Cooled By Means Other Than Ice (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Absorption, Cryogenic, Etc.) Patents (Class 62/457.9)
-
Patent number: 8156755Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator for storing vials containing a (bio)pharmaceutical substance, in particular vaccines for animals, comprising a cabinet having an internal space for accommodating the vials arranged in columns, a cooling element for cooling the internal space and at least one door or dispenser for removing vials from the internal space. A plurality of guides located inside the space and adapted to slidingly accommodate columns of the vials. The invention further relates to a cartridge suitable for use in the said refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Intervet International B.V.Inventors: Stephen Murray, Gaynor Hillier, Philip Nigel Bordet-Stead, Tanja Langgner, David Helps
-
Patent number: 8151599Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a superinsulation in the form of an evacuated insulating container (2) comprising a vacuum maintaining material (55). The transport container is provided with a cooling container (16) comprising a heat-conducting metal wool filling (57) and an organic coolant which undergoes a solid/liquid phase change in the temperature range of between ?30° C. and ?850° C. and has a heat of fusion of at least 50 J/ml. A slim cylindrical sample chamber (24) is used to receive deep-frozen tissue samples (26), said chamber being surrounded by the cooling container (16) and merging into a long neck opening (25) forming a single component therewith, said opening being largely filled by the insulating shaft (30) of a screwable plug (28) and sealed from the sample chamber (24). The air in the ring gap (32) created can be evacuated by means of an evacuating system (48).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Bernhard Sixt
-
Publication number: 20120073322Abstract: The distribution of condition air into the cargo space of a temperature controlled container is improved. Conditioned air may be selectively distributed into the cargo space from a plenum beneath the cargo support floor through a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced apart openings through the cargo support floor. Side air ducts may be provided extending rearwardly along the side walls of the container for distributing conditioned air received from a pair of side air outlets in a refrigerant unit associated with the container. The side air ducts may have a plurality of air discharge openings and may discharge conditioned air into vertically extending recesses in the side walls. The side air outlets have a selectively variable flow area. The number, location and size of the openings through the cargo support floor, as well as the air discharge openings in the side air ducts, may be selectively varied so as to selectively distribute the conditioned air flow throughout the cargo space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Carrier CorporationInventors: Peter R. Bushnell, Yu H. Chen, Mehmet N. Sarimurat
-
Patent number: 8136702Abstract: A hydration system includes opposing flexible walls forming 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 baffle connects the opposing walls within the compartment. The baffle is configured to oppose expansion of the bladder as the pressurizing gasses are introduced into the compartment. A second port is configured to couple to the second end of the drinking tube to provide fluid communication between the compartment and the drinking tube. A third port allows the liquid to be supplied into the compartment. Activation of the valve unseals the compartment and allows the liquid to be expelled from the compartment via the second port and the drinking tube as a result of a pressurization of the compartment by the pressurizing gasses.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Oakley, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Skillern, James H. Sadler
-
Patent number: 8109115Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus comprising a cold storage compartment, accessible from the outside, and provided internally with a sealed container adapted to accommodate a flexible and compressible receptacle holding a beverage; there are provided pneumatic or air-compression means to generate a selectively controllable pneumatic pressure inside said container, but outside said flexible receptacle, and said sealed container is capable of being opened from the outside by means of a closure applied on a face thereof, wherein said closure is provided with a through-aperture, through which there extends a drawing-off conduit. Whenever a need arises for beverage to be drawn off the receptacle, a pressure increase is triggered inside the sealed container, and said pressure increase will act upon the walls of the internal receptacle so that the latter is caused to collapse and reduce its volume, thereby causing the beverage to be ejected therefrom and, therefore, drawn off.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Electrolux Professional SpAInventors: Ennio Pippia, Deny Longo
-
Publication number: 20120017633Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device, mainly comprises a carrying unit, a thermal insulation unit, and a temperature-lowering module. The thermal insulation unit is provided over a part of surface of the carrying unit for blocking heat transmission between the carrying unit and the outside. As the carrying unit is placed on the temperature-lowering module, a cooling chip in the temperature-lowering module is able to lower the temperature of the carrying unit and a biological sample. Furthermore, the thermal insulation unit is able to maintain the temperature of the carrying unit and biological sample, when the carrying unit is removed from the temperature-lowering module. Thereafter, a user can conveniently practice observation and experiment with respect to the biological sample, and avoid damaging the biological sample during experiment or transportation by the use of the cooling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Wei-Li HONG, Yuan Yu Tsai, Shuo-Ting Yan
-
Publication number: 20110280750Abstract: A compressor (20) has a case (22) and a crankshaft (38). The case has a number of cylinders (30 32). For each of the cylinders, the compressor includes a piston (34) mounted for reciprocal movement at least partially within the cylinder. A connecting rod (36) couples each piston to the crankshaft. A pin (44) couples each connecting rod to the associated piston. Each pin has first (52) and second (53) end portions mounted to first (56) and second (57) receiving portions of the associated piston and a central portion (48) engaging the associated connecting rod. Each of the pistons is formed of a first cast iron. At each of the cylinders, the case is formed of second cast iron. One of the first cast iron and the second cast iron is a Meehanite type cast iron and the other of the first cast iron and the second cast iron is a gray cast iron.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventor: Paul J. Flanigan
-
Patent number: 8056359Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet forming an interior cavity and a refrigeration system for cooling the interior cavity. A thermally conductive shelf forms a support surface within the interior cavity, and a thermal sink is operatively coupled to the conductive shelf. The thermal sink is adapted to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy from the thermally conductive shelf. In one example, the thermal sink includes a plurality of thermal sinks operatively coupled to the conductive shelf. In another example, the thermal sink is removable from the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: John R. Smith, Joel Benjamin Kelso, Mary Catherine Stommes
-
Patent number: 8057207Abstract: An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Propeller, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Daniel Zorovich, Yos Kumthampinij, John Chandler Earle, Jesse Pierce Delgigante
-
Publication number: 20110232307Abstract: A liquid refrigeration system for a thermally-insulated storage container includes a tank configured to store liquid air therein, a conduit system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally-insulated storage container, a spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system, a control system electrically coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Wabash National, L.P.Inventor: David Pickup
-
Publication number: 20110232323Abstract: A portable refrigerator includes a main housing having opposed top and bottom walls, opposed side walls extending therebetween, and a rear wall. The main housing defines an interior space and an open front. A door is pivotally coupled to one of the side walls and movable between a closed configuration covering the open front and an open configuration. The refrigerator includes a motor for maintaining the interior space at a temperature lower than an ambient air temperature outside the interior space. A first pair of wheels is rotatably coupled to a rear end of the housing and a second pair of wheels is pivotally coupled to a front end thereof. A length adjustable handle is coupled to the rear wall of the main housing and movable between retracted and extended configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventor: Diane Morris
-
Publication number: 20110219785Abstract: A cryostat for providing temperature regulation, one purpose being measuring physical properties of materials, the cryostat employing a superconducting magnet assembly for generating variable magnetic field in the sample space and a cryogenic cooler for cooling the sample space. The cryogenic cooler chamber configuration provides for efficient heat exchange between different stages of the cryogenic cooler without the need for physical heat links. This construction enables selective delivery of cooling power from the cryogenic cooler to the desired areas within the cryostat without using flexible physical thermal links. A counter flow exchanger and ambient temperature valves facilitate efficient use of the cryogenic cooler stages. The removal of large heat load generated by the superconducting magnet while operating in the sweeping mode is achieved, in part, by employing a solid plate thermal coupling element between the cryogenic cooler chamber and the magnet assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: QUANTUM DESIGN, INC.Inventors: Randall BLACK, Dinesh MARTIEN, William NEILS, Jost DIEDERICHS
-
Publication number: 20110214449Abstract: A refrigerator can use a gas absorption refrigeration system. The refrigerator in some embodiments can store one or two gas cylinders within an outer housing. At least one cylinder can connect to a pressure regulator within the outer housing. In some embodiments, the refrigerator can include a table.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: David Deng
-
Publication number: 20110197624Abstract: A generally box shaped portable ice chest for medical supplies and the like includes a plastic housing having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides and an inner compartment within the plastic housing. Between the plastic housing and inner compartment there are three layers of insulation including a Styrofoam layer, a compressed cork layer and a compressed rubber layer sandwiched between the stainless steel lining and the outer housing. The inner compartment includes three removable vertically stacked drawers and a beverage compartment behind the drawers for receiving a plurality of beverage containers. One of the drawers is adapted to receive dry ice. Each of the drawers includes a plurality of openings. A fan, a solar panel and a rechargeable battery and circuit for charging the battery are disposed in the top of the housing for circulating air through the drawers and beverage container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Hafeth A. Al-Rasheed
-
Patent number: 7997786Abstract: A heating and cooling cup includes a cup body, a stirring device, a heating and cooling chip, and a heat sink module. A heat conductive block is disposed under the cup body, the heat conductive block abuts against the heating and cooling chip, the stirring device has a stirring rod disposed in the cup body, and a bottom surface of the heating and cooling chip abuts against a heat conductive block of the heat sink module. A temperature of the cup body is changed through the heating and cooling chip, for cooling or heating liquid food in the cup body, and the liquid food is forced to generate convection through the stirring rod for accelerating a temperature variation process.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignees: Teck-Huat ChuaInventor: Pei-Chuan Liu
-
Patent number: 7937958Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a low-temperature storage in which an insulating performance of an insulating box article is enhanced, and an amount of contents of an inner box can be enlarged. In the low-temperature storage comprising: the insulating box article constituted by placing a foamed insulating material between an outer box and the inner box; and a vacuum insulating panel disposed on the surface of the outer box on the side of the foamed insulating material, a thickness dimension of the foamed insulating material between the inner box and the vacuum insulating panel is set so that a temperature of the surface of the vacuum insulating panel on the side of the inner box is not less than a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Shinya, Yasushi Sakata
-
Patent number: 7939316Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a hollow tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix therein. 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 is disposed within the vessel and 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. The opposite end of the vial is initially open to receive the liquid. The end is then sealed to form a closed system for cryopreservation. Another cryopreservation vessel includes an adaptor mounted to a port of a liquid container. The adaptor includes one tubular branch that is closed by a needle septum while another tubular branch includes a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube. The flexible term terminates in a needle septum.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Bio Technology, LLCInventors: Erik John Woods, John K. Critser
-
Publication number: 20110082437Abstract: A portable blood storage device includes an outer housing an inner housing. The outer housing defines the structure of the blood storage device. The inner housing is located within the outer housing and has an interior cavity for storing collected blood and/or blood components. The inner housing has an open top to allow access to the interior cavity. The storage device also has an inlet duct and a return duct located within the interior cavity. The inlet duct is fluidly connectable to a cooling device and brings conditioned air into the storage device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The return duct is also fluidly connectable to the cooling device and returns exhaust air to the cooling device when fluidly connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: HAEMONETICS CORPORATIONInventors: Gary Stacey, Robert E. Putt, Michael R. D'Arrigo, Robert Lancelot, Timothy Olaska, Steven Portela, Frank Jason Black
-
Patent number: 7919163Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes the phase change properties of various phase change materials, specifically of 1-decanol and 1-dodecanol. Blood platelets and biological tissues that are chemically unstable at high temperatures can be maintained between 20° C. and 24° C. using 1-Dodecanol in a disclosed container. Temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products may be maintained between 2° C. to 8° C. using 1-Decanol in a disclosed container. The present disclosure may be used to control the temperature of such products during transport by confining the temperature of the product within a predetermined range. This permits light weight packaging with the maintenance of temperatures in narrow, pre-selected ranges over extended periods of time. A nylon and low density polyethylene thermal blanket comprising cells substantially filled with phase change material, which is advantageously puncture proof, durable, and capable of surrounding any payload, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Inventor: Benjamin Romero
-
Publication number: 20110072848Abstract: Always Chilled is an electric, portable, refrigerated container that provides a convenient way to display foods/beverages for extended periods of time without having to be placed in the refrigerator. The removable content holding bowl is made of quality porcelain that will help maintain proper temperatures for perishable items that are to be served on a table or counter area. The refrigeration unit is in the bottom section of the base container where the removable content porcelain bowl rests.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Christine Michelle Urban
-
Publication number: 20110048062Abstract: A portable cooling unit operates by pumping liquid. Because the portable cooling unit pumps liquid, the compression system that generates the cooling power does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the cooling unit operates in the critical flow regime in which the pressure in an evaporator tube will remain almost constant and then ‘jump’ or ‘shock up’ to an increased pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Thomas Gielda, Kristian Debus, Jay Harman
-
Publication number: 20110041546Abstract: Provided is an environmentally friendly refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items in an energy efficient manner that also conserves water. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body to prolong the melting of ice within the barrel, thereby reducing the overall amount of water used by the barrel. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventor: NATHAN LINDER
-
Publication number: 20110030413Abstract: A cooler apparatus is disclosed having an onboard air conditioning assembly. The apparatus may be used to retain and chill food and beverages while simultaneously functioning to cool the surrounding environment. The air conditioner assembly may include a radiator positioned on or in a wall of a housing and an exhaust fan positioned to circulate air through the radiator. A source of air may be provided to the exhaust fan by an air intake fan. Additionally, a fluid reservoir containing a coolant for the radiator may be provided that includes at least one surface positioned proximate the interior of the housing. The coolant may thus be chilled by adding a predetermined quantity of ice to the interior of the housing and the chilled coolant may then be circulated between the reservoir and the radiator by a pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Virgil O. Heil
-
Publication number: 20100326123Abstract: The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a beer keg, for example. The portable cooler includes a housing that defines an open interior region for removably receiving the keg. A door is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with selective access to the open interior region. A refrigeration device is mounted within the housing, adjacent the container, and may be powered by an external power supply or by rechargeable batteries, also received within the housing. Wheels are pivotally mounted to a lower end of the housing, and a handle is mounted to an upper end of the housing, allowing the user to selectively transport the housing and keg.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Mark Johnson
-
Patent number: 7827806Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Galen Hersey, Thomas P. Meehan, Mark Bedard
-
Publication number: 20100251756Abstract: A refrigerant vapor compression system is provided that includes a refrigerant circuit and a lubricant cooler circuit. The lubricant cooler circuit is operatively associated with the compression device for cooling a lubricant associated with the compression device and includes a heat exchanger coil disposed downstream of the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger with respect to the flow of heating medium. The lubricant cooler heat exchanger defines a flow path for passing the lubricant in heat exchange relationship with the cooled heating medium leaving the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Carrier CorproationInventors: Jason Scarcella, Kursten Lamendola
-
Publication number: 20100242527Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerated container for ships, the inside of the rear side of said refrigerated container having formed in it a chute extending vertically and largely over the width of the container and featuring a transverse wall above which warmed refrigerated air which is collected beneath the roof area of the container can be supplied to the chute with downward deflection, wherein at least one port with an inserted annular part is formed in the transverse wall, and the warmed refrigerated air can be conducted to heat exchangers surfaces of an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit, said heat exchange surfaces projecting into the chute, via a blower through the flow cross section of said annular part, and wherein the refrigerated air cooled down by heat exchanger surfaces can be conducted back into the floor area of the refrigerated container from the bottom of the chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Ole Thogersen, Allan Dyrmose
-
Publication number: 20100224726Abstract: A point-of-use air chiller unit for an aircraft galley cart compartment is provided comprising a generally flattened rectangular case, comprising two main surfaces having a substantially larger surface area than four remaining surfaces of the case, a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan, wherein the condenser, compressor, and evaporator are connected in a standard refrigeration manner, and a plane parallel to the main surfaces passes through the condenser, the compressor, the evaporator, and the evaporator fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Qiao Lu, Timothy Andrew Birkmann, Ian Oswald, Edward J. Bates, Steven Whisler, Thang Ha
-
Publication number: 20100218515Abstract: An apparatus for chilling beverage containers such as bottles or cans includes a fluid tank containing chilling liquid cooled by a refrigeration unit and a membrane of collapsible thermoplastic polyurethane includes an internal chamber for supporting the container in the liquid, the membrane in the form of a shaped sleeve that surrounds the container to prevent the container coming into direct contact with the chilling liquid but which permits the liquid to transfer heat from the container to cool the contents of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Harvey S. Fink, Lawrrence J. Nolan, Jerry J. Jagodmnski
-
Publication number: 20100218532Abstract: A luggage refrigerator apparatus comprises a storage cabinet for transporting personal belongings and a means for refrigeration. After a traveler reaches his or her destination and unpacks personal belongings from the luggage, he or she may use the luggage to store and refrigerate groceries.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Gregory Beliczynski
-
Patent number: 7764497Abstract: A transit container, such as a rack-mount style container, includes a temperature control system for maintaining a desired temperature within the container such that any cargo within the container remains operational at selected times and possibly in selected locations. The temperature control system includes support or mounting brackets, a temperature control assembly, shock isolation devices for shock attenuation of the temperature control assembly, exhaust assemblies that include exhaust fans and exhaust/intake louvers, and a mounting plate attachable to a lid of the transit container. The temperature control assembly and the aforementioned components may be arranged to have a low-height profile or envelope, which in turn permits the temperature control system to be located in a cavity or chamber of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Environmental Container Systems, Inc.Inventor: Dennis M. Becklin
-
Patent number: 7748223Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: SMC CorporationInventor: Atsushi Minoura
-
Publication number: 20100152895Abstract: A shock freezer for rapidly freezing a sample preparatory to analysis, comprises an insulated closed container containing cryogenic fluid; a tubing disposed through the container having one end in contact with the cryogenic fluid and another end communicating outside the container, the another end for receiving a needle containing a sample to be shock frozen. The tubing has an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of a capillary to be inserted therein to provide a space between an inside surface of the tubing and an outside surface of a capillary to be inserted therein to provide passageway for the cryogenic fluid to flow to the outside. An outlet communicates with an interior of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Zhengshan Dai
-
Patent number: 7735334Abstract: The portable cooler is a portable refrigeration system for selectively and adjustably cooling a removable container, such as a beer keg, for example. The portable cooler includes a housing that defines an open interior region for removably receiving the keg. A door is pivotally mounted to the housing, providing the user with selective access to the open interior region. A refrigeration device is mounted within the housing, adjacent the container, and may be powered by an external power supply or by rechargeable batteries, also received within the housing. Wheels are pivotally mounted to a lower end of the housing, and a handle is mounted to an upper end of the housing, allowing the user to selectively transport the housing and keg.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Mark Johnson
-
Publication number: 20100115986Abstract: An intelligent digital control apparatus for wine temperature includes a tub (10), a semiconductor cooling/heating device (20), a temperature sensing device (30) and a digital control panel (40). When the wine bottle is put in the tub (10), the semiconductor cooling/heating device (20) is activated to start cooling if the setting temperature is higher than the wine temperature. The semiconductor cooling/heating device (20) begins warming when the wine temperature decreases below the setting temperature. When the wine bottle is put in the tub (10), the semiconductor cooling/heating device (20) is activated to start heating if the setting temperature is lower than the wine temperature. The semiconductor cooling/heating device (20) begins warming when the wine temperature increases over the setting temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2007Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Chingmiao Wilson WANG
-
Publication number: 20100064720Abstract: The present invention is a unitary cooling apparatus capable of standard freezing time despite heavy insulation. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a zipper component which extends along the edges of a top surface and bottom surface allowing the top and bottom to be pivoted outward or inward and the cooling apparatus flattened along the seams which connect the sides. A plurality of cube structures positioned along a plurality of channels allows rapid cooling using a minimum of frozen fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Mark D. Fuchs
-
Patent number: 7678563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Walter Wright, Douglas Schein, John Brassil
-
Publication number: 20100024450Abstract: An environmentally controlled shipping container including a storage space, a first environmentally controlled space within the storage space, a second environmentally controlled space within the storage space, and a transport refrigeration unit. The transport refrigeration unit including a compressor that provides a flow of refrigerant, a condenser that receives the flow of refrigerant from the compressor, a first evaporator positioned within the first environmentally controlled space and in fluid communication with the condenser, a second evaporator positioned within the second environmentally controlled space and in fluid communication with the condenser, and a pressure regulator associated with the first evaporator. The pressure regulator selectively restricts the flow of refrigerant from the first evaporator to the compressor such that the flow of refrigerant from the first evaporator to the compressor is substantially equal to the flow of refrigerant from the second evaporator to the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Waldschmidt, Timothy J. Neu, Dean M. Parker
-
Patent number: 7597196Abstract: A portable device for transporting or storing pharmaceuticals under refrigeration. The pharmaceuticals can be in a medication container or medical device, such as a syringe. A user chills the entire device or a cooling component within the device, and then places the pharmaceutical item inside the device and closes the device around it. The pharmaceutical device may then be transported while being kept at a reduced temperature by the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Phyllis Langone
-
Patent number: 7596956Abstract: A cooling module mountable within a cabinet to provide cooling of the interior thereof has a cold end of its cooling system exposed to an exterior of the module at a top or bottom wall of its casing. A fan is mounted within the cabinet to discharge warm air heated by a hot end of the cooling system through discharge openings provided in an end panel of the casing. Cabinet walls may be provided in the form of one or more laminate sheets having an insulating layer and an exterior cladding. The one or more sheets may be bent or assembled as needed to form the cabinet structure. Shipping the cabinet to an end user or intermediary in flat panel form reduces the necessary volume of packaging to ease handling and reduce shipping costs.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Harvey D. Lilke
-
Publication number: 20090212047Abstract: A cargo container includes a cargo box affixed atop a hollow base, with the base including forklift tunnels extending therethrough with elongate bays disposed parallel thereto. Each bay includes a removable tray for receiving electrical batteries. And, a temperature control system is disposed on a sidewall adjoining the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Donald Edward Harman, Kyle Mathias Taylor
-
Publication number: 20090200320Abstract: A storage container includes an insulating container having an opening; a temperature controlling unit that is independent of the insulating container and detachably attached to the opening of the insulating container in a manner closing and sealing a portion of the opening; and a main lid attached to the opening of the insulating container in a manner closing and sealing an other portion of the opening. The temperature controlling unit is composed of an insulative sub-lid; and a temperature controlling subunit provided on the sub-lid. The temperature controlling subunit is composed of a base fitted into a through-hole formed on the sub-lid; and a Stirling refrigerator including a temperature control effect member thermally exposed inside the insulating container. Accordingly, the interior of the insulating container of an arbitrary size can be cooled, and items can be continuously stored longer than when using conventional solid carbon dioxide or cold reserving agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: TWINBIRD CORPORATIONInventors: RYOSUKE SAITO, Toshikatsu Nomizu, Kiyotaka Oda, Takeshi Suzuki
-
Publication number: 20090158770Abstract: A portable cooler with a powered cooling system is disclosed. Preferred embodiments include wheels large and flexible enough for rolling over sand, grass, and other uneven surfaces, and handles for carrying and/or pulling. Pulling handles can include an extension that can be rigid or flexible and can be retractable. Power sources include rechargeable and/or exchangeable batteries, and/or a solar panel. Accessories in preferred embodiments include a power outlet for a cellular telephone, a power outlet for an iPod, a docking station for an iPod, an AC electrical outlet, a radio, a CD player, a tape player, an MP3 player, a television, audio headset outlets, and one or more audio speakers. In preferred embodiments, some or all of the power source, the cooling system, and the accessories are protected from water and/or sand. Some embodiments include a beverage holder, and in some of these embodiments the beverage holder is cooled.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Stefan Cohrs, Tammie Diane Cohrs
-
Patent number: 7497086Abstract: The present provides a cryogenic thermal battery arrangement for maintaining a superconducting magnet coil or similar apparatus at cryogenic temperature for a required shipping period, such as thirty days, without consuming a significant amount of costly cryogen. According to another aspect, the invention allows extended shipping periods without incurring excessive costs.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Farquhar Atkins, Graham Gilgrass, Wolfgang Stautner
-
Publication number: 20090031750Abstract: A portable cooler including a sealable outer container, and a sealable inner container situated within the outer container. A first thermoelectric cooling device having a cooling panel and a heating panel is mounted on the wall of the outer container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the sealable outer container and the heating panel faces outside of said sealable outer container. A second thermoelectric cooling device, also having a cooling panel and a heating panel, is mounted on the wall of the internal container such that the cooling panel faces the interior of the inner container and the heating panel faces outside of the sealable inner container into the interior of said sealable outer container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Donald E. Whillock, SR.
-
Publication number: 20090025411Abstract: Solar Powered Cooler is an electrically operated portable cooler powered by solar photovoltaic electrical generation incorporated into the cooler design and which may include auxiliary solar photovoltaic electricity generating panels, modules or cells, a supplemental battery power pack, power conditioning, inverter, auxiliary battery charging and direct and alternating current power supply. Solar powered cooler is intended for self-powered operation using the sun as the energy source for generating the electrical power on which it operates.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Kenneth L. Anderson
-
Publication number: 20080307822Abstract: A scalable and portable human remains cold storage system having a chiller unit providing a chilled fluid. A flow divider manifold is provided in fluid communication with said chiller unit dispersing said chilled fluid and channeling warmed fluid back to said chiller for re-chilling through a series of supply lines. At least one remains chilling bag is provided having an interior cooling pad in fluid communication with said flow divider manifold for circulating said chilled fluid through said cooling pad and returning warmed fluid to said flow divider manifold in a continuous cycle to maintain a desired temperature within said remains chilling bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Michael P. Richardson
-
Patent number: 7451603Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an interior floor and at least one interior panel extending from the floor and defining a portion of an interior region. An opening to the interior region is defined opposite the floor. A first airflow path is defined along at least a portion of the panel and fluidly connected to the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. Further, a fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device, through the airflow path, and to the opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Galen Hersey, Thomas Meehan, Mark Bedard
-
Publication number: 20080209917Abstract: A storage tank, in particular a storage tank for cryogenic media, preferably for liquid hydrogen, including at least one condensation pipe, which is used for delivering a gaseous cryogenic medium, is disclosed. In addition, a method for filling a storage tank with a gaseous cryogenic medium is disclosed. The condensation pipe is equipped with at least one heat exchanger via which the delivered cryogenic medium is cooled by exchanging heat with the stored cryogenic medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2006Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Adler
-
Publication number: 20080168795Abstract: A storage device (1) adapted to contain a food item such a butter comprises a closeable container (3), a means for maintaining a predetermined temperature with the container irrespective of ambient temperature and an internal power source adapted to power the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature. The closeable container (3) is located on a recharging unit (43) by way of spherical feet (7) which are received in part-spherical cups (47) on the recharging unit (43).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2006Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: David Anthony Alfille