Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly has a first insulated container portion and a second insulated container portion. The second insulated container portion can be collapsed to a flat position, and secured in place. Either of the container portions may have a liner. The liner in the first container portion may be a substantially rigid liner. The assembly may have a lifting member. In one example the second portion may be hingedly mounted to the first portion, and the lifting member may be mounted such that when the assembly is lifted, the hinge is in an up-and-down orientation. In another embodiment, the lifting member may be eccentrically mounted, such that the assembly may possibly sit more comfortably against a carrier's hip. The first container portion may have an auxiliary opening or door, and that door may be more easily opened than the main access of the first insulated container portion.

Abstract: Performance of heat insulation between the outside of a storage container and the inside of a storage chamber is effectively improved. The storage container includes a container body having an opening, a door member closing the opening in an openable and closable manner, and a temperature-controlled unit having a function of making a temperature inside a storage chamber 2 enclosed by the container body and the door member be different from a temperature outside the storage chamber.

Abstract: A refreezable container for storage of perishable and/or temperature-sensitive items is described herein. A bottom surface, contiguous with one or more side surfaces is provided, each surface having an interior cavity at least partially filled with refreezable material, usable to retain contents within the container at a temperature less than ambient temperature. The bottom surface includes a lower groove therein. The side surfaces include a lip adapted for secure engagement for an upper object, which can include a top cover having a complementary groove, or the lower groove of an adjacent refreezable container, allowing multiple containers, with or without top covers, to be nested for storage or transport, and allowing multiple covered containers, or top covers independent of containers, to be stacked and nested.

Abstract: An iceless chill chamber cooler includes a chill chamber block and an iceless chill chamber. The chill chamber block can include at least one attachment feature. The iceless chill chamber can include a wall having at least one receiving feature. The receiving feature can complement and receive the attachment feature of the chill chamber block. The chill chamber block can be configured to transfer cold to an item positioned inside the iceless chill chamber.

Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.

Abstract: A fishing bait holding apparatus includes a container that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an access opening into the container. A liner is removably positioned within the container. The liner has a lower wall and peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the lower wall. The lower and peripheral walls each include an outer layer enclosing an interior space. A fluid is positioned within the interior space. The fluid may be chilled and the liner placed in the container to cool an area enclosed by the container. The container can be cooled with the liner such that fishing bait positioned in the container is cooled by the liner.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage container includes an outer assembly and an evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container. In some embodiments, the outer assembly includes one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally-controlled storage region, and a single access conduit to the at least one thermally-controlled storage region. In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container includes: an evaporative cooling unit affixed to a surface of the at least one thermally-controlled storage region; a desiccant unit affixed to an external surface of the container; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the evaporative cooling unit, the second end attached to the desiccant unit; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A gas storage apparatus comprises a pressure vessel in the form of a cylinder, closed by a valve, containing a non-permanent gas having under its storage conditions a gas phase and a liquid phase. A jacket formed of plastics sachets surrounds and is in heat transfer relationship with the outer surface of the cylinder. The sachets define closed compartments containing a heat release substance which is liquid at 20° C. On opening the valve, the non-permanent gas is delivered from the cylinder. The liquid phase of the non-permanent gas absorbs heat from the heat release substance which undergoes fusion. The heat release substance may be water.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.

Abstract: Home-use apparatuses for removing heat from body-fat rich tissues and related devices, systems, and methods. One embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a belt which can be worn around a part of the user's body were the user desires to lose body fat. The belt has a pocket which holds a cold pack. The cold pack cools the user's skin and reduces body-fat rich cells in the area where cooling in applied. Because the belt is made of light, flexible material and has no burdensome mechanical or electric parts, the user retains flexibility and mobility while wearing the belt.

Abstract: A tube (20) with outer and inner walls (22, 24) and webbing (26) between them. The inner wall (24) forms a cylindrical inner chamber (28) that slidably receives drink cans (50) end-to-end. Spaces between the inner and outer walls, and between the webbing, form longitudinal thermal chambers (23) surrounding the inner wall for receiving thermal packs (48) along the length of the inner chamber (28). Convection paths (32) between the thermal chambers (23) and the inner chamber (28) provide air circulation for efficient heat transfer. The inner chamber has an access opening (29) at the front end of the tube for receiving and dispensing the drink cans. An elevator (40) in the inner chamber may be provided to move drink cans toward the access opening via cords or rods (44) extending from the front end of the tube that pull the elevator toward the front end of the tube.

Abstract: The disclosure features various embodiments and aspects of a chest for quenching beverages. The chest can include a tank for holding a chilled mixture of ice and water, an ice maker adapted for making ice having an output for ejecting ice into a conduit in fluid communication with the tank, and a plurality of quench trays disposed above the tank for holding containers of beverages located in first and second positions. The trays can be filled with cold water by way of a conduit in fluid communication with the tank. The quench trays can include a compartment defined by a bottom and a plurality of walls, and defining therein a plurality of rows for aligning and containing a plurality of beverage containers. The drawers can further include at least one drain orifice configured to guide water out of the quench tray.

Abstract: A passive thermally regulated shipping container with at least one removable PCM panel containing dual immiscible phase change materials having different freezing points.

Abstract: The insulated container and insert are formed of relatively soft and flexible panels having relatively thick cores of thermal insulation captured between thin impervious sheets. The outer container has a closable top, and the insert has an open top. The insert is about half the height of the outer container, allowing ice or other cooling material, beverage cans and/or bottles, etc., to be placed in the bottom of the outer container with the insert resting thereon for the carriage of food therein. As the outer bottom surface of the insert will be moist from contact with ice or the like therebelow, the outer container includes a drop down panel that may be lowered for placement of the insert thereon to preclude contamination of the bottom of the insert with loose sand or the like. Additional carrying handles and straps are provided, as well as outer pockets on the outer container.

Abstract: A cold tray for a container may have an interior. The cold tray may include a cold tray housing mountable within the container interior. A refrigerant may be mounted to the cold tray housing. An air flow source may be fluidly connectable to the cold tray housing and may draw air from the container interior into the cold tray housing such that the air passes over the refrigerant and is discharged back into the container interior.

Abstract: A packaging system for cold chain shipment may include a container having interior surface portions, a plurality of cellulose sheets disposed along the interior surface portions and defining a space configured to receive an item for cold chain shipment, and a cold source disposed within the space and configured to cool the container for cold chain shipment. The packaging system may further include a plurality of cellulose sheets, wherein adjacent sheets of the plurality of cellulose sheets define a plurality of pockets configured to trap air, and wherein the plurality of cellulose sheets are configured to insulate the space.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooling beer flowing from a keg to a tap to be dispensed includes an insulated ice chest containing an open topped swirl pot in which is nested a cooling coil having an inlet connected to a keg and an outlet connected to a tap on a hollow upright structure fixed to the outside of an ice chest lid. A pump is connected to a stand pipe within the coil directing a flow of ice water under pressure to generally tangentially directed nozzles within the coil creating a swirl flow of ice water over the coil turns and overflowing back into the ice chest interior space holding ice to create a circulation therein maximizing the rate of cooling of the dispensed beer to minimize foaming when dispensed from the tap. A CO2 tank is also held in the ice chest interior space, connected to the keg via fluid lines and simplified hook ups to the keg are located on the lid mounted hollow structure.

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

Abstract: A phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising a foam material, a phase change material, the phase change material being absorbed into the foam, and a protective covering encasing the foam material/phase change material. A method for making a phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising providing a phase change material, providing a foam material, absorbing the phase change material into the foam material, and sealing the foam material/phase change material within a protective covering.

Abstract: A frozen comestible maker suitable for home use includes single or multiple molding cavities for forming frozen comestibles, a heat exchanger for maximizing the heat transfer away from the fluid that is being frozen in the molding cavities, a refrigerant solution with a depressed freezing point in contact with the heat exchangers, a base container to seal the refrigerant solution from the fluid that is being frozen, and a bezel piece to retain spills and aid with handling. The refrigerant solution is captured between the molding cavities and the base container. One or more sticks, a drip cup, and an extraction tool may be provided with the frozen comestible maker for preparing and extracting shaped frozen comestibles, such as ice pops and popsicles, therefrom.

Abstract: A modular collection of components from which a variety of thermally insulated and thermal controlled containers can be assembled. The collection includes at least two differently sized sleeves of thermal insulation, and at least two differently sized sleeves of phase change material that are nestable with one another to form various thermally insulated and thermally controlled containers with various combinations of available payload, target temperature, guaranteed duration of thermal control, size of container and weight of container.

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: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of selecting of a container and temperature-control system, such that biological products (including blood) requiring maintenance within a specified range of temperatures are so maintained during shipment. The process requires a prediction of the maximum period of shipment, and the predicted ambient temperature ranges and time of exposure thereto for the system during the period of shipment. With that information, a system of container(s) with temperature-control agents including dry ice, ice, frozen gel packs or a phase change material, is selected.

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 multi-purpose ice holding assembly is disclosed for the making and storing of ice. Parts of the assembly include an external chamber, a bucket that inserts snugly into the external chamber and a lid for closing the assembly. Pockets for the forming of ice may be formed in the external chamber or the internal bucket, depending on the embodiment. The device may also be used for the serving of ice, as well as the chilling of wine bottles and other cold beverage containers.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated container has a base wall and a peripheral wall with an open end defining an enclosure. The peripheral wall has at least two layers and is divided into elongate pockets between the layers, with foldable crease lines between adjacent pockets. Each pocket contains a flexible-walled, insulating gel pack which substantially fills the pocket. The crease lines may be defined by stitching securing the outer and inner layers of the container together. The gel packs may be surrounded by matting, foam or mesh material which is sewn into the lines of stitching, or may have integral peripheral rims sewn into the lines of stitching. The container is foldable between an erect, open condition and a storage condition in which it is folded along the crease lines into a substantially flattened package.

Abstract: An airtight cover assembly includes a side panel folded around goods on a pallet presenting top and bottom opening, a top panel with a plurality of pouches positioned on an inside surface above a vented rigid plate, and a bottom panel encloses the pallet. Hook and loop closures secure the panel assembly. Panel inner and outer surfaces of a poly-vinyl chloride material bonded to an aluminum laminate enclose multiple layers of foam.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box, an insulated insert, an insulated cover, a payload container and a plurality of coolant members. The outer box comprises a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a plurality of rectangular side walls, a closed bottom end, and top closure flaps. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to define a bottom, four 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, together with a pair of coolant saddle bags adapted to surround the payload container.

Abstract: Provided is a refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items. 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. 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 collapsible insulated container has a base wall and a peripheral wall with an open end defining an enclosure. The peripheral wall has at least two layers and is divided into elongate pockets between the layers, with foldable crease lines between adjacent pockets. Each pocket contains a flexible-walled, insulating gel pack which substantially fills the pocket. The crease lines may be defined by stitching securing the outer and inner layers of the container together. The gel packs may be surrounded by matting, foam or mesh material which is sewn into the lines of stitching, or may have integral peripheral rims sewn into the lines of stitching. The container is foldable between an erect, open condition and a storage condition in which it is folded along the crease lines into a substantially flattened package.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products is provided, comprising a chill cabinet inside which is situated an insulated container equipped with passive cooling means, and which contains one or more frozen edible products. A method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products from the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A frozen beverage device (10) has a container (20) and sealable cover (30) to convert a liquid (60), such as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage into an at least semi-frozen slurry containing ice crystals (61). Freezing device(s) (50), which may have a range of shapes, contain refrigerant to from a thin layer of ice/ice crystals on the deformable wall(s) of the freezing device(s) (50), the ice crystals (61) being released therefrom due to agitation of the liquid (60) by shaking/rotation and/or squeezing on the container (20) and/or cover (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a superinsulation in the form of an evacuated insulating container (2) comprising a vacuum maintaining material (55). The transport container is provided with a cooling container (16) comprising a heat-conducting metal wool filling (57) and an organic coolant which undergoes a solid/liquid phase change in the temperature range of between ?30° C. and ?850° C. and has a heat of fusion of at least 50 J/ml. A slim cylindrical sample chamber (24) is used to receive deep-frozen tissue samples (26), said chamber being surrounded by the cooling container (16) and merging into a long neck opening (25) forming a single component therewith, said opening being largely filled by the insulating shaft (30) of a screwable plug (28) and sealed from the sample chamber (24). The air in the ring gap (32) created can be evacuated by means of an evacuating system (48).

Abstract: A system for providing an infusion chamber provides a clip assembly for attachment within a drinking vessel. A box assembly contains an infusion chamber and may be attached to the clip assembly. The box assembly has a top swinging lid to accept dry ice and other materials suitable for infusion. The bottom of the box assembly features a communication void or slot at the bottom of the box to allow the contents of the box assembly to mix with the surrounding drink, but yet not fall loose into the drink. The clip features contoured adhesive wedges to assist in attachment of the clip to the inside portions of a drinking container. The clip assembly has a thin stop tab or shelf that fits into the box assembly. A side hook from the box assembly is supported by the lower portion of the stop tab or shelf of the clip assembly. The upper or top side of the stop tab or shelf is trapped by a stop tab of the box assembly.

Abstract: A system and method that configures a connecting relationship between two wine bottles (or one wine bottle with two wine compartments) such that wine in one bottle/compartment may be served chilled and wine in a second bottle/compartment may be served at a higher temperature than the chilled bottle, while both wines are presented tableside from a single holding vessel.

Abstract: A food service system is formed using a plurality of units capable of being interlocked together in a variety of customizable configurations. The units of the food service system include a food service bar with buffet pan chillers, a work table, a cashier station, and variety of connecting pieces for linking each of the units together. The food service bar comprises a sneeze guard that protects the food contained within the bar on three sides and can be broken down and folded down and into itself when the bar is being transported or stored. The buffet pan chillers are double sided and configured such that when frozen, may accommodate a shallow food pan on one side and then flipped over to accommodate a deep food pan on the other side while still maintaining the same serving height. Each unit is configured to receive multiple sizes of wheels or casters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensitive transport container (20) for packaging and shipping cell-based products such as cultured cells intended for transplantation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a thermally insulated transport container system (10) for storing and transporting cells for transplantation which is capable of maintaining the cells at a desirable temperature range for a sufficient period of time to ensure adequate cell viability and therapeutic properties.

Abstract: A cold tray for a container may have an interior. The cold tray may include a cold tray housing mountable within the container interior. A refrigerant may be mounted to the cold tray housing. An air flow source may be fluidly connectable to the cold tray housing and may draw air from the container interior into the cold tray housing such that the air passes over the refrigerant and is discharged back into the container interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.

Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.

Abstract: A diaper bag having a major compartment with pockets on the walls or bottom thereof for one or more of the following accessories needed either by the mother or baby for travel: wipes, diapers, spare clothes, Mom's ipod, cell phone, keys and/or wallet, a changing mat, snacks, formula, baby food, and having actively or passively heated and cooled insulated compartments for formula, baby food included on the inside or outside of the main compartment.

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

Abstract: This disclosure provides a container, which includes a containing part, a cooling part arranged outside of the containing part and for cooling by a heat absorbing action at the time of a phase transition, and a heat insulating part arranged outside of the cooling part. The container may further include a holding part arranged outside of the cooling part and for holding the cooling part near the containing part. Another cooling part may be arranged outside of the heat insulating part, in addition to the inside of the heat insulating part. The cooling part may be a bag shaped container filled with a cooling material and may have a joined part formed by closing an opening of the container. The joined part may be configured to be exfoliated when a temperature near the cooling part reaches a predetermined temperature or more.

Abstract: A transport container comprising a spherical container 1 and a heat accumulating material 2a, 2b disposed inside of the spherical container 1, wherein; the heat accumulating material 2a, 2b is provided with a space for holding a transported object therein, and the space is formed at the central part of the inside of the spherical container 1.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of abutting vacuum insulated panels configured and arranged to form a retention chamber with a slip surface providing a low kinetic coefficient of friction interposed between the panels within the abutment areas.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining beverage cooling means (11) within a vessel (12) is disclosed. The device comprises a vessel engaging portion (14) and means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11), wherein the means (16) for engaging the beverage cooling means (11) permits the beverage cooling means to move in sliding relation with respect to the vessel (14) engaging portion.

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 refrigeration delivery system for use with portable food storage systems having an L-shaped body with a hollow vertical tower portion and a hollow horizontal flat lower portion. The internal volume of the body is suitable for the storage of ice and a combination of ice and melt water. In one embodiment, a hand-powered pump and spout is provide through a top of the tower portion to pump chilled water for drinking or to remove it from the delivery system. A second embodiment incorporates a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion. A third embodiment incorporates both a hand-powered pump and spout as well as a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion.

Abstract: A packaging system for cold chain shipment may include a container having interior surface portions, a plurality of cellulose sheets disposed along the interior surface portions and defining a space configured to receive an item for cold chain shipment, and a cold source disposed within the space and configured to cool the container for cold chain shipment. The packaging system may further include a plurality of cellulose sheets, wherein adjacent sheets of the plurality of cellulose sheets define a plurality of pockets configured to trap air, and wherein the plurality of cellulose sheets are configured to insulate the space.