Abstract: The present application generally relates to devices and methods for transporting, delivering, and storing items, and it more specifically relates to insulated carriers for use in transporting, delivering, and storing temperature controlled items such as perishable food and beverage items. The containers are collapsible and insulated to allow for the efficient storage and transport of the containers while empty.

Abstract: A vacuum heat insulator according to the present invention includes a core material and an outer packaging material including an inner plate and an outer plate each of which includes a resin sheet. The core material is covered by the outer packaging material. The vacuum heat insulator further includes a heat welded part formed by welding a part of the inner plate and a part of the outer plate. The heat welded part has a recess having a thickness that is 50% or less of an average thickness of the heat welded part. As a result thereof, the adhesion and airtightness of the heat welded part can be maintained, and a highly reliable vacuum heat insulator can be provided.

Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body, a refrigerating or warming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body are provided. The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a second temperature different from a first temperature of the first space, and at least one conductive resistance sheet connecting the first and second plates to each other. At least one of a flange of the first plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet or a flange of the second plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet is bent.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein the second panel is operably coupled to the first panel to define an insulating space therebetween. An airway system is disposed within the insulating space and includes portions of porous tubing configured to draw air along lengths of the porous tubing from the insulating space during an evacuation procedure. A plurality of connectors interconnect the portions of porous tubing of the airway system to inner walls of the insulating space. The connectors may include support members that extend between the panels within the insulating space to support the vacuum insulated structure under vacuum pressure. Further, first and second panels can include rigidifying structural configurations to combat vacuum bowing during the evacuation procedure.

Abstract: An insulated structure comprises a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and second panels define an insulating cavity therebetween. A port is defined by the second panel. The port is an opening into the insulating cavity. A connector is coupled to the second panel. A tube is coupled to the connector and extends parallel along the second panel.

Abstract: An appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner that are connected to define a structural cabinet with an insulating cavity defined between the outer wrapper and the inner liner. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein an at least partial vacuum is defined within the insulating cavity. The at least partial vacuum defines a pressure differential between the exterior of the structural cabinet and the insulating cavity, the pressure differential defining an inward compressive force. Wrapper structural reinforcements are disposed proximate the outer wrapper. Liner structural reinforcements are disposed proximate the inner liner, wherein each of the wrapper and liner structural reinforcements extend into the insulating cavity and are free of engagement with one another. The wrapper and liner structural reinforcements are positioned to resist the inward compressive force.

Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body includes: a first plate member; a second plate member; a sealing part sealing the first plate member and the second plate member to provide a third space in a vacuum state; a supporting unit; a heat resistance unit for decreasing a heat transfer amount between the first plate member and the second plate member; and an exhaust port through which a gas in the third space is exhausted. The heat resistance unit includes a conductive resistance sheet capable of resisting heat conduction flowing along a wall for the third space, and a side frame fastened to the conductive resistance sheet to define at least one portion of the wall for the third space. Accordingly, a vacuum adiabatic body may be capable of resisting heat conduction.

Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body includes: a first plate member; a second plate member; a sealing part sealing the first plate member and the second plate member to provide a third space; a supporting unit maintaining the third space; a heat resistance unit for decreasing a heat transfer amount between the first plate member and the second plate member; and an exhaust port through which a gas in the third space is exhausted. The second plate member may include a front part and a side part having a different extending direction from the front part, and the side part defines at least one portion of a wall for the third space. Accordingly, the formation of dew may be prevented on a front part of a product and a vacuum adiabatic body having a stable structure may be provided.

Abstract: An insulating device can include an aperture having a waterproof closure which allows access to the chamber within the insulating device. The closure can help prevent any fluid leakage into and out of the insulating device if the insulating device is overturned or in any configuration other than upright. The closure also prevents any fluid from permeating into the chamber if the insulating device is exposed to precipitation, other fluid, or submersed under water. This construction results in an insulating chamber impervious to water and other liquids when the closure is sealed.

Abstract: Sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a sealed membrane and a thermally insulating barrier with insulating blocks comprising cover panels, the sealed membrane being made up of a corrugated metal membrane comprising a series of parallel corrugations and flat portions between the corrugations and resting on the cover panels, wherein an insulating block is twice the pitch of the corrugations, meaning that a series of corrugations comprises a pair of corrugations situated in line with one insulating block, and wherein the flat portions of the sealed membrane are arranged in line with an internal zone of the cover panels, the sealed membrane being fixed to the thermally insulating barrier by fixing the flat portions of the sealed membrane to the insulating blocks in the internal zone of the cover panels.

Abstract: A shipment container for perishable food items enables a receiver of the shipment container to track the temperature of the perishable food items during shipment and in some cases, the time and day of harvest and/or of shipment. The receive may use a remote electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, to track the shipment. The shipment container has phase change material that is used to control the temperature of the perishable food item during transient to the receiver. A phase change material is configured at least partially around a product compartment for receiving the perishable food item. The phase change material or modular temperature control compartment may be selected based on the type of perishable food item or based on the temperature of harvest. The shipment container may be locked and require input of an identification code to unlock the container upon delivery.

Abstract: A flexible fuel tank (10) has, from the inside to the outside of the tank: a single-layer or multilayer liner (2) having properties of sealing with respect to the liquid, impermeability to the vapor of said fuel, and dissipation of electrostatic charges. The liner (2) includes an inner face (2a) intended to be in contact with the fuel and an outer face (2b). An intermediate layer (3) is in contact with the outer face (2b) of the liner (2), for example a coating layer; and a textile reinforcing layer (4) is in contact with the intermediate layer (3).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an inner case, an outer case, a vacuum space, and a liquid-gas interchanger. The inner case defines an exterior appearance of a storage space. The outer case is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case. The vacuum space is provided between the inner case and the outer case, and maintains a vacuum to insulate the inner case from the outer case. The liquid-gas interchanger is arranged in the vacuum space to generate heat exchange between a refrigerant after it is exhausted from an evaporator and a refrigerant before it is drawn into an evaporator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigerator including a vacuum space formed between an outer case and an inner case to improve an insulation function thereof, which includes an inner case that defines an exterior appearance of a storage space, an outer case spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case, with being maintained vacuum, to insulate the inner case from the outer case, a plurality of spacers for supporting the inner case and the outer case space that are spaced apart from each other, and a radiation blocking film provided in the vacuum space, spaced apart from the inner case and the outer case.

Abstract: A frame and a refrigerating apparatus that uses the frame, the frame is composed by at least one frame component, wherein a vacuum insulation panel material is placed inside of the at least one frame component. The frame is capable of preventing the accumulation of water condensation along the frame, has both a better heat insulation effect and an energy-saving effect.

Abstract: Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures.

Abstract: A thermal insulated container is provided. The container includes a cup-shaped inner vessel disposed within a stainless steel outer vessel and a lid. The inner vessel comprises bone china and a vacuum chamber is formed in between the inner vessel and the outer vessel.

Abstract: Black polyethylene storage tanks are an inexpensive and effective way to store water and simultaneously inhibit algae growth. However, based on other considerations, it may be desirable to use a storage tank with a non-black color. By producing a polyethylene water storage tank with a black inner layer and a non-black outer layer, the desire to inhibit algae growth and the desire to have a non-black exterior can both be met.

Abstract: An insulating container for controlling the transfer of heat from a hot object contained therein, the insulating container including a first half-shell and a second half-shell configured to couple together to form a sealed enclosure. The container further includes a first insert and a second insert sized and shaped to be received within the first half shell and the second half shell, respectively, and having inner surfaces that are shaped to surround and substantially conform to the hot object enclosed within the sealed enclosure, and wherein the first insert and the second insert are built up from a plurality of planar pieces of insulating material.

Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag using an RFID reader includes providing an RF-blocking enclosure having a port. The RFID reader has an antenna located within the enclosure. The enclosure is positioned so that the port is adjacent to a conductive surface and the RFID tag is within the enclosure. The RFID reader is activated at a selected read power level to read the tag in the enclosure.

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 thermal insulating packaging film which includes: a base material; and an open-cell layer disposed on one face of the base material and made of polyolefin. The open-cell layer in the thermal insulating packaging film preferably has an average bore diameter of 150 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage tank includes a base plate and side wall extending upwardly. The base plate and side wall include an outer leaf enveloping an inner leaf. The outer leaf part of the base plate includes a lower, outer leaf concrete bottom plate on a substrate. The bottom plate is continuous with an outer leaf reinforced concrete layer of the outer side wall. An inward surface of the bottom plate and concrete layer of the outer leaf are lined with a continuous outer leaf metallic membrane. A bottom insulation layer is arranged above the outer leaf metallic membrane on the bottom plate. The inner leaf includes an inner leaf concrete bottom layer on the bottom insulation portion. The inner leaf metal membrane is lined with an inner leaf inner concrete layer. The outer leaf hoop stress reinforced outer concrete wall supporting an insulated dome structure.

Abstract: A method of incorporating an anti-counterfeiting device into a multi-walled container is provided. The multi-walled container includes an inner wall having an outer surface, an outer wall adjacent to the inner wall, and an anti-counterfeiting device sandwiched between the inner and outer walls. The method includes forming the inner wall from a polymeric composition, adhering the anti-counterfeiting device to the outer surface of the inner wall either during, or after formation of the inner wall, and then over molding the outer wall about the inner wall to form the multi-walled container. Suitable anti-counterfeiting devices for incorporation into the multi-walled container include RFID, printed or foil antennae, conductive inks, metal spheres, and x-ray readable foils.

Abstract: A spherical object formed of several joint parts, including at least twenty hexagonal panel-type elements and at least twelve pentagonal panel-type elements. Each panel-type element has a radius of curvature such that when joined together, they form a hollow spherical object, the radius of curvature of which is at least 0.75 metres. The panel-type elements are provided with an attachment and handling cap. Around the spherical object are fixed first vacuum components that form an inner vacuum layer, and second vacuum components that form an outer vacuum layer at a distance from the inner vacuum layer in the radial direction of the spherical object. Between the inner vacuum layer and outer vacuum layer are arranged intermediate components forming an intermediate layer. The vacuum components and intermediate components further include fixing means by which they can be fixed in place to the attachment and handling caps.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a foamed plastic container in which the cell diameters are varying along a gradient so will not to decrease the content protection performance, quite differently from the foamed cells distributed in the conventional foamed containers. [Means for Solution] The foamed plastic container has a container wall 10 formed by using a plastic material and in which foamed cells 1 are distributed, the lengths of the foamed cells in the surface direction of the container wall 10 decreasing from the outer surface of the container toward the inner surface thereof.

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: The thermally insulated vest for use with a modified bait storing bucket is an improvement over existing bait buckets in that it includes a thermally insulated vest that adorns an exterior surface of the bucket. The thermally insulated vest is comprised of a plurality of layers consisting of a plastic mesh, foil liner, insulation, and gel pack. At least two freezer packs adorn an exterior surface of the thermally insulated vest, and aid in cooling the contents of the bucket. The bucket includes a drain hole and plug to evacuate fluids from within. A lid having a lid vent rests atop the bucket, and is secured thereon via securing means. The thermally insulated vest has a height less than the height of the vest.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes a plurality of through openings configured to at least partially obstruct transmission therethrough of infrared electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than a threshold wavelength. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials.

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: The present invention relates to insulating inserts, containers comprising them, and methods for assembling them. The present invention also relates to methods for transporting or insulating payloads using them.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packaging film which includes: a base material; and an open-cell layer disposed on one face of the base material and made of polyolefin. The open-cell layer in the thermal insulating packaging film preferably has an average bore diameter of 150 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage container includes a container structure defining at least one storage chamber. The container structure includes multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material having at least one thermally-reflective layer. The at least one thermally-reflective layer includes bandgap material that is transmissive to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A thermally insulating packaging system including insulated walls surrounding an internal cavity. At least one of the faces of the packaging system is insulated with a first type of thermal insulating material and the remaining faces of the packaging system are insulated with a second type of insulating material. The first insulation material is a Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP). The VIP is fitted to a frame, which is formed by a single piece of the second insulation material. The second insulating material is a shaped insulating foam. The frame provides a support for the VIP via a contact surface. The VIP is held in contact with the frame. Here, the frame can be shaped and sized so as to provide a positive holding force. Additionally or alternatively, an outer cover can be used such as a rigid external fitting, flexible cover, shrinkable or elastic cover or other means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insulated container (1) comprising at least one wall (7) comprising at least one layer of a first material including jute, at least one layer of a second material including a natural fibre and at least one layer of a third material including a natural fibre, the layer of the first material being trapped between at least one layer of the second material and at least one layer of the third material, the first, second and third materials being made of woven cloth.

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: Systems include integrally sealed medicinal storage containers, including one or more segments of an ultra efficient insulation material, the one or more segments having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region, and one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form an integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage region.

Abstract: Systems include integrally sealed medicinal storage containers, including one or more segments of an ultra efficient insulation material, the one or more segments having one or more surface regions, the one or more segments principally defining at least one storage region, and one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections between at least one of the one or more surface regions of the one or more segments wherein the one or more regions of substantially thermally sealed connections and the one or more segments form an integrally thermally sealed medicinal storage region.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; and a cooler wall extending between the base and the upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes inner and outer collapsible walls each extending between and being attached to the base and the upper rim. Each collapsible wall includes flexible elastomeric membranes joined together by rigid portions, each membrane including a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the collapsible wall is transitional between a respective collapsed configuration and a respective expanded configuration by bending along the hinge lines.

Abstract: This invention provides a plastic container characterized in that an expanded layer comprising expanded cells having a flat shape with an average major axis of not more than 400 ?m and an average aspect ratio (L/t) of not less than 6 as viewed in cross section of the container wall along the maximum stretch direction, which are oriented in the stretch direction and are distributed so as to be superimposed on top of each other in the thickness-wise direction, is formed within the container wall. In this container, expanded cells having a flat shape are distributed so as to orient in a given direction and, thus, has light shielding properties and has a pearl-like appearance, that is, has a very high commercial value. Further, since any colorant is not contained, the suitability for recycling is excellent.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical product storage system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a polymeric product container for storage of a biopharmaceutical product, a protective envelope for housing the container, and a cushioning layer disposed between the container and the envelope. The protective envelope and the cushioning layer include mineral fibers that protect and insulate the polymeric product container during handling, transport, and storage. Thus, the combination of the polymeric product container, the protective envelope, and the cushioning layer, the system substantially prevents leakage of the biopharmaceutical product during product handling, transport, and storage. In addition, where the biopharmaceutical product is frozen, the system substantially prevents leakage of product during freeze-storage-thaw cycles, during which temperatures range from ?100° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable cooler device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments of the device comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers. The specific percentages of recycled and/or recyclable content are not limiting factors for the invention; however, most embodiments have consistent materials of construction such that the entire device may be recycled in a single recycling process without the need for deconstruction. Further, if not recycled, embodiments are operable to biodegrade within a reasonable amount of time when exposed to the elements in a landfill. Typical embodiments are comprised of an inner shell, an outer shell having an integrally hinged lid, and pressed cellulose insulating boards sandwiched between the shells.

Abstract: A thermal barrier liner is preferably spray coated onto the internal surface of a container. The liner is provided in embodiments including 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. For the closed cell substrate embodiment, when the liner is under pressure within the container prior to the container being opened, the liner maintains a minimum thickness. When the container is opened and as pressure is released within the container, the liner expands to achieve equilibrium. The liner can be supplemented with a foaming agent to create cellular structures. Voids created by the microcapsules enhance the thermal barrier characteristics of the liner. The phase change material changes phase from a solid to a liquid state upon absorbing heat.

Abstract: A storage container that includes walls having complimentary-shaped edges with complex edge profiles. The complex edge profiles of adjoining walls mate with each other to form an interface that defines a thermal leak path between a storage area of the container and an exterior environment. The thermal leak path has a length that is greater than the thickness of the adjoined walls. In one example, the complex edge profile includes step-shaped features. The walls may also include one or more overlapping super-insulating panels. The panels may be joined to one another with adhesive layers. The super-insulating panels may be also be disposed in a wall including interior and exterior linings that are joined and sealed to define a space between the linings. The space may be evacuated and optionally filled with a super-insulating gas.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; a collapsible cooler wall extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall comprising a flexible elastomeric membrane that includes a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; and a drain conduit comprising a passageway providing fluid communication between an exterior of the cooler and the interior storage space or the intermediate space. The cooler is transitional between an expanded configuration for use of the cooler, and a collapsed configuration during nonuse of the cooler, by bending along the hinge lines, each configuration corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an airtight cooler box having a base panel, a collapsible unitary side panel, and a top panel. The base panel extends orthogonally from the base to form an opening defined by side panel top edges. A top panel having pouches on an inside surface is sized fit the top opening. A rigid base plate rests on a base panel inside surface. A top plate with vent openings is located inside the container under the top panel. Zippered closures on three top edges of the side panel and corresponding top panel three edges close the box. Box inner and outer surfaces include a poly-vinyl chloride material bonded to an aluminum laminate with multiple layers of foam interposed between panel inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: Systems include one or more storage containers. A container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material shaped to define at least one substantially temperature-stabilized storage region, and an access region, including at least one region of the one or more segments of ultra efficient insulation material configured for at least one perforation by a perforation device, wherein one or more of the at least one perforation is configured to provide for a controlled egress of a discrete quantity of material from the at least one storage region.

Abstract: Systems include one or more storage containers. A container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material shaped to define at least one substantially temperature-stabilized storage region, and an access region, including at least one region of the one or more segments of ultra efficient insulation material configured for at least one perforation by a perforation device, wherein one or more of the at least one perforation is configured to provide for a controlled egress of a discrete quantity of material from the at least one storage region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container that is capable of maintaining articles requiring thermal management at a prescribed temperature without being influenced by the outside air temperature, and that is capable of storing and transporting the articles. The constant-temperature storage container is equipped with a heat-insulating box, and two or more types of cold-storing materials or heat-storing materials disposed therein; has a latent-heat first cold-storing or heat-storing material (a) disposed in a solid state adjacent to an article being kept cool or warm, and a latent-heat second cold-storing or heat-storing material (b) disposed in a molten state on the exterior of the first cold-storing or heat-storing material (a); and the solidifying and melting temperature of the first cold-storing or heat-storing material (a) exceeds 0° C. The constant-temperature storage container is capable of maintaining the article being kept cool or warm in an arbitrary temperature range exceeding 0° C. for long periods of time.