Abstract: A packaging system for shipping temperature-sensitive payloads to an end-user which is reconfigurable for optional easy, efficient and cost-effective empty return shipping by the end-user.

Abstract: A container may include a storage volume configured to store a payload. A thermal insulation layer may surround the storage volume. A thermoregulation layer may surround the thermal insulation layer. There may be activation of a chemical reaction in the thermoregulation layer. The thermal insulation layer may have R-value per inch configured to expose the payload to a desired temperature to ensure viability of the payload and dampen a temperature spike of the chemical reaction. A system of containers may include a system storage volume with N containers in the system storage volume, wherein N is a whole number of 2 or more. A method of making an insulated container may include preparing an outer skin barrier layer, stacking a thermoregulation layer on the outer skin barrier layer, stacking a thermal insulation layer on the thermoregulation layer, and stacking an inner skin barrier layer on the thermal insulation layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies in antenna systems (e.g., air traffic control surveillance systems), include a processor receiving antenna status information. A variational autoencoder receives and optimizes the antenna status information and determines whether it qualifies as an anomaly. Optimized antenna status information is compared to either non-anomalous or anomalous antenna status data in a latent space of the variational autoencoder. The latent space preferably includes an n-D point scatter plot and hidden vector values. The processor optimizes the antenna status information by generating a plurality of probabilistic models of the antenna status information and determining which of the plurality of models is optimal. A game theoretic optimization is applied to the plurality of models, and the best model is used to generate the n-D point scatter plot in latent space. An image gradient sobel edge detector preprocesses the antenna status information prior to optimization.

Abstract: Methods of training a variational autoencoder (VAE) to recognize anomalous data in a distributed system are provided. Input image data representative of devices/processes in a distributed system are provided to an encoder of a VAE on a processor. The input image data is compressed, via the processor, using a first plurality of weights with the encoder. A normal distribution of the compressed image data is created in a latent space of the VAE. The compressed image data from the latent space is decompressed using a second plurality of weights with a decoder of the VAE. The decompressed image data from the decoder is optimized. At least the first and second plurality of weights are updated, via the processor, based on the loss detected in the optimized decompressed image data. The above steps are iterated until the decompressed image data possesses substantially the same statistical properties as the input image data.

Abstract: A system and method implemented on a computing device which tracks a condition of a payload and a container conveying the payload in shipment by a tracking module which receives signals from one or more sensors. The monitoring data is transmitted to a remote server which communicates in real-time, calculates a current condition or state of the payload and container, and which predicts one or more future conditions or states of the payload and container based on an expected environmental, operational and handling conditions. The predicted future condition is compared to estimated time of shipment completion and one or more prescribed condition thresholds corresponding to the type of the payload, container type and the shipping route. Responsive to predicting an impending violation of a payload handling condition, an intervention decision is made, and one or more notifications with optional digital preventive action procedures are transmitted to corresponding users.

Abstract: A container may include a storage volume configured to store a payload. A thermal insulation layer may surround the storage volume. A thermoregulation layer may surround the thermal insulation layer. There may be activation of a chemical reaction in the thermoregulation layer. The thermal insulation layer may have R-value per inch configured to expose the payload to a desired temperature to ensure viability of the payload and dampen a temperature spike of the chemical reaction. A system of containers may include a system storage volume with N containers in the system storage volume, wherein N is a whole number of 2 or more. A method of making an insulated container may include preparing an outer skin barrier layer, stacking a thermoregulation layer on the outer skin barrier layer, stacking a thermal insulation layer on the thermoregulation layer, and stacking an inner skin barrier layer on the thermal insulation layer.

Abstract: Status of a payload and a shipping container is tracked and monitored by a tracking module which receives at least one signal from one or more sensors; determines a rate of change over time for the signal(s) and sensor(s); compares, in real-time, memory-stored rate-of-change thresholds corresponding to a payload type to the determined rate(s) of change; and, responsive to the comparison indicating a current or impending violation of a payload handling condition, powers up a wireless communications interface, communicates a digital report to a remote computing system, and powers down the wireless communications interface upon completion of the communicating of the report, while continuing to monitor the sensor(s).

Abstract: A storage and shipping container system for a set of specific related components, such as multiple blood products, which conveys the components in pre-determined ratios, having a thermally-insulated main container with a plurality of internal chambers, and at least one attached auxiliary container which is thermally-insulated. Optionally, the system is provided with wheels and a collapsible handle for easy movement of one system, and configured for stacking of multiple similar systems for bulk transportation.

Abstract: Status of a payload and a shipping container is tracked and monitored by a tracking module which receives at least one signal from one or more sensors; determines a rate of change over time for the signal(s) and sensor(s); compares, in real-time, memory-stored rate-of-change thresholds corresponding to a payload type to the determined rate(s) of change; and, responsive to the comparison indicating a current or impending violation of a payload handling condition, powers up a wireless communications interface, communicates a digital report to a remote computing system, and powers down the wireless communications interface upon completion of the communicating of the report, while continuing to monitor the sensor(s).

Abstract: A storage and shipping container system for a set of specific related components, such as multiple blood products, which conveys the components in pre-determined ratios, having a thermally-insulated main container with a plurality of internal chambers, and at least one attached auxiliary container which is thermally-insulated. Optionally, the system is provided with wheels and a collapsible handle for easy movement of one system, and configured for stacking of multiple similar systems for bulk transportation.

Abstract: A training aid for use in training canines to detect an explosive material includes an explosive material adsorbed in the pores of a high surface area mesoporous or nanoporous host material. By adjusting the surfaces of the pores of the substrate material, the substrate can accommodate various types of explosive materials in a non-detonable and non-flammable manner, including nitroaromatics, nitroamines, nitrate-based explosives, and peroxide-based explosives. When the training aid is in an unsealed condition, a continuous flux of explosive material is released without providing any explosive or flame hazard to the trainer and canine.

Abstract: A shipping and storage system which has an access panel with an optional open/close status sensor, and a payload carrier with an affixed sensor connected to a tracking module that monitors the environment of the payload carrier, such as temperature, against a pre-determined threshold for compliance with pre-determined handling and storage requirements for a specific payload type, such as a specific blood product. When a violation is detected by the tracking module, a user alert or user interface is activated. Advanced features optionally include a plurality of pre-determined threshold sets for a plurality of specific payload types, a tamper detection function based on the access panel status and optional weight changes in the payload carrier, and wireless connectivity to allow mobile device and cloud-based enhanced management functions.

Abstract: A training aid for use in training canines to detect an explosive material includes an explosive material adsorbed in the pores of a high surface area mesoporous or nanoporous host material. By adjusting the surfaces of the pores of the substrate material, the substrate can accommodate various types of explosive materials in a non-detonable and non-flammable manner, including nitroaromatics, nitroamines, nitrate-based explosives, and peroxide-based explosives. When the training aid is in an unsealed condition, a continuous flux of explosive material is released without providing any explosive or flame hazard to the trainer and canine.

Abstract: A sandwich composite material for use in an insulated shipping container includes two different central (core) materials sandwiched between an inner and an outer skin material. The core contains a low density, high compressive strength cellular material and a low density, low thermal conductivity insulation fabric material. The inner and outer skin layers increase the overall flexural rigidity of the composite material. The sandwich composite material can be made into flat sheets of required size and integrated into a fabric sleeve to form the container. Alternatively, the sandwich composite material can be molded as the container to achieve uniform and continuous insulation and structural support.