Abstract: A container for handling and transporting temperature-sensitive items. The container includes a tote made of a resilient material, the tote including an opening for inserting items and flaps for covering the opening, wherein the tote has dimensions compatible with commercial product-handling equipment. The container further includes a liner sized to fit into the tote. In one embodiment, the liner includes a shell made of a resilient material and shaped to cover the interior surfaces of the tote. The liner has a layer of a temperature insulating material enclosed within the shell. A liner is lid sized to fit securely over the opening of the shell, and in one embodiment, includes a layer of the insulating material and a cavity for inserting a refrigerant material therein.

Abstract: A container for rapidly cooling and holding foods at safe temperatures for extended periods of time which includes an upwardly opening inner container in which foods may be placed and another container surrounding the inner container. An enclosed chamber is formed between the bottoms and side walls of the inner and outer containers and is provided with a slow-to-freeze, slow-to-thaw gelatinous material which may be frozen by placing the container in a low temperature freezer. The container is further characterized in that the bottom and walls of the inner container provide insulating properties which control the rate of heat transfer between the gelatinous material, when frozen, and foods placed in the container and further characterized in that the bottom and walls of the outer container provide insulating properties which substantially retard heat transfer between the gelatinous material, when frozen, and the ambient air which surrounds the container.

Abstract: Ice-filled cold storage means for the repeated freezing and, accompanied by the cooling of air or a cooling fluid, melting of the ice, with an elastic sleeve (2) for an ice supply, which is kept by a substantially dimensionally stable jacket (3) under close heat transfer contact at the location of an air or fluid guide and which is set up for moving air to be cooled or dehumidified or a cooling fluid past the ice supply.

Abstract: Provided are catering service trolleys for preserving and distributing meal service trays in aeroplanes. The trolley includes side walls with double shells defining vertical channels opening at their upper part into the housing containing the refrigerating agent and at their lower part in the proximity of the bottom of the section receiving the meal-trays, thus enabling the refrigerating gas to circulate by convection over the whole height of the trolley and a more homogeneous temperature distribution.

Abstract: A cooler is disclosed having a plurality of plate shelves, an accessory tray and a screw on lid with carrying handle. The container is cylindrical in shape and sized to accept a standard nine (9) inch to ten and one-half (10 ½) inch diameter dinner plate in a level, upright position on one or more shelves. The first shelf is the floor of the cooler which has a raised rim along its perimeter for accepting a standard shaped plate with a circular border rim and concave center. The second shelf is comprised of a protruding rim inside the cooler upon which another plate may rest. Alternatively, the accessory tray may rest on the second shelf The accessory tray is molded to fit upon the protruding rim inside the cooler. The accessory tray has compartments for securing cans or bottles containing beverages so that they will not roll about, compartments for silverware and space for additional food items such as condiments.

Abstract: A portable animal storage unit comprising a pliable, foldable panel, said panel having an inner facing and an outer facing, a first side edge, a second side, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the inner facing and outer facing defining an insulating space therebetween, the inner facing being formed of a water-impervious material, the insulation space containing a thermal insulating material, a sack attached to the inner facing and having an openable end, the sack being made of a material that permits heat transfer, and a closure for holding at least the first side edge and second side edge together when the panel is folded such that the first side edge and second side edge substantially overlie one another.

Abstract: A traveling bag for carrying temperature-sensitive medications such as insulin which includes a sensor monitoring the interior temperature and an exterior display showing the measured temperature. In one embodiment the bag interior includes a compartment for storing medication, an assembly for securely holding three insulin pens, and a compartment for holding a container of freezing material. A second embodiment of the bag omits the freezing material compartment.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: This invention discloses a thermal envelope including a pouch (12) and a flap that closes the pouch and thermal capacitance material (18) that lines the pouch, wherein the thermal capacitance material (18) has an initial temperature in a temperature range of −5 degrees C. to 20 degrees C., characterized by the thermal capacitance material having a thermal that maintains a temperature of the medical sample placed in the pouch (12) within the temperature range during a period of time not more than 7 hours from the time the medical sample was placed in the pouch. A method for sending a medical sample from a sampling site to a laboratory is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool box section and a cooler section are integrally formed as one device. The toolbox portion is a typical tool box having a plurality of stacking tool trays with a latching means for securing said trays together. The stacked and latched tool trays thereby form the upper portion of the toolbox section. The lower portion forms a rectangular box having an open face and a half open top. Carried by approximately half of the lower portion, in the open top area, are a plurality of sliding tool drawers that slide open through the open face of the lower portion of the toolbox section. Carried by approximately the other half of the lower portion is the cooler section. The cooler section comprises a hinged lid having a cavity opposite the hinged end for inserting fingers to facilitate lifting of the lid. The cooler section slides in and out of the lower portion via a well known means such as a tongue-and-groove, protrusion-and-track, or wheel-and-track arrangement.

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. A refrigerant containing a solid foam coolant is placed in the container at a level that is higher than the semen sample, and the container is closed using a lid having a central boss that fits snugly into the mouth of the container. The lid has a continuous ridge that fits into a recess formed in the upper edge of the container.

Abstract: An envelope for keeping susceptible materials such as drugs within an acceptable temperature for durations to allow for transport of the drugs to recipients the cold keeping envelope having an outer insulating envelope and an inner envelope or envelope like shape having liquid or liquid like material to be frozen held within a plurality of separate cells forming the inner envelope such that when the liquid or liquid like material is frozen solid, the inner envelope or envelope like shape can still be easily opened caused to open by relative rotation of separate cell to allow for insertion of articles therein. There are further described constructions including an outer envelope of bubble pack with a metallised reflective surface, joining of inner and outer envelope parts, double thicknesses of bubble pack material, use of frozen cells on one side only of the envelope shape, and shapes and relative location of cells to facilitate bending of the frozen materials.

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: A portable air conditioner for personal use wherever needed. The portable air conditioner includes an insulated housing in the shape of a box. A lid is removably attached to a top of the housing. An intake portal is located in the housing. A first tube is in fluid connection with the intake portal. The tube extends into the housing perpendicular to the first side of the housing and arcs away from the lid. A discharge portal is located in the housing. A second tube extends into the housing whereby the second tube is in fluid connection with the discharge portal. The second tube extends perpendicular to the second side of the housing. The second tube arcs away from the lid. A fan draws air into intake portal. A power source is operationally coupled to the fan.