Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electronic devices for supply chain management and more particularly to systems for communicating data to and from portable data loggers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Monitoring the movement of goods from producer to consumer through the supply chain is becoming increasingly more challenging as goods are moved over increasingly larger distances in today&#39;s global economy. The challenge is increased for products that must be moved through a cold chain, the supply and distribution chain for products that must be kept within a specific temperature range, such as pharmaceuticals or perishable foods. The movement of products through a cold chain is further complicated due to regulatory concerns that require accurate monitoring of environmental conditions, such as temperature, to prevent loss of integrity, freshness or quality of environmentally sensitive goods. Thus, it becomes necessary to be able to generate a detailed transaction history for a particular product including the physical location, the time spent at each location, record of ownership, packaging configuration and environmental storage conditions for each product. Or, put more simply, it is necessary to trace the pedigree for each product to ensure product integrity and to satisfy regulatory oversight. 
     Data loggers provide the ability to passively record long-term data relating to cold chains without the need for continuous monitoring from quality control personnel or the like. Data loggers typically comprise small, self-contained electronic devices that are stowed in warehouses, or trucking, rail or shipping containers to monitor storage conditions such as temperature or humidity. As such, data loggers typically include a battery, electronic memory devices, sensors, LCD displays and circuitry. Upon arrival of the data logger at a receiving site, such as a manufacturer, distributor or clinical trial administrator, the pedigree information must be extracted from the logger such that it can be used both immediately at the site of the logger and at later at a remote location after transmission, such as over a network or the internet. Often the pedigree information is in the form of raw data that must be processed by proprietary software to be put into a user friendly report. Installation of such proprietary software, however, is both expensive and time consuming with respect to acquisition of useable data. Additionally, it is necessary to have hardware installed at the computer workstation, such as an infrared (IR) serial port interface or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, such that the pedigree information can be extracted. Not every computer workstation along the cold chain, however, has the necessary hardware installed. Furthermore, connection of the data logger to various types of data ports on the computer workstation can be difficult, as it is often cumbersome to mount the data logger to communication ports that are obstructed by placement of the workstation or are recessed into the workstation. There is, therefore, a need for a data logger having user friendly hardware and software to expedite generation of user friendly pedigree information reports. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to an electronic data logging device for tracking information in a product supply chain. The data logging device comprises electronics, a tethered communication interface and a housing. The electronics sense an environmental input and store data relating to the environmental input over a timescale. The tethered communication interface permits electronic communication of the data from the electronics to an external computer system. The housing encloses the electronics and includes an electronics compartment and an outer casing. The electronics compartment stores the electronics and includes an opening to permit the tethered communications interface to extend from the electronics compartment. The outer casing has a perimeter extending at least partially beyond the electronics compartment to form a channel into which the tethered communication interface can be stowed such that the tethered communication interface does not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the outer casing when not in use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a data logger having a tethered communication interface of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating the interface of circuitry of the data logger of  FIG. 1  with the tethered communication interface. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the data logger of  FIG. 1  showing the tethered communication interface and the circuitry. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of the inside of the top case of the data logger of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the top case taken at section  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A  showing an opening within a circuitry compartment wall. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the inside of the bottom case of the data logger of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of an interface boot for the tethered communication interface of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of the interface boot taken at section  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A  showing an interior of the boot. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a bottom view of a USB connector and a communication cable of the tethered communication interface of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the USB connector and communication cable of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a front view of the data logger of  FIG. 1  with the tethered communication interface in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a side view of the data logger of  FIG. 8A  with the tethered communication interface in a stowed position. 
         FIG. 8C  shows a bottom view of the data logger of  FIG. 8A  with the tethered communication interface in a stowed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of data logger  10  having tethered communication interface (TCI)  12  of the present invention. Data logger  10  also includes top case  14 , bottom case  16 , liquid crystal display (LCD)  18 , start button  20 , stop button  22 , red light emitting diode (LED)  24  and green LED  26 . Data logger  10  comprises a portable data monitoring device that is shipped along with environmentally sensitive goods such that the cold chain pedigree of data logger  10  and the goods can be recorded. For example, data logger  10  can be hung within a shipping container using hook  28 , or can be buried within a cargo bin amidst the goods. As such data logger  10  is exposed to the same environmental conditions as the goods, including exposure to humidity, moisture, cold and frost. 
     Cold chain pedigree data is offloaded from data logger  10  through TCI  12  such that the data can be viewed, such as at a computer workstation, or communicated, such as over a network connection. Top case  14  and bottom case  16  are configured to stow TCI  12  within channel  30 . Channel  30  is recessed within cases  16  and  18  such that TCI  12  can be tucked away to reduce the potential for damage. Within channel  30 , TCI  12  is also sealed such that water and moisture is prevented from entering electrical components of data logger  10  and TCI  12 . Data logger  10  includes circuitry and microcontrollers that record pedigree data from sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, and timers, and that allow TCI  12  to interface with computer workstations. Start button  20  permits an operator to begin data tracking with data logger  10 , stop button  20  allows an operator to cease data tracking by data logger  10 , and LCD  18  allows an operator to view information relating to the data tracking of data logger  10 . TCI  12 , which includes universal serial bus (USB) interface  32 , extends from cases  14  and  16  with cable  34 , and includes plug  35 . Cable  34  and plug  35  allow data logger  10  to be easily and conveniently plugged into a computer workstation and oriented such that LCD  18 , buttons  20  and  22  and LEDs  24  and  26  can be readily viewed. LEDs  24  and  26  alert an operator to the communication status of data logger  10  and TCI  12 . 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating circuitry  36  of data logger  10  of  FIG. 1 . Circuitry  36  includes sensor  38 , timer  39 , data microcontroller  40 , communications microcontroller  42  and memory device  44 , and is connected to battery  46 , start button  20 , stop button  22 , red LED  24 , green LED  26 , LCD  28 , USB interface  32  and cable  34 . Battery  46  is connected to data microcontroller  40  and communications microcontroller  42  to supply power to data logger  10  and typically comprises a disposable or rechargeable battery that can be replaced by an operator by accessing the insides of cases  14  and  16 . Data microcontroller  40  is connected with sensor  38 , which in various embodiments comprises a temperature sensor such as a thermister, or a humidity sensor, LCD  28  and timer  39 . Data microcontroller thus collects raw data from sensor  38  and correlates the data to a timescale generated by timer  39 . Basic information can be displayed on LCD  28  relating to the sensor and timer data. For example, LCD  28  displays a visual alarm if a minimum or maximum temperature threshold is exceeded. Data microcontroller  40  is also connected to start button  20  such that an operator is able to activate operation of data logger  10 . Data microcontroller  40  ceases to collect pedigree data when an operator activates stop button  22 . As data microcontroller  40  operates, communications microcontroller  42  is typically maintained dormant. 
     Communications microcontroller  42  is activated upon connection of USB interface  32  with an appropriate USB port on a computer workstation. USB interface  32  is configured for plug-and-play compatibility with computer workstations. Communications microcontroller  42  includes main program  48 , which is responsible for generating and managing information files from data microcontroller  40 , and file area  50 , which provides a storage area for USB interface  32  to interact with information files and data generated by main program  48 . When USB interface  32  is connected, communications microcontroller  42  initiates production of a data report for storage in memory device  44  such that useful data may be immediately obtained from data logger  10  at the computer workstation. The data report also contains embedded secure data that may be manipulated by proprietary software programmed to interpret and manipulate the secure data. In one embodiment, USB interface  32  comprises a male USB 2.0 connector. LEDs  24  and  26  indicate the status of USB interface  32  when USB interface  32  is connected to a computer workstation. For example, green LED  26  illuminates when USB interface  32  is initially plugged in. Then, green LED  26  is turned off, and red LED  24  is illuminated to indicate that communications microcontroller  42  is generating a data report for transmission to the computer workstation. After the data report is generate, red LED  24  is turned off and green LED  26  is again illuminated to indicate communications microcontroller  42  is in an active communication mode with the computer workstation. Once in an active communication mode, data and files, such as instructions, work orders, or invoices, can be exchanged between file area  50  and the computer workstation in a user friendly manner, such as through a conventional drag-and-drop interface on the computer workstation. Thus, an operator is able to access reports generated by main program  48  and open the reports using widely disseminated open-source software such as a portable document format (PDF) viewer. Additionally, an operator is able to access raw data for manipulation with proprietary software programs. 
     As such, circuitry  36  is configured to collect pedigree data concerning the movement of data logger  10  and goods through a cold chain. The data is delivered to memory device  44  and stored in various formats for later manipulation by operators using various proprietary and open source software. USB interface  32  and cable  34  allow the data to be extracted from data logger  10  such that the data can be accessed and viewed in a meaningful way by an operator such as in the form of reports and charts. It is desirable for circuitry  36  to be isolated within top case  14  and bottom case  16  to insulate circuitry from environmental factors such as moisture and humidity. It is also desirable to connect data logger  10  to a computer workstation in an expedient manner that facilitates interaction with data logger  10 . Cable  34  is connected to communications microcontroller  42  to extend USB interface  32  from circuitry  36  such that data logger  10  can be more readily connected to a computer workstation in a user friendly manner, while circuitry  36  in maintained isolated within cases  14  and  16 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of data logger  10  showing tethered communication interface  12  and circuitry  36 . Data logger  10  also includes top case  14 , bottom case  16 , LCD  18 , start button  20 , stop button  22 , red LED  24 , green LED  26 , USB interface  32 , cable  34 , battery  36 , inlay label  52 , clean label  54 , lens  56 , padding  58 , gasket  60 , rubber pad  62 , fastener pads  64 , circuitry fasteners  66 , case fasteners  68 , and USB boot  69 . 
     Top case  14  comprises a first half of the outer shell of data logger  10  and includes ports for accessing circuitry  36  within data logger  10 . Top case  14  includes USB port  70 , which comprises an access point in top case  14  into which cable  34  extends to connect USB interface  32  to circuitry  36 , and LCD port  72 , into which LCD lens  56  is fitted to shield LCD  18 . Top case  14  also includes levers  74  and  76 , which comprise flexible detents such that depression of buttons  20  and  22  is transmitted to circuitry  36 , and LED port  78  which allow LEDs  24  and  26  of circuitry  36  to shine through top case  14 . Additionally, top case  14  comprises upper portion  80  of channel  30  ( FIG. 1 ) for receiving plug  35  and cable  34 . Inlay label  52  comprises a printable sheet upon which application specific information can be printed pertaining to buttons  20  and  22  and LEDs  24  and  26 . Clean label  54  comprises a transparent layer for overlaying top case  14  and protecting lens  56 , levers  74  and  76 , and LED port  78 . 
     Bottom case  16  comprises a second half of the outer shell of data logger  10  and includes trays for receiving the various components of data logger  10 . Bottom case  16  includes battery tray  82  for receiving battery battery  46 , circuitry tray  84  for receiving circuitry  36 , lower portion  86  of channel  30  for receiving cable  34 , slide area  88  for receiving plug  35 , and boot tray  90  for receiving USB boot  69 . Circuitry  36 , which includes button switches  92  and  94 , is fitted into circuitry tray  84  and secured with circuitry fasteners  66 , which are secured to bottom case  16  within circuitry tray  84 . Button switches  92  and  94  provide tactile switches for closing circuits embedded on circuitry  36 . As described with respect to  FIG. 2 , circuitry  36  also includes various electronics, such as sensors, timers, memory devices, analog-to-digital converters and microcontrollers. Gasket  60  is fitted around circuitry  36  atop circuitry tray  84  and, when top case  14  is mounted to bottom case  16 , prevents moisture from entering circuitry tray  84  and damaging circuitry  36 . Circuitry  36  is fitted within circuitry tray  84  such that button switches  92  and  94  align with button levers  74  and  76 , and LEDs  92  and  94  align with LED port  78 . Battery  36  rests within battery tray  82  and is electrically connected to circuitry  36  to power LEDs  92  and  94 , LCD  18  and the other components of data logger  10 . LCD  18  is also electrically connected to circuitry  36  and positioned so as to be viewable through LCD port  72  and lens  56 . Padding  58  maintains LCD  18  in position within circuitry tray  84 . USB boot  69  is fitted into boot tray  90  and comprises a cap for receiving USB interface  32  and preventing moisture from entering USB interface  32 . TCI  12  includes grommet  96 , which is fitted into USB port  70  such that wires embedded within cable  34  are connectible to circuitry  36 . 
     After assembly of top case  14  with its associated components and assembly of bottom case  16  with its associated components, case fasteners  68  are used to secure top case  14  to bottom case  16 . Fastener pads  64  are attached to bottom case  16  over case fasteners  68 , and rubber pad  62  is affixed to bottom case  16  to provide data logger  10  with grippable surfaces for placement upon surfaces during shipping. When data logger  10  is operating within a cold chain to track data, TCI  12  is tucked away within channel  30 , slide area  88  and boot  69  such that data logger is sealed from moisture and condensation, and TCI  12  is protected from becoming entangled and damaged. Cable  34 , however allows plug  35  to be slid away from slide area  88  and USB interface  32  removed from boot  69  such that data logger  10  can be easily connected to a USB port such as is found on a typical computer workstation. 
       FIG. 4A  is a top view of the inside of top case  14  of data logger  10  of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4B , which is discussed concurrently with  FIG. 4A , is a side view of top case  14  taken at section  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A  showing opening  97  of circuitry compartment wall  98 . Top case  14  includes USB port  70 , LCD port  72 , button levers  74  and  76 , LED port  78 , upper portion  80  of channel  30 , circuitry wall  98 , outer edge  100  and recessed edge  102 . LCD port  72 , button levers  74  and  76  are contained within circuitry wall  98 , which is positioned within the interior of both outer edge  100  and recessed edge  102 . Gasket  60  ( FIG. 3 ) is positioned between circuitry wall  98  and bottom case  16  to maintain circuitry  36  sealed within data logger  10  between top case  14  and bottom case  16  when data logger  10  is assembled. As such LCD port  72 , button levers  74  and  76  and circuitry wall  98  are contained within the outer perimeter of top case  14  and data logger  10  as defined by outer edge  100  and recessed edge  102 . USB port  70  and upper portion  80  are positioned along outer edge  100  and recessed edge  102  of top case  14  to permit USB interface  32 , cable  34  and plug  35  to be withdrawn into the perimeter of top case  14 . USB port  70  comprises a notch within top case  14  where outer edge  100  and recessed edge  102  converge. USB port  70  is configured to receive grommet  96  of TCI  12  ( FIG. 3 ) so that, along with opening  97  within circuitry wall  98 , allows wires of cable  34  to engage circuitry  36 . From USB port  70 , cable  34  is permitted to flex to lie within upper portion  80  of channel  30 . When assembled with bottom case  16 , outer edge  100  is configured to contact bottom case  16  while recessed edge  102  is configured to be adjacent lower portion  86  of channel  30  ( FIG. 3 ). Upper portion  80  includes ribs  104 A- 104 D for engaging USB boot  69  such that when bottom case  16  is joined with top case  14 , USB boot  69  is secured in place and prevented from sliding out into channel  30 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the inside of bottom case  16  of data logger  10  of  FIG. 4 . Bottom case  16  includes hook  28 , battery tray  82 , circuitry tray  84 , lower portion  86  of channel  30 , slide area  88 , boot tray  90 , bottom circuitry wall  106 , outer edge  108 , recessed edge  109 , detents  110 A- 110 C, tab  111 , rib  112  and tracks  113 A and  113 B. Battery tray  82  and circuitry tray  84  are contained within bottom circuitry wall  106 , which is positioned within the interior of both outer edge  108  and recessed edge  109 . Gasket  60  ( FIG. 3 ) is positioned between top circuitry wall  98  and bottom circuitry wall  106  to maintain circuitry  36  sealed within data logger  10  between top case  14  and bottom case  16  when data logger  10  is assembled. As such battery tray  82 , circuitry tray  84  and bottom circuitry wall  106  are contained within the outer perimeter of bottom case  16  and data logger  10 , as defined by outer edge  108  and recessed edge  109 . Slide area  88  and lower portion  86  of channel  30  are positioned along outer edge  108  to permit USB interface  32 , cable  34  and plug  35  to be withdrawn into the perimeter of bottom case  16 . Boot tray  90  is positioned within outer edge  108 , and slide area  88  is positioned along recessed edge  109 . Tab  111  is positioned along lower portion  86  where outer edge  108  and recessed edge  109  converge. Tab  111  comprises a flanged member that is configured to engage USB port  70  to force grommet  96  ( FIG. 3 ) into opening  97  ( FIG. 4B ). From tab  111 , cable  34  is permitted to flex to lie within lower portion  86  of channel  30 . When assembled with top case  14 , outer edge  108  is configured to be adjacent outer edge  100  of top case  14 , while recessed edge  109  is configured to be adjacent recessed edge  102  of top case  14 . Lower portion  86  includes rib  112  for engaging USB boot  69  such that when bottom case  16  is joined with top case  14 , USB boot  69  is secured in place and prevented from sliding out into channel  30 . Slide area  88  includes tracks  113 A and  113 B which facilitate insertion of plug  35  into USB boot  69 . Tracks  113 A and  113 B comprised recessed channel within slide area  88  that engage guides on plug  35  to direct USB interface  32  into USB boot  69 . Tracks  113 A and  113 B include entrances  114 A and  114 B, which are wider than tracks  113 A and  113 B to facilitate insertion of plug  35  into slide area  88 . Recessed edge  109  includes detents  110 A- 110 C for maintaining cable  34  recessed within channel  30 . Detents  110 A- 110 C comprise small, rounded protrusions that reduce the height of channel  30  to a dimension smaller than the thickness of cable  34 . As such, cable  34  must be forcibly slid over detents  110 A- 110 C to be inserted into and removed from channel  30 . 
       FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of USB boot  69  for tethered communication interface (TCI)  12  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6B , which is discussed concurrently with  FIG. 6A , is a top view of USB boot taken at section  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A  showing enclosure  115  of USB boot  69 . USB boot  69  also includes walls  116 A- 116 E, flanges  118 A and  118 B, and channels  120 A- 120 E. USB boot  69  comprises a sleeve for receiving USB interface  32  of TCI  12  to seal USB interface  32 . In the embodiment shown, USB boot  69  comprises a five-sided, quadrangular enclosure having walls  116 A- 116 B that surround enclosure  115 . Enclosure  115  is sized to snuggly receives USB interface  32  to prevent moisture and fluid from entering the electrical components of USB interface  32 , and to prevent USB interface  32  from easily dislodging boot  69 . In one embodiment, boot  69  is comprised of silicon rubber, which both seals and grips USB interface  32 . 
     USB boot  69  is sized to fit within boot tray  90  of bottom case  16  ( FIG. 5 ). The heights of walls  116 A,  116 B and  116 C are sized to fit snugly between top case  14  and bottom case  16  when data logger  10  is assembled. The widths of walls  116 A and  116 B are sized to extend boot  69  across ribs  104 A and  104 B such that wall  116 C engages rib  104 C within boot tray  90  ( FIG. 4A ). Thus, when USB boot  69  is positioned within boot tray  90 , channels  120 A and  120 D engage rib  104 B, channels  120 B and  120 C engage rib  104 A, and channel  120 E engages rib  104 C to restrain movement of USB boot  69  within boot tray  90 . Additionally, flanges  118 A and  118 B engage rib  104 D ( FIG. 4A ) and rib  112  ( FIG. 5 ), respectively, to further restrain USB boot  69 . Thus, USB interface  32  can be forced into enclosure  115  to seal USB interface  32  and restrain plug  35 , and USB interface  32  can be withdrawn from enclosure  115  to allow plug  35  to be positioned to engage a computer workstation. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a bottom view of USB interface  32 , cable  34  and plug  35  of tethered communication interface (TCI)  12  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7B , which is discussed concurrently with  FIG. 7A , shows a side view of TCI  12  of  FIG. 4A . TCI  12  comprises a flexible and repositionable extension of circuitry  36  that permits data logger  10  to interface with a computer workstation. TCI  12  includes USB interface  32 , cable  34 , plug  35 , grommet  96 , grip  122  and guides  124 A and  124 B. Grommet  96 , which is configured to be inserted into USB port  70  within outer edge  100  of top case  14 , includes collar  126  that is configured to be inserted into opening  97  ( FIG. 4B ) within circuitry wall  98 . Grommet  96  and collar  126  are force fit into USB port  70  and opening  97 , respectively, to prevent moisture and fluid from entering circuitry tray  84 . Collar  126  comprises a hollow extension of cable  34  that permits wires within cable  34  to be connected to circuitry  36 . Cable  34  extends from grommet  96  to plug  35  and comprises a flexible length of waterproof material, such as silicon rubber. The length of cable  34  permits plug  35  to be inserted into USB boot  69  such that any excess cord is able to be tucked into channel  30  within the confines of recessed edges  109  and  102  of top case  14  and bottom case  16 , respectively. Cable  34  includes flexible collar  128  that joins with plug  35  at an angle offset from the orientation of USB interface  32 . Flexible collar  128  prevents moisture and fluid from entering plug  35  from around cable  34 , and also permits cable  34  to bend with respect to plug  35 . 
     Plug  35  is shaped to permit TCI  12  to be easily tucked into channel  30  and to be easily deployed from USB boot  69 . Plug  35  comprises a generally flat, polygonal shaped plug for insertion into slide area  88  of bottom case  16 . Plug  35  includes sidewalls  130 A and  130 B that extend generally parallel to the major axis of USB interface  32 . Rear walls  132 A and  132 B extend from sidewalls  130 A and  130 B at angles such that flexible collar  128  is oblique to the direction of the major axis of USB interface  32 . For example, in one embodiment, rear wall  132 B is at an approximately thirty degree angle from the bottom edge of USB interface  32  as shown in FIG, and rear wall  132 A is at an approximately sixty degree angle from the bottom edge of USB interface  32 . Additionally, side wall  130 B and rear wall  132 B are contoured to match a contour along recessed edges  102  and  108  of top case  14  and bottom case  16 , respectively. Grip  122 , however, is configured to extend past recessed edges  102  and  108  to extend beyond the outer perimeter of top case  14  and bottom case  16 . As such, when USB interface  32  is plugged into USB boot  69 , cable  34  is completely recessed into channel  30  and plug  35  is completely recessed into slide area  88 , but for grip  122 . Grip  122  comprises a small, rounded protrusion extending from sidewall  130 B to facilitate extraction of USB interface  32  from USB boot  69  and increase the ease of use of data logger  10  for an operator. Grip  122  includes small ridges to facilitate the ability of an operator to gain traction on grip  122 . Grip  122  also includes guides  124 A and  124 B that facilitate insertion of plug  35  into slide area  88 . Guides  124 A and  124 B comprise small protrusion that are configured to ride within tracks  113 A and  113 B of slide area  88  to align USB interface  32  with enclosure  115  of USB boot  69 . Guides  124 A and  124 B comprise rectangles that have their major axes aligned parallel to the direction in which USB interface  32  extends. Guides  124 A and  124 B have widths that are slightly smaller than widths of tracks  113 A and  113 B such that guides  124 A and  124 B remain approximately orthogonal to tracks  113 A and  113 B. Thus, when guides  124 A and  124 B are aligned within tracks  113 A and  113 B, USB interface  32  will be aimed parallel to enclosure  115 . 
       FIG. 8A  shows a front view of data logger  10  of  FIG. 1  with tethered communication interface (TCI)  12  in a stowed position.  FIG. 8B  shows a side view of data logger  10  of  FIG. 8A  with TCI  12  in a stowed position.  FIG. 8C  shows a bottom view of data logger  10  of  FIG. 8A  with TCI  12  in a stowed position.  FIGS. 8A-8C  are discussed concurrently. TCI  12  is configured in a stowed position within channel  30  between top case  14  and bottom case  16  such that plug  35 , cable  34 , USB interface  32  and grommet  96  ( FIG. 7A ) are concealed within data logger  10 . Grip  122  protrudes from channel  30  such that an operator or user of data logger  10  is able to interact with plug  35  to remove USB interface  32  from USB boot  69  ( FIG. 3 ). Plug  35  is however tucked within case  14  and case  16  such that cable  34  is out of harm&#39;s way and less likely to be damaged during operation and use of data logger  10 . Within channel  30 , USB interface  32  is secured inside boot  69  to prevent moisture from entering USB interface  32 , and to inhibit plug  35  from falling out of channel  30 . With USB interface  32  inserted into boot  69 , cable  34  is extended out along the contour of channel  30  such that slack is taken out of cable  34 . Detents  110 A- 110 C maintain cable  34  positioned inside channel  30  to prevent dislodgment of cable  34  and plug  35 . Tab  111  maintains grommet  96  engaged in opening  97  within circuitry wall  98  ( FIG. 4B ). Thus, circuitry  36  ( FIG. 3 ) is maintained sealed within circuitry walls  98  and  106  between top case  14  and bottom case  16 . In one embodiment of the invention, data logger  10  is sealed to a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)  6  rating for ingress protection. Plug  35  extends to the outer perimeter of top case  14  and bottom case  16  such that plug  35  remains concealed, but grip  122  protrudes from channel  30 . Grip  122  permits USB interface  32  to be easily slid from boot  69  such that plug  35  can be removed from channel  30  and cable  34  can be extended out from cases  14  and  16 . Guides  124 A and  124 B ( FIG. 7A ) fit into tracks  113 A and  113 B, respectively, to facilitate easy insertion of USB interface  32  into boot  69 . USB interface  32 , plug  35  and USB cable  34  are recessed into the interior of cases  14  and  16  to give data logger  10  a compact, leak proof design. Thus, data logger  10  can be connected to a computer workstation without the need for rigidly mounting cases  14  and  16  directly to the workstation. Thus, data logger  10  can be mounted to workstations in which communication ports, such as USB ports, are partially concealed or in hard to reach places. Additionally, cable  34  allows data logger  10  to be oriented toward a user or operator when connected to the workstation. Thus, cable  34  permits data logger  10  to be extended away from USB interface  32  to facilitate easy connection and use of data logger  10 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 3