Abstract: A portable accessory includes a plurality of platforms having substantially planar upper surfaces for supporting the foodstuff thereon. Each platform is provided with baffled slots such that melted ice can drain downwardly therethrough. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of spaced racks are slidably positionable within a cooler body such that the racks become spaced apart adjacent to opposed ends of a cooler body. Such racks are offset at an oblique angle so that melted ice is directed downwardly and away from the top surfaces of the platforms. In a further embodiment, a specially designed cooler is provided with slots for receiving the racks therein such that the platforms can be simultaneously employed with the racks.

Abstract: A blank, carton, package, and method for enclosing a plurality of containers in a carton is disclosed. The carton includes first and second top panels, first and second side panels, and a bottom panel. The top panels each include separation lines with one top panel disposed over the other top panel when formed as a carton. The carton is openable along the separation lines to expose the containers. The carton is capable of receiving a cooling substance therewithin when the top panels are separated along the separation lines. The carton including at least two handle tear lines with a handle disposed therebetween. The handle capable of being engaged to move the carton or package as desired.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration unit is described. The unit has a body and a lid. The body has an outer housing and an insulated interior container that is thermally insulated from the outer housing. The insulated interior container has a bottom surface and at least one sidewall forming a cavity for receiving an article to be stored therein The lid has an outer surface and an inner surface and the lid is insulated. There is at least one solar collector on at least a portion of the outer surface of the lid. This solar collector provides electrical power to one or more cooling units and to one or more rechargeable batteries. The cooling units include an interior and an exterior heat sink, and an interior and exterior fan and an interior and exterior vent.

Abstract: A cooler has a thermally insulated container that defines a reservoir for retaining a flowable substance or fluid and comprises a base and a perimeter sidewall upwardly extending from the base to define an internal reservoir. The cooler also has at least a first spigot and a second spigot. The first spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a first location and the second spigot is rigidly attached to the perimeter sidewall at a second location. The first location is spaced apart from said second location.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a different sports logo, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.

Abstract: A variable capacity ice storage assembly for a refrigerator freezer compartment includes a removable insert adapted to be positioned within an ice storage bucket to alter the storage capacity of the ice bucket. The insert includes one or more tabs having clips thereon for attaching the insert to one or more side walls of the ice bucket. The tabs are fixed to a main body portion having a first solid deflector extending at a first angle there from and a second solid deflector extending at a second angle. One or more hinges may be utilized to connect parts of the insert, resulting in a reconfigurable insert that can be utilized in multiple positions. When utilized in an auger-type ice dispensing system, the insert is sized such that the main body portion of the insert does not interfere with the function of the auger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for freezing biological material, comprising: a cooling unit; a heat insulation unit, having an interface with said cooling unit and a common longitudinal axis passing through said interface transversely thereto; an elongated slot disposed at least in said heat insulation unit and extending along said axis, said slot comprising a first slot portion remote from said interface and a second slot portion adjacent said interface; wherein said first and second slot portions have respective first and second dimensions measured perpendicularly to said slot's axis, the former being greater than the latter.

Abstract: A system for using freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity and the container is received in the cavity. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior cradle having a bottom and edges extending from the bottom. The cradle bounds the cavity. An outer rim is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity. The bottom includes an inner surface facing the cavity receiving the container and an outer surface. The outer surface of the bottom is recessed relative to an outer surface of the outer rim.

Abstract: A specimen carrier bag of the type useful for transporting clinical specimens from a specimen collection site to a laboratory site for analysis is provided with a small, light weight preferably disposable refrigerator unit which can be stored for extended periods without loss of cooling capacity and activated for cooling specimens in the carrier bag during transport, thereby avoiding the need to keep dry ice on hand for this purpose. In presently preferred embodiments the refrigerator unit has a battery driven compressor for circulating a working fluid such as freon or a battery powered thermoelectric heat pump.

Abstract: A caddy for holding a generally conical pastry bag comprises a tapered receptacle sized to receive at least a dispensing end portion of the pastry bag, and a flange arranged externally about the tapered receptacle. The flange may be a circular flange located about an entrance end of the receptacle and having a peripheral lip for sealing the caddy on a correspondingly sized container in which ice water or some other heat transfer medium is placed. Alternatively, the flange may be hollow for improved buoyancy and stability in a liquid heat transfer medium. The tapered receptacle may include a closed tip portion at its narrow end for receiving a dispensing tip of the pastry bag such that the dispensing tip does not contact the walls of the tapered receptacle. The caddy provides a barrier between the pastry bag and the heat transfer medium, whereby the pastry bag and its contents may be kept clean and chilled during periods between dispensing applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the transport of temperature sensitive products including an insulated container, an insulated lid, a fastener to secure the lid to the container, an active heat exchanger, a thermal circuit to circulate heat exchange, a temperature sensor read by a temperature regulating circuit that maintains a temperature range, a power source, and a support frame that arranges the elements of the device with the overall center of mass at a location adapted for transport and storage of the device. Disclosed is also a method of transport for temperature sensitive products including securing the temperature sensitive product within an insulated container with a lid, removing heat from the container to maintain a temperature range, strapping the device onto the user's back and adjusting to the shape of the user, freeing both hands during transport of the device, and minimizing hindrances to user mobility caused by the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum system for a refrigerator truck, which is capable of continuously driving a vacuum pump even in the state in which a vehicle engine is stopped, and designing the vacuum pump so that it is not visible from the outside. The vacuum system includes a power generator driven by power of a vehicle engine and a cooler and a vacuum pump driven by electricity generated by the power generator so as to cool and maintain the inside of a box in the vacuum state. The vacuum pump is installed on the inside wall of the box, a solar array is provided to the upper surface of the box so as to charge a storage cell, and the vacuum pump and the cooler are connected to the storage cell so as to be driven by receiving electricity from the storage cell 60 when the vehicle engine is stopped.

Abstract: A cooler assembly includes: a rigid platform; a rigid lid; and an inflatable wall interconnecting the rigid platform and the rigid lid so as to define an insulated interior space therebetween for receiving food and ice. The deflated wall is received within, and does not protrude from, the rigid platform when the cooler assembly is in a storage configuration. The rigid lid is received within the rigid platform when the cooler assembly is in the storage configuration. The rigid lid may be received within, and partially protrude from, the rigid platform when the cooler assembly is in the storage configuration.

Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, by providing an article enclosure surrounded by a set of hollow walls, and at least partially filling the hollow walls with phase change material, and providing an insulating enclosure about the article enclosure, the insulating enclosure having a relatively high “R” factor for restricting the flow of thermal flux into and out of the article enclosure.

Abstract: A recreational amusement takes the form a cooler having a toss-type game board integrated with the cooler's lid. The toss-type game board includes one or more cavities in the top of the lid. Provision is made for orienting the top of the lid in a sloping position for play of the game enabled by the game board. The cooler retains all conventional features of a beverage type cooler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling system-containing gondola lift having a capacity for at least one passenger, the gondola lift comprising a cabin and a cooling system installed in the cabin, wherein the cooling system comprises: a porous case having a plurality of holes; a block of ice disposed in the case; a liquid container connected to the case for housing the liquid melted from the block of ice; and an atomizer for atomizing the liquid melted from the block of ice.

Abstract: A cutting board that is integrated into the top lid of any size ice chest coolers manufactured by Igloo, Coleman, Rubbermaid and others. The cooler top lid must be a perfectly smooth and flat surface with no “markings”, imprints, or fish measuring scale. The perceived cutting board is not an “add-on” after market device, but an integral part of the cooler lid and integrated into the “top” during the manufacturing process—not added on by the “after market”.

Abstract: An expandable cooler is provided. The cooler includes an insulating portion defining a storage cavity and an expandable portion defining a second storage cavity. The expandable portion is adapted to move between an open and a closed position. The expandable portion may be fixedly attached to the insulated portion. In a further embodiment, a telescoping handle is attached to the cooler. A hook is provided on the telescoping handle and is adapted to be received in a corresponding slot in the expandable portion. The expandable portion may be moved between the open and closed position via the handle.

Abstract: An electronic device controlling available energy consumption during time by its communication with another electronic device measuring deviations between set up information and indicative information. The electronic devices, as a part of a physical system, includes but is not limited to control, measure, record, verify and report the operation of the physical system. The physical system create the environment for the packaged product, controls the environment of the packaged product, enable distribution of the packaged product, monitor and log the data from the environment and of the packaged product. The physical system can be defined as a packaging system but may also be cold storage rooms, refrigerators, transportation vessels, machinery and line of production, hospitals or laboratories.

Abstract: A cooler for containing beverage cans comprising a chamber comprising a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall, back wall, top wall and bottom wall, the top and bottom walls having exterior complementary mating surfaces, wherein the cooling chamber receives and stabilizes a plurality of beverage containers and receives ice adjacent the plurality of containers; at least one beverage-dispensing opening into the cooling chamber defined by the front wall, the opening selectively covered by a substantially transparent beverage-dispensing door, the door moveable between open and closed positions, wherein the beverage containers are aligned with the opening and door and viewable through the door in the closed position, the opening being large enough to permit access and removal of individual containers through the door in the open position; and, an ice-loading opening into the cooling chamber defined by the top wall, the opening selectively covered by an ice-loading door.

Abstract: A database dispatches data to a wireless device on the particular source that powers a container during any segment of its journey.

Abstract: A cooler having a foot operated lid. The cooler includes a body, a lid, and a mechanism for opening the lid. The mechanism includes a pedal, the application of force to which causes the lid to move relative to the body. A cooler may also have a plurality of sides and a dry erase board mounted onto at least one of the sides. A cooler may also have a compartment inside at least one of the sides that is accessible by opening a door. A cooler may also include a bin or panel on at least one of the sides that is rotatably attached to at least one of the sides. The opening of the bin or panel allows access to the interior of the cooler without opening the lid.

Abstract: A portable cooler includes storage compartments for separately storing items in the cooler. A first compartment is generally formed at least partly by walls of the cooler. A second compartment is formed at least partly within the first compartment such that the second compartment extends at least partly into the first compartment. The second compartment is formed by at least one wall that also forms part of the first compartment. Items in the first and second compartments may be stored separately from each other and are accessible through separate openings in the cooler. In addition, the second compartment may be sealed from the first compartment so as to inhibit the ingress of liquid into the second compartment from the first compartment.

Abstract: A cooler device with an attachment element is disclosed. The attachment element is configure to removable connect the cooler to another object, such as a shopping cart.

Abstract: Thermal regulation of perishable products is achieved using a container (2) having an elongate thermal member (14) which extends into a central region of the container. Thermal regulation is also achieved by selected direction of airflow about walls (4) of the container and providing the container with a rib (5) to facilitate air circulation between adjacent containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having a metallic article enclosure surrounded by a set of insulating panels, with a predetermined volume separation between the enclosure and the insulating panels, and the predetermined volume being filled with phase change material.

Abstract: A portable cooler and tackle box provided in sizes from about 5 gallon to about 60 gallon capacity with at least one wheel affixed on or proximally to the bottom and at least one handle affixed exteriorly, and insulation, and a pivotally attached cover. Aprons are removably attached to the exterior and are fitted with pockets, holders, and pouches for holding accessories, and at least one horizontal partition wall is within the main body. At least one tray is slideably contained within the lower interior. The main body interior may contain at least one permanent or removable compartment.

Abstract: A cooler is disclosed which includes a storage compartment having a predetermined volume capacity. A lid having an interior surface is connected to the storage compartment and is designed to pivot between a closed position and an open position. The open position is angled at least about 90 degrees from the closed position. A housing having an interior surface, an exterior surface and a void volume therebetween is secured to the interior surface of the lid. A printed circuit board is secured within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a power source, a tilt switch and an electrical circuit connected therebetween. A light is also connected to the electrical circuit and protrudes through the housing, wherein as the lid is raised a predetermined number of degrees from the closed position, the tilt switch causes the light to turn on to illuminate the storage compartment of the cooler.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing cooler that has wheels and a handle. The fishing cooler also features a plurality of cup holders, an externally removable and attachable rod holder, and a tackle box that can be attached either internally or externally. The fishing cooler has two internal compartments. The first compartment is for storing bait, and is smaller than the second compartment, which is for storing caught fish. Water can pass between each compartment, and a drain plug enables evacuation of all water inside of the cooler. Integrated on top of the cooler is a measuring line for such uses as measuring caught fish. The handle is hingedly connected at one side of the cooler, and extends when in use to enable the end user to pull the cooler behind he or she. The cooler may also include a drain cup and aerator that can be attached to either of the two drain plug holes. A portable light may be attached to the cooler.

Abstract: A drain system for a cooler having a drain, said drain having a drain spout, comprising a funnel removably attached to said drain spout and a hose removably attached to the bottom of said funnel.

Abstract: A travel cooler includes a wheeled platform and an insulated container. The wheeled platform includes a base and a plurality of wheels mounted to the base for rolling movement of the platform. The insulated container includes an inflatable wall and a valve for inflating of the wall. The insulated container is disposed on the base in fixed disposition relative to the base for safe transportation of the insulated container on the wheeled platform.

Abstract: A removable cooler insert for a portable cooler, comprising an insert body having an outer peripheral surface proportional to an inner surface of the portable cooler, where the inner surface of the portable cooler defines a container. The removable cooler insert includes an elongate sealing member positioned on the outer peripheral surface to form a fluid tight seal between at least a compartment of the insert body and at least the container of the portable cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container (11) which can be evacuated and has an application (12) to be cooled, in which insulated container (11) a vacuum can be built up by means of a vacuum pump (22). In order to allow the vacuum pump (22) to be switched off during normal operation, a getter material (26) is arranged in the insulated container and binds gas components which penetrate into the insulated container as a result of unavoidable leakages. The invention provides for the getter material to be accommodated in maintenance areas (20), which can be disconnected by means of valves (21) from the working area (18) which contains the application (12). This allows the getter materials (26) in each maintenance area to be replaced or regenerated, while the operation of the application (12) to be cooled can be maintained owing to the partitioning of the working area (18) from the maintenance area (20).

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material; a pressure-maintaining container defining an interior, the pressure-maintaining container being surrounded by the insulating material; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior of the pressure-maintaining container, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the container. The temperature-maintaining material sublimates during warming to produce sublimation gasses and the pressure-maintaining material is operative to control venting of the sublimation gasses such that pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is maintained about the temperature-maintaining material. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: A dry cryogenic shipping container having a removable absorbent assembly is provided. The dry cryogenic shipping container is structured to be a Dewar's flask having a first, outer shell assembly, and second, inner shell assembly disposed within and spaced from the first, outer shell assembly, and a cap. Within the shipping container is an absorbent assembly having a body with a central cavity. The absorbent assembly body is formed by a plurality of removable absorbent assembly elements. That is the absorbent assembly elements are sized to pass through the passage into the space within the shipping container. As such, after use, the absorbent assembly body elements may be removed and the remaining components may be sterilized. After sterilization, new absorbent assembly body elements are inserted into the inner space and the dry cryogenic shipping container is used again.

Abstract: A portable multipurpose tackle box with a compartment for storing tackle, bait, and other fishing related items, and a separate cooler compartment for storing food, beverages, and bait. The top compartment can be opened to reveal several extendable tackle tray assemblies. The exterior surface of the top of the tackle box has a folding leg attached to it which can be used to support the tackle box when the tray assemblies are in an extended position. The top exterior surface also has a clip attached to it for holding a flashlight in position for the night fisherman. The handle, support leg, and clips connected to the top exterior surface pivot to a storage position which is flush with the surface to enable the top surface of the tackle box to be used comfortably as a seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having alternating enclosure walls for providing temperature insulation and for providing alternating reservoirs of phase change materials, wherein the respective phase change materials are different in each alternating reservoir. The innermost reservoirs comprise a thermal insert which modifies the control temperature inside the container.

Abstract: A portable beverage cooler comprises an automobile tire and a bottom membrane attached thereto. Optionally, a drain valve may be inserted in the side wall of the tire to facilitate draining liquid from inside the beverage cooler. Additionally, a pair of handles may be attached to the cooler to enhance its portability. Also, a base may be attached to the tire and/or rollers may be attached to the base or to the tire to increase the portability and point-of-sale functionality of the cooler.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner utilizing low-power draw components, simple and efficient construction, and implementing simple ice water as the medium for heat exchange.

Abstract: A stable portable beverage dispensing cooler includes a spring loaded dispensing unit for beverages with freezer packs between the rows of beverages for maintaining the beverages in a chilled environment. The portable cooler includes a lower drawer for storage and at least two snack trays and two beverage trays. The cooler lid can be formed in the shape of any outdoor activity, such as soccer, football or the like, to show support for the outdoor activity. The base of the cooler is wider and longer than the cooler body to provide greater stability to the portable cooler.

Abstract: A thermophoretic source may be contained within the packaging of a reticle during transport or otherwise to protect the reticle from particle contamination. For example, in advanced lithography technologies, very small particles may be thermophoretically attracted away from the reticle during transport so that cleaning on arrival may not be necessary in some cases.

Abstract: A fishing box for easily and conveniently carrying several different items therein including a cooler and a tackle box. The cooler includes a main compartment and a secondary compartment. The main compartment, having wheels and a retractable handle, has a first lid which doubles as a seat back. A foldable and bendable seat fits within the main compartment. The secondary compartment has two shelving units underneath a tray. A lunch box and a cut bait box fit within the two shelving units. A tackle box fits within the tray. A second lid covers the secondary compartment and has a retractable rim for hold an additional tackle box therein. A plurality of fishing rod holders extend within the second lid and secondary compartment.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for packaging perishable goods comprises an inner insulating container that is quickly and easily formed from a flat sheet of metalized bubble pack material to a finished state that very closely approximates the size and dimensions of the carton. The constructed inner container can be quickly collapsed and reconstructed to improve the stackability and diminish the amount of space required to store the containers prior to use.

Abstract: A refrigerator has at least one chamber, a temperature adjuster adjusting a temperature inside the chamber, a first temperature sensor approximately sensing the temperature inside the chamber, a second temperature sensor spaced from the first temperature sensor so as to sense the real temperature inside the chamber, and a controller controlling the temperature adjuster according to the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor when the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is within predetermined temperature limits of the chamber and the temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is not. With this configuration, the temperature inside the chamber is effectively controlled by an accurate and prompt sensing operation. Though one of the first and second temperature sensors is abnormal, it is possible to replace or repair the abnormal temperature sensor, or to control the temperature adjuster by the other normal temperature sensor.

Abstract: A container such as a drinking cup includes an inner wall defining a space and an outer wall that preferably includes portions that are translucent and preferably transparent. A thermal mass is provided between the inner and outer walls and has a decorative pattern that is visually discernible through the outer wall. The thermal mass preferably includes a gel material that will not freeze at the normal operating temperature of a household freezer. The gel material includes a multiplicity of globules that preferably have a median diameter that is within a preferred sizing range. The decorative pattern is preferably created by the provision of a colorant material that is introduced within the interstitial space defined between the gel globules.

Abstract: A portable ice chest used for maintaining its contents in a cooled or frozen state for an extended period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment and an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is adapted to fit airtight upon the top opening of the container. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a refrigerated state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. Additionally, when no dry ice is placed in either compartments, the present invention can be used as a regular ice chest.

Abstract: A liquid container is encased in an insulated jacket type pack, which has back-straps and a handle for ease of carrying, pockets for storage and zippered openings for access to the liquid container. The liquid container has recessed drink holders located near the bottom of the container with another recessed opening for sandwich type storage. The container has a spout at the top for drinking or pouring liquid from the container.

Abstract: Structural support apparatus with active or passive heat transfer system with a flexible insulated container, a rigid heat-conductive metallic element, a heat exchange system, where the metallic element structurally supports the container. The metallic element and container form a waterproof bond, and the metallic element and heat exchange system form a thermal bond. A preferred embodiment includes a flexible insulated container forming a closed volume with a plurality of flexible walls.

Abstract: A cooler is formed with a front and rear wall and two end walls. A bottom wall is coupled to the lower edges of the front, rear and end walls. The front, rear and end walls form a rectangular opening. A lid has an outwardly extending periphery pivotally coupled to the lid. The lid is adapted to rest in contact with the rectangular opening when the cooler is in the closed orientation. A light assembly has an interior illumination member and a switch. The switch is operable to inactivate the panel when the lid is in the closed orientation.