PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR AN ITEM INCLUDING AN ELECTRONIC KEY

Description

BE2024 / 5889 2T0589-BE-P The patient is aware of the rapid decrease in the isotope population and injects it into the patient before receiving the green light. This situation, fortunately very rare, is unacceptable because it poses a very high risk to the patient in case the isotope does not meet quality criteria.

[0004] Another example is the distribution to different examination centers of questions for a centralized examination that will take place at a later date. For example, the questions for a baccalaureate exam are distributed to all the examination centers in a department several days before the date of the exam. Sometimes leaks occur and the questions are fraudulently made available to candidates. Ballot boxes can also be subject to fraud during their transport between the polling stations and the counting offices.

[0005] To solve this problem,We can imagine that the sender and the recipient both had a key allowing them to lock and unlock the packaging containing the item. But this solution is unsatisfactory because the sender would need to have as many keys as there are packing crates and would have to ensure that the same recipient always receives the same packing crate, which can be unlocked by the key in its hand. Furthermore, this does not prevent the recipient from accessing the item before receiving authorization. 15

[0006] Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags can be used to identify packing crates but do not allow for their authorization or unlocking. A lock for a crate with an alphanumeric code that allows the lock to be unlocked can be proposed, and the alphanumeric code is only sent once the recipient has been authorized to access the item. However This solution becomes very inconvenient when the recipient receives several boxes of packaging.20 each having its own alphanumeric code that must be entered without making a mistake in the cash register and without making a mistake in the code.

[0007] One can also imagine a lock programmed to unlock at a given time, but this solution would only be suitable for situations where the cash register cannot be opened before a given time and not for cases where authorization can be given at different times according to 25 different criteria (e.g., the positive result of quality criteria of the item). In addition, a lock equipped with a timer consumes energy and therefore requires monitoring to ensure that the batteries are always sufficiently charged.

[0008] To date, this rather simple problem of deferred and remote authorization for unlocking a packaging crate has no satisfactory solution. The present invention presents a packaging system 30 comprising a packaging crate adapted to enclose an article and equipped with a locked lock that can only be unlocked with an authorized key,which is by default not authorized to unlock this lock. The present invention and its advantages are described in more detail in the following sections. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 35

[0009] The present invention is described in the accompanying independent claims. Preferred variants are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to a packaging system for an article comprising:  A packaging box configured to contain an article in a cavity and comprising a lid configured to move between an open position giving access to the cavity and a closed position preventing access to the cavity, the packaging box being equipped with an electronic lock 5 comprising an identification number and configured to lock the lid in the closed position and to allow its unlocking only with an electronic key authorized to unlock it, The electronic key is by default in a state not authorized to unlock any electronic lock and is configured to pass,10 odustatutdeclefnon-autoséepardéfau,danslequelleclefnon-autoséenepeut délockrouillerleslockuresélectronique oàunstatutdeclefauautosée)danslequelleclefauautoséeestamentàdélockrouillerleslocksélectroniquesdontelleareçulauthorisation selon lenumd'identification. • An authorization device comprising a reader configured to read an authorization code 15 associated with one or more identification numbers of electronic locks, the device being configured to change the status of an electronic key from an unauthorized key to an authorized key, thereby authorizing the authorized electronic key (12a) to unlock one or more electronic locks (3) whose identification numbers are included in the authorization code. 20

[0010] The authorization code may be a QR code, a barcode, or an alphanumeric code, and in which the reader (13ID) is a QR code, barcode reader, or an interface for entering the alphanumeric code.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention,The packaging system is adapted for the transport of an article consisting of a radioisotope having a half-life preferably less than 24 hours. The packaging system comprises: a vial configured to enclose the radioisotope and a shielded container configured to enclose the vial containing the radioisotope and to be enclosed within the cavity of the packaging. This packaging system preferably defines a Type A package.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for preventing the opening of a packaging case containing an article without prior authorization, which is issued according to predefined criteria. The method comprises the use of a packaging system as defined above in the following manner. 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 4T0589-BE-P (A) a shipper packs each item in a packing crate and locks the electronic lock with the lid in the closed position, (B) the packing crates are delivered to one or more consignees, each consignee possessing an authorization device and at least one unauthorized electronic key,(C) The recipients store the packing crates that can be opened without the corresponding authorization codes allowing the unauthorized keys to be upgraded to authorized keys, (D) once the opening of the packing crates can be authorized according to predefined criteria, the sender or an authorized third party generates an authorization code including the identification numbers of the electronic locks of the crates sent to each recipient and the corresponding recipients, (E) using their device, each recipient changes the status of the electronic key from unauthorized to authorized for the electronic locks that correspond to them and that are contained in the authorization code they received, and (F) Each recipient can unlock the electronic lock on the packaging boxes they received using the authorized key and can access the item that meets the predefined criteria.

[0013] In a preferred variant, if the predefined criteria are not met,The sender or third party does not send the authorization code and informs each consignee which corresponding packaging crates will be collected by the sender or third party. 20

[0014] This method is particularly suitable when the article is a radioisotope with a half-life preferably less than 24 hours. The method then comprises the following steps. (A) A producer produces the radioisotope and encloses the radioisotope in vials. The vial is preferably enclosed in a shielded container, thus preferably forming a Type A package. (B) The producer analyzes the radioisotope produced in order to determine whether it conforms to radioisotope quality criteria25 defining the predefined criteria, (C) The shipper packs each vial, preferably contained in the armored container, in a packing box and locks the electronic lock with the lid in the closed position, (D) The packing boxes are delivered to one or more recipients, each recipient possessing an authorization device and at least one unauthorized electronic key,30 (E) the consignees store the packing crates which can be opened without the corresponding authorization codes allowing unauthorized keys to be changed to the status of authorized keys allowing them to be opened, (F) once the radioisotope analyses are completed and the radioisotope is considered to be in conformity with the predefined quality criteria, the producer generates an authorization code comprising the identification numbers of the electronic locks (3) of the crates sent to each consignee and the corresponding consignees, 5 (G) using their authorization device, each consignee changes the status of the key (H) unauthorized electronic key to authorized key for the corresponding electronic locks contained in the authorization code received, and (H) each recipient can unlock the packaging boxes received with the authorized key and can access the radioisotope (which is certified as conforming to quality criteria. 10

[0015] In the case of radioisotopes,a time (tB) required to complete the radioisotope analyses and to determine if the radioisotope conforms to the radioisotope quality criteria is preferably, longer than a time tC required to package the radioisotope (step C) (i.e., tB>tC) and even more preferably, longer than a time (tC+tD) required to package the radioisotope (step C) and to deliver it to one or more recipients (step D) (i.e., tB>(tC+tD)), leaving the packaging boxes locked at one or more recipients for a time (tE), until the authorization code is received.

[0016] It is also preferred that the time (tB) required to complete the radioisotope analyses and to determine whether the radioisotope conforms to the radioisotope quality criteria be less than two half-lives, tR, of the radioisotope, preferably less than one half-life, tR, of the radioisotope (i.e., tB < 2tR, preferably tB <tR).Parexemple,la½-vieduradioisotopepeutnepasdépasserplusque 14h;depréférencepasplusque6h,encorepasplusque2h.Desexemplesderadioisotopesselon cescritèresincluent,13Nde½-viede10min,or 11C with a half-life of 20 min, 68G with a half-life of 68 min, or 18F with a half-life of 110 min, or 99mT with a half-life of 6 h, or 123I with a half-life of 13.2 h.25

[0017] The method of the present invention can be implemented in other applications, such as, for example, The article is delivered to one or more recipients before payment thereof and the predefined criteria include receipt of payment for the article, or The article is a chemical product and the predefined criteria include conformity to quality criteria requiring analyses, or The article is a chemical product or a drug whose use is subject to a prior approval of a superior who is far from the storage location of 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 6T0589-BE-P the packaging, or The item may only be accessible on a predefined date after the date of receipt, preferably the date is predefined by contract or by law.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, once authorized,The authorized electronic key automatically reverts to unauthorized status after a predetermined time or after the corresponding electronic key is unlocked. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES.

[0019] Various aspects of the present invention are illustrated in the following figures. Figures 1a to 1c illustrate an example of a packaging system according to the invention configured to contain a radioisotope in a packaging sequence of the item, (a) lid open and item outside the cavity, (b) insertion of the item into the cavity, and (c) closure of the lid locked by the electronic lock. Figure 2a illustrates an unauthorized electronic key. Figures 2 and 2c illustrate (b) an authorization device comprising a reader and (c) authorization of the electronic key by coupling it to the authorization device and reading a QR code by the reader defining the electronic locks that the electronic key will be authorized to open. Figures 3a to 3c illustrate the example of a packaging system for Figures 1a to 1c, containing a radioisotope in the locked cavity.in an unpacking sequence of the item (a) unlocking the electronic lock with the electronic key authorized to open it,(b) opening of the cover and extraction of the item and (c) the item is available to the recipient20 and the electronic key automatically deactivates after a certain time or after the electronic lock is unlocked. Figure 4a: illustrates on a timeline the different stages of delivery of a radioisotope from its production to its availability to a recipient. Figure 4b: presents a flowchart illustrating the stages of transfer and availability of a radioisotope25 to a recipient according to the invention. Figure 5a: illustrates on a timeline the different stages of delivery of an item from its production to its availability to a recipient whose predefined criterion is a date. Figure 5b: presents a flowchart illustrating the steps of transfer and making available an article according to Figure 5a to a recipient according to the invention. Figure 6: presents a graph illustrating the degradation of a radioisotope as a function of time measured in units of the radioisotope's half-life (=t / tR). 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 7T0589-BE-P DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Figures 1a to 1c,Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the different components forming the packaging system of the present invention, which comprises: a packaging box (1) equipped with an electronic lock (3), an electronic key (12n) which is by default not authorized to unlock the electronic lock (3), and an authorization device (10) configured to authorize the electronic key to unlock the packaging box lock using an authorization code (23ID).

[0021] As illustrated in Figures 1a to 1c and 3a to 3c, the packaging box (1) is configured to contain an article (30) in a cavity (1c). It includes a lid (1L) configured to move between an open position giving access to the cavity (1c) and a closed position preventing access. access to the cavity. The packaging case is equipped with an electronic lock (3) including an identification number (3ID). The electronic lock (3) is configured to lock the lid in the closed position and to allow it to be unlocked only with an authorized electronic key (12a). 15

[0022] By default,the electronic key(3) is in a state not authorized to unlock any electronic lock(3). It is however configured to go, from the default state of unauthorized key(12n), in which the unauthorized key cannot unlock electronic locks to a state of authorized key(12a) in which the authorized key(12a) is able to unlock the electronic locks(3) for which it has received authorization according to the identification number (3ID).

[0023] The authorization device (10) includes a reader (13ID) configured to read an authorization code (23ID) associated with one or more identification numbers (3ID) of the electronic locks (3). The device is configured to change the status of an electronic key from the status of unauthorized key (12n) to the status of authorized key (12a).authorizing the authorized electronic key (12a) to unlock one or more electronic locks (3) whose identification numbers (3ID) are included in the authorization code (23ID).

[0024] The electronic key (3) and the authorization device (10) are in the possession of the recipient of the item. However, even if the recipient is in possession of the packaging box, they cannot unlock the electronic lock (3) with the electronic key, which is unauthorized by default, until they receive the authorization code (23ID) enabling them to change the electronic key to the status of an authorized key (12a) to unlock the electronic lock (3) corresponding to the identification number (3ID) indicated in the authorization code (23ID). The same key can be authorized to unlock the locks of several packaging boxes according to a list of identification numbers (3ID) contained in the authorization code (23ID). 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 8T0589-BE-P ARTICLE (30)

[0025] Article (30) may be of any nature, solid, liquid, gaseous,as long as it can be contained within the cavity of a packing case. The article can be contained within a container which itself is placed within the cavity of the packing case. This applies especially (but not exclusively) to liquid and gaseous articles. For example, Figures 1a and 3c show an article (30) contained within a vial (30f) which is itself placed within a container (5) which is placed within the cavity as illustrated in Figures 1b and 3b.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, article (30) is a radioisotope characterized by its half-life. As mentioned above, radioisotopes for medical use must absolutely pass quality tests before being injected into a patient's body. As illustrated in Figure 4a, since quality tests take a time, tB, the radioisotopes cannot be used before the time, tB, which is incompressible. If one waits to obtain the results of the quality tests before sending the radioisotopes, the recipient could not receive them before a time (tB + tD) where tD is the transport time of the article to the recipient. The packaging time, tC,is not taken into account, because the article may be packaged during the time, tB, of tests, before the results of quality tests15 are available. It may be tempting for a recipient to open the packaging before the end of the tests and inject a radioisotope into a patient's body without having the certainty that the radioisotope conforms to the quality criteria. The present invention makes it possible to block this temptation, since the recipient will only be able to unlock the packaging of the present invention once he has received the authorization code (23ID) sent by the sender or an authorized third party and20 allowing the electronic key to open one or more packaging boxes (1) identified by their identification number (3ID)

[0027] Because of the exponential reduction of the radioisotope population over time, it is important to reduce the ratio between the time required for the recipient to have access to the article (30) once produced and the half-life, tR, of the radioisotope. If we wait for the time tB of receiving the results 25 of the quality tests before shipping the radioisotope,This ratio becomes (tB+tD) / tR. If, on the contrary, the radioisotope is packaged and shipped to its recipient while the tests are underway and before the results are received, this ratio is reduced to tB / tR. For this reason, it is customary to ship radioisotopes before obtaining the results of quality tests so that the recipient can use them some time tB after their production, as soon as the quality test results are available (and positive).

[0028] The present invention is particularly suitable for the transport of radioisotopes having a preferred half-life of less than 24 hours, such as, for example, the radioisotopes listed in Table 1, 15O, 13N, 11C, 68Ga, 18F, 99mTc, 123I.

[0029] In general, radioisotopes with a half-life of less than 30 minutes are preferably produced at the place of use and are not shipped, because the isotope population would be reduced too drastically during the time required for their delivery. This concerns, for example, 15O, 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 9T0589-BE-P 13N, 11C, which have half-lives of 2, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively. Even in this case,The packaging system of the present invention would be suitable because the laboratory of a clinic producing the radioisotopes (=sender) can transfer them to the department of the same clinic (=recipient) that needs them, but which will only have access to them once the quality tests are completed and positive.

[0030] By prohibiting the unlocking of the packaging crates (1) containing the radioisotopes 5 before the authorization code (23ID) is sent, it is ensured that no one uses the radioisotopes before the positive result of the quality tests.

[0031] By extension, the articles (30) may be chemical or food products having limited stability over time and subject to quality tests before use or consumption. The articles may be documents that must remain confidential until a given date, such as exam questions that must remain confidential until the day of the exam. Article (30) may also include ballots in a sealed ballot box that must remain confidential until the time and place where the counting is to begin. Alternatively,The items may be mail-order items, allowing access to the item only after payment has been received. 15 PACKAGING CASE (1)

[0032] The packing case (1) may be of any size and geometry suitable for containing the item (30). It must include a cavity (1c) suitable for receiving the item (30) and a lid (1L) configured to move between an open position giving access to the cavity (1c) and a closed position preventing access to the cavity (1c). The packing case is also equipped with an electronic lock (3)20 configured to lock the lid in the closed position. The electronic lock is associated with an identification number (3ID) and can only be unlocked with an authorized electronic key. (12a) to unlock it. Except for the lock, which must be an electronic lock (3), the packaging box (1) of the present invention is similar to any packaging box allowing the lid (1L) to be locked in the closed position. The lid (1L) preferably remains attached to the packaging box even in the open position. For example,The lid can be coupled to the rest of the packaging crate by hinges.

[0033] Depending on the type of article (30) it is to contain, the packaging crate can be constructed of any material that satisfies the transport requirements and prevents access to the article it contains by anyone not possessing an authorized electronic key (12a) to unlock it. For example, the packaging crate (30) can be made of wood, for example plywood, metal, for example aluminum or steel, ceramic, for example glass, or thermoplastic polymer material, such as PE, PPPET, PA or thermosetting polymer material such as an epoxy or a polyester. Polymer materials are preferably reinforced with short or long reinforcing fibers, for example glass, carbon, aramid, or vegetable fibers. To increase mechanical resistance to impacts, the corners of the packaging can be reinforced with harder materials or, conversely,shock absorbers allowing to absorb part of the energy 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 10T0589-BE-P caused by shocks.

[0034] The cavity (1c) may be filled with a cushioning material that is less rigid than the material forming the packaging casing (1). For example, the cushioning material may be a flaked foam or a monolithic structure filling a portion of the cavity (1c). Preferably, the cavity comprises a monolithic foam (1f) with a cutout conforming to the geometry of the article (30) or an intermediate container (5) containing the article (30). For example, as illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b, 3b, and 3c, the packaging casing may be intended for the transport of radioisotopes. The radioisotope may be enclosed in a vial (30f). In order to contain the radioactive emissions from the radioisotope, the vial (30f) containing the radioisotope may be enclosed in a shielded container (5).configured to absorb at least part of the radiation. The packaging box 10 preferably includes a foam (1f) inserted in the cavity (1c) and comprising a cutout conforming to the geometry of the shielded container (5) in order to stabilize them in the cavity (1c). With the shielded container (5), the packaging box (1) preferably defines a Type A package as defined in, IAEA Safety Standards, “Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material,” 2018, Specific Safety Requirements No. SSR-6 (Rev.1), available on the webpage, https: / / www-15 pub.iaea.org / MTCD / Publications / PDF / PUB1798_web.pdf.

[0035] It is preferred that the packaging crate include one or more handles allowing its transport. In a first embodiment of the invention, the packaging crate may include two handles placed on two opposite lateral faces of the crate allowing the transport of heavy packaging crates (1) with two hands. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging crate (1) includes a handle allowing its transport by a person using only one hand. For example,The handle can be located in the middle of the upper face of the lid (1L). This variant is particularly advantageous for the transport of radioisotopes, because by carrying the packaging case (1) with one hand at the side of the body, the radioisotope is further away from radiation-sensitive organs (e.g., genital organs, digestive system, liver, etc.) than by carrying the packaging case (25) in front of oneself with two hands as in the first variant, which considerably reduces the exposure of these organs to radiation, the intensity of which decreases rapidly with distance. ELECTRONIC LOCKS AND KEYS (3, 12a, 12n)

[0036] Electronic keys and locks, sometimes called digital keys and locks, are well known and are available on the market. For example, many cars now have 30 electronic keys. Companies such as AssaAbbloy, Makekeylock,Salto offers ranges of programmable electronic keys and locks that can be used in the present invention.

[0037] Each electronic lock (3) is identified by a unique identification number (3ID) known to the sender. The sender therefore knows at all times which packaging boxes 35, characterized by the identification number (3ID) of their electronic lock (3), are located at each recipient's address. The electronic locks preferably lock automatically simply by bringing the lid (1L) to the closed position. The electronic keys are by default unauthorized (12n), that is to say, by default, they cannot open any electronic lock (3).

[0038] Each recipient possesses an electronic key (12n)(or more) and an authorization device (10). As illustrated in Figures 2 and 2c,The authorization device (10) includes an interface (10i) for communicating with the electronic key (12n). The authorization device (10) also includes an authorization code reader (10L). The authorization code (23ID) includes the identification numbers (3ID) of the electronic locks (3) that the electronic key will be authorized to unlock. The authorization device is configured to program the electronic key (12n) through the interface (10i) so as to change it from the default unauthorized key (12n) status to the authorized key status (12a) to unlock the electronic locks (3) whose identification number (3ID) has been read by the reader (10L). For example, as schematically illustrated In Figures 2a and 2c, the definitively unauthorized key (12n) changes to the status of an authorized key (12a) through the interface (10i) after reading the QR code containing the identification number (3ID) "ABC123" of the corresponding electronic lock, which can now be unlocked by the electronic key thus authorized (12a). 15

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 3a,The electronic laser identification number (3ID) = "ABC123" can be unlocked by the authorized key (12a). Figure 3b shows that the lid can then move to the open position and provide access to the cavity (1c) and the item (30) it contains, possibly contained in an intermediate container (5), such as a shielded container in the case where the item is radioactive. As long as the recipient does not receive the authorization code (23ID), the electronic key (12n) they possess remains by default unauthorized to open any electronic lock. AUTHORIZATION MACHINE(10)

[0040] Each recipient has an authorization device(10). In some cases, the sender may have an authorization device(10) delivered with the package, which is returned to the sender by the delivery service. The essential point is that the recipients are in possession of an authorization machine(10) at the time the predefined conditions are met and the authorization code is sent to the recipient.

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 2c,The authorization device (10) includes an interface (10i) for communicating with the electronic key (12n). The authorization device (10) also includes an authorization code reader (10L). The authorization code (23ID) includes the identification numbers (3ID) of the electronic locks (3) that the electronic key will be authorized to unlock. The authorization code (23ID) can be a QR code, a barcode, or simply an alphanumeric code. In these cases, the reader (10L) of the authorization machine (10) is a QR code, barcode, or alphanumeric code reader. The authorization device is configured to program the electronic key (12n) through the interface (10i) so as to change its status The unauthorized key (12n) defaults to the authorized key (12a) status to unlock the electronic locks (3) whose identification number (3ID) has been read by the reader (10L). For example, as schematically illustrated in Figures 2a and 2c,The definitively unauthorized key (12n) is upgraded to the authorized key status (12a) through the interface (10i) after reading the QR code comprising the identification number (3ID) "ABC123" of the corresponding electronic lock, which can now be unlocked by the electronic key thus authorized (12a).5

[0042] The electronic key authorization system (3) by the authorization machine (10) according to the present invention is distinct from prior authorization systems in which authorization is done directly via the internet through a driver installed in a computer of the recipient. Internet authorization poses cybersecurity problems because a computer connected to the internet is vulnerable. Furthermore, internet outages can occur, rendering such an authorization system inoperable. The authorization machine (10) of the present invention allows electronic keys to be authorized via a code. Regardless of the type of code used (QR, barcode, or alphanumeric), it can be sent to a mobile phone screen via messaging.optionally subject to control by electronic signature (e.g., ITSME®), by fax or email or other messaging on a secure computer of the recipient, which simply needs to be printed. An alphanumeric code can even be communicated orally by telephone. Thus, with the authorization system of the present invention, it is not necessary to install a driver at the recipient's computer and the recipient does not necessarily have to be connected to the internet to authorize an electronic key, which makes it possible not to affect the cybersecurity of the recipient's computer system.

[0043] The authorization machine (10) preferably includes a memory allowing the local recording of all operations performed with the keys. This is, for example,particularly important in the case where the recipient is a hospital or clinic and the article (30) is a radioisotope in order to guarantee traceability of the products injected into patients. METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AUTHORIZATION TO LOCK AN ELECTRONIC LOCK 25

[0044] The present invention also relates to a method for preventing the opening of a package (1) containing an article (30) without prior authorization, which is issued according to predefined criteria. The method includes the use of a packaging system as described above. As illustrated in step (C) of Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the article (30) is first packed in a packaging case (1) and the electronic lock (3) is locked with the lid (1c) in the closed position. Since the packaging case will in most cases be shipped to an external consignee of the entity that produced the article (30), this operation is completed by a shipper. The shipper perhaps an internal department of the entity that produced the article(30) or a shipping company (e.g., post office, distribution service,mail).

[0045] The packing crates(1) are delivered to one or more recipients. Each recipient has at least one unauthorized electronic key(12n) and an authorization device (10) configured to authorise an electronic key(12a) to unlock one or more packing crates(1) by reading the authorization code(23ID) according to the identification number(3ID) of their respective electronic locks(3) contained in the authorization code.

[0046] Pending the corresponding authorization codes, the consignees store the packing crates (1) which can be opened without the corresponding authorization codes allowing the keys to change from the status of unauthorized keys (12n) to the status of authorized keys (12a) allowing them to be opened. Once the opening of the packing crates can be authorized according to the predefined criteria,The sender or an authorized third party generates an authorization code (23ID) comprising the identification numbers (3IDs) of the electronic locks (3) of the crates sent to each recipient and sends them to the corresponding recipients. Each identification number (3ID) corresponds to a unique electronic lock (3) of a unique packing crate (1). The sender or authorized third party knows the identification numbers (3IDs) corresponding to the crates sent to each recipient and can thus send a personalized authorization code (23ID) to each recipient comprising the corresponding identification numbers (23IDs). The authorization codes (23ID) comprising the identification numbers (3ID) of the electronic cash locks (3) sent to each recipient can be sent to the corresponding recipients (15) by email, or by personalized access to an internet platform in which the authorization code was entered, or via a WAP protocol, including messaging or SMS or MMS.

[0047] Using his authorization device (10),Each recipient changes the status of the electronic key from unauthorized (12n) to authorized (12a) for the electronic locks corresponding to them and contained in the authorization code (23ID) they received. The reader (10L)20 reads the identification numbers (3ID) of the relevant electronic locks (3) and automatically limits the electronic key's authorization to these electronic locks only, without risk of human error in transcription or encoding. Once the electronic key is authorized (12a) to unlock the packing crates in possession, each recipient can unlock the electronic lock of the packing crates (1) they received using the key 25. authorized(12a) and can access the item(30) that meets the predefined criteria. Preferably, the authorized electronic key(12a) automatically reverts to unauthorized (12n) after a predetermined time or after the corresponding electronic lock is unlocked.

[0048] This method is simple and reliable and has several advantages. On the one hand,Each electronic lock (3) is identified by its unique identification number (3ID). Thus, the same packing crate (3) does not necessarily have to be associated with the same recipient. Furthermore, the electronic locks are passive and do not consume energy. This allows the packing crates (1) to be reused as many times as necessary without any maintenance other than ensuring their physical and hygienic integrity (sterilization is not necessary), without having to monitor the discharge state of a battery. Finally, even if the packing crates (1) are stored at the different recipients' premises (3) for a certain time, tE,These individuals may have access to the items (30) contained in the packing boxes before the predefined criteria are met and the recipients are authorized to have access to them. 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 14T0589-BE-P

[0049] The packaging system and method of the present invention can be implemented in different applications. APPLICATIONS

[0050] There are several applications where an article (30) is delivered to a recipient but where the latter can only access it once the predefined criteria have been met.

[0051] As mentioned above, the invention is perfectly suited to the transport of radioisotopes from the place of production to different recipients, but giving access to the radioisotope only after the successful completion of quality tests by sending the authorization code. By extension, the article (30) can be any chemical, food, or other product,having limited stability over time and whose use is subject to prior authorization by an authority separate from the recipient. 10

[0052] Item (30) may be the questions for a common examination or competition which must be distributed to the different centers where the examination will take place at a later date. To prevent any leakage of the questions before the test, the packaging system of the present invention is perfectly adapted to guarantee the confidentiality of the questions. Thus, the packaging boxes (1) can be delivered to the different centers at any time before the date of the test. No one will be able to unlock the packaging boxes (1) before receiving the authorization code (23ID) sent by a central authority on the day of the test. This avoids the risk of cheating.

[0053] Ballot boxes filled with ballot papers, either for their storage until the last day of voting in the case of voting spread over more than one day,either at the time of transport of the ballot boxes from the different polling stations to a counting center in order to protect them until the counting begins. The packing crates containing the ballot boxes may not be opened by authorized persons until all the ballot boxes have arrived and the authorization code has been sent by a central authority.

[0054] A company that exports products abroad can provide an electronic key (3) and an authorization device (10) to the customs authorities of the countries of the sender and the consignees. Items of value 25 can thus be shipped in locked packing crates while allowing access to the items (30) to customs officers who wish to inspect them by sending them, upon request, the identification numbers (3ID) of the packing crates (1) they wish to inspect and receiving in return an authorization code (23ID) to unlock them. METHOD APPLIED TO THE TRANSPORT OF RADIOISOTOPES 30

[0055] As such, the packaging system of the present invention is particularly suitable for the transport of radioisotopes which combine, on the one hand,• limited stability over time, characterized by its half-life, tR, which controls the rate of degradation of their population, P(t), exponentially according to, P(t)=exp(ln(2)t / TR)(cf. Figure 6) and which pushes to use them as quickly as possible and, on the other hand, 35 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 15T0589-BE-P • the imposition of quality standards which take some time to verify by quality tests and which require delaying the use of radioisotopes until positive results are obtained in quality tests.

[0056] In the absence of a locking mechanism for the packaging, it has happened—very rarely, fortunately—that the recipient, torn between these two opposing constraints, decided to use the radioisotope before receiving authorization, which is only granted in the event of a positive result from the quality tests. The packaging system of the present invention makes it possible to lock the radioisotope in the packaging and to allow the recipient access to the radioisotope only after the positive result of the quality tests.using the electronic key (12a) which has been switched to the authorized key status, the packaging is unlocked by the authorization device (10) using the authorization code (23ID).

[0057] In the case of transporting radioisotopes, the packaging (3) preferably meets the criteria of a Type A package. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1a, 1b, 3 and 3c, the radioisotope may be contained in a vial (30f) which is placed in a shielded container (5) whose walls are configured to absorb some of the radioactivity emitted by the radioisotope. The walls (5) may comprise lead or any other material characterized by a high absorbance of radioactive radiation.

[0058] Thus, the method applied to the transport of radioisotopes comprises the steps illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0059] As illustrated in step (A) of Figures 4a and 4b, a producer produces the radioisotope and 20 encapsulates the radioisotope in vials (30f). This step takes a time, tA. The radioisotope can have a half-life, tR, preferably less than 24h, preferably not more than 14h, preferably not more than 6h, preferably,not more than 2h. For example, the radioisotope can be chosen from, 13N½-life of 10min, or 11C½-life of 20min, 68Gade½-life of 68min, or 18F½-life of 110min, or 99mTc½-life of 6h, or 123Ide½-life of 13.2h.25

[0060] Step (B) in Figures 4a and 4b shows that the producer analyzes the radioisotope produced in order to determine whether it complies with the quality criteria of the radioisotope defining the predefined criteria. This step (B) takes a time, tB, which is not negligible and not compressible. The time, tB, must be as short as possible in order to allow the recipient to have access to the radioisotope before that its population is not considerably reduced. For example, a ratio, tB / tR, of the time, tB,30 required to complete the quality tests on the half-life (tR) of the radioisotope is preferably less than 2 (i.e., tB / tR<2) corresponding to an available population of 25% of the initial population, preferably less than 1 (i.e., tB / tR<1) corresponding to an available population of 50% of the initial population, and preferably less than 0.5 (i.e.,tB / tR<0.5) corresponding to an available population of 70% of the initial population. However, the time, tB, to complete the 35 quality tests cannot be infinitely reduced and generally takes longer than the time, tC, required for packaging the radioisotope in the packaging case and often longer than the time, 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 16T0589-BE-P tC+tD, required for packaging the radioisotope (step C described below) and for delivery to one or more recipients (step D described below) (i.e., tB>(tC+tD)), leaving the packaging cases(1) locked and stored at one or more recipients for a time, tE, up to the receipt of the authorization code (23ID) (see step (E) of Figures 4a and 4b).

[0061] Step (C) of Figures 4a and 4b shows the packaging by the sender of each vial (30f) 5 in a packing crate (1). Preferably, the vials (30f) are placed in a shielded package (5) before being inserted into the packing crate. The sender locks the electronic lock (3) with the lid (1c) in the closed position. Preferably,The electronic lock (3) automatically locks when the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position and does not require a key to lock it. 10

[0062] Step (D) of Figures 4a and 4b illustrates the shipment and delivery of the packing crates (1) to one or more recipients. Each recipient has at least one unauthorized electronic key (12n) and an authorization device (10) configured to authorize the electronic key to unlock the electronic locks (3) whose identification number (3ID) is contained in the authorization code (23ID). 15

[0063] As illustrated in step (E) of Figures 4a and 4b, while awaiting the results of quality tests, the recipient(s) store the packing crates (1) which can be opened without The corresponding authorization codes allow the unauthorized keys (12n) to be upgraded to authorized keys (12a), enabling them to be opened. The storage time, tE, is the difference between the time, tB, required to complete the quality tests and the packaging and transport times (tC+tD), 20 ie,tE = tB – (tC + tD). During the entire storage time, tE, the recipient cannot access the radioisotope contained in the packing crate(1).

[0064] Step (F) of Figures 4a and 4b shows that once the radioisotope analyses are completed and the radioisotope is considered to conform to the predefined quality criteria, the producer generates an authorization code (23ID) comprising the identification numbers (3ID) of the 25 electronic locks (3) of the crates sent to each recipient and the corresponding shipments to the recipients. The authorization code (31D) may be a QR code, a barcode, or an alphanumeric code. Preferably, the authorization code is a QR code.

[0065] At step (G) of Figures 4a and 4b, each recipient changes the status of the electronic key from unauthorized key (12n) to authorized key (12a) by reading the authorization code (23ID) 30 that they received using their authorization device (10), for the electronic locks that correspond to them and that are contained in the authorization code (23ID). By reading the authorization code (23ID), preferably the QR code,The reader (10L) allows identification without risk of human error in transcription of the identification numbers of all electronic locks which the electronic key will be authorized to unlock. As illustrated in step (H) of Figures 4a and 4b, each recipient 35 can unlock the packaging crates (1) which they received with the authorized key (12a) and can have access to the radioisotope (30) which is certified as conforming to the quality criteria. 2024 / 5889 BE2024 / 5889 17T0589-BE-P

[0066] As illustrated in steps (I) and (J) of Figure 4b, if the predefined criteria are not met, the sender or carrier informs the consignees that the radioisotope does not meet the required quality criteria. Therefore, they do not send the authorization code (23ID) and inform each consignee that the corresponding packing crates (1) will be taken back by the sender or carrier.

[0067] The packaging system and method of the present invention thus considerably reduce the risk of unauthorized opening of the packing crates (1) and at the same time reduce the time, t4,of opening packaging cases at the incompressible duration, tB, of quality tests (i.e., t4=tB). The alternative to avoid unauthorized opening would be to wait for the results of quality tests before shipping the packaging cases, extending the time t4 to t4=tB+tD, compared to the present invention in which t4=tB. For example, if the radioisotope 10 is 18F with a half-life tR=110 min and the quality tests and transport each take a time, tB=tD=55 min, the time t4 at which the recipient has access to the radioisotope increases from t4=tB=55 min according to the invention to t4=tB+tD=55+55 min=110 min. The population of 18F after a at time t4 = 55 min, 70% of the initial population is affected by the invention, whereas after a time, t4 = 110 min,The population of 18F was reduced to only 50% of the initial population. 15 METHOD APPLIED TO THE TRANSPORT OF CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS UNTIL A GIVEN DATE

[0068] Figure 5 illustrates on a timeline equivalent to that of Figure 4 discussed above for radioisotopes the case where the predefined criterion is a date before which access to the item (30) contained in the packing crates (1) is prohibited to the recipients. This applies, for example, to examination or competition questions distributed to the various examination centers before the date of the test and which must remain confidential until the date of the test. This also applies to ballot papers which must remain confidential until the moment when an office of The counting process is ready to begin, either for an election spread over several days, or simply during the transfer of ballots from the various polling stations to the counting centers.

[0069] As illustrated in step (C) of,