Abstract: An insulated bag has generally flat top and bottom walls connected by foldable back and opposite side walls which cooperate to define a chamber having a front opening for receiving a food product. Flexible closure flaps extend from the bottom wall and opposite side walls and have releasable fasteners for closing the front opening. Each wall has an outer fabric covering and a porous inner liner and also inner and outer layers of flexible thermal insulation material. A vapor barrier film separates the inner and outer layers of insulation material in each wall and provides for moisture absorption by the inner layers. The top and bottom walls each have a compartment with an edge opening closed by a releasable fastener, and a vacuum insulation panel is confined within each compartment. The top and bottom walls move between a collapsed storage position and an expanded position to receive the product.

Abstract: A food container and refrigerator having the same are provided, by which contents accommodated in the food container may be taken out of the food container. The food container includes a main body having an entrance on a top side of the main body, a cover opening or closing the entrance of the main body, and a locking unit having one side connected to the main body and the other side detachably engaged with an upper part of the cover to prevent the cover from being opened.

Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.

Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of phase change material-containing wall panels. The wall panels have a thickness and sides. The wall panels define an inner major surface and an outer major surface. The sides of the wall panels are hingedly interconnected to define a closed structure. Two diametrically opposed hinge interconnections are proximate the inner major surface. The remaining hinge interconnections are proximate the outer major surface.

Abstract: A self-contained cell culture apparatus and method of use in which a cell culture may be stored frozen for an extended period, then thawed, incubated and grown in a closed system without additional processing or added constituents. The apparatus and method readily lend themselves to automated handling and analysis by MEMS devices, and find particular application in micro gravity and/or high radiation environments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

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: A portable cooling system for maintaining a beverage container at an internal temperature dissimilar to that of the temperature of its external surroundings comprising of a substantially circular shaped storage compartments with a hingly attached lid. The portable cooling system further includes a flexible temperature sleeve positioned in the interior volume of the storage compartment during use. The temperature sleeve contains a plurality of ribs being configure to have an internal chamber filled with temperature controlling substance.

Abstract: A cooler has a housing defining a product compartment having a floor panel. A product platform is disposed in the product compartment and is movable vertically relative to the floor panel. A plurality of product containers are disposed on the product platform within the product compartment. A constant force spring disposed between the floor panel and the product platform exerts an upward force on the product platform to maintain product containers at a constant height as product containers are removed and as ice melts.

Abstract: A soft, insulating cooler with a detachable strap for transporting and/or storing head and cape of a dead animal, for instance deer. A hinged lid is closable by a pair of overlapping zippers. A pair of openings are formed in the lid to allow antlers to extend therethrough. A tightening cord is positioned about the openings to tighten the openings around the antlers and preserve the temperature inside the cooler. The inside of the cooler contains pouches for ice of other cooling medium. The outside of the cooler carries a pouch or pouches to transport small items.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryoapparatus for freezing and/or thawing a sample (1), especially in the cryopreservation of a biological sample (1), with a coolable cooling space (3) and with a sample container (10) arranged in the cooling space (3) for temporarily receiving the sample (1) when freezing or thawing the sample (1). It is suggested that the sample container (10) can be tempered separately from the cooling space. Furthermore, the invention includes an associated operating method.

Abstract: A portable accessory includes a plurality of platforms having substantially planar upper surfaces for supporting the foodstuff thereon. Each platform is provided with baffled slots such that melted ice can drain downwardly therethrough. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of spaced racks are slidably positionable within a cooler body such that the racks become spaced apart adjacent to opposed ends of a cooler body. Such racks are offset at an oblique angle so that melted ice is directed downwardly and away from the top surfaces of the platforms. In a further embodiment, a specially designed cooler is provided with slots for receiving the racks therein such that the platforms can be simultaneously employed with the racks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy and convenient way of cooling or chilling beverage containers. An ice mold is filled with water. The water is froze in the ice mold to form a block of ice having at least one beverage recess formed therein. The block of ice is removed from the ice mold and placed in the basin of the sink such that the block of ice is closely supported by the basin of the sink and beverage containers can be received in the beverage recesses in the block of ice.

Abstract: A portable device for transporting or storing pharmaceuticals under refrigeration. The pharmaceuticals can be in a medication container or medical device, such as a syringe. A user chills the entire device or a cooling component within the device, and then places the pharmaceutical item inside the device and closes the device around it. The pharmaceutical device may then be transported while being kept at a reduced temperature by the device.

Abstract: A dry cryogenic shipping container having a removable absorbent assembly is provided. The dry cryogenic shipping container is structured to be a Dewar's flask having a first, outer shell assembly, and second, inner shell assembly disposed within and spaced from the first, outer shell assembly, and a cap. Within the shipping container is an absorbent assembly having a body with a central cavity. The absorbent assembly body is formed by a plurality of removable absorbent assembly elements. That is the absorbent assembly elements are sized to pass through the passage into the space within the shipping container. As such, after use, the absorbent assembly body elements may be removed and the remaining components may be sterilized. After sterilization, new absorbent assembly body elements are inserted into the inner space and the dry cryogenic shipping container is used again.

Abstract: A system for distributing commodities such as foods requiring cold packing, such as frozen sea foods, chilled foods, cooled foods, etc., in disposable cold insulation boxes which can use ice and/or dry ice to cool these foods. This system comprises a packing facility for packaging commodities, into repetitively usable cold insulation boxes together with a repetitively usable cold insulating material, to produce cooled packages, a distribution facility for stacking resultant cooled packages for distribution to customers, a renewing facility for renewing used cold insulating material and used cold insulation boxes to facilitate their reuse, and a stock facility for stocking the renewed cold insulating material and the renewed cold insulation boxes, as components of the system, wherein each of the cold insulation boxes consists of a box body and a cover, and opening action proving tapes are stuck to straddle the body box and cover to couple them together.

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: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.

Abstract: A method and a device for better utilising latent cold in a cold producing material used for producing and upholding a pre-determined temperature inside a transport container or the like, where dry ice or a similar first phase change material having very low sublimation temperature is utilised. Inside the transport container is arranged a receptacle for such low sublimation temperature phase converting material, the said receptacle being provided with an enclosure having cavities for a second phase change material having a considerably higher melting point, the said cavities of the receptacle at least partially enclosing the inside of the receptacle, in which the converting material having the essentially lower melting point is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitate lowering the temperature of a cooling module positioned in heat exchange relation to a loaded container to be maintained at a low temperature. The module establishes convective air flow in heat exchange relation to the load without the use of forced air circulation. The module is self-contained and externally accessible to supply water and liquid CO2 to the module interior. Expansion and change in state of the liquid CO2 lowers the temperature of a water ice and CO2 snow mixture in the module. By continuing inflow of CO2 after terminating inflow of water, the mixture can be cooled from about ?76° F. to about ?117° F. Convective air flow in heat exchange relation to the module walls circulates cooling air, thereby eliminating any direct contact of products with the liquid CO2 or CO2 snow formed by the expanding refrigerant.

Abstract: Aircraft galley carts and other insulated food storage units are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a food storage unit configured in accordance with the invention includes an interior portion configured to hold food, a first panel positioned at least proximate to a wall of the interior portion, and at least a second panel positioned at least proximate to the first panel. In this embodiment, the first panel can include a phase change material and at least a portion of the second panel can be evacuated. In one aspect of this embodiment, the food storage unit can further include a temperature sensor operably coupled to the interior portion. The temperature sensor can be configured to provide an indication when the temperature in the interior portion reaches a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A reversible ice chest is shown having oppositely arranged, hinged lids. The lids allow the ice chest to be open and filled from either of two opposite directions. This allows a user to, for example, place drinks to be cooled on top of ice in a half filled chest. The chest would then be turned upside down, thereby covering the drinks with ice. The drinks could be accessed through the lid which is now facing up toward the user.

Abstract: An eutectic plate comprising: a housing containing a coolant, and a thermochromic material that undergoes a thermochromic transition at a predefined temperature.

Abstract: An isothermal transportation container comprises an insulating container and a lid that can seal this insulating container. The insulating container has a plurality of insulating materials arranged overlapped on the inner peripheral face of the insulating container. A thermal conductive member is arranged in a space of the insulating container formed by the insulating materials. The thermal conductive member can accommodate a plurality of laminated packaging containers, each of which accommodates a thermal storage medium and a transported article. The heat in the thermal storage medium in one packaging container can be transmitted to the other packaging container through the thermal conductive member.

Abstract: A portable cold pack case for carrying temperature sensitive medicines that are required to be refrigerated and for carrying related medical accessories for use in conjunction with these medicines. The case includes a clamshell housing having a fabric cover and including a pair side faces and a binder. The side faces are connected to the binder and separately hinged along the opposing side edges of the binder. A zipper extends around the edges of the side faces for defining and enclosing an interior space for the case within the housing. One or more sheets of refreezable refrigerant cubes that are encapsulated in clear plastic are mounted inside of the case. A removable panel including a pocket and straps for securing medical articles is releaseably attached to one of the inside surfaces of the case. An inner layer of thermal insulation having a flap of material formed into an insulating wall extends along and wraps around the interior periphery of the case.

Abstract: A cooler container is provided with hollow wall cavities to allow for placement of cooling material in the form of modules adapted for insertion into the cavities. The interior of the cooler includes perforated walls which allow for air flow between the cooling material and an interior cavity. Optionally, the cooling system includes a fan on the inside of a lid to increase air flow around the modules so as to provide more uniform air temperature within the container.

Abstract: An elongated sheet having repeating compartments and intermittent sections placed after any repeating compartment. The repeating compartments are closed membranes encasing refrigerant therein. Alternatively, the repeating compartments may be disposed with pockets for releasably retaining the refrigerant. The intermittent sections are flat in cross section and provide holes along its sides for creating a passageway therethrough. The holes may be strengthened using a grommet or the like. In use, one elongate sheet is secured to other elongated sheets in any various end-to-end and/or side-to-side combinations for creating a modular blanket of refrigerant. The sheets are secured to one another by hooks or other known means in which holes in one sheet are connected to various holes in another sheet. The refrigerant blanket may then be placed around the exterior of a large quantity of perishable goods for maintaining the temperature of the sensitive goods.

Abstract: A movable data center or container enclosed data center is disclosed in which a plurality of data processing modules, a plurality of heat exchange modules, and a plurality of fans are operatively arranged. The enclosure defines a continuous closed-loop air passage between a exterior walls and interior walls. The data processing modules, heat exchange modules, and fan units are arranged in an alternating pattern adjacent to the sidewalls of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container (11) which can be evacuated and has an application (12) to be cooled, in which insulated container (11) a vacuum can be built up by means of a vacuum pump (22). In order to allow the vacuum pump (22) to be switched off during normal operation, a getter material (26) is arranged in the insulated container and binds gas components which penetrate into the insulated container as a result of unavoidable leakages. The invention provides for the getter material to be accommodated in maintenance areas (20), which can be disconnected by means of valves (21) from the working area (18) which contains the application (12). This allows the getter materials (26) in each maintenance area to be replaced or regenerated, while the operation of the application (12) to be cooled can be maintained owing to the partitioning of the working area (18) from the maintenance area (20).

Abstract: Thermal management systems and methods for manufacturing and using same are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the thermal management systems comprise configurations of corrugated, porous, or fibrous panels containing phase change materials within the interior of the panels. Liquid barrier layers are applied to the panels to at least keep the phase change materials from leaking out of the panels. The thermal management systems are passive systems which are able to maintain the temperature of pharmaceutical products placed within the systems within a predetermined temperature range over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material defining an interior, the insulating material comprising a bio-based polyurethane; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the interior. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material; a pressure-maintaining container defining an interior, the pressure-maintaining container being surrounded by the insulating material; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior of the pressure-maintaining container, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the container. The temperature-maintaining material sublimates during warming to produce sublimation gasses and the pressure-maintaining material is operative to control venting of the sublimation gasses such that pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is maintained about the temperature-maintaining material. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic shipping and storage container, with an on-board cooling unit in the form of a bunker for holding solid refrigerant. The unit can be configured for different sizes, and to refrigerate rather than freeze product.

Abstract: A temperature controlled shipping has a base formed as a first block of an insulating material. The base has a plurality of base cavities arranged in a rectangular array of rows and is formed to have a central cavity between a pair of adjacent rows of the base cavities. The central cavity is formed to hold a cooling device. The container has a cover formed as a second block of insulating material having a plurality of cover cavities arranged to correspond to the base cavities such that when the cover is placed on the base, the base cavities and the cover cavities align to produce a plurality of receptacles suitable holding a plurality of items. Each receptacle includes a plurality of tapered projections extending inward to allow inner items of varying size to be secured for shipping.

Abstract: A container includes a rigid insulated body-portion that defines a first enclosed space, a base lid adapted to be reattachably fastened to an edge of the sides that is proximal to the opening, thereby covering the opening so as to at least substantially prevent fluid communication between the first enclosed space and the area outside the container, a contents-container, a contents-container lid that is adapted to be reattachably fastened to edges of the contents container that are proximal to the opening of the contents container, thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the second enclosed space of the contents container and the space outside the contents container, the first enclosed space including an interior portion adapted to receive the contents container and a coolant portion adapted to receive at least one coolant container.

Abstract: A self-contained insulated container for maintaining an item at a predetermined temperature. The container has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, which are spaced apart from each other and closed off to define an insulating chamber therebetween. The container includes a storage area, for receiving the item therein, which is defined by the inner sidewall. The storage area is at a first storage temperature. The insulating chamber is substantially filled with a first insulating material, which is a gel mixture. The first insulating material is at a first insulating temperature. The storage area attains a second storage temperature after the item is placed therein and the first insulating material maintains the second storage temperature and the item at the predetermined temperature for a storage period.

Abstract: A dry cryogenic shipping container having a removable absorbent assembly is provided. The dry cryogenic shipping container is structured to be a Dewar's flask having a first, outer shell assembly, and second, inner shell assembly disposed within and spaced from the first, outer shell assembly, and a cap. Within the shipping container is an absorbent assembly having a body with a central cavity. The absorbent assembly body is formed by a plurality of removable absorbent assembly elements. That is the absorbent assembly elements are sized to pass through the passage into the space within the shipping container. As such, after use, the absorbent assembly body elements may be removed and the remaining components may be sterilized. After sterilization, new absorbent assembly body elements are inserted into the inner space and the dry cryogenic shipping container is used again.

Abstract: A living tissue transportation method includes the steps of: putting the living tissues in a carrying container for transportation (1) having a first memory storing an identifier and an IC tag (10) having a temperature sensor; putting the carrying container (1) in an individual carrying container (2) having a second memory for storing the identifier and a second IC tag (20) having a temperature sensor; storing a copy of the identifier of the IC tag (10) in the memory of the IC tag (20) and putting the individual carrying container (2) in a transportation container for constant temperature (3). A controller (30) provided in the transportation container (3) communicates with the IC tags (10, 20), and writes information indicating a temperature abnormality to the first and second memories when the temperatures of the carrying container (1) and the individual carrying container (2) are out of a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a food or beverage to a temperature at which the food or beverage is safe to consume. A preferred embodiment of the beverage cooling device comprises a single cooling unit that contains a coolant material. Another preferred embodiment comprises a collection device; and a plurality of cooling units attached to the collection device, each of the cooling units comprising a tubular container containing a coolant material.

Abstract: Processes for maintaining the stability and quality of frozen desserts during storage and transportation including an improvement. This improvement process involves introducing a liquid or solid cryogen into an insulated storage compartment, and allowing the cryogen to evaporate, or sublimate, thereby cooling the storage compartment, while simultaneously allowing for the control of the pressure within this compartment.

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: A convertible barbecue server and accessory cart formed of molded plastic which has a removable tray-type top which can be removed and used indoors either in inclement weather or for placement of food items in the food tray prior to rejoining it with the cart bottom for serving food outdoors in conjunction with barbecuing or in the serving of food to guests or others.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the cryogenic storage of biological material. Devices of the invention are useful for storing material at a cryogenic temperature. The devices include a temperature chamber defined by a thermally-conductive container and at least one layer of thermal insulation surrounding the thermally-conductive container. Some embodiments utilize one or more heat sources thermally connected to the thermally conductive container. Other embodiments are arranged so that no net flow of heat occurs from the temperature chamber when the temperature chamber is at a set target temperature. Also provided are methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A cargo container includes an outer aluminum 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 separated by a foam sheet and covered by corrugated plastic sheets, all wrapped with plastic film. Air is circulated within the chamber through a refrigeration evaporator and electrical heating elements, and a rear portion of the housing encloses a refrigeration compressor, storage batteries and a control system which senses the temperature within the chamber to operate the compressor and heating element from the batteries or an external power source to maintain substantially constant preselected temperatures within the chamber.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a frozen environmental sample temperature control system that comprises a frozen formulation having water in an amount from substantially 87% to 78% by weight of the formulation, and salt in an amount from substantially 13% to 22% by weight of the formulation, the system further including at least one container containing the frozen formulation; and a cooler having insulating material disposed between an outer wall and an inner surface that defines an inner chamber into which the at least one container and the at least one frozen environmental sample may be placed for storage and/or transport. Various embodiments may incorporate specific types of insulating material and/or adaptations to an inner surface of the cooler to enhance the insulation effected thereby.

Abstract: Self-cooling food and beverage containers and processes for manufacturing such containers with cryogenic high-pressure refrigerant cooling apparatus are disclosed. A self-cooling beverage container apparatus containing a beverage or other food product, a method of storing cryogenic gases which then cool said food products, and to methods of assembling and operating the apparatus. A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having an openable portion, a pressure vessel substantially housed within said container body, the pressure vessel having a first chamber for containing a refrigerant and a charging port, an actuation valve system is configurable from a closed configuration wherein the refrigerant is maintained within the pressure vessel to an open configuration wherein said refrigerant is allowed to expand and exit the pressure vessel upon opening of said container whereby refrigerant expansion and flow through said outlet conduit cools the contents of said container.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive material is transported in an insulated container. The temperature sensitive material is enclosed in an insulated container comprising a double wall container. The container has a front wall a rear wall, two side walls, and a bottom wall, and insulation material in each of the regions between the double walls of said front wall, said rear wall, said two side walls, and the bottom wall. A double wall container cover has insulation material in the cover's double walls. A releasable hinge is provided and the container cover is releasably secured to the double wall container. A temperature sensing system is provided for monitoring the temperature within the container. The monitored temperature is stored in a temperature history database.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having alternating enclosure walls for providing temperature insulation and for providing alternating reservoirs of phase change materials, wherein the respective phase change materials are different in each alternating reservoir. The innermost reservoirs comprise a thermal insert which modifies the control temperature inside the container.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling a liquid comprising a cavity (2) containing a refrigerating liquid capable of evaporation under the effect of a depression maintained by a pump. The cavity includes at least a first wall (21) in contact with the liquid to be cooled, the first wall (21) being substantially conical such that its cross-sectional surface tapers from the base towards the top, and at least a second wall (22) forming the base of the conical shape and incorporating communication (30) between the cavity (2) of the exchanger and the pump.

Abstract: An article includes a flexible bag that has a cavity therein. A predetermined quantity of ice pellets are deposited within a cavity of the bag and a predetermined quantity of polymer pellets are deposited within the cavity of the bag and mixed with the ice pellets such that a homogenous mixture of the ice pellets and the polymer pellets is formed within the cavity. Such polymer pellets and ice pellets have coextensive shapes. The polymer pellets further have liquid-absorbing characteristics such that melted ice is advantageously absorbed and retained by the polymer pellets during extended periods of time, thereby conveniently eliminating the need to drain the bag. The polymer pellets have vapor-releasing characteristics such that thermo-energy is released from the melted ice as a vapor rather than as a liquid to thereby advantageously prevent a surrounding area from becoming water damaged.