WO2002010952A2 - Method and system for delivering products for human consumption - Google Patents
Method and system for delivering products for human consumption Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002010952A2 WO2002010952A2 PCT/GB2001/003330 GB0103330W WO0210952A2 WO 2002010952 A2 WO2002010952 A2 WO 2002010952A2 GB 0103330 W GB0103330 W GB 0103330W WO 0210952 A2 WO0210952 A2 WO 0210952A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- products
- temperature
- distribution
- carriers
- product
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
- G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
- G06K19/0716—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising a sensor or an interface to a sensor
- G06K19/0717—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising a sensor or an interface to a sensor the sensor being capable of sensing environmental conditions such as temperature history or pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/38—Details or accessories
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/0833—Tracking
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
- B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a method and system for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing centre to passenger carrying vehicles and a method and system for monitoring and controlling distribution of such products.
- passenger carrying vehicles On many forms of passenger carrying vehicles it is usual to serve the passengers with a meal.
- the food In passenger carrying vehicles where space is a premium e.g. trains and aeroplanes, the food is usually provided for distribution in compact units such as trolleys to allow for easy distribution of food to the passengers.
- the travel industry is an area where a great deal of time and effort is expended in providing passengers with high quality food.
- Traditional travel related caterers purchase food ingredients which they cook and prepare in their kitchens. The prepared food is then placed in packaging or onto trays which are loaded into trolleys. Traditionally, the number of trolleys and the number of meals loaded into the trolleys is tailored at the point of manufacture of the food to the requirements of a passenger carrying vehicle to which the food is to be delivered. Thus, traditional travel related caterers require food production facilities in addition to distribution facilities. Although some products may be bought from food manufacturing centres, this is generally a minor part of the total meal being prepared.
- sandwiches are received from a food manufacturer in bulk packaging e.g. cardboard boxes.
- the food items must then be unpacked and repacked into carriers suitable for fitting into trolleys to go onto the vehicle e.g. aircraft or train.
- the present invention provides a distribution monitoring system and method for monitoring the distribution of products for human consumption during the distribution of the products to a point of sale or consumption.
- the monitoring system receives detections of tags fitted to the products or to carriers of the products either periodically or when the products are relocated. Each tag detection identifies the location of the tag at the time of detection. Measurements of the temperature in the vicinity of the products are received from temperature detecting means. Information on the products and the received tagged detections and temperature measurements are stored as a history of associated location and temperature information for a product in a database. A user interface can then be provided to allow a user to retrieve location and temperature information for a product at a desired time from the database.
- this aspect of the present invention provides for full traceability of products during the distribution process to enable the temperature conditions experienced by the products to be determined in order to identify where required temperature conditions for the products may not have been met.
- a quality control audit trail is provided by the system of this aspect of the present invention enabling faults in the distribution process to be identified.
- images or video of the locations are received and stored in association with the location and temperature information.
- This allows a user to display the images or video for retrieved location and temperature information thereby enabling the products to be viewed during the history of distribution of the products to enable the identification of a problem in the distribution process. For example, the products could have been damaged due to rough handling during the distribution process and this can be identified from the images or videos stored.
- the image or video information enhances the information available for the quality control audit trail to enable not just the temperature conditions but also the physical conditions of the products to be monitored during the distribution process.
- the present invention encompasses the provision of individual temperature detectors on some of the products or carriers of the products to provide temperature measurements.
- the temperature measurements can be transmitted from the temperature detector to temperature readers to enable the measurements to be stored in the database.
- temperature sensors linked to the monitoring system directly can be provided in the locations to monitor ambient conditions.
- the information stored on a product includes information on temperature conditions for the product and/or an expiry date or time for the product.
- the monitoring system can include a warning means such as a display for outputting a warning, to warn if the received temperature measurements and tagged detections, when compared with the stored product information, indicate that the temperature is unsatisfactory for the product or the expiry date or time for the detected product has passed.
- a warning means such as a display for outputting a warning, to warn if the received temperature measurements and tagged detections, when compared with the stored product information, indicate that the temperature is unsatisfactory for the product or the expiry date or time for the detected product has passed.
- this automated warning system can warn when the quality of the product is unsatisfactory, i.e. the product has been damaged by storage during the distribution process outside the recommended temperature range, or it has been stored beyond its expiry date or time during the distribution process. This enables a rapid identification of the substandard product to enable it to be removed from the distribution process.
- This aspect of the present invention can enable products to be tracked right from manufacture through to the point of consumption or sale.
- the distribution process can involve a central distribution, or a chain of distribution centres, e.g. a hub and spoke distribution system.
- this aspect of the present invention can encompass a single computer system, or a network of computer systems.
- the present invention can thus be implemented using a programmable computer and suitable program code.
- Program code can be provided to the computer system on any suitable carrier medium such as a storage medium, e.g. floppy disk, hard disk, CD-ROM or programmable memory device, or a transient medium such as an electrical, optical, microwave, magnetic, or radio frequency signal.
- the present invention provides a method of delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing centre to passenger carrying vehicles.
- a manufacturing centre the products are packaged into carriers, where each carrier carries a number of products.
- the carriers are delivered in bulk e.g. on a palette to a distribution centre.
- predetermined numbers of the carriers are loaded into respective containers for distribution to the passenger carrying vehicles.
- the products are distributed to passengers during transit.
- the containers comprise trolleys which are pushed by attendants on the passenger carrying vehicles whilst serving the food and thus carriers are preferably adapted to fit the trolleys.
- this aspect of the present invention provides a significant streamlining of the delivery system.
- the repackaging of the products at the distribution centre is avoided thus saving time and effort and avoiding the wastage of packaging material.
- the manufacturer is provided with carriers into which they package the products.
- the products are thus passed right from the manufacturer to the passenger carrying vehicles and the carriers are returned again to the manufacturer once used.
- This use of the same carriers for packaging the products from the manufacturer right away to the passenger carrying vehicles simplifies not only the delivery logistics, but also tracking procedures for food products as a means of monitoring compliance with hygiene regulations. Further, the avoidance of repackaging of the food products greatly reduces the risk of damage to the products.
- the distribution centre comprises a hub distribution centre, which receives the bulk packaged carriers.
- Spoke distribution centres are provided and are supplied with predetermined numbers of containers by the hub distribution centre.
- the number of carriers in respective containers is adjusted in dependence upon the requirements of respective vehicles.
- the containers are then distributed to the respective passenger carrying vehicles by the spoke distribution centres.
- the spoke distribution centres can be provided locally to the passenger carrying vehicle transit points. Because the spoke distribution centres only need carry out adjustments to the number of carriers in the containers and/or to adjust the number of containers required for respective passenger carrying vehicles, the spoke distribution centres can be of greatly reduced scale compared to the hub distribution centre.
- this embodiment has the advantage that for example for the supply of aircraft meals, the airport food distribution centre can be of greatly reduced scale compared to a central hub distribution centre. This greatly reduces the cost of distribution since the cost of real estate in an airport or in the vicinity of an airport is usually much higher than the cost of real estate for a distribution centre provided remotely i.e. a remote hub distribution centre.
- the present invention is particularly suited to an electronic ordering and tracking system.
- Passenger vehicle operators can electronically place an order for products with the caterer.
- the order can simply identify the number of passengers but can additionally identify special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian.
- the order can either be placed directly with the hub distribution centre or it can be placed with a spoke distribution centre.
- the benefit of placing the order with the spoke distribution centre is that the spoke distribution centre can modify the order to take into account local factors.
- the hub distribution centre will collate orders placed with the spoke distribution centres and will place an electronic order with the manufacturing centre for a bulk delivery of products in the carriers. If the order for the products is not placed directly with the spoke distribution centres, the hub distribution centre will send electronic data on the number of products required for respective vehicles to the spoke distribution centres.
- the spoke distribution centre will then determine the number of containers required to enable them to tailor the order for each respective passenger carrying vehicle.
- the carriers each include a unique electronic tag.
- the tags are detected and a computer system receives the detections to track the location and keep a history for each carrier.
- each carrier of products can be tracked from the manufacturing centre to the passenger carrying vehicle.
- the bulk delivery of carriers from the manufacturing centre can be provided in one or more bulk carriers which each include an electronic tag.
- the tag of the bulk carrier can be detected instead of having to detect all of the tags of the carriers in the bulk carrier.
- the tags for the bulk carriers can be read and the computer system can store information identifying the identities of the carriers loaded into the bulk carriers.
- the hub distribution centre it is simply necessary to detect the tag of the bulk carrier in order to identify the carriers delivered.
- the carriers each include a temperature detector for detecting temperature in the region of the products and for warning if the detected temperature moves outside predetermined range or threshold.
- the temperature detector can comprise an electronic detector which can transmit information to the computer system for remote monitoring.
- the temperature, detector can simply comprise a visible indicator to indicate if the temperature for a carrier has moved outside a predetermined range or threshold.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of delivering meals to passenger carrying vehicles in which, at a distribution centre, packaged items are received from food manufacturing centres.
- the packaged items are assembled on a tray to form a meal unit and the meal units are loaded into trolleys.
- the trolleys are then distributed to the. passenger carrying vehicles for serving to passengers.
- this aspect of the present invention enables a distribution centre to be quite separate to food manufacturing centres.
- the caterer can simply assemble pre- prepared food for delivery to the aircraft.
- the food manufacturing centres can comprise restaurants because of the careful tracking and control procedures, restaurant food can be provided.
- a chef can carry out final preparations on each meal on the passenger carrying vehicle or at the spoke distribution centre.
- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a distribution centre in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a diagram of a bulk load of carriers
- Figure 3 is a diagram of a trolley and a carrier
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the hub and spoke distribution system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the distribution monitoring system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 1 schematically illustrates a distribution centre in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 illustrates the trolley 8 and carrier 7 in more detail whilst
- Figure 2 illustrates the bulk delivered containers in more detail.
- the carrier 7 will hold a designated number of any type of food products. Alternatively, the carrier 7 may be required to be filled with a mixture of food products. This is dependent upon the order placed with the food manufacturer.
- Each carrier 7 has applied to it or incorporated in it a unique electronic tag.
- the tag can comprise any conventional electronic tag such as an RF tag as will be understood by a skilled person in the art.
- the tag can be read by any form of tag reader such as a hand held tag reader or a static tag reader mounted in for example a doorway.
- a food manufacturing centre will package a number of carriers 7 into a bulk order 4 carried by a palette 4a.
- the palette 4a has mounted thereon or incorporated therein a unique electronic tag 6.
- the tags 7a of the carriers 7 which form a bulk load 4 are read together with the tag 6 of the palette 4a.
- This information is read and stored on a computer system and the information is transmitted to a computer system 12 at the distribution centre 1 from which the order for the food products originated. In this way a food manufacturing centre records and tracks food products which leave the centre.
- the food products in each bulk order 4 are transported by a vehicle 2 to the distribution centre 1.
- the bulk ordered products 4 are then unloaded by fork lift truck 3 and as they are delivered into the distribution centre 1, a tag reader 5 will detect the palette tag 6 on the palette 4a.
- the tag detections are transmitted to the computer system 12 in which the detected palette tag 6 can be matched to the identities of the carriers 7 carried on the palette 4a.
- the reading of the palette tag 6 avoids the necessity for attempting to read each of the tags 7a on each of the carriers 7.
- each of the tags 7a could be detected in order to compare the expected load on the palette 4a with the load that the food manufacturing centre alleges to have delivered.
- each carrier 7 can include a temperature monitor with the tag 7a.
- the temperature monitor can provide a warning if the temperature range rises above that required for the food product.
- the monitor can comprise an electronic arrangement for transmitting a signal to the computer system 12 to allow the remote monitoring of the conditions of the carriers 7.
- a simple arrangement can comprise a visible indicator e.g. a liquid crystal strip which will register and display a warning if the temperature rises above a threshold. The warning will remain even after the temperature has dropped to point out that the food products in the carrier 7 were exposed to high temperatures for a predetermined period of time sufficient to raise a hygiene issue.
- the carriers 7 are unloaded from the palette 4a and loaded into trolleys 8.
- the number of carriers 7 loaded into the trolleys 8 and the number of trolleys 8 will depend upon the order placed for a passenger carrying vehicle.
- An order can be fulfilled by loading the appropriate number of trolleys 8 with the appropriate number of carriers 7 which contain the appropriate number of products.
- the trolleys 8 are loaded onto a truck 11 for distribution to the passenger carrying vehicles, the trolleys 8 pass through a tag detector 10 to detect the tags of the carriers 7 being delivered.
- the tag detections are received by the computer system 12 in order to track the movement of the carriers 7.
- the truck 11 will provide the required conditions for the delivery of the food products e.g. it will comprise a refrigeration unit and will deliver the trolleys 8 to the passenger carrying vehicle.
- the distribution centre 1 comprises the sole distribution centre.
- the distribution centre 1 comprises the hub distribution centre which receives the products directly from the food manufacturing centre. The hub distribution centre will then distribute the product to spoke distribution centres.
- the trolleys 8 are filled with carriers 7 and the truck 11 delivers the trolleys 8 to the spoke distribution centres. Within the spoke distribution centres, the number of carriers 7 within the trolleys 8 is adjusted as necessary in order to accurately fulfil the order from the passenger vehicle operator.
- the computer system 12 will have a record of the carriers 7 loaded in the trolleys 8. Thus the detection of the tags 9 of the trolleys 8 and the tag detector 10 is sufficient for the computer system to know which carriers 7 have been loaded on the truck 11.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the hub and spoke distribution system in which there are three hubs 20, 21, 22 provided at separate locations and is connected by high speed communication lines 23a and 23b for the exchange of data therebetween.
- Each hub 20, 21, 22 is connected to a spoke distribution centre 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 42c and 42d respectively.
- a food manufacturing centre 30 is connected to each of the hubs 20, 21 and 22 via a communication line 25.
- each spoke distribution centre is located at or near an airport or train station to provide airline or rail catering facilities.
- At each spoke orders can be received from airlines or rail operators being served in respect of food to be provided for specific journeys. This information can be electronically received and is passed from the spokes to the respective hub distribution centres 20, 21 and 22.
- the hub distribution centres 20, 21 and 22 will collate all of the orders in order to form a bulk order for groups which is transmitted to the food manufacturer 30.
- the hub distribution centres 20, 21 and 22 use the information received from the spoke distribution centres i.e. the orders from the airlines or rail operators in order to determine how to distribute the products to the spoke distribution centres.
- the hub distribution centres 20, 21, 22 the bulk orders received from the food manufacturers 30 are split and distributed to the spoke distribution centres. As described hereinabove with reference to Figure 1, this redistribution is carried out by placing the carriers 7 into trolleys 8 so that the spoke distribution centres simply have to adjust the number of carriers 7 required for each flight.
- the spoke distribution centre needs to carry out no repackaging or even movement of carriers 7 into different stored units.
- the airlines can place orders directly with the hub distribution centres 20, 21 and 22.
- the benefit of the receiving orders from the spoke distribution centres is that the spoke distribution centres can take into account local factors. For example, it may be known that because of a pricing policy, although a number of passengers have booked flights, not all passengers will turn up for those flights. Thus although the airline may request food for each passenger, it may not be necessary to supply that number. The order can thus be adjusted accordingly.
- each tray is assembled into a meal unit within the distribution centre 1.
- the tray will comprise the carrier 7 and the trays will be individually loaded into the trolley 8 in the conventional manner.
- the distribution centre 1 there is provided no food manufacturing capability.
- Food is delivered pre-packaged from a remote food manufacturing centre.
- the received packaged food items are assembled onto a tray in order to assemble a meal unit.
- specialist food manufacturing centres can be utilised for manufacturing food and the distribution centre merely needs to assemble the food into meal units.
- the distribution centre will simply assemble the restaurant cooked food.
- the handling of the food within the distribution centre 1 is reduced and so long as the temperature of the food items is carefully controlled and monitored and the date of the food items is carefully monitored, the necessary hygiene regulations can be met.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a distribution monitoring system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a monitoring computer system 12 to receive and process all input information.
- a communications link 19 is provided which can comprise any conventional type of communications link to enable product information from manufacturers to be entered. This enables a product manufacturer to transmit information on the products to the distribution monitoring system when the products have been shipped to the distributor.
- the product information can be loaded into a database of history information 18 by the monitoring computer system 12.
- the product information can include a description of the product, a description of the temperature conditions under which the product should be kept, e.g. below 4°C, and an expiry date for the product. Also, information on how the product should be handled or kept and any other necessary information can be provided. This information will aid quality control during the distribution of the products.
- the products are provided in carriers 7 with tags 7a.
- the tags 7a incorporate a temperature sensor and transmitter therein to enable the ambient temperature of the products to be detected and transmitted.
- the tag detectors 5 and 10 described with reference to Figure 1 are connected to the monitoring computer system 12 to provide tag detections detecting when the tags pass by and thus enter a location. This provides for the tracking of the tags and the tag detections are entered into the database of history information 18 by the monitoring computer system 12. Also temperature measurements by the temperature monitor of the tags 7a are sensed by temperature readers 16 provided at locations within the distribution centre. The temperature measurements received by the temperature readers 16 are stored in association with the tag detections in the database of history information 18 by the monitoring computer system 12.
- Video cameras 14 are also provided at locations in the distribution centre in order to provide images or video of locations in the distribution centre.
- the images or video are stored in the database of history information 18 by the monitoring computer system 12 so that there is an association between the time of tag detections and the images or video recorded.
- temperature sensors 15 can be provided in locations in the distribution centre. These enable temperature conditions in the locations to be detected, and this information can be stored in the database of history information 18 by the monitoring computer system 12.
- the temperature sensors 15 can be provided in case carriers 7 which do not have temperature momtors built into the tags 7a.
- the temperature sensors 15 provide an overall temperature measurement for a location and are thus less accurate than the temperature measurements performed on the carriers 7 themselves.
- the use of temperature sensors 15 at the locations does however reduce the cost and can be used instead of, or to supplement the temperature measurements from monitors associated with the tags 7a.
- the distribution monitoring system is also provided with a user terminal 17 operable by a person of administrative capacity in order to monitor the distribution of products.
- the user's terminal 17 provides a user interface to allow a user to access the database of history information 18 to trace the location of a product with time, to determine the temperature experienced by the product at each location, and to view images or video of the location when the product is in that location.
- a user can identify when unsatisfactory temperature conditions were experienced by the product by viewing the temperature information, or they can identify when unsatisfactory handling occurred by viewing the associated image or video for a location when the product is in that location.
- This enables a visual inspection of the handling of the goods to identify when goods were damaged, or when quality was compromised for hygiene reasons. For example, this enables a user to identify where something may have gone wrong during the distribution process causing a customer to suffer food poisoning.
- the distribution monitoring system provides for a quality control audit trail.
- the distribution monitoring system can also provide for automatic warning when the quality of the product falls below that required during the distribution process;
- the information on the product received over the communications link 19 from the manufacturer can include information on the temperature conditions for storage of the product. This is stored in the database of history information 18.
- the monitoring computer system 12 can use the received temperature measurements (from the temperature sensors 15 or from the sensors in the tags 7a) in combination with the tag detections to compare the temperatures being experienced by a product with the temperature recommended for storage for the product by the manufacturer. If the detected temperature moves outside the manufacturer's recommended range, a warning can be generated on the user terminal 17 to warn an operator that the quality of a product has been compromised.
- the warning need not be raised immediately the temperature of the product strays outside the recommended range, it may require the temperature to stray outside the recommended range for a predetermined period before the warning is generated. This is because the temperature variation outside the manufacturer's recommended temperature range for a short period of time may not compromise the quality of the products.
- the present invention has been described with reference to food items, the present invention is applicable to any food or drink items and particularly to food and drink items which are fragile or subject to hygiene regulations.
- tags are described for the containers. Any suitable active or passive tag or unique identifying system can be used which can be electronically read e.g. a bar code, a microchip or RF tag. Although in the embodiments fixed tag detectors are used, the present invention is applicable to any type of tag detector including mobile tag detectors. Further, although in the embodiments tags are used which can be read from a distance, the present invention is applicable to tags which can only be read at short range e.g. a bar code. The present invention preferably however uses tags which can be read at a distance (i.e. remotely) to make handling and tracking of the products and carriers during the distribution more practical.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- General Factory Administration (AREA)
- General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IL15399101A IL153991A0 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
AU75700/01A AU762422B2 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
NZ523536A NZ523536A (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
JP2002515606A JP2004519397A (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Delivery method and system for products consumed by humans |
CA002416339A CA2416339C (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
EP01953204A EP1402433A2 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/626,592 US6445976B1 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2000-07-27 | Method for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing center to passenger carrying vehicles |
US09/626,592 | 2000-07-27 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002010952A2 true WO2002010952A2 (en) | 2002-02-07 |
WO2002010952A3 WO2002010952A3 (en) | 2003-12-31 |
Family
ID=24511048
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2001/003330 WO2002010952A2 (en) | 2000-07-27 | 2001-07-24 | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6445976B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1402433A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004519397A (en) |
AU (1) | AU762422B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2416339C (en) |
IL (1) | IL153991A0 (en) |
NZ (2) | NZ523536A (en) |
SG (1) | SG123636A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002010952A2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200300166B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005049460A1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-02 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd. | Article temperature management system |
Families Citing this family (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7177825B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2007-02-13 | Borders Louis H | Integrated system for ordering, fulfillment, and delivery of consumer products using a data network |
AU4839300A (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2000-11-21 | Webvan Group, Inc. | Electronic commerce enabled delivery system and method |
US6975937B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2005-12-13 | Christopher Kantarjiev | Technique for processing customer service transactions at customer site using mobile computing device |
US7197547B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2007-03-27 | Andrew Karl Miller | Load balancing technique implemented in a data network device utilizing a data cache |
US7139637B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2006-11-21 | William Henry Waddington | Order allocation to minimize container stops in a distribution center |
US7370005B1 (en) | 1999-05-11 | 2008-05-06 | Peter Ham | Inventory replication based upon order fulfillment rates |
US7251612B1 (en) * | 2000-01-10 | 2007-07-31 | Parker John E | Method and system for scheduling distribution routes and timeslots |
US7139721B2 (en) * | 2000-05-10 | 2006-11-21 | Borders Louis H | Scheduling delivery of products via the internet |
US7240283B1 (en) | 2000-11-10 | 2007-07-03 | Narasimha Rao Paila | Data transmission and rendering techniques implemented over a client-server system |
AU2001271859A1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-01-14 | Kodiak Technologies, Inc. | Method for shipping temperature-sensitive goods |
US6445976B1 (en) * | 2000-07-27 | 2002-09-03 | Air Fayre Limited | Method for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing center to passenger carrying vehicles |
US7233914B1 (en) | 2000-12-27 | 2007-06-19 | Joyo Wijaya | Technique for implementing item substitution for unavailable items relating to a customer order |
US7308423B1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2007-12-11 | Franklin Goodhue Woodward | Technique for handling sales of regulated items implemented over a data network |
US7032818B2 (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2006-04-25 | Nestec S.A. | Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device |
US20030236706A1 (en) * | 2002-06-21 | 2003-12-25 | Jeffrey Weiss | System and method for providing a third party originating item to a passenger on a commercial airliner |
US20030233814A1 (en) * | 2002-06-25 | 2003-12-25 | Ng Marting B.H. | System and method for assembling trays and food on trays |
US7061380B1 (en) * | 2002-11-07 | 2006-06-13 | Alta Analog, Inc. | Monitoring and recording tag with RF interface and indicator for fault event |
SE522067C2 (en) * | 2003-02-18 | 2004-01-13 | Tagmaster Ab | Procedure for loading and unloading of goods in aircraft |
US7132926B2 (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2006-11-07 | Prince Castle, Inc. | Smart tray system and method for restaurant inventory management |
JP2005335910A (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2005-12-08 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Logistics management system of products |
SE529265C2 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2007-06-12 | Tagmaster Ab | Procedure for managing individual related information |
US10133992B2 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2018-11-20 | Mgs Modular Galley Systems Ag | System and method for monitoring manufactured pre-prepared meals |
AU2006230960A1 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2006-10-12 | Mgs Modular Galley Systems Ag | System and method for monitoring manufactured pre-prepared meals |
DE102006026078A1 (en) * | 2006-06-03 | 2007-12-06 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | System and method for the individual supply of passengers of a means of transport with products, in particular food and drinks |
KR100840008B1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2008-06-20 | 제일기술(주) | The system for controlling sanitation of food based on ubiquitous sensor network and method therefor |
FR2954276B1 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2012-03-23 | Airbus | DEVICE FOR THE OPTIMIZED STORAGE OF TROLLEYS |
DE102010027709B4 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2014-08-07 | Airbus Operations Gmbh | Method and system for displaying information on an electrical display unit in an aircraft cabin |
EP2626817A4 (en) * | 2010-10-06 | 2014-04-30 | Korea Food Res Inst | Method and system for monitoring quality of food |
US20120101964A1 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2012-04-26 | Arlington Services, Inc. | Method for catering an aircraft |
JP6000534B2 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2016-09-28 | 株式会社ジャムコ | Aircraft cabin service management system |
US8936260B2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2015-01-20 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Meal cart for an aircraft galley |
US9351569B1 (en) * | 2013-02-11 | 2016-05-31 | Automated Cells and Equipment, Inc. | Parts supply drawer system for robot assisted manufacturing |
US20140377418A1 (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2014-12-25 | Noble House, LLC | Method and Apparatus for Hub and Spoke Aseptic Processing |
CA2929674A1 (en) * | 2013-11-04 | 2015-05-07 | Sprig, Inc. | Methods and systems for distributing items |
US11453517B2 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2022-09-27 | Ifoodbag Ab | Grocery transport packaging system |
WO2015171036A2 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2015-11-12 | Ifoodbag Ab | A grocery transport packaging system |
US11278157B2 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2022-03-22 | Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc. | Food tray |
WO2019193534A2 (en) * | 2018-04-04 | 2019-10-10 | Safran Cabin Netherlands N.v. | Smart service trolley and trolley support system |
US10758638B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2020-09-01 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Hygiene system for a portable packaged food container |
KR102654724B1 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2024-04-03 | 에코랍 유에스에이 인코퍼레이티드 | Hygiene system for a portable packaged food container |
CN109255817A (en) * | 2018-09-14 | 2019-01-22 | 北京猎户星空科技有限公司 | A kind of the vision method for relocating and device of smart machine |
WO2020082281A1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2020-04-30 | 黄国城 | Dynamic storage apparatus and dynamic storage and taking management method |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5159994A (en) * | 1990-03-26 | 1992-11-03 | Fuselage Engineering Services Ltd. | Food storage and delivery system for passenger vehicles, particularly aircraft |
WO2000026111A1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-05-11 | Donald George Richardson | A method of recording the temperature of perishable products in cold chain distribution |
Family Cites Families (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3517899A (en) * | 1968-04-04 | 1970-06-30 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Unitized aircraft food and beverage service |
USRE32176E (en) * | 1968-04-04 | 1986-06-10 | Unitized aircraft food and beverage service | |
US3725645A (en) * | 1968-12-04 | 1973-04-03 | Shevlin T | Casserole for storing and cooking foodstuffs |
US3608770A (en) * | 1969-06-10 | 1971-09-28 | Continental Can Co | Apparatus and system for food preparation |
US3899119A (en) * | 1974-10-17 | 1975-08-12 | Hoerner Waldorf Corp | Snack tray carton |
US3974358A (en) * | 1975-01-10 | 1976-08-10 | Teckton, Inc. | Portable food heating device |
US4203486A (en) * | 1977-01-11 | 1980-05-20 | Anchor Hocking Corporation | Food preparation apparatus and process |
US4323110A (en) * | 1977-01-11 | 1982-04-06 | Anchor Hocking Corporation | Food preparation process |
JPS56131497A (en) * | 1980-03-19 | 1981-10-15 | Niigata Engineering Co Ltd | Temperature adjusting carrying loading system for food in aircraft |
JPS61231956A (en) * | 1985-04-09 | 1986-10-16 | Fujitaro Shimizu | Distribution system for food and drink |
US4666204A (en) * | 1985-11-29 | 1987-05-19 | Reinholtz Richard B | Restaurant bus |
FR2658488A1 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-08-23 | Aerospatiale | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AN ENCLOSURE IN TROLLEYS OR THE LIKE. |
US5163806A (en) * | 1991-06-28 | 1992-11-17 | Robertson Graham D | Airline food transportation system |
JPH05242122A (en) * | 1992-02-27 | 1993-09-21 | Omori Mach Co Ltd | System and device for sorting article |
US5322244A (en) * | 1992-03-17 | 1994-06-21 | Deutsche Aerospace Airbus Gmbh | Supply system for passenger aircraft |
JPH05298332A (en) * | 1992-04-23 | 1993-11-12 | Tokimec Inc | Physical distribution system using data carrier |
DE4302706C2 (en) * | 1993-02-01 | 1996-04-18 | Daimler Benz Aerospace Airbus | Arrangement for handling food and beverages on board an aircraft |
DK83694A (en) * | 1994-07-11 | 1996-01-12 | Gate Gourmet International Ag | Method for preparing and distributing portioned meals, preferably for use in air transport, and a basket for use in the practice of the method |
DE4433234C1 (en) * | 1994-09-17 | 1996-06-05 | Daimler Benz Aerospace Airbus | Arrangement for removal of stack units from container on board aircraft |
FI100320B (en) * | 1994-12-21 | 1997-11-14 | Rapeli Pekka Eino | Transport and distribution of goods units in ships |
GB2300702A (en) * | 1995-05-09 | 1996-11-13 | Burlodge Ltd | Food dispensing cycle |
JP3585009B2 (en) * | 1996-02-02 | 2004-11-04 | 昭和飛行機工業株式会社 | Heat-up cart |
EP0879574B1 (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2001-09-26 | Societe Cooperative De Production Bourgeois | method and device for the distribution of canteen meals |
FR2764977B1 (en) | 1997-06-18 | 1999-08-20 | Stella | ELECTRONIC LABEL COMPRISING MEANS FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL SIZE |
DE19818831C2 (en) * | 1998-04-27 | 2003-11-13 | Hubert Eric Walter | Method, device and container for heating pre-prepared meals |
JPH11348647A (en) * | 1998-06-11 | 1999-12-21 | N Plan:Kk | Operation management device for insulated van |
FR2787220B1 (en) | 1998-12-11 | 2001-09-21 | Plasto Sa | ELECTRONIC LABEL |
US6177887B1 (en) * | 1999-07-06 | 2001-01-23 | George A. Jerome | Multi-passenger vehicle catering and entertainment system |
WO2001027577A2 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2001-04-19 | Katchall Technology Group, Inc. | Monitoring and tracking system and method |
ES2195940T3 (en) | 1999-10-20 | 2003-12-16 | Ifco Systems Gmbh | CONTAINER FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM AND REUSABLE CONTAINER INCLUDING A TRANSPONDER. |
WO2001097555A2 (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2001-12-20 | Freshloc Technologies, Inc. | Cold chain food safety management |
US6445976B1 (en) * | 2000-07-27 | 2002-09-03 | Air Fayre Limited | Method for delivering products for human consumption from a manufacturing center to passenger carrying vehicles |
-
2000
- 2000-07-27 US US09/626,592 patent/US6445976B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-07-24 JP JP2002515606A patent/JP2004519397A/en active Pending
- 2001-07-24 IL IL15399101A patent/IL153991A0/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-07-24 NZ NZ523536A patent/NZ523536A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-07-24 EP EP01953204A patent/EP1402433A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-07-24 WO PCT/GB2001/003330 patent/WO2002010952A2/en active Application Filing
- 2001-07-24 AU AU75700/01A patent/AU762422B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-07-24 SG SG200407792A patent/SG123636A1/en unknown
- 2001-07-24 CA CA002416339A patent/CA2416339C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-07-24 NZ NZ545723A patent/NZ545723A/en unknown
-
2002
- 2002-07-22 US US10/200,352 patent/US6721624B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-01-07 ZA ZA200300166A patent/ZA200300166B/en unknown
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5159994A (en) * | 1990-03-26 | 1992-11-03 | Fuselage Engineering Services Ltd. | Food storage and delivery system for passenger vehicles, particularly aircraft |
WO2000026111A1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2000-05-11 | Donald George Richardson | A method of recording the temperature of perishable products in cold chain distribution |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005049460A1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-02 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd. | Article temperature management system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2416339C (en) | 2009-12-22 |
JP2004519397A (en) | 2004-07-02 |
SG123636A1 (en) | 2006-07-26 |
US6445976B1 (en) | 2002-09-03 |
CA2416339A1 (en) | 2002-02-07 |
AU762422B2 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
US20020183891A1 (en) | 2002-12-05 |
WO2002010952A3 (en) | 2003-12-31 |
AU7570001A (en) | 2002-02-13 |
US6721624B2 (en) | 2004-04-13 |
NZ545723A (en) | 2008-08-29 |
IL153991A0 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
NZ523536A (en) | 2004-11-26 |
ZA200300166B (en) | 2004-01-26 |
EP1402433A2 (en) | 2004-03-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2416339C (en) | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption | |
US10133992B2 (en) | System and method for monitoring manufactured pre-prepared meals | |
US20200118197A1 (en) | Network-based grocery store | |
EP2986949B1 (en) | Sensing device and method to monitor perishable goods | |
WO2017041145A1 (en) | An access controlled cabinet and access controlled cabinet delivery system and method | |
US11137765B2 (en) | Smart item storage cart system | |
JP2016537265A (en) | In-flight meal set meal packaging | |
WO2020176196A1 (en) | Delivery system | |
US11354618B2 (en) | Cold-chain compliant item storage cart system | |
US11514766B1 (en) | Detecting interactions with storage units based on RFID signals and auxiliary signals | |
EP3743339A1 (en) | Method and system for determining product freshness | |
JP2009007097A (en) | Temperature control system for delivery object | |
AU2003200057B2 (en) | Method and system for delivering products for human consumption | |
JP2008534409A (en) | System and method for monitoring manufactured pre-cooked meals | |
Zhang | Market Research for RFID Real-time Cold-chain Monitoring System | |
JP2019085216A (en) | Logistics management system | |
JP2009050426A (en) | Merchandise management system | |
Rizzi | Physical Representation of the Supply Chain | |
AU757438B2 (en) | A method of recording the temperature of perishable products in cold chain distribution | |
JPH0383162A (en) | Distribution method for daily delivery commodity |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 75700/01 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2001953204 Country of ref document: EP |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2003/00166 Country of ref document: ZA Ref document number: 523536 Country of ref document: NZ Ref document number: 200300166 Country of ref document: ZA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2416339 Country of ref document: CA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 153991 Country of ref document: IL |
|
REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
WWG | Wipo information: grant in national office |
Ref document number: 75700/01 Country of ref document: AU |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2001953204 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 523536 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
WWG | Wipo information: grant in national office |
Ref document number: 523536 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 2001953204 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 180938 Country of ref document: IL |