Cooled By Means Other Than Ice (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Absorption, Cryogenic, Etc.) Patents (Class 62/457.9)
  • Patent number: 9879889
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliance with movable individually temperature controlled bins are provided. One example refrigerator appliance includes one or more transmitter coils and one or more bins. Each of the one or more bins includes a temperature sensor positioned to read a temperature in a bin storage volume. Each of the one or more bins includes a receiver coil. The receiver coil receives power from one of the one or more transmitter coils through inductive power transfer. Each of the one or more bins includes a thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump receives power from the receiver coil. The operation of the thermoelectric heat pump is controlled based on the temperature in the bin storage volume read by the temperature sensor, such that the temperature in the bin storage volume is maintained at a setpoint temperature associated with such bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Wesley Wait
  • Patent number: 9347696
    Abstract: Apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing may include a body having an opening sized to receive a storage container having a liquid or solid precursor disposed therein, the body fabricated from thermally conductive material; one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the body proximate the opening; and a heat sink coupled to the one or more thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: David K. Carlson, Errol Antonio C. Sanchez, Kenric Choi, Marcel E. Josephson, Dennis Demars
  • Patent number: 9284094
    Abstract: The collapsible container is disclosed. The container has a body having an open top end, a sidewall having an accordion fold, and a bottom panel enclosing a bottom end. The accordion fold in the sidewall permits the sidewall to collapse and expand between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A collar is formed at a top end of the body, extending from the sidewall. A support is configured and arranged to prop the sidewall in a fully expanded position. A lid with an airlock may be included to permit the body to be vacuum sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Husni Khalil
  • Patent number: 9279604
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing may include a body having an opening sized to receive a storage container having a liquid or solid precursor disposed therein, the body fabricated from thermally conductive material; one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the body proximate the opening; a heat sink coupled to the one or more thermoelectric devices; and a fan disposed proximate to a back side of the heat sink to provide a flow of air to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: David K. Carlson, Errol Antonio C. Sanchez, Kenric Choi, Marcel E. Josephson, Dennis Demars, Emre Cuvalci, Mehmet Tugrul Samir
  • Patent number: 9072198
    Abstract: The invention provides a variable impedance device including a first bus bar refrigeration system, a first bus bar thermally connected to the first bus bar refrigeration system to be maintained at a target bus bar temperature by the first bus bar refrigeration system, a variable impedance component refrigeration system, a variable impedance component electrically connected to the first bus bar and thermally connected to the component refrigeration system, a variable impedance component may be at least partially made of a material that is superconducting below a critical temperature and may be maintained at a target component temperature, wherein the target bus bar temperature may be between the 300K and critical temperature and the target component temperature may be below the critical temperature and a second bus bar connected to the variable impedance component so that current flows between the first and second leads through the variable impedance component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Grid Logic Incorporated
    Inventor: Matthew J. Holcomb
  • Publication number: 20150143840
    Abstract: A climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel (50) including: an outer layer (52); an inner layer (54); a foam (58) positioned in between the inner layer (54) and the outer layer (52); and a plurality of fiber tubes (60) embedded within the foam. Another climate controlled cargo container includes at least one panel including: an outer layer; an inner layer; a foam positioned in between the inner layer and the outer layer; and a phase change material positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Zidu Ma
  • Patent number: 9005542
    Abstract: The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Liconic AG
    Inventor: Cosmas G. Malin
  • Publication number: 20150089970
    Abstract: An improved aircraft air chiller unit particularly suited for an aircraft galley that requires refrigerated or cooled beverage/meal carts and/or chilled storage compartments. The chiller of the present invention takes the form of a line replaceable unit (“LRU”) and incorporates a liquid-cooled refrigerant vapor compression cycle, arranged in a housing with a vertical orientation. Because of the vertical orientation, ducting on the rear surface of the chiller is omitted, reducing the overall footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Qiao Lu, William J. Godecker, James R. Forbes
  • Publication number: 20150082813
    Abstract: An assembly for thermal insulation of an MR magnet system during such a transport has a container for accommodating an MR magnet, the container being equipped with thermal insulation, and the container has an opening for accommodating a cooling unit. The assembly further has a protective cap, such that the opening is sealed in a reversible manner by the protective cap, and the protective cap is likewise equipped with thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stefan Popescu
  • Publication number: 20150075208
    Abstract: A portable cooler is provided that includes a base that supports a refrigeration unit. The base also supports a plurality of upwardly-extending support poles that accommodate a top portion. The support poles, top portion, and base define a food storage volume that is surrounded by a plurality of insulative walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Brad Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8978392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling the contents within a portable case, such as a transit case, using a thermoelectric air conditioner. Thermoelectric air conditioners are used with, and mounted on or in, a transit case for maintaining a desired air temperature within the transit case. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner can be incorporated, concealed within the housing and/or cover of the transit case. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner is protected by the design of the case, the mounting arrangement, the shock-mounted frame, etc. Alternatively, the thermoelectric air conditioner is mounted partially internal and partially external to the transit case. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner is mounted external to the transit case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: EIC Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Blackway, Adelbert M. Gillen
  • Patent number: 8959934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling system and a method for displaying a supercooled state which can accurately display a supercooled state of a stored object in spite of the external influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Won-Young Chung
  • Patent number: 8936905
    Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. The cryopreservation vessel can be a flexible vial having a closed port adapted to be pierced by a needle, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. Alternatively, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cook General Biotechnology LLC
    Inventors: Erik John Woods, John K. Critser
  • Patent number: 8931302
    Abstract: A heat exchange unit (HEU) for positioning internally of a container for housing a food or beverage, the HEU including a metal shell having an outer surface, and a metal top section having a skirt, which fits over the outer surface of the metal shell and is permanently secured to said metal shell by an adhesive material, compressed carbon particles are disposed within said metal shell and carbon dioxide gas is adsorbed by said carbon particles and upon activation of a valve secured to said top section desorbs to cool the food or beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Joseph Company International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cull, Mark Sillince
  • Publication number: 20150000329
    Abstract: A liquid container of the present invention is designed to include an autonomous selective cooling device. The cooling device includes a heat exchanger (15) comprising a first body (20) with a cavity (21), a second body (22) inside the cavity (21), a fluid passage (25) formed between an outer surface of the second body (22) and the surface of the cavity (21), and some means for causing a cooling fluid to flow while expanding along fluid passage (25) up to an exhaust duct (19) of the second\0.8body (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Gustavo P Lopez
  • Publication number: 20140338373
    Abstract: A produce storage chamber comprising a chamber capable of encasing produce, a refrigeration system, at least one ozone generation units, and at least one ethylene scrubbers. The chamber is capable of delaying postharvest produce deterioration using at least one of temperature control, ozone generation, and ethylene scrubbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent Arrigo
  • Patent number: 8857203
    Abstract: A personal thermal regulation system includes a personal liquid cooling garment, wherein the personal liquid cooling garment is configured to circulate a working fluid therein, a membrane evaporator configured to receive circulated working fluid from the personal liquid cooling garment, wherein the membrane evaporator is further configured to evaporate a portion of the received circulated working fluid, and a chemical absorber in fluid communication with the membrane evaporator, wherein the chemical absorber is configured to receive a controlled flow of the evaporated portion of the received circulated working fluid from the membrane evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Edward W. Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20140260412
    Abstract: An improved liquid vessel cooling system for cooling, transporting and dispensing liquid comprises a base assembly having a base housing enclosing a refrigeration unit and having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface attached to a thermally conductive support base snugly encircled by a plurality of evaporator coils. In alternate embodiments the evaporator coils may be incorporated within the support base structure or the support base structure may be constructed with cavities and passages such that the support base structure itself functions as the plurality of evaporator coils. A container containing the liquid is attached to the support base and comprises a top portion, a bottom portion and a spear that extends inside the container from the top portion to proximate the bottom portion. An insulation sleeve is removably positioned over the container through a first opening at a middle portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Keast, John Splawn
  • Patent number: 8826690
    Abstract: Tray having a container receiving space and a stepped outer sidewall including a lower step and an upper step, a cooling unit providing cooled air to the space and having a housing with a stepped base that includes a lower step and an upper step, the cooling unit venting exhaust from an end distal to the base, a plurality of containers each having a perimeter flange and, when the container is inserted into the space, portions of the flange are seated on the respective lower steps of the tray and the stepped base of the housing, and a cover configured to sealingly contact the upper steps when the cover is in a closed position, the cover shielding the containers from the exhaust, and being movably attached to the housing and movable along the housing in a range that includes the closed position at which the cover contacts the upper steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Maher Pidarow
  • Patent number: 8802364
    Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design uses inner and outer containers, each made of transparent polyethylene sheets, where the inner compartments are filled with the solution and sealed, and then placed into each compartment in an outer container, wherein two compartments in the outer container are separated by a flattened and sealed portion of the polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: TCP Reliable, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus H. Haarmann, Anthony Alleva, Thomas-Laurent Bringas
  • Patent number: 8770907
    Abstract: A cryopreservation vessel of the present invention includes a vessel body which holds a low-temperature liquefied gas, a cap which closes an opening section of the vessel body and has a plurality of through holes that are formed so as to pass through in a vertical direction, and ampoule storing tools which are housed so as to be able to pass through the through holes of the cap, and the ampoule storing tools are each comprised of a support pillar and a plurality of ampoule storing sections which are equipped with the support pillar so as to be arrayed in a vertical direction of the support pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehiro Yoshimura, Masahiro Takeuchi, Mamoru Fujita, Hidetoshi Ohta
  • Patent number: 8733577
    Abstract: A cooler includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall. At least one of the sidewalls has a transparent portion. A lid is connected to the side walls such that the bottom wall, side walls, and lid cooperate to define an interior space. At least one cup holder is formed in the bottom wall and positioned within the interior space. At least one first interior wall defines a receptacle within the interior space for receiving at least one of dry goods, food, and utensils. A second interior wall defines a chamber within the interior space for receiving cold items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Patterson
  • Patent number: 8709797
    Abstract: A fluid sample vessel includes inlet and vent tube fittings formed at one end of a container with an opposite open end closed by a needle septum. A support cap is removably engaged to the container to support the container and protect terminal ends of inlet and vent tubular branches coupled to the fittings. The support cap includes a pair of opposite legs with outwardly directed tabs for mounting within a centrifuge while supporting the cryopreservation container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cook General Biotechnology LLC
    Inventor: Erik John Woods
  • Patent number: 8696151
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: TCP Reliable, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice Barakat
  • Patent number: 8695373
    Abstract: A temperature maintenance system for use with nested containers includes a segmented wall liner assembly and removable cover. The segmented wall liner assembly includes a plurality of segments formed in an array, with each of the segments connected to at least one of the other of the segments, and which extend radially outward from a central point. Each of the segments has a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a central compartment which contains phase change material. The segmented wall liner assembly is capable of changing from a substantially flat, open position, to an angular position when removably disposed in-between the nested containers, and the nested containers have substantially concave surfaces, whereby the segments conform to the substantially concave surfaces when the segmented wall liner assembly is in the angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Claire Jean Patton
  • Patent number: 8656604
    Abstract: A condensation dryer includes a housing having a wall area which forms a rear side, and a process air circuit for circulating process air. The process air circuit has a first section outside the housing and running along the wall area and a remaining second section inside the housing. The first section which is located at the wall area is formed by a profile part placed on the wall area and is covered by a hood placed in sealing fashion on the wall area. A fan is arranged in the process air circuit for circulating the process air, and a drying chamber is arranged in the process air circuit for holding objects to be dried. A heat pump is disposed in the housing and includes a heat sink which is thermally coupled to the process air circuit, and a heat source, which is thermally coupled to the process air circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Ediger, Thomas Nawrot
  • Patent number: 8584486
    Abstract: An appliance system includes at least an appliance and a module. The appliance door(s) have an exterior surface and an interior surface having a door liner. The appliance door is closed to create an insulated area and the interior surface of the appliance door includes a module-engaging connector. The module is typically removably engaged within the appliance door and includes an insulated compartment within the module and a compartment door as well as a lock for the compartment door. The module also includes a utility connector that engages the appliance door and operably engages the module-engaging connector of the appliance door so that the module receives at least electrical power from the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Kelly I. Johnson, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8550305
    Abstract: A water cooler includes a reservoir with an inlet and an outlet. The water cooler is separated into two compartments by a wall containing at least one opening allowing fluid communication between the compartments. A cooling element extends from a bottom surface of the reservoir through the bottom compartment and through the wall and into the top compartment. Water enters the top compartment through an inlet where it is cooled before flowing into the bottom compartment through any openings in the wall. Water exits the bottom compartment through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nurakwa, LLC
    Inventor: Marwan Abi Aad
  • Patent number: 8540122
    Abstract: A hydration system includes first and second opposing flexible walls that form a bladder having a sealable compartment for containing a liquid. The system includes a drinking tube having a first end with a valve and a second end. A first port is configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment. A second port is configured to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. The third port allows liquid to be supplied into the compartment. A first baffle and a second baffle connect the opposing walls within the compartment. The first and second baffles are configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A space between the first and second baffles is accessible via the third port. The space is configured to receive and secure a thermal pack. The thermal pack is insertable and removable via the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Skillern, James H. Sadler
  • Patent number: 8539790
    Abstract: A secure climate-control system for improved storage of substances transported by emergency response vehicles that require controlled-temperature storage, particularly drugs, blood, and physiological samples. It includes a lockable, temperature controlled cabinet permanently connected to the emergency response vehicle. The lockable storage compartment may contain lockable containers, providing double-lock security. Business methods comprising designing, manufacturing, installing, and using custom secure climate-control systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Randy L. Budd
  • Patent number: 8516849
    Abstract: A cooler for beverage containers, comprising an outer holder (5) and at least one inner holder (17), received in the outer holder (5), provided with: at least a series of receiving positions (28) within the inner holder, for beverage containers (30); a cooling device (13) for forming an ice layer between the at least one inner holder and the outer holder; pumping means (22) for drawing coolant from the at least one inner holder (17) and lifting coolant between the inner holder (17) and the outer holder (5); at least one overflow (32) for reintroducing lifted coolant into the inner holder (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Heineken Supply Chain B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Johannes Mooijer, Hans-Peter Voss, Patrick Johannes Blom
  • Publication number: 20130213080
    Abstract: A heat exchange unit (HEU) for positioning internally of a container for housing a food or beverage, the HEU including a metal shell having an outer surface, and a metal top section having a skirt, which fits over the outer surface of the metal shell and is permanently secured to said metal shell by an adhesive material, compressed carbon particles are disposed within said metal shell and carbon dioxide gas is adsorbed by said carbon particles and upon activation of a valve secured to said top section desorbs to cool the food or beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: JOSEPH COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventors: David Cull, Mark Sillince
  • Patent number: 8505329
    Abstract: The cooling chest for rapidly quenching beverages includes a quench tray for holding containers of beverage. The quench tray is lowered into salt-water or other cooling liquid which is cooled by a refrigeration unit. A processing device determines the temperature of the beverages within the containers within the quench tray and further activates a mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the desired temperature is reached. The processing device can also activate the mechanism for removing the quench tray from the water or cooling liquid when the upper lid or access doors are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: John C. Lauchnor
  • Publication number: 20130174600
    Abstract: The flexible container (1) with incorporated internal thermal exchange is shaped like an envelope or bag cascade multipocket inside. It is an administrator, portable disposable dispenser of a consumer and/or necessity product to be heated or cooled, exploiting endothermic or exothermic reactions generated by breaking by pressure of the bag (3) of the reactive liquid (31). The peculiarity of this execution is that the reaction chamber (2) is fully immersed into the consumer product (6) and is provided with a valve (10) controlling a possible pressure generated by the chemical reaction, the reaction bags (3, 4) inside developing the concept “bag in bag” or “bag in bag in bag”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Giuseppe Sarcinella
  • Patent number: 8474649
    Abstract: A serving dish, such as in the form of a bowl is provided including an upper receptacle and a lower enclosure. The upper receptacle, in the form of a basin, supports a food item to be served frozen, such as ice cream. The lower enclosure, in the form of a stand, includes an interior containing a thermal mass therein. Materials forming the basin have a higher than average thermal conductivity, to relatively rapidly conduct heat away from chilled food items served within the basin. The thermal mass within the interior of the stand has a higher than average specific heat. When the stand and included thermal mass are pre-chilled, large amounts of heat can be rapidly conducted from food items within the basin, down into the thermal mass. Food items served within the basin of the bowl can thus be kept frozen during a serving period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Susan Wood Migliozzi
  • Patent number: 8468837
    Abstract: A high efficiency thermoelectric cooling system and method is described. The cooling system has a thermoelectric module having a semi-conductor body sandwiched in contact between a pair of thermally conductive plates. A smooth continuous variable output direct current source supplies the semi-conductor body to attenuate thermal stress in the conductive plates due to temperature differential fluctuation across the plates. Current flow in the semi-conductor body transfers heat from one plate to the other plate. A cold heat sink absorbs heat from the cold plate. A heat convection assembly, including a hot heat sink, evacuates heat from the hot plate. The thermoelectric cooling device is secured to a wall of an insulated enclosure. An air convection housing may b provided to evacuate heat from the hot heat sink using an outside air supply or ambient air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Claude Pinet
  • Patent number: 8464658
    Abstract: A container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base with a core removably mounted in the base. The core includes a temperature controlling substance used to cool the contents of the container over a prolonged period of time. The core is removable from the base for placement in a freezer or other cold environment and then replaced to provide cooling to the material in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Lanter
  • Patent number: 8430658
    Abstract: A frozen comestible maker suitable for home use includes single or multiple molding cavities for forming frozen comestibles, a heat exchanger for maximizing the heat transfer away from the fluid that is being frozen in the molding cavities, a refrigerant solution with a depressed freezing point in contact with the heat exchangers, a base container to seal the refrigerant solution from the fluid that is being frozen, and a bezel piece to retain spills and aid with handling. The refrigerant solution is captured between the molding cavities and the base container. One or more sticks, a drip cup, and an extraction tool may be provided with the frozen comestible maker for preparing and extracting shaped frozen comestibles, such as ice pops and popsicles, therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Propeller, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Daniel Zorovich, Yos Kumthampinu, John Chandler Earle, Jesse Pierce Delgigante
  • Patent number: 8389271
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
  • Patent number: 8349552
    Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having, a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design uses inner and outer containers, each made of transparent polyethylene sheets, where the inner compartments are filled with the solution and sealed, and then placed into each compartment in an outer container, wherein two compartments in the outer container are separated by a flattened and sealed portion of the polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: TCP Reliable, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus H. Haarmann, Anthony Alleva, Thomas-Laurent Bingas
  • Patent number: 8348173
    Abstract: A portable temperature controlled container having a body including an internal chamber with an opening into the internal chamber; and a temperature control unit coupled to the body and displaced to be thermally coupled with a first portion of the internal chamber, the temperature control unit configured to selectively alter the temperature in the internal chamber by releasing a thermally controlled material into the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: ROYAL BIJOU
    Inventor: In Jae Shin
  • Patent number: 8256242
    Abstract: An insulated cooler with two (2) separate independent storage compartments and lids allowing for compartmentalized transportation and storage of items is herein disclosed. The separate compartments eliminate possible cross-contamination as well as provide different thermal conditioning of the contents. The compartments are completely independent of each other having an interior divider wall extending completely through the body of the cooler and continuing into a lid area, thereby sealing independent compartments. Additionally, each compartment is also provided with a draining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Deborah B. Evans
  • Patent number: 8240155
    Abstract: A method for serving beer from a font includes the steps of first chilling a glass for the beer to a temperature of below, at least, ?5° C. and then filling the glass with beer from the font, so that crystals of frozen beer are present in the drink below the head of foam on the beer that is created when the beer is poured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Dale
  • Publication number: 20120198862
    Abstract: A produce storage chamber comprising a chamber capable of encasing produce, a refrigeration system, at least one ozone generation units, and at least one ethylene scrubbers. The chamber is capable of delaying postharvest produce deterioration using at least one of temperature control, ozone generation, and ethylene scrubbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent M. ARRIGO
  • Patent number: 8222027
    Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cook General Biotechnolgy, LLC
    Inventors: Erik John Woods, John K. Critser
  • Patent number: 8215123
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved compact grille cabinet for room air conditioners operable in normal and extreme climatic conditions with optimized efficiency mode comprising of: an insulated box chiller (B) with louvers, the insulated box being mounted on a window air conditioner; a hinge (C) allowing partial opening of the cabinet at angles up to 180° (120 and 130); an additional lid (A) opening upwards to accommodate an ice box compartment (210) or a tubular grille storing a liquid; an additional outlet (D) consisting of a small grilled aperture; an electronic control panel (E) adaptable with various programme modes indicating different temperatures of the cabinet and controlling the variable opening of the cabinet according to temperature to be maintained in a room; and a means to maintain opening angles of louvers proportional to the angle of the cabinet door to operate the air-conditioning device in a refrigerating, heating or air-conditioning mode facilitating heat exchange between ice tray, coole
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Sanjiv Agarwal
  • Patent number: 8192924
    Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design used double-layered transparent polyethylene, with two sealed compartments filled with the solution, separated by a flattened and sealed portion between them. One of the two sealed compartments contacts one side of the blood bag and the other compartment is folded over to contact the other side of the blood bag. The transparent compartments allows an operator to verify at any time whether the solution is in a solid state, and the flexibility of the compartments eases the proper positioning of them around a blood bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: TCP Reliable, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice Barakat, Louis Thibault, Klaus H. Haarmann, Annie Beauséjour, Anthony Alleva, Mario Tremblay, Serghe Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20120096893
    Abstract: A mobile cooled storage unit (10) has a sectional racking structure (17) for storing items such as bodies and body parts to be cooled. The racking structure is assembled at a location where the cooling unit is to operate. A removeable insulated outer cover (11) is placed over and supported by the racking structure to enclose the structure and any items stored thereon. A chiller (25) is connected with the interior of the cover for cooling the stored items. Several such units may be connected together to provide a larger overall unit which are cooled by one or more chillers. The invention also provides a method of establishing a temporary cooled storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Nigel William Martin, John David Luscombe
  • Patent number: 8161768
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected to the interior side of the door. A component door is hingedly-connected to the base and includes a viewing area. The component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and the base and the component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. An air hose extends from the modular component. The air hose has a proximal end and a distal end. A fastener system is disposed on one of the component door and the base. The fastener system is adapted to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base. A heat sealer is disposed on one of the base and the component door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: RE45967
    Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Owen, Justin Michael Owen