摘要 |
An electronic bonding device (1) provides a seal for containers and equipment and allows the status of the seal to be remotely monitored. The device (1) has a seal body housing sensing means (5) and communication means (7), and sealing means (3) for affixing the device to an item to be bonded. The sealing means (3) comprises a line (9) providing, between terminal end portions (11, 13), a circuit having a detectable 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 (5) 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.
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