Abstract: A container for storing and transporting semen, e.g., equine semen, along with a corresponding method of packing the container, is provided. The container is formed of an insulated box and an insulated cover. The insulated box and insulated cover each includes a collection of ridges and recesses to create a friction fit between the two that will only work with the insulated cover being placed on the insulated box in a predetermined orientation. A cooling pack is disposed on a floor of the insulated box. An insert is disposed to rest on the cooling pack inside the insulated box, such that the cooling pack is beneath the insert when the insulated box is in an upright position. The insert has at least one chamber for receiving a storage capsule holding the semen sample. The insulated cover frictionally fits on the insulated box and makes contact with the insert to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to shipping containers and methods for the transportation perishable or temperature-sensitive materials at stable temperatures. Materials within the container are maintained in a narrow temperature range by a passive temperature control device. The device and the perishable materials are placed in the container, separated by a structured barrier. Structured barriers comprise materials of predefined thickness and placed so that perishable materials do not come into direct contact with the temperature-control device, but has a plurality of notches that allow for limited air circulation. Preferably the assembled container is covered with a fitted lid to minimize temperature transfer between the outside and inside of the container.

Abstract: A food dispensing modular assembly comprising a turn table which supports a plurality of containers for holding food accompaniments such as toppings, fixings and the like for easy dispensing and for food needing refrigeration, such as ice cream over a longer period of time during party celebrations and the like.

Abstract: Methods are provided for storing items. One such method includes: providing a container sized and shaped to receive an item, the container having: a storage chamber, an insulating material and a re-freezable material, the insulating material defining an interior and having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the re-freezable material being disposed within the interior, the insulating material comprising soyoyl polyol, the re-freezable material comprising an acrylate-based superabsorbent. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: An article according to one embodiment of the disclosures herein includes a cooling core body, a cooling member and a super-coolable composition. The cooling core body has a core cavity therein. The cooling member disposed in the core cavity. A super-coolable composition is disposed within the core cavity encapsulating at least a portion of the cooling member.

Abstract: A dry-compartment cooler has a dry compartment (1) with compartment walls (3) that are connected water-tightly to a compartment floor (4). The compartment walls are articulated to extend upwardly from proximate a riser framework (6) on a cooler floor (7) to proximate a bottom side of a cooler lid (8) of a predetermined cooler. One or more ice compartments (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) separate ice and water from inside surfaces of the compartment walls and from space inside of the dry compartment. The ice compartments are in fluid communication intermediate proximate the bottom side of the cooler lid and riser-framework space (9) where the riser framework is positioned under the compartment floor. The compartment walls can have heat-conveyance members (27) for conveying coldness and for deterring moisture formation on food and other items being cooled.

Abstract: A cooler system having improved insulative properties. The cooler system includes, in various preferred embodiments, thicker sidewalls having insulative materials with improved thermal qualities, one or more reflective surfaces, a sealing mechanism to minimize the leakage of cold air, an insulative apron for containing cold air around the contents of the cooler, compression mechanisms for compressing the upper lid against the side walls of the cooler and many other features to improve the thermal benefit of the cooler.

Abstract: A shipping container for exothermic material comprises an outer container and a plurality of inner containers enclosed within the outer container with a quantity of coolant material adjacent the inner containers. Each inner container includes a box defining an enclosure, a fluted insert disposed within such enclosure for supporting a plurality of vessels, such as plastic syringes containing exothermic material. Each fluted insert includes a plurality of open ended recesses for receiving the syringes separated by upstanding walls defining a barrier between the supported syringes. A pair of heat shields, one at the bottom and one at the top of each inner box, is included for dissipating heat therewithin. Plural inner containers housing exothermic material are bubble-wrapped in a stacked arrangement with gel packs between each inner container.

Abstract: A cooler comprising a container having a container bottom wall and upstanding side walls standing upwardly from a periphery of the bottom wall and defining an open top and a cover wall hingedly connected to one of the side walls and attachable to at least one other of the side walls so as to close the open top. Each of the side walls and the cover wall being formed of a flexible fabric material with a layer of insulating material thereon such that the side walls can be folded to allow collapse of the container from an expanded position for receiving articles to be maintained cooled to a collapsed storage condition. A bottle for receiving liquid has two opposed side walls and a peripheral wall with one side wall shaped to substantially match the shape of the bottom wall such that the bottle is arranged to be located at the bottom of the container with the side wall lying against the bottom wall to provide stiffening for the bottom wall and the other side wall facing into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A portable and securable liquid holder and dispenser having an outer shell formed from a stiff material, the liner having a top defining an opening surrounded by a top edge, a liner sized to insertably fit within the outer shell, the liner further having a top lip and sides, the top lip extending outward from the sides, the lip further sized to abut the top of the outer shell when inserted therein to locate the liner, a cup sized to insertably fit within the liner, the cup having a flange formed around the top periphery thereof, the flange sized to abut the top surface of the liner when the cup is inserted therein, the cup further having a top seal extending upwardly from the flange, a cover sized to removably sealably attach to the cup, the cover having a mating seal formed thereon to mate with the top seal of the cup and an aperture formed therein, means for withdrawing liquid from the cup, the means for withdrawing liquid insertable through the aperture defined in the cover, and means for selectively attac

Abstract: A combination includes a tray providing a flat upwardly facing surface and a plurality of raised edges forming compartments on the flat surface. The tray is made, in part, of a material adapted for phase changing thermal absorption such as, so called, blue-ice. A plurality of food containers each have a flat bottom surface adapted for intimate contact with the flat surface of the tray. The containers also provide a peripheral bottom edge adapted for snap engagement with the raised edges of the tray for holding the containers on the tray.

Abstract: An insulated chest for holding the head and cape of a harvested game animal, with an insulated, flexible lid having a pair of reclosable openings for passage of the animal's antlers or horns. Each of the openings has an overlapping closure, which can be closed around the base of each antler or horn before the edges of the lid are secured to the chest. A supporting block inside the chest supports the animal's head and elevates its antlers or horns, which protrude through the openings in the lid. Ice or another cooling medium is used to cool the chest.

Abstract: A collapsible cooler is configured to hold perishable foods, such as freshly killed big game on ice while in the field. The cooler is formed of an outer layer and an inner layer of waterproof nylon fabric with two intermediate layers of heat resistant insulation. In a closed configuration, the cooler is secured and drawn together via a set or mating series of hook and loop fasteners to form an aperture for exposing the neck and head portion of captured big game. In this configuration, a carcass of the captured game is kept cool and fresh from a surrounding stream of cold air. A natural drain is formed at the base of the cooler to allow for natural flow of fluid from the cooler to a surrounding area.

Abstract: A passive thermal control enclosure for transporting and storing payloads in earth orbit includes an inner box-like enclosure surrounded by an outer box-like enclosure with insulation in the space between the enclosures. The walls of the inner enclosure are fiber-matrix composite skins with honeycomb sandwiched therebetween. Each enclosure has its own door latched closed by releasable latches formed in opposed pairs that can be operated without any net force on the operator. Packs of phase change material (PCM) are placed into the inner enclosure with the payload. The PCM is contained in flexible packages. The packs of PCM are removed when they melt and replaced with fresh packs, and the melted packs preferably are re-frozen on-board the orbiting spacecraft. Freezing preferably is carried out such that the freeze front moves substantially in only one direction from one end of the pack to the other.

Abstract: An ice-making system may include a bin configured to contain an initial quantity of water and an ice making assembly configured to make ice solely from the initial quantity of water. A conveyor may be configured to transport the ice from the ice making assembly to the bin, and a water circuit may be configured to re-circulate the initial quantity of water through the ice making assembly.

Abstract: A blood specimen sampling and insulated shipping kit is provided that provides a user with all materials that are needed to initiate blood flow, direct a blood sample into a sample vial, insulate the vial from heat and cold, protect the vial from impact, and ship the blood sample containing vial to a clinical laboratory for testing.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable foodstuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: Methods for storing items are provided. In this regard, one such method includes: providing an item; providing a container; placing the item in a storage chamber of the container; and moving a cap of the container to a closed position. Systems and other methods also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The freezing point of the first liquid is less than the second liquid such that when the second liquid is frozen, the first liquid is not, is free to circulate, and permits the auxiliary containers to circulate in the first liquid.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable foodstuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: A collapsible container is disclosed as having a number of walls which are movable relative to one another between a collapsed configuration in which at least a major surface of at least two of the walls are in contact with each other, and an expanded configuration in which the walls define a cavity adapted to receive an article, e.g. cans or bottles of soft drinks and beers, and the walls contain a casing containing saline water.

Abstract: A disposable ice pack for treating an area of a person's body that has been traumatized or inured is disclosed. The ice pack includes a polyethylene bag portion having a sealable open top end, a pair of side edges and a closed bottom end forming an inner cavity. The inner cavity receives ice. A closure mechanism is disposed along an inner surfaces of the bag portion top end and provides a water tight seal for the ice pack. A pair of fluid absorbable material sheets are attached by a heat seal along the side edges and bottom end to the bag portion. The sheets of fluid absorbable material permit the disposable ice pack to soak-up any body fluids seeping from the traumatized area. An alternate embodiment further includes a plurality of tie-straps for permitting the ice pack to be wrapped around a person's body part. The tie-straps are attached by the heat seal.

Abstract: A portable container (10) suitable for housing and protecting vials (Y) ampoules and other small vessels containing pharmaceutical or veterinary preparations such as vaccines, which are sensitive to changes in temperature or to relatively high temperature, is provided. The container (10) comprises a layered wall (11) defining a centrally located cavity (13) for receiving the vial (Y). The wall (11) includes an outer thermally insulating layer (12) surrounding a substance (14) for providing a passive cold source to the cavity (13) and two spaced inner layers (16 and 18) of a relatively hard plastics material providing an annular chamber wherein the substance (14) is received.

Abstract: Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The freezing point of the first liquid is less than the second liquid such that when the second liquid is frozen, the first liquid is not, is free to circulate, and permits the auxiliary containers to circulate in the first liquid.

Abstract: A combined ice chest and personal cooling apparatus for keeping items cold and providing a user with a way by which to apply cool water onto themself. The combined ice chest and personal cooling apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall attached to and that extends upward from the bottom wall. The housing has a first end and second end. The housing has a first compartment, a second compartment, and a bottom compartment. A first cover and a second cover selectively cover the first and second compartments respectively. A strap for allows the user to grasp the housing. A pair of wheels are rotatably coupled to the housing. A filter restricts debris from entering the bottom compartment. A pump pressurizes the bottom compartment. A check-valve extends into the bottom compartment. A flexible tube has a first end and a second end. A plurality of dispersing members for dispersing water from the bottom compartment is releasably attachable to the second end of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an isothermal container provided with inside compartments divided by movable partitions and capable of receiving refrigerating means. Such compartments can be provided laterally, centrally, on the upper side, and on the lower side, and a separate smaller container inside the main container can also be provided.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display for selling containers of chilled food items includes a quadrilateral vessel having a bottom and end and side walls, the walls containing thermally insulating material. At least seven removable panels each of which contains a material that is liquid at room temperature and has a freezing point of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder are configured to fit together to form vertical walls about at least one interior chamber in the vessel and sized to be placed into the vessel with two panels on opposed vessel ends, two panels each on opposed vessel sides and one panel extending between the vessel sides spaced from each vessel end, the panel extending between the vessel sides extending fully between the vessel sides and the panels on each vessel side together not extending fully along the side. The panels can be placed in a freezer below the freezing point of the liquid until the liquid freezes and then placed in the vessel to form an interior chamber in the vessel.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for maintaining edible substances at a low temperature of the present invention includes a serving pan, an element for retaining or holding the serving pan, and a refrigeration tube and a glycol medium surrounding the pan is disclosed. The refrigeration tube and glycol medium act together in order to maintain the pan at a low temperature for a prolonged period of time and to provide an even cooling of the pan. In a second embodiment, the refrigeration tube may be surrounded by the glycol medium. In a further embodiment, the system may be used to heat food rather than to cool food by using a heat pump alone or in combination with electric heating elements. In yet another embodiment, the glycol medium may surround only the sides or only the bottom of the pan.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner for portable cooling of a user. The portable air conditioner includes an insulated housing having a wall with an interior surface defining an interior space. An intake port extends through the wall of the housing. A fan assembly is mounted in the interior space of the housing in fluid communication with the intake port. The fan assembly is designed for drawing air through the intake port into the interior space of the housing. A discharge assembly mounted on the housing permits air to exit the interior space. A plurality of conduits in fluid communication with the fan assembly and the discharge assembly guide air through the interior space allowing the air to be cooled by chilled material placed in the interior space of the housing. A switch is operationally coupled between a power supply and the fan assembly for selectively supplying power to the fan assembly.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable foodstuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: A reusable, multi-walled cooler bag for maintaining a cool temperature within the bag includes: (a) a front portion comprised of at least one front layer; (b) a rear portion comprised of at least one rear layer, the layers being identical to one another, the front portion being sealed to the rear portion along at least two of its edges, the bag having a closable opening at its upper end; and (c) a reclosable fastener mechanism for opening and closing the opening in the bag; wherein the front or rear portions hold nontoxic coolant material between the front and/or rear layers; and the bag has a water-tight interior for storing items to be kept cool.

Abstract: A reusable, multi-walled cooler bag for maintaining a cool temperature within the bag includes: (a) a front portion comprised of at least one front layer; (b) a rear portion comprised of at least one rear layer, the layers being identical to one another, the front portion being sealed to the rear portion along at least two of its edges, the bag having a closable opening at its upper end; and (c) a reclosable fastener mechanism for opening and closing the opening in the bag; wherein the front or rear portions hold nontoxic coolant material between the front and/or rear layers; and the bag has a water-tight interior for storing items to be kept cool.

Abstract: An improved point-of-sale product chiller that is modular in design and construction whereby the server may be readily produced in various sizes and capacities for point-of-sale display and sale of chilled products. An insulated enclosure includes a base panel, a pair of sidewall panels, and a plurality of modular end wall panels that form a chilled product cavity. The panels are formed of hollow, blow-molded thermoplastic with foam insulation panels inserted therein. A chiller of a desired size is produced by selecting a base panel of the desired size and assembling to it modular end wall panels and sidewall panels of the desired size. One or more insulated central divider panels may be assembled within the enclosure to form multiple chilled product cavities within the enclosure. Removable, flat cold cell panels having cooperating edges are inserted about the inner periphery of the enclosure to maintain product temperatures inside the cavities.

Abstract: An improved point-of-sale product chiller that is modular in design and construction whereby the server may be readily produced in various sizes and capacities for point-of-sale display and sale of chilled products. An insulated enclosure includes a base panel, a pair of sidewall panels, and a plurality of modular end wall panels that form a chilled product cavity. The panels are formed of hollow, blow-molded thermoplastic with foam insulation panels inserted therein. A chiller of a desired size is produced by selecting a base panel of the desired size and assembling to it modular end wall panels and sidewall panels of the desired size. One or more insulated central divider panels may be assembled within the enclosure to form multiple chilled product cavities within the enclosure. Removable, flat cold cell panels having cooperating edges are inserted about the inner periphery of the enclosure to maintain product temperatures inside the cavities.

Abstract: A carrying case for protecting heat sensitive materials includes a first portion, a second portion, and a closure device. The closure device seals the first portion to the second portion. Each portion includes a retainer which contains a phase change material. The retainer is covered on an outside with an insulation layer. The insulation layer and retainer are preferably covered with a fabric layer. A second embodiment of a carrying case for protecting heat sensitive materials includes a cover, a container, and a closure device. The walls of the container and cover preferably include a retainer which contains phase change material, an insulation layer, an outer fabric layer, and an inner fabric layer. A third embodiment of a carrying case for protecting heat sensitive materials includes a pouch which is sealable with a closure device. The wall of the pouch preferably includes a fabric outer layer, a flexible foam outer layer, a phase change layer, a flexible foam inner layer, and a fabric inner layer.

Abstract: A stay cool beverage container having a series of radially projecting vertical ribs spaced about the perimeter at the level of a perimeter cavity filled with a refrigerant gel, the ribs gripped by the person holding the drinking vessel, and reducing heat gain into the drink vessel as well as minimizing the sensation of cold felt in the user's fingers and insuring a more secure grip.

Abstract: A support tray includes a top surface, an underside, and a side perimeter. The top surface is substantially planar and has a plurality of perforations leading to the underside. The underside includes a support grate. The support grate includes a plurality of interconnected support beams and support walls that surround the perforations. The side perimeter includes an upper rim and a lower rim and is contoured to provide for handles. Optionally, the top surface has handle straps and at least one beverage container holder that stores a beverage container in an upright or lateral position. The support tray may be made of a rigid plastic construction suitable for cleaning in a dishwasher.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated container that is especially useful in cooling and transporting thermally sensitive materials such as pharmaceuticals, organs, tissues and vaccines. In general, the present invention comprises a container having a base unit and a lid. The container is insulated, preferably through the use of vacuum insulation paneling. A tray holding specimens is placed within the insulated container along with a coolant. To affect the rate at which the coolant draws heat from the specimen within the tray, another competing heat source is placed within the container along with the specimen and coolant. In the preferred embodiment, the competing heat source comprises expanded polystyrene panels coating the inner surface of the insulated container.

Abstract: Containers for transporting items are provided. Preferably, the container includes an outer shell defining an interior and having at least one opening for providing access to the interior. A lid is provided that incorporates a cap for providing access to the interior. At least one storage chamber is formed within the interior and is adapted to receive at least one item. An insulating material is disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell. Additionally, a temperature-maintaining material is disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the insulating material. So provided, the temperature of an item being transported within the container may be maintained, raised and or cooled as desired.

Abstract: An air conditioning device engageable with a common receptacle to transfer and condition air over a conditioning media for discharge by the device. The device includes a support member and a blower for forcing air along an air passageway over the conditioning media and discharging the conditioned air to the exterior of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container and method for shipping and storing frozen products. In particular, the present invention is directed to an insulated container for shipping and storing frozen tissue samples for an extended period of time, for example at least 72 hours. An exemplary embodiment of the container of the present invention includes a body having an open end and a product chamber lined with vacuum insulated panels, a spring assembly inside of the product chamber for supporting a lower cooling block and a stack of tissue packages (e.g. engineered tissue samples), and a lid assembly including one or more upper cooling blocks suspended therefrom. When the lid assembly is secured on the body of the container, the tissue packages are held in place between the upper and lower cooling blocks by the force of the spring assembly. The body of the container is dimensioned so that it may fit within an outer cardboard carton if desired for shipping.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers for the dispatch and storage of commodities under controlled temperature conditions, in which the refrigerating or heating agents used for maintaining a specific temperature range can be introduced, spatially separated from the commodities in the interior of the container by one or more separators.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display for selling containers of chilled food items includes a quadrilateral vessel having a bottom and end and side walls, the walls containing thermally insulating material. At least seven removable panels each of which contains a material that is liquid at room temperature and has a freezing point of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder are configured to fit together to form vertical walls about at least one interior chamber in the vessel and sized to be placed into the vessel with two panels on opposed vessel ends, two panels each on opposed vessel sides and one panel extending between the vessel sides spaced from each vessel end, the panel extending between the vessel sides extending fully between the vessel sides and the panels on each vessel side together not extending fully along the side. The panels can be placed in a freezer below the freezing point of the liquid until the liquid freezes and then placed in the vessel to form an interior chamber in the vessel.

Abstract: A chilled beverage display container has an outer casing that includes a base, a top rim member, a cover hinged to the top rim member so that the cover can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position, and a circular cylindrical peripheral wall member of a transparent material, the peripheral wall member being sealed to the base and to the top rim member so as to prevent substantially any flow of a gas into or out of the outer casing. A tub of a transparent material having an upper rim portion, a peripheral wall, and a bottom wall, is supported within the outer casing solely by attachment of the upper rim portion of the tub to the top rim member of the casing. The peripheral wall of the tub is spaced apart from the peripheral wall of the outer casing and the bottom wall of the tub is spaced apart from the base of the outer casing so as to form a dead air space between the tub and the outer casing.

Abstract: A portable cooler apparatus for keeping the food and beverages cold and dry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging carbon dioxide snow in a plastic film bag, in which method the following steps are employed:

Abstract: A cooling system for use with a typical ice container uses a pump that is disposed within a fluid held within the ice container. The pump pumps the fluid through a radiator located on a top cover of the ice container while a fan blows across the radiator. A plenum directs the cool air produced by the device. The fan can draw at least some of its air from within the ice container and can be thermostatically controlled.

Abstract: A collapsible cooling pack for cooling items placed in the pack. The collapsible cooling pack includes a plurality of walls defining an interior. The plurality of walls has a collapsed configuration for being stored and a deployed configuration for receiving items. The plurality of walls comprises a bottom wall, a pair of spaced end walls, and a pair of spaced side walls. The bottom wall has an edge region mounted to an edge region of a first one of the side walls. A first one of the end walls has an edge region mounted to another edge region of the first side wall. A second one of the end walls has an edge region mounted to another edge region of the first side wall. A second one of the side walls has an edge region mounted on another edge region of the second end wall.

Abstract: A storage container for storing temperature sensitive materials, particularly materials that are sensitive to temperatures below zero degrees Centigrade, includes a two layer structure. The outer layer of the container is made of a material including a volume of coolant capable of being frozen to temperatures substantially below zero degrees Centigrade, such as −26° C. An inner layer of the container includes a volume of water that is selected relative to the volume coolant in the outer layer such that, when the two layers are combined, material held within the inner layer is maintained above 0° C. Both inner and outer layers of the container may be structured, for example, as envelope products.