US 11037094B2

US Patent 11037094B2: A Concise Summary

Title: Actively managed food delivery

Assignee: Zest Labs Inc.

Inventors: Peter A. Mehring, Thomas C. Reese, Dean M. Kawaguchi, Sameer Dekate, Russell Shikami

Filing Date: 2019-03-21

Issue Date: 2021-06-15

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a report about a food product delivery process involves receiving status information about a product container holding a food product as it travels from origin to destination. The status information includes sensor-derived conditions, notably temperature. This information is stored, and the performance of entities involved in delivery is analyzed against ideal handling conditions for the food product type. A report is then output, detailing the results of this analysis.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Independent Claim 1 (Computer-implemented method): This claim describes a method for generating a food delivery report. It involves a computer receiving status information (including at least temperature) from a product container holding a food product. The product container is associated with a profile that defines ideal handling/process conditions for the food product, and these conditions are dynamic, changing over time as specified in the profile. The computer determines if the received status information is within preferred ranges derived from this profile and stores both the status information and this determination. If conditions are outside the preferred ranges, a command for corrective action is sent. Prior to delivery, the computer analyzes the performance of involved entities based on the comparison to ideal conditions and generates a report. This report specifically includes a food safety report affirming consistent adherence to proper food quality and safety processes throughout the delivery from origin to destination.

• Independent Claim 10 (Computer program product): This claim covers a computer program product with executable code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The code performs the steps similar to Claim 1, including receiving status information (with sensor-derived temperature), determining if conditions are within preferred ranges derived from a product profile (which includes pre-heating/pre-cooling conditions and changes over time), storing the data, and sending a first command for corrective action to an individual or dispatcher. If inactivity is detected, a second command is sent to an environmental control unit to adjust settings and maintain ideal conditions, with the pre-heating/pre-cooling being autonomously maintained. The code also analyzes entity performance prior to delivery and generates a report, including a food safety report.

• Independent Claim 14 (System): This claim describes a system comprising a processor and logic. The logic is configured to cause the processor to perform steps similar to Claim 1. This includes receiving status information (at least temperature) from a product container with a food product, where the container has a profile defining ideal handling/process conditions that change over time. The processor determines if the status information is within preferred ranges derived from the profile and stores this data. It sends a command for corrective action if conditions are outside the preferred ranges. Prior to delivery, the processor analyzes the performance of delivery entities against the ideal conditions and generates a report that includes a food safety report, confirming proper process adherence.

USPTO and CAFC Docket Search:
A search of the USPTO database confirms the existence of US patent 11037094B2. A search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 11037094B2 did not return any results indicating active litigation for this specific patent in 2026.