US 11037094

Here's a concise summary of US patent 11037094:

US Patent 11037094: Actively managed food delivery

• Title: Actively managed food delivery
• Current Assignee: Zest Labs Inc
• Inventors: Peter A. Mehring, Thomas C. Reese, Dean M. Kawaguchi, Sameer Dekate, Russell Shikami
• Filing Date: March 21, 2019
• Issue Date: June 15, 2021
• Abstract: The patent describes a computer-implemented method for generating a report about a food product delivery. This involves receiving status information, including sensor-derived conditions like temperature, from a product container holding food as it travels. This status information is stored, and the performance of delivery entities is analyzed against ideal handling conditions for that food product. Finally, a report of this analysis is generated, which includes a food safety report confirming adherence to proper quality and safety processes.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

There are three independent claims in US Patent 11037094: Claim 1 (Method), Claim 10 (Computer Program Product), and Claim 14 (System).

• Independent Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a computer-implemented method for reporting on food product delivery. It involves:

  1. Receiving Status Information: A computer gets updates about a product container carrying food at various times during its journey. This container has a "profile" linked to the food, which outlines the best handling and processing conditions for that food type, and these ideal conditions change over time as specified in the profile. The updates include sensor readings from inside the container, such as temperature.
  2. Determining Compliance: The computer checks if the received sensor readings are within the acceptable ranges defined by the food's profile.
  3. Storing Data: The computer saves both the status information and its determination of whether conditions were met.
  4. Sending Corrective Commands: If the conditions are outside the preferred ranges, the computer sends a command to take a corrective action.
  5. Analyzing Performance (Pre-Delivery): Before the food is delivered, the computer assesses how well the delivery personnel or systems performed by comparing the actual conditions (from its determinations) against the ideal conditions specified in the food's profile.
  6. Generating Report: The computer then creates a report of this analysis, which includes a food safety report confirming that proper procedures for maintaining food quality and safety were followed throughout the delivery process.

• Independent Claim 10 (Computer Program Product): This claim covers a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. It essentially describes the computer code that, when executed, performs the steps of Independent Claim 1, with added specifics regarding pre-heating/pre-cooling conditions and the tiered command sending (first to an individual/dispatcher, then to an environmental control unit if no activity is detected).

  1. Code for Receiving Status Information: Computer code to receive status information (including sensor-derived conditions like temperature) from a product container that holds food. The container is loaded with a profile for the food, which includes ideal handling conditions that change over time, and also specifies pre-heating or pre-cooling for the container before food is placed or delivered.
  2. Code for Determining Compliance: Computer code to check if the received conditions are within the preferred ranges, which are derived from the food's profile.
  3. Code for Storing Data: Computer code to store the status information and the compliance determination.
  4. Code for Sending First Command: Computer code to send an initial command to an individual (like a driver) or a dispatcher to perform a corrective action.
  5. Code for Sending Second Command (Automated): Computer code to send a second command to an environmental control unit in the container if the individual doesn't act on the first command. This second command adjusts the container's settings to maintain the ideal conditions, including autonomously maintaining the pre-heating/pre-cooling.
  6. Code for Analyzing Performance (Pre-Delivery): Computer code to analyze the performance of delivery entities based on the compliance determinations compared to ideal conditions, before delivery.
  7. Code for Generating Report: Computer code to generate a report of the analysis, including a food safety report confirming consistent adherence to quality and safety processes.

• Independent Claim 14 (System): This claim describes a system comprising a processor and logic configured to perform the steps of Independent Claim 1. This means the hardware and software are set up to:

  1. Receive Status Information: Receive status information (including sensor-derived conditions like temperature) from a food-containing product container as it travels. The container has a profile with ideal, time-varying handling conditions for the food type.
  2. Determine Compliance: Determine if the received status information is within the preferred ranges derived from the food product's profile.
  3. Store Data: Store the status information and the determination.
  4. Send Corrective Command: Send a command to take corrective action if the status information is outside the preferred ranges.
  5. Analyze Performance (Pre-Delivery): Prior to delivery, analyze the performance of delivery entities based on the compliance determination compared to the ideal conditions.
  6. Generate Report: Generate a report of this analysis, including a food safety report confirming consistent adherence to food quality and safety processes.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 11037094 did not yield any specific results by the current date of April 26, 2026.