Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A personal cleansing device may include, but is not limited to: a body portion; an electric motor disposed within the body portion; control circuitry configured for control of operation of the electric motor; and a recess defined in the body portion and configured to receive at least one sponge insert.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: instruct the image sensor to capture an image of a cargo space within a cargo container; compare the captured image to a baseline image of an empty cargo container; and determine, based on the comparison between the captured image and the baseline image, a cargo space utilization estimate.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; a transceiver; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: receive, from a controlling server and through the transceiver, an instruction to capture an image of cargo space within a cargo container; control the image sensor to capture an image of the cargo space in response to receiving the instruction; and operate in accordance with a determined cargo container status based on an analysis of the captured image.

Abstract: A cargo-sensing unit including: an image sensor; at least one processor; and a memory having stored thereon computer program code that, when executed by the processor, controls the at least one processor to: instruct the image sensor to capture an image of a cargo space within a cargo container; compare the captured image to a baseline image of an empty cargo container; and determine, based on the comparison between the captured image and the baseline image, a cargo space utilization estimate.

Abstract: A system for providing online service reports to user subscribers. The service reports contain service information about services rendered by one or more service providers operating at the direction of a service administrator. The system includes a service hub coupled between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. The service hub receives an access message that defines access rights for the user subscribers. A decoder decodes the service information from one or more operational messages exchanged between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. A network server is coupled between the service hub and the user subscribers via a communication network. The network server receives a request from a selected user subscriber, and in response, provides at least a portion of the selected service information to the selected user subscriber based on the access rights.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a proof of delivery verification for freight transportation systems. A vehicle transmits an indication of arrival at a destination. A remote station receives the indication and validates the arrival of the vehicle. If the arrival is validated, a proof of delivery verification of a delivery associated with the arrival is provided to a shipper, carrier, or other interested party.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.

Abstract: A mounting bracket and headrail assembly for supporting an elongated member from which a plurality of valences may be suspended, and a method of using the mounting bracket and headrail assembly. The mounting bracket has a catch and resilient spring clip to securely receive a first leg of the headrail, leaving the second leg of the headrail exposed. The exposed second leg of the headrail obscures the first leg and mounting bracket from view, thereby avoiding the need to provide additional material to obscure unsightly hardware from view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a proof of delivery verification for freight transportation systems. A vehicle transmits an indication of arrival at a destination. A remote station receives the indication and validates the arrival of the vehicle. If the arrival is validated, a proof of delivery verification of a delivery associated with the arrival is provided to a shipper, carrier, or other interested party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a proof of delivery verification for freight transportation systems. A vehicle transmits an indication of arrival at a destination. A remote station receives the indication and validates the arrival of the vehicle. If the arrival is validated, a proof of delivery verification of a delivery associated with the arrival is provided to a shipper, carrier, or other interested party.

Abstract: A mounting bracket and headrail assembly for supporting an elongated member from which a plurality of valences may be suspended, and a method of using the mounting bracket and headrail assembly. The mounting bracket has a catch and resilient spring clip to securely receive a first leg of the headrail, leaving the second leg of the headrail exposed. The exposed second leg of the headrail obscures the first leg and mounting bracket from view, thereby avoiding the need to provide additional material to obscure unsightly hardware from view.

Abstract: An electronic locking device for use by the transportation industry. The electronic locking device is used to control access to a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer vehicle used in the trucking industry. The electronic locking device is controlled depending on one or a combination of factors including the location of the vehicle, the speed of the vehicle, the delivery status of the vehicle, or other factors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.

Abstract: A system for providing online service reports to user subscribers. The service reports contain service information about services rendered by one or more service providers operating at the direction of a service administrator. The system includes a service hub coupled between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. The service hub receives an access message that defines access rights for the user subscribers. A decoder decodes the service information from one or more operational messages exchanged between the service administrator and the one or more service providers. A network server is coupled between the service hub and the user subscribers via a communication network. The network server receives a request from a selected user subscriber, and in response, provides at least a portion of the selected service information to the selected user subscriber based on the access rights.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing virtual capacity to a service provider. A service provider contacts a third party service provider when the service provider can not perform services for a customer. A solicitation is sent by the service provider and accepted by the third party service provider. After acceptance, status and/or location information from the third party service provider is redirected within a network management facility so that the information is sent to the service provider, rather than to an entity normally associated with the third party service provider. After services have been performed by the third party service provider, the third party service provider is generally free to accept service requests from other service providers, whereby messages transmitted by the third party service provider are routed to the new service provider.