Apparatus and system for rapidly attaching identifiers to items

Abstract

A system for processing containers, includes a sensor for sensing contents of a closed container, an identifier applicator for applying, based on an output of the sensor, a predetermined identifier to the container, a controller for controlling the sensor and the identifier applicator, and a read-out device for reading the identifier and communicating a result of read-out of the identifier to the controller.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for attaching identifiers (e.g., tags, labels, etc.) to inanimate objects, and to a system for identifying contents of the inanimate objects and tagging the objects based on the contents detected.[0002] Description of the Related Art[0003] Many government agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, Department of Agriculture, etc.) and civilian entities have a need to screen containers and baggage, and to identify suspicious (e.g., "suspect") baggage which may contain products (e.g., drugs, contraband, explosives, conventional or biotechnological / chemical weaponry, etc.) that are dangerous and / or illegal in the U S. or into secured areas.[0004] The conventional methods of detection of parcels or baggage include x-rays, neutron spectroscopy, and other odor detection schemes (e.g., sniffing dogs or chemical sensors). With the proliferation of smuggling into and terrorism in the industrialized and other nations and the incr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] With the unique and unobvious structure and system of the present invention, rapid sensing of different species of atoms and / or molecules (gaseous) emanating from closed baggage, boxes or containers and rapid tagging of the bag after sensing have been achieved.

[0012] Thus, the invention provides a system for rapidly identifying and tagging "suspect" luggage or containers for subsequent detailed inspection.

[0013] Further, the system makes it necessary to inspect by human intervention only those articles that have been deemed to be "suspicious", thereby saving the time and expense of inspecting all articles. Generally, this procedure increases the throughput of the articles that can be safely and reliably passed through (processed) by Customs, for example, without human intervention.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional systems and methods have not been able to reliably identify such "suspect" baggage in a timely manner.

However, these devices are very expensive (approximately $1,000,000) and are not fast enough to handle large quantities of articles / freight rapidly.

However, this system has not been fielded yet, and is likely to be very expensive.

Further, the system makes it necessary to inspect by human intervention only those articles that have been deemed to be "suspicious", thereby saving the time and expense of inspecting all articles.

Images