An In Situ Verifiable Security Seal System for International Safeguards

The seal system consists of a supply of fiber optic loop material, a number of seal bodies, and a special purpose camera. The seal uses a jacketed, multi-strand plastic fiber optic cable which is cut to length in the field. The two piece, hinged seal body contains a serrated blade which randomly severs a portion of the fibers when the seal is closed. A unique signature, produced by the uncut fibers, is viewed and photographed by the camera system at the loop termination. The camera is designed to operate automatically when the seal is inserted into the viewer receptacle. In situ verification is accomplished by comparing the photograph obtained at inspection with the photograph obtained when the seal was installed. The seal is easily assembled and the signature is destroyed if the seal is opened. Recording and verifying the seal are manageable in awkward conditions by the transfer of the seal image to the camera system via a one meter, flexible fiber optic image guide. The seal recorder/ verifier is field portable, weighs approximately 8 Kg, is self-powered, and has provisions for installing and/or verifying 20 seals. Additional seals, film and loop material are provided in the shipping case to install and/or verify an additional 80 seals.