Abstract: A system and method for assessing a supply chain for a perishable product. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a quality code for a perishable product which encodes a cut-to-cool time, transportation quality and accumulated shelf-life loss into a compact, modular, and simple to read format. The system and method also provide feedback to address any differences between the quality code and one or more observed qualities of the perishable product at a destination.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing a supply chain for a perishable product. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a quality code for a perishable product which encodes a plurality of the most important performance metrics of the cold chain for the perishable product, including food quality oriented measures such as cut-to-cool time, transportation quality and accumulated shelf-life loss, and food safety oriented measures such as most probable number range for microorganism growth into a compact, modular and simple to read format.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable temperature controlled container comprising a body having a storage compartment, an opening to permit access to the storage compartment and an insulated lid. The container comprises a fan, a heat sink and a first thermoelectric device, as well as a first phase change material and a second thermoelectric device in thermal communication with both the first phase change material and the storage compartment. The second thermoelectric device in thermal communication with both the first phase change material and the storage compartment is operable to transfer energy in the form of heat between the storage compartment and the first phase change material. The thermoelectric devices can be Peltier elements.

Abstract: A package system for a data logger utilizing a base member which is capable of underlying the data logger. A first flap is movably connected to the base member and overlies the data logger. The first flap possesses an aperture for viewing certain signal generating items and switches and allows access to a vent on the data logger. A second flap is also movably connected to the base member and overlies the first flap. A second aperture is smaller than the first aperture, but still permits viewing of certain signal generating portions of the data logger. Means is also provided for mechanically and electrically accessing the data logger for the purpose of inputting and outputting data.

Abstract: A temperature indicating device utilizing a housing having an exterior and an interior which includes first and second chambers. First and second chambers communicate with one another. An opening through the housing allows communication between the interior and exterior of the housing. A bimetallic element which is capable of assuming first and second configurations is positioned within the second chamber. A movable member is found in the first chamber and contacts the bimetallic elements when the bimetallic elements assumes the first configuration. A spring bias the contact between the movable member and the bimetallic element and urges movement therebetween when the bimetallic element assumes the second configuration. A signal indicates such movement by utilization of the opening between the exterior and interior of the housing.

Abstract: A system for obtaining environmental data such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and the like which utilizes a data acquisition sensor. In the case of obtaining temperature data, the sensor may be in the form of a thermistor which measures a particular temperature value and generates a signal representing the same. A microprocessing unit receives the signal from the data acquisition device and sends the same to an erasable memory unit. A data collection computer receives the value signal directly from the erasable memory unit, since access to the erasable memory unit by the microprocessor is shielded. The data collection computer can communicate directly with the erasable memory without the need for generating a prior art RS-232 protocol.

Abstract: A monitor device for determining end point measurements of an environmental parameter such as temperature, humidity and the like. The monitor employs a probe which consecutively measures consecutive values of such environmental parameter. Transducing means converts the measured values into an electrical signal. Clock means determines a time window which is stored in memory means. Memory means obtains a value of the span of the parameter value by determining the difference between an initial value and a selected subsequent value of the parameter. End point selection means compares the selected minimum ratio with the actual ratio within the time window set by the clock means. When the actual ratio lies within the preset minimum ratio, display means exhibits indicia representing the actual environmental parameter.

Abstract: A mechanism for obtaining a strip record of an environmental measurement. The mechanism is used in conjunction with a clock drive which advances a recording strip and with a stylus which marks an indication of the environmental status on the recording strip. The mechanism includes a housing having an exterior and interior portion which encloses the marking stylus. The recording strip is supported by a holder to permit marking by the stylus. An element is connected to the recording strip and fixed relative to the housing for permitting marking of the recording strip by the stylus. The element is removed from the housing by movement away from the marking stylus.