System and method for cleaning and disinfecting a cartridge, user interface device and control method

Abstract

The present application relates to a system and method for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box, a user interface device and a method for controlling a hygiene device. A system (100) and method for cleaning and sanitizing a box (101) configured to be carried by a user, wherein the system (100) automatically implements a hygiene cycle on a closed space, such as an interior space, of the box (101). The system (100) can include a hygiene device (110) that can be attached to the box (101) to implement the hygiene cycle. The system (100) can also automatically collect information related to the hygiene cycle and send the collected information to a network (122).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese Patent Application No. 201880004352.0 with the title of “Hygienic system for portable packaged food containers” filed on May 13, 2019. The parent application of the above corresponds to the PCT International Application No. PCT / CN2018 / 086468 with the international filing date of May 11, 2018. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This document relates generally to device hygiene, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for implementing automatic cleaning and / or sanitizing cycles on a closed space, such as an interior, of a box for containing packaged food, and a hygienic system for portable packaged food containers. BACKGROUND

[0003] Small and closed spaces, such as the interior of a food delivery box, are difficult to clean and / or sanitize. For example, boxes used to deliver packaged food, such as ready-to-eat food ordered by a customer from a restaurant, need to be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis to ensure food hygiene. This can be done by manually spraying a chemical agent onto the surfaces of each delivery box. The quality and thoroughness of such manual cleaning and / or sanitizing depends on the individual performing the process, and is therefore inconsistent, as there is no mechanism to ensure that the entire surface is covered and / or in a substantially uniform manner. The two-step cleaning and sanitizing process makes each cycle more complex and inconsistent. Furthermore, manual operation does not provide an objective record showing that the hygiene process was followed routinely. SUMMARY

[0004] The system can automatically implement a hygiene cycle on a closed space, such as an interior, of a box suitable for storing and / or carrying packaged food. The system can include a hygiene device that can be attached to the box to implement the hygiene cycle. The system can also automatically collect information related to the hygiene cycle, and send the collected information to a network.

[0005] A system for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and having a lid is provided, the system comprising: a hygiene device configured to be attached to the food delivery box, the hygiene device comprising: a dose container configured to hold a hygiene agent; a nozzle configured to be inserted into the food delivery box; a pump in fluid communication with the dose container and with the nozzle, the pump configured to pump the hygiene agent through the nozzle to create a spray of the hygiene agent in the box; and a control circuit configured to control hygiene cycles, the control circuit comprising: a communication circuit configured to send and receive information; a hygiene cycle management circuit configured to receive user commands each to initiate a cycle in the hygiene cycles and to automatically initiate each cycle in the hygiene cycles according to a specified schedule or in response to a user command of the user commands, the user command overriding the specified schedule; and a monitoring circuit configured to record information relating to performance of each cycle in the hygiene cycles and to send the recorded information out of the hygiene device through the communication circuit.

[0006] A method for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and having a lid is also provided, the method comprising: automatically initiating hygiene cycles according to a specified schedule, the hygiene cycles each being performed using a battery-powered portable hygiene device attached to the food delivery box and comprising spraying a hygiene agent into the food delivery box to create a spray of the hygiene agent in the food delivery box; initiating a hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles in response to a user command overriding the specified schedule; recording information relating to performance of each hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles; and sending the recorded information out of the hygiene device for analysis and monitoring of hygiene status of the box.

[0007] A user interface device for communicating with a hygiene device and an analysis center is also provided, the hygiene device being configured to be attached to a food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and to perform hygiene cycles for cleaning and sanitizing the box, the user interface device comprising: a mobile device configured to: communicate wirelessly with each of the hygiene device and the analysis center; present information relating to each cycle of the hygiene cycles to a user and receive information relating to each cycle from the user; receive recorded information from the hygiene device, the recorded information relating to performance of each cycle of the hygiene cycles; detect each non-compliance with a hygiene process for ensuring food safety and / or meeting regulatory requirements; and send the recorded information to the analysis center, including in response to detecting each non-compliance with the hygiene process.

[0008] A method for controlling a hygiene device configured to be attached to a food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and to perform hygiene cycles for cleaning and sanitizing the food delivery box is also provided, the method comprising: communicating wirelessly with the hygiene device using a mobile device; presenting information related to each cycle in the hygiene cycles to the user using the mobile device; receiving information related to each cycle from the user using the mobile device; sending logged information from the hygiene device to the mobile device, the logged information related to performance of each cycle in the hygiene cycles; detecting each non-compliance with a hygiene process for ensuring food safety and / or meeting regulatory requirements using the mobile device; and sending logged information from the mobile device to an analysis center, including in response to detecting each non-compliance with the hygiene process.

[0009] An example of a system for cleaning and sanitizing a box configured to be carried by a user can include a hygiene device. The hygiene device can be configured to be attached to the box and can include a dose container configured to contain a hygiene dose, a nozzle configured to be inserted into the box (or otherwise placed in the box to perform the function of the nozzle), a pump in fluid communication with the dose container and in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a control circuit. The pump can be configured to pump the hygiene dose through the nozzle to create a spray of the hygiene dose in the box. The control circuit can be configured to control a hygiene cycle and can include a communication circuit configured to send and receive information, a hygiene cycle management circuit configured to initiate each cycle in the hygiene cycle, and a monitoring circuit configured to log information related to performance of each cycle in the hygiene cycle and send the logged information out of the hygiene device through the communication circuit.

[0010] An example of a method for cleaning and sanitizing a box configured to be carried by a user is also provided. The method can include verifying that the box is empty, starting an automatic hygiene cycle using a battery-powered portable hygiene device attached to the box, logging information related to performance of the hygiene cycle, and sending the logged information to an analysis center for analysis and monitoring of the hygiene status of the box.

[0011] This summary is an overview of some teachings of the present application and is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Further details about the subject matter are found in the detailed description and the appended claims. The scope of the application is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system for cleaning and sanitizing a box.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustratingFigure 1 a block diagram of an embodiment of a system of the hygiene device.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a part of the hygiene device as seen from a rear view of the cassette.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a bottom of the cassette configured to house a nozzle of the hygiene device.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a part of the hygiene device as seen on a cross-sectional view of the cassette.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a controller unit of the hygiene device.

[0018] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a control circuit of the hygiene device.

[0019] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a method for cleaning and disinfecting a cassette.

[0020] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a user interface device of the system. Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description of the subject matter refers to the drawings, which are by way of illustration, show specific aspects and embodiments of the subject matter. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter. References to "an," "one," or "the" embodiment throughout this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and, moreover, such references constitute

[0022] This document discusses, inter alia, a system for automatically implementing and automatically logging hygiene cycles in an enclosed space. The system can be configured as a portable clean-in-place ("CIP") system. The hygiene cycle log can include various information collected by the system, and can be transmitted to an analysis center over a telecommunications network.

[0023] ​In this document, "sanitation" can include cleaning, sanitizing, or cleaning and sanitizing (C&S). For example, a "sanitation agent" can include a cleaning agent, a sanitizing agent, or a cleaning and sanitizing (C&S) agent; a "sanitation cycle" can include a cleaning cycle, a sanitizing cycle, or a cleaning and sanitizing (C&S) cycle; a "sanitation process" can include a cleaning process, a sanitizing process, or a cleaning and sanitizing (C&S) process.

[0024] Examples of an enclosed space include an enclosed space in a closed box used to carry or store packaged ready-to-eat food. An example of such a box includes a food delivery box used to carry cooked food from a kitchen to a dining location located away from the kitchen. A sanitation process can be established for such a box to ensure food safety (e.g., in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements). When the process is performed manually, it is difficult to ensure compliance, and there is no objective evidence of compliance recorded.

[0025] The present system provides an intelligent system that can spray a sanitation agent onto the surfaces of an enclosed space in a substantially uniform distribution under automatic control for implementing a sanitation cycle periodically or according to other specified schedules and / or criteria. In some embodiments, a 2-in-l sanitation agent (also referred to as a C&S agent) combines cleaning and sanitizing into an efficient single step. The present system also automatically collects sanitation cycle information, and transmits the collected information to one or more specified receiving locations for analysis and monitoring.

[0026] Existing sanitation systems that are intended for large spaces and require a large amount of power to operate, a large amount of water to rinse, and compressed air to dry, are not suitable for small spaces, such as a food delivery box that can be small enough to be carried by hand and / or an electrically powered scooter or motorcycle. The present system can be battery powered and portable, such as can be easily attached to a food delivery box to perform controlled spraying of a sanitation agent onto the interior surfaces of the food delivery box when the food delivery box is empty. In one embodiment, the present system uses a single nozzle that is configured to work with a diaphragm pump to spray the sanitation agent atomically to ensure that the sanitation agent covers all surfaces of the enclosed space, such as the cavity of a rectangular box having six flat surfaces.

[0027] In various embodiments, the present system can include a control system that receives a command and initiates a sanitation cycle in response to the command. The command can be received by the system from a remote device via a communication link. In response to the sanitation cycle being initiated, the electronic circuitry of the present system generates a signal to initiate the diaphragm pump to spray, resulting in a substantially uniform distribution of the sanitation agent on all surfaces of the enclosed space. The electronic circuitry can control the automatic performance of the sanitation cycle, record the time and / or other sanitation cycle information of the sanitation cycle, and transmit the recorded information, including the time, to an analysis center.

[0028] In various embodiments, the sanitizing agent can include one or more chemicals in liquid form. Examples of sanitizing agents include a cleaner, a disinfectant, or a selected two-in-one C&S agent, such that when sprayed into an enclosed space using the present system, a dose distributed on the surfaces of the enclosed space can produce results that meet the relevant regulatory requirements for cleaning and disinfecting efficacy. This dose distribution can be achieved by configuring the nozzle and diaphragm pump to provide chemical fogging and determining the duration of spraying for each sanitizing cycle.

[0029] While the sanitizing system for a food delivery box is specifically discussed as an example in this document, the present subject matter is not limited to such an application, but can be used to apply a liquid and / or gas into any enclosed space for purposes including, but not limited to, cleaning and disinfecting the enclosed space. Some examples of devices having a cavity that can be cleaned and disinfected by applying the present subject matter include a refrigerator, a microwave, a food container of any shape, a container of non-food items that need to be cleaned and disinfected, a storage and / or delivery box (not limited to food storage and / or delivery), and a dishwasher. In addition, the present subject matter is not limited to spraying a liquid sanitizing agent, but can also be used to spray various other liquids or gases, such as a pest control agent.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system 100 for cleaning and disinfecting a box 101. The box 101 can include any container having a cavity that needs to be cleaned and disinfected. In the illustrated embodiment, the box 101 is a rectangular box having a flat rectangular bottom 102 (only the edges are shown in Figure 1 ), a lid (or cover) 103, and four sides. The four sides include a front side 105 (only the edges are shown in Figure 1 ), a back side 104, and two lateral sides 106A and 106B (only the edges are shown in Figure 1 ) each coupled between the front side 105 and the back side 104. The lid 103 is connected to the back side 104 by hinges 107A and 107B. In various embodiments, the lid 103 is connected to the back side 104 by one or more hinges. The box 101 can be securely closed using a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the lid 103 in a closed position. When the lid 103 is in the closed position (as shown in Figure 1 ), a closed space is formed by the inner surfaces of the box 101 including the bottom 102, the front side 105, the back side 104, the lateral sides 106A and 106B, and the lid 103. This closed space can be cleaned and disinfected by using the present subject matter.

[0031] Examples of box 101 are food storage and / or delivery boxes, such as portable food delivery boxes. In various embodiments, box 101, as a food delivery box, can be carried by hand and / or attached to a vehicle such as a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle. For example, the food delivery box can be attached to a vehicle with the rear side 104 facing the vehicle's forward direction of movement. In various embodiments, box 101 is used to contain packaged food without allowing direct contact between the food and the inner surface of the box. When used correctly, no solid or liquid food residue or stains should be left on the inner surface of box 101 so that rinsing is not required for cleaning. In the event of accidental food leakage, manual cleaning may be necessary.

[0032] System 100 may be an automated sanitation system, including a sanitation device 110, a user interface device 120, and an analysis center 124 that can communicate with the user interface device 120 via a network 122. The sanitation device 110 may be attached to a housing 101. In some embodiments, the sanitation device 110 is configured to be detachably attached to the housing 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the sanitation device 110 includes a container unit 111 for containing a sanitary agent and a nozzle for controlling the sanitary agent flow. Figure 1 The document shows (not shown) the delivery controller unit 112, the conduit 113 between the container unit 111 and the controller unit 112, and the conduit 114 between the controller unit 112 and the nozzle. It should be understood that, as shown in this document... Figure 1 As shown in other figures, the arrangement of system components (e.g., how the components of sanitary device 110 are physically arranged, housed, and attached to box 101) is illustrated by way of example rather than limitation. Such an arrangement may be determined based on design considerations such as the specific shape and size of box 101, the location where box 101 will be placed, and / or how box 101 will be transported.

[0033] The user interface device 120 can send and receive information via one or more wireless communication links, such that it can present instructions to a user of the box 101 and receive confirmations and / or commands from the user. In this document, a "user" includes a person using the system 100 to clean and sanitize the box 101. When the box 101 is a portable food delivery box, the user can be a delivery person (also referred to as a "driver," "rider," etc.) assigned the task of cleaning and / or sanitizing the box. Such a delivery person can include anyone carrying the box by hand and / or using any vehicle. The user interface device 120 can communicate with the hygiene device 110 via a wireless communication link 121 (e.g., using Bluetooth technology) and can communicate with a network 122 via another wireless communication link 123 (e.g., the Internet or a cellular network over Wi-Fi). In various implementations, the user interface device 120 can present instructions to the user using a touchscreen and / or a speaker, and can receive confirmations and / or commands from the user using a touchscreen and / or a microphone. For example, communicating with the user using a speaker and a microphone (e.g., a headset provided with a microphone) allows hands-free operation at least to some extent. In various implementations, the user interface device 120 includes a mobile device, such as a cellular phone or a tablet computer.

[0034] The analysis center 124 can represent one or more data analysis and / or monitoring facilities in communication with many boxes of a commercial organization, such as all food delivery boxes of a food delivery company or a subset, such as all food delivery boxes within a region or a subsidiary of a food delivery company. This allows the organization to efficiently and effectively manage the cleaning and / or sanitization of the boxes, such as for ensuring food safety and / or meeting regulatory requirements.

[0035] The network 122 can represent any network including, but not limited to, a telecommunications network, a local network, the Internet, or the Internet of Things (IoT). In various implementations, the network 122 includes an IoT, with the user interface device 120 and the analysis center 124 as part thereof, respectively. In some implementations, the hygiene device 110 can communicate with the network 122 directly (without the user interface device 120) via another wireless communication link 127 (e.g., a Wi-Fi or cellular network). This allows direct communication between the analysis center 124 or other operations control or management center and the hygiene device 110 when communication with the user interface device 120 via link 121 and / or 123 is not available for any reason. In some implementations, the hygiene device 110 can be configured to be part of an IoT, and the network 122 can represent an IoT, with the hygiene device 110, the user interface device 120, and the analysis center 124 all as part thereof.

[0036] Figure 2is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hygiene device 210 that represents an example of components of the hygiene device 110. The hygiene device 210 can include a dose container 230, a conduit 213, a pump 231, a conduit 214, a nozzle 232, a control circuit 233, and a power source 234.

[0037] The dose container 230 contains a hygiene agent. Depending on the purpose of conducting a hygiene cycle, the hygiene agent can be a liquid chemical agent that has only a cleaning effect, only a disinfecting effect, or both cleaning and disinfecting effects. The hygiene agent that has both cleaning and disinfecting effects can be referred to as a two-in-one hygiene agent or a two-in-one C&S agent. Using such a two-in-one hygiene agent can perform each C&S hygiene cycle with a single spraying action. In various embodiments, the dose container 230 includes a refillable bottle or a disposable bottle that is suitable for containing the hygiene agent. The pump 231 can receive the hygiene agent from the dose container 230 through the conduit 213 and deliver the hygiene agent to the nozzle 232 through the conduit 214. An example of the pump 231 includes a diaphragm pump. The nozzle 232 works with the pump 213 to create a spray of the hygiene agent in an enclosed space of a cartridge, such as the cartridge 101, to cause a substantially uniform distribution of the hygiene agent on the inner surfaces of the cartridge. In one embodiment as a specific example discussed in this document, the nozzle 232 includes a single nozzle that is incorporated into the bottom of the cartridge, e.g., inserted into the cartridge through a hole in the geometric center of the cartridge bottom. In various embodiments, the nozzle 232 can include one or more nozzles incorporated into the bottom, the lid, and / or each of the four side portions of the cartridge to create a spray of the hygiene agent in the cartridge, thereby causing a substantially uniform distribution of the hygiene agent on the inner surfaces of the cartridge. The control circuit 233 can include an electronic circuit that is configured to control the conduct of a hygiene cycle. The power source 234 provides power for the operation of the hygiene device 210. The power source 234 can include one or more rechargeable and / or non-rechargeable batteries.

[0038] In one embodiment, the components of the hygiene device 210 are arranged and attached to the cartridge as shown in Figure 1 Fig. 2B. In various embodiments, the components of the hygiene device 210 can be arranged and coupled to the cartridge in any manner that ensures the portability of the cartridge.

[0039] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a portion of the hygiene device 110 as seen from a rear view of the cartridge 101. Figure 3The components of the box 101 shown include a bottom 102 (edge ​​only shown), a cover 103 (edge ​​only shown), lateral sides 106A (edge ​​only shown) and 106B (edge ​​only shown), and a rear side 104. Figure 3 The components of the sanitary device 110 shown include a container unit 111, a pipe 113, a controller unit 112, and a pipe 114.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an embodiment of the bottom 102 of the cartridge 101 configured to accommodate the nozzle. Figure 4 The components of the box 101 shown include a bottom 102, a cover 103 (only the two edges are shown), a rear side 104, a front side 105 (only the two edges are shown), and lateral sides 106A (only the two edges are shown) and 106B. The bottom 102 includes an opening 440, which is sized and shaped to allow placement of a nozzle, such as nozzle 232. The bottom 102 also includes a recess 441 to receive a portion of a conduit 114 connected to the nozzle.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an embodiment of a portion of the sanitary device 110 as seen in a cross-sectional view of the box 101. Figure 5 The components of the box 101 shown include a bottom 102 with a hole 440 and a groove 441, a cover 103, and lateral sides 106A and 106B. Figure 3 The components of the sanitary device 110 shown include a container unit 111, a pipe 113, a pipe 114, and an example of a nozzle 232, which is shown as a nozzle 532 that generates a spray that distributes the sanitary agent onto the inner surface of the box 101.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a controller unit 612, representing an example of a controller unit 112. (As shown...) Figure 6 The controller unit 612 shown illustrates an example of the placement of its main components, which include a pump 631 (representing an example of pump 231), a control circuit 633 (representing an example of control circuit 233), a battery pack 634 (representing an example of power supply 234), a pipe connector 643 configured to be connected to pipe 113, and a pipe connector 644 configured to be connected to pipe 114.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of control circuit 733, representing an example of control circuit 233. Control circuit 733 may include communication circuit 750, power switch 751, hygiene cycle management circuit 752, monitoring circuit 753, and power management circuit 754.

[0044] The communication circuit 750 provides communication between the user interface device 120 and the hygiene device 110 via the wireless communication link 121, e.g. using Bluetooth technology. In various embodiments, the communication circuit 750 transmits data collected by the hygiene device 110 to the user interface device 120, receives commands from the user interface device 120 to control the operation of the hygiene device 110, and transmits signals indicative of the operating status of the hygiene device 110 to the user interface device 120. The user interface device 120 can act as a relay device for communication between the hygiene device 110 and the analysis center 124 (or any other operation control or management center) over the network 122. In some embodiments, the communication circuit 750 also provides communication between the network 122 and the hygiene device 110 via the wireless communication link 123, e.g. using Wi-Fi or a cellular network. The communication circuit 750 can transmit data collected by the hygiene device 110 to the analysis center 124, receive commands from the analysis center 124 to control the operation of the hygiene device 110, and transmit signals indicative of the operating status of the hygiene device 110 to the analysis center 124 over the network 122 without using the user interface device 120 as a relay device.

[0045] The power switch 751 can comprise any switch suitable for switching power on and off. This allows the user to switch the hygiene device 110 on and off.

[0046] The hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can initiate and control hygiene cycles according to a programmed schedule, criteria, and / or user commands. In various embodiments, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can be configured to initiate hygiene cycles periodically (e.g., every 4 hours) or according to a specified (e.g., programmable) schedule (e.g., at 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:00 PM). The hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can also be configured to initiate hygiene cycles in response to user commands (e.g., overriding the specified schedule). The user commands can include commands sent from the user interface device 120 and received by the communication circuit 750. In various embodiments, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can confirm that the cartridge 101 is empty and the lid 103 is closed, and can begin spraying the hygiene agent upon making the confirmation. For example, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can send a confirmation request signal to the user interface device 120 through the communication circuit 750, and receive a confirmation response signal from the user interface device 120 confirming that the cartridge 101 is empty and the lid 103 is closed. The user interface device 120 can present the confirmation request signal as an audible and / or visual message to the user, and receive a response from the user as the confirmation response signal. The confirmation response signal can serve as a command to begin spraying the hygiene agent, i.e., the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can begin spraying the hygiene agent upon receiving the confirmation response signal. In various embodiments, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can also control the execution of the hygiene cycle after it is initiated, including controlling the pumping of the hygiene agent during the hygiene cycle. For example, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can control the duration of the hygiene agent pumping by timing the pumping and ending the pumping upon expiration of a specified time interval.

[0047] The monitoring circuit 753 can record information indicative of the performance of each hygiene cycle and send the recorded information to the network 122 (in other words, "upload data to the cloud"). In various embodiments, the recorded information can include information identifying the box 101 (e.g., a serial number), the user (e.g., the delivery person using the box), the time of the hygiene cycle (e.g., the start, end, and / or actual spraying time), and / or the location where the hygiene cycle was performed. In various embodiments, the recorded information is sent to the network 122 so that the analysis center 124 can analyze the recorded information and send instructions and / or alerts to the user interface device 120 based on the results of the analysis (e.g., to ensure compliance with hygiene procedures), periodically receive recorded information from all delivery boxes equipped with hygiene devices (e.g., company-wide, regionally, or nationally), periodically (e.g., monthly) report to management (e.g., a designated person or team) on the performance of hygiene cycles of delivery boxes (e.g., statistics), and / or send instructions from management to each user and / or each team leader managing multiple users. In various embodiments, the monitoring circuit 753 can also monitor the status of the hygiene cycle and notify the user by sending information to the user interface device 120 indicative of the status of the hygiene cycle. When the sent information indicates that the hygiene cycle is complete, the user interface device 120 can present instructions to the user to open the lid 103 to allow natural drying or wiping of the inner surfaces of the box 101 with a paper towel (e.g., to comply with regulatory requirements) and / or perform certain other tasks that comply with relevant regulatory requirements.

[0048] The power management circuit 754 can manage the operation of the power source 234 and control the distribution of power to the various components of the hygiene device 110 that require power to operate (e.g., the pump 231 and the control circuit 233 or 733). When the power source 234 includes one or more batteries, the power management circuit 754 can monitor the remaining level of the one or more batteries and generate a battery level alert signal in response to the level falling below a battery level threshold. The power management circuit 754 can send the battery level alert signal to the user interface circuit 120 through the communication circuit 750 to alert the user to replace or recharge the one or more batteries of the power source 234. In one embodiment, the user interface device 120 periodically alerts the user to replace the batteries or recharge the batteries (e.g., every week).

[0049] In some embodiments, the control circuit 733 is configured to determine the location of the hygiene device 110 using a positioning system such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a location-based service (LBS). This allows for tracking of the hygiene device 110 and using its location trajectory to determine whether a hygiene cycle should be performed. The hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can use the location of the hygiene device 110 as one of the criteria to initiate a hygiene cycle. For example, when the bin 101 arrives at a scheduled hygiene cycle, the hygiene cycle management circuit 752 can track the location of the attached hygiene device 110 and have the bin 101 with the hygiene device 110 return after delivering food to the facility initiate a hygiene cycle while preparing food for delivery. Information recorded and transmitted by the monitoring circuit 753 about the hygiene cycle can also include the location at which the hygiene cycle was performed. The control circuit 733 and / or the analysis center 124 can analyze the recorded information to determine whether the hygiene process was complied with, for example, by determining the number of food deliveries between two hygiene cycles (as monitored by tracking the location of the hygiene device 110). The control circuit 733 can also transmit information indicating the location of the hygiene device 110 to the network 122 to allow tracking of the hygiene device 110 by the analysis center 124 and / or other operations control or management centers for various other purposes. For example, the location of the hygiene device 110 can be tracked to record and analyze the route of food deliveries to improve timing or efficiency, or to monitor whether the hygiene device 110 is deployed to comply with the hygiene process.

[0050] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 860 for cleaning and sanitizing a bin, such as the bin 101. In one embodiment, the system 100 is configured to perform the method 860. In one embodiment, a user interface device, such as the user interface device 120, is configured to control the performance of the method 860. For example, the user interface device can comprise a cellular phone, and an application is installed on the cellular phone to control the performance of the method 860. The application can present reminders and instructions to the user before, after, and during each hygiene cycle.

[0051] At 861, the bin is verified to be empty. If the bin is not empty (e.g., the bin contains food), the contents must be removed before the hygiene cycle can begin. If the bin is not empty because it is soiled (e.g., by a food spill), the bin can be manually cleaned (e.g., using a paper towel to wipe away solid or liquid food spillage). The bin can then be verified to be empty.

[0052] At 862, in response to a command indicating that the bin is verified to be empty, an automatic hygiene cycle is initiated. The hygiene cycle can be performed automatically using a battery-powered portable hygiene device (e.g., the hygiene device 110) that is attached to the bin.

[0053] At 863, information related to the execution of the hygiene cycle is recorded by the battery-powered portable hygiene device. Such information is indicative of whether the hygiene process was complied with, for example to ensure food safety and / or to meet regulatory requirements.

[0054] At 864, the recorded information is transmitted to the analysis center, for example by uploading data representing the recorded information to a network. This ends the hygiene cycle. In various embodiments, the transmission of the recorded information can be triggered by the end of each hygiene cycle (periodically), by a data transmission command sent from the user interface device, and / or by detecting non-compliance with the hygiene process. The recorded information can be transmitted to the analysis center directly from the battery-powered portable hygiene device and / or via the user interface device.

[0055] In various embodiments, upon completion of the hygiene cycle, the inner surfaces of the box will be dried by the user. This can be done by opening the lid of the box to allow for natural air drying. Alternatively, this can be done by opening the lid of the box and wiping all the inner surfaces of the box (for example, using a paper towel), for example when time or weather does not allow for air drying. When the box is used for food delivery, no liquid (i.e., hygiene agent) should be left in the box when loading the packaged food for the next food delivery.

[0056] In various embodiments, the exterior of the box should also be cleaned periodically. Such cleaning can be performed manually.

[0057] In various embodiments in which the container of the hygiene agent is refillable, the container is cleaned before each refill or after a specified number of refills. Other parts of the hygiene device (for example, the nozzle and / or the tubing) should also be cleaned periodically or as needed.

[0058] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a user interface device 920 which can represent the user interface device 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface device 920 is a cell phone on which a hygiene application 970 is installed. The cell phone is carried by each delivery person (or other person) responsible for complying with the hygiene process.

[0059] In various embodiments, the functions performed by the application 970 through the cell phone 920 can include functions selected from the following examples:

[0060] • presenting food safety tips for the home delivery of cooked food;

[0061] • displaying a training video on the hygiene process for the home delivery of cooked food;

[0062] • reminding the user that a hygiene cycle is starting (with an audible and / or visual message);

[0063] • instructing the user to check whether the box is empty;

[0064] • receiving confirmation from the user that the box is empty;

[0065] • triggering spraying of the hygiene agent during each hygiene cycle;

[0066] • recording information related to each hygiene cycle;

[0067] • sending the recorded information to a network (by uploading data representing the recorded information to an analysis center via the network, due to a transmission command from the user at the end of each hygiene cycle (periodically), by detecting a failure in compliance with the hygiene process, and / or by detecting a trigger

[0068] • receiving feedback information from the analysis center (generated automatically by the data analysis center and / or feedback information generated by one or more

[0069] • detecting each non-compliance with the hygiene process;

[0070] • receiving feedback information from the analysis center (generated automatically by the data analysis center and / or feedback information generated by one or more

[0071] individuals, e.g., management); and

[0072] • presenting the feedback information (e.g., a confirmation of compliance, a reminder, and / or an instruction by the user's actions, and / or a warning related to each non-compliance with the hygiene process detected by the application or the analysis center).

[0073] The above is not an exhaustive list, and can include other related functions determined by those skilled in the art.

[0074] Some non-limiting examples (Examples 1-50) of the present subject matter are provided as follows:

[0075] In Example 1, a system for cleaning and disinfecting a box can include a hygiene device, the box configured to be carried by a user. The hygiene device can be configured to be attached to the box and can include: an agent container configured to contain a hygiene agent; a nozzle configured to be inserted into the box (or otherwise placed in the box to perform the function of the nozzle); a pump in fluid communication with the agent container and in fluid communication with the nozzle; and a control circuit. The pump can be configured to pump the hygiene agent through the nozzle to create a spray of the hygiene agent in the box. The control circuit can be configured to control a hygiene cycle and can include: a communication circuit configured to send and receive information; a hygiene cycle management circuit configured to initiate each cycle in the hygiene cycle; and a monitoring circuit configured to record information related to the performance of each cycle in the hygiene cycle and send the recorded information out of the hygiene device through the communication circuit.

[0076] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene agent includes a cleaning agent.

[0077] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene agent comprises a disinfectant.

[0078] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene agent comprises a sanitizing agent.

[0079] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-4 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is further configured to control pumping of the hygiene agent during each cycle of the hygiene cycle.

[0080] In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to time the pumping of the hygiene agent and end the pumping of the hygiene agent at the expiration of a specified time interval.

[0081] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-6 can optionally be configured to further comprise a power source having one or more batteries.

[0082] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally be configured such that the control circuit further comprises a power management circuit coupled to the power source to monitor a need for replacement or recharging of the one or more batteries.

[0083] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-8 can optionally be configured to further comprise a case, the case being a portable food delivery case.

[0084] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-9 can optionally be configured such that the case has a flat bottom and the nozzle is configured to be incorporated into a center of the bottom.

[0085] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 can optionally be configured such that the case is a rectangular case having a flat bottom, a flat lid, four flat sides, each flat side being coupled between the flat bottom and the flat lid when the lid is closed. The case includes one or more hinges connecting between the lid and one of the four sides and a locking mechanism configured to lock the lid in a closed position.

[0086] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-11 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene device is configured to be removably attached to the case.

[0087] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene device includes: a container unit including the dose container; a controller unit including the diaphragm pump, the control circuit, and the battery; tubing coupled between the container and the controller case to provide fluid communication between the dose container and the pump; and tubing between the controller unit and the nozzle to provide fluid communication between the pump and the nozzle. The container unit and the controller unit are each configured to be detachably attached to the case.

[0088] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-13 can optionally be configured such that the dose container includes a refillable bottle.

[0089] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-14 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to initiate the hygiene cycles according to a specified schedule.

[0090] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to periodically initiate the hygiene cycles.

[0091] In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-16 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to initiate each of the hygiene cycles in response to a user command.

[0092] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to receive the user command through the communication circuit.

[0093] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 11-18 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to confirm that the case is empty and the lid is closed, and to initiate spraying of the hygiene dose upon making said confirmation.

[0094] In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 can optionally be configured such that the hygiene cycle management circuit is configured to: transmit a confirmation request signal for confirming that the case is empty and the lid is closed, receive a confirmation response signal confirming the transmission of the confirmation request signal, and initiate the nozzle and the pump to spray the hygiene dose upon receiving the confirmation response signal.

[0095] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-20 can optionally be configured such that the monitoring circuit is further configured to notify the user of a status of each of the hygiene cycles in the hygiene.

[0096] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 can optionally be configured such that the monitoring circuit is further configured to notify the user to perform one or more functions during each of the hygiene cycles in the hygiene process.

[0097] In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-22 can optionally be configured such that the monitoring circuit is configured to record information including one or more of: information identifying the cartridge, information identifying the user, and timing information for each of the hygiene cycles.

[0098] In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-23 can optionally be configured such that the monitoring circuit is configured to transmit the recorded information out of the hygiene device using a wireless communication technology.

[0099] In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 1-24 can optionally be configured to further include a user interface device configured to present information to the user regarding each of the hygiene cycles and to receive information from the user regarding each of the cycles.

[0100] In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 can optionally be configured such that the user interface device includes a mobile device.

[0101] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally be configured such that the mobile device includes a cellular phone and a hygiene application installed on the cellular phone. The hygiene application allows the user to participate in the control of each of the hygiene cycles.

[0102] In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 25-27 can optionally be configured such that the user interface device is configured to allow the user to initiate a cycle of the hygiene cycles.

[0103] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 25-27 can optionally be configured such that the user interface device is configured to allow the user to start the ejection of the hygiene agent during each of the hygiene cycles.

[0104] In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 25-29 can optionally be configured such that the user interface device is configured to receive the recorded information from the hygiene circuit.

[0105] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 can optionally be configured to further include an analysis center configured to be communicatively coupled to the user interface device via a wireless communication, and to analyze the recorded information and to generate feedback information based on a result of the analysis. The user interface device is configured to relay the recorded information to the analysis center and to receive the feedback information from the analysis center.

[0106] In Example 32, a method for cleaning and sanitizing a box configured to be carried by a user is provided. The method can include verifying that the box is empty; initiating an automatic sanitation cycle using a battery-powered portable sanitation device attached to the box; recording information related to performance of the sanitation cycle, and sending the recorded information to an analysis center for analysis and monitoring of sanitation status of the box.

[0107] In Example 33, the subject matter found in Example 32 of initiating a sanitation cycle can optionally include spraying a sanitation agent into the box to create a spray of the sanitation agent in the box to cause substantially uniform distribution of the sanitation agent on interior surfaces of the box.

[0108] In Example 34, the subject matter found in Example 33 of spraying a sanitation agent can optionally include spraying a cleaning agent.

[0109] In Example 35, the subject matter found in Example 33 of spraying a sanitation agent can optionally include spraying a disinfectant.

[0110] In Example 36, the subject matter found in Example 33 of spraying a sanitation agent can optionally include spraying a cleaning disinfectant.

[0111] In Example 37, the subject matter found in Example 33 of spraying a sanitation agent into the box can optionally include spraying the sanitation agent into the box using a single nozzle located at a bottom of the box.

[0112] In Example 38, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 32-37 can optionally further include communicating with the user regarding the sanitation cycle using a user interface device.

[0113] In Example 39, the subject matter found in Example 38 of using a user interface device can optionally include using a cellular telephone carried by the user.

[0114] In Example 40, the subject matter found in any one or any combination of Examples 38 and 39 of sending the recorded information to an analysis center can optionally further include sending the recorded information over a network using a wireless communication technique.

[0115] In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 40 can optionally further include generating instructions for the user based on the analysis and monitoring of the sanitation status of the box; and presenting the instructions for the user using a user interface device.

[0116] In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 38-41 can optionally further include verifying that the box is empty includes instructing the user to verify that the box is free of solid or liquid waste resulting from food delivery. The box is a food delivery box.

[0117] In Example 43, the subject matter found in Example 38 as found can optionally include indicating to the user that the cartridge is empty.

[0118] In Example 44, the subject matter found in any one or any combination of Examples 38-43 as found can optionally include initiating the automatic sanitation cycle in response to a command sent from the application upon verifying that the cartridge is empty.

[0119] In Example 45, the subject matter found in Example 34 as found can optionally include initiating the automatic sanitation cycle according to a specified schedule and upon verifying that the cartridge is empty.

[0120] In Example 46, the subject matter found in Example 45 as found can optionally include initiating the automatic sanitation cycle periodically and upon verifying that the cartridge is empty.

[0121] In Example 47, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 33-46 as found can optionally further include initiating, timing, and ending the sanitation spray according to a specified interval.

[0122] In Example 48, the subject matter of Example 47 as found can optionally further include using the user interface device to instruct the user to dry the interior surfaces of the cartridge upon completion of the sanitation cycle.

[0123] In Example 49, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 33-46 as found can optionally further include using the user interface device to instruct the user to dry the interior surfaces of the cartridge upon completion of the sanitation cycle.

[0124] In Example 50, the subject matter of any one or any combination of Examples 33-49 as found can optionally further include using the user interface device to periodically instruct the user to clean the exterior surfaces of the cartridge.

[0125] This application is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations in the example(s) disclosed. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the application should be determined by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box, the food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and having a lid, the system comprising: a sanitation device configured to be attached to the food delivery box, the sanitation device comprising: a dose container configured to hold a sanitation agent; a nozzle configured to be inserted into the food delivery box; a pump in fluid communication with the dose container and with the nozzle, the pump configured to pump the sanitation agent through the nozzle to create a spray of the sanitation agent in the food delivery box; and a control circuit configured to control implementation of sanitation cycles and to determine a location of the sanitation device, the control circuit comprising: a communication circuit configured to send and receive information; a sanitation cycle management circuit configured to receive user commands each to initiate a cycle in the sanitation cycles and to automatically initiate each of the sanitation cycles according to a programmable schedule and criteria including the location of the sanitation device or in response to a user command of the user commands, the user command overriding the programmable schedule; and a monitoring circuit configured to record information related to performance of each of the sanitation cycles and to send the recorded information out of the sanitation device through the communication circuit, the recorded information including the location at which each of the sanitation cycles was implemented. the control circuit is further configured to determine whether a sanitation process established for food safety is met by tracking the location of the sanitation device between two of the sanitation cycles.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the sanitation cycle management circuit is configured to receive the user commands through the communication circuit.

3. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the sanitation cycle management circuit is configured to confirm that the food delivery box is empty and the lid is closed and to initiate spraying of the sanitation agent when the confirmation is made.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein, 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a mobile device configured to communicate wirelessly with the sanitation device, to receive the user commands, and to send the user commands to the sanitation device. the sanitation cycle management circuit is configured to send a confirmation request signal to the mobile device to confirm that the food delivery box is empty and the lid is closed, to receive a confirmation response signal from the mobile device confirming that the food delivery box is empty and the lid is closed, and to initiate the nozzle and the pump to spray the sanitation agent when the confirmation response signal is received.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, 7. A method for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box, the food delivery box configured to be carried by a user and having a lid, the method comprising: automatically initiating sanitation cycles according to a programmable schedule and criteria, the sanitation cycles each implemented using a battery-powered portable sanitation device attached to the food delivery box and including spraying a sanitation agent into the food delivery box to create a spray of the sanitation agent in the food delivery box, the criteria including a location of the sanitation device determined by a positioning system; the sanitation cycles each implemented using a battery-powered portable sanitation device attached to the food delivery box and including spraying a sanitation agent into the food delivery box to create a spray of the sanitation agent in the food delivery box, the criteria including a location of the sanitation device determined by a positioning system; if a user command overriding the programmable schedule is received by the hygiene device, initiating a hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles in response to the user command; recording information relating to performance of each hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles, the recorded information including a location at which the each hygiene cycle was performed; and sending the recorded information out of the hygiene device for analysis and monitoring of a hygiene status of the food delivery box.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining whether a hygiene process established for food safety is complied with by tracking a location of the hygiene device between two of the hygiene cycles.

9. The method of any one of claims 7 and 8, further comprising receiving the user command using a mobile device.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising during each of the hygiene cycles: confirming to the user, using the mobile device, that the food delivery box is empty and the lid is closed; and starting spraying of the hygiene agent into the food delivery box upon confirming that the food delivery box is empty and the lid is closed.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, Confirming to the user that the food delivery box is empty includes instructing the user, using the mobile device, to verify that the food delivery box is free of solid or liquid waste resulting from food delivery.

12. A user interface device for communicating with a hygiene device included in a system for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box according to claim 1 via a first wireless communication link and with an analysis center via a second wireless communication link, the hygiene device being configured to attach to the food delivery box configured to be carried by the user and to perform hygiene cycles for cleaning and sanitizing the food delivery box, the user interface device comprising: a mobile device configured to: communicate wirelessly with each of the hygiene device and the analysis center; present information relating to each of the hygiene cycles to the user and receive information relating to the each of the hygiene cycles from the user; receive recorded information from the hygiene device via the first wireless communication link, the recorded information relating to performance of each of the hygiene cycles; detect each non-compliance with a hygiene process for ensuring food safety and / or meeting regulatory requirements; and send the recorded information to the analysis center via the second wireless communication link, including sending the recorded information in response to detecting each non-compliance with the hygiene process. the mobile device comprises a cellular phone and a hygiene application installed on the cellular phone, the hygiene application allowing the user to participate in control of each of the hygiene cycles.

13. The user interface device of claim 12, wherein, the mobile device is configured to allow the user to initiate a cycle of the hygiene cycles.

14. The user interface device of claim 13, wherein, the mobile device is configured to receive feedback information from the analysis center and present the feedback information to the user, the feedback information relating to detection of each non-compliance with the hygiene process.

15. The user interface device of any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein, ​ 16. A method for controlling a hygiene device included in a system for cleaning and sanitizing a food delivery box according to claim 1, the hygiene device being configured to be attached to the food delivery box configured to be carried by the user and to perform hygiene cycles for cleaning and sanitizing the food delivery box, the method comprising: communicating with the hygiene device via a first wireless communication link using a mobile device; presenting information related to each cycle of the hygiene cycles to the user using the mobile device; receiving information related to the each cycle from the user using the mobile device; sending logged information from the hygiene device to the mobile device, the logged information being related to the performance of each cycle of the hygiene cycles; detecting each non-compliance with a hygiene process for ensuring food safety and / or meeting regulatory requirements using the mobile device; and sending logged information from the mobile device to an analysis center via a second wireless communication link, including sending logged information in response to detecting each non-compliance with the hygiene process.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving feedback information from the analysis center using the mobile device and presenting the feedback information to the user, the feedback information including a warning related to the detection of each non-compliance with the hygiene process. Sending logged information from the mobile device to the analysis center further comprises sending logged information in response to the end of each hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, Sending logged information from the mobile device to the analysis center further comprises sending logged information periodically.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, Sending logged information from the mobile device to the analysis center further comprises sending logged information in response to a transmission command from the user.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising presenting an audible and / or visual message using the mobile device to alert the user that a hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles is starting.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising presenting a food safety tip for the home delivery of cooked food using the mobile device.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising displaying a training video on the hygiene process for the home delivery of cooked food using the mobile device.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising instructing the user to dry inner surfaces of the food delivery box using the mobile device upon completion of each hygiene cycle of the hygiene cycles.

25. The method of claim 16, further comprising instructing the user to clean outer surfaces of the food delivery box using the mobile device periodically. ​

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