Abstract: A PCM-containing composition described herein includes at least the following components: a PCM-containing plasticizer component; and a scaffold component, which may or may not contain a PCM. The latent heat of fusion of the scaffold component used in these compositions is from 50 J/g to 250 J/g less, or from 75 J/g to 250 J/g less, than a latent heat of fusion of the PCM-containing plasticizer component. Also described herein is a method of forming extruded objects that includes extruding an extrusion mixture of a PCM-containing plasticizer component and a scaffold component. The PCM-containing compositions, or extruded objects formed from the composition may be used for controlling temperature and/or storing thermal energy at a desired temperature for a particular end-use, e.g., vaccine storage or transport, pharmaceutical storage or transport, food storage or transport, etc.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart (100) are disclosed. The temperature control cart (100) comprises a top portion (116) with one or more wells (202), wherein the one or more wells (202) is operable to receive one or more pans (102). The wells (202) are configured to hold pans (102), wherein the pans (102) often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, that requires temperature control. Further, the top portion (116) is disposed in a tank (108) that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart (100) is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank (108) of the temperature control cart (100) to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.

Abstract: In one aspect, food transport systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system comprises an interior compartment defined by a floor, one or more side walls, and optionally a lid. The lid has open and closed configurations. The lid, or a bottom surface thereof, is in facing opposition to the floor when the lid is in the closed configuration. The side walls comprise fold lines or seams substantially parallel to the floor. Further, the side walls have reduced thickness or rigidity or self-supporting ability at the fold lines. The interior compartment has an extended configuration and a folded configuration. When the interior compartment is in the extended configuration, the side walls are substantially orthogonal to the floor. When the interior compartment is in the folded configuration, the side walls are folded or collapsed onto themselves along the fold lines, in a direction orthogonal to the floor.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart are disclosed. The temperature control cart comprises a top portion with one or more wells, wherein the one or more wells is operable to receive one or more pans. The wells are configured to hold pans, wherein the pans often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, which requires temperature control. Further, the top portion is disposed in a tank that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank of the temperature control cart to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart (100) are disclosed. The temperature control cart (100) comprises a top portion (116) with one or more wells (202), wherein the one or more wells (202) is operable to receive one or more pans (102). The wells (202) are configured to hold pans (102), wherein the pans (102) often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, that requires temperature control. Further, the top portion (116) is disposed in a tank (108) that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart (100) is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank (108) of the temperature control cart (100) to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.

Abstract: In one aspect, food transport systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system comprises an interior compartment defined by a floor, one or more side walls, and optionally a lid. The lid has open and closed configurations. The lid, or a bottom surface thereof, is in facing opposition to the floor when the lid is in the closed configuration. The side walls comprise fold lines or seams substantially parallel to the floor. Further, the side walls have reduced thickness or rigidity or self-supporting ability at the fold lines. The interior compartment has an extended configuration and a folded configuration. When the interior compartment is in the extended configuration, the side walls are substantially orthogonal to the floor. When the interior compartment is in the folded configuration, the side walls are folded or collapsed onto themselves along the fold lines, in a direction orthogonal to the floor.