A condition monitoring system includes a radio frequency transponder module including an RFID chip having a first memory, and an antenna; at least one sensor module that monitors data related to the condition of an item and includes a second memory for storing the monitored data; and a communication interface that couples the at least one sensor module to the RFID chip of the radio frequency transponder module so that the sensor module is operative to communicate with the RFID chip by way of the communication interface and the RFID chip first memory is operative to store data related to the item.

A refrigerator and/or freezer unit and system for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products in compliance with regulatory requirements. The unit contains compartments for each product type in multiple controlled temperature zones with sensors to track product status and content. In a system, each unit communicates with an application service provider to provide remote inventory management capability.

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, a first door rotatably installed at a first side of the main body to open and close a first portion of the storage compartment, and a second door rotatably installed at a second side of the main body to open and close a second portion of the storage compartment. A first camera may be installed at the first door to take a picture of an interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the first door, and a second camera may be installed at the second door to take a picture of the interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the second door. A controller may combine plural pictures taken by the first camera and the second camera into a single corrected image of a region of the first compartment spanning from the first door to the second door.

A food monitoring assembly includes at least one color sensor (36) for measuring a color of a food product (30). A RFID tag reader (42) is configured to identify a RFID tag (40) in the vicinity of the RFID tag reader. A controller (50) is in electrical communication with the color sensor (36) and the RFID tag reader (42) and is configured to identify a type of the food product and determine if the color of the food product is within a predetermined color range. A communicator (58) is in electrical communication with the controller (50) for communication with a remote location.

Systems and methods for conducting self-serve transactions from an item storage device are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a freezer computing system that can execute instructions to receive an unlock signal, unlock a door of the freezer, receive an indication that the door is closed, direct one or more scanners to conduct a scan of the freezer to generate an inventory, receive the inventory from the one or more scanners, and send the inventory to a server. In another embodiment, the system includes a server computing system that can execute instructions to receive a freezer identifier and a purchaser identifier from a purchaser device, verify the freezer identifier to ensure that the purchaser is interacting with a valid freezer, verify the purchaser identifier to ensure that the purchaser is authorized for transactions, send an unlock signal to the freezer, and receive an inventory message from the freezer.

A freezing system includes a freezing device and an acquisition unit. The freezing device includes: a holding room for holding a plurality of containers, the plurality of containers each having an RF tag attached thereto, containing a material to be cooled, and being held at corresponding one of predetermined positions; and a plurality of antennas provided inside the holding room each corresponding to one of the predetermined positions, the plurality of antennas each being configured to receive information stored in the RF tag. The acquisition unit acquires information received by the plurality of antennas, with the plurality of containers being held in the holding room.

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, a first door rotatably installed at a first side of the main body to open and close a first portion of the storage compartment, and a second door rotatably installed at a second side of the main body to open and close a second portion of the storage compartment. A first camera may be installed at the first door to take a picture of an interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the first door, and a second camera may be installed at the second door to take a picture of the interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the second door. A controller may combine plural pictures taken by the first camera and the second camera into a single corrected image of a region of the first compartment spanning from the first door to the second door.

An inventory system for a refrigerator appliance includes an inventory plate which is operably coupled to a load cell and positioned within a chilled chamber. The inventory plate may be a fixed shelf or a portable coaster on which food items may be placed. A controller is configured for monitoring a weight of the food items over time using the load cell and/or a moisture content using a moisture sensor and providing an indication of food quality based at least in part on the weight and/or moisture content of the food items.

Improvements to a refrigerator with carbonated drink spout that provides a drink at the exterior of the door of the refrigerator. The improvement allows people with different tastes to select a flavor syrup cartridge, insert the flavor syrup in a external port in the door of the refrigerator and dispense the beverage using fluids that are chilled by the refrigerator. It frees the interior space of the refrigerator that is used to store cold flavored water and carbonated beverages. The refrigerator includes an internal CO2 tank and separate reservoirs of refrigerated flat and refrigerated carbonated water. The delivery system is flushed with each use to eliminate cross contamination of flavors or syrups.

A filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is disposed within the casing. A radio-frequency identification, RFID, tag is positioned on the casing. A leak detection pad is positioned on the casing. The RFID tag is in communication with the leak detection pad. The RFID tag is configured to transmit a leak detection signal in response to a liquid at the leak detection pad.