GB2462831A

GB2462831A - Secure container with spoiler system delay timer running during transit

Info

Publication number: GB2462831A
Application number: GB0815150A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Charles Maurice Watson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-20
Filing date: 2008-08-20
Publication date: 2010-02-24
Also published as: GB0815150D0

Abstract

A container for transporting valuables has a spoiler system and an adjustable preset delay timer to protect the valuables when the container is moved across the pavement from a secure area, such as the strong room of a bank, to a transport vehicle. If the preset time period is exceeded the spoiler system operates. A code unit in the transport vehicle monitors the presence or absence of the container in a stowage that has external transit code switches so that the timer is reset and frozen to zero. A parallel code is used with external home code switches when the container in the secure area to rest the timer to zero.

Description

A LOGIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TIlE PROTECTION

OF VALUABLES IN TRANSIT

DESCRIPTION

Part 1 BACKGROUND

The vulnerability of valuables in transit can be defined in terms of time.

There are two time periods during which an attack may be mounted. One period covers the so called across the pavement' movement from a secure sending area (A) to a transport system, and a similar movement from the transport across the pavement' to a secure receiving area.(B) The second time period is while the valuables are in transit from the sending area to the receiving area.

The first time period should not exceed (typically) 15 minutes to carry a container from the strong room in a bank to a waiting vehicle parked close to an exit. The transport phase is of indeterminate duration since it may be across town or across country or even overseas. The transport could have a puncture or be stuck in a traffic jam. Any protective system must cover all such conditions and make any attempt at theft unprofitable.

Following examination of the sequence of operations and the timescales involved, a logical solution of the problem wa defined. Essentiall', the problem is iO rfiake i1 difficult for thieves to open or make away with the container at any time in the transit cycle. It was concluded that this may be achieved by limiting the time that the thieves have before the load is rendered unuseable when spoilers such as dye or smoke dispensers operate.

A proof of principle' unit was designed, made and tested. It used available old components and it was recognised that several alternative component and circuit configurations, which could be either electronic or electromechanical or totally computerised, could be used in order to achieve the stated aim as determined by the logic. That is -to limit the at risk' time period and operate a spoiler system if the preset time period is exceeded. The circuit and component list of the proof of principle unit are available if required.

Part 2 LOGIC OF OPERATION Refer to Figure 1. The block diagram shows the control logic of the invention.

The sequence of events is as follows based as air example on' operation of the proof of principle prototype (1) The container is open in a secure area. Ensure that the OnlOff switch (SWI) is set to Off (open) and the ArmfDisarm switch (SW2) is set to Disaim (open) then load the vaIuabies (2) From the available choice of over the pavement' times decide an appropriate time to cover the movement of the box from the secure area in the transmitting building to a secure stowage in the van. Using the 8 separate switches in the switch assembly (SW3), select (close) the chosen. switch. Remember that this timewill applyalso at thereceiving area. As stated above the choice is from increments of 100 seconds ie 3 minutes 20 seconds, 5 minutes, 6 minutes 40 seconds, 8 minutes 20 seconds, 10 minutes, 11 minutes 40 seconds, 13 minutes 20 seconds and 15 minutes.

(3) Select two employees at random (to avoid kidnapping and coercion problems) to choose and set the three-number (Home') and two-number ("Transit') codes on the internal rotary switches. They are the only ones to know the codes.

(4) The chosen employee offsets the external Home code switch or switches in order to scramble the code.

(5) Select the Oti/Off switch SW1 to ON and observe that the numerical display is illuminated and counting because the code settings do not match.

(6) The chosen employee sets the external home code switches to the selected code and observes that the counter has stopped and reset to zero. This opens the spoiler initiation lines as a safetymeasure by energising the arm/disan relay. This action closes RitA to its reset position and opens RL2 so that the initiator line is open.

(7) Now that the circuit is disanned by the relay, set the Arm/Disarm switch (SW2) to ARMED then close and secure the lid.

(8) When preparation for the transfer of the container is complete, scramble the external Home' code switches and observe that the counter is operating. This action switcbs the arm/disarm relay OFF thus arming the circuit to the spoiler initiator and opening the reset circuit which will, start the counter. Any delay that causes the counter to time out' such. as an.

attempted theft across the pavement' will cause an initiating pulse from the counter circuit to pass to the initiator circuit and cause the spoiler to operate.

(9) Transport the container to the transport vehicle and insert and secure the container into its stowage'. This connects the' internal Transit code'switches viaa butt connector to theextental code switches on the stowage unit.

(10) The transit crew are in contact with the transmitting bank, ideally with a video phone, and a system of passwords in order to ensure that there is no coercion. The bank employee then passes' the Transit code' to the driver who enters the Transit code' on the' van stowage in order to energise the relay and reset and freeze the counter to zero.

(11) The van travels to the receiving station. If intercepted en route the system will start to count down and operate the spoiler if the container is removed from the secure transport stowage or if optional box defence system switches operate.

(12) On arrival at the receiving station the driver makes contact with the receiving bank and exchanges prearranged security checks.

(13) Remove the transport container from its stowage and observe that the counter has started.

(14) In the secure area contact between sender and receiver allows transmission of the Home code number.

(15) In the secure area enter the matching Home code and observe that the counter has reset to zero.

(16) Open the container, set the arm/disarm switch to Disarm and set the power supply switch to OFF.

(17) The container can now be emptied.