A transport container is provided. The transport container includes a body having a base, a cover, an opening, and at least one side wall all defining a cavity therebetween. The transport container also includes an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to determine a geographic route from a carrier destination location to a destination location based on received carrier transfer information and received transportation information. The electronic controller is also configured to display the carrier transfer information on a user interface when the transport container is located at a carrier initial location. The electronic controller is further configured to deploy the transport container when the transport container is located at the carrier initial location.

A mobile smart container system comprises a housing, an access component configured to secure access to a compartment within the housing when in a closed position, a communication interface configured to wirelessly receive a request to access the compartment, a perceivable output device, an electromechanical latch configured to engage with the access component to releasably lock the access component in the closed position, and a processor. The processor receives and authenticates the request to access the compartment and, in response to receiving and authenticating the request, activates the electromechanical latch to unlock the access component to make the compartment accessible, and outputs, upon actuation of the electromechanical latch, an alert via the perceivable output device to identify the smart container system.

A wireless (e.g., near field or RF) communication device, and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a receiver and/or transmitter, a substrate with an antenna thereon, an integrated circuit, and one or more protection lines. The antenna receives and/or transmits or broadcasts a wireless signal. The integrated circuit processes the wireless signal and/or information therefrom, and/or generates the wireless signal and/or information therefor. The integrated circuit has a first set of terminals electrically connected to the antenna. The protection line(s) are on a common or different substrate as the antenna. The protection line(s) sense or determine a continuity state of a package or container on which the communication device is placed or to which the communication device is fixed or adhered, and are electrically connected to a second set of terminals of the integrated circuit different from the first set of terminals.

A package comprises a body, and an electrically conductive pattern supported by said body. An interface portion is configured to receive a module to a removable attachment with the package. The electrically conductive pattern comprises, at least partly within said interface portion, a wireless coupling pattern that constitutes one half of a wireless coupling arrangement.

A system and method for arranging shipment and insurance for items being shipped in containers with memory devices. An intelligent shipping agent may receive a request to ship an item. The intelligent shipping agent may search a database or solicit quotations to obtain shipping and insurance services for an item to be shipped from an origination to a final destination. The intelligent agent may find an entry in the database or may select a vendor based on received quotations. The selection may maximize value of a product or service at the lowest cost. The memory device may store shipping and insurance information related to the item being shipped in a data file. The memory device may include input devices and sensors to gather and store information before, during and after shipment.

A jewelry display hanger includes a substantially flat body member having a hook on a first end, a first side and a second side both extending outwardly from the first end to a second end, and a closure device protruding outwardly from the first side, a base member extending from the second end of the body member, a closure member having a closure aperture, the closure member connected by the base member to the body member, and a security tag attached to one of the sides of the body member, wherein the closure device is configured to engage with the closure aperture.

In one embodiment, a maintainable pallet is provided with interchangeable support structures and sensors for identifying any damage that the interchangeable support structures may experience. The maintainable pallet may include two side supports, two end supports coupled to the two side supports end-to-end to form a rectangle, a central support position between the two side supports, a plurality of top transverse support fastened onto the two side supports to form a top loading surface and the central support with two-part releasable fasteners, and two bottom transverse supports fastened to the ends of the two side supports to form a bottom surface with two-part releasable fasteners. Sensors, in some embodiments, may be embedded in the two side supports to measure, for example, acceleration, location, or other logistic information. When a damaged piece is identified, the maintainable pallet can be disassembled by unfastening the two-part releasable fasteners to remove the damaged piece; and a new interchangeable piece will replace the damaged piece.

A near field magnetically coupled contactless device includes a foldable substrate in the form of a tape; two metal surfaces located facing each other on opposite sides of the substrate in a region of interest of the substrate, configured such that a piercing of the region of interest causes a permanent short circuit between the two metal surfaces; and a circuit configured to detect a short circuit between the two metal surfaces.

A system and method for arranging shipment and insurance for items being shipped in containers with memory devices. An intelligent shipping agent may receive a request to ship an item. The intelligent shipping agent may search a database or solicit quotations to obtain shipping and insurance services for an item to be shipped from an origination to a final destination. The intelligent agent may find an entry in the database or may select a vendor based on received quotations. The selection may maximize value of a product or service at the lowest cost. The memory device may store shipping and insurance information related to the item being shipped in a data file. The memory device may include input devices and sensors to gather and store information before, during and after shipment.

A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage. The cartridge may include a unique identifier to track a set of beverage characteristics associated with the contents of the cartridge and the beverage. The container may capture the unique identifier of the cartridge associated with the set of beverage characteristics and transfer the set of beverage characteristics over a wireless network to a computing device or network.