Abstract: A container for transporting an accidentally severed limb 17 or other body part and keeping it cool to aid the success rate of replantation surgery comprising a suitcase-like openable container 2 made of aluminium sheet 4 with a heat insulating covering 5. To maintain the temperature of the container between 2.degree. C. and 6.degree. C., a cylinder of carbon dioxide 19 is mounted in a holder 9, 18 on the outside of the container and has its shut-off valve 20 connected to an injector nozzle 23 in the container. Carbon dioxide discharged by the nozzle 23 produces dry ice in the container 2 to cool it. The flow of gas through the nozzle 23 is controlled by a thermostatic device which includes a spring 24 made of a shape-memory alloy which allows the nozzle 23 to be closed at temperatures below 2.degree. C. but which regains its strength at a temperature of 6.degree. C. to open the nozzle when the inside of the container has warmed up again to this temperature.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 4, 1987
Date of Patent:
August 30, 1988
Assignees:
The Distillers Company (Carbon Dioxide) Limited, Laurie Bradley, Richard J. Lilleystone
Inventors:
Laurie Bradley, Richard J. Lilleystone, Clive S. Cumner