Cooler Utilizing Solidified Gas Patents (Class 62/384)
  • Patent number: 11850598
    Abstract: A machine for shredding portions of bituminous material in the solid-state into granules in the solid-state. The machine comprises a pressing member provided with a piston which is axially mobile inside a perforated tubular body along an axis and is provided on the head thereof with an internal concave portion having a shape substantially complementary to a projecting part present in an axial end of the perforated tubular body. On the head of the piston through-openings are made, which extend radially along a direction approximately transversal to the axis and are in communication with the internal space of the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: EUROLINE S.R.L
    Inventors: Antonio Fornasier, Alessandro Pavan
  • Patent number: 11725780
    Abstract: A system for storing and transporting compressed natural gas includes source and destination facilities and a vehicle, each of which includes pressure vessels. The pressure vessels and gas therein may be maintained in a cold state by a carbon-dioxide-based refrigeration unit. Hydraulic fluid (and/or nitrogen) ballast may be used to fill the pressure vessels as the pressure vessels are emptied so as to maintain the pressure vessels in a substantially isobaric state that reduces vessel fatigue and lengthens vessel life. The pressure vessels may be hybrid vessels with carbon fiber and fiber glass wrappings. Dip tubes may extend into the pressure vessels to selectively expel/inject gas from/into the top of the vessels or hydraulic fluid from/into the bottom of the vessels. Impingement deflectors are disposed adjacent to the dip tubes inside the vessels to discourage fluid-induced erosion of vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NEARSHORE NATURAL GAS, LLC
    Inventors: Pedro T. Santos, David I. Scott
  • Patent number: 11536511
    Abstract: A method and system for producing liquid air wherein liquid refrigerant is cycled between two core tanks maintained at a temperature sufficient to liquify compressed air passed through condensing tubing in the interior of the core tanks. Liquid refrigerant is cycled by alternating high pressure gas from a high pressure tank to one of the core tanks, which forces liquid refrigerant from this tank through an expansion device to expand a portion of the liquid refrigerant to absorb heat in the other core tank, the resulting refrigerant gas being driven into a low pressure tank. A compression device transfers the refrigerant gas from the low pressure tank to the high pressure tank and maintains the pressure in the high pressure tank. Connections between the low and high pressure tanks and the core tanks are reversed with each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Herbert L. Williams
  • Patent number: 10806555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage receptacle (1) with a longitudinal opening (5) through which straws (2) for packing liquid-based substance are passed in a predetermined orientation of the straws, a housing (3) provided for the straws and configured to be inserted slidably in a cover (4) of the receptacle, the latter having an open configuration, in which the housing is partially inserted in the cover and the opening is free for the passage of the straws, and a closure configuration, in which the housing is inserted in the cover and the opening is closed by the cover in order to prohibit the passage of the straws. The housing has a parallelepipedal shape, a first front wall in which the opening is formed, a first bottom wall, two first longitudinal wails extending parallel to the opening, and two first side walls which each have two diagonals of a length less than or equal to the length of the straws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: IMV TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Eric Schmitt, Jean-Charles Gorges, Christian Beau, Ludovic Lefranc
  • Patent number: 10660327
    Abstract: A container system and method for cryopreservation of sperm includes first containers having walls of a desired thickness and thermal conductivity. At least one layer of thermally insulating walls of a desired thickness and thermal conductivity is disposed around the at least one row of first containers. The first containers and thermally insulating walls are capable of being immersed from a range of about 5° C. to room temperature directly into a liquid cryogenic fluid below a surface thereof and freezing the sperm, without vitrification, at a cooling rate sufficient to maintain post-thaw quality of the sperm. The cooling rate is controlled solely by the thermal conductivity of the walls of the first containers, the layer(s) of thermally insulating walls and any substance between the walls of the first containers and the at least one thermally insulating container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Xiaojun Xing
  • Patent number: 10307761
    Abstract: Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below ?50 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Astero Bio Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Patent number: 10139020
    Abstract: A low temperature fluid dual structure pipe includes: an inner pipe through which a low temperature fluid flows; and an outer pipe externally fitted to the inner pipe with a sealed tubular space therebetween. An inactive gas having a melting point and a boiling point each of which is equal to or higher than a temperature of the low temperature fluid is filled in the tubular space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. When the low temperature fluid flows through the inner pipe, the inactive gas is liquefied or solidified, and therefore, at least one of a liquefied inactive gas layer and a solidified inactive gas layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe. As a result, a pseudo vacuum layer that is in a substantially vacuum state is formed in the tubular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuntaro Unno, Tomonori Takase, Tomoaki Umemura, Eiji Kawagoe
  • Patent number: 9303912
    Abstract: A container system may comprise a container, a refrigerant tray, and refrigerant. The container may have a container interior. The refrigerant tray may be mountable within the container interior and may include a sublimation port. The refrigerant may be mounted within the refrigerant tray. The refrigerant may produce a cold gas upon sublimation of the refrigerant. The cold gas may pass through the sublimation port and enter into the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James P. Schalla, Karen L. Hills, Douglas A. Brown
  • Patent number: 8863546
    Abstract: This disclosure presents a stackable, multicompartment portable cooler with enhanced climate control and delivery features. The cooler may include adjustable vents for precisely controlling the temperature differential between adjacent compartments, a brochure receptor for including information about the delivery, and/or an automatic delivery flag for notification purposes. In addition, the cooler is modular and may be assembled/disassembled through the use of removable compartment dividers that subdivide the stacked main compartments into many subcompartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Oberweis Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Oberweis
  • Patent number: 8613202
    Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Alton Williams
  • Patent number: 8534090
    Abstract: A system for cooling an auxiliary device having a main housing with at least one canister port, at least one fluid manifold mounted within the housing and in communication with the port, and a removable dry ice canister inserted in to the fluid manifold. Connected to the fluid manifold is a fluid line and connected to the canister is an air pressure line. Both the air pressure and fluid lines are connected to the pump. As the dry ice melts, it cools the fluid and creates pressure that activates the pump to pump fluid to the auxiliary device and back to the manifold for subsequent cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Solid Cooling, LLC
    Inventor: William E. Sowder
  • Publication number: 20130042603
    Abstract: A power generation apparatus for a heat exchanger exhausting pressurized gas includes an air circulation device for moving an air flow at a first atmosphere to contact the heat exchanger; a battery connected to the an air circulation device for providing electrical energy to power the air circulation device; a generator electrically connected to the battery to charge the battery with the electrical energy; a gas motor mechanically connected to the generator to drive the generator to provide the electrical energy; and a pipe connected to the heat exchanger for receiving the pressurized gas from the heat exchanger and directing said pressurized gas to the gas motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D. NEWMAN
  • Publication number: 20130019628
    Abstract: Device and system for producing instant cooling, particularly for lowering the temperature of liquids and beverages contained in bottles. The same device can be used, by means of appropriate positioning of the diffusers in specific trays, for cooling foods. Moreover, the diffusers appropriately positioned in insulated containers act as portable refrigeration cabinet for foods, beverages and any product or material that requires to be preserved at low temperatures. The particular characteristic consists in the fact that the device makes use of a container having parts suitable to be filled with gas. Said container has one part acting as a chamber which stores the dry ice formed by the gas and one part made of sintered metal through which heat exchange is triggered when in contact with the product to be cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Ferrari Trading S.r.L.
    Inventors: Bruno Rottigni, Daniele Longhi, Adriano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 8191380
    Abstract: A portable active cryo container for maintaining product at refrigerated and/or cryogenic temperatures. Said container comprising a control system to monitor and control the flow of cooling air from a bunker section to at least one material storage section wherein temperature sensitive product is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cold Chain, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Mark Aragon
  • Patent number: 8146381
    Abstract: A system for providing an infusion chamber provides a clip assembly for attachment within a drinking vessel. A box assembly contains an infusion chamber and may be attached to the clip assembly. The box assembly has a top swinging lid to accept dry ice and other materials suitable for infusion. The bottom of the box assembly features a communication void or slot at the bottom of the box to allow the contents of the box assembly to mix with the surrounding drink, but yet not fall loose into the drink. The clip features contoured adhesive wedges to assist in attachment of the clip to the inside portions of a drinking container. The clip assembly has a thin stop tab or shelf that fits into the box assembly. A side hook from the box assembly is supported by the lower portion of the stop tab or shelf of the clip assembly. The upper or top side of the stop tab or shelf is trapped by a stop tab of the box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Roman
  • Patent number: 8056357
    Abstract: A method and a device for better utilizing 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 utilized. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: PermaCool SA
    Inventors: Hans Bruce, Catharina Louise Bergenstjerna, legal representative, Hans Richard Wilheim Bruce, legal representative, Anna Madeleine Bruce Martinsson, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8037711
    Abstract: A portable dry ice holding container for cooling water contained in an existing swimming pool may include a buoyant cartridge with open first end and closed second end. A lid may be removably connected to the first end to form a cavity between the first and second ends. A unitary outer surface may extend between the ends, preferably having apertures formed therein for permitting water to ingress and egress the cavity. A handle may be penetrated through the outer surface, traversing the cavity with opposed ends remaining situated exterior. Dry ice may be removably seated inside the cavity and may interact with and lower the temperature of the water. A mechanism may agitate the water inside the cavity through linear reciprocation of the handle to increase a flow rate through the cavity. Such a mechanism may include a plurality of curvilinear blades rotatably coupled to the handle within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Susan Mesaros, Stanley Mesaros
  • Publication number: 20110232303
    Abstract: A temperature regulation apparatus includes a dry ice module that encloses dry ice so that the module's outside surface is not hazardous to touch. Insulation, breathable material, or a combination of insulating and breathable materials, allows dry ice sublimation at a sufficiently slow rate within the attached dry ice module to control the ambient temperature in the area to be cooled. The dry ice module can be attached in a location that maximizes the dry ice cooling properties, typically at or near the top of the area to be cooled. Since sublimated carbon dioxide is heavier than normal air, it falls to the bottom of the area to be cooled and builds up. The venting placement in the dry ice module is based upon the make up of the dry ice module and the breathable materials inside of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert E. Whewell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110197622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dosing a cooling medium, in particular for the purpose of cooling drinks. The device comprises at least one cooling medium supply container (4) for holding at least one liquid cooling medium with a boiling point lower than room temperature, at least one dosing element (7) connected to the cooling medium supply container via at least one supply conduit for the purpose of dosing a quantity of liquid cooling medium, in particular for cooling a drink by being mixed with the- drink, and at least return conduit (8) connected to the cooling medium supply container for cooling with substantially liquid cooling medium the supply conduit (6) provided with cooling medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: TOECA INTERNATIONAL COMPANY B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Martinus Jacobus Johannes Boekhoorn, Maarten Arns, Harry Schippers
  • Patent number: 7841190
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of cryogenic agents within analytical systems using freeze thaw valving having an expansion chamber that limits the flow of the cryogenic agent. The expansion chamber is fitted with an expansion nozzle through which a cryogen flows and a porous frit that allows the cryogen to be exhausted. The porous frit initially allows a rapid flow of cryogen into the expansion chamber. This rapid flow lowers the temperature of the expansion chamber causing fluid contents within a freeze thaw segment to freeze. As the cryogen expands into the expansion chamber and turns into a solid, the porous frit is occluded causing the rapid flow to be restricted. The restriction of the cryogen flow by the occlusion of the porous frit allows the freeze thaw valve to use significantly less cryogen. Sublimation of the cryogen trapped within the porous frit provides sufficient cooling to maintain the valve in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Theodore Dourdeville
  • Patent number: 7788944
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus to cool harvest grapes, the grapes being transported from a harvest reception vessel (1) to a press (5) or to a maceration vessel (23), characterized in that the grapes are charged with carbon dioxide during transport to the press (5) and/or during transport to the maceration vessel (23). As a result a flavor improvement of the wine is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mario Lopez
  • Publication number: 20100183408
    Abstract: The storage comprises, from the bottom to the top, a low temperature storage zone, for storing the samples, a handling zone, housing at least part of an automatic transport device, and an access zone, where the user can enter for maintenance. A separating wall consisting of removable panels insulates the access zone, for the rooms below it. A peripheral housing, contains a peripheral chamber for temporarily storing the samples at slightly higher temperatures. A liquid nitrogen container, is used to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain it under slight overpressure for preventing the entry of moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Liconic AG
    Inventor: Cosmas G. MALIN
  • Publication number: 20100170269
    Abstract: The present inventions provides a container for dry ice, an entrance for the dry ice and a permeable surface wherein for the duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor created by the dry ice inside the container and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the entrance is configured to open and securely close. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the container further comprises a patch to close the entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Victor Yeung, Omar Chowdhary
  • Patent number: 7681405
    Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Alton Williams
  • Publication number: 20100024441
    Abstract: A dry ice vaporizing device includes: a container having a vapor permeable surface and a closeable entrance configured to be locked closed, an external implement configured to unlock the closeable entrance, and dry ice located inside the container. The vapor permeable surface includes a plurality of holes each having a hole dimension less than approximately 4 mm. The container is configured, when the closeable entrance is locked closed, to prevent the passage of dry ice pieces having dimensions larger than the hole dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Victor Yeung
  • Publication number: 20090314010
    Abstract: The injection device according to the invention, intended to be attached to the wall of the bottom of a container containing a product to be cooled in bulk, comprises a hollow cylindrical body in which a valve forced by a spring is inserted, a through-channel appreciably parallel to said valve intended to be fed by pressurized cryogenic fluid, one end of said through-channel being connected to the cryogenic fluid feed system and the opposite end opening into the seat of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Herve Flamant, Olivier Pouchain, Jacques Fouche, Jo Algoet
  • Patent number: 7591391
    Abstract: The Invention is a tray for serving a beverage in a nightclub or tavern. A tray body defines a reservoir adapted to contain a beverage. A reservoir aperture communicates through the tray body and is controlled by a valve. A dispensing opening is defined by the bottom side of the tray body and aligns the drinking vessel with the reservoir aperture. The valve is actuated when a drinking vessel is placed in engagement with the dispensing opening. A plurality of drinking vessel receptacles located on the top side of the tray are adapted to support drinking vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7272950
    Abstract: A novelty enclosure for trapping dry ice in a drinking glass. The novelty enclosure includes a fixed portion, a replaceable portion, and apparatus. The fixed portion is positioned within—and is attached to—the bowl of the drinking glass, and traps the dry ice. The replaceable portion is replaceably attached to the fixed portion allowing the fixed portion to be filled with the dry ice. The apparatus allows the fixed portion and/or the replaceable portion to permit vapor from the dry ice to rise there through and up through and out of the drink giving an illusion of a witches brew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan Roman
  • Patent number: 7263842
    Abstract: A method and a device for cooling a mass of meat-, tissue-, vegetable- and/or fruit-containing substance in a container, in particular a mixer, blender or mill, using liquefied nitrogen (N2) which is supplied in the lower region of the container at a constant working pressure via at least one nozzle. During the cooling process and/or in stoppage times, the nitrogen is briefly supplied to the nozzle or, via the latter, into the container by means of at least one pressure pulse that is increased in relation to the working pressure. The pulsed supply of pressurized nitrogen blows blocked and/or iced-up nozzles free again and thus ensures a more reliable operation of cooling a mass of a substance. This method and device are suitable, in particular, for use in foodstuff technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Kirsten Möller, Robert Taylor, Johannes Beuse
  • Patent number: 7013670
    Abstract: A portable ice chest used for maintaining its contents in a cooled or frozen state for an extended period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment and an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is adapted to fit airtight upon the top opening of the container. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a refrigerated state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. Additionally, when no dry ice is placed in either compartments, the present invention can be used as a regular ice chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Roberto Gonzalez, Lester Smith
  • Patent number: 6948330
    Abstract: A cage in which is mounted a reducer of cold room that can be manually raised and blocked during the loading or unloading of the goods, and that automatically slopes down above the frozen foods when the door is closed for reducing the space preserving the frozen foods either by using the ice bags or dry ice during the delivery of the frozen foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Alain Renaud
  • Publication number: 20040035144
    Abstract: A drinking vessel includes an interior portion that holds pellets or chips of dry ice that cool a beverage in the glass while the beverage is being consumed. The interior portion can be a part of the glass or it can be a detached piece usable in different vessels. Either way the interior portion includes holes that allow the beverage to freely flow around the dry ice while the holes are small enough to prevent the dry ice from entering the portion of the vessel where it could be accidentally consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20030167788
    Abstract: A portable ice chest used for maintaining its contents in a cooled or frozen state for an extended period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment and an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is adapted to fit airtight upon the top opening of the container. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a refrigerated state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. Additionally, when no dry ice is placed in either compartments, the present invention can be used as a regular ice chest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Roberto Gonzalez, Lester Smith
  • Patent number: 6584802
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method that employs carbon dioxide (CO2) to cool, refrigerate or freeze the contents of a cooler or container. The cooling apparatus is preferably a portable device with a selfcontained refrigeration system that cools indirectly with liquid carbon dioxide, utilizing the sublimation of CO2 “dry-snow” or “snow” to self-regulate the flow of the CO2 refrigerant in the system. The cooling apparatus includes a liquid carbon dioxide reservoir that contains a quantity of liquified carbon dioxide. A regulator for reducing the pressure of the liquid carbon dioxide flowing through the regulator, connects to the liquid carbon dioxide reservoir. The cooling coil preferably terminates with a cooling coil to vent to an atmosphere. A flow of carbon dioxide is established by a movement of the carbon dioxide from the liquid carbon dioxide reservoir, through the regulator, into the cooling coil, and to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Monty J. Cofield, Scott B. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20030051502
    Abstract: A portable ice chest used for maintaining its contents in a cooled or frozen state for an extended period of time. The ice chest includes an insulated cover with an inner compartment and an insulated container with a bottom compartment. The cover is adapted to fit airtight upon the top opening of the container. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a frozen state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the inner compartment only. To maintain the contents of the ice chest in a refrigerated state, a refrigerant coolant such as dry ice is placed in the bottom compartment only. Additionally, when no dry ice is placed in either compartments, the present invention can be used as a regular ice chest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Lester Smith, Roberto Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6516630
    Abstract: When the start button is pushed after the door of the supply chamber is closed, carbon dioxide gas is ejected from the nozzle placed at the upper part of the horn. The carbon dioxide gas is converted to powdered dry ice by adiabatic expansion in the horn, and the dry ice falls on fresh food or other items to be cooled in a box or plastic bag placed under the horn. In order to obtain a desired amount of dry ice constantly, the ambient temperature, the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas, the interval time since the last ejection are counted in determining the carbon dioxide ejecting time length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kakubayashi Shoji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Ishida
  • Publication number: 20020148246
    Abstract: A two-stage refrigeration system includes an intermediate slurry tank for receiving and storing a refrigerant vapor and a slurry of solid sublimatable refrigerant particles in a liquid. The intermediate slurry tank has a first outlet for outflow of the slurry from the tank, a second outlet for outflow of the refrigerant vapor, a first inlet for receiving at least the liquid, and a second inlet for receiving the refrigerant. The refrigeration system also includes a compression system having a first low pressure inlet and second intermediate pressure inlet, and having a high pressure outlet. A conduit connects the second outlet of the intermediate slurry tank to the intermediate pressure inlet of the compression system so as to compress the vapor with less energy than would be needed to compress low pressure refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grant Escobar, Jon Almon Hocker, Hakan Ohlsson, John Richard Strong
  • Publication number: 20020124588
    Abstract: An insulated container for the storage and transport of fresh food items to keep them at a desired temperature, preferably between 0 and 4° C., includes a case provided with an insulating material lining on all its inside faces. The container also includes a diffuser cover provided with an independent refrigeration source connected to a thermal bridge by a support receptacle. The refrigeration source keeps the desired temperature inside the case for a determined period. An insulating cover fits over the diffuser cover to provide thermal insulation for the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: BCF Holding
    Inventor: Jean Patrice Quenedey
  • Patent number: 6418732
    Abstract: A process and device is provided for cooling extruded hollow sections, especially pipes, that are made of plastic. Liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide is directed into the interior of the plastic hollow section through an extruder head and is depressurized in at least one depressurization nozzle, whereby carbon dioxide in gaseous and solid form is produced. The carbon dioxide that is in gaseous form is directed to the inner wall of the hollow section, while carbon dioxide snow is brought into heat exchange with the inner wall of hollow section only to the extent that the latter is not damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Linde Technische Gase GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Klane, Andreas Praller
  • Patent number: 6401479
    Abstract: A container for cooling/refrigerating produce comprising at least one panel made from metal foam for storing a cryogenic fluid under pressure and means for discharging said fluid into the container in order to reduce/maintain the temperature within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The BOC Group, plc
    Inventor: Michael Ernest Garrett
  • Publication number: 20020040585
    Abstract: A water cooler is provided with a removable reservoir separable from a cooler housing and transportable as a portable unit to a different location for remote dispensing of chilled water or other selected beverage. The removable reservoir comprises an insulated vessel having a dispensing faucet and adapted for removable mounting onto the cooler housing in thermal communication with a chiller element for maintaining the water within the reservoir in a chilled condition. The insulated reservoir is designed for quick and easy lift-off removal from the cooler housing and may include a convenient carrying handle to facilitate transport thereof to a remote location. In one preferred form, the removable reservoir supports an inverted water supply bottle for replenishing dispensed water, whereas in another preferred form the removable reservoir is adapted for receiving water inflow from a filtered tap water source or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: David B. Chaney
  • Patent number: 6361746
    Abstract: A medical specimen tote assembly containing a coolant. The assembly is configured with wells sized to individually receive and safely support one or more specimen tubes. At least one of the components of the assembly or a portion thereof is formed to contain a temperature-sensitive material that causes the component or portion to change color when a preselected temperature is exceeded. More preferably, the material causes a color change to occur at or near freezing, so as to indicate if the temperature of the component, and therefore specimens contained by the assembly, is near 0° C. or slightly higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Julie Ann Wlodarski
  • Patent number: 6269651
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus, such as a consumer display unit 400, comprises a covered tray 403 or other compartment for accommodating consumer product to be kept cool, and a housing 420 for accommodating a replaceable charge of dry ice out of contact with the product. A tubular element 421 communicates between the covered tray and the housing 420 to allow cold air and carbon dioxide to flow from the dry ice to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Scotsway Limited
    Inventor: Alan Price
  • Patent number: 6209343
    Abstract: An apparatus that utilizes the heat transfer ability of cryogenic materials to maintain its contents at low temperatures includes a container having inner and outer shells. The inner and outer shells have a chamber formed therebetween. An insulation layer is disposed within the chamber. The inner shell is disposed within the outer shell to form a chamber for receiving therein a material for storage and/or transport therebetween. A phase change material is disposed within the storage chamber and includes cut-outs for receiving therein a cryogenic material. Alternatively, a pre-charged phase change material insert is provided in the storage chamber and/or the storage chamber is packed with a filler material pre-chilled in a cryogenic material. A lid seals the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Owen
  • Patent number: 6182458
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for precipitating water ice or CO2 snow downwardly over a load within a shipping container or semitrailer body. The apparatus and method utilize high pressure and high velocity fog-like spray discharges of liquid CO2 and water (for forming water ice) or opposing high pressure and high velocity fog-like spray discharges of liquid CO2 (for forming CO2 snow) for intimate commingling in an elevated area of the container or semitrailer body. The commingling fog-like jet discharges of water and liquid CO2 cause water ice precipitation downward over a load within the container or semitrailer body and are capable of producing ice at a rate (poundage) equal to generally 96% of the rate (poundage) at which liquid CO2 is consumed in forming the water ice. Further, the opposing and commingling high pressure and high velocity fog-like spray discharges of liquid CO2 cause CO2 snow to form and to precipitate downward over an associated load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul R. Franklin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6170269
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for freeze granulation of a medium such as a biopharmeceutical product. The medium is put into a chamber and mixed using a pair of counter rotating agitators. The agitators have angled blades or paddles on them in order to induce motion in the medium parallel to the axis of the agitator shafts. A set of liquid nitrogen and liquid carbon dioxide nozzles are attached to the chamber. The liquid nitrogen nozzles spray a mist of liquid nitrogen into the medium. The liquid carbon dioxide nozzles spray carbon dioxide snow into the chamber. The liquid nitrogen and the carbon dioxide can be sprayed into the chamber at the same time or alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Integrated Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6151913
    Abstract: The device forms snow from pressurized carbon dioxide fluids. A supply conduit delivers a flow of pressurized fluid. An expansion member attached to the supply conduit contains a plurality of channels for reducing pressure on the fluid and converting the fluid with reduced pressure into a mixed-phase stream of gas and fine snow particles. The channels have an average diameter and an average length of at least twice its average diameter. An agglomeration chamber attached to the plurality of channels agglomerates the fine snow particles by contacting the fine snow particles together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Lewis, Theodore Hall Gasteyer, III, Terry Traeder
  • Patent number: 6141985
    Abstract: A self-contained portable cryogenic apparatus that operates at the temperature (of the order of -78.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure) reached by reducing the pressure of carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) or equivalent in liquid/solid phase, comprising a reservoir of pressurized liquefied CO.sub.2, the drawing off head being connected to a liquid/solid CO.sub.2 pressure reduction and ejection system, and comprising a control device, a pressure reduction device and a device for checking the temperature in the area to which it is applied, remarkable in that the top of the CO.sub.2 reservoir is arranged on the apparatus such that during the entire usage period, only the liquid part of the CO.sub.2 inside the reservoir comes into contact with the head so that it is drawn off and forced towards the application area through a pressure reduction and ejection system. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in sports medicine in the form of a spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: Societe Cryonic Medical, Societe Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry
    Inventors: Christian Cluzeau, Jacky Desbrosse
  • Patent number: 6131404
    Abstract: A method and a container for storing or transporting goods, in particular food products in a frozen and/or chilled state, include a conditioned room where the goods are placed. The room is conditioned by means of a refrigerating medium, for instance solid carbon dioxide, arranged above the room, the refrigerating medium and the room being divided by an insulated panel. A variety of insulated panels can be provided between the refrigerating medium and the room so as to maintain a required amount of cold transfer between the refrigerant and the room. The amount of refrigerating medium can be varied in accordance with specifications such as the assumed duration of the transport/storage, the required storage temperature and a predicted average of the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: H & R Industries, Inc., Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Gary M. Hase, Colin Trundley, Laura Lozza, Paul Shottom, .ANG.se Spangelo
  • Patent number: 6109058
    Abstract: A closed loop pipe system is provided for the upper portion of the interior of an insulated storage or transport container. The pipe system includes active pipe sections including spray jet outlets spaced therealong and the active pipe sections are mounted within channel structure recessed within and opening outwardly of at least one insulated wall of the container. The channel structure includes impact plate portions onto which spray jets of liquid CO.sub.2 discharged from the outlets impact for deflecting the spray jets of liquid CO.sub.2 over a load within the container. The pipe system includes upstanding supply pipes at opposite diagonal portions of the container, each including a valve inlet end opening outwardly of a lower portion of the container and an upper end opening into the closed loop pipe system in a manner defining eductor structure whereby rapid inflow of liquid CO.sub.2 under pressure into the closed loop pipe system from either supply pipe will cause circulation of liquid CO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Paul R. Franklin, Jr.