Abstract: The invention involves a material handling apparatus tracking system that uses cellular communications to send and receive information between the apparatus and a network. The cellular communication devices operate in radio frequency rich environments and contain additional communications capabilities. The apparatus compartments capable of enclosing electronic devices populated with a plurality of components to provide track and trace functionality and various levels of granularity. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: An industrial platform, specifically, a pallet or a container, for storing and transporting articles with attached RFID tags includes an electronic communications device having components that are tracked to identify the location and status of the platform. The device also includes components to communicate with the RFID tags attached to the articles, as well as RF tags located within the distribution environment. A microprocessor with memory manages and stores the information obtained from the multiple tags and components. A portable wireless device transmits data within distributed wireless networks. A power supply provides for mobility and autonomous operation. The device is part of a condition responsive indicating system that tracks the platform and monitors its contents in real time.

Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: The inventions involve material handling apparatus developed to operate in radio frequency rich environments. Articles are provided having at least one large compartment capable of enclosing at least one electronic device or a package populated with a plurality of devices. RFID tags are also provided having three antenna arrays situated on three planes to improve electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling with an external distributed network of devices. Pallets are provided with cellular communications devices to provide track and trace functionality. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A halogen free fire resistant RF transparent polymer pallet has attenuated electrical resistance. A pallet body has a fire resistant layer and a substrate supporting the fire resistant layer. The fire resistant layer includes fire retardant materials, such as Al(OH)3, Mg(OH)2, intercalated graphite, zinc borate, and antimony oxide. The substrate is substantially free of the fire retardant materials to reduce the density and the electrical resistance of the pallet body. The fire resistant layer is substantially thinner than the substrate to lower RF distortion effects on RF transponder communications from additives and the conductive materials within an RF tracking system.

Abstract: The invention involves a material handling apparatus tracking system that uses cellular communications to send and receive information between the apparatus and a network. The cellular communication devices operate in radio frequency rich environments and contain additional communications capabilities. The apparatus compartments capable of enclosing electronic devices populated with a plurality of components to provide track and trace functionality and various levels of granularity. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. The device includes a reader/writer for communicating with RF tags located on products supported upon the apparatus and with RF tags located within distribution networks. A further aspect of the present invention provides a RF tag attached to the apparatus and the device. In still another aspect of the present invention, a wireless local area network communications device is incorporated with the read/writer.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: An intumescent fire retardant system for making polymeric moldings that is halogen-free and provides fire shielding, thermal shielding and a low heat release rate. The intumescent fire retardant system of the present invention comprises, on the basis of 100 parts by weight blended mixture, 20-45 parts of a polymeric binder based on high density polyethylene and an ?-olefin-containing copolymer, such as linear low density polyethylene, and 5-25 parts of a nitrogenous gas-generating agent, 10-30 parts of a water vapor-generating agent, 1-5 parts of an antioxidant, and 0-15 parts of a reinforcing agent. The fire retardant system of the present invention is essentially halogen-free.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus has a communications device associated therewith. In another aspect of the present invention, a pallet is made from thermoformed polymeric sheets with an attached communications device. A further aspect of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification device attached to an apparatus. In still another aspect of the present invention, a communications device is incorporated into one or more sheets of a pallet or other container prior to forming. Methods of making and using a thermoformed pallet and container, having a communications device, are also provided.

Abstract: The inventions involve material handling apparatus developed to operate in radio frequency rich environments. Articles are provided having at least one large compartment capable of enclosing at least one electronic device or a package populated with a plurality of devices. RFID tags are also provided having three antenna arrays situated on three planes to improve electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling with an external distributed network of devices. Pallets are provided with cellular communications devices to provide track and trace functionality. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: An assembly for installation into the bed of a pickup truck consisting of a cargo chest and a liner insert combination is described. The assembly is adapted to be inserted into the bed of the pickup truck to provide a secure cargo chest and a protective lining. The assembly is adapted to receive one or more chest lids hingedly and lockably attached to provide security and protection for the cargo in storage within the chest. The cargo chest liner insert assembly, in one embodiment, is adapted for a cargo chest lid which opens as one piece from the front of the chest assembly, and in other embodiments for cargo chest lids which hinge at the center for chest access from the sides of the pickup truck. In still another embodiment, the assembly is adapted to include cargo compartments in the opposed wheel well extensions. The upper perimeter flange of insert assembly can be adapted to provide an over the rail or an under the rail truck bed border.