Abstract:
The present invention is for a sensing device that monitors the conditions of a remote location. The device has a detecting means which detects the conditions at the remote location; a transmitting module that reads and remotely transmits information containing the detected conditions and the power level of a power source powering the transmitting module; a base module that receives, selectively processes and conveys the information telephonically; and an identifying means that identifies the remote location of the call without incurring a telephone toll charge. The invention is also directed to a method of sensing conditions at a remote location without incurring telephone toll charges.

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This is a nonprovisional application of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/113,466, filed Dec. 23, 1998. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The MICROFICHE APPENDIX that is attached hereto for the software program submission is incorporated by reference herein. The MICROFICHE APPENDIX includes a page of microfiche containing 35 frames. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a sensing device for monitoring conditions at a remote location and a method therefor. Particularly, the instant invention is for a sensing device that monitors the conditions of a container at a remote location and a method therefor. More particularly, the disclosed invention is for a sensing device that monitors the level of waste materials in a waste disposal container at a remote location and, then, relays this information to allow for the emptying of the waste disposal container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The amount of trash is an ever-growing problem. This is especially true in the retail and commercial sectors, where a large amount of refuse is discarded daily. Most businesses have trash bins adjacent to their buildings for dumping the totality of trash collected either daily or throughout the day. The rate at which the garbage piles up in these trash receptacles varies according to factors such as the season, the industry, the location, etc. Consequently, different businesses and different locations of a business may require different pick-up times for their trash bins. 
     To minimize the cost of hiring commercial trash collection services to pick-up the trash from the trash receptacles, some companies may designate standard pick-up times, such as daily or weekly, even though the trash bins may not be full. Other companies may call commercial trash collection services only when their trash bins are full. Either way, the company usually must use the telephone to call the commercial trash collection service. 
     The detection of the level of trash in trash receptacles is known in the art. Such detection usually entails some device or method used within the receptacle that senses the level of trash. For instance, a photoelectric cell has been employed for this purpose, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,147 to Ippolito. Another variation measures the pressure exerted on the trash compactor to detect when the receptacle is full, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,027 to Neumann. Still, U.S. Pat. No. 3,636,863 to Woyden teaches using pressure-sensing means to determine when the trash container is full. 
     Additionally, it is known in the art to utilize a means for relaying the information regarding the fullness of the trash receptacle to another location, where the information can be processed. Usually, this relaying method encompasses a telephone or cellular phone line. Some of these devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,013 to Blackstone, Jr.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,493 and 5,303,642 to Durbin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,594 to Tyler et al.; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,173,866 and 5,016,197 to Neumann et al. 
     While each of these systems are useful, they are burdened by several significant disadvantages:
     First, they fail to minimize the expenses of telephone toll charges when transmitting information regarding the trash receptacles via a telephone line. This charge may be quite expensive, in light of the fact that some systems maintain a multitude of trash containers.   Second, they do not allow users to measure the amount of power supply left in the transmitting means. If the power supply runs out, the waste disposal detection system would be rendered useless.   Third, the references do not disclose a way to conserve energy and, thus, allow one to save on more expenses. And, since these references fail to conserve energy, they are not optimally environmentally friendly.   Fourth, the references do not disclose a means to verify that the measurements of the waste disposal container are valid, thereby preventing false readings which may also result in unnecessary charges in emptying a container that is not completely full.   

     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is for a sensing device that may be used for detecting various conditions at remote locations. In particular, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a sensing device for detecting the conditions of a container at a remote location. Another embodiment would be used to detect conditions in a waste disposal container at a remote location. 
     Generally, this invention features three main components: a transmitting module, a receiving module and an identifying means. While each transmitting module is paired with one base module, each base module may be matched with a multitude of transmitting modules at any one remote location to accommodate the number of containers at that location. Moreover, there may be numerous remote locations comprising such pairings. 
     The invention also comprises a detecting means for detecting the conditions at the remote location. The detected information is sent to the transmitting module, which has a reading means and a transmitting means. The reading means reads the detected information. In practical usage, the transmitting module also has a first power source for supplying power thereto. The first power source has a power level that is also read by the reading means. The transmitting means sends the information pertaining to the conditions of the remote location and the power level of the first power source to the base module, which is located near the transmitting module. Advantageously, the transmitting module is only turned-on for approximately 10 seconds, during which time it completes all of its functions. This results in substantial savings in energy charges and is environmentally-friendly. 
     The base module comprises a receiving means, a first processing means and a conveying means. The receiving means receives the transmitted information from the transmitting module and, then, sends the information to the first processing means of the base module. In one embodiment of the present invention, information from containers located at a close proximity to the base module may be sent directly to the first processing means, without utilizing a transmitting module. Additionally, the base module may have a second power source whereby the power level of this power source is also sent to the first processing means. The first processing means selectively processes all of the information it receives to determine which of a list of pre-programmed telephone numbers to call. In other words, each telephone number matches-up with each of the conditions of the remote location, the amount of power supply in the first and second power sources, and the conditions of the containers located at a close proximity to the base module. The conveying means relays the transmitted information by calling the selected telephone number. 
     An identifying means is used to identify the remote location of the call. This is typically accomplished by identifying the originating telephone number of the remote location. In the most preferred embodiment, the identifying means identifies the data being transmitted in as little time as possible. This is accomplished through the use of a second microprocessor having a CALLER ID unit that can identify the location of the originating call without having to “answer” or “connect” the call. Once the originating telephone number of the remote location is identified, one embodiment of the invention would allow for the container or trash receptacle at the remote location to be emptied or for the power level of the first power source to be recharged. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of monitoring the conditions at a remote location. Two other embodiments of the invention include: (1) a method for remotely monitoring the conditions of a container; and (2) a method for remotely monitoring the conditions of a trash receptacle. 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to teach a means for alleviating the problems associated with the prior art systems of trash receptacle detection. 
     It is an object of the instant invention to provide a sensing device for monitoring conditions at a remote location and a method therefor. 
     It is also an object of this invention to provide a sensing device for monitoring the conditions of a container at a remote location and a method therefor. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensing device for monitoring the conditions of a waste disposal container and a method therefor. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a sensing device that transmits its data in as little time as possible, and a method therefor. 
     It is also an object of the instant invention to provide a sensing device that measures the power supply of the transmitting means and a method therefor. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensing device that conserves the consumption of energy used by the device and a method therefor. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a sensing device that is environmentally friendly and a method therefor. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a means to verify the information regarding the conditions of a container. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other devices for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other additional objects of the present invention will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art upon gaining an understanding of the invention as described in the following detailed description and shown in the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the generalized embodiment of the sensing device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram showing the steps of the general embodiment of the method of monitoring conditions at a remote location of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram displaying another embodiment of the sensing device of the present invention in which the conditions of a container are monitored by the sensing device. 
         FIG. 3A  ( 3 A- 1  and  3 A- 2 ) shows details of the transmitting module. 
         FIG. 3B  ( 3 B- 1 ,  3 B- 2  and  3 B- 3 ) shows details of the base module. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the conserving means used in the transmitting module. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram showing the process of conserving the power level of the first power source in the transmitting module. 
         FIG. 6A  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method of monitoring conditions of a waste disposal container at a remote location and matching the conditions to a telephone number. 
         FIG. 6B  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method of monitoring conditions of a waste disposal container located at a close proximity to the base module and matching the conditions to a telephone number. 
         FIG. 6C  is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method of calling the telephone number matched in  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  and conveying information regarding the monitored conditions. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the off-hook detecting means used in the base module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of four sensing devices  10  of the instant invention. Each sensing device  10  comprises, generally, detecting means  14 , a transmitting module  18 , a base module  22  and identifying means  26 . The detecting means  14  and the transmitting module  18  are located at a remote location  12  (shown as dotted rectangular areas in  FIG. 1 ). The detecting means  14  detects conditions at the remote locations  12 . Lines  16  show that the detected information is sent to a transmitting module  18 . The transmitting module  18  reads the information before transmitting the information, shown by dotted-line  20 , to a base module  22 . 
     When the base module  22  receives the transmitted information, it processes the information to determine which number from a database  136  of pre-programmed telephone numbers to call (shown as step  38  in  FIG. 2 ). This call is shown by line  24 , which also shows the information being conveyed to the identifying means  26 . As  FIG. 1  depicts the general embodiment of this invention, other embodiments will be apparent in the following descriptions of the relevant figures. For instance, since the identifying means  26  necessarily identifies the remote location  12  of the call by identifying a telephone number, it follows that each remote location  12  must have its own originating telephone number. Also, even though only one identifying means  26  is show in  FIG. 1 , it will be shown infra that there most likely comprises a multitude of identifying means  26  to match-up with the host of different conditions processed by the base module  22 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram depicting the generalized method for monitoring conditions at a remote location  12 . Step  28  detects the conditions at the remote location  12 . Step  30  reads the detected conditions. Next, the information regarding the detected conditions are transmitted by step  32  and received by step  34 . The information is processed by step  36  to determine which pre-programmed telephone number to call. Step  38  calls the selected pre-programmed telephone number, while step  40  conveys the transmitted information. The remote location  12  of the call is, then, identified by step  42 . In this embodiment, steps  30  and  32  occur in the transmitting module  18 ; steps  34  to  40  occur in the base module  22 ; and step  42  occurs in the identifying means  26 . 
     Another embodiment of this invention is shown in  FIG. 3 , in which a sensing device  10  monitors the conditions of a container  44  at a remote location  12 . The container  44  may be any type of container that holds materials, such as liquids or solids. The conditions of the container  44  include whether the container  44  is full or empty, the level of the contents  45  in the container  44 , or any other condition that the user needs to monitor. A detecting means  14  is used to analyze the conditions of the container  44 . Detecting means  14  that are compatible with the instant invention include conventional detecting means  14  disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,765,147, 4,773,027, and 3,636,863 (cited above). Preferred detecting means  14  include switch inputs  88  and ultrasonic ranging units  130 . The most preferred ultrasonic ranging units  130  comprise units made by Polaroid. 
     But, the most preferred detecting means  14  are switch inputs  88 . The switch inputs  88  of this embodiment are connected by wires  47 , also called hard wire inputs, to the container  44 . The contents  45  inside of the container  44  are typically oil and grease. A float is placed on top of the contents  45  whereby the float is connected to a first end of the wires  47 . The second end of the wires  47  is connected to the switch inputs  88 , which are themselves secured in the transmitting modules  18 . In operation, the float will rise and fall depending on the level of the contents  45  in the container  44 , and this information will be sent to the switch inputs  88 . Each switch input  88  matches with a condition of the container  44 . The preferred embodiment would utilize three switch inputs  88  to indicate whether the container  44  is ¾ full (input  3   88   c ), ½ full (input  2   88   b ) or ¼ full (input  1   88   a ). If the container  44  is empty, none of the switch inputs  88   a – 88   c  will be activated. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a first power source  50 , such as a battery that provides power to the transmitting module  18 . The first power source  50  has a power level that can be measured by a measuring means to determine when it is low and, thus, needs to be recharged or changed. A first power source  50  that may be used with this invention is a battery supply  50 , most preferably a 9-volt battery. 
     The information regarding the conditions of the container  44  is sent by the detecting means  14  to the reading means  46  of the transmitting module  18 . The reading means  46  reads both the information from the detecting means  14  and the power level  2  of the first power source  50 , and transfers the information to the transmitting means  54 . The preferred reading means  46  comprises a combination of at least one transistor  56 , at least one resistor  58  and an encoder  60  per switch  88 , when a preferred switch input  88  is used. The transistor  56  conveys high and low switch information to the encoder  60 , and the resistor  58 , along with a capacitor  61 , limits the current to protect the transistor  56  from damage and noise/static. It is preferred that the transistor  56  comprises a 2N3904 transistor  56 . The resistors  58  comprise 10 kilo-ohm resistors  58   a , while the capacitor  61  comprises a 0.1 microferad-50 volt ceramic capacitors  61 . In another embodiment of the instant invention, a measuring means  62  is used to measure the power level of the first power source  50 . Thereafter, the measuring means  62  also conveys the power level information to the encoder  60 . It is further preferred that the encoder  60  comprise an encoding integrated circuit (IC). The most preferred encoder  60  is a Holtek Encoder HT-12E that is commercially available. The measuring means  62  is preferably one half of an operational amplifier (OpAmp) circuit  64 , a plurality of resistors  59  and a voltage reference  65 . The most preferred OpAmp circuit  64  comprises a model LM2903 OpAmp circuit. The preferred resistors  59  used in the measuring means  62  comprise a 10 kilo-ohm resistor  59   a , a 100 kilo-ohm resistor  59   c  and a 7.5 kilo-ohm resistor  59   b . The most preferred voltage reference  65  comprises a 2.5 volt voltage reference having model number LM285-2.5. 
     Still referring to the same embodiment in  FIG. 3  a delaying means  66  may be used to delay the encoder  60  from transmitting the data until all the circuitry of the encoder  60  is powered up and stable. The delaying means  66  is preferably the other half of the OpAmp circuit  64  described above used in conjunction with a plurality of resistors  69  and a capacitor  61 . The most preferred OpAmp circuit  64  comprises the model LM 2903 OpAmp circuit identified above. The plurality of resistors  69  most preferably comprises two 10 kilo-ohm resistors  69   a  and one 100 kilo-ohm resistor  69   c . It is also preferred that the capacitor comprises a 0.1 microferad capacitor  63 . 
     Another embodiment of the transmitting module  18  depicted in  FIG. 3  is a conserving means that is used to conserve the power level of the first power source  50 . Preferably, the conserving means comprises an activating means  70  that only activates the first power source  50  of the transmitting module  18  at periodic intervals. The most preferred activating means  70  comprises a slow timing circuit  72  that is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 4 and 5  and is discussed infra. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3  the transmitting means  54  preferably comprises an encoder  60 , which is most preferably the same encoder  60  used for the reading means  46 . The encoder  60  transmits data over an RF link  256 , shown by line  20 , to the base module  22 . This is accomplished by using an AM transmitting unit  74  or an FM transmitting unit  76 . Preferably, the AM and FM transmitting units  74  and  76  may comprise the AM-RT4-433 Unit  74  or the TXM-433-A unit  76 , respectively, both manufactured by Abacom Technologies. Each bit of information transmitted by the transmitting means  54  represents one condition. For instance, information pertaining to the three different levels of the container  44 —that is, ¾ full ½ full and ¼ full—and the power level of the first power source  50  comprise four conditions which represents 4-bits of information. 
     Next, the receiving means  78  of the base module  22  receives the transmission from the transmitting means  54 . In particular, the receiving means  78  comprises a receiver  80  and a decoder  82 . In operation, the receiver  80  receives the data sent from the transmitting means  54  and conveys the data to the decoder  82 . The receiving means  78  is preferably an RF receiving unit so that it can receive transmissions over the RF link  256 , shown by line  20 . The preferred receiver  80  comprises either an AM receiver  80   a  or an FM receiver  80   b , most preferably either the AM-HRR3-433 receiver or the SILRX-433-A receiver, respectively, both manufactured by Abacom Technologies. The decoder  82  is preferably a Holtek decoder  82 , most preferably the HT-12D unit. 
     Dip switches may be used in both the transmitting module  18  and the base module  22  to change the addresses, respectively, of the encoder  60  and the decoder  82 . This allows for multiple pairings of transmitting modules  18  and base modules  22  at the same remote location  12 , shown in  FIG. 1 , which results in the detection of a number of containers  44  at the same location  12 . The binary address of a transmitting module  18  is matched with the binary address of a base module  22  so that the two modules  18  and  22  may communicate with each other. The most preferred dip switches are four-position dip switches  178  because they allow for sixteen different addresses to exist at a single location  12 . Preferred four-position dip switches  178  are C&amp;K-BD04 dip switches. It is further preferred that the transmitting module  18  and the base module  22  not be farther than 300 feet apart. 
     The decoder  82 , then, conveys the received data to the first processing means. Preferably, the first processing means comprises a first microprocessor  86 . The most preferred first microprocessor  86  is the Atmel AT89S8252 microprocessor  86 . A rapid timing circuit  346  is used in conjunction with the first microprocessor  86  to constantly activate the first microprocessor  86 . The rapid timing circuit  346  preferably comprises a rapid oscillator  206   a  and two capacitors  84 . The preferred rapid oscillator  206   a  comprises a crystal oscillator, most preferably an 11.0592 mega-hertz xtal oscillator. The preferred capacitors  84  comprise 33 picofarad ceramic capacitors. 
     It is further preferred that the base module  22  has six switch inputs  88  (discussed infra) and transferring means  90 , whereby the six switch inputs  88   a – 88   f  convey high/opened and low/closed switch information to the transferring means  90  which, then, conveys that information to the first microprocessor  86 . As discussed supra, three  88   a – 88   c  of the six inputs  88   a – 88   f  may match-up with the level of the contents in a container, while the other three inputs  88   d – 88   f  may match up with other conditions, such as the level of contents in other containers. If a switch input  88  is in the high/opened state, then the first microprocessor  86  will not match the condition with a telephone number. But, if a switch input  88  is in the low/closed state, then this is considered an “active” state and the first microprocessor  86  matches the appropriate telephone number with the condition to prepare for that number to be dialed (shown in  FIG. 6B ). The transferring means  90  protects or buffers the external surroundings from the inputs  88  to the first microprocessor  86  to prevent interference therefrom. The preferred transferring means  90  is an inverter, the most preferred inverter being a trigger inverter. The most preferred trigger inverter is a Schmidt trigger inverter IC U6 having model number 74HC14. 
     The base module  22  is powered by a second power source  98 . The second power source  98  is preferably a transformer, most preferably a wall transformer  102  having a 12 volt DC output, such as the 12 volt-500ma DC-CUI STACK#DPD120050-P-5 wall transformer. The wall transformer  102  feeds power, sequentially, to a power input jack  104 , a full wave bridge circuit  106  and a regulator  108 . The regulator  108 , then, feeds power to the rest of the internal circuitry of the base module  22 . The full wave bridge circuit  106  allows any polarity of DC input to power the base module  22  and is, most preferably, a full wave bridge circuit  106  made up of four 1N4004 diodes  107 . The regulator  108  is most preferably a 5-volt regulator  108 , such as the 7805-voltage regulator unit, that converts the incoming 12 volts DC from the wall transformer  100  to a lower power level of 5 volts. 
     As a precaution against losing the operating program (disclosed in the MICROFICHE APPENDIX attached hereto and discussed infra) that is running the first microprocessor  86 , there is a watchdog IC  114  that generates a reset pulse to restart and power-up the first microprocessor  86 . To prevent the watchdog IC  114  from generating the reset pulse, it is preferable to utilize a strobe input in the watchdog IC  114  that is periodically strobed or toggled by the first microprocessor  86 . While the strobe input is toggled, the watchdog IC  114  will not generate a reset pulse. But, if the first microprocessor  86  stops toggling the strobe input, the watchdog IC  114  will, after a set time period, generate a reset pulse to restart the first microprocessor  86 . The most preferred watchdog IC  114  is the Maxim MAXCPA1232uP supervisor unit. 
     Continuing the base module  22  preferably has at least one external first-indicator  120  and means for turning on the first-indicator  120 . The first-indicator  120  allows human operators to supervise the conditions of the base module  22  by connecting the first indicator  120  to the first processing means of the base module  22 . The means for turning on the First indicator  120  most preferably comprises at least one transistor  124 , while the first-indicator  120  comprises at least one lamp. The most preferred lamp is at least one light emitting diode (LED)  174 . In the most preferred embodiment the first processing means relays data to the transistors  124  which lights the light emitting diodes  174 , thus alerting operators on the scene of any problems. The preferred transistors  124  comprise MPS-A18 transistors. The first-indicator  120  can be used to alert operators regarding the different conditions of the remote location  12 , the transmitting module  18  or the base module  22 , depending on the preference of the user. The most preferred conditions indicated comprise: the low power level of the second power source  98  of base module  22 ; the different levels of the containers  44 ; telephone dialing in progress; the low power level of the first power source  50  of the transmitting module  18 ; and that valid data has been received from the transmitting module  18 . 
     At least one second indicator  194  may be used to supplement the first-indicator  120 . The second indicator  194  is most preferably also an LED. The specific process encompassing this embodiment is discussed infra and illustrated in  FIG. 6B . In the preferred embodiment, the first indicator  120  is a light source that can be seen from a distance to alert operators of potential problems, while the second indicator  194  is an LED  175  on the base unit  22  that can be viewed at a close range thereto. Additionally, multiple first indicators  120  and second indicators  194  may be utilized to indicate different conditions, a sample of which is illustrated in  FIG. 6B  and its corresponding discussion infra. The most preferred LEDs  175  used for the second indicators  194  comprise size T-1 LEDs  175 . Resistors  58   b  may be used in series with the LEDs  175  to limit the current running through the LEDs  175 . Preferred resistors comprise 470-ohm resistors  58   b.    
     The base module may also have reporting means  128  that report conditions at a close proximity to the base module  22 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the reporting means  128  reporting the conditions of a container  44  located near the base module  22 . The reporting means  128  operates in the same manner as the detecting means  14  described above. As such, the reporting means  128  may comprise any of the types of devices discussed for the detecting means  14 . But, the most preferred reporting means  128  are switch inputs  88 . However, alternatively, ultrasonic ranging units  130  shown schematically in  FIG. 3  can be used. Either way, the reporting means  128  utilizes wiring  47  to send data from the container  44  to the first processing means  84  of the base module  22 . The preferred wiring  47  is hard wire inputs. If an ultrasonic ranging unit  130  is used as the reporting means  128 , it would use the first microprocessor&#39;s  86  internal timing functions to measure the time it takes for an ultrasonic pulse to travel from the top of a container  44  to the contents  45  therein and, then, back to the top to compute the level of the contents  45  in the container  44 . The most preferred ultrasonic ranging units  130  comprise units made by Polaroid. However, if the switch inputs  88  are used, they would be used in the same manner as described above for the detecting means that is, with a float placed on top of the contents  45  within the container  44 . Most preferably, each of the switch inputs  88   a – 88   f  are connected to connectors to facilitate external connections to the reporting means  128 . The preferred connectors comprise dual row 12-pin right angle “Molex Microfit” connectors. 
     The conveying means  134  of the base module  22  conveys the data processed by the first processing means  84  to the identifying means  26 , as shown by dotted line  24 . It accomplishes this by calling the telephone number determined by the first processing means  84  which matches each condition with an appropriate telephone number, as selected from a list of pre-programmed telephone numbers, identified in  FIG. 3  as a pre-programmed telephone number database  136 . The database  136  is ideally stored in non-volatile memory  138  inside the first microprocessor  86 . The selection of the appropriate telephone number by the first processing means  84  is accomplished by the novel software program attached to this patent application, as disclosed in the MICROFICHE APPENDIX. The MICROFICHE APPENDIX and  FIGS. 6A–6B  also disclose the process by which the appropriate telephone number is selected. 
     Still referring to the conveying means  134 , it preferably comprises a microprocessor, most preferably the first microprocessor  86  used for the first processing means  84 . The microprocessor is connected to a modem  142  and an operating program. Modems  142  are commercially available, but the preferred modem  142  is a Cermetec modem having part number 1786LC. 
     Another component of the conveying means  134  is telephone lines  146  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) used to convey the data. When telephone lines  146  are used, one of skill in the art will know to use telephone jacks  148  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) in the base module  22  for connecting the telephone lines  146  to the base module  22 . The most preferred telephone jacks  148  comprise Corcom RJ11-2L-S telephone jacks  148 . It is to be understood that cellular telephones may be used as a substitute component for telephone lines  146 , in which case modems  142  adapted for use with cellular telephones are required, along with other devices known in the art for utilizing cellular telephones. Thus, line  24  depicts data transmissions by either telephone lines  146  or cellular telephones.  FIG. 7  illustrates an off-hook detecting means  348  that detects whether the telephone line  146  is in use (off-hook) or not in use (on-hook) and is described in detail infra. 
     Updating means may be used to update the information stored in both the pre-programmed telephone number database  136  and the operating program of the microprocessor. The most preferred updating means is a connector. The preferred connector comprises the 9-pin female D-subminiature right-angle board mount “Amp 745781-4” connector. 
     Often, electrical noise on telephone lines  146  can damage the circuitry as it travels between the modem  142  and the telephone lines  146 . Protecting means are preferably used to protect the circuitry. Preferable protecting means include additional circuitry in the form of high voltage capacitors  162 , ferrite beads  164 , resettable fuses  166  and surge protectors  168 . The most preferred ferrite beads  164  comprise the “Fair-Rite” 264366611 ferrite bead  164   a  or the “Fair-Rite” 2943666661  164   b  ferrite bead. The most preferred resetable fuses  166  comprise Raychem Polyswitch TR600-150 fuses, while the most preferred surge protectors  168  comprise Teccor Sidactor P3203AB surge protectors. When cellular telephones are used as the conveying means  134 , electrical noise is not a problem, such that protecting means are not required. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the identifying means  26  receives the data sent by the conveying means  134  of the base module  22 . Specifically, a second processing means  180  having a CALLER ID unit  182  is the preferred identifying means  26 . If the second processing means  180  is not used, a CALLER ID unit  182  may be used by itself as the identifying means  26 . Either way, the CALLER ID unit  182  is the component that initially receives the data sent by the conveying means  134 . Preferable CALLER ID units  182  comprise the “WhozzCalling?Lite4”™ and “Whozz Calling?Lite8”™ units made by Zeus Phonstuff, Inc., Norcross, Ga., that is commercially available. Furthermore, a printer  184  may be connected to the second processing means  180  so that the data identified by the identifying means  26  may be printed as a written record. The most preferred second processing means  180  is a second microprocessor. It is also preferred that the second microprocessor utilizes a hard drive or a floppy drive (not shown), or most preferably both, to store data comprising information regarding the location  12  of the incoming call. 
     Once the identifying means  26  identifies the remote location  12  of the originating call to the pre-programmed telephone number, and before the receiving means answers the call, a disconnecting means  186  may be used to disconnect the call, whereby the information is passed before a call is completed. This results in substantial savings for the user. The disconnecting means  186  is most preferably located in the base module  22  and connected to the conveying means  132 . The typical disconnecting means  186  comprises a modem  142 , preferably the same modem  142  used to call the identifying means  26  described above. Further, the disconnecting means  186  optimally allows the telephone call to ring for a time period equivalent to four rings before disconnecting the call, so that the identifying means  180  may identify the remote location  12  of the call. The number of telephone rings may vary depending on one&#39;s preference. 
     Since the conveying means  132  calls different pre-programmed telephone numbers for different conditions, one can determine from observing the identifying means  26  which condition corresponds with which remote location  12 . As a result, one can send, shown by line  200 , either emptying means  196  or recharging/changing means  198 , or both, to the appropriate remote location  12  or to a location at a close proximity to the base module  22  to remedy the problem. It is most preferable that the second processing means  180  comprise software to make the decision shown by line  200 . This software could also be programmed to print out a report detailing the conditions from the transmitting module  18  and/or the base module  22 . Software that is compatible with the second processing means  180  comprises the “Callwhere (R) Plus for Windows” program made by A&amp;A TeleData, Austin, Tex., that is commercially available. 
     Emptying means  196  may involve using a human operator (not shown) to physically empty the container  44  or it may involve contacting a commercial service (not shown) to empty the container  44 . Recharging means  198  include either recharging or changing the first  50  or second  98  power source. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the conserving means  68  of the transmitting module  18  is shown in a block diagram. The specific embodiment displayed is a slow timing circuit  72  (indicated by a dotted rectangular area) that only activates the transmitting module  18  at periodic intervals. The slow timing circuit  72  comprises a counter  204  having an oscillator  206  and an RC time constant  208 . The oscillator  206  preferably comprises a slow oscillator. The RC time constant controls the frequency of the slow oscillator  206 , as shown by line  212 . The counter  204  triggers a one-shot circuit  214  within the slow timing circuit  72  when a pre-selected count is reached, shown by line  218 . The one-shot circuit  214  is only activated for 10 seconds so as to conserve energy. Thereafter, the one-shot circuit  214  turns on the first power source  50  of the transmitting module  18 , depicted by line  220 . The activated one-shot circuit  214  also resets the counter  204  back to its starting count, illustrated by line  222 . The most preferred counter  204  is a CD4060BCN counter, while the most preferred one-shot circuit  214  is a CD4538BCN one-shot circuit. 
       FIG. 5  shows a flow diagram of the process of conserving the power level of the first power source  50 . A starting count  224  is initially set at zero. Then, step  226  shows that the counter  204  starts the count. Step  228  decides whether the pre-selected count has been reached. The most preferred pre-selected count set to five hours, but one of skill in the art will know that the pre-selected count is variable depending on one&#39;s preferences and needs. If the pre-selected count has not been reached, then the count continues, as shown by line  229   a . But, if the pre-selected count is reached, line  229   b  shows that the next step  230  is to trigger the one-shot circuit  214  for 10 seconds. Once the one-shot circuit  214  is triggered, step  232  activates the first power source  50  of the transmitting module  18  and step  234  resets the counter  204  back to the starting count to start the process again, all within the 10 seconds of activation. In the manner described above, the power level of the first power source  50  is not continually used; rather, the first power source  50  is only activated at periodic intervals for merely 10 seconds to run the transmitting module  18 . The transmitting module  18  uses the most power when it is transmitting data during this short time period. Otherwise, the conserving means causes the transmitting module  18  to “sleep” and not consume the power of the first power source  50 . This results in large monetary savings for the user and is also environmentally friendly. 
       FIG. 6  is split into three flow diagrams which, in totality, illustrate one preferred embodiment of the instant invention in which:  FIG. 6A  illustrates the process of monitoring the conditions of a waste disposal container at a remote location  12 ;  FIG. 6B  shows the process of monitoring the conditions of a waste disposal container at a close proximity to the base module  22 ; and  FIG. 6C  illustrates the process of conveying the conditions monitored by  FIGS. 6A and 6B  so that appropriate steps are taken to remedy the conditions. Both  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  emphasize the steps of matching the monitored conditions with one of the telephone numbers selected from the list of pre-programmed telephone numbers in database  136 . 
     Referring firstly to  FIG. 6A , step  238  detects the conditions of the waste disposal container at the remote location  12 . Step  240  measures the power level of the first power source  50 . Step  241  activates the transmitting module  18  using the conserving means. Step  242  reads the information obtained during steps  238  and  240 . Next, the information is encoded by step  244 . Transmission of the information is delayed by step  246  until all circuitry is powered up and stable. Step  248  decides whether all of the circuitry is powered up and stable. If not, line  250  shows that the transmission must be delayed by step  246  until the answer to step  248  is in the affirmative. But, if the answer to step  248  is yes, then line  252  indicates that the information is transmitted by step  254 , which shows the process of transmitting the information over the preferred RF link  256 . After the information is transmitted by step  254 , dotted-line  257   a  shows that the transmitting module  18  goes to sleep as step  257 . Dotted-line  257   b  illustrates that the transmitting module  18  sleeps until it is activated again by step  241 . 
     The transmitted information is received by step  258  and decoded by step  260 . Step  262  shows that the information must be firstly verified, because an initial transmission by the transmitting step  254  may contain a false reading of the level of the contents  45  in the waste disposal container. To prevent the processing of false readings, a second transmission received by the receiving step  258  must contain the same information as the initial transmission for the information to be considered valid. The initial and second transmission—called consecutive transmissions—must necessarily occur at five-hour intervals in the preferred embodiment, because the transmitting module  18  is only activated by the activating step  241  every five hours. For example, if, during the initial transmission, the contents  45  in the waste disposal container  236  did not settle, any readings of such information would be inaccurate. Thus, during the second transmission, if the contents  45  have settled, then a different reading would be taken, and the information received from consecutive transmissions of step  254  would not be the same and, hence, would not be firstly verified by step  262 . Consequently, only two consecutive transmissions having the same readings would comprise valid information. 
     Additionally, to further ensure that the information transmitted by step  254  is valid, receiving step  258  disables the base unit  22  for twenty seconds after it receives information from the transmitting module  18 . As a result, no information, whether containing false readings or not, may be received by step  258  during this twenty-second period. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 6A , step  264  decides whether the transmitting step  254  sent two consecutive transmissions. If not, then line  266  shows that the receiving step  258  is revisited to determine whether more transmissions are forthcoming from step  254 . If the transmitting step  254  does send two consecutive transmissions, at five-hour intervals, then line  268  leads to a series of steps which match a condition at the remote location  12  with a telephone number from the list of pre-programmed telephone numbers in database  136 . 
     Step  270  decides whether the remote waste disposal container is ¾ full or more. If so, then line  271   a  leads to step  300  which matches (“matching step”) that condition with a telephone number. It is important to note that the matching steps  300  disclosed in  FIGS. 6A–6C  are all typically conducted by the novel software program disclosed in the MICROFICHE APPENDIX attached hereto. If the answer to step  270  is in the negative, line  271   b  leads to step  272  to determine whether the remote waste disposal container is ½ full or more. If so, then line  273   a  leads to the matching step  300  to match that condition with a telephone number. If the answer to step  272  is in the negative, then line  273   b  leads to step  274  to decide whether the remote container is ¼ full or more. If so, then line  275   a  leads to the matching step  300 . If not, then line  275   b  leads to step  276 . 
     Step  276  determines whether the remote trash container just made a transition from being either ½ or ¾ full, or more, to being empty. If so, line  277   a  leads to the matching step  300 . If not, line  277   b  leads to step  278 , which determines whether the power level of the first power source  50  is low. If the power level is low, line  279   a  leads to the matching step  300 . But if the power level is not low, line  279   b  leads to step  280  to determine whether the transmitting module  18  is responding properly. If the transmitting module  18  is not responding properly, line  281   a  leads to the matching step  300 . However, if the transmitting module  18  is responding properly, then line  281   b  indicates that receiving step  258  is revisited to prepare to receive another transmission from the transmitting module  18 . Incidentally, the order of steps  270 – 280  is not of paramount importance. One skilled in the art will know that these steps may be arranged in any order to suit one&#39;s preference. 
     Monitoring the transition of the remote trash container from being ½ or ¾ full, or more, to being empty via step  276  is important because experience shows that some remote trash containers  44 , may have their contents  45  stolen. It is favorable, then, for the activating step  241  to be “awakened” immediately in such circumstances so that this information may be transmitted by step  254 . The quicker activation of step  241  may be adjusted depending on the user&#39;s preference. Thus, once this transition is detected and received by step  258 , then step  300  matches the appropriate telephone number with this condition, thereby allowing the steps illustrated in  FIG. 6C  (discussed below) to convey this transition. The desired result is to catch potential thieves in the act, or shortly thereafter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6B , step  282  reports the conditions of any waste disposal containers in close proximity to the base module  22 , and step  284  reports the power level of the second power source  98 . Step  286  decides whether the power level of the second power source  98  is low. If the second power source  98  is at low power, line  287   a  will lead to step  300  to match this condition with a telephone number from the list of pre-programmed telephone numbers in database  136 . Step  300  is the same as the match step  300  disclosed in  FIG. 6A , so it will also be termed the “matching step”  300 . If, however, the power level of the second power source  98  is not low, then line  287   b  will lead to step  284  to continue reporting the power level. Steps  284 – 286  are preferably utilized when the second power source  98  is a battery, since batteries tend to be used up sooner than the power from a transformer  100  (disclosed above). 
     The information reported by step  282  must be secondly verified by step  288 . Step  288  is similar to step  262  (shown in  FIG. 6A  and its accompanying discussion) in that the former ensures that no false readings are reported by step  282 . However, since step  282  is not subject to the five-hour interval transmissions of step  254  (shown in  FIG. 6A ), another verifying technique must be utilized. As such, the secondly verifying step  288  is accomplished by the preferred switch inputs  88  staying in the same high/opened or low/closed state for three seconds to allow the contents  45  of the waste disposal container to stabilize or to allow for any electrical noise to be ignored before the information is considered valid. Step  290  determines whether the information reported by step  282  is constant for three seconds. If not, line  291   a  returns to step  288  to attempt to verify the reported information. If so, line  291   b  shows that the reported information is considered valid. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6B , step  292  determines whether the waste disposal container located at a close proximity to the base module  22  is ¾ full or more. If so, line  293   a  leads to step  294  to light a green  174   a , yellow  174   b  and red  174   c  light emitting diode (“LED”). The LEDs  174   a – 174   c  disclosed in  FIG. 6B  provide operators stationed at or near the base module  22  with notice of the level of the trash container located near the base module  22 . Line  295  indicates that once the LEDs  174   a – 174   c  are lit, the condition is matched with a telephone number by the matching step  300 . If the answer to step  292  is in the negative, line  293   b  leads to step  296  to determine whether the waste disposal container is ½ full or more. If so, line  297   a  leads to step  298  to light the green  174   a  and yellow  174   b  LED. Then, line  299  leads to the matching step  300 . But if the container is not ½ full or more, line  297   b  leads to step  302  to decide whether the trash container is ¼ full or more. If so, line  303   a  leads to step  304  to light the green LED  174   a . Thereafter, line  305  leads to the matching step  300 . If the answer to step  302  is in the negative, then line  303   b  leads to step  306  to determine whether the waste disposal container has undergone the transition from ½ or ¾ full, or more, to empty (as discussed above). If this transition is detected, line  307   a  leads to matching step  300 . However, if the answer to the transition step  306  is in the negative, line  307   b  leads back to step  282  to restart the reporting process for the waste disposal container at close proximity to the base module  22 . One of skill in the art will know that the color of the LEDs  174   a – 174   c  in the above-described embodiment may be varied according to one&#39;s desires and tastes. These descriptions are merely a sample of one of the preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6C , matching step  300  is shown to indicate the position where  FIGS. 6A–6B  leave off and where  FIG. 6C  begins. After telephone number is matched with the appropriate condition by step  300 , step  308  sends the information comprising the matching telephone number to step  310 , which detects whether the telephone line  146  is on-hook (not in use) or off-hook (in use), discussed infra and shown in more detail in a block diagram in  FIG. 7 . Step  312  is the decision step that determines whether the telephone line  146  is on- or off-hook. If the telephone line  146  is off-hook, the answer to step  312  is in the negative and line  313   a  indicates that step  310  is revisited to repeat the off-hook detection. But, if step  312  determines that the telephone line  146  is on-hook, the answer to step  312  is positive and line  313   b  shows that the process proceeds to step  314  to call the matched telephone number. Once the telephone number is called, step  316  conveys the information by way of having an originating telephone number that step  318  identifies. Once the originating telephone number has been identified, step  320  disconnects the call. Step  320  most preferably disconnects the call after the fourth ring, or another set time period. All that is required is that the appropriate phone number is identified, which can be done before the call is completed. Thus, the call need not be answered. Thereafter, either one of steps  322  or  324  may take place depending on whether the waste disposal container needs to be emptied (step  322 ) or one of the first  50  or second  98  power sources needs to be recharged or changed (step  324 ). 
     Additionally, it should be noted that after the call is disconnect by step  320 , the base module  22  prepares to receive information from the transmitting module  18  (step  258  in  FIG. 6A ) and to report the conditions of the trash container located close to the base module  22  (step  282  in  FIG. 6B ) and the power level of the second power source  98  (step  284  in  FIG. 6B ). 
     When the telephone line  146  of the base module  22  is not in use (on-hook), the modem  142  of the conveying means  134  will successfully be able to call the selected telephone number. But, if the telephone line  146  is already being used, or off-hook, the modem  142  will not be able to make a call on that line  146 . The problem of not knowing whether the telephone line  146  is on-hook or off-hook is solved by an off-hook detecting means  348  that is illustrated in a block diagram in  FIG. 7 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the off-hook detecting means  348  detects when the telephone line  146  is in use and sends the off-hook information to the first microprocessor  86 , which does not allow the modem  142  to call the selected telephone number. Likewise, the off-hook detecting means  348  also detects when the telephone line  146  is on-hook and, thereby, sends this information to the first microprocessor  86  to allow the modem  142  to make the call. 
     The preferred off-hook detecting means  348  comprises a plurality of diodes  350  connected to the telephone lines  146  leading, at one end, to a telephone jack  148  and, at another end, to a plurality of discrete circuits  352 . The discrete circuits  352  lead to an opto-isolator IC (opto-coupler IC)  354  that provides the first microprocessor  86  with the on-hook and off-hook information. In a preferred embodiment of the off-hook detecting means  348  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the preferred diodes  350  comprise four diodes  350   a – 350   d  in a full wave bridge configuration. The diodes  350   a – 350   d  generate positive (+) and negative (−) voltage changes, whereby a positive voltage change represents that the telephone line  146  is on-hook and a negative voltage change represents that the telephone line  146  is off-hook. The preferred discrete circuits  352  comprise a first discrete circuit  352   a  and a second discrete circuit  352   b , whereby the first discrete circuit  352   a  detects the positive or negative voltage change from the diodes  350   a – 350   d  and relays that information to the second discrete circuit  352   b . The second discrete circuit  352   b , then, becomes activated and further relays the on-hook/off-hook information to the opto-isolator IC  354 . The opto-isolator IC  354  preferably comprises an LED  357  and a phototransistor  358 . The LED  357  is lit when the telephone line  146  is off-hook and dim when on-hook. Once the information passes through the LED  357 , it is sent to the phototransistor  358  that is light-activated and relays the information from the LED  174  to the first microprocessor  86 . The first microprocessor  86  will, therefore, be informed as to whether the telephone line  146  is on- or off-hook. 
     This invention has great utility in the waste disposal industry, but it may also be useful in other industries where remote containers or locations need to be monitored. Hence, while the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended that the invention be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relevant to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.