Abstract: A beverage cooler carton is provided which is intended to receive ice or other cooling means to keep contents packaged therein cool. The carton is made of a material which is impervious to liquid which may be contained within the carton during use. The carton includes folding end panels which extend continuously between adjacent upper and lower panels; therefore, there are no seams or breaks in the material around a periphery of the carton which might degrade the ability of the carton to hold a liquid. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the cooler carton.

Abstract: An electrically powered air freight container (1) includes an insulated housing (2) and a refrigeration unit (3).

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time. The sorption cooling device is particularly useful in a temperature-controlled shipping container that is required to maintain a temperature below ambient for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a means for restricting the flow of refrigerant liquid to control the degree of cooling over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A portable conditioned storage unit includes a platform transportable on a trailer or vehicle having a storage box thereon. The interior of the storage box is insulated and suitable for storing wild game or other goods within a cage situated within the storage box in spaced relation to permit the circulation of conditioned air about the cage. A removable modular unit having standard air conditioning components operates in attachment to the storage box to heat and cool the insulated interior and goods within the cage. The storage unit is powered by an external electrical source or built-in electrical generator.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: An insulated container for the storage and transport of fresh food items to keep them at a desired temperature, preferably between 0 and 4° C., includes a case provided with an insulating material lining on all its inside faces. The container also includes a diffuser cover provided with an independent refrigeration source connected to a thermal bridge by a support receptacle. The refrigeration source keeps the desired temperature inside the case for a determined period. An insulating cover fits over the diffuser cover to provide thermal insulation for the assembly.

Abstract: A method of easily deforming a plate-shape vacuum insulation material and producing a smaller but highly effective insulation container, comprising steps of inserting a thermoplastic open-celled rigid foam as a core material into a packet composed of gas barrier film, evacuating and sealing the packet so as to produce a vacuum insulation material, heating and softening the vacuum insulation material so as to deform the same, and cooling the vacuum insulation material so as to cure the same, and also a freezing and refrigerating container having Peliter element.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A product merchandising display unit having selectable product capacity including a receptacle having an internal cavity adapted for receiving and holding a quantity of product, and a product support floor member positionable at any one of at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity for varying the product holding capacity thereof. A plurality of shoulder portions are located at each of the at least two different elevated locations within the internal cavity, the shoulder portions located at each spaced location being engageable with at least some of the peripheral edge portions associated with the floor member when the floor member is oriented in one of at least two different orientations. The display unit also includes a lid member having spaced pairs of retaining projections associated therewith for displaying advertising indicia therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chamber (1) divided into two zones (11, 12) for preservation at different temperature, separated by a vertical mobile thermal barrier (10), capable of sliding horizontally and enabling said zones (11, 12) to exhibit modifiable dimensions as required. The meal trays (4) comprise, on opposite edges, notches (7) adapted to receive a removable insulating partition (8, 9) separating the meals (13) to be served hot from those to be served cold and whereof the position can be modified to correspond with that of the thermal barrier (10). Vertical sheaths (21) enable, by means of turbines, to circulate warm or cool air, through orifices (22). A valve (23) prevents the air in sheaths (21) from passing through the evaporator (18). Electric resistors (16) with fins are arranged opposite or beneath the meal trays (4). A refrigerating compressor (20, 20′), provided in a lower casing (2) or an upper casing (3), for cool air diffusion and circulation, feed the evaporator (18).

Abstract: A spaced saving fruit chiller is adapted to be mounted under a covered or horizontal surface or placed in a corner on a counter. The interior of the container is cooled by a forced air flow utilizing a Peltier thermoelectric device, one wall of the container forming a wall of the air flow duct system and containing both the air inlet holes to the container and the air outlet holes from the container into the duct system.

Abstract: A hot or cold food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream or heat retention such as chili over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a self-cooling beverage container. The self-cooling beverage container includes a refrigerant vessel provided inside the beverage container and having a refrigerant valve configured to exhaust an internal refrigerant outside, an evaporator tubing having one end connected to the refrigerant valve and the other end led to the outside of a container body to allow evaporation of the refrigerant exhausted through the refrigerant valve and to remove an evaporation heat for the refrigerant from the beverage to cool the beverage, and a refrigerant valve actuator configured to actuate the refrigerant valve, if necessary. Since evaporation occurs directly at an evaporator tubing contacting a beverage inside the container through a wide area, superb beverage cooling efficiency can be achieved. Also, a lid member can be opened by pulling a handle or lightly touching or pressing a convex portion, that is, the self-cooling beverage container can be easily manipulated.

Abstract: A tempering device for laboratory vessels and having a liquid-tight housing formed, at least partially, of a plastic dyed with a heat sensitive dye and filled, at least partially, with a tempering medium, and further having depressions extending into the housing.

Abstract: A refrigerator which stores food having an ideal storage temperature range that is different from a predetermined storage temperature range of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet which defines an appearance of the refrigerator, a storage compartment which is defined in the cabinet and has an opening, a door which selectively opens and closes the opening, and a storage container which is removably received in the storage compartment to store the food. The storage container has a double container structure and includes a box-shaped outer container part, a lid, and an inner container part. The outer container part defines an appearance of the storage container and has an opening. The lid selectively opens and closes the opening of the outer container part. The inner container part is removably set in the outer container part.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage lid for a container to heat or cool the container contents. The lid includes a first panel having an attachment element located around a periphery thereof, with the attachment element being adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element. A second panel is offset from the first panel, and has a peripheral edge connected to the first panel to form a compartment generally coextensive with the second panel. A thermal energy storage material located in the compartment.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled container utilizing a sorption cooling unit to maintain the temperature within the container. The sorption cooling unit cools the interior of the container and rejects waste heat to the exterior. The sorption cooling unit provides a lightweight and low volume alternative to the traditional gel pack cooling systems that are commonly used in the modern shipping industry for shipping containers.

Abstract: A self-cooling container with an internal receptacle. The receptacle responds to differences in pressure between its internal and external walls so that when the pressure acting external to the receptacle walls falls to atmospheric pressure the receptacle releases cooling agents that cool the contents of the container.

Abstract: A disposable container which has the ability to independently cool or heat a liquid beverage or food product by way of an endothermic or exothermic reaction. The container is disposable and has a double-walled configuration to create a chamber therebetween. Within the chamber is a chemical compound which when activated provides the desired reaction upon the contents within the container. Thus, there is no requirement that this device must be subjected to external refrigeration or heat.

Abstract: A sealed unit of refrigerant fluid for a refrigeration appliance, comprising a hermetic compressor (1), a condenser (3), an evaporator (2), an expanding device, and conducting tube (4) of refrigerant fluid, at least one of the parts consisting of the condenser (3) and the evaporator (2) being defined as a prismatic body which is at least partially tubular, the component parts of the sealed unit being relatively displaced from an inoperative position of transportation, in which the hermetic compressor (1) and the conducting tubes (4) remain contained within a contour defined by the contour of at least one of the parts consisting of the condenser (3) and the evaporator (2), to a mounting operative position in a refrigeration appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: This invention relates to shipping containers and methods for the transportation perishable or temperature-sensitive materials at stable temperatures. Materials within the container are maintained in a narrow temperature range by a passive temperature control device. The device and the perishable materials are placed in the container, separated by a structured barrier. Structured barriers comprise materials of predefined thickness and placed so that perishable materials do not come into direct contact with the temperature-control device, but has a plurality of notches that allow for limited air circulation. Preferably the assembled container is covered with a fitted lid to minimize temperature transfer between the outside and inside of the container.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: A decorative thermally insulated beverage bottle holder having a detachable carrying strap, a bottle opener, and a bottle cap. The bottle holder is made of a flexible insulating material such as neoprene. A vertically disposed zipper allows for the easy opening and closing of the contour fitting holder. Indicia can be placed on the holder to enhance its appearance.

Abstract: An article according to one embodiment of the disclosures herein includes a cooling core body, a cooling member and a super-coolable composition. The cooling core body has a core cavity therein. The cooling member disposed in the core cavity. A super-coolable composition is disposed within the core cavity encapsulating at least a portion of the cooling member.

Abstract: A portable beverage container assembly includes a capsule containing a refrigerant which is inserted into and securely held inside the beverage container, together with a mechanism to discharge the refrigerant so that the latent heat of evaporation and expansion of the refrigerant gases will impart a chilling action to the refrigerant and hence to the beverage inside the container when the user wishes to drink the beverage.

Abstract: A cooler system having improved insulative properties. The cooler system includes, in various preferred embodiments, thicker sidewalls having insulative materials with improved thermal qualities, one or more reflective surfaces, a sealing mechanism to minimize the leakage of cold air, an insulative apron for containing cold air around the contents of the cooler, compression mechanisms for compressing the upper lid against the side walls of the cooler and many other features to improve the thermal benefit of the cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for freezing, storing, and/or shipping products, in particular fish, at super-frozen temperatures. The apparatus includes a modular cryogenic cooler for removably interfacing with an insulated shipping container to maintain the interior of the container at a super-frozen temperature less than or equal to about −50 degrees C. Aspects of the method include a delivery method for providing an essentially unbroken delivery chain of frozen products from a location of freezing (to a super-frozen temperature) to a location of defrosting the products (e.g., a point of sale and/or consumption of the products).

Abstract: A method for maintaining selectable cold storage temperatures for protracted periods of time using pre-mixed thermal control materials having predetermined melting temperatures equal to the selectable cold storage temperatures is provided. According to preferred embodiments, the thermal control materials are solutions that are filled into cold packs and the solutions are frozen to maintain selected temperatures less than 0° C. The present invention includes methods of storage and transport of materials using the cold packs.

Abstract: A shipping container for exothermic material comprises an outer container and a plurality of inner containers enclosed within the outer container with a quantity of coolant material adjacent the inner containers. Each inner container includes a box defining an enclosure, a fluted insert disposed within such enclosure for supporting a plurality of vessels, such as plastic syringes containing exothermic material. Each fluted insert includes a plurality of open ended recesses for receiving the syringes separated by upstanding walls defining a barrier between the supported syringes. A pair of heat shields, one at the bottom and one at the top of each inner box, is included for dissipating heat therewithin. Plural inner containers housing exothermic material are bubble-wrapped in a stacked arrangement with gel packs between each inner container.

Abstract: A portable and securable liquid holder and dispenser having an outer shell formed from a stiff material, the liner having a top defining an opening surrounded by a top edge, a liner sized to insertably fit within the outer shell, the liner further having a top lip and sides, the top lip extending outward from the sides, the lip further sized to abut the top of the outer shell when inserted therein to locate the liner, a cup sized to insertably fit within the liner, the cup having a flange formed around the top periphery thereof, the flange sized to abut the top surface of the liner when the cup is inserted therein, the cup further having a top seal extending upwardly from the flange, a cover sized to removably sealably attach to the cup, the cover having a mating seal formed thereon to mate with the top seal of the cup and an aperture formed therein, means for withdrawing liquid from the cup, the means for withdrawing liquid insertable through the aperture defined in the cover, and means for selectively attac

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time. The sorption cooling device is particularly useful in a temperature-controlled shipping container that is required to maintain a temperature below ambient for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a means for restricting the flow of refrigerant liquid to control the degree of cooling over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Methods are provided for storing items. One such method includes: providing a container sized and shaped to receive an item, the container having: a storage chamber, an insulating material and a re-freezable material, the insulating material defining an interior and having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the re-freezable material being disposed within the interior, the insulating material comprising soyoyl polyol, the re-freezable material comprising an acrylate-based superabsorbent. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: A preform and a blow molded container formed therefrom and having plural cavities or compartments for providing enhanced properties including vacuum containers for hot and cold product, or barrier materials including gases or layered material, improved creep resistance, use of lower cost and/or recycled materials, increased wall strength and aerosol properties.

Abstract: An ice composition obtained by freezing a liquid containing, dissolved therein, hydrogen peroxide produced by electrolysis; and a method of food storage using the composition. Hydrogen peroxide has a lower rate of dissipation into the air and better suitability for long-term storage than ozone. Furthermore, since hydrogen peroxide is electrolytically produced, it eliminates the trouble of transportation, storage, and dissolution. When seawater is used as a feed water for electrolysis, the ice composition thus obtained has a higher cooling effect because it has a melting point lower than 0° C.

Abstract: A mobile temperature controlled container having an air conditioning unit that has an indoor section and an outdoor section. The indoor section includes a housing having a rectangular shaped frame, the front face of which is secured to one wall of the container and a rear wall that is secured to the back of the frame. The rear wall is molded of a suitable plastic and contains a blower wheel compartment and a heat exchanger compartment containing a heat exchanger coil. Both compartments open into the frame and a generous flow path area is provided in the top section of the heat exchanger compartment over the coil so that return air from the container that is drawn into housing can move freely into the blower wheel compartment. The blower wheel compartment is enclosed by a cover having an air inlet opening adjacent the blower wheel and further includes a discharge nozzle that exhausts into the container.

Abstract: An organ containment shipping system has an outer container adapted to receive a passive cooling medium and an inner container adapted to receive an organ to be transported in a preservation medium. The inner container is positioned within the outer container by structure that includes a gimbal mechanism to substantially maintain the inner container in a predefined orientation in the event of a change of orientation of the outer container. Preferably, the preservation medium is a dual-layer preservation liquid having a bottom oxygen carrying layer and a top layer and the inner container include a perforated plate positioned in the inner container above a level of the bottom layer to prevent the organ from rising in the preservation medium. In one embodiment, the organ containment shipping system includes a system for regulating a level of the preservation medium relative to the organ and a system for regulating a temperature of the organ relative to the cooling medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with at least one cooling module for receiving a coolant, characterized in that the cooling module is designed as a hollow wall that is attached at least partially in the area of the side wall container, whereby the hollow wall is provided for receiving coolant.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving a chilled beverage from a keg includes an insulated housing having two opposed side walls and a door hinged to one of the side walls. Support racks are spaced from one to permit fit a keg between the racks, which form slidable grooves for insertion and removal of chiller panels when the door is open. Casters on the housing permit mobility, and channels on the outside of the housing receive selectively replaceable graphic material. A spout on the housing connectable to a keg provides discharge of the keg contents. A pressurized gas canister connectable to a keg urges discharge of the keg contents through the spout. A plurality of chiller panels contain a freezable liquid and are adapted to be removeably mounted on the racks. The panels may be frozen in a freezer and loaded into the racks keep the keg and its contents cold.

Abstract: A disposable ice pack for treating an area of a person's body that has been traumatized or inured is disclosed. The ice pack includes a polyethylene bag portion having a sealable open top end, a pair of side edges and a closed bottom end forming an inner cavity. The inner cavity receives ice. A closure mechanism is disposed along an inner surfaces of the bag portion top end and provides a water tight seal for the ice pack. A pair of fluid absorbable material sheets are attached by a heat seal along the side edges and bottom end to the bag portion. The sheets of fluid absorbable material permit the disposable ice pack to soak-up any body fluids seeping from the traumatized area. An alternate embodiment further includes a plurality of tie-straps for permitting the ice pack to be wrapped around a person's body part. The tie-straps are attached by the heat seal.

Abstract: A portable container (10) suitable for housing and protecting vials (Y) ampoules and other small vessels containing pharmaceutical or veterinary preparations such as vaccines, which are sensitive to changes in temperature or to relatively high temperature, is provided. The container (10) comprises a layered wall (11) defining a centrally located cavity (13) for receiving the vial (Y). The wall (11) includes an outer thermally insulating layer (12) surrounding a substance (14) for providing a passive cold source to the cavity (13) and two spaced inner layers (16 and 18) of a relatively hard plastics material providing an annular chamber wherein the substance (14) is received.

Abstract: A combined ice chest and personal cooling apparatus for keeping items cold and providing a user with a way by which to apply cool water onto themself. The combined ice chest and personal cooling apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall attached to and that extends upward from the bottom wall. The housing has a first end and second end. The housing has a first compartment, a second compartment, and a bottom compartment. A first cover and a second cover selectively cover the first and second compartments respectively. A strap for allows the user to grasp the housing. A pair of wheels are rotatably coupled to the housing. A filter restricts debris from entering the bottom compartment. A pump pressurizes the bottom compartment. A check-valve extends into the bottom compartment. A flexible tube has a first end and a second end. A plurality of dispersing members for dispersing water from the bottom compartment is releasably attachable to the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A method selling merchandise to golf course patrons, in which a storage unit is stocked with an exactly inventory of merchandise and is loaded onto a rental golf cart at the beginning of each rental period and made accessible to the rental patron as desired, the inventory retallied at the end of each rental period and the patron debited for the merchandise computed to have been removed from inventory. Cooled beverages can be dispensed from a storage unit which is cooled, as by the use of solar power, during the rental period.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an isothermal container provided with inside compartments divided by movable partitions and capable of receiving refrigerating means. Such compartments can be provided laterally, centrally, on the upper side, and on the lower side, and a separate smaller container inside the main container can also be provided.

Abstract: An insulated container for the storage and transport of fresh food items to keep them at a desired temperature, preferably between 0 and 4° C., includes a case provided with an insulating material lining on all its inside faces. The container also includes a diffuser cover provided with an independent refrigeration source connected to a thermal bridge by a support receptacle. The refrigeration source keeps the desired temperature inside the case for a determined period. An insulating cover fits over the diffuser cover to provide thermal insulation for the assembly.

Abstract: To chill an alcoholic beverage, the beverage is poured into at least one shotglass which is then lidded to form an air-tight seal. The lidded shotglass is inserted into a refrigeration compartment, whereby the alcoholic beverage is chilled to a temperature at or below 0° F. The lidded shotglass is removed from the refrigeration compartment when it is desired to consume the alcoholic beverage, and the chilled alcoholic beverage is drunk directly from the shotglass after removing the lid. A number of the lidded shotglasses can be placed in a thermally insulative container, whereafter the container is placed in the refrigeration compartment to chill the alcohol.

Abstract: To chill an alcoholic beverage, the beverage is poured into at least one shotglass which is then lidded to form an air-tight seal. The lidded shotglass is inserted into a refrigeration compartment, whereby the alcoholic beverage is chilled to a temperature at or below 0° F. The lidded shotglass is removed from the refrigeration compartment when it is desired to consume the alcoholic beverage, and the chilled alcoholic beverage is drunk directly from the shotglass after removing the lid. A number of the lidded shotglasses can be placed in a thermally insulative container, whereafter the container is placed in the refrigeration compartment to chill the alcohol.

Abstract: Provided is a self-cooling beverage container. The self-cooling beverage container includes a refrigerant vessel provided inside the beverage container and having a refrigerant valve configured to exhaust an internal refrigerant outside, an evaporator tubing having one end connected to the refrigerant valve and the other end led to the outside of a container body to allow evaporation of the refrigerant exhausted through the refrigerant valve and to remove an evaporation heat for the refrigerant from the beverage to cool the beverage, and a refrigerant valve actuator configured to actuate the refrigerant valve, if necessary. Since evaporation occurs directly at an evaporator tubing contacting a beverage inside the container through a wide area, superb beverage cooling efficiency can be achieved. Also, a lid member can be opened by pulling a handle or lightly touching or pressing a convex portion, that is, the self-cooling beverage container can be easily manipulated.