Computerized, monitored, temperature affected, delivery system for perishable goods
US6536189B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24661
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A “safe delivery”SM system for delivering perishable groceries (120/120′), including an inexpensive, corrugated cardboard box (100); a source of cold (or heat as needed) maintaining the temperature inside the box within a desired temperature range for hours, using an all encompassing pouch of packet material (110/10), used individually (FIGS. 2 & 3) or collectively (FIGS. 5 & 6), with each packet (17) containing a super-absorbent polymer (14, FIG. 12) which is hydrated (14′, FIG. 12A) and then either frozen (e.g., in a freezer) or heated (e.g., in a microwave), without producing moisture as the polymer returns to its natural state; a protective cover (130) protecting the box and its contents from heat radiation (e.g., sunlight). Other components (e.g., bubble wrap 140, sealing tape 133) prevent heat attacking convection and/or conduction, with the cover having multiple plies with an outer metallized surface (131); a time/temperature monitoring alert (134) indicating when either a maximum predetermine temperature or a maximum allowed, elapsed time from packing to opening has been exceeded. If so, the customer knows that the perishable items are not warranted …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.