Radio transmitter device for use in method and system for monitoring, controlling and optimizing flow of products

A method for monitoring and reporting a liquid product distribution network, comprising:

• operating a container distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus associated with a container adapted for containing a liquid product,
• said container distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus operating steps comprising:
• fitting and attaching a housing to the container, comprising steps of:
• securing inside the housing a sensing and reporting device;
• embedding sensing circuitry in the sensing and reporting device for sensing at least one of physical properties and location associated with the container,
• attaching a radio transmitter comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module in the housing, and
• associating radio frequency signal transmission circuitry with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radiofrequency signals from the sensing and reporting device;
• fitting a battery power supply unit within and protected by the housing, for electrically powering the sensing and reporting device;
• and
• utilizing a mobile communications device for:
• receiving and processing the encrypted radiofrequency signals from the radio frequency signal transmission circuitry of the container passively and without user interaction,
• storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the container and the liquid product distribution network, and
• processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the container within the liquid product distribution network, wherein the radio frequency signal transmission circuitry is configured to communicate with a communication processing device associated with a vehicle or transport environment within the liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers.

A liquid product distribution network monitoring and reporting system, comprising:

• at least one liquid product container, said at least one liquid product container comprising:
• a container distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus, said container distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus comprising:
• a sensing and reporting device comprising:
• a housing for fitting on and attaching to the at least one liquid product container,
• sensing circuitry secured inside the housing for sensing at least one of physical properties and location associated with the at least one liquid product container;
• a radio transmitter device comprising a low-energy consumption radio/processing module;
• and
• radio frequency signal transmission circuitry associated with said radio/processing module for transmitting encrypted radio frequency signals from the sensing and reporting device;
• a battery power supply unit fitted within and protected by the housing, for electrically powering the sensing and reporting device;
• and
• a mobile communications device comprising cell radio circuitry, and configured to receive and process encrypted radiofrequency signals from the radio frequency signal transmission circuitry of the at least one liquid product container passively and without user interaction, wherein said mobile communications device further comprising memory circuitry for storing data and computer processor executable instructions relating to the at least one liquid product container and a liquid product distribution network, and further comprising computer processing circuitry for processing said data and executing said executable instructions for monitoring and reporting the physical properties and location of the at least one liquid product container within the liquid product distribution network, wherein the radio frequency signal transmission circuitry is configured to communicate with a communication processing device associated with a vehicle or transport environment within the liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product dispensing containers.