Abstract: A package includes a lid adapted to mate with the brim of a container. An interior chamber of the package is bounded by the container and the lid when the lid is mounted on the container brim.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance system for use with nested containers includes a segmented wall liner assembly and removable cover. The segmented wall liner assembly includes a plurality of segments formed in an array, with each of the segments connected to at least one of the other of the segments, and which extend radially outward from a central point. Each of the segments has a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a central compartment which contains phase change material. The segmented wall liner assembly is capable of changing from a substantially flat, open position, to an angular position when removably disposed in-between the nested containers, and the nested containers have substantially concave surfaces, whereby the segments conform to the substantially concave surfaces when the segmented wall liner assembly is in the angular position.

Abstract: The invention provides a knock-down, lightweight, thermally insulating, shipping container made at least in part from a polymer core covered by a thermoplastic sheet layer. In an embodiment of the invention, the shipping container is modular, being adjusted to suit the item(s) to be shipped. In an embodiment of the invention, the base, top panel and walls are made of expanded polystyrene core and combined with high impact polystyrene surface. In one embodiment, a mesh is introduced into the core to strengthen the core making the shipping container tamper proof. A shipping container bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust barrier can be used to store the shipping container. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing the light weight shipping containers based on the shipping container bag is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a case; an insulation material provided within the case, the insulation material defining an interior volume of the insulation material; a liner arranged in the interior volume, the liner having an inner surface that extends toward a center of the case; an outer container of phase change material provided in the liner, the outer container comprising a plurality of outer panels containing a first phase change material, the plurality of outer panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a top outer panel, and side outer panels; and an inner container of phase change material provided in the outer container, the inner container comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a second phase change material; wherein an outer surface of each of the side outer panels is parallel with the inner surface of the liner.

Abstract: An exemplary modular cooler system is provided that includes couplings that may, in one embodiment, be implemented as integrated or interfaced receptacles and corresponding inserts that allow accessory items to couple with an insulated compartment, which may be referred to as a “wet box”, and used as an insulated cooler that holds ice. The accessories may include, for example, a second compartment or “dry box” for holding items that need to be kept dry, a fishing rod holder, a shelf, a cutting board, a cup holder, a chair or seating platform, one or more dollies, or virtually any needed accessory. In one embodiment the thermal properties of the insulated compartment are enhanced with the use of one or more radiant barrier members, such as one positioned adjacent the lid of the insulated compartment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transport container includes a body that contains temperature preserving material having a melting point of higher than that of water and a compartment adapted to receive a sample of material that is to be maintained at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A device includes a pressure container, a pressure reducer, and a valve. The pressure container contains a liquid container deformable under pressure. The pressure reducer provides a liquid which bears with a first (e.g., lower) pressure against a first connector of the pressure reducer and with a second (e.g., higher) pressure at a second connector of the pressure reducer. The first connector is connectable to the liquid container, and the second connector is accessible from outside the pressure container. Due to the pressure reducer, liquid from the liquid container can be provided with a second pressure at the second connector. The valve adds a gas to at least part of the interior space of the pressure container remaining after receipt of the liquid container, the gas having an overpressure, such that a liquid in the liquid container bears with the first pressure against the first connector.

Abstract: A propellant grain retainer for an air bag inflator having a pressure vessel. A cantilevered finger is mounted in the pressure vessel and a propellant grain is mounted thereon. Upon assembly of the pressure vessel, the finger is deformed inwardly away from an adjacent wall of the pressure vessel to increase the air gap between the pressure vessel wall and the propellant grain to reduce heat transfer therebetween and increase the safety of the inflator.

Abstract: A transport system for temperature sensitive materials includes a contents container and one or more thermal batteries in a stacked relationship in a thin-walled, flexible transport sleeve. The sleeve facilitates insertion and removal of the contents with respect to a thermally insulated container. The sleeve can be closed with a tamper-evident closure and may also be transparent to allow an observer to view indicia on the contents container indicating the temperature-sensitive nature of the contents.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage assembly is described and which includes a supporting collar, which defines an internal passageway and which includes a resilient locking member mounted on one end thereof; a plurality of resilient arms are mounted on the supporting collar and which are operable to locate the supporting collar in spaced relation relative to the mouth of the fluid dispensing vessel, and a thermal energy storage material enclosure matingly couples in a non-detachable fashion with the supporting collar and is operable to be positioned within a fluid dispensing vessel, and wherein the thermal energy storage material enclosure encloses a thermal energy storage material for changing the temperature of a fluid to be dispensed and which is enclosed in the fluid dispensing vessel.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus for storing temperature-sensitive goods is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base and at least one side connected to the base. The base has a lower portion and an upper portion extending from the tower portion. The base and at least one side define a receptacle portion for receiving Temperature-sensitive goods, and the at least one side is configured to fold to substantially enclose the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A self-heating container and a method of manufacturing the container. The container has a simple structure in which the metallic outer body holds the consumable product, and a metallic inner body and plastic housing contain the two components which react to produce the heat for the self-heating function. A lower lid is crimped over flanges on the lower ends of the inner body and the outer body, forming a double seal. When a flexible portion of the housing is pressed, a seal is punctured, causing the two components to mix and generate heat through an exothermic chemical reaction which heats the contents of the container.

Abstract: A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.

Abstract: A container for storing a sandwich comprising a plurality of individual compartments for storing sandwich items individually; wherein all the individual compartments of the container are joinable into a single container for ease of transportation. The individual compartments prevent the items of the sandwich from intermixing and affecting the taste, consistency, and integrity of each of the other elements. Included in the container are all utensils for preparing the sandwich. Individual compartments may be insulated and thus may be kept warmer or cooler than other compartments.

Abstract: A cooler ice net adapted to reside inside a cooler is described. The cooler ice net typically contains cubed ice dispersed among or burying the cooler articles, and also enables the cubed ice to be readily separable from the cooler articles and removable from the cooler. A mesh barrier portion of the cooler ice net is typically supple, allowing the mesh barrier to drape about and conform to the cooler articles. Accordingly, ice cubes residing within a mesh barrier cavity, whose lower portion is surrounded by the mesh barrier, also conform to the cooler articles. Embodiments of the cooler ice net include handles that facilitate ready removal of the cooler ice net, along with cubed ice contained therein, from within the cooler.

Abstract: A food or beverage server includes a container having a body with a sidewall, a base, and at least one external engagement element on the sidewall or the base. A thermal core includes a hollow body with at least one internal engagement element for engaging the at least one external engagement element on the container to retain the thermal core on the container. The hollow body has a central portion for heat-transfer with the base of the container and a thermal medium, such as a saline solution, refrigerant, water, oil or sand, within the hollow body.

Abstract: A dispenser for relative rapid cooling or heating of the contents of a liquid storage container provides a receptacle for receiving the liquid storage container therein and positioning a thermal transfer portion of the liquid storage container in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal conduction pad associated with the receptacle. Thermal energy is effectively and efficiently transferred from the thermal conduction pad to the liquid in the liquid storage container. The thermal conduction pad is controlled to provide and maintain the desired temperature to the liquid. The liquid is dispensed directly from the container. Various types of containers can be used in the dispenser, with a special bag-in-box container having a inner container and outer box with thermal conduction windows in the box to provide good heat transfer between the thermal conduction pads and the inner container constituting an aspect of the invention. A special rigid container can also be used.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner maintains a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The liner may include a closed cell substrate, a base layer having gas or liquid filled microcapsules, a base layer having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, an integral cooling element incorporates solid/liquid phase change material. The cooling element can either be attached to the exterior of the container, the interior of the container, or free-floating within the container. Other embodiments include container holders or direct beverage holders incorporating phase change materials to control temperature of the beverages. The embodiments may further include thermochromatic ink to provide a visible color indication of temperature changes for the beverage.

Abstract: A cooler includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall. At least one of the sidewalls has a transparent portion. A lid is connected to the side walls such that the bottom wall, side walls, and lid cooperate to define an interior space. At least one cup holder is formed in the bottom wall and positioned within the interior space. At least one first interior wall defines a receptacle within the interior space for receiving at least one of dry goods, food, and utensils. A second interior wall defines a chamber within the interior space for receiving cold items.

Abstract: Storage racks for coolers. Embodiments provide storage racks for coolers each of which includes a spacer and pairs of supports, standoff portions, and arms. The standoff portions couple with the supports while the arms couple with the standoff portions and are oriented along the first direction. The spacers couple with the arms; are oriented along a direction perpendicular to the first direction; and space the arms apart by the width of the coolers (or less). Some racks are continuous, curvilinear, and are made from rods or heavy gauge wire. The spacers can define straight or additional standoff portions. Further, the arms and spacers of some racks define a plane and the supports define another plane. These planes can intersect each other although they can be parallel.

Abstract: A round beverage container with a chill sleeve is provided having a molded plastic wall in the shape of a cup, a mug, or a pitcher. A sleeve containing a chill medium is in the shape of a truncated conical cylinder, and is positioned in the container to be lodged therein at a selected mounting location and secured by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. A bottom disk, also containing the chill medium, snaps into the container's bottom edge to form the bottom of the container. This bottom disk is sealed to the inside wall of the container by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. Sonic welding can be employed as an alternative to sealing and securing rings. A quantity of water-based chill medium is metered into the hollow cavities when the sleeve and the bottom disk are charged, taking into consideration the expansion of the chill medium (water) upon a change of phase.

Abstract: A temperature changing container includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which seals contents of the enclosure within the walls. One of the walls includes a depression extending into the enclosure. Upon activation, chemicals at least partially disposed within the depression change temperature.

Abstract: A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits.

Abstract: A cooler includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall. At least one of the sidewalls has a transparent portion. A lid is connected to the side walls such that the bottom wall, side walls, and lid cooperate to define an interior space. At least one cup holder is formed in the bottom wall and positioned within the interior space. At least one first interior wall defines a receptacle within the interior space for receiving at least one of dry goods, food, and utensils. A second interior wall defines a chamber within the interior space for receiving cold items.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to packaging and storage assemblies having phase change materials and methods of using the packaging and storage assemblies. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a packaging including a temperature barrier layer having one or more phase change materials. The phase change material can be stored within the temperature barrier layer.

Abstract: Temperature controlled cargo containers may include thermal masses conditioned to temperatures above and/or below a target temperature. Example thermal masses may include plates including phase change materials, such as eutectic materials. One or more fans and flapper valves may be selectively operated to circulate air in the cargo container across one or more of the thermal masses to maintain the temperature within the cargo container within a prescribed temperature band. Some example temperature controlled cargo containers may include refrigeration units and/or heaters for regenerating the thermal masses when receiving power from an external power source and/or may include one or more rechargeable batteries for providing power during transport or storage independent of external power sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spill resistant container for dispensing liquid doses wherein the container includes a body of generally hollow form about a center vertical axis with open ends, comprising: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a liquid withdrawal chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a detachable base cap having a cavity in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo container that is light weight, strong, which forms an ultra violet light, weather/dust particle barrier and which controls the climate inside the cargo container to protect the integrity of the cargo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo container that is light weight, strong, which forms an ultraviolet light, weather/dust particle barrier and which controls the climate inside the cargo container to protect the integrity of the cargo.

Abstract: A portable temperature controlled container having a body including an internal chamber with an opening into the internal chamber; and a temperature control unit coupled to the body and displaced to be thermally coupled with a first portion of the internal chamber, the temperature control unit configured to selectively alter the temperature in the internal chamber by releasing a thermally controlled material into the internal chamber.

Abstract: A beer keg includes a container having a base and a wall extending upward from a periphery of the base. A liner within the container includes a base, sidewalls and a mouth. The base of the liner interlocks with the base of the container to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A valve is disposed over the mouth of the liner.

Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having, a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design uses inner and outer containers, each made of transparent polyethylene sheets, where the inner compartments are filled with the solution and sealed, and then placed into each compartment in an outer container, wherein two compartments in the outer container are separated by a flattened and sealed portion of the polyethylene.

Abstract: A cold box is provided. The cold box includes an outer bag which is rectangular and has an upper opening, a lid which closes the upper opening of the outer bag, and a thermal insulator which is foldable and is detachably housed inside the outer bag. The thermal insulator is formed from a pouch-covered thermal insulation material. The thermal insulator includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls has a fixed part disposed adjacent to the rear wall and a turning part disposed adjacent to the front wall. The fixed parts are fixed to side faces of the rear wall, respectively, and the turning parts are rotatably coupled to front faces of the fixed parts, respectively. When the thermal insulator is folded, the front faces of the turning parts face each other.

Abstract: A storage system that includes a contents container and a thermal battery, each in thermal communication with a thermal moderator that is constructed and arranged to balance the thermal energy flow between the contents container and the environment with the thermal energy flow between the contents container and the thermal battery. The thermal moderator can include a super-insulating material, a phase change material and/or a heat pipe. The storage system may help to maintain stored contents within a desired temperature range for an extended period of time, while minimizing the likelihood of damage to the contents due to an initial temperature of the thermal battery being outside of the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating equipment within a cabinet. The system comprising an internal fan disposed within an internal chamber and an external fan disposed outside the internal chamber. The internal fan and the external fan are driven by a corresponding motor disposed within the internal chamber, wherein each motor independently rotates the internal fan and the external fan.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide storage and includes a container having an opening, a panel, a plurality of bins, and a cover. The panel has at least one through-hole. The perimeter of the panel is larger than the perimeter of the opening of the container. Each bin has an opening, and each bin is configured to be received by a corresponding one of the through-holes of the panel. The cover is attached to the container. The apparatus may be used to transport food and other items needed for a tailgate party.

Abstract: Escutcheons for a temperature-controlled food holding cabinet are removable and field replaceable by the use of interlocking keys and keyholes that hold the escutcheon in place and align the escutcheon to electrical connectors. The escutcheons are provided with illuminated user interfaces. A key formed on either the escutcheon or chassis of the cabinet, engages a corresponding keyhole formed on either the cabinet chassis or the escutcheon.

Abstract: A personalizable stacked tire shaped ice chest having a main ice chest housing and a selectively openable and closable lid member pivotably secured to the housing. The ice chest has a personalizable stacked tire shape, wheels rotatably secured to the housing, a collapsible pull handle mechanism connected to the housing, and areas on the housing and lid member for the placement of a logo or emblem.

Abstract: A storage apparatus having a sleeve for storage of articles is disclosed. The storage apparatus includes a cavity connected to the main compartment for storage of a plurality of articles. The storage apparatus also includes a sleeve for lengthwise storage of a plurality of articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for transporting and/or storing products, and particularly a cryostat type container, having an external packaging structure having a plurality of walls defining an internal volume within which an insulating bulb is suspended, the insulating bulb having a body formed by an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining an internal volume and the body having an opening leading into the internal volume of the insulating bulb and a cover formed from one of the plurality of walls of the external packaging structure, the cover having a tubular element capable of contacting the insulating bulb to suspend the insulating bulb within the internal volume that receives the insulating bulb, the cover also allowing passage of materials through the opening when the insulating bulb is suspended.

Abstract: A housing or other enclosure used to facilitate fluid cooling of a circuitry of a battery charger, such as but not limited to a battery charger of the type used to facilitate charging a high voltage vehicle battery with AC energy provided from a utility power grid. The housing may include a groove and seal arrangement operable to seal a fluid coolant chamber used to cool the circuitry from leaking fluid during use.

Abstract: A collapsible ice chest and stand is disclosed. The ice chest has body which is defined by an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, and an insulator between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall, a top sealed to said body along the rim of the outer sidewall, a bottom connected at the rim of the outer sidewall opposite the top, and a pair of loop handles joined to the outer sidewall. The ice chest has pockets sized to fit over the top of the upper connector pads of the stand, by which the ice chest is supported and held in place by the stand. The stand has four pairs of crossed legs, each pair of which is pivotally connected at their approximate centers by a pivot pin. The ends of the pairs of crossed legs are connected together using connector pads, which pads are pivotally connected together and frictionally connected to the ends of the legs of the stand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat retaining device for solving problematic adhesion of a container to the heat retaining device. The heat retaining device includes a supporting rod, a top plate, a bottom plate, a heat retaining body, and a supporting spring. A pressing force applied to the container contained in the hole of the heat retaining body compresses the supporting spring to move the heat retaining body downward along the supporting rod. Release of the pressing force moves the heat retaining body upward by an elastic force of the supporting spring until the heat retaining body comes into contact with the top plate.

Abstract: A method of making a container including thermoforming a polymeric sheet containing at least one foam layer and optionally having one or more solid layer(s) disposed adjacent to the foam layer and shaping the polymeric sheet into a container, wherein the container is an insulator and wherein the layers of the sheet are adhered to each other.

Abstract: An enclosure that maintains the environment of one or more optical crystals and allows efficient frequency conversion for light at wavelengths at or below 400 nm with minimal stress being placed on the crystals in the presence of varying temperatures. Efficient conversion may include multiple crystals of the same or different materials. Multiple frequency conversion steps may also be employed within a single enclosure. Materials that have been processed specifically to provide increased lifetimes, stability, and damage thresholds over designs previously available are employed. The enclosure allows pre-exposure processing of the crystal(s) such as baking at high temperatures and allowing real time measurement of crystal properties.

Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design used double-layered transparent polyethylene, with two sealed compartments filled with the solution, separated by a flattened and sealed portion between them. One of the two sealed compartments contacts one side of the blood bag and the other compartment is folded over to contact the other side of the blood bag. The transparent compartments allows an operator to verify at any time whether the solution is in a solid state, and the flexibility of the compartments eases the proper positioning of them around a blood bag.

Abstract: A round beverage container with a chill sleeve is provided having a molded plastic wall in the shape of a cup, a mug, or a pitcher. A sleeve containing a chill medium is in the shape of a truncated conical cylinder, and is positioned in the container to be lodged therein at a selected mounting location and secured by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. A bottom disk, also containing the chill medium, snaps into the container's bottom edge to form the bottom of the container. This bottom disk is sealed to the inside wall of the container by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. Sonic welding can be employed as an alternative to sealing and securing rings. A quantity of water-based chill medium is metered into the hollow cavities when the sleeve and the bottom disk are charged, taking into consideration the expansion of the chill medium (water) upon a change of phase.

Abstract: There is provided a refrigerating assembly for temporarily storing an item at a first temperature lower than an ambient temperature. The refrigerating assembly comprises a container for receiving the item and a shell adapted for removably receiving the container therein. The container comprises a sidewall having therein defined a cavity containing an amount of a refrigerant medium having a second temperature lower than the ambient temperature for temporarily maintaining the item received in the container at the first temperature. The shell has an outer surface which is at the ambient temperature and an inner surface which has a layer of thermally insulating material mounted thereon for thermally insulating the shell from the container, thereby maintaining the outer surface at the ambient temperature. There is further provided a method for temporarily storing an item at a first temperature lower than an ambient temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary container having surface features for limiting heat transfer between the contents of the container and a person with whom the container comes in contact. The container may include an interior region for receiving a substance and at least one wall defining the interior region. The wall may include an outer surface and an opposite inner surface disposed between the outer surface and the interior region of the container. The wall further includes a first thermal conduction path extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall, and a second thermal conduction path arranged adjacent the first thermal conduction path and extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. The first thermal conduction path has a higher effective thermal conductivity than the second thermal conduction path.

Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.