Abstract: A tag has first and second modes of operation, and uses substantially less battery power in the first mode. In the first mode, the tag is responsive to receipt of a first wireless signal from a remote location with a first transmission range for shifting to the second mode. In the second mode, the tag transmits a second wireless signal with a second transmission range. In one configuration, the second transmission range is greater than or equal to the first transmission range. In a different configuration, the tag periodically checks for the first wireless signal during the first mode at points in time spaced by a time interval. The second transmission range is less than the first transmission range by a difference that is greater than or equal to the time interval multiplied by a speed of movement of the tag toward the remote location.

Abstract: A tag includes a housing, an antenna disposed within the housing, and circuitry within the housing that is electrically coupled to the antenna. A battery within the housing is electrically coupled to the circuitry, the battery being positioned so as to avoid significant interference with electromagnetic fields associated with the antenna. A tag holder can be detachably coupled to a radio frequency tag, and has structure facilitating attachment of the tag holder to an object other than a tag. A tag includes a circuit and an antenna, the antenna having a plurality of conductive segments and capacitors that are coupled in series to form an endless loop.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide multi-layer visibility of nested containers at a mobile checkpoint are disclosed. Thee systems include a portable deployment kit in communication with a nested container. The portable deployment kit can be contained in a durable carrying case having a total weight that is within military standards for carrying by one person and includes a handle. Inside, the carrying case can include foam or other material to protect internal components during transport and deployment. In use within the system, the portable deployment kit can serve as a self-contained checkpoint or site server for gathering necessary information from the nested container and uplinking for centralized data collection. In one embodiment, the portable deployment kit includes a label printer for updating an identification device on the nested container to reflect, for example, aggregation and deaggregation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a carrier, and a system that is responsive to wireless signals transmitted by tags on items carried by the carrier for maintaining a local inventory of items carried by the carrier. A different apparatus involves a carrier having a container with an interior, a sensor for detecting a condition externally of the container that can be related to an environment within the container, and a system that handles information from the sensor in a manner facilitating an evaluation of the likelihood that a problem exists within the container. Another apparatus involves a carrier for a plurality of items, and a system that is responsive to wireless signals received from a remote location for determining a current location of the carrier and for evaluating whether the carrier is proceeding along an intended route.