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.

Abstract: A liner apparatus and method of extending the shelf like of produce items using said liner apparatus, in which the liner has first and second substantially planar surfaces, and is comprised of a felted body composed of a plurality of alpaca felting fibers and a fiber binding agent, said alpaca felting fibers being felted together with said fiber binding agent to form a felted body that wicks excess moisture from the surface of produce items placed in contact with said felted body.

Abstract: A mobile cooler having an ice maker includes: a main body having first and second spaces which are thermally blocked; a cooling device positioned at a lower portion of the main body and providing cooling air to the first and second spaces; a plurality of shelves installed in the first space; an ice tray installed in the second space; an ice bank positioned on a lower surface of the ice tray and detachably mounted in the main body; and a cover that covers an opening in which the ice bank is inserted.

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: A modular container for maintaining an article under controlled temperature conditions includes a generally rectangular box-shaped enclosure defining an interior volume, wherein at least one enclosure side includes an access opening to allow for insertion or removal of the article within the interior volume, and wherein enclosure sides may be made of an insulating material. The modular container further includes at least two first phase change elements including a first phase change material, wherein each of said at least two first phase change elements is positioned adjacent one of a pair of opposed enclosure sides, at least two buffer inserts disposed within said enclosure, and at least two second phase change elements including a second phase change material, to one of the at least two buffers inserts wherein the second phase change material changes phase at a different temperature than the first phase change material.

Abstract: An object is to provide a cooling unit which can reduce influence of radiation heat from a work piece having high temperature on members surrounding the work piece, prevent leak of coolant and vacuum leak, reduce cost, and prevent turning angle of a work piece conveying mechanism from being limited. The cooling unit is attached to the work piece conveying mechanism in the state that the outer wall part is in close contact with the to-be-cooled surface. The coolant stored in the lower space is evaporated by the heat transmitted from the to-be-cooled surface P via the outer wall part, and the to-be-cooled surface is cooled via the outer wall part by the heat of evaporation lost at the time of the evaporation of the coolant. The vapor in the lower space (coolant container) is discharged to the vacuum chamber by the vapor exhaust unit when the pressure of the vapor in the lower space reaches the fixed value or higher.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may involve the use of layered, insulated PCM assemblage that itself comprises: modular insulating foam material 8 that, upon establishment as part of the assemblage, defines inner foam material sides 9 and outer foam material sides 10; thin reflective material 11 established against (whether directly in contact with or not) at least either the inner foam material sides or the outer foam materials sides, and modular, enclosed PCM sections 12 established between the modular insulating foam material and the interior center.

Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. Both the receptacle and the engaging seal member of the lid may be outwardly splayed. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.

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: An apparatus for cooling containers includes a cooling chamber having a side wall with a circular interior surface defining a cylindrical interior chamber cavity. The interior chamber cavity has a diameter and length sufficient to receive the container therein, and an open top permitting insertion of the container and egress of the fluid. At least one fluid inlet is positioned so as to inject a cooling fluid tangential to the circular side wall. At least one fluid outlet is provided for removing the cooling fluid from the cooling chamber. A method for cooling containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-cooling and self dispensing beverage container in the form of a keg which includes a heat exchange unit having a plurality of segments of compressed carbon disposed therein. A valve is secured to a tube attached to the REU housing for carbon dioxide to adsorbed and then desorbed by the carbon for cooling the beverage. A dispense gas canister is disposed within the container to automatically release carbon dioxide to maintain a pressure head within the container sufficient to assure dispensing of the beverage.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration unit for cooling palletized products disposed within a racking system. The portable refrigeration unit includes a case and a refrigeration system disposed in the case. The case includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls. The case is configured to be supported by the racking system above a pallet of products positioned below the case. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator connected in series. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator fan configured to draw in air from below the case, move the air through the evaporator, and then discharge the air through the bottom wall such that the cooled air passes over the products below the case to cool the products below the case.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is to an icebox, which has volume varying means so as to selectively vary a storage space of the icebox for storing various food supplies and to simultaneously store various portable means and household items to thereby prevent convenience in use. The icebox includes: an icebox body having a bottom and side walls, which are filled with insulating material, and a storing part opened at one side for storing foods therein; a cover for selectively opening and closing the opened side of the icebox body, the cover having a receiving part; a capacity varying part interposed between the icebox body and the cover and slidably joined to the storing part so as to vary the capacity of the storing part. Because the capacity of the storing part of the icebox is selectively varied, the icebox enables the user to utilize the space of the storing part in various ways, can accommodate various kinds of food supplies and household items, and is convenient in going long distance.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous conditioning of gypsum plaster, the gypsum plaster is passed from a calcination facility connected upstream to a gypsum plaster cooler in the form of particles. In the gypsum plaster cooler, soluble calcium sulphate anhydrite is initially converted to calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate and calcium sulphate dihydrate to calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate, and crystal defects are eliminated. Subsequently, the gypsum plaster is brought into contact with ambient air and dehumidified by the latter and thereby simultaneously cooled indirectly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the transportation field, and provide a container type refrigeration system. The container includes an upper beam assembly, a lower beam assembly, a first end wall assembly, and a second end wall assembly, the upper beam assembly is spaced from the lower beam assembly to forma first accommodation space between the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly, the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly each has one end connected to the first end wall assembly and the other end connected to the second end wall assembly to forma second accommodation space above the upper beam assembly and between the first end wall assembly and the second end wall assembly, the first accommodation space is isolated from the second accommodation space through the upper beam assembly, the second accommodation space has a water chilling unit.

Abstract: A process with associated methods keeps the internal temperature of a cargo container within a temperature range during long transits having unpredictable high ambient temperatures. A cargo payload is shipped inside of an insulated container. The insulated container contains some form of refrigerant cooling agent (such as gel packs) to assist in keeping the internal temperature within the temperature range during transit. The container's shipping route to its destination includes stops at physical stations (hubs) where the container's internal temperature is measured using non-intrusive methods. If the internal temperature is above a trigger value, the container's refrigerant is replaced with new frozen ones. The container is shipped to the next hub or end destination. By exchanging refrigerant as needed, the container and its payload can traverse long distances over long time periods and still maintain its internal temperature within a desired window.

Abstract: The salad carrier is a mobile cart having an internal space organized via a plurality of adjustable and removable shelves. The internal space is accessible via one of a plurality of doors located thereon. The internal space is refrigerated via a refrigeration unit located on a side of the mobile cart, and of which is powered via a rechargeable battery pack. The mobile cart is mobilized via a plurality of caster wheels and a telescoping handle that can extend and retract and of which can rotate up or down.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing energy efficient thermo-electric heat pump systems for iso-thermal transport and storage, of perishable goods, such as vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Also this invention relates to providing energy efficient iso-thermal transport and storage systems, of perishable goods, which are compact, light weight. This invention further relates to providing on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, the ability of such iso-thermal transport and storage systems to maintain temperature sensitive goods at a constant-temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a knock-down, lightweight, thermally insulating, shipping container made at least in part from a polymer core covered by a thermoplastic sheet layer. In an embodiment of the invention, the shipping container is modular, being adjusted to suit the item(s) to be shipped. In an embodiment of the invention, the base, top panel and walls are made of expanded polystyrene core and combined with high impact polystyrene surface. In one embodiment, a mesh is introduced into the core to strengthen the core making the shipping container tamper proof. A shipping container bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust barrier can be used to store the shipping container. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing the light weight shipping containers based on the shipping container bag is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

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: A refrigerated container having a refrigeration system using CO2 as the refrigerant, includes a sensing and warning system for sensing the CO2 concentration in the container and responsively displaying the sensed condition in a display module so that an operator will be aware of excess levels of concentration which might present a hazardous condition and therefore should not enter the container until the condition is alleviated.

Abstract: A fishing bait holding apparatus includes a container that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an access opening into the container. A liner is removably positioned within the container. The liner has a lower wall and peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the lower wall. The lower and peripheral walls each include an outer layer enclosing an interior space. A fluid is positioned within the interior space. The fluid may be chilled and the liner placed in the container to cool an area enclosed by the container. The container can be cooled with the liner such that fishing bait positioned in the container is cooled by the liner.

Abstract: The invention is based on a tool case, in particular a handheld power tool case, having a basic case body that has at least one storage chamber which is provided at least for receiving at least one tool and/or at least one battery unit. It is proposed that the tool case has at least one air conditioner at least partially integrated with the basic case body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box system for keeping medicine and other payloads at a desired temperature for prolonged periods of time. The system generally includes three or more insulating materials between a refrigerant and the payload so that the payload is not cold-shocked by the refrigerant but instead maintains a desired temperature range during shipment. An advantage of the box system of certain embodiments of the present disclosure is that the system allows a shipper to use a temperature controlled system that is effective in controlling temperature without the need for any expensive phase change materials. A box having foldable tabs for securing the materials to each other is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A generally box shaped portable ice chest for medical supplies and the like includes a plastic housing having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides and an inner compartment within the plastic housing. Between the plastic housing and inner compartment there are three layers of insulation including a Styrofoam polystyrene foam layer, a compressed cork layer and a compressed rubber layer sandwiched between the stainless steel lining and the outer housing. The inner compartment includes three removable vertically stacked drawers and a beverage compartment behind the drawers for receiving a plurality of beverage containers. One of the drawers is adapted to receive dry ice. Each of the drawers includes a plurality of openings. A fan, a solar panel and a rechargeable battery and circuit for charging the battery are disposed in the top of the housing for circulating air through the drawers and beverage container.

Abstract: The disclosure features various embodiments and aspects of a chest for quenching beverages. The chest can include a tank for holding a chilled mixture of ice and water, an ice maker adapted for making ice having an output for ejecting ice into a conduit in fluid communication with the tank, and a plurality of quench trays disposed above the tank for holding containers of beverages located in first and second positions. The trays can be filled with cold water by way of a conduit in fluid communication with the tank. The quench trays can include a compartment defined by a bottom and a plurality of walls, and defining therein a plurality of rows for aligning and containing a plurality of beverage containers. The drawers can further include at least one drain orifice configured to guide water out of the quench tray.

Abstract: Method System & Apparatus that captures and releases snow. A snow mattress configured to be rolled concentrically having a snow receiving surface arranged on a side and a cooling device arranged within the snow mattress that transfers cool to the snow receiving surface with sufficient coolness to prevent snow from melting. Snow receiving portions are formed on or in the snow receiving surface, the snow receiving portions configured in a concave form to capture snow therein. Extended portions are adjacent the snow receiving portions, the extended portions are arranged to extend distally from a surface of the snow receiving surface.

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: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of selecting of a container and temperature-control system, such that biological products (including blood) requiring maintenance within a specified range of temperatures are so maintained during shipment. The process requires a prediction of the maximum period of shipment, and the predicted ambient temperature ranges and time of exposure thereto for the system during the period of shipment. With that information, a system of container(s) with temperature-control agents including dry ice, ice, frozen gel packs or a phase change material, is selected.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box, an insulated insert, an insulated cover, a payload container and a plurality of coolant members. The outer box comprises a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a plurality of rectangular side walls, a closed bottom end, and top closure flaps. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to define a bottom, four sides and a top. The top includes a raised peripheral edge and a recessed shelf. A large rectangular prismatic cavity surrounded by a plurality of smaller cavities extends downwardly from the recessed shelf. The large cavity of the insulated insert is adapted to receive a payload container, together with a pair of coolant saddle bags adapted to surround the payload container.

Abstract: Provided is a refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.

Abstract: A pair of reinforcing ribs (50, 50) are formed on the bottom plate (33) of a box body (31) of an electrical component box (30). The reinforcing ribs (50, 50) have their respective pivot guides (50a, 50a) provided at their front ends to engage with associated pins (38b, 38b) on the safety cover (38). The safety cover (38) is pivotally supported to the pivot guides (50a, 50a) of the reinforcing ribs (50, 50) to allow it to open and close the opening of the box body (31).

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensitive transport container (20) for packaging and shipping cell-based products such as cultured cells intended for transplantation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a thermally insulated transport container system (10) for storing and transporting cells for transplantation which is capable of maintaining the cells at a desirable temperature range for a sufficient period of time to ensure adequate cell viability and therapeutic properties.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.

Abstract: Embodiments of a temperature control case and related methods and systems are disclosed. Some embodiments may be particularly useful for portable storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical substances and the like. Embodiments are also disclosed which are configured specifically for cooling intravenous fluids to be used for therapeutic hypothermia. Some embodiments may include multiple storage compartments each being configured to store substances at a different temperature so that intravenous fluids can be stored in one compartment and other substances in another compartment. Some embodiments include both internal and external temperature sensors to allow the device to predict internal temperature changes and adjust heating/cooling elements accordingly before the internal temperature is unduly impacted by the ambient temperature, thereby increasing the efficiency and efficacy of the temperature control system.

Abstract: The temperature of a biological material is changed from a first temperature to a second temperature within a time period, one of the said first or second temperature being above freezing temperature and the other being below freezing temperature, by placing the biological material in tight contact with at least one, preferably between two heat exchangers, and controlling the temperature in at least one of said heat exchangers such that a freezing temperature front propagates in said material away from at least one of the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a knock-down, lightweight, thermally insulating, shipping container made at least in part from a polymer core covered by a thermoplastic sheet layer. In an embodiment of the invention, the shipping container is modular, being adjusted to suit the item(s) to be shipped. In an embodiment of the invention, the base, top panel and walls are made of expanded polystyrene core and combined with high impact polystyrene surface. In one embodiment, a mesh is introduced into the core to strengthen the core making the shipping container tamper proof. A shipping container bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust barrier can be used to store the shipping container. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing the light weight shipping containers based on the shipping container bag is disclosed.

Abstract: A transport container comprising a spherical container 1 and a heat accumulating material 2a, 2b disposed inside of the spherical container 1, wherein; the heat accumulating material 2a, 2b is provided with a space for holding a transported object therein, and the space is formed at the central part of the inside of the spherical container 1.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of abutting vacuum insulated panels configured and arranged to form a retention chamber with a slip surface providing a low kinetic coefficient of friction interposed between the panels within the abutment areas.

Abstract: A cooling system for perishable items.

Abstract: Tray having a container receiving space and a stepped outer sidewall including a lower step and an upper step, a cooling unit providing cooled air to the space and having a housing with a stepped base that includes a lower step and an upper step, the cooling unit venting exhaust from an end distal to the base, a plurality of containers each having a perimeter flange and, when the container is inserted into the space, portions of the flange are seated on the respective lower steps of the tray and the stepped base of the housing, and a cover configured to sealingly contact the upper steps when the cover is in a closed position, the cover shielding the containers from the exhaust, and being movably attached to the housing and movable along the housing in a range that includes the closed position at which the cover contacts the upper steps.

Abstract: A cargo container includes an outer aluminum shell or housing having side, rear, bottom and top walls and a front opening with a pair of hinged doors. The housing receives a molded box-shaped composite outer shell which receives a molded box-shaped composite inner shell defining a cargo chamber. Corresponding walls of the inner and outer shells and the doors confine insulation cassettes each including vacuum insulation panels forming layers, all protected by plastic sheets and plastic film. Air is circulated by blowers within the chamber through a refrigeration evaporator and electrical heating elements, and a rear portion of the housing encloses operating components including a refrigeration compressor, storage batteries and exhaust fans. A control system senses temperature within the chamber and smoke and humidity outside the container and controls the operation of the compressor, exhaust fans and other components from storage batteries or an external power source.

Abstract: A containment apparatus (10) having a floor wall (12) with four side walls (16) extending therefrom and an opening (13) at the top. Each of the side walls (16) and the floor wall (12) include apertures (20) defined within to allow air to flow freely throughout the containment apparatus. A lid (18) may be provided to place on the containment apparatus to cover the opening (13). A divider (21) made of interlocking wall strips (23) that connect to define a plurality of separate compartments (25). Each interlocking wall strip (23) having multiple apertures (20) defined within to allow for free airflow around, through and between each compartment (25). An alternative embodiment of the divider (31) is comprised of a molded material such as plastic for holding thermosensitive product vials. The alternative divider (31) having a plurality of aligned wells (39). Each well (39) being adapted to support one thermosensitive product vial.

Abstract: A self cooling container for a beverage includes a receptacle holding a refrigerant under pressure. When an outer cap of the container is opened, the refrigerant is exhausted, cooling the receptacle and the beverage surrounding it. The receptacle includes an inner receptacle member and one or more walls extending around the receptacle member, with spaces between adjacent walls being established at descending pressure values outward from the inner receptacle, which is held at a high pressure.