Abstract: In some embodiments, a substantially thermally sealed storage container includes an outer assembly and an evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container. In some embodiments, the outer assembly includes one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally-controlled storage region, and a single access conduit to the at least one thermally-controlled storage region. In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling assembly integral to the container includes: an evaporative cooling unit affixed to a surface of the at least one thermally-controlled storage region; a desiccant unit affixed to an external surface of the container; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit including a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the evaporative cooling unit, the second end attached to the desiccant unit; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a freezer segment for a freezer of the type used for casting confectionery in molds which are cooled for freezing and subsequently supplied with heat for a short period, whereafter stripping occurs. Cooling of the molds is effected by using direct evaporation of CO2. The advantage of such a freezer segment is that there is no use for both a primary and a secondary cooling circuit. Another advantage in using a system according to the invention is that working with temperatures down to about minus 50° C. is enabled, compared to about minus 40° C. with brine systems. The low freezing temperature entails that the capacity of a given system is increased by about 40%.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator assembly including an evaporator coil forming a first part of a refrigerant path. A condenser assembly is at least partially disposed in a compartment in a housing and includes a condenser coil forming a second part of the refrigerant path. A condensate pan is arranged and configured to receive condensate having dropped from the evaporator assembly. The condensate pan has a first portion that is exposed to pressure conditions in the compartment and a second portion that is spaced away from the compartment and exposed to ambient pressure.

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.

Abstract: The cargo area of a refrigerated railroad car is cooled by convectors positioned along the upper side and walls of the cargo side and end walls of the cargo compartment of the car. The convectors are cooled by a supply of carbon dioxide snow in a bunker above the cargo compartment. Alternately, vents between the bunker and the cargo compartment and along the upper side and end walls of the cargo compartment enhance and direct carbon dioxide vapor circulation between the cargo area and the bunker. The convectors and the vents can be used independently or in combination.

Abstract: Liquified cryogen, such as nitrogen, from a source (43) is applied to a fiber mat (16, 18) adjacent to surfaces (10, 12) of an article (14) to be cooled. The cryogen may be delivered by a tube (40) which is disposed between the mat and a structure (20) to which the mat is fastened by press fit barbed fasteners (22).

Abstract: A refrigerated railcar having a bunker for holding CO.sub.2 snow generated by a spray manifold temporarily hooked up to a supply of liquid CO.sub.2, the bunker allowing the gaseous CO.sub.2 sublimated from the formed snow to pass down through vents and into an improved underfloor flow channeled floor which provides a maze-like structure to cool an underside of the cargo. Additionally, an improved insulated manifold pipe hanger is described. Additionally, an improvement in the venting arrangement of the bunker area and an improved configuration of the manifold orifices to provide a more evenly deposited snow thickness throughout the bunker during charging is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling refrigeration containers using pressurized liquid carbon dioxide is disclosed. The container has upper and lower compartments with a longitudinal distribution pipe located in the upper compartment which extends substantially the length of the container. The pressurized, liquid carbon dioxide is distributed through the distribution pipe in the upper compartment through a plurality of apertures located in the longitudinal distribution pipe which causes an accumulation of carbon dioxide snow in the upper compartment. The refrigerated gas cools the sidewalls of the lower compartment by passing through serpentine passages contained within those sidewalls. There are also switchable cooling vents which, when opened, allow refrigerated gas to pass from the upper compartment directly into the lower comparment.