Electronic security bonding device

Abstract

An electronic bonding device provides a seal for containers and equipment and allows the status of the seal to be remotely monitored. The device has a seal body housing sensing means and communication means, and sealing means for affixing the device to an item to be bonded. The sealing means comprises a line providing, between terminal end portions, a circuit having a detectible characteristic. In one embodiment, the circuit is an optical fiber light transmission circuit. Alternatively, the circuit may be an electrical circuit. A change in the circuit characteristic, e.g., a break in the continuity (optical or electrical), is sensed by the sensor and transmitted to a remote location by a transmitter, to indicate that tampering with the item has occurred. The line is provided with a protective sheath. In one embodiment, the sheath is a relatively flexible adhesive tape strip. In other embodiments, the sheath is a relatively rigid or flexible shackle member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.