Microprocessor and Ethernet-Based

This system consists of ethylene, temperature and relative humidity sensors, and a Smart-Ripe® generator (this is a slightly modified version of one of our ethylene generators). The generator and sensors are network-enabled and contain microprocessors that allow communication on a local network and with our dedicated Smart- Ripe® server via the Internet. Our Ripening Manager software allows for monitoring and control of the equipment on your network.

Ethylene Monitoring and Control

We have developed a detector that will measure ethylene levels. The Smart-Ripe® generator uses data from this detector to provide control of ripening room ethylene levels. The user may enter an ethylene setpoint between 50 and 300 ppm; the ethylene production of the generator will then automatically modulate in order to maintain the desired setpoint.

Accuracy of the ethylene sensor is 15%, and sensor life is 1 year. Under a service agreement with us, a replacement program will be in place to send a new sensor and generator pack every year. Replacement is quick and easy, about 5 minutes per room.

Ripening Manager Software

In order to monitor and control the ethylene level, we created the Ripening Manager software. This program installs on a computer that is located on the same network as the Smart-Ripe® system. It will show all of the equipment on screen, along with the room numbers, ethylene levels, temperature and RH% readings. With this software, changes to ethylene setpoints can be made, as well as to high and low alarm levels for ethylene, temperature and RH%.

Web-based access to ripening room conditions

Internet connectivity enables Smart-Ripe® equipment to connect to our Smart- Ripe® server and to report all sensor data every 5 minutes. Secure access to our Smart-Ripe® web site (www.monitor.smartripe.com) can be provided so that conditions of all Smart-Ripe® equipped rooms are able to be seen from anywhere there is Internet access. The server also stores readings for download and sends email or text message alerts:

• Data Logging Every five minutes, the Smart-Ripe® server will store the generator status, ethylene level, room air temperature and room RH% reading in a downloadable text file. This is easily imported into Excel or other spreadsheet applications for viewing and storage...making record keeping and compliance almost effortless.
• E-mail and Text Message Alerts The Smart-Ripe® server provides e-mail and text message alerts. High and low levels may be established for each environmental point. If any of these points are then violated, or if a generator does not operate correctly, the system will notify personnel by e-mail, text message or both.

Easy Setup

All that is needed is to connect to an existing network (one Ethernet connection is needed inside each ripening room; if more than one generator per room is necessary for proper ethylene levels, then a switch can be used for multiple Ethernet connections). Internet service is optional; this allows for the equipment to report to our Smart-Ripe® server for web-based access to rooms.