Abstract: A system for managing transport refrigeration units (28) is provided. The system includes a storage device (80) to store transport parameters (82) associated with a transport refrigeration unit (28). The storage device storing historical transport parameters (84) for other transport refrigeration units (28). Also included is an equipment management system (90) coupled to the storage device, the equipment management system (90) including: a diagnostic module (92) to determine a condition of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82); a predictive maintenance module (94) to determine a need for upcoming maintenance of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82); and a remaining life module (96) to determine a remaining life of at least one component of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a product is provided, the sensor includes a first sensor element formed from a first biodegradable material and having a first sensor element height, wherein the first sensor element height changes in response to a first parameter of interest of the product.

Abstract: A cargo transport system includes a container for storing perishable products, and a control assembly for controlling an environment parameter. A sensor of the system is configured to measure the environment parameter. A detector of the system may be directly secured to the perishable products for measuring a product condition. A control module of the system is configured to receive signals from the sensor and the detector indicative of the measured environment parameter and product condition, process the signals, and send a command signal to the control assembly for adjusting the environment parameter.

Abstract: A system for managing transport refrigeration units (28) is provided. The system includes a storage device (80) to store transport parameters (82) associated with a transport refrigeration unit (28). The storage device storing historical transport parameters (84) for other transport refrigeration units (28). Also included is an equipment management system (90) coupled to the storage device, the equipment management system (90) including: a diagnostic module (92) to determine a condition of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82); a predictive maintenance module (94) to determine a need for upcoming maintenance of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82); and a remaining life module (96) to determine a remaining life of at least one component of the transport refrigeration unit (28) in response to the transport parameters (82).

Abstract: A cargo transport system includes a container for storing perishable products, and a control assembly for controlling an environment parameter. A sensor of the system is configured to measure the environment parameter. A detector of the system may be directly secured to the perishable products for measuring a product condition. A control module of the system is configured to receive signals from the sensor and the detector indicative of the measured environment parameter and product condition, process the signals, and send a command signal to the control assembly for adjusting the environment parameter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring goods within a distribution chain is provided. The system includes a storage device to store parameters associated with the goods of a distribution chain, at least one of the parameters being received from a transport refrigeration system. The storage device storing historical parameters for other goods. Also included is a parameter management system coupled to the storage device. The parameter management system including: a predictive module to determine predicted parameters; and a meshing module to determine output parameters by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting abusive operation of transport refrigeration units (28) is provided. The system includes a storage device (80) to store abuse parameters associated with a transport refrigeration unit (28). Also included is an abuse detection system coupled to the storage device, the abuse detection system including: a diagnostic module (92) to determine the occurrence of abusive operation of the transport refrigeration unit in response to the abuse parameters; a failure probability module (94) to determine a probability of failure for at least one component of the transport refrigeration unit in response to the abuse parameters; and a life extending module (96) to determine adjustments in the operation of at least one component of the transport refrigeration unit in response to the probability of failure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of operating a product condition system of a cargo transport and/or storage system includes measuring a first condition of a perishable product by a first detector, and measuring a first environment parameter of a containment where the perishable product is located. Once measured, the system compares the first condition to a first pre-programmed threshold, and then determines a first environment parameter target when the first pre-programmed threshold is met.

Abstract: A system for monitoring goods within a distribution chain is provided. The system includes a storage device to store parameters associated with the goods of a distribution chain, at least one of the parameters being received from a transport refrigeration system. The storage device storing historical parameters for other goods. Also included is a parameter management system coupled to the storage device. The parameter management system including: a predictive module to determine predicted parameters; and a meshing module to determine output parameters by combining the predicted parameters and the parameters.

Abstract: A method for auditing a cold chain distribution system is provided. The method includes: collecting, using a receiver, at least one perishable good parameter from the cold chain distribution system; transmitting the at least one perishable good parameter to a computing device; comparing, using a standards matching model and the computing device, the at least one perishable good parameter to compliance criteria; and transmitting at least one compliance criteria comparison output from the computing device to a database.

Abstract: A method and system to provide an estimated shelf life value for a product to a user includes at least one information source to provide at least one product information entry for the product, and a shelf life estimation system, including a processor to receive and analyze the at least one product information entry from the at least one information source, and to provide the estimated shelf life value to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a product is provided, the sensor includes a first sensor element formed from a first biodegradable material and having a first sensor element height, wherein the first sensor element height changes in response to a first parameter of interest of the product.