Methods and apparatus are disclosed for multi-entity management of an ID node in a wireless node network. The ID node associates with a first entity user access device, which operates as a master node and communicates directly with a server over a first communication path. The first device separately communicates with the ID node over a second communication path, but the ID node is unable to directly communicate with the server. The ID node provides the first device with access to data collected by the ID node if an initial privilege authorizes it. After associating with a shipping entity master node, the ID node provides the shipping entity master node with the data collected based on a transferred privilege from the server. And then after associating with a second entity user access device, the ID node provides access to this second device if authorized by a destination privilege from the server.

Methods and node-enabled apparatus are described that involve use of node-enabled packaging material as part of a container for an item to be shipped. The method begins by forming at least a part of the container with the packaging material. Next, the method activates a node integrated as part of the packaging material. The node is operative to communicate with one or more network devices (such as an ID node, master node and/or server) in a wireless node network. The method then registers shipping information with a server in the wireless node network via a user access device operated by a shipping customer. The shipping information is related to the container and the node integrated as part of the packaging material of the container. The item to be shipped may be sealed within the container.

A container is disclosed having multiple compartments to house multiple personal items, such as eyewear. The container is low profile, ergonomic, and designed to minimize the volume of space needed for housing multiple eyewear.

A material storage and transport system is disclosed. The material storage and transport system can include a material storage tray forming an open-top storage volume defined by a bottom and walls extending up from the bottom along a perimeter of the bottom. The material storage and transport system can also include a releasable strap adapted to extend across the bottom when in a securing configuration and a sample carrier, including at least one sample secured to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet. A lid element and the sample carrier can be adapted (i) to fit within the storage volume when arranged parallel to the bottom, and (ii) to be secured to the material storage tray by the releasable strap.

Methods and systems are described for proactively notifying a shipping customer using a wireless node network about an alternative shipping solution when shipping a package. A master node in the network related to a shipping facility may detect a signal broadcast by a user access device related to the shipping customer as the device approaches the shipping facility master node with the package to be shipped. The shipping customer's user access device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) is operating as another node in the network. The shipping facility master node then associates with the user access device, and may receive shipping information on the package to be shipped from a server. The shipping facility master node may then provide a proactive notification about an alternative shipping solution to the user access device based upon a shipping status for the shipping facility.

A node-enabled autonomous vehicle conducting a logistics transaction for a package includes an autonomous vehicle and a mobile master node on the vehicle. The vehicle moves, pursuant to control input, from a first location to a transaction location related to the logistics transaction. The mobile master node has a short range communication interface to communicate with other nodes in a wireless node network and a longer range communication interface to communicate directly with a server in the network. The vehicle's mobile master node is operative to receive shipment information from the server that identifies the package and an identification of a node associated with the package; provide a control signal to a control input of the vehicle causing the vehicle to move to the transaction location; and automatically conduct the logistics transaction related to the package if the mobile master node successfully associates with a node associated with the package.

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.

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.

The invention provides a packaging device for packaging an object, the device comprising a tube (1) that is open (10) at one end and a stopper (2). The packaging device comprises a strip (3) of length greater than the length of the tube (1). Said strip (3) has a coupling system (4) enabling an object (5) to be coupled to said strip (3). Together with the tube (1), the strip (3) is configured to occupy a first position in which the strip (3) is held compressed inside the tube (1) by the stopper (2), said strip (3) presenting a first end (310) in bearing contact with the end wall of the tube (1) opposite from the said opening (10), and a second position in which, after the stopper (2) has been removed, the strip (3) presents a second end (320), opposite from said first end, that projects out through the opening (10) of the tube (1). The invention also provides a corresponding method of extraction.