Abstract: In a transport container for transporting temperature-sensitive transport goods comprising a chamber for receiving the transport goods, a casing enclosing the chamber and at least one cooling element for temperature control of the chamber, the cooling element comprises an evaporation element with a cooling surface and a desiccant for receiving coolant evaporated in the evaporation element. The transport container further comprises a latent heat accumulator that communicates with the chamber for heat exchange.

Abstract: A cooling element for cooling a body, comprising a heat conduction layer coterminous with a proximal side of the cooling element, a heat retardant layer coterminous with a distal side of the cooling element, and a heat sink volume disposed between the heat conduction and heat retardant layers, extending from a proximal boundary with the heat conduction layer to a distal boundary with the heat retardant layer. The heat sink volume comprises a porous material including a first substance; and the heat conduction layer comprises a porous material including a second substance. The first and second substances have thermal properties such that the first substance will solidify at a first temperature, the second substance being in the liquid state at the first temperature. The heat retardant layer has a lower mean thermal conductivity than the heat conduction layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transport device comprising a first section of an outer container comprising a shell on the inside having the shape of a spherical cap with an inner diameter and an opening, wherein the opening of the spherical cap faces upwards, and an inner container having an upper section, a lower section and an inner hollow volume defined thereby, wherein at least the lower section has a spherical shape on the outside, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the spherical cap of the outer container. The inner container is suitable to be arranged in the spherical cap of the outer container in a freely pivotable fashion, and is capable of accommodating a payload.

Abstract: A novel self-cooling food and beverage container and a process for manufacturing the same is disclosed. A self-cooling beverage and food container using a substantive humidification cooling process within said food and beverage container for cooling food and beverage products is disclosed. Methods of assembling and operating the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for thermally protecting a product, when storing and/or shipping a product, to control temperatures products are exposed to. Embodiments increase the amount of time portions of the product experience a desired temperature range and/or reduce the amount of time portions of the product experience temperatures outside a desired temperature range and/or experience an undesirable temperature range. Embodiments incorporate thermally conductive materials, referred to as conductive equalizers, positioned around and/or near the product positioned inside a packaging container, where the conductive materials conduct heat from locations in the package interior to other locations in the package interior.

Abstract: An insulating holder is provided for a conventional disposable beverage cup. The insulating holder includes an upward-facing flange that supports the beverage cup at its peripheral bead and without interfering with a disposable lid that may be fitted to the cup by snap fit over the peripheral bead. The insulating holder further includes a retaining mechanism that holds the disposable cup and lid in the holder without interfering with the ability of the user to drink from the cup. The insulating holder further includes means to facilitate insertion of the cup into the holder without requiring the user to hold the cup either by its bead or by the lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a transport container which has an accommodation space for goods to be transported, said accommodation space being insulated by external thermal insulation. At an equipment site, the accommodation space is equipped with preconditioned, main latent heat storage elements necessary for a target heat capacity. In addition to the preconditioned, main latent heat storage elements, the accommodation space is also equipped with further thermal energy storage elements, the auxiliary energy storage elements, which are preconditioned to a specified temperature. This means that a longer transfer time period can be allowed after equipping and before filling the accommodation space with the goods to be transported, such that, from the filling time, the full target time period within the desired target temperature range is available for transporting the goods to be transported.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container includes a container main body having a storage section and an opening, a lid body that covers the opening of the container main body, and an inner box stored in the storage section. The lid body has a convex portion arranged along a periphery of the opening of the container main body and protruding toward an inside of the storage section when the lid body covers the opening. The convex portion faces the inner box, with a gap between the convex portion and the inner box when the lid body covers the opening.

Abstract: A package for valuable products includes a support base having a supporting surface for a product to be supported; a hollow body that has an open portion for inserting the product. The hollow body is engageable to the support base along a relative movement direction perpendicular to the supporting surface. The package includes an opening mechanism between the support base and the hollow body and switchable between a closing condition, wherein the hollow body contacts the support base or is placed close to the latter, and an opening condition, wherein the hollow body is spaced from the support base to allow access to the product resting on the latter. The switching of the opening mechanism between the closing and opening conditions is operated by actuating a control element along a control direction transverse to the relative movement direction between the hollow body and the support base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel two-stage dry ice system for preserving perishable items during transport and methods thereof. The improved two-stage dry ice system includes dry ice and a phase change material specifically configured within a single and continuous holding volume with perishable items. Preservation of the perishable items for extended durations in comparison to other refrigeration techniques can be achieved as a result of the two-stage dry system having the ability to re-orient itself during transport.

Abstract: Example aspects of a temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly and a method for using an insulated box assembly are disclosed. The temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly can comprise a lid box comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the lid box defining a cavity; and a temperature-regulating insert positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a counter mass container (2) enclosing a plurality of parallel axially extending channels (1). The invention also relates to an assembly of a plurality of such counter mass containers (2). The invention also relates to a weapon comprising a barrel (5) accommodating such an assembly.

Abstract: Example aspects of a temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly and a method for using an insulated box assembly are disclosed. The temperature-regulating lid for an insulated box assembly can comprise a lid box comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, the lid box defining a cavity; and a temperature-regulating insert positioned in the cavity.

Abstract: A knockdown cooler with a number of removable chilling panels that cool an interior cavity of the cooler without exposing the contents therein to contact with unhygienic ice or water is provided. A collapsible storage member is positioned atop one or more structural support members to suspend the storage member in the chilling cavity, providing exposure to prolonged cooling impetus, a duration that may be prolonged if desired by removing and replacing one or more of the chilling panels without disrupting the contents of the cooler. A method of cooling items such as food, beverages, or the like without exposing the same to unhygienic ice or water in a knockdown cooler that can be assembled or disassembled without tools, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic container for storing and/or transporting a medium, in particular a biochemical and/or medical product. The cryogenic container comprises at least one primary container, which has at least one flexible film bag. The flexible film bag is designed to receive the medium. The cryogenic container furthermore comprises at least one secondary container, which at least partially surrounds the primary container and is preferably at least partially flexible. The secondary container has at least one opening for insertion of the primary container. The secondary container furthermore has at least one preferably at least partially flexible outer sleeve. The secondary container furthermore has at least one heat exchanger space, which is arranged between the outer sleeve and the flexible film bag and receives at least one fluid heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container, a plunger assembly including a plunger, a lid including a lid lever connected to actuate the plunger of the plunger assembly, and a housing disposed in the container and configured to receive mixing media. The lid and the plunger may define a fluid chamber. The plunger assembly may include a rod connected to the lid and the housing. The rod may include an internal fluid passage providing fluid communication between the housing and an opposite end of the rod. The rod may include at least one aperture disposed proximate the end of the rod. Rotation of the lid lever may cause rotation of the rod and translation of the plunger. Translation of the plunger may cause fluid disposed between the plunger and the housing to flow into the housing via at least one inlet port of the housing.

Abstract: The present application is related to a portable refrigeration apparatus for vaccines, food items, beverage containers, or any other item. The apparatus includes a refrigerated container comprised of a plurality of substantially identical chilling panels interconnected to form a sealed container that defines an internal volume, each of the chilling panels containing a cooling element. The refrigerated container encloses an internal storage space and has a generally modular design to facilitate packaging and transportation. The apparatus permits the internal storage space to maintain a temperature in the range of 4° C.˜8° C. for a long period of time following a loss of electrical power.

Abstract: Thermally insulated shipping system for use in transporting a pallet-sized payload. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of thermally insulating walls arranged to define an interior volume suitable for receiving a pallet-sized payload. The thermally insulating walls include a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall, of which all but the bottom wall include at least two slots facing towards the interior volume. One of the slots is an inner slot that is more proximal to the interior volume, and one of the slots is an outer slot that is more distal to the interior volume. The system also includes a plurality of inner cassettes disposed in at least some of the inner slots and a plurality of outer cassettes disposed in at least some of the outer slots. The inner and outer cassettes include phase-change materials.

Abstract: In some embodiments, alerts are sent to appropriate parties if an insulated container is not properly packed out to insure the approximate safe temperature of the materials. In other embodiments, a countdown timer is used to keep track of the time that the biologic has been in transit, and ensure that the amount of time does not exceed the known shelf life of the biologic. In still other embodiments, the payload container is equipped with its own sensors, such as temperature sensors, and communications devices, such as a close range communication device, capable of transmitting information regarding a range of parameters, including, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, location and time, from the payload container to an end user. In other embodiments, shielding and/or radiation sensors are included in insulated shipping or storage containers, or payload containers, to shield and monitor the radiation exposure of the payload.

Abstract: A portable refrigerator includes a main housing, a refrigerator cover, a cooling mechanism, a rechargeable battery pack and a control unit. The cooling mechanism includes heat exchanging tubes, a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser connected to the evaporator and the compressor. The rechargeable battery pack is detachably attached on a power compartment of the main housing. The control unit is supported in the main housing and electrically connected to the rechargeable battery pack and the cooling mechanism for centrally controlling an operation of the cooling mechanism. A predetermined amount of refrigerant is arranged to controllably pass through the heat exchanging tubes, the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor for extracting heat from the accommodating cavity.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes a thermal transfer unit with an evaporative region, an adiabatic region, and a condensing region with a reversible valve attached to the adiabatic region. The device includes a container sealed around PCM, with a set of refrigeration coils of a compressor unit in thermal contact with the PCM. A storage region is in thermal contact with the evaporative region of the thermal transfer unit. A controller is operably connected to the reversible valve and the refrigeration compressor unit. The storage region can be used to store cold packs within a predetermined temperature range for medical outreach.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a divider for use in a rigid container. The divider having a main body with a two-fold or higher symmetry about a vertical axis, a number of tab sets that correspond in number to the degree of symmetry of said main body, wherein said tab sets are located at the furthest extent of said main body from said vertical axis; and wherein said tab sets and said main body are capable of flexing without plastic deformation during insertion of said divider into said rigid container whereby said tab sets provide a normal force against an interior surface of said rigid container.

Abstract: A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.

Abstract: A refrigerated cooler for storing food and other applications having a controller and a temperature sensor that monitors the temperature inside the food compartment and compares the monitored temperature to a stored predetermined temperature and a controller controlled door lock that is placed in the lock position by the controller if the monitored temperature is compared to be greater than the stored predetermined temperature or if the supply of power to the cooler is interrupted to restrict a customer's access to the food inside that may be unsafe due to the monitored temperature being greater than the stored predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A lid for a flat back bucket comprises a rear lid portion that has a flat back configured to match the flat back of the bucket, a front lid portion, and a plurality of tabs configured to clip the lid to a rim channel of the bucket. The front and rear lid portions are preferably hingedly connected to each other. Plural cut outs or openings are provided in the rear lid portion that are configured to receive, respectively, bail mounts on the bucket. Lips extend from the rear and front lid portions and are positioned so that the lips will be exterior of and overhang the rim channel of the bucket when the lid is on the bucket.

Abstract: A cooler device is disclosed with a removable cooling element. The cooler device includes a cooler lower assembly including a cooling cavity configured to contain food placed within cooling cavity, the cooling cavity comprising side walls and a floor wall, wherein one wall of the side walls and the floor wall comprises a wall cavity. The cooler device additionally includes a lid configured to seal the cooling cavity and the removable cooling element configured to selectively be removed from the cooler device for placement within a powered refrigeration device and to selectively affixingly fit within the wall cavity and provide cooling to the cooling cavity.

Abstract: A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a vacuum panel, a hinge rail, and a lighting element. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane, a second vacuum pane, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap provides thermal insulation for the vacuum panel. The hinge rail is coupled to an edge of the vacuum panel and configured to rotate along with the vacuum panel between an open position and a closed position. The lighting element is coupled to at least one of the edge rail and the vacuum panel and configured to emit light toward an interior of the temperature-controlled storage device when the hinge rail and vacuum panel are in at least the closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerant bunker comprises a refrigerant covering comprising a first thermally insulating material configured to enclose a solid refrigerant and an outer container comprising a container body and a container cover. The container body comprising an outer surface, an inner surface defining a partially enclosed space configured to accept the solid refrigerant and an opening for accessing the partially enclosed space. The container cover is configured for covering the container opening. The container body comprises a second thermally insulating material. A plurality of spacers protrude from the inner surface of the outer container in the partially enclosed space. The plurality of spacers are positioned to have gas fillable gaps between the spacers. Coolers employing the refrigerant bunker are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, a food container, and a lid for a food container that actively removes moisture in the food container without changing the food temperature inside the container in a meaningful way are disclosed herein. The removal of moisture is achieved by introducing a cold spot inside the food container that forces condensation of moisture near the cold spot. The condensed moisture is then captured by an absorbent element placed below, and preferably adjacent to, the cold spot and between the cold spot and the stored food. The cold spot is preferably achieved by a properly chosen frozen substance such as an ice cube or a frozen gel packet.

Abstract: Packaging for a product including a retractable handle. The retractable handle may be a foldable retractable handle configured to fold and unfold between a retracted position and an erect position. In the retracted position, retractable handle may be disposed with a body of the packaging. In the erect position, the retractable handle may extend from the body of the packaging. In some embodiments, the retractable handle may be composed of a paper-based material. In some embodiments, the retractable handle may be a single integrally formed piece of material.

Abstract: An insulated container system and a temperature control insert that is configured to maintain a payload chamber temperature over a minimum length of time to enable goods within the payload chamber to be shipped over distances while being maintained within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: The cooler with integrated ice-maker is a combination cooler and icemaker that takes the accumulated water created in a cooler from melting ice and recycles the accumulated water back into ice. The cooler with integrated ice-maker comprises a cooler, a removable drip shelf, a pump system, and an icemaker.

Abstract: People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.

Abstract: A method for observing nanostructures by optical microscopy is provided. Firstly, a sample with a nanostructure and a vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system are provided. The vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system comprises a vapor-condensation-assisted device and an optical microscope comprising a stage. The vapor-condensation-assisted device is used to provide a vapor to sample on the stage in application. Secondly, locating the sample is located on the stage. Thirdly, a vapor is applied to the sample to observe the sample via the optical microscopy system.

Abstract: The thermal bag (2) is made of thermally insulating composite material folded to form a bottom and welded along lateral borders (3) to form a body (1) of the bag with a mouth (5) at the level of which a handle (7A, 7B) is applied. The composite material defines a bottom folded in an accordion-like fashion opposite the mouth of the bag, and a laminar stiffening element (15) of the accordion-like bottom is disposed inside the bag.

Abstract: The dispensing cap/cup (26) has a sidewall (100) and a transverse web (102) spanning the sidewall to create a cup structure. The sidewall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The sidewall has a plurality of fill level indicia (140, 142) along the interior surface. The fill level indicia comprise a raised boundary (150) and texturing (152) within the boundary.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for thermally protecting a product, such as when storing and/or shipping a product, so as to control the temperatures the products are exposed to. Embodiments can increased the amount of time the product and/or portions of the product experience a desired temperature range and/or reduce the amount of time the product and/or portions of the product experience temperatures outside of the desired temperature range and/or experience an undesirable temperature range. Embodiments can incorporate thermally conductive materials, such as aluminum sheets, positioned around and/or near the product positioned inside a packaging container, such that the conductive materials conduct heat from one or more locations in the interior of the package to one or more other locations in the interior of the package. These thermally conductive materials can be referred to as conductive equalizers.

Abstract: Methods, processes, compositions, apparatus, kits and systems for chilling and cooling beverages and desserts to selected desired temperatures by adding the beverages and desserts to different mixtures of brine solutions and bags of loose ice. The invention forms and creates an aqueous solution composition of certain salinity of ice-melter (such as sodium chloride ‘salt’ and/or calcium chloride). The composition is poured in a pre-defined amount evenly over a known amount of bagged-ice in a cooler. The result is a precisely controlled and evenly distributed temperature (within a few degrees Fahrenheit) can be obtained within the ice-solution mixture. Next, canned and bottled beverages (and other items) can be submerged in the precision controlled temperature ice-solution mixture to create certain desired effects only possible by chilling items to a known temperature below 32 degrees.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a biological sample within a desired temperature range during transport. Preferably, the system includes a container defining an inner chamber; a specimen receptacle for housing a biological sample, wherein the specimen receptacle is configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; a heat source configured to be placed within the inner chamber of the container; and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to be positioned between the heat source and the specimen receptacle, thereby preventing direct heat transfer between the heart source and the specimen receptacle. Certain embodiments also relate to a method for maintaining biological samples within a desired temperature range during transport, using at least some of the system components. Preferably, the components used with the method are configured to maintain the sample at a temperature greater than 0° C. and less than approximately 37° C. during shipping.

Abstract: A device for cooling and flavoring a beverage having an elongated tube with an open first end and an open second end that has a lowered portion is provided. A cap is removably received within the second end and connected to a plunger. The plunger has an elongated shaft that terminates in a tip. The cap has an outward extension that is received in the lowered portion of the elongated tube when the device is in an open position. In the open position the tip extends beyond the open first end allowing liquid to pass through the open first end. In a closed position, the outward extension is not received within the lowered portion and the tip seals the first end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, that generally provides an air seal, thermal insulation and/or acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, an opening in a generally vertical wall, a hatch, or a pull down ladder. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: An ice cooler system includes a body configured to form a fluidly sealed cavity, a first row of tubes and a second row of tube in fluid communication with the fluidly sealed cavity, the first row and the second row of tubes being configured to receive beverages, and a door pivotally attached to the body and in fluid communication with the fluidly sealed cavity. The door is configured to allow ice to pass therethrough to the cavity, which in turn is placed in contact with the first row and the second row of tubes.

Abstract: A cooler with bladders filled with liquid attached to dispensers and placed in the interior of the cooler. The base of the cooler has recesses and channels to capture melted ice and provide cooling for the bladders. There is a front telescoping handle and a rear telescoping handle with a pair of wheels for transport. A pair of dispensers at equidistance apart, each having a control mechanism and an outlet, is mateable with bladders with either one or two liquid conduits.

Abstract: Insulated pallet shipper and methods of making and using the same. The insulated pallet shipper includes an insulated container shaped to include a bottom wall, a top wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall and a front wall, the walls collectively defining a cavity; a plurality of coolant members positioned in the cavity, each of the coolant members including a plurality of coolant bricks encased within a cardboard container, at least some of the coolant members being preconditioned at a refrigerating temperature and at least some of the coolant members being preconditioned at a freezing temperature; an inner pallet seated on the bottom wall; and an outer pallet upon which the container is seated.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying or covering a beverage container which is adjustable in form. In certain embodiments, apparatus for carrying and/or covering a beverage container which provides insulative properties and which is so structurally designed so as to be capable of being alternately configured to fit a can or a bottle.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryopreservation device that has the ability to track and record preserved specimens using an integrated electronics system. The cryopreservation device stores specimens within a preservation chamber. A sealing cap encloses the preservation chamber. The integrated electronics system is embedded within a base attachment. The base attachment can be retrofitted into the cryopreservation device using a mechanical locking system and a recessed surface and cavity within the cryopreservation device. The mechanical locking system secures the base attachment into the cryopreservation device using multiple spring-loaded barbs and locking receptacles. The base attachment inserts within the recessed surface and cavity. The integrated electronics system uses a control block to operate a plurality of sensors and to attain time dependent specimen data. The specimen data is saved within a storage device.

Abstract: The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the temperature of a fluid in a container includes a body having a cavity and a seal assembly adapted to engage and temporarily seal the container; a second fluid located and sealed in the cavity and having a freezing point below 0° C.; and the body and the seal assembly have no apertures through which the fluid or the second fluid flows.

Abstract: A thermally insulated sandwich polyurethane (PUR) shipper for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The sandwich PUR shipper comprises an outer corrugated box, an inner corrugated box, vacuum insulated panels (such as VIP panels) and PUR foam. The inner box is nested within the outer box and has a bottom, sides and a top. The inner box defines a payload compartment. The VIP panels are adhered to the outer facing surfaces of the inner box. Preferably the VIP panels are wedged against each other so that a side edge of one VIP panel abuts an adjacent VIP panel. The PUR foam fills the space between the VIP panels and the outer box. The PUR foam may cover the top edges of the VIP panels.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus includes a housing having a sidewall defining a chamber in the housing for containing a cryogen; and a first insulation member movably mounted for coaction with the sidewall, the first insulation member moveable to a position to expose or cover a select portion of the sidewall to provide a heat transfer effect.