Abstract: A combination structural/thermal mat for use in environments subject to extreme low temperatures for at least a portion of a year comprises multiple portions including a structural portion, an insulation portion positioned vertically below the structural portion, and an energy-absorption portion positioned vertically below the insulation portion. The energy-absorption portion comprises a material that changes phase at a temperature below 0° C.

Abstract: Fluid flow cartridges, systems and methods for qualitative or quantitative analysis of a sample material are disclosed. Cartridges of the invention are constructed for fluid flow into, out of and internally throughout the cartridges. The cartridges can be used with an analytical instrument configured to interface with the instrument and present the sample or a reagent fluid at a location and in a form appropriate for analysis of the sample by the instrument. The invention is particularly advantageous for use in analytical systems in many fields but may also be used for non-analytical purposes.

Abstract: A container has a base, peripheral walls and a lid. Each of the base, peripheral walls and lid includes an interior wall spaced from an exterior wall, with vacuum panel in between. The sides of the vacuum panels are covered by compressible insulation fill, minimizing thermal flow along the vacuum panels despite any manufacturing tolerance differences in the width of the vacuum panels as compared to the distance between the interior wall and the exterior wall. The interior wall of the body of the container is provided by a liner formed of a single, deep drawn sheet of material. The exterior wall is similarly formed as a deep drawn shell. The inner liner and the outer shell are welded together with a bead to encase the vacuum panels in a water-tight manner, with the liner, the shell the bead all formed of the same material.

Abstract: A soft-sided, collapsible insulative container having a flexible casing, a base, peripheral sidewalls extending from the base, and a lid. The sidewalls fold upward from the base at a fold hinge and releasably attach at their vertical edges to form an enclosure. The lid fits the top of the enclosure. Each of the sidewalls, the base and the lid are formed of a sealable pocket having a compressible insulation lining for receiving block insulation. The flexible casing extends tightly around the container in a fully-closed position, exerting a uniform pressure on the container to improve the thermal seals.