US 11037093B2

US Patent 11,037,093 B2: Actively Managed Food Delivery

Title: Actively managed food delivery
Assignee: Zest Labs Inc. [cite: Original Assignee, Current Assignee]
Inventors: Peter A. Mehring, Thomas C. Reese, Dean M. Kawaguchi, Sameer Dekate, Russell Shikami [cite: Inventor]
Filing Date: March 21, 2019 [cite: Filing date]
Issue Date: June 15, 2021 [cite: Publication date]

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for managing a food delivery process involves receiving a food product history for each type of food product in various product containers. These food products are destined for different locations. The food product history includes details such as expiration date, storage time, storage conditions, and temperature history. This history is used to determine a prioritized delivery scheme for the product containers. The prioritized scheme is then sent to the individual transporting the containers or to a dispatcher. [cite: Abstract]

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Independent Claims Overview:

Independent Claim 1 (Method Claim):
This claim describes a computer-implemented method for managing food delivery. It involves a computer receiving a food product history for each food item in multiple product containers, where these food products are heading to different destinations. The history includes expiration dates, storage times, storage conditions, and temperature data. Each food product has a profile outlining ideal handling conditions from origin to destination, with these conditions changing over time as specified in the profile. The method includes evaluating a freshness metric for each food product based on its history and whether the container conditions met the preferred ranges. A delivery time window is determined for each food product, and the delivery distance for some products can be extended based on this window. The computer then receives updated food product history and uses it, along with the delivery time window, to create a prioritized delivery scheme. This scheme is sent to the transporter or dispatcher, with food products having a lower freshness metric (meaning less fresh) being prioritized for earlier delivery. Food products falling below a predefined freshness threshold are removed from the delivery window.

Independent Claim 8 (Computer Program Product Claim):
This claim covers a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer code within this product performs the same steps as described in independent claim 1. Specifically, it includes computer code for: receiving food product history, evaluating a freshness metric (based on conditions being within preferred ranges), determining a delivery time window, extending delivery distance, receiving updated food product history, using history and time window to prioritize delivery (prioritizing lower freshness metrics, and removing products below a threshold), and sending the prioritized delivery scheme to a transporter or dispatcher.

Independent Claim 15 (System Claim):
This claim describes a system comprising a processor and logic. This logic is configured to cause the processor to perform the same steps as outlined in independent claim 1. This includes the processor being configured to: receive food product history, evaluate a freshness metric (based on conditions being within preferred ranges), determine a delivery time window, extend delivery distance, receive updated food product history, use history and time window to prioritize delivery (prioritizing lower freshness metrics, and removing products below a threshold), and send the prioritized delivery scheme to a transporter or dispatcher.

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CAFC 2026 Dockets Search:

As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 11037093B2 did not return any specific results. It is possible that no cases directly citing this patent have been filed or publicly recorded in the CAFC dockets for the year 2026 yet.