Abstract: An element comprised of a cryoretentive material is adapted for insertion into and support within the inner vessel of a cryogenic dewar adjacent one or more sample holders. Such a cryoretentive element may be adapted for disposition within the canister of existing sample holders and for acceptance of one or more samples, thus permitting the convenient conversion of unprotected dewars for protection against upsets and for improved sample holding times. Such elements provide a convenient and inexpensive conversion of cryogenic dewars for shipping, an improved ability to maintain samples in a cold state for longer periods of time and an improved sample holder with protection against a loss of liquid cryogen.

Abstract: A cryogenic shipping and storage system includes a cryogenic dewar having a top opening, one or more specimen holders suspended within the dewar, a top housing secured to dewar opening and forming a central opening corresponding with the top dewar opening to allow insertion and withdrawal of the one or more specimen holders, a plug adapted to engage the one or more specimen holders and close the central opening of the top housing, a top cover hingedly carried by the top housing over the central opening, and indicia provided on the top housing to identify each of the one or more specimen holders suspended within the dewar. The top housing includes means for detachably receiving and maintaining the spaced relationship of the one or more specimen holders suspended within the cryogenic dewar.

Abstract: A compact, portable cryogenic system for powering portable gas-driven tools having a container which includes an outer vacuum casing and an inner container with each having small, openings at their top connected together forming an evacuable space between the outer casing and the inner container. Material to inhibit heat transfer through the evacuable space is included in the space between the outer casing and the inner container. The openings of the inner container are closed with gas-tight closures fastened to the outer vacuum casing. The gas-tight closures can carry, through the single openings in the inner container, means to admit cryogenic liquid or withdraw cryogenic liquid from the inner container and means to admit heat to the inner container as may be desired. Warming coils positioned on the outer vacuum casing of the container communicate with the inner container and the flow of gas from the warming coils may be controlled by an adjustable pressure regulator.

Abstract: A cryogenic dewar includes openings at the top and bottom of the cryogenic fluid container. A valve is provided at the bottom of the container to control the flow of cryogenic fluid into and out of the container. The valve includes a valve body forming at least one passageway from the container to the opening at the container bottom and a valve seat therebetween. A valve closure is provided to engage and seal the valve seat. A rod, having the valve closure at its lower end, is supported by the body within the cryogenic fluid container and extends upwardly to adjacent the opening at the top of the container. A valve actuator for said rod is carried in an upper opening and is adapted to engage the rod at its upper end, to operate said valve closure, and to be removable from the upper opening.

Abstract: A cryogenic breathing system comprises a storage container and a portable container. Both containers, include outer casings and inner containers having small connected openings at their top and providing an evacuable space between their outer casings and inner containers. Material to inhibit heat transfer through the evacuable space is included in this space between the outer casings and inner containers of both containers. The openings of both containers are closed with gas-tight closures fastened to their outer casings. The gas-tight closures can carry, through the single openings in the containers, means to withdraw oxygen for breathing, liquid level indicating means and a mechanical structure to protect the liquid level indicating means, means to admit or withdraw liquid oxygen from the inner container, and means to admit heat to the inner container, as may be desired.