Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for shipping products so as to control the temperatures the products are exposed to. Embodiments can increase the amount of time the product and/or portions of the product experience a desired temperature range and/or reduce the amount of time the product and/or portions of the product experience temperatures outside of the desired temperature range and/or experience an undesirable temperature range. Embodiments can incorporate biotic materials, such as wood fibers or moss, positioned around and/or near the product positioned inside a packaging container or around a pallet load, such that the biotic materials restrict heat flow from one or more locations on the exterior of the package to one or more other locations in the interior of the package.

Abstract: A device and method for transporting items, and more specifically a crate liner for use in delivering temperature-controlled items such as perishable food. The crate liner being insulated to maintain a temperature-controlled environment within the liner. The crate liner being collapsible to minimize the space required for storing the crate liner when not in use.

Abstract: A system comprises a device configured at a first position. A jar rim is configured at a second position. The jar rim is configured to couple with the device to enable the device to provide an additional use in addition to an original use. An inner connector is configured to enable the jar rim to couple to the device to allow the device to provide the additional use. A heat sink is configured within the device after the jar rim is configured with the device, wherein the heat sink is configured to maintain a temperature of one or more liquids within the device. One or more holes are configured at a top portion of the coupled jar rim and device to further enable the additional use to be provided.

Abstract: A shipping container with an enclosure of insulating panels which swell in response to sublimation of a carbon dioxide mass within the enclosure. The insulating panels are made of a casing with an outer sheet which is impermeable to carbon dioxide gas and an inner sheet which is permeable to carbon dioxide gas. Dry ice is placed within the shipping container, along with contents which require refrigeration, and the container is closed (sealed or somewhat sealed). After closure, and upon sublimation of the dry ice, some portion of gaseous carbon dioxide passes through the permeable sheet of the casing and some may leak from the container. Because some portion of the sublimated gas enters the casing, it is retained and slowed in eventual escape from the container, thereby maintaining low temperatures within the container longer than a system with an impermeable casing.

Abstract: Provided is a constant temperature container capable of largely improving the heat insulating property. A constant temperature container includes: a heat insulating container; a heat insulating lid configured to close the heat insulating container; a box body housed inside the heat insulating container; a box lid configured to close the box body; a phase change material provided on a bottom portion and a wall portion of the box body and the box lid; and a support member provided between the bottom portion of the box body and a bottom portion of the heat insulating container, the support member supporting the box body in such a manner that the wall portion of the box body is separated from a wall portion of the heat insulating container.

Abstract: A temperature insulated packaging system includes a container having interior surface bounding an interior volume and a liner disposed within the interior volume and at least partially bounding a compartment configured to receive an item for temperature insulated shipping. The liner includes a first sleeve made of cellulose material and at least partially bounds a channel. The first sleeve has an outside wall disposed adjacent to the container and an opposing inside wall disposed adjacent to the compartment configured to receive the item for shipping, the channel being disposed between the inside wall and the outside wall. At least one insulation sheet is disposed within the channel of the first sleeve, the at least one insulation sheet being made of a cellulose material and having a plurality of recesses formed thereon.

Abstract: A mobile vaccine carrier and method for operating the carrier. The carrier includes a housing having a lid preferably hinged to a base member, a vaccine storage member disposed within the housing and defining a storage space for a plurality of vaccine containers; and a cooling element disposed within the housing. The vaccine storage member further includes an inner container defining the storage space and having an inlet opening for placing and removing vaccine containers, a movable vaccine container holder and a cover member disposed on the lid. The vaccine container holder has an abutment portion abutting against an outer portion of the inner container so that the inlet opening is covered by the vaccine container holder and at least a part of the cover member protrudes into the storage space when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: A pallet for shipping goods, the pallet having a rigid member, a phase change material, and a temperature indicator. The rigid member includes a phase change material compartment. A phase change material is disposed in the phase change material compartment. The temperature indicator indicates a thermal state of the pallet.

Abstract: A pallet cover suitable for use in covering at least a portion of a payload on a pallet and a kit for use in making the pallet cover. In one embodiment, the pallet cover includes a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, wherein the walls are detachably joined to one another. Each of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall includes a first fabric sheet and a second fabric sheet, the first and second fabric sheets being joined together to form a plurality of pockets. Each pocket may removably receive a temperature-control member containing a phase-change material. At least one of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall and the right side wall includes a plurality of detachably joined portions.

Abstract: Thermally insulated shipping system for use in transporting a pallet-sized payload. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of thermally insulating walls arranged to define an interior volume suitable for receiving a pallet-sized payload. The thermally insulating walls include a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall, of which all but the bottom wall include at least two slots facing towards the interior volume. One of the slots is an inner slot that is more proximal to the interior volume, and one of the slots is an outer slot that is more distal to the interior volume. The system also includes a plurality of inner cassettes disposed in at least some of the inner slots and a plurality of outer cassettes disposed in at least some of the outer slots. The inner and outer cassettes include phase-change materials.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cooling device and method of forming and regenerating same for use in keeping perishable products cool. The cooling device includes a porous substrate that has been soaked in a first composition including at least one anti-freeze agent before being soaked in a second composition including at least one crosslinking agent and be exposed to UV irradiation. The cooling device further includes a substrate cover for sealingly covering the porous substrate after being soaked in the second composition and exposed to the UV irradiation. Prior to use, the cooling device is cooled to a desired temperature and exposed to further UV irradiation.

Abstract: The temperature of the chamber housing a shot wheel of a shot blaster is controlled by positioning a fan exterior to the chamber that creates air flow across a mounting plate defining the chamber. The air flow created by the fan may also pass around the bearing surrounding the drive shaft that turns the shot wheel.

Abstract: A temperature regulating device for a beverage comprises an upper cover, a first barrel and a second barrel connected below the upper cover, wherein the upper cover is provided with an inlet and an outlet for a beverage to flow in and out; the second barrel is located in the first barrel; a cavity for receiving the beverage is formed between the first barrel and the second barrel; the inlet and the outlet are communicated with the cavity; a first chamber for storing media is formed in the second barrel; the upper cover is recessed inward in the middle to form an inner concave part; the inner concave part is funnel-shaped, the bottom of the funnel bulges upward to form a conical convex part, and there are a plurality of inlets machined on the wall surface of the inner concave part, and the second barrel is connected below the convex part; the beverage is directly inverted at the position of the concave part, and enters the interior of the cavity from the inlet, so that the pouring of the beverage becomes conve

Abstract: A kit from which a thermally insulated shipping container may be assembled and a thermally insulated shipping container assembled from such a kit. The kit includes an outer shell and four flat stock vacuum insulated panels, each with three articulating sections foldable to form 3-dimensional C-shaped units. The panels are nestable pairs effective for lining a lower portion of the outer shell with a first nested pair and lining an upper portion of the outer shell with a second nested pair so as to form a fully enclosed insulated payload chamber within the outer shell.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal energy storage member having sufficient dissipation capabilities and a storage container using the same, and a refrigerator using the same. A thermal energy storage member 1 includes: a thin-plate outer shape having an opposing upper face 1a and lower face 1b; a thermal energy storage material 3 filled in the inside of a package material 2; and a thermal conduction amount adjusting portion 4 that, in a case where difference occurs between temperature at the upper face 1a side and temperature at the lower face 1b side, reduces difference in thermal conduction amount per unit of time at the upper face 1a and the lower face 1b.

Abstract: A flat storage ice pack is provided that is designed to effectively wrap around square containers, such as prisma containers. The ice pack is comprised of a container having at least four segments each including a column of freezable liquid. The segments are designed to separate the freezable liquid columns from each other at a distance that will allow the columns, when frozen, to create right angles relative to one another. In this manner, the ice pack is able to sizably fold around a square container by creating corners between the columns for received corresponding corners of square objects, such a prisma containers.

Abstract: Ice hole wraps configured to be positioned in a floor of an ice shelter are provided, such as an ice hole wrap that includes a first circular end, a second circular end, a cylindrical wall extending between the first and second ends, and a height extending between the first and second circular ends. The wall is foldable between a first configuration in which the cylinder has a first height between the first and second circular ends, and a second configuration in which the cylinder has a second height between the first and second circular ends.

Abstract: An insulating shipping system may include six outer walls configured into a six-sided container; an insulating layer positioned within the outer walls and formed by a plurality of insulating members; and a thermal mass layer positioned within the insulating members and made from a plurality of thermal mass members. The thermal mass members may contain a thermal energy absorbing material. The container also may have a thermal buffer layer configured to fit within the thermal mass layer. All together, these layers form a passive, thermally stabile cargo cavity for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.

Abstract: Encapsulated solids are made by first encapsulating precursor materials in a polymer shell. The precursors are some combination of solids, liquids, gases, and/or gels. The precursors are then transformed into solids by emplacement of the capsule in an environment where gas or fluid transport into or out of the polymer shell causes transformation into solids.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a refrigeration device. The refrigeration device includes a cold store, positioned next to a reservoir having a head region and a body region, and a payload space positioned next to the reservoir opposite the cold store. The reservoir includes a cooling fluid (in many cases, water). A cooling element in the cold store absorbs heat from fluid contained in the head region of the reservoir. The fluid in the head region cools the fluid in the body region, which in turn cools the payload. In some embodiments, the body region has a greater volume than the head region which in turn increases the thermal resistance of the body region. The refrigeration device, once at an in use equilibrium, is resistant to temperature change in a payload container. The stable temperature is maintained at a critical temperature of the cooling fluid—the critical temperature being a temperature wherein the cooling fluid is of lower density both above and below the critical temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cooling or frosting at least one container (2), in particular a glass or mug, by means of cold air, the device (1) comprising a base (4) with a container receiving portion (3), at least one air inlet (5) and an annular chamber (7), whereby the container receiving portion (3) is comprised with the at least one air inlet (5) through which cold air may be introduced into the annular chamber (7), wherein the container receiving portion (3) comprises an air outlet portion (10) comprising a pipe (9) extending upwards into the at least one container (2), the pipe (9) being configured to suck the air out of the at least one container (2).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container (100) substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container includes an outer box, an insulated insert, an insulated cover, a payload container and a plurality of coolant members. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to include a plurality of sides and a top. The top includes a raised peripheral edge and a recessed shelf. A large rectangular prismatic cavity surrounded by a plurality of smaller cavities extends downwardly from the recessed shelf. The large cavity of the insulated insert is adapted to receive a payload container. Each of the smaller cavities of the insulated insert has a “top hat” shape when viewed from above that includes a crown portion and a brim portion.

Abstract: A climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel (50) including: an outer layer (52); an inner layer (54); a foam (58) positioned in between the inner layer (54) and the outer layer (52); and a plurality of fiber tubes (60) embedded within the foam. Another climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel including: an outer layer; an inner layer; a foam positioned in between the inner layer and the outer layer; and a phase change material positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: Provided is an environmentally friendly refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items in an energy efficient manner that also conserves water. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body to prolong the melting of ice within the barrel, thereby reducing the overall amount of water used by the barrel. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.

Abstract: A thermally insulated sandwich polyurethane (PUR) shipper for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The sandwich PUR shipper comprises an outer corrugated box, an inner corrugated box, vacuum insulated panels (such as VIP panels) and PUR foam. The inner box is nested within the outer box and has a bottom, sides and a top. The inner box defines a payload compartment. The VIP panels are adhered to the outer facing surfaces of the inner box. Preferably the VIP panels are wedged against each other so that a side edge of one VIP panel abuts an adjacent VIP panel. The PUR foam fills the space between the VIP panels and the outer box. The PUR foam may cover the top edges of the VIP panels.

Abstract: A portable cooler includes a cooler body formed of an insulating shell having an external shell and an internal shell. The internal shell defines an interior storage section. A divider retention slot is formed into the internal shell and is structured to accept and mechanically support a rigid divider. A liquid collection cup is formed within internal shell and coupled to the divider retention slot. The retention guides liquid that accumulates within the slot toward the liquid collection cup by sloping toward the cup. In some aspects the slots of the retention guide are approximately 0.25 inches deep within the internal shell. A drain hole may drain the cup, the drain hole for the cup at least 0.75 inches in diameter. Two divider retention slots may be present to further allow subdivision within the interior storage section of the cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular passive refrigeration container for the cold storage and transport of goods, especially fresh produce and deep-frozen goods as well as to a method for the assembly of such a modular passive refrigerated container, comprising at least: (i) a cooling element, suitable for binary ice as coolant, comprising at least three plate-shaped hollow cooling segments, wherein the plate-shaped cooling segments define at least a portion of the refrigeration space, (ii) an insulation material in plate form, and (iii) a housing, suitable for receiving said cooling element and said insulating material in plate form, wherein said cooling element is removably surrounded by said housing, and wherein a space between the said cooling element and said housing is at least partially filled with said insulating material which is reversibly connected with either said housing or said cooling element or both.

Abstract: A collapsible bowl described herein includes a base, wherein the base includes a top, a bottom, a chamber that is between the top and the bottom, a first edge, and a seam, wherein the base is foldable along the seam. The collapsible bowl also includes a first side that includes a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side is coupled to the first edge of the base, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a foldable cooling apparatus that is adapted to modify a temperature of a liquid in the collapsible bowl.

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: A compact, mobile communicating carrying case for the transport and storage of temperature-sensitive materials. The carrying case regulates to preset cryogenic temperatures without external input. Cryogenic temperature control is provided by use of a liquid nitrogen cooling system. A microprocessor-controlled double function solenoid, temperature sensors, and several mechanical one way release valves regulate the cooling system. Peripheral integrated modules collect, send, receive and display information such as location, core temperature, and the nature of the enclosed material. The carrying case provides a compact laser-etched working area, in addition to a set of basic surgical instruments, needed for procedures using biological materials.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice thermal storage device. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, a storage compartment defined in the cabinet, and an ice thermal storage device placed in the storage compartment. The ice thermal storage device includes a case including at least one heat transfer plate, and an ice thermal storage pack received in the case and arranged to come into contact with the at least one heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may involve the use of layered, insulated PCM assemblage that itself comprises: modular insulating foam material 8 that, upon establishment as part of the assemblage, defines inner foam material sides 9 and outer foam material sides 10; thin reflective material 11 established against (whether directly in contact with or not) at least either the inner foam material sides or the outer foam materials sides, and modular, enclosed PCM sections 12 established between the modular insulating foam material and the interior center.

Abstract: A container assembly that is adapted to retain an amount of dry ice therein and be disposed within a cooler as a cooling source is provided. The container assembly includes a base and a lid assembly that seal together to provide an inner space to receive the dry ice. The container also includes an attached valve assembly and an outlet hose. The valve assembly is disposed on a side surface of the container to allow for an outflow of carbon dioxide gas produced by the dry ice within the container assembly. The hose is attached to the valve and fastened at its end to an inside surface of the cooler providing a flow of cold carbon dioxide gas to the interior of the cooler as the dry ice sublimates.

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: Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit.

Abstract: A carrier for thermally sensitive items such as medications, biological tissue and the like comprises a cooling chamber for receiving items to be cooled and a thermoelectric heat transfer module using the Peltier effect to cool the chamber. To maximize the time the cooling chamber remains in a cooled state when the heat transfer module is deenergized, a polymer gel is confined in conductive heat transfer relationship with the cooling chamber wall to provide a “volume of cold” surrounding the cooling chamber. The polymer gel releases thermal energy to the cooling chamber as the chamber is cooled to attain essentially the same temperature as the cooling chamber and absorbs thermal energy from the cooling chamber when the heat transfer module is deenergized and the cooling chamber begins to warm. Absent active cooling this release and absorption of thermal energy maximizes the duration of cold temperatures in the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A phase change material (PCM) bladder is provided for use in a temperature controlled product shipper. The PCM bladder includes a bladder chamber having a filling port and is configured to receive and hold a flowable phase change material, such as an ice slurry, which can be pumped into the bladder at the point of packaging.

Abstract: A food chilling system for keeping food items and beverages cold features a flexible circular base for wrapping a serving container. The circular base features a plurality of chilling components containing a freezable liquid or gel in a sealed cavity. The circular base features a plurality of spacing components alternatingly located between the chilling components. The circular base features a plurality of flexible handles pivotally located on a base outside periphery. The circular base features a plurality of rings pivotally located on a base sidewall. An elastic cord having a first hook and a second hook is designed to alternately pass through or engage the plurality of rings. The system features a pliable outer shell, having a cinchable opening designed to encompass the base and the cord after the base has been secured to the container via the cord.

Abstract: Tray having a container receiving space and a stepped outer sidewall including a lower step and an upper step, a cooling unit providing cooled air to the space and having a housing with a stepped base that includes a lower step and an upper step, the cooling unit venting exhaust from an end distal to the base, a plurality of containers each having a perimeter flange and, when the container is inserted into the space, portions of the flange are seated on the respective lower steps of the tray and the stepped base of the housing, and a cover configured to sealingly contact the upper steps when the cover is in a closed position, the cover shielding the containers from the exhaust, and being movably attached to the housing and movable along the housing in a range that includes the closed position at which the cover contacts the upper steps.

Abstract: A rigid-walled, block-shaped box is internally provided with a compartment arranged adjacent to a vertical wall of the box and having a first chamber with a first window open to the inside of the container and a second window open to the outside, and a second chamber with a third window open to the inside of the container and a fourth window open to the outside. The windows are each provided with a shutter. A mass of phase change material is housed within the compartment between said first chamber and second chamber, for absorbing heat from the air flowing from one chamber to the other chamber when said first window and third window are open and said second window and fourth window are closed, and releasing heat to the air flowing from one chamber to the other chamber when said first window and third window are closed and said second window and fourth window are open.

Abstract: A vehicle for the refrigerated transport of products comprising at least one products storage chamber, characterized in that:—one or more panels made from a material of so-called “phase-change” type have been incorporated into the structure of all or part of the walls of at least one of the storage chambers of the lorry;—the phase-change material has a melting point that is just a few degrees higher than the target datum temperature for the chamber in question, preferably 2 to 10° C. higher than said datum temperature and more preferably still 3 to 5° C. higher than said datum temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving items from a cooler, said apparatus having a cord, a securing mechanism for receiving an item, and a buoy, where the buoy engages the cord, the cooler contains coolant for cooling the item, and the buoy allows for the cord to be obtained without reaching into the coolant.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a cargo container, including a foldable sleeve having first and second major planes and at least one temperature control pack, the sleeve being attached prior to first use to a major plane of an inside wall of the container operable to retain a temperature control pack within, to maintain a temperature of an atmosphere within the container when closed by virtue of heat transfer with the atmosphere of the container; and to prevent contact with any product.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container (100) substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.

Abstract: A cooling platform for cooling an object is provided. The cooling platform comprises a temperature regulation, a support layer, and a channeled covering layer. The temperature regulation layer is adapted to hold a composition. The temperature regulation layer has a plurality of angled segments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter of the temperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channels substantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side at a distance lesser than the predefined distance. The support layer is substantially bonded to the bottom side of the temperature regulation layer and is comprised of material sufficiently pliable to deform and sufficiently rigid to withstand collapse in response to the weight of the object. The channeled covering layer encompasses the support and temperature regulation layers.

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.

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.