Abstract: A rapid refrigeration apparatus includes a container having a container upper end, a container wall with a container opening in the container upper end bordered by a container rim, the container liquid container contents; a receptacle extending within the container and containing a refrigerant, the receptacle including a cup portion sized to fit into the container opening, a cup flange sized to rest against and sealing secured to, the container rim and a cup wall, at least a portion of which is expandable, the cup wall having cup wall opening mechanism for releasing the container contents into the receptacle; and a lid sealingly secured to the cup flange and including a lid opening mechanism for releasing the refrigerant from the receptacle into the atmosphere and for releasing the container contents from the receptacle for consumption; the lid opening mechanism including a lid opening mechanism activation mechanism for voluntarily opening the lid opening mechanism at a selected moment in time.

Abstract: A vending machine according to the invention is easily movable and can be used at a place at which a commercial power supply is not available. Then, it can be installed at a desired place, and can effectively sell articles by certainly catching a chance for sale. The articles contained in a main box of the vending machine are selectively refrigerated or heated by a thermal storage unit, which is previously refrigerated or heated and can be fitted to or removed from the main box. A storage battery is contained in the main box and supplies electric power necessary for driving mechanisms for sale of the vending machine.

Abstract: A large-volume shipping container has a pair of upright and spaced side walls and a floor extending between lower edges of the side walls and formed with at least two groups of full-length passages upwardly open at respective full-length slots. In accordance with the invention the passages of one of the groups has a flow cross section different from the passages of the other group. A roof extends between upper edges of the side walls, a rear end door wall extends between rear edges of the roof, floor, and side walls, and a front end wall extends between front edges of the roof, floor, and side walls and defines with the roof, floor, and other walls a closed cargo-containing space. A refrigerating apparatus in the front end wall forces cool air into front ends of the passages to distribute the cool air through the space differentially according to the flow cross sections of the passages.

Abstract: A beverage pack comprises a container (28), beverage (41) held in the container (28), and beverage cooling means (10) provided in, or in association with, the container (28) and comprising a phase-change medium (22) such as water adapted in use to change phase and thus extract heat from the beverage. Adsorption or absorption means (20) such as activated carbon, ammonium nitrate, and a polymer may be provided to adsorb or absorb the phase-change medium (22). The phase-change medium may be arranged to vaporize into a vaporization chamber (26) at sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A kit converts an empty container, such as a 5-gallon paint bucket, into a cooler through the installation of an insulated, pocketed liner with a stiff and flexible top border that is capable of folding over the lip of the container. One or more ice packs are placed in the container to keep it refrigerated.

Abstract: An outer container constructed of a non-metallic material and an inner container constructed of metal permanently secured to said outer container. The inner container houses a material which when activated alters the temperature of food or beverage housed within the outer container and in contact with an outer surface of the inner container. Preferably, the outer container is constructed of food grade glass or plastic or paper products having a waterproof interior and the inner container is permanently affixed thereto by a threaded plug or a washer like member welded thereto respectively.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit for use in containers for cooling a food or beverage. The heat exchange unit includes inner end outer vessels with inner vessel having a plurality of thermally conductive discs in thermally conductive contact with an inner surface thereof. An adsorbent material is disposed between adjacent discs is compacted between them to provide maximum adsorbent material per unit volume. The outer surface of the inner vessel defines a plurality of grooves and is in thermally conductive contact with the inner surface of the outer vessel. The grooves provide flow paths for a gas such as carbon dioxide which is adsorbed onto the adsorbent material to flow and exit the heat exchange unit and to carry with it, the heat contained in the food or beverage, thereby lowering its temperatures.

Abstract: A disposable shipping container for storing materials at cryogenic temperatures with: a specimen holding chamber, an open cell plastic foam material surrounding the specimen holding chamber for holding liquid nitrogen in suspension, a plurality of insulating and cushioning materials surrounding the plastic foam, a removable and replaceable primary cap for enclosing the specimen holding chamber allowing for the insertion and removal of the specimen from the specimen holding chamber and for adding liquid nitrogen to the plastic foam. A secondary removable and replaceable cap covers the primary cap. A preferred embodiment includes a specimen holding chamber that is comprised of a resin impregnated paper cylinder at its top half and a similarly sized stainless steel mesh screen cylinder attached to the lower edge of the paper cylinder at the specimen holders bottom half. The stainless steel cylinder has an attached stainless steel mesh floor at its lower most portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling and retarding temperature elevation of liquids in a vessel having a bottom, side walls and end walls forming an enclosure for receiving the liquids. The vessel is provided with at least one compartment having a bottom and sides forming a pocket in which one or more containers of slow-to-freeze, slow-to-thaw gelatinous material may be placed. Support members are attached to and support the compartment so that it does not contact the bottom or walls of the vessel, allowing liquid in the vessel to freely flow around the bottom and sides of the compartment.

Abstract: A heat transfer device for a container defining a cavity (134) therein, the device having a heat transfer solution for cooling the cavity and reservoir-defining element (143) with a channel (148) which is in communication with the cavity (134) and which is disposed substantially in the direction of the flow of air through the cavity. A container (110) for transporting a temperature-sensitive product, the container having a reclosable, insulated housing defining a cavity therein, a product carrying container having a plurality of corners (140) and capable of being disposed within the cavity, and a plurality of the devices as described elsewhere herein, the plurality of devices disposed within the cavity so as to engage the corresponding plurality of corners of the product carrying container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cooling and/or gassifying a liquid 12 stored in a container 10 having an outlet 10b. The apparatus comprises an adsorbent 14 for receiving and adsorbing under pressure a quantity of gas and a three position cap 16. In a first position, said cap 16 simply acts to seal the contents within the container whilst in a second position it acts to cause release of adsorbed gas from adsorbent 14 which then passes through the beverage 12 thereby gassifying and/or cooling said beverage. A third position of the cap 16 allows for its removal from container 10 such that the beverage may be dispensed. The container may be provided with a thermochromatic coating to indicate when the liquid is at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A beverage retainer and method of use in which a beverage container has two chambers which are fluidly separate from each other and are positioned next to each other for thermal conductivity. One chamber has a resealable closing member adapted to contain a chilling material. The resealable closing member is removed and chilling material, such as ice, is dispensed therein. The closing member is then secured so that the deposited ice is thereafter retained within the second chamber until removed. Preferably, the releasable closing member is mated with threads to the second chamber. The beverage container may also include a lid adapted to contain liquid within the first chamber. Preferably, this lid contains an aperture from which fluid is withdrawn. Further, the lid may include an aperture in which a straw is insertable. A handle assembly is attached to the two chambers to permit a user to conveniently hold the beverage container.

Abstract: A beverage chiller which chills the liquid through the desorption of gas from an adsorbent within a vessel, wherein the chiller comprises a plurality of heat transfer elements, formed of thermally-conductive material and in direct thermal contact with the adsorbent and adapted to transfer heat between the vessel walls and the adsorbent therein, and wherein the elements are configured so as to cooperate in use in order to conduct desorbed gas from the adsorbent to the vessel walls and thence along the vessel walls prior to its exit from the vessel. The chiller provides more effective heat transfer and fully utilizes the chilling capacity of the desorbed gas by channeling it to and along the vessel walls.

Abstract: A transport container comprising a plurality of layers (4) of flexible insulating material, an envelope (2) containing said layers (4) and shrunk against said layers (4), and a latent cavity (14) within the layers of flexible insulating material and openable to receive a product (16) to be transported in the transport container.

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling beverage containers, such as hot drinks or cold drinks, in a vehicle. A beverage container, such as a can of pop, is inserted into the device and its insertion activates the selected function, either heating or cooling. The beverage container may be inserted with one hand and removed with one hand, allowing it to be used safely by a driver. Heat transfer members within the device conform to the beverage container, and automatically adjust for different sizes of beverage container circumferences. The heat transfer members also automatically adjust themselves to accommodate varying top-to-bottom taper of beverage containers. A thermally conductive and pliable interface layer between the beverage container and the heat transfer members insures efficient heat transfer contact, and efficient heat transfer.

Abstract: A shipping and storage system for exothermic materials where the risk of reaching unacceptably high temperatures is alleviated comprising,a) a container vessel,b) a heat sink material inside the vessel and adapted to hold and be in intimate contact with one or more packages of exothermic material, the heat sink material having an effective high heat capacity and latent heat of melting and/or vaporization such that it absorbs all of the energy produced by the exothermic material, if it reacts by reaching its reaction initiation temperature, andc) optional cooling means in the vessel and surrounding the heat sink material and packaged exothermic material.

Abstract: A portable modular cooler system for beverages which includes one or more bottles containing a freezable coolant refrigerant. The bottles define recesses for receiving the housed beverage containers. An insulated casing extends about the bottle to maintain and contain containers in a cooled condition for an extended period of time. The bottles and casing are inserted into a carrying case for convenience of the user. The case may have exterior pockets specially configured and located for specific sport and recreational activities. The carrying case, bottles and insulative casing may be configured so that the cooler may be comfortably carried by the user in a manner similar to a "fanny pack". In other embodiments, the bottles containing the refrigerant are identical one to the other and are positioned in face-to-face relationship to form a plurality of cooling chambers. The cooler may also be placed in another article for transportation such as within the large side pocket of a golf bag.

Abstract: A long rectangular slotted-sheath construct generally referred to as a "cassette," functions both in the positioning of and the treating of the individual, cell-containing primary units held therein. The invention also embraces a cooling and thawing system within which primary containers of cells, with or without a surrounding cassette, may be cooled, stored and rewarmed.

Abstract: A container having insulating properties for shipping products. The container includes a flexible pouch capable of being folded to a substantially flat, two-dimensional geometry. The container further includes at least one cylindrically shaped elastomer having a radial dimension and height dimension shaped to fit within the flexible pouch and being more resistant to deformation in its height dimension than in its radial dimension and at least one cylindrically shaped metalized membrane sized to fit within the cylindrically shaped elastomer. A geometrically shaped top and bottom are each sized to fit within the cylindrically shaped elastomer which are used to determine the shape of the container as well as its internal volume.

Abstract: Ice is prepared by freezing a diluent, such as oolong tea, lemon water, green tea, mineral water, or pickled ume extract in water, and crushing the frozen diluent into lumps of varying sizes. The lumps are sprayed with water to bind them together and are refrozen under pressure in the form of multi-void ice blocks. The ice blocks are packaged in cups and sealed by a film cap. A plurality of cups containing the ice blocks are provided in a case.

Abstract: A lidded container for lobsters or like crustacean comprises a container formed of plastics material having sidewalls, endwalls and a bottom wall and a lid formed of plastics material which is adapted to be hingedly secured to the container sidewalls to move between an open position and a close position. The lid has a top wall formed of a series of upwardly projecting ribs defining wells to receive and retain therein ice which, when melted, passes through perforations in the bottom faces of the wells to circulate about the lobsters. The water then exits through apertures in the sidewalls, endwalls and bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: This invention is a method of preventing freezer burn on frozen foods over an extended period of time. This is accomplished by providing a triple seal to prevent the ingress of ambient air through the seals into the interior of the storage bag which causes freezer burn. This is accomplished by providing an outer liquid impervious interlocking reclosable seal and a second liquid impervious interlocking reclosable inner seal adjacent and parallel to the outer seal. When food is placed in the storage bag, the inner seal is closed, water is put in the mouth of the storage bag above the sealed inner seal and below the open outer seal. The outer seal is then closed forming a triple seal closure that completely eliminates any possibility of ambient air entering into the interior of the storage bag.

Abstract: A stackable group of containers permit transport of up to 21/2 cups of cereal, at least 5 oz of fruit, at least 10 teaspoons full of sugar, up to 12 oz of milk which is kept chilled for up to 8 hours by a freezable cup, each is a separate compartment. The three principle components include an insulated compartment, a cereal bowl unit, and a cereal container, each element nesting within the next successively named element. The cereal bowl unit has individual compartments for fruit and sweetener which threadingly engage other members of the bowl unit, the unit itself threading onto the cereal container. A single serving transport can be created using the cereal bowl unit and a bowl liner which alternatively snaps onto the top of the insulated compartment, when used, or the cereal bowl unit to form the single serving transport. When the full stackable group is used, a tote bag with a draw string can be used for carrying convenience and providing added thermal insulation.

Abstract: An insulated freight-transport container has a pair of longitudinally extending and parallel side walls, a top wall bridging the side walls, a front end wall bridging the side walls and connected to the top wall, and a rear end wall formed by a sill and a lintel attached to the top wall and defining a door opening therewith. A pair of doors are engageable with the opening to close same and a floor is formed of upper and lower skins and a body of insulation therebetween. The floor extends horizontally longitudinally from the door sill to the front end wall and bridges the two side walls. It is recessed below an upper edge of the door sill. A plurality of longitudinally extending rails fixed to the top door skin define a plurality of longitudinally extending air-conducting passage and have an upper surface level with the upper edge of the door sill.

Abstract: In order to simply and safely transport a sample of semen, the semen is mixed and diluted with a dual sugar (sucrose and glucose) extender in a ratio of up to 10:1 (v/v) by inducting the semen into a semen storage device, e.g., a large volume syringe, having extender therein and optionally disposed within a form-fitting, radiation blocking, sleeve. The semen storage device is placed on a support member located on the floor of a rigid foamed plastic container and covered with a thermoregulating plate also made of a rigid foamed plastic. A refrigerant pack with solid foam coolant is placed on top of the thermoregulating plate, and the container is closed using a lid having a central boss that fits snugly into the mouth of the container, and further has a continuous ridge that fits into a recess formed in the upper edge of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides extreme convenience and flexibility in providing for cooled beverages at inconvenient places and times. This flexibility is provided by the invention's use of a cooling process which is not dependent on chemicals or power sources, that is, the evaporative process which can utilize any type of water: potable, non-potable, brackish, salt, etc. etc. This provides conservation of valuable potable water in locations where potable water is scarce, i.e., hiking and camping trips. In one embodiment, the container structure has holes in the outer wall to facilitate the evaporative process and the to be cooled beverage contained in a standard can is elevated off the container structure floor to also facilitate the evaporative process.

Abstract: A phase change material for maintaining a food product at a temperature of less than 0.degree. F. The phase change material includes a mixture of an organic alcohol, a salt, and water. The organic alcohol has a concentration of between about 2 and 25 percent by weight. The salt has a concentration of between about 15 and 25 percent by weight.

Abstract: A portable unit which is foldable to be shipped and transported as a standard cargo shipping container is disclosed. The portable unit may function as a portable shelter which may be easily transported and usable on a variety of terrains and surfaces without a foundation. The portable shelter contains a refrigeration system which provides air conditioning and/or heating for living quarters or for controlled environment storage, such as a portable mortuary used in emergency situations.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a container such as a metal or plastic can containing a product and having a conventional unified bottom and side container wall terminating in an upper sealing flange. A refrigerant receptacle is provided including a receptacle cup having a cup wall. The cup wall has an expandable portion sealingly connected to a top wall to form a refrigerant receptacle chamber. A portion of the top wall is shaped into an invertible conical reservoir for temporary storage of liquified refrigerant. The reservoir has a small port opening at the lowest point for transfer of liquified refrigerant into and out of the refrigerant chamber. Several cup wall sections extend vertically above the top wall wall to conntect to a sealing flange which extends laterally. The spaces between the cup wall sections act as passageways for the product. The receptacle is filled with a sold or powdered form of carbon molecules of Fullerene nanotubes.

Abstract: An insulating vacuum panel comprising an insulating support member enclosed within a sealed, flexible polymeric envelope, the envelope comprising a polymeric barrier film which minimizes permeation of gas and liquid through the barrier film, the panel having an R value per inch of at least about 20 wherein the enclosed insulated vacuum panel is useful as insulation to maintain an essentially constant temperature in a closed structure, and a system for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive materials wherein the insulated vacuum panels are employed to provide and maintain a constant temperature in the system are described.

Abstract: A container having a container body, a thermic module, and a closure heats or cools its contents by initiating a chemical reaction inside the thermic module when a user activates the container. The thermic module may include a module cap and a module body. Two reactants, such as calcium oxide and water, are retained in portions of the thermic module and separated by a barrier that is punctured when a user activates the container, thus allowing them to mix. The cap may have vent channels between surfaces of the module cap and the module body that allow gases to vent, yet prevent escape of unsightly solid particles. A filter ring may be included in the path of each vent channel to further prevent such escape.

Abstract: A container is disclosed for storing and transporting vessels containing a composition susceptible to physicochemical alteration upon changes in temperature above or below a specified temperature range. It comprises a first housing having a vessel holder, and a heat sink disposed within the first housing. A second housing encloses the first housing, the second housing is preferably comprised of a metallic material and is of a double-walled construction.

Abstract: An adjustable beverage keg cooling apparatus for cooling various sized beverage kegs of a flexible jacket or wrap for encasing the beverage keg to be cooled. The jacket is adapted to retain refrigerateable gel packs in receptacles or pockets which are integrally embodied in the wrap and form two rows of parallel pockets positioned in substantially symmetrical aligned relationship about the longitudinal central axis of the wrap. The two symmetrical rows of paired parallel vertical pockets extend from the bottom and the top of the beverage keg. In one embodiment, the beverage keg cooling arrangement the wrap is secured about the side wall portion of a beverage keg by means of a hook and fiber fastening means.

Abstract: An improved shipping container including an insulated body having a cavity for holding a product being shipped, and having one or more cavities for holding coolant in a predetermined relationship to the product. The container also includes an insulated cover adapted to sealably engage an open end of the insulated body after a product and coolant are received therein. The cover includes one or more blocks or prongs extending therefrom that are adapted to slidably engage the coolant cavities and/or the product cavity to substantially minimize air spaces in the cavities and/or seal them. The insulated body and cover preferably are formed from injection molded polyurethane, wrapped in a plastic film and inserted into a cardboard shipping carton.

Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a temperature sensitive payload within a target temperature range, between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature. Heat transfer devices are provided, having reservoirs for separately containing a first material and a second material, the materials having distinct and separate phase change temperatures which approximately bracket the target temperature range. The latent heats of transformation related to the respective phase changes of the first and second materials resist heating or cooling of the payload above or below the target temperature range.

Abstract: A rapid refrigeration apparatus includes a container having a container upper end, a container wall with a container opening in the container upper end bordered by a container rim, the container liquid container contents; a receptacle extending within the container and containing a refrigerant, the receptacle including a cup portion sized to fit into the container opening, a cup flange sized to rest against and sealing secured to, the container rim and a cup wall, at least a portion of which is expandable, the cup wall having cup wall opening mechanism for releasing the container contents into the receptacle; and a lid sealingly secured to the cup flange and including a lid opening mechanism for releasing the refrigerant from the receptacle into the atmosphere and for releasing the container contents from the receptacle for consumption; the lid opening mechanism including a lid opening mechanism activation mechanism for voluntarily opening the lid opening mechanism at a selected moment in time.

Abstract: A lightweight, insulated chest and method are provided for transportation and storage of perishable and other items which require a temperature-controlled environment. The chest includes insulated side walls, bottom and a hinged cover which is pneumatically sealed to prevent tampering and for thermal security. The chest includes a fluid conduit within the cover for air evacuation and depressurization of the interior and also includes a conduit to provide a vacuum between the walls of the sides and bottom which contain a rigid polymeric foam insulation.

Abstract: A syringe holder and dosage tracking device comprised of a base member having at least one, and preferably, a plurality of cavities imparted therein. Time indicia are placed near the cavities to designate an interval of time for which a syringe dosage should be administered. Medication-filled syringes are placed in the cavities and administered according to an interval of time being reached. This device may also incorporate a needle severing device to reduce the risk of injury from contaminated needles, following use. The needle severing device is in communication with a storage means, wherein severed needles and syringe bodies can be stored following use, and prior to disposal.

Abstract: A quick defrosting pad comprising a pad body and a plurality of heat pipes is provided. The pad body is made from a material with excellent heat conductivity. The bottom of the pad body is provided with a plurality of projecting ribs or posts. The heat pipes are made from a material with excellent heat conductivity and which can be integrally formed with the pad body or be assembled to the pad body after it is individually formed. Each of the pipes is sealed at both ends and evacuated to form a vacuum condition therein. The inner wall of the tube is provided with a metal mesh having a siphon effect. The inner space of the pipe is injected with a suitable amount of a working fluid which is volatile. The plurality of pipes are respectively disposed in each of the projecting ribs or posts of the pad body, such being spaced one from another.

Abstract: A container having a container body, a thermic module at one end of the body, and a closure at the other end, heats or cools its contents by initiating a chemical reaction inside the thermic module when a user activates the container. The thermic module may include a module cap and a module body. Two reactants, such as calcium oxide and water, are retained in portions of the thermic module and separated by a barrier that is punctured when a user activates the container, thus allowing them to mix. The cap may have vent channels between surfaces of the module cap and the module body that allow gases to vent, yet prevent escape of unsightly solid particles. A filter ring may be included in the path of each vent channel to further prevent such escape. The solid reactant may be contained in a porous bag in the thermic module to still further minimize leakage of particles.

Abstract: A method is described for preserving tissues and organs, in particular of tissues and organs for transplantation, in which the tissue or organ to be treated is temporarily stored in a well-cooled state, in particular at a temperature in the range from -3.degree. C. to 3.degree. C., for a predeterminable time in an oxygen atmosphere, in a space which can be closed off in air tight manner, wherein the oxygen atmosphere is built up in the space which can be sealed off in air tight manner with a pressure which lies above the atmospheric pressure, and wherein the pressure in the closed space is kept at a pressure lying above the atmospheric pressure for the whole or the further period of intermediate storage.

Abstract: A self-cooling beverage container system. The system includes a can, and an external chamber coupled to the bottom of the can for containing compressed gas therein. Helical tubing in the form of a single or double helix resides within the can. A first open end of the tubing is disposed in communication with the external chamber, and an opposing terminal end of the tubing is closed, preferably being accessible with a pull-tab as presently known in the field for opening a vessel responsive to pulling action by a user. When the terminal end of the tubing is opened it communicates with atmosphere, permitting the compressed gas to flow from the external chamber through the tubing and into atmosphere. The gas expands as it flows, thereby withdrawing heat from the surrounding beverage in which the tubing is submerged to cool the beverage.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler system for beverages which includes one or more bottles containing a freezable coolant refrigerant. The bottles define recesses for receiving the housed beverage containers. An insulated casing or liner extends about the bottle to maintain and contain containers in a cool condition for an extended period of time. The bottles and casing are inserted into a fabric carrying case for convenience of the user. The carrying case, bottles and insulative casing may be configured so that the cooler may be comfortably carried by the user in a manner similar to a "fanny pack". In other embodiments, the bottles containing the refrigerant are identical one to the other and are positioned in face-to-face relationship to form a plurality of cooling chambers. The cooler may also be placed in another article for transportation such as within the large side pocket of a golf bag.

Abstract: A new Golf Bag With Coolers for providing cool drinks while on a golf course. The inventive device includes a standard golf bag having upper and lower coolers, the upper cooler being sized to snugly secure a beverage container to keep it from tipping, and the lower cooler being detachably secured to the bag and including a drain spout to allow draining of liquids from the lower cooler.

Abstract: A portable cooling apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermally insulated housing, such as a conventional hand-carried ice chest with a lid for removably covering the main opening. A thermally insulated dry ice chamber is disposed inside the chest. The dry ice chamber is vented and a fan is contained within the chamber. Dry ice is placed in the chamber and sublimates into cold gas which expands and passes from the vented chamber into the chest to cool the chest. Cooling action is increased by selectively actuating the fan to drive the sublimated gas rapidly into the chest, thereby causing air movement within the chest in a circulating flow pattern passing through the ice chamber.

Abstract: A beverage container cooler proportioned for use in a standard cup holder, comprising a rigid tube having a hollow, an open upper end and a closed lower end, and an interior and exterior, and insulation covering the exterior of the upper end.

Abstract: A food container and assemblage of internal components including a tray with a corrugated and slotted bottom panel supported within the container receptacle, and a cooling pack positioned within the container in a variety of positions to define food chambers wherein the food is maintained out of contact with the cooling pack.

Abstract: A rapid refrigeration apparatus and method for beverages having a container (10) with a flexible thin-film aluminum or plastic receptacle (16) secured to an upper end of the container (10) by way of an expansion nut (18). The receptacle (16) has a variable volume and is arranged to be in thermal contact with an internal region of said container. A refrigerant is placed within said receptacle and as the volume of the receptacle decreases during collapse due to evaporation of escaping refrigerant provides cooling of the container's contents.

Abstract: A new Portable Food Refrigeration System for facilitating cooling of food when a refrigerator is unavailable thereby preventing the food from melting and becoming unappealing. The inventive device includes an outer pan formed to receive a frozen gel pack on the bottom surface, and an inner pan removably positioned within the outer pan juxtaposed the frozen gel pack where the inner pan creates a seal with the outer pan preventing the escape of cooled air from between the pans.