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 double walled container is provided for insulating a beverage. An outer insulating shell or container is secured to the inner container that holds the beverage. A gap exists between the outer container and inner container and the air in the gap acts as an insulating barrier. The inner container is preferably a standard aluminum container. The outer container is preferably made from aluminum or a plastic polymer. The outer container may have annular or longitudinal grooves that assist in securing the outer container to the inner container, and the grooves may also provide an enhanced gripping surface as well as a visually pleasing aesthetic design. The outer container may include a base, or the base may be eliminated in favor of a sleeve configuration for the outer container.

Abstract: A 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, and including a membrane having 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, wherein 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 of the configurations corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler; and a handle for lifting of the cooler, wherein the handle is attached to the base and is configured for rotational movement relative to the base about a pivot axis.

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 said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes inner and outer collapsible walls that extend from the upper rim and a common bottom wall. Each collapsible wall includes a flexible elastomeric membrane having hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between collapsed and expanded configurations. The membrane preferably is formed from silicone rubber.

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: A beverage container having a double-walled construction is provided. The container includes an inner wall with an inner bottom wall for containing a beverage, an outer wall which extends about the inner wall, and an outer bottom wall which extends under the inner bottom wall. A thermal break extends uninterrupted between the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall and the inner bottom and outer bottom walls. The container includes a top having an upper rim which joins the periphery of the top, the inner wall, and the outer wall.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated structural panel including a superinsulating, desiccant-filled, vacuum-sealed insulating panel sandwiched between a pair of composite panels. The composite panels are configured to impart structural strength to the panel without introducing heat transfer pathways through the vacuum-sealed insulating panel. The desiccant material disposed within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel is capable of absorbing moisture within the vacuum established within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel and thereby reducing the degradation of the vacuum-sealed panel's insulating capacity.

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: 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: 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: A reacting apparatus includes a reactor having a supply port and a discharge port, a first member connected to the surface of the reactor having a through hole associated with the supply port, and a second member connected to the surface of the reactor and having a through hole associated with the discharge port, a supply pipe connected to the supply port by way of the through hole of the first member, to supply a fluid before the reaction to the supply port, and a discharge pipe connected to the discharge port by way of the through hole of the second member, to discharge a fluid after the reaction from the discharge port. The supply port and discharge port include a portion covered by a surface of the first member and a portion communicating with the through hole of the first member. The discharge port includes a portion covered by a surface of the second member and a portion communicating with the through hole of the second member.

Abstract: A new process for insulating the void in a thermal distance piece in a low-temperature or cryogenic storage tank uses a vacuum source to draw insulation into the TDP. Two remotely spaced openings to the void are provided. A strainer is temporarily mounted in one of the openings. The other opening is connected to a suction wand. The wand has an inner cylinder that extends through an outer cylinder and projects outwardly from a proximal end of the outer cylinder. Distal air vents are provided on the inner cylinder, near a distal cap that connects distal ends of the cylinders. Proximal air vents are provided on a proximal cap that connects a portion of the inner cylinder to a proximal end of the outer cylinder. The distal end of the wand is inserted into a container of insulation. When a vacuum is drawn through the opening with the strainer, the insulation is drawn through the wand and into the void.

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 are a vacuum insulation member, a refrigerator having the vacuum insulation member, and a method for fabricating the vacuum insulation member. The vacuum insulation member includes: a core having a certain shape and having a decompressed space therein; and a gas barrier layer formed by coating a certain material on a surface of the core to have impermeability. Accordingly, the use of an envelope (film) can be avoided to obtain reliability, and the use of a glass fiber core which must undergo a preprocessing process for which much equipment and time are required can be avoided.

Abstract: There are provided a fuel reformer housing container and a fuel reforming apparatus, which are capable of maintaining a level of vacuum inside the fuel reformer housing container favorably and which have less power generation loss. A fuel reformer housing container includes a base having a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer in which reformed gas containing hydrogen gas is generated from fuel, a discharge pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to discharge the reformed gas from the fuel reformer, a supply pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to supply the fuel to the fuel reformer, and a gas adsorbent housed in the concave portion, for adsorbing gas in the concave portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum insulation member having a uniform insulation thickness, a refrigerator having a vacuum insulation member, and a method for fabricating a vacuum insulation member. The vacuum insulation member includes: an envelope having gas impermeability and having a certain decompressed space therein; and a core including a plurality of laminated mesh members to support the envelope at an outer side of the envelope.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a body having a storage space. The body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an outside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case sealed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case, a supporting portion provided to contact with the outside surface of the inner case and the inside surface of the outer case to maintain a spaced state of the vacuum space, and a dewing preventive unit adjacent to the supporting portion for preventing dewing from taking place at the outer case by suppressing surface temperature drop of the outer case caused by cold conducted from the inner case to the outer case through the supporting portion.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel that includes a paper core made of at least one panel consisting of first and second facing sheets, made of paper, that sandwich a paper honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure preferably includes a plurality of cells that extend from the first facing sheet to the second facing sheet. The panel also includes an outer shell that surrounds the core, wherein the outer shell is made of a material of low gas permeability and is sealed to form a substantially airtight container around the core. In preferred embodiments, an interior of said outer shell has been evacuated to a pressure of between approximately 1-10 Torr, resulting in an insulating panel that has an R-value of approximately 3.

Abstract: Disclosed are an insulated container in which a high-performance vacuum heat insulating material is formed around a three-dimensional container and in which heat loss is minimized, and a method of manufacturing the insulated container. An insulated container for heat-insulation storage of a liquid has a resin inner container equipped with liquid flow inlet/outlet portions, an interior member and an exterior member which accommodate the inner container and around which a gas barrier layer is formed, and a heat insulation space which is defined between the interior member and the exterior member and which is held in a pressure-reduced state, with a heat insulating material being sealed therein. Further, flange members are fitted onto the flow inlet/outlet portions, lower flange surfaces of the flange members are bonded to the interior member, and upper flange surfaces thereof are bonded to the exterior member.

Abstract: A kit capable of being assembled into a passive thermally controlled bulk shipping container, and associated method of assembly and resultant assembled shipping container. The kit includes (a) an outer shell defining a retention chamber, (b) at least eight separate and distinct identically sized phase change material-containing panels, and (c) at least four separate and distinct identically sized jackets, each configured and arranged to releasably retain a set of the phase change material panels in a planar configuration.

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: A thermos consists of a body, a cap and a heating device. The body has an inner wall, an outer wall and a bottle opening, where an intermediate space is formed between the inner and outer walls. The cap is fitted to the bottle opening. The heating device contains an induction coil, a donut magnet and a resistance heater. The induction coil is wound in the inner wall. The donut magnet is placed in the intermediate space and it can move freely within the intermediate space. The resistance heater is electrically connected to the induction coil and touches the inner wall.

Abstract: Temperature-stabilized storage systems are described herein. Substantially thermally sealed storage containers include an outer assembly, including one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally sealed storage region, wherein the outer assembly and the one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially define a single access aperture to the at least one thermally sealed storage region; and an inner assembly within the at least one thermally sealed storage region, including a storage structure configured for receiving and storing at least one heat sink module and at least one stored material module. Systems including at least one substantially thermally sealed storage container and an information system are also described.

Abstract: The purpose of the thermos, the subject of the invention, is to hold two different liquids, which are needed to hold their temperatures, without mixing them in separate parts by developing a usage system which the existing thermoses don't have. Another purpose is to pour the liquids without mixing them when they are needed to be poured. Said product is configured as a modular set which has thermoses with different volumes. Because main cap system is adaptable to main bodies with different sizes, thermoses with different volumes can be formed.

Abstract: A vacuum thermal insulator includes a container having a gas barrier property and a core member placed in the container, the container being sealed such that the interior of the container is in a reduced pressure state. The core member is constituted by a sheet assembly in which organic fiber aggregates, each obtained by forming fibers composed of an organic material into a sheet-like shape, and fiber aggregates, each obtained by forming fibers composed of a material having a higher tensile modulus than the material for the organic fiber aggregates into a sheet-like shape, are randomly stacked. The fibers of the organic fiber aggregates are preferably continuous fibers. The fiber material for the organic fiber aggregates or the fiber aggregates is preferably any one of polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, polylactic acid, aramid, LCP, and glass.

Abstract: A kit comprising a plurality of separate and distinct identically sized phase change material-containing panels shaped as a frustum of a right pyramid, a method of assembling a thermal insulating enclosure from such panels and the resultant assembled thermal insulting enclosure.

Abstract: A container for a fluid includes a rigid outer shell, an insulating layer, and at least one inner vessel, which over its surface is supported by the insulating layer. A robust and economical solution is obtained by providing that the outer shell is configured essentially as a single-piece closed container and that the insulating layer is supported by the outer shell over its surface.

Abstract: A double-layer vacuum container includes: an inner container having a bridging member supported by an outer container in a bridging manner; the outer container through which the bridging member extending from the inner container is externally exposed; and a cover member for externally covering the portion of the outer container through which the bridging member is exposed and for sealing a space inside the cover member and a space between the inner container and the outer container in a vacuum state between the cover member and the outer container. With such a structure of the double-layer vacuum container, the inner container other than a lip is supported by the outer container with a good heat retaining property to prevent the displacement or damage of the inner container.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a low-temperature storage in which an insulating performance of an insulating box article is enhanced, and an amount of contents of an inner box can be enlarged. In the low-temperature storage comprising: the insulating box article constituted by placing a foamed insulating material between an outer box and the inner box; and a vacuum insulating panel disposed on the surface of the outer box on the side of the foamed insulating material, a thickness dimension of the foamed insulating material between the inner box and the vacuum insulating panel is set so that a temperature of the surface of the vacuum insulating panel on the side of the inner box is not less than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A two component box has a lid and a lower body portion; both the lid and the lower body portion have an interior compartment substantially surrounded by at least one interior wall and at least one exterior wall. At least one interior wall and at least one exterior wall of the lid are attached one to the other by a first connecting portion and at least one interior wall and at least one exterior wall of the lower body portion being attached one to the other by a second connecting portion. Disposed between the at least one interior wall and the at least one exterior wall is a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending an inner tank within an outer tank to form a cryogenic storage tank. Opposing ends of the inner tank are suspended from the outer tank by suspension members. A preloading device facilitates the preloading of the suspension members to suspend the inner tank within the outer tank. The suspension members constrain the inner tank in a statically determinable manner so that a desired preloading and loading can be imparted upon the suspension members. The suspension members advantageously limit the parasitic heat leaks between the inner and outer tanks.

Abstract: A container for cryogenic liquids comprises an inner container and an outer container which are positioned with respect to each other and are thermally decoupled from each other by a vacuum insulation layer. In order, with the lowest possible weight and lowest possible costs in series production, to achieve the best possible heat insulation, the inner container and the outer container are in each case composed of prepared fiber-reinforced elements which are in each case wrapped up together with a filament and are thereby connected to one another, and supports which are also composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic are provided on the inner container for the relative positioning of the inner container with respect to the outer container.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a reusable shipping container. The container may comprise six multi-layered walls of a plastic material. Further, the container may comprise a rail fastened to a top edge of the container with a plurality of first fasteners, wherein the fasteners penetrate on the rail, a first layer and a second layer of the container. Moreover, the container may comprise an insulation layer of vacuum insulation material and an inner layer corresponding to each wall of the container. Methods are also described for packing a parcel for shipment. The insulation layer and the inner layer are inserted into the container, wherein the inner layer encloses the parcel. Thereafter, an insulation layer corresponding to a top wall is inserted and the top wall is closed.

Abstract: An article includes walls defining an insulating space therebetween and a vent forming an exit for gas molecules during evacuation of the space. A distance separating the walls is variable in a portion adjacent the vent such that gas molecules are directed towards the vent imparting a greater probability of molecule egress than ingress such that deeper vacuum is developed without requiring getter material. The variable-distance portion may be formed by converging walls. Alternatively, a portion of one of the walls may be formed such that a normal line at any location within that portion is directed substantially towards a vent opening in the other wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum thermal insulating valve that may be used at high temperature in gas supply systems or gas exhaust systems, and also may be made substantially small and compact in size owing to its excellent thermal insulating performance. With a vacuum thermal insulating valve comprising a valve equipped with a valve body and an actuator, and a vacuum thermal insulating box that houses the valve, the afore-mentioned vacuum thermal insulating box S is formed by a square-shaped lower vacuum jacket S5 having a cylinder-shaped vacuum thermal insulating pipe receiving part J on a side and with its upper face made open, and the square-shaped upper vacuum jackets S4, which is hermetically fitted to the lower vacuum jacket S5 and with its lower face made open.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated carafe has a stainless steel body, with a stainless steel outer sidewall closed off, in part, by a cap. The cap has an eccentric opening and a reservoir affixed to the rim. The eccentric opening of the cap forms an off centre mouth that leads into the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: A thermodynamic container for regulating the temperature of a liquid. An exemplary embodiment may include an inner layer of a thermal buffering material and an outer layer of insulation. The thermal buffering layer may include a phase change material and/or a non-phase change material. Some exemplary embodiments may include lid, which may include insulation, a thermal buffering layer, and/or a drinking port.

Abstract: A package for holding personal hygiene wipes. A heater has a pair of packages each having one or more personal hygiene wipes placed against it with the access opening to the wipes faces away from the heater. The heater includes an inner actuation pouch and an outer heat generating pouch. A pressure differential between the outer pouch and the inner pouch causes the activation agent to be thrust into contact with the heat generating material.

Abstract: Vacuum heat insulating material having core material consisting of inorganic fibers and exterior covering material for storing the core material. The inorganic fibers include silicon oxide as a main component. The surface of the inorganic fibers has Si—OH/Si—O ratio equal to or higher than 0.1 and equal to or lower than 20. The vacuum heat insulating material has intersecting points at which the fibers are adhered to one another by an intermolecular interaction due to Si—OH groups.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system includes an evacuated structure including an internal space in which a vacuum is sustained by a vacuum pump operating when it is determined that a pressure within the internal space has risen to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, such a system is used within a dome structure extending over and around a heat receiving structure within a solar heating system.

Abstract: A cold insulation container includes a heat-insulating container body and a heat-insulating cover pivotally connected to and openably closing the container body to define a closed space in the container body for storing goods therein. The cover includes a base defining an open-topped recess and a secondary lid pivotally connected to the base to openably close the recess. A plurality of vents is provided on a peripheral wall of the recess. At least one refrigerating element is disposed in the recess. Since stored goods and the refrigerating element are positioned in two separated spaces, the stored goods are isolated from contamination by condensed water from the refrigerating element.

Abstract: A server (20) for retaining and dispensing a heated beverage. The server includes an insulated server body (23) for reducing heat transfer of heat from the liquid beverage retained therein. A sump (60) is provided in the server body at a lower portion thereof for draining beverage from the server. The sump has a minimal cross sectional area to further reduce heat transfer from a volume of liquid beverage retained in the server to the sump. A faucet (42) is attached to the server and communicates with the sump through a port (76). An interface hub (52) is positioned between the faucet and the server for reducing heat transfer from the liquid beverage t the facucet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container for hot drinks or the like comprising an inner cup having a generally frusto-conical cup body and a generally frusto-conical outer shell. The cup is seated within the shell so that a contact path is disposed near the upper edge of the shell, along which contact path the outer surface of the cup body and inner surface of the shell are in contact. At least one bonding spot and/or bonding area for bonding said shell to said cup body is locally formed within said contact path.

Abstract: A composite griddle plate or cookware comprising a first metal sheet defining a cook surface and a core plate of carbon foam having a relatively high coefficient of heat conductivity and a low density. A second metal sheet is peripherally sealed by welding or the like to the first metal sheet. The first and second sheets remain in intimate contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the core plate with the aid of a vacuum. In a further cooking appliance embodiment, a food vessel intimately engages the carbon foam plate beneath a food-contacting surface thereof while the carbon foam plate on its opposite side engages a heat sink plate by virtue of a vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air gaps between the food-contacting surface of the food vessel and the carbon foam plate and the heat sink plate so as to provide instantaneous and uniform heating of the food vessel. The vacuum environment also provides thermal insulation for the heat sink plate whereby heat loss by convection is virtually eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the transport of temperature sensitive products including an insulated container, an insulated lid, a fastener to secure the lid to the container, an active heat exchanger, a thermal circuit to circulate heat exchange, a temperature sensor read by a temperature regulating circuit that maintains a temperature range, a power source, and a support frame that arranges the elements of the device with the overall center of mass at a location adapted for transport and storage of the device. Disclosed is also a method of transport for temperature sensitive products including securing the temperature sensitive product within an insulated container with a lid, removing heat from the container to maintain a temperature range, strapping the device onto the user's back and adjusting to the shape of the user, freeing both hands during transport of the device, and minimizing hindrances to user mobility caused by the device.

Abstract: An enclosure for storing temperature sensitive goods. The enclosure includes a wall that has an interior wall member and an exterior wall member that is spaced apart from the interior wall member to define a gap. The interior wall member partially defines the conditioned space. The enclosure also includes an insulation member that is disposed between the interior wall member and the exterior wall member within the gap. The insulation member has a vacuum insulation panel and foam insulation that is positioned on both sides of the vacuum insulation panel to separate the vacuum insulation panel from the interior wall member and the exterior wall member. The vacuum insulation panel and the foam insulation cooperate to insulate the conditioned space.

Abstract: A reacting apparatus includes a reactor having a supply port and a discharge port, a first member connected to the surface of the reactor having a through hole associated with the supply port, and a second member connected to the surface of the reactor and having a through hole associated with the discharge port, a supply pipe connected to the supply port by way of the through hole of the first member, to supply a fluid before the reaction to the supply port, and a discharge pipe connected to the discharge port by way of the through hole of the second member, to discharge a fluid after the reaction from the discharge port. The supply port and discharge port include a portion covered by a surface of the first member and a portion communicating with the through hole of the first member. The discharge port includes a portion covered by a surface of the second member and a portion communicating with the through hole of the second member.

Abstract: Disclosed are an insulated container in which a high-performance vacuum heat insulating material is formed around a three-dimensional container and in which heat loss is minimized, and a method of manufacturing the insulated container. An insulated container for heat-insulation storage of a liquid has a resin inner container equipped with liquid flow inlet/outlet portions, an interior member and an exterior member which accommodate the inner container and around which a gas barrier layer is formed, and a heat insulation space which is defined between the interior member and the exterior member and which is held in a pressure-reduced state, with a heat insulating material being sealed therein. Further, flange members are fitted onto the flow inlet/outlet portions, lower flange surfaces of the flange members are bonded to the interior member, and upper flange surfaces thereof are bonded to the exterior member.

Abstract: A beverage container having three elongated generally planar side surfaces with three rounded or blunted side edges and three corresponding pouring apexes at the triangular mouth thereof, sealed by a removable triangular lid with a V-shaped orifice, to provide improved pouring and liquid flow characteristics. The triangular configuration of the container enables it to be tightly nested with other identical containers and also presents more planar and discrete outer surface areas for disposing advertising material thereon. The container comprises an inner and outer shell affixed together at open ends thereof.