A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

An earring security display hanger includes a body member, first and second arms, and first and second closure members connected to the body member via the first and second arms. Each of the first and second closure members has a top wall and a side wall extending between the top wall and an open end such that a recess is formed therebetween. A closure member aperture is defined on the top wall of each of the closure members, and a plurality of first closure apertures and a plurality of second closure apertures are defined on the sidewall of the first and second closure members, respectively. A plurality of first closure hooks and a plurality of second closure hooks are formed from the body member and are configured to engage with the plurality of first closure apertures and the plurality of second closure apertures, respectively, to provide a locking mechanism.

Systems and methods for coupling a tag to an item. The methods comprise: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator; performing first operations by the tag applicator to mechanically move the tag into a nest of the tag applicator; determining if a given criteria is met based on feedback information received from at least one of a user of the tag applicator and a sensor provided with the tag applicator; and performing second operations by the tag applicator to couple the tag to the item, when a determination is made that the given criteria is met.

A container lid assembly includes a movable lid, a ratchet ring, a rotary symbol ring, an inner cover, and an annular housing. Once coupled to a container, the container lid assembly can automatically and accurately record the number of times for which it has been opened, thereby reminding the user of whether the contents of the container (e.g., medicine) have been used, lest the user miss a dose of the medicine or retake the medicine unnecessarily. The container lid assembly also allows a plurality of containers to be connected in series to facilitate carrying and management.

A single-serve capsule for making a beverage, including: a base element with a cavity, in which a raw beverage material is provided, the base element is made of a biodegradable material; a flange extending outwardly from the base element, the flange including a top side and an opposing bottom side; and a cover that is fastened to the top side of the flange to close the cavity, the cover is made of a different material than the base element; wherein the single-serve capsule is free of a filter; and wherein the capsule has an identifier, which makes it possible to individualize the respective single-serve capsule, the identifier is provided on the bottom side of the flange.

Systems and methods are described for securely monitoring a shipping container for an environmental anomaly using elements of a wireless node network of sensor-based ID nodes disposed within the container and a command node associated with the container. The method has the command node identifying which of the ID nodes are confirmed as trusted sensors based upon a security credential specific to each of the ID nodes; monitoring only the confirmed ID nodes for sensor data broadcast those ID nodes; detecting the anomaly based upon the sensor data from at least one of the confirmed ID nodes; automatically generating an alert notification related to the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container; and transmitting the alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response related to the detected environmental anomaly.

An improved system detects an environmental anomaly in a shipping container and initiates a mediation response through a generated layered alert notification. The system includes sensor-based ID nodes associated with packages within the container, and a command node mounted to the container communicating with the ID nodes and an external transceiver on a vehicle transporting the container. The command node is programmed to detect sensor data from the ID nodes; compare the sensor data to package environmental thresholds in context data related to each ID node; detect the environmental anomaly when the comparison indicates an environmental condition for at least one package exceeds its environmental threshold; responsively generate a layered alert notification identifying a mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority based upon the comparison; and transmit the layered alert notification to the transceiver unit to initiate a mediation response related to the mediation action.

A single-serve capsule for making a beverage, having a base element with a cavity that is free of a filter, and in which a raw beverage material is provided, the cavity including radially spaced and vertically oriented convexities, where a width defined between each of the plurality of convexities is wider than a width of each of plurality of convexities, the base element has a wall region extending between the flange and a bottom region of the base element with radially spaced and vertically oriented grooves, a width of the side wall defined between each of the plurality of grooves is wider than a width of each of plurality of grooves, the capsule has an identifier, which makes it possible to individualize the single-serve capsule, the identifier is a barcode on the wall region and on a bottom side of the flange.

Devices and methods for RF heating of food, using techniques which allow uniformity and/or controlled non-uniformity.

A single-serve capsule for making a beverage, having: a base element with a cavity, in which a raw beverage material is provided, the base element is made of a biodegradable material, a flange extending outwardly from the base element, the flange comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side, and a cover that is fastened to the top side of the flange to close the cavity, the cover is made of a same material as the base element. The single-serve capsule is free of a filter, and has an identifier, which makes it possible to individualize the respective single-serve capsule, the identifier is provided on the bottom side of the flange.