System and method for monitoring and purging atmosphere in a confined space

Abstract

A purge system for a box trailer used for overland cargo transport includes there being an exhaust vent at a front end of the trailer, and one or more fresh air vents at the rear end of the trailer. Fresh air or conditioned air is introduced into the trailer through the fresh air vents, and the interior air is exhausted through the exhaust vent. An exhaust fan at the exhaust vent is controlled by a control module, which receives information from various sensors regarding conditions inside the trailer, and initiates the purge operation in response to one or more of the monitored parameters meeting or exceeding an established threshold.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND PURGING ATMOSPHERE IN ACONFINED SPACEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to workplace safety and health, and, more particularly, relates to automated monitoring and purging the air in a confined space such as a dry van or shipping trailer / container, prior to opening the space to allow worker into the space for moving articles into or out of tiie space, in order to avoid exposing workers to air at hazardous conditions in the shipping trailer, as well as avoiding dumping hazardous air from the shipping trailer / container into the workplace environment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Trucks, trailers, containers, and dry vans are used to transport a large amount of goods in commerce. Goods are moved from ports and factories to warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations. In the United States it is common for trucks to haul an enclosed “box” trailer of one of several standardized sizes. For example, box trailers configured in a semi arrangement, which do not have a front axle, typically have a length of between forty-eight and fifty-three feet, a width of eight and a half feet, an inside height of about eight to nine feet, and an outside height (from tiie ground to the roof) of about twelve to thirteen and a half feet Although those are common dimensions, there can be a substantial variation in length, and some variation in width and height among box trailers.This represent a signiSeant internal volume, Gives? feat trailers are often hauled long distances, the trailer is subject io sunlight and heat in. certain times of the year, and more so in regions closer io the tropics and sub-tropic regions. As a result, if is not unusual for the temperature of the air inside of a trailer to reach uncomfortably high levels, If not actually hazardously hoi. As Is well knows?, exposure to elevated temperatures can cause fatigue, or even worse health effects.

[0003] Is? addition, at a shipping facility, such as warehouse or distribution center, h is not unusual to have ten to two hundred docking stations for trailers to be loaded or unloaded. The trailers are backed up io a dour st dock that provides immediate access to the Interior of the structure, which is typically dimate costiroded (e.g. ternperamre and humidity). The constant opextlng of hot trailers along these dock can dump large volumes of heated air into the facility, which could affect worker health, as well as stress the climate control refrigeration equipment. At a minimum, all that hot air causes the air conditioning equipment of the facility to work more that it would it the asr in the trailers were not heated due io climactic conditions. In some jurisdictions there are regulations on the workplace conditions related to heat injury, and the heated co.ntaim.rs and trailers can produce non-compliam, hazardous, and eves hfe-tlsrvateniug conditions fox pexsoxsnel that must work inside, or in proximity to these enclosed spaces. Warehouse owners and operators hnpiement a multitude of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) measures io create acceptable climate-controlled conditions inside warehouses for warehouse workers, including cross ventilation, ceiling and floor fans, air conditioning, at?d other measures. But there sre no known measures to efrectivdy exhaust the unconditioned air hosn dry vans, traders, and other shipping containers before opening them to warehouses or other facilities, nor to replace the eontainer air with other air that is of equal or betterquality io that of the connected facility space. As an example, a miltion-square-foot warehouse operating 200 dock doors connecting to 53-fbot-lon.g box trailers, that are empty and io be loaded, can be subject to §00,800 cubic feet of unconditioned air that then has to be conditioned to prevent an undesirable work environment front developing inside the warehouse.

[8804] Therefor©., a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Tire shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a system and method of replacing a. hazardous air mass within a confined, space such as a dosed trailer, with an alternative air mass that is safe and comfortable. Sarne embodiments of the inventive disclosure Include a method of monitoring conditions inside the trailer or enclosed space to determine the need to replace the air mass with a mare preferable one. if that determination is made, art exhaust fas mounted through a side of the oomainmArailer is enabled and the air mass is discharged to the exterior of the contomer / trailer. At the same time, ventilation grills are activated to ailore the exhaust depressurization to induce relief air Wore the outside, or worn a connected building, into the trailer. The precess is halted when the interior conditions in the trailer are equivalent to the selected ambient or connected building conditions. The trailer door is then opened for entry of personnel that must offload and / or load cargo. In this fashion, fee exposure of personnel to hazardous trailer conditions and the infiltration of those conditions into the connected buildings are avoided.in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a container fast purge system tor a container, the costumer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a fist end and a second end opposite the first end, aod the first side and the second side extend from the first end to foe second end. The fast purge system includes an exhaust vent through the first side at the first end of the container arm positioned adjacent a ceiling of the container and an exhaust fan positioned at foe exhaust vent. There is at least one fresh air vent through a portion of foe container at foe second end of the container, and a temperature sensor disposed inside foe container that is configured to provide a signal that indicates a temperstars inside the eonteiner. 'There is a controller that is responsive to the signal of the temperature sensor to operate the exhaust fan until the temperature inside the container has decreased by a preselected amount or to a preselected temperature.In accordance with s further feature, the at least one flesh air verst comprises a pressure operated vent that opens in response to a there being a tower pressure inside the container than outside the container.In accordance with § further feature, there is forth©' included a wireless local radio communications transceiver operably coupled to the controller, and a portable computing device that is configured to communicate with the wireless local radio communications transceiver to receive status information from the controller and tn transmit operational commands to the controller.In accordance with s further feature, there is further included a camera mounted in an interior of the container, wherein the controller receives photographic information from the camera and transmits foe photographic information to a portable commimieatmn device via the wireless local radio comm mucatluos transceiver.In accordance with s further feature, the at least one fresh air vent is configured, at an outside of the container, to connect io an external duct in accordance with s further feature, there is further included a door switch operably c-oupU:d to the controller which indicates to the controller whether a door of tire container is open or closed.In accordance with s further feature, there is further included an external temperature sensor mounted on an outside of the container and that is operably coupled to the controller to indicate an external temperature to the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to operate the exhaust fen when a temperature different between the external temperature and an internal temperature exceeds a preselected threshold. hr accordance wife s further feature, there is further included a gas sensor that is configure to sense a level inside the container of at least one gas and provide a signal to the controller indicating the level of the at least one gas.[60061 In accordance with s further feature, there is further included a duct positioned in the container at a ceiling of the container, the duet having a front end coupled to the exhaust vent, a rear end located at. the second end of the container, a rear intake vent at the rear end of the duct, and at least one intermediate intake vent in fee duct between fee front end and the rear end of fee duet.[00621 In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a box trailer fest purge system that includes a duet that has a front end near a front end of tire box trailer, and a rear end of the duet near a rear end of the box trailer. The duet has an intake vent at the rear end of fee duet, and an exhaust vest through a side of the box trailer at the front end of fee duct at the front end of the trailer. There is an exhaust fan positioned at fee exhaust vent to move air through the duet.There is also at least one intermediate intake vent on the duet between the front end of the duct and the rear end of the duct. There is at least one fresh air vent through a portion of the box trailer at the r©gr ©nd of the box trailer. The system also meludos a temperatoro sensor disposed inside the box trailer that is configured io provide a signal that indicates a temperature inside the box trailer. There is a controller that is responsive to the signal of the temperature sensor to operate the exhaust Ian smtil the temperature inside the box trailer has decreased by a preselected amoimt or to a preselected temperature.

[0000] hi accordance with a further feature, the at least one intake vent comprises a pressure operated vent that opens in response to a there being a lower pressure inside fee box trailer than outside the box trailer.

[0009] in accordance with a further feature, there is also included a wireless local radio communications transceiver operably coupled to the controller, arid a portable computing device dial is configured io communicate with the wireless local radio communications transceiver to receive status mformation from the controller and to transmit operational commands to the controller.

[0010] In accordance with a. further feature, there is further included a camera mounted in an interior of the box trailer, wherein the conbolter receives photographic information from the camera nmd transmits the photographic information to a portable communication device via. the wireless local radio commimieafions transceiver.

[0011] In accordance with a farther feature, the at least one intake vent is configured, at an outside of the box trailer, to connected to an external duet

[0012] in accordance with a further feature, there is further included a door switch operably coupled to lite controller which indicates to the controller whether a rear door of the box trailer is open or closed. In] accordance with a further feature, there is further included an external temperature sensor mourned on an outside of the box trailer and that is operably coupled to the controller to indicate an external temperature io lite controller, and wherein the controller is further configured io operate the exhaust fan when a temperature different between the external temperature and an internal temperature exceeds a preselected threshold.

[0014] in accordance with a further feature, there is further included a gas sensor that is configure io sense a level inside the box trailer of at least rate gas and provide a signal to the controller indicating the level of the at least one gas.

[0015] In accordance with some embodiments of tire inventive disclosure. there is provided a method of replacing undesirable environmental atmospheric conditions within a. closed trailer, with desirable environmental conditions to safeguard building spaces and worker health before opening a trailer door of the trader. The method includes monitoring at least one interior condition of the trailer and obtaining a parameter value indicating a state of the at least one interior condition, and comparing the parameter value to a preselected threshold value. When the parameter value meets or exceeds the preselected threshold value exhausting an interior air mass of the trailer while simultaneously drawing into the trailer a replacement air mass from outside the trailer. The method.also includes stopping the exhausting when the parameter value subsequently changes io a preferred. value, and opening the trailer for service by a user.

[0016] In accordance with § further feature, the method also includes transmitting the parameter value to a mobile device.

[0017] in accordance with s timber feature, the at least one interior condition includes a temperatme of the interior of the trailer.

[0016] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a purge system for a box trailer and similar cargo containers, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made 'therein without departing from tire spirit of tire invention and witinn the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0019] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the Invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to he interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; bat rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the ioltowing, description m conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[43020] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to he understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms ’a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one.The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or snore titan two. The term “another,” as used herein. Is defined a.s at least a second or more. 'The terms “including” and / or “having,” as used herein. are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled?" as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechamcuily. The term “providing; is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., btinging / comfeg into physical existence, making available. and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

[0021] “ht the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. azimuth or positional relationships Indicated by terms such as “up”, “down,” “ioh. ' “right,” “Inside,” outsider 'front,” “back,” “head,” “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which arc only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific gzhnuth, which thus cannot he understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention.. Furthermore, terms such as“first;’ “second,” “third,” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed; ’coupled," “connected" should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, er may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated.These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same fimctlon or result)- In many instances, these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term“longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the article being referenced. To the extent that the disclosed invention utilizes computing resources, the terms “program, software application,” and the like as used herein, axe defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program;' or“software application” may Include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, :m applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library / dynamic load library and / or other sequences of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the abovementioned terms in rhe embodiments of the present invention aceordingto the specific circumstances.[00231 Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with fee context as used in general io convey feat an item., term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Tims, such conjunctive hugusge is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X. at least one of ¥. arid at least one of Z to each be present.BRIEF BESCE1EY3OX GF THE DRAWINGS[99241 The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout fee separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to fenhex illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles mid advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[9025] FIG. 1 is a top view of a track system including a box trader that inciudes a fast purge system for purging the atmosphere inside the box trailer with air from outside the box trailer, In accordance with some embodiments of fee inventive disclosure.[00261 FIG. 2 is a side view of a truck system including a box trailer that includes a fest purge system for purging the atmosphere inside the box trailer with air from outside the box trailer, with a side of the box teader removed to show components of the fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.[06271 FIG. 3 is a top view of a duct tor a box bailer fest parge system, in accordance* with souse embodiment of the inventive disclosure.[00281 FIG. 4 is a perspective view inside a box trailer showing a duct for a fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side elevations! view of an exhaust vent of a box trailer fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.

[0030] FIG, 6 is a top view of an exhaust vent of a box trailer fast purge system, in acautiance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.

[0031] FIG, 7 is a rear view of a box trailer having swing doors with Intake vents tn allow air Into the box trailer during a purge operation, in accordance with some embodiments of ths inventive disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a rear view of a box halier having a rolling door with intake vents to allow air into ibe box trailer during a purge operation, in aeeordanee with some embodiments of the mventive disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a block schematic diagram of the electrical system of a box trailer fast parge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 10 is rear view of a box trailer that is backed up to a warehouse dock in which purging is augmented by a fan system in the warehouse, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive d.iselosure.

[0035] FIG. 1 1 is a. side elevaiimsai view of a track system having a box trailer feat includes a fast purge system that can be operated using wireless devices, in accordance with some embodiments of fee inventive disclosure.[00361 FIG. 12 shows several views of a user interface of a mobile device running an application program for Interacting with, and controlling a fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.[00371 FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a box trailer having a purge system in a ductless arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure.[00381 FIG. 14 is a side eievationai view of a box trailer having a parge system m a ductless arrangement, in accordance wife some embodiments of fee inventive disclosure.DETAILED DESCDIPTIOD[0039[ While fee spccilkation concludes wife claims defining fee features of fee in vertiiou that me regarded as novel, it is believed feat fee invention will be better understood from a consideration of fee following description in conjunction wife the drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsare carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various farms.

[0040] The present invention provides a novel and efficient box trailer fest purge system that quickly removes air from a cargo box trailer to prevent exposing workers to undesirable conditions while unlosding / ksading the box trailer, as well as to prevent dispersing air ftom inside of a box trailer into a warehouse facility where workers are located. Embodiments of the invention provide a box frailer including a ventilation system that is automated or supervised to sense ambient conditions inside the box trailer, including temperature as well as other conditions, and purge the ambient air by exhausting it out. of the box trailer while drawing in fresh air from outside of the box trailer. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide an elongated duet that runs from the rear of the box trailer to the .front of the box trailer, along the roof of the box frailer. The duct terminates at the from end of the box frailer at a side of the box frailer through an exhaust vent in which there is an exhaust fan. At the opposite end of the box trailer, near the rear door, there is an intake vent .in the duct, and there are one or more intermediate intake vents along the duet between the rear intake and the exhaust vents. There are also one or more fresh air vents located at the rear of the box trailer, near or In the rear door(s) of the box trailer. These fresh air vents open in response io a pressure differential created when the exhaust fan toms on, drawing fresh air into the box frailer through foe fresh air vents, Tire exhaust fan is controlled in response to one or more sensors that sense ambient conditions Inside the box trailer. and when foe ambient conditions reach or exceed established threshold levels, the system acti vates the exhaust fan.. The disclosed system can prevent, for example, adversely heated air being essentially dumped into a warehouse facility when the box trailer is backed up to a warehouse portal and the doorof the trailer is opened. In a large warehouse operation, such as a distribution center, there can be hundreds of trailers being unloaded, and th© cumulative effect of these trailers being opened at warehouse docks can have a negative effect on workers in th© warehouse, as well as workers going into the trailers.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a top view of a track system 100 including a box trailer 102 that includes a fast parge system for purging the atmosphere inside the box trailer 102 with air from outside the box waller 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. Reference should also be made toFIG. 2, which shows the same track system 100 from a side view, with the near-side of the box trailer102 removed to expose the Inside of the box trailer 102.[00421 For the purpose of discussion herein, a box trailer is an enclosed cargo compartment used to transport goods by track, svhere the enclosed. cargo compartment is sized to allow workers to walk into and work inside the cargo compartment, such as for loading arid unloading goods into / from the cargo compartment. A common example is a trailer having an enclosed structure on the trailer with a. door or doors at the rear of the trailer. These trailers are coupled to a track unit 104 in what is referred to as a. seed' trailer truck arrangement. Smaller “box trucks” equivalently have a box unh that is mounted on tire chassis of the truck unit, rather than towed as a trailer. Box trucks are typically used for shorter hauls of good, such as for making deliveries in a local region, rather that long haul movement of goods for which semi -trailer track systems are used. However, in certain climates, even box truck cargo compartments can experience undesirable conditions inside the cargo unit due io heating and other factors..

[0043] I tie box trailer 162 has a read end 106 and a front end. 198. The front end is closest to the truck unit 104 and the box trailer 102 is coupled to the truck unit 104. There is also a first (right) side 1 16 and s second (left) side 112, along with a floor and roof. The sides 1 10, 112 are wafts that are reinforced with vertical studs along the length of the sides 1 16. 1 12 from front to rear. FIG. 2 shows the box frailer 102 with side 1 12 removed such that inside of side 1 W is in view. There Is a door or doors at the rear end 166. There are either two swing doors that are each hinged on the opposite sides 110, 1 12, or a roll-up / retracting door system at the rear end 106 that can be opened to allow loading and unloading of the box trailer 102.

[0044] To achieve the fest purge operation, rise box trailer 102 includes fresh air vents 136 in the rear doorfs), and an exhaust fan at an exhaust vent 124 at a side of the box trailer 102 near the front endI 08. When the exhaust fan is activated, air inside the box trailer 162 is exhausted out of the box trailer162, aud fresh aft is pulled into the box trailer 102 through the fresh air vents 136. The fresh air vents136 are positioned closer to the floor 117 of the interior of the box trailer 102, while the exhaust vent124 is positioned near die ceiling 119 of the box trailer 162. In some embodiments the exhaust vent can be positioned at the ceding 119, and the fresh air vents 136 san be positioned in the lower third of the height of the door(s) at the rear end 106 of the box trailer 102. The fresh air vents can have vanes or flaps that open in response there being a lower pressure inside the box trailer, as occurs when the exhaust fan is turned on. The higher outside pressure forces air into the box trailer through trie fresh air versts 136.

[0045] 'While the positioning of the exhaust vent 124 and fresh air vents 136 allow a direction flow of fresh into the box b ailer 162, it is known that the hottest air will be near the ceiling 119 of fee boxtraiier. To farther direct and optimise air flow, a duet 1 14 can be positioned along the ceiling 119 of tire box frailer 102, The duct is terminated at the exhaust vent 124 at one end, and extends along the length of the box frailer 102 along the ceiling 1 19, to the rear end 106 of the box trailer 102. At the rear end ofthe duet 1 14, there is an intake vent 1 i f, and along the length ofthe duet 114, there can be one or more intermediats intake vents 120 which are sized to ensure that there is adequate flow into the rear intake vent 118 when the exhaust fan at the exhaust vent 124 runs. The duet 114 includes a mam portion that runs substantially the length of the box trailer 102, from front to rear, and is positioned along the celling 1 19, centered between the sides 110. 1 12, and has an angled portion 122 at the front end to join the main portion ofthe duet 114 with the exhaust vent 124.

[0046] When the exhaust fast in the exhaust verst 124 Is activated, the ait in the duct 1 14 is blown out of the exhaust vent 124, causing air around the duet intake vents 118, 120 to flow into the duet 1 14 and move towards, and evenlvaliy out ofthe exhaust vent. During this exhaust fan activation, fresh air is drawn; in through the fresh air vents 136 from outside ofthe box trailer 102, By positioning the duet114, and the intake vents 118, 126 at the ceding 1 19, the hottest air is drawn out and exhausted from the box trailer first. The cooler fresh air being drawn in through the fresh air vents 136 will displace the hotter air in the box trailer, pushing it upwards to the intake vents 119. 120 io be exhausted from the box frailer 102 as well. Depending on the flow rate ofthe exhaust frn, the .majority of the interior air ofthe box frailer 102 with undesirable characteristics (e.g. too hot) can be removed from the interior of the box frailer 162 in a matter of remotes, In some embodiments this can augmented by directing conditioned sir into the fresh air vents 136,[0047) The exhaust tan in the exhaust vent 126 is controlled by a control module 126, which is coupled to one or more sensors 128. Power is provided by a power system. 13(1, which can be a battery, and include a solar cell array os top of the trailer, as well »s art inverter so that both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) can be provided. The sensors 128 can include one or more of a temperature sensor (:;T‘[), a humidity sensor (“IT’), and a gas sensor such as a. carbon monoxide sensor( "CO") Each of the sensors 128 produces a signal that Indicates a level of the parameter being sensed to the control module 126. A threshold value for each parameter can be programmed into tire control module, and when that threshold is met or exceeded, the exhaust fan can be automatically activated by the control module 126 to lower that parameter of the air inside the box trailer 102. In addition. to internal sensors) 128, there can be external sensors for similar parameters positioned at the outside of the box trailer so that differential thresholds can be established as well. For example, the exhaust fra can be activated either when the interior temperature sensed indicates a temperature of 120 degreesFahrenheit, or when there is a 30-degree difference between the interior and exterior temperatures.The specific threshold cart depend on the specific application.[00481 The control module 126 can be operably controlled by either a control pad 202 that is positioned on the outside of the box Caller, or via a remote device (e.g. a cellular telephone device) using an antenna. 132. The control module can include a wireless radio networking transceiver for local range, using an air interface such as those known by the trade terms WIFI and BLUETOOTH,A second antenna. 134 at the tear of the box trailer can likewise facilitate wirelessly coupling to a device in a warehouse to oontrol / super-vise operation of the fast parge system. These antennas 132,134 are externally mounted on the outside of the trailer, with a cable (e.g. a coaxial cable) connectingthe antennas 132, 134 to the transceiver of the control module 126, The typical steel wail construction of shipping containers and trailer makes an effective faraday cage, necessitating the external mounting of these antennas 132, 134.

[0049] FIG, 3 is a top view of a duet 1 14 .for a box trailer .fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiment of the mveutiv© disclosure, The duct 1 14 Is broken up into a rear segment 302, ietemtediaie segment 304, and wont segment 306. At the rear segment 302 is the rear end 1 16 of the duct with a rear Intake vent 118. The intermediate or middle segment 304 includes one or more intermediate intake vents 120. The front segment Includes the angw portion 122 that turns worn the main portion of the duct to the side 1 12 of the box trailer, through which an exhaust vent 124 passes.The exhaust vent 124 includes an exhaust fan, which when activated, blows air out of the exhaust vent12.4 to the outside of the box frailer 102 as indicated by the arrows leading out of the exhaust vent 124.At the same time, air is drawn into the duct through Intake vents 118, 120 as indicated by the arrows at those vents. Otte or more sensors 128 can be positioned in the duct 114, or outside of the duct 114 inside the box trailer 102.

[0050] FIG. 4 Is a perspective view inside a box trailer 102 showing a duct 114 for a fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. Portions of the box trailer 102 have been omitted for clarity, The duct 1 14 runs along the ceiling 1 19, which is the interior side of the roof 402 of the box trailer 102. There is a rear intake vent 11 8 at the rear end 1 16 of th© duct 114, and there is at least one intermediate intake dust 120 located along the main portion of the duet 114.The duct 1 14 can have a circular cross section as shown here, or a rectangular cross section, the intake vents 1 18, 120 can be generally centered between the sides (e.g. 110, 1 12) of the box trailer 102.

[0051] FIGs. 5 and 6 show details of the exhaust vent 124, wherein FIG. 5 is a side elevations! view, and FIG. 6 is a top view of an exhaust vent of a box trailer fast purge system, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. lite exhaust vent 124 is mounted through the side 112 of tire box trailer near the front emi of the box trailer, and near the ceiling 1 19 of the box trader. The exhaust vent 124 includes ax exhaust fan 502, and the exhaust vest 124 terminates the front end of the duet 114. The exhaust vent 124 can fit between two consecutive studs 504 in the side 1 12, with fasteners 506, 508 passing through fittings on the exhaust vent 124 and into the studs 502.

[0052] FTGs. 7 and 8 show rear view of a box halier in which there are different styles of doers. FIG.7 is a rear view of a box trailer having swing doors 702, and FIG. 8 is a rear view of a box trailer having a rolling door 802, with both doors, 702, 802 having fresh air vents 136 to allow air into the respective box trailer during a purge operation, hi accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, With the doors 702, 802 closed, the fresh air vents 136 are positioned within the lower third of the height of the doors 702, 802, In FIG. 7, with the swing doors 702, each swing door 702 can include a fresh air vent 136, The flesh air vents 136 in the swing doors can be larger in height that those used os the rolling door 802 because the rolling door 802 is made of a series of horizontally oriented Gats 804 that have to lift up into a roll al the top of the rear end. The slats 804 are mounted on parallel tracks at each side 1 10, 112.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a block schematic diagram of the electrical system 900 of a box trailer fast purge system, irs accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. The control module 126 includes .a controller 902 that is coupled to a memory 904. The controller 902 can be a programmable logic unit, microcontroller, microprocessor, or an equivalent. The memory1904 can include bothvolatile and non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and read only memory(ROM). .Both instruction code ami programable variable for thresholds can be stored in memory and used during operation <»f ths purg© system, The control modal© 126 can include the controller 902, memory 904, as well as the radio networking transceiver 910 which can be coupled to front and rear antennas 132, 134, The radio networking transceiver can operate according to well-known local area or personal area radio networking protocols, such as those known by the trade names WIFI andBLUETOO1TL The controller 902 is coupled to the exhaust ton controls 906 and can provide at least an on / off signa; that hires on or tents off the exhaust fen, accordingly. There ear; be an Infrared camera916 that provides a thermal based imaging of the interior of the box trailer. The images or video feed from the camera can be routed to other devices via the radio networking transceiver 910 for display on those devices, A door sensor 908 cats be, for example, a simple switch that is activated by fee rear door of the trailer being opened. In some circumstances opening the rear door may cancel the purge operalion, or prevent it from starting.[00S4J An internal temperature sensor 918 provides a signal to the controller 902 that indicates the temperature inside the box trailer at. the location of the internal temperature sensor 918. Accordingly, care must be taken as to where the internal temperature sensor 918 is located in foe box trailer. It can be placed inside the duct 1.14, or outside the duet 1 14 near the ceiling 119 to indicate what is likely the hottest location in the box trailer. As; external tern perafur© sensor 912 can also he provided and used to bigger the purge operation based on a. temperature differential threshold. The external temperature sensor 912 is positioned on the outside of the box trailer, preferably at fee rear end of the frailer so that whet; the trailer is backed up to a warehouse pod the external temperature sensor issensing the ambient temperature of the warehouse. Similarly. there can be art internal humidity sensor920 that provides a signal to the controller 902 that indicates a humidity level inside the box frailer.The internal humidity sensor can he used alone, or it can also be used to determine humidity differential by comparing the internal humidity level with the external humidity as indicated by an external humidity sensor 914 which is mounted on the outside of the box trailer.

[0055] In addition. It is further contemplated that a gas sensor or sensors can be used to detect the presence of unhealthy or toxic gasses in the box trailer. A common concern is the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in box trailers, thus a carbon monoxide sensor 922 muy be used to sense the level of carbon monoxide inside the box nailer. if t he level rises to a given threshold, the controller 902 can commence a parge operation, as well as transmit an alert to any devices connected to the system 900(e.g. via transceiver 910). It is further contemplated that the controller 992 can provide visual indication of the status of various sensed parameters (motion via camera 916, door open / ciosed. temperature, humidity, CO level, purge in process, and so on). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various sensors and other components can be coupled to the controller 902 by a. variety of means. Including by conductor wires and wireless comrections as are well known.[00561 FIG. 10 is rear view of a box trailer 102 that is backed up to a warehouse dock. The view here is from inside the warehouse 1002, and purging of the box trailer 102 is augmented by a fan system in tire warehouse, in accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. In particular, there can be one or more fan units 1004. which blow ambient air .from inside the warehouse 1002 through an external duct 1996 that Is terminated with a connector 1099 that is configured to fit onto the fresh air vents 136. Upon backing up to the port of the warehouse 1002. the states of the interior of the boxtrailer 102 can be observed by connecting a terminal or mobile computing device to the control module126 of she purge system which will then indicate to personnel in the warehouse 1002 whether the purge system has automatically initiated, how long it has been running if it has beet; started, what the ambient conditions are inside the box trailer, their change over time, and so on. The user ear; also control the purge system to star; even the ambient conditions inside the box trailer 102 have not reached thresholds programmed into the control module 126. To facilitate the purge, the duets 1006 can be connected to the fresh air vents 136, and the fen units 1004 enabled to blow air from the warehouse, through the duets 1006, through the fresh air vents 136, and into the box trailer 102, Even if the exhaust fan 502 is not enabled, blowing air through the fresh air vents 136 will purge the air m the box trailer 102 through the exhaust vent 124. "This system can be used with or with the duct 114 in the trailer, as well. Also io this view there is a door switch 1010 the indicates when the door is open, and by inference, closed.100521 FIG. 11 is a. side elevationai view of a truck system having a box trailer 102 that includes a fast purge system that ear; be operated using wireless devices, its accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure. The operator of the track system can have a mobile device 1102, or as? equivalent system mounted in the cab of the truck unit. The mobile device can be. for example, a cellular telephone device capable or running application programs (e.g, a ' smart phone"'), or any equivalent portable communication device or portable computing device, or even a fixed computing station inside the truck suit , The mobile device 1 102 runs an application program that is configured to communicated with, and control the fast purge system of the box trailer 102. The mobile device1 102 car; be connected to the control module 126 of the purge system in the box trailer 102 via a localwireless network interface 1 184 established between tee mobile device 1182 and the control module126 (via transceiver 91 (I and antenna 132). The operator of tee truck unit east use tee mobile device1 182 while m the cab of the track unit to .monitor conditions in the box halier, and initiate a parge operation while in transit or when backed up to a warehouse or other such port. The control module126 cart also communicate with a warehouse station 1186 via a shniiar local wireless .network link1188, via antenna 134 st tee back end often box trailer. The warehouse station 1 106 cars be dedicated to a particular port of tee warehouse such that there is a similar warehouse stations at each port. Link1 1 Ob allows the warehosxse stetson 1 106, which ears be a oonspatsrsg device having wireless networking capability, to interact with tee control module and monitor conditions inside the box tailor, and / or control operation of tee purge system.. Additional information may also be provided te the warehouse starters 1106, such as trailer number, operator information, cargo information, and so on. Also, the warehouse station 1 106 can provide in.format.ion to tee control suods.de 126, such as the ambient conditions inside tee warehouse.(00581 FIG. 12 shows several exemplary views of a user interface of a. mobile device running axs application program for interacting with, and. controlling a test purge system, in aecordanue with sense embodiments of the inventive disclosure All of tee interfaces 1200 1208 can be accessed in application program running on tee mobile device via a. menu presented on a main interface. In interface 1200, ter example, the trailer identification number is shown, along with recent activity events over several days. At the bottom there is an event indicating that two days prior tee temperature in box trailer reached 1 10 degrees F. Ort the day prior are tee two temperature aiarsxs events and one motion detection event On the same day the applicators program ws accessed there are eventsindicting a. purge operation was commenced and then completed, interfaces I 282 ami 1284 axe similar in that they both show certain, parameters monitored by the purge system, (temperature, humidity. carbon monoxide level). Interface 1202 is an Interface presented at a warehouse station span commeiwemem of a purge operation, The inside temperature red humidity sre shown, along with a. heed icon indicating that the trend of these parameters are decreasing. Near the bottom of the Interface1282 is a clock indicating how long the purge process has been going on, and at the very bottom thePURGE icon Is shown as activated, as indicated by the change of color (sha.de) relative to the other interface 1280, 1204, 1286 1288. The PURGE icon allows the operator of the device to press on the icon to initiate a purge process. Tints, operational commands can be transns died to the control module via an interface of the mobile device or the warehouse station. Interface 1204 is for the same trailer as interface 1282, but is an interface on the track operator’s mobile device (e,g. the driver). The interface 1284 is shown prior to the commencement of the purge operation that is ongoing in interface1282. The conditions axe static as there is no trend icon. Note that the PURGE icon at the bottom of the interface is not indicating that the purge process is presently occarrmg as it is in interface 1202,In interface 1206 the view of the camera inside the box trailer is shown, allowing the user io monitor workers said temperature inside the box trailer since the camera is an infrared camera, 'Die camera transmits photographic information such as images or video, which can then be routed to the mobile device. Interface 1288 is a general status interface, indicating inside and outside temperature and humidity, carbon monoxide level and door status, as well as time of the last purge operation, These interfaces 1288 ™ 1208 are intended as examples, arid the designer of the application program can design similar interfaces showing the status of various parameters of the box trailer, There can also be interfaces for providing input such as inputting the trailer identifier, threshold values fortemperature, temperature differential, humidity, humidity differential, carbon monoxide or other gas levels, and so on. In addition, other information can be input such as the truck operator identification, the time that goods were loaded into the box trailer, and any other Information that may be relevant. in addition, the control module 126 can record a record over time of the parameters being monitored so that, for example, a temperature versus time record can be maintained and then, presented on an interface for examination to make sure the contents of the box trailer were not exposed to excessive temperature for ano significant period of time.[00591 In the embodiments described irerein above a duct is used in the conteiser / traiier. It is also contemplated that a ductless purge system can be implemented in the eontamerfiraiier. As an example,FIG. I 3 shows atop plan view of a box trailer 1300, where the top of the toiler 1300 has been removed to see inside of the trailer 1300, having a purge system in a ductless arrangement. FIG.. 14 shows a side elevations! view of the box teller 1300 using a ductless purge system, where tire near sidewall of the trailer 1300 has been removed in order to see inside the trailer 1300. in addition, the trailer 1300 is shown disconnected from a truck unit in these illustrations. It will be appreciated that the trailer1300 is representative of a variety of containers in which people may have to enter to wore, including loading and unloading goods, and the purge system described herein will function equivalently for differen t ty pes of such containers. The teller 1300 has a first (right) side wall 1302 and a second (left) sidewall 1304 with a floor 1306 between them. The side walls 1302, 1304, and floor 1306 run horn a rear end 1322 to a front end 1324. The rear end i 322 can be bounded by one or more doors through which people can access the interior 1326 of the trailer.

[0060] Adjacent the front end 1324 there is an exhaust tan 1388 mounted through a sidewall of the trailer 1300. The exhaust firn 1308 is also mounted adjacent the ceiling 1320. toe exhaust to 1308 can have pressure responsive vanes covering the exterior side of the exhaust fan which are normally closed, but open in response io the pressure of air being blown by the exhaust to 1308 in order to minimize intrusion into the toiler by weatom insects, road debris, etc. Further, when the exhaust fan1388 is activated, tosh air vents 1310 at the rear end (e.g. through the door(s)) allow outside air to be drawn into the interior 1325 of the trailer 1308. The fresh air vents 1310 can also have pressure responsive vanes that are normally closed but which open in response to air being drawn into the interior 1326 of the trailer 1390 by the exhaust .to 1308.

[0061] A control module 1312 controls operation of the exhaust to 1308, and is coupled io one or more sensors including at least a temperature sensor. While the trailer 1300 is disconnected from a truck unit, the power source of the truck unit is not available. Therefore, an electrical connector 1314 is provided at the rear end of the trailer 1380 that can be c-onnected to a power cable. This allows a. warehouse or similar .toillty io provide power io the purge system when there is no truck unit to power the purge system. Thus, the purge system shown here is substantially the same as that of FIGs. 1 -2, but without a duct. The same type of sensors, control module, fresh air vents, exhaust to, antennas, etc. mm be used to parge the trailer 1300 when necessary io improve the conditions inside the trailer1300, without dumping the heated air into a warehouse tollity.

[0062] The various parge system embodiments described herein can be retrofit into existing trailers / ooniainers. It is also contemplated that traiiersreontainers can be manufactured with purge systems built into them. .A duct is not necessary, hut can provide a measure of efficiency as it ensurethe most heated air at the ceiling of the trailer is removed first, along the length of the trailer. But in some applications, a duct may otherwise occupy useful space within the trailer and so should be omitted. The purging can be accomplished with either ambiexst ait or conditioned air, and the fresh sir intakes can be passive or coupled io a fen taut that blows air Into fee trailer through the fresh air intakes.

[0083] A purge system for a box trailer has bees shown and described in which foe Interior of the box trailer can be purged wife fresh air or conditioned air at a warehouse or similar facility before the box trailer is opened for unloading or loading. This prevents fee common problem of thermal “dumping” when box trailers are opened st warehouses, and the healed air inside the trailer escapes into fee warehouse. In large warehouse operations this problem is significant and can produce sub-optimal working conditions in the warehouse. Further, as is well known, working going in and out of a hot trailer can experience heat exhaustion. The disclosed purge system greatly reduces, if not eliminates these problems by purging the interior of the box trailer with fresh air or conditioned air before opening the trailer.

[0664] The inventive disclosure relates to a system and method of replacing a hazardous air mass within a confined space such as a trailer or shipping container, with an asternative air mass that will provide thermal comfort and safety to personnel and prevent hazardous air mass infiltration into connected buildings. The method includes monitoring of the confined space to determine air mass conditions, exhausting the hazardous air mass and replacing the air mass with an alternative one from the exterior of the trailer or front the connected building. The system and method are stopped whenthe conditions of the trailer air mass is equivalent to that of the alternative air mass. The trailer door is then opened for service such as loading or unloading by personnel.

[0065] The claims appended hereto are meant to cover ail modifications and changes within ths scope and spirit of the present invention

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 , A container fast purge system for a container having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first side and the second side extend from the hast end in the second, end, comprising: an exhaust vent through the first side at the first end of the container and positioned adjacent a ceding of the container; an exhaust Am positioned at the exhaust vent; at least one fresh air vent, through a portion of the container at the second end of the container; a temperature sensor disposed inside the container that is configured to provide a signal that indicates a temperature inside the container; and a controller that is responsive io the signal of the temperature sensor to operate the exhaust fan until tire temperature inside the container has decreased by a preselected amount or to a preselected temperature.

2. The container fast purge system of claim I, wherein the at least one fresh air vest comprises a pressure operated vent that opens in response to a there being a lower pressure inside the container than outside the container.

3. The container fest purge system of claim i, further compr ising: a wireless local radio commurdcutions transceiver operably coupled to the controller; and a portable computing device that is configured to communicate with the wirok-ss local radio communications transceiver to receive status information from the controller and to transmit operational commands to the controller.

4. The container fast parge system of claim 3, farther comprising a camera mounted in anInterior of the container, wherein the controller receives photographic information from the camera and transmits the photographic information to a portable communication device via the wireless local radio communications transceiver.

5. The container fast purge system of claim 1, wherein the at least one fresh air vent is configured,, at an outside of the container, to connect to an external duct.6, The container fest purge system of claim 1 , further including a. door switch operably coupled to the controller which indicates tn the controller whether a. door of the container is open or closed.

7. The container fast parge system of claim L further comprising an external temperature sensor mounted on an outside of the container and that is operably coupled to the controller to indicate an external temperature to the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to operate the exhaust fen when a temperature different between the external temperature and an internal temperature exceeds a preselected threshold.8, The container fast purge system of claim 1 , farther comprising a gas sensor that is configure to sense a level inside tee container of at least one gas and provide a signal to tee controller indicating tee level of tee at least one gas.

9. The container test purge system of claim i, further comprising a duet positioned in the container at a veiling of the container, the dost having a front end coupled to the exhaust vent, a rear end located at tee second end of tee container, a rear intake vent at the rear end of the duct, and at least on© intermediate intake vent in tire duct between tee front end and tee rear end of the duct.

10. A box traiser fast purge system, comprising: a duct frat has a front end near a front end of the box trailer, and a rear end of the duet near a rear end of the box trailer; the duct having an intake vent at the rear end of the duct; an exhaust vent through a side of the box trailer, the front end of the duet being coupled to the exhaust vent; an exhaust fast positioned at the exhaust vent; at least one intermediate intake rent on the duct between the front end of the duct and the rear end of the duet; at least one fresh air vent through a portion of the box trailer at the rear end of the box trailer; a temperature sensor disposed inside the box trailer that is configured io provide a signal that indicates a. temperature inside the box trailer; and a controller that Is responsive to tire signal of the teniperatiire sensor to operate She exhaust tar: until the temperature inside tire box trailer has decreased by a preselected amount or to a preselected temperature.

1. 1 The box trader fast purge system of claim 10, wherein die at least one fresh air vent comprises a pressure operated vent that opens in response to a there being a lower pressure Inside the box trailer than outside the box trailer.

12. The box trailer fast purge system of claim 10, further comprising:a wireless local radio communications transceiver operably coupled to the oomrohor; and a portable computing device that is configured to communicate with the wireless local radio co.mmunic§it.ls>n8 transceiver to receive status information .from the controller and to transmit operational commands to the controller.

13. The box taller fast purge system of claim 12, further comprising a camera mounted in an interior of the hex trailer, wherein foe controller receives photographic information from the camera end transmits the photographic information to a portable communication device via the wireless local radio commu-uicafiuns transceiver.

14. The hex trailer fast purge system of claim 10, wherein foe at least one fresh air vent is configured^ at an outside of the box trailer, to be connected to an external duc-t of a. fan unit that blows air through the at least one fresh air vent.IS. The box trailer fast purge system of claim 10, further including a door switch operably coupled to the controller which indicates to the controller whether a .rear door of the box trailer is open or closed.

16. The box taller fast purge system of claim 10, farther comprising an external temperature sensor mounted on an outside of the box trailer and that is operably eo spied to the controller to indicate an external temperature to the controller, and wherein foe controller is further configured io operatethe exhaust fan when a temperature different between the external temperature and an internal temperature exceeds a preselected threshold.

17. The hex trailer fast purge system of claim 10, further comprising a gas sensor that is configure to sense one gas and provide a signal to the controller indicating the level of the at least one gas.

18. A method of replacing undesirable environmental atmospheric conditions within a closed trailer, with desirable environmental conditions to safeguard building spaces and worker health before opes fog a trailer door of the trailer, foe method comprising: monitoring at least one interior condition of foe trailer and obtaining a parameter value indicating a state of foe at least one interior condition; comparing the parameter value to a preselected threshold value; when foe parameter value meets or exceeds foe preselected threshold value exhausting an interior air mass of foe trailer while simuitaeously drawing into foe trailer a replacement air mass from ofoside the trailer; stopping foe exhausting when the parameter value subsequently changes to a preferred value; and opening foe trailer for service by a user.19, The method of claim 18, further comprising transmitting the parameter value to a. mobile device.20, The method of claim 18, wherein foe at least orse Interior condition includes a temperatxsre of the interior of foe trailer.

Images