Methods and systems are described for sharing shipment condition information in a wireless node network having a plurality of network devices and a server. In one method, a first node detects an advertising signal broadcast from a second node, where the first node is a first of the network devices and related to a first package, and the second node is a second of the network devices and related to a second package. The method continues by associating the first node and the second node. The first node then accesses the shipment condition information from a memory in the first node, and transmits or otherwise shares the shipment condition information with the second node if the first node is authorized to share the shipment condition information with the second node.

The present invention is based on the surprising result that packaging materials comprising at least one moisture modulating agent can significantly reduce moisture loss, physical damage, and/or microbial decay of produce. Inclusion of such moisture modulating agent(s) can provide at least one of the following advantages: (1) less disease development as compared to traditional packaging material; (2) fresher, firmer produce with less rot or defects (for example cracking or splitting); (3) better see-through as compared to traditional packaging material; (4) preventing the humidity inside the bag from coalescing into large drops or even pools of water (i.e., less water accumulation or moisture condensation within the package); and (5) providing sufficient gas transmission of oxygen (O.sub.2)/carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and/or a quality management agent, for example ethylene or 1-MCP, for better quality control during storage at room temperature (shelf life).

The present invention is based on the surprising result that packaging materials comprising at least one moisture modulating agent can significantly reduce moisture loss, physical damage, and/or microbial decay of produce. Inclusion of such moisture modulating agent(s) can provide at least one of the following advantages: (1) less disease development as compared to traditional packaging material; (2) fresher, firmer produce with less rot or defects (for example cracking or splitting); (3) better see-through as compared to traditional packaging material; (4) preventing the humidity inside the bag from coalescing into large drops or even pools of water (i.e., less water accumulation or moisture condensation within the package); and (5) providing sufficient gas transmission of oxygen (O.sub.2)/carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and/or a quality management agent, for example ethylene or 1-MCP, for better quality control during storage at room temperature (shelf life).

A device for the vacuum storage and vacuum transport of dry or wet grain under anaerobic conditions is provided, comprising: an enclosure sealed to all types of gas having at least one filling element, the filling element, when in the open position, allowing the enclosure to be filled with grains and, when in the closed position, further allowing the enclosure to be tightly sealed, and at least one non-return air valve allowing gaseous fluid transfer by the suction of air through the valve only from the inside of the enclosure to the outside of the enclosure. The device further comprises a handling arrangement associated with the enclosure and comprising a transport bag suitable for receiving the sealed enclosure and having straps that form loops that can be gripped directly by a user or by lifting equipment.

A device for the vacuum storage and vacuum transport of dry or wet grain under anaerobic conditions is provided, comprising: an enclosure sealed to all types of gas having at least one filling element, the filling element, when in the open position, allowing the enclosure to be filled with grains and, when in the closed position, further allowing the enclosure to be tightly sealed, and at least one non-return air valve allowing gaseous fluid transfer by the suction of air through the valve only from the inside of the enclosure to the outside of the enclosure. The device further comprises a handling arrangement associated with the enclosure and comprising a transport bag suitable for receiving the sealed enclosure and having straps that form loops that can be gripped directly by a user or by lifting equipment.

Methods and systems for managing a delivery of an item being shipped are described using a wireless node network having at least an ID node related to the item being shipped, a mobile user access device operative to function as a master node, and a server. The mobile user access device adapted to function as a master node in the network receives shipping information from the server. The shipping information is related to the item being shipped and an identification of the ID node. The mobile user access device then detects a signal broadcast from the ID node as the ID node comes within a communication range of the device. The ID node and mobile user access device are then associated to acknowledge the delivery of the item. Thereafter, the mobile user access device operating as the master node notifies the server about the acknowledged delivery.

Methods and systems for managing a delivery of an item being shipped are described using a wireless node network having at least an ID node related to the item being shipped, a mobile user access device operative to function as a master node, and a server. The mobile user access device adapted to function as a master node in the network receives shipping information from the server. The shipping information is related to the item being shipped and an identification of the ID node. The mobile user access device then detects a signal broadcast from the ID node as the ID node comes within a communication range of the device. The ID node and mobile user access device are then associated to acknowledge the delivery of the item. Thereafter, the mobile user access device operating as the master node notifies the server about the acknowledged delivery.

Methods and systems are described for picking up an order using elements of a wireless node network. In one example, a master node receives order information from a server, where the order information identifies the order and a mobile user access device registered to pick up the order. The master node detects a signal broadcast from the mobile user access device identified by the order information when the mobile user access device is operating as an advertising ID node in the network and as the mobile user access device approaches the master node. The master node then associates with the identified mobile user access device. When the master node determines the identified mobile user access device is within a predetermined range of the pickup point, the master node notifies an order management system responsible for the order.

Methods and systems are described for picking up an order using elements of a wireless node network. In one example, a master node receives order information from a server, where the order information identifies the order and a mobile user access device registered to pick up the order. The master node detects a signal broadcast from the mobile user access device identified by the order information when the mobile user access device is operating as an advertising ID node in the network and as the mobile user access device approaches the master node. The master node then associates with the identified mobile user access device. When the master node determines the identified mobile user access device is within a predetermined range of the pickup point, the master node notifies an order management system responsible for the order.

A system and method for transporting and storing post-harvest fruits, vegetables and other perishable commodities under controlled atmospheric conditions is provided. One or more transportable vacuum containers are packed with the perishable commodity. Thereafter, the controlled atmospheric condition is created within the container. The atmospheric condition is maintained while the container is transported from one location to another. Part of the controlled atmospheric condition includes the formation of a vacuum within the container. Internal structure is provided within the container to resist collapse of the container when the vacuum is formed therein. A plurality of containers can be provided. A central control, coupled to each of the containers can be provided to maintain the desired atmospheric condition within each of the containers.