to external connector 616 that optionally and preferably connects the RFID reader 618 to the RFID reader processing unit (not shown). The distance between RFID tag 612 and RFID reader 618 defines the threshold proximity distance 700 that further defines the electronic seal distance.

Figure 8A depict schematic diagrams of the fuel delivery process according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A depicts a perspective view of the various components involved in the last stage of fuel delivery process comprising, truck 100, receiving tank, 800, delivery hose 802 coupling truck 100 fuel compartments with receiving tank 802, receiving tank opening 806 and fuel tank bottom opening 106. Turning to Figure 8B depicts a schematic closer view of the fuel delivery process. Once a truck 100 reaches its destination, bottom opening 106 is preferably opened by removing bottom opening cover (not shown) from bottom opening body 804. Therefore, the electronic seal is removed by decoupling the RFID reader 812 from the cover's RFID tag (not shown). Optionally and preferably when RFID reader 812 is decoupled from the cover's RFID tag (not shown), RFID reader 812 records data for example including but not limited to the decoupling time, date or the like. Optionally the recorded time ensures that the time taken to deliver the fuel does not go beyond the expected time for the particular delivery, therefore insuring that fuel is not being tampered with or stolen during delivery. Delivery hose 802 optionally comprises of a plurality of segments couples the now opened bottom opening 106 opening and the receiving tank 800 through the receiving tank opening 806. Preferably, receiving tank 800 is integrated with receiving tank opening 806 that is optionally mediated by insulating body 814. Receiving tank opening 806 is fixed with a RFID tag 810 that is specific to its contents, volume or other data.

RFID tag 810 preferably recognizes and communicates with RFID reader 812 fixed to the opening of bottom opening 106 of the tanker truck 100. Preferably, tanker truck 100 and receiving tank 800 communicate data regarding fuel delivery for example including but not limited to fuel type, volume, time and date or the like. Optionally and preferably, communication between RFID tag 810 fixed to the receiving tank hatch 806 and RFID reader 812 fixed to the opening of bottom opening 106 is mediated by the delivery hose 802 while maintaining all required safety features precautions as is known and accepted in the art. Optionally, delivery hose 802, optionally having a plurality of segments, acts as the communication medium between RFID reader 812 and RFID tag 810 fixed to the receiving tank opening 806 by its intrinsic low conductance properties. Effectively hose 802 replaces the air conductance usually used for RFID communication between reader and tag.

Preferably once RFID reader 812 and RFID tag 810 of the receiving tank opening 806 authenticate delivery parameters, the bottom opening 106 valve of the tanker truck 100 is opened to delivery fuel. Optionally, further data may be communicated to the RFID reader via the GPS system for example including but not limited to a coded key to confirm and allow delivery to the receiving tank.

Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method according to the fuel supply chain security system of the present invention. In stage 1 the tanker truck's loading hatch is opened in preparation for fuel delivery, decoupling the electronic seal of the present invention. In stage 2 RFID authentication and communication between loading hatch opening and pipe fitted with an RFID tag optionally and preferably allows information exchange between the two, for example including but not limited to fuel type, volume, pipe number, date and time or the like. Preferably once authentication has been confirmed between the loading pipe's RFID tag and the loading hatch RFID reader the loading hatch is opened in preparation for fuel delivery. In stage 3 fuel is loaded onto the truck compartment. Once fuel loading has completed the loading hatch is closed in stage 4 to preferably set the electronic seal. Stage 5 the electronic seal of the present invention is initiated when all hatch RFID reader and RFID tag are specifically associated with one another over a threshold distance, for each hatch of each truck compartment being utilized. In stage 6 as the truck commences transport to the delivery site GPS system is tracks the transportation from depot to first destination. In stage 7 when tanker truck reaches an authorized destination, optionally and preferably GPS system communicates a deactivation code for the electronic seal of the present invention. Optionally and preferably deactivation code is securely communicated to the RFID reader of the present invention in stage 8.

In stage 9 hatch cover may be removed from hatch deactivating the electronic seal in an authorized manner for an authorized time frame to allow fuel delivery. In stage 10 the receiving tank is coupled to tanker truck with a filing pipe optionally comprising a plurality of segments. Optionally, in stage 11 , coupling via the hose allows RFID reader on the truck and RFID tag fixed to the receiving tank to communicate optionally in a secure manner. In stage 12, delivery details are authenticated between tanker truck and receiving tank via RFID reader and tag allowing delivery valve to open and fuel delivery to take place in stage 13. Following delivery tanker truck and receiving tank are uncoupled at stage 14. In stage 15 the electronic seal is reestablished when hatch opening are sealed with their respective cover. In stage 16 the GPS system and electronic seal are activated and track the tanker truck to the next destination. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for detecting unauthorized access to a container, the container featuring an opening, the system comprising an electronic seal, wherein said electronic seal detects access to the opening and wherein said electronic seal further comprises a transmitter for transmitting information regarding said access.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening features a cover, and wherein said electronic seal comprises a first component for being attached to or integrally formed with said cover and a second component for being attached to or integrally formed with a body of the container, such that when a distance between said first and second components exceeds a maximum distance, said transmitter transmits said information regarding access.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said first component comprises an RFID tag and said second component comprises an RFID reader, or alternatively said second component comprises an RFID tag and said first component comprises an RFID reader.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the container is a tank on a tanker truck.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said tanker comprises a plurality of compartments.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said RFID tag is stably connected to a compartment cover, and said RFID reader is stably connected to a compartment body.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said RFID tag is encased in a male connector and said RFID reader is encased in a female connector.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein communication between RFID tag and RFID reader is secure.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the GPS system tracks the tanker truck movements.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein GPS system communicates an unsealing code to RFID.

11. The system of claim 4 wherein RFID system is equipped with an encrypted security coding chosen from the group consisting of DES, AES, asymmetric encoding or antispoofing.

12. The system of claim 1 producing a signal when said RFID tag and RFID reader have a threshold distance.

13. The system of claim 6 wherein said signal is transmitted to higher processing center.

14. A system for detecting unauthorized opening and closing a tanker truck opening comprising an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and GPS tracking system.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said RFID tag is coupled to said receiving tank

16. The system of claim 14 wherein RFID reader is coupled to said tanker truck.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein said RFID tag and said RFID reader communicate via said delivery hose.

18. A method for securing fuel supply chain comprising: a. Providing an RFID tag, RFID reader, GPS tracking system; and b. Providing an RFID tag and RFID reader communication; c. Providing GPS tracking system and RFID communication.

19. A system for fuel delivery comprising a receiving tank, tanker truck, RFID reader, RFID tag and delivery hose wherein: a. RFID reader communicates with RFID tag; and b. receiving tank communicates with tanker truck; and c. communication is mediated by said delivery hose;