SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING FOOD

• US 20080204246A1
• Filed: 05/12/2008
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lawrence Kates
• Inventors: Kates, Lawrence
• Granted Patent: US 8,101,892 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.1
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 79/02 Arrangements or devices for indicating incorrect storage or transport B65D79/005 takes precedence ; measuring devices G01
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/04 in respect of time

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring conditions that affect the quality of food being served. Conditions such as temperature and elapsed time affect the quality of food and the safety of food consumers. Various embodiments of monitoring systems can be incorporated with different types of food containers. Sensors such as temperature probes can provide temperature information about the container and/or the food being served. The monitoring system can use such information in conjunction with elapsed time information in various ways. The monitored information can be displayed generally “real-time,” or it can be stored for subsequent analysis. The monitored information can also be used to trigger an alarm or similar indicator when a condition detrimental to food-serving is present. Various embodiments of the monitoring system having such features can be packaged in various embodiments, including a self-contained unit and an assembly of modular components linked by wire and/or wireless connections.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring one or more parameters that affect the condition of a food, comprising:

an RFID tag provided comprising at least one sensor, said sensor configured to provide a measurement indicative of one or more parameters related to edibility of said food;

a processor that reads said RFID tag to obtain data from said RFID regarding said one or more parameters.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a humidity sensor.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a chemical sensor.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a biological sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor comprises an audible alarm.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein processor comprises a wireless transmitter.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor provides a timestamp to said RFID tag.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag stores said measurements for later readout.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag includes an expiration date.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag stores a history of said parameter.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag comprises a history of timestamps received by said RFID tag.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database system configured to store a record of information from said tag.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database system configured to store a record of information from said tag for use by an inspector.

15. The system of claim 1, processor comprises a visual indicator.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said violation comprises a non-critical violation that is not likely to directly contribute to food borne illness.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein said violation comprises a critical violation that is likely to directly contribute directly to food borne illness or other health hazard.