Abstract: A sorption cooling device capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time. The sorption cooling device is particularly useful in a temperature-controlled shipping container that is required to maintain a temperature below ambient for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a means for restricting the flow of refrigerant liquid to control the degree of cooling over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A food chiller including an enclosed container supported on a base receives a flow of cooling air from a Peltier effect thermoelectric module in the base through cool air inlet openings into the container. Air is returned from the container to the base by a fan mounted in the air duct system in communication with the cold sink of the thermoelectric device. In each of the disclosed embodiments, duct length is minimized and air flow into the container is optimized by air hole placement and orientation.

Abstract: A fruit chiller includes a bowl-like fruit container and a removable cover, each of which has a two layer wall defining therebetween annular cooling air flow passages. Cool air is delivered from a lower base and, when the cover is on the container, cool air flows upwardly through the interconnected annular passages and into the container at the top of the cover. The air flows downwardly and exits the container at the bottom, thereby maximizing the distance between the cool air inlet and outlet to maximize the time the cool air remains within the container.

Abstract: A portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and associated method of using the device are disclosed. The device comprises: a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord. The box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box. The box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. The hinge is attached to the outer shell of the box.

Abstract: A biopharmaceutical cryopreservation system includes a container having an outer surface area with the container being adapted to contain a biopharmaceutical material for freezing and thawing therein. The container may be received in a cryocooling enclosure having an interior cavity configured to receive it. The cryocooling enclosure includes at least one heat transfer surface configured to contact the outer surface area of the container when the cryocooling enclosure interior cavity receives the container. Also, a cryocooler is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure and is configured to flow a fluid to the at least one heat transfer surface to control the temperature of the heat transfer surface and the biopharmaceutical material within the container. The fluid is isolated from contacting the container. Further, a temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the cryocooling enclosure, the at least one heat transfer surface, the fluid and/or the cryocooler.

Abstract: A spaced saving fruit chiller is adapted to be mounted under a covered or horizontal surface or placed in a corner on a counter. The interior of the container is cooled by a forced air flow utilizing a Peltier thermoelectric device, one wall of the container forming a wall of the air flow duct system and containing both the air inlet holes to the container and the air outlet holes from the container into the duct system.

Abstract: A fruit chiller has a semispherical bowl-like container for holding fruit or other food products with the bowl forming with the supporting base a cooling air supply passage. Cooling air flows into the bowl over the upper edge and variations in the cross section of the cooling air supply passage induces a turbulence in the cooling air that enhances air distribution and cooling efficiency.

Abstract: In a method of conducting thermal energy, a hollow member is formed from a heat-conducting material and has inner and outer walls that confine an enclosed chamber therebetween. The chamber is filled with a superconductor material. The hollow member is subjected to a thermal energy source. A thermal conductor formed according to the aforesaid method can be incorporated in a cooking utensil, or in an electrical appliance, to permit quick and efficient conduction of thermal energy.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: To provide an economical storehouse of liquor with little temperature change if possible at a low price. A storehouse 1 of liquor having heat insulation housings which consist of polystyrene foam is provided, comprising; a cold-preserving agent accommodation part 10a capable of having cold-preserving agents 15 which can be exchanged, liquor storage parts 11a, 12a, 13a, and 14a capable of accommodating a bottle of liquor, and an air hole for communicating said cold-preserving agents accommodation part 10a to said liquor storage parts 11a, 12a, 13a, and 14a.

Abstract: A portable refrigerator kit for perishable pet products for keeping perishable pet products from spoiling while the user is out camping with one's pets.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled container utilizing a sorption cooling unit to maintain the temperature within the container. The sorption cooling unit cools the interior of the container and rejects waste heat to the exterior. The sorption cooling unit provides a lightweight and low volume alternative to the traditional gel pack cooling systems that are commonly used in the modern shipping industry for shipping containers.

Abstract: A beverage bottle container includes a pair of rigid, double-walled mating container portions having inner surfaces for engagement with a beverage bottle. Each of the container portions includes a bottom surface, hinge means, and a top surface which defines a bottle neck receiving passageway. The inner surfaces include bottle engagements means in the form of internal projections suitable to engage and otherwise secure beverage bottles of varying shape and size.

Abstract: A cooler box includes a box member that has a hermetically closable cooling chamber formed inside it and that insulates heat and a cooling device that cools the interior of the cooling chamber. The cooling device is a Stirling-cycle refrigerator. Here, using a Stirling-cycle refrigerator as the cooling device helps realize a cooler box that can be operated from an easily available low-capacity, inexpensive power supply and that can cool a to-be-cooled article to a low temperature comparable with that produced by a freezer.

Abstract: In a method of conducting thermal energy, a hollow member is formed from a heat-conducting material and has inner and outer walls that confine an enclosed chamber therebetween. The chamber is filled with a superconductor material. The hollow member is subjected to a thermal energy source. A thermal conductor formed according to the aforesaid method can be incorporated in a cooking utensil, or in an electrical appliance, to permit quick and efficient conduction of thermal energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to a warmer and cooler for a container that is programmably timed to engage a heating and/or cooling unit. The invention may be adapted for use with a baby bottle to facilitate nighttime feedings by programming when the unit should be turned on to heat the bottle or cool the bottle.

Abstract: A device for heating a first article and cooling a second article. The device may include an enclosure with a hot compartment and a cold compartment. The device also may include a Stirling cooler with a hot end and a cold end. The hot end may be positioned in communication with the hot compartment so as to heat the first article and the cold end may be positioned in communication with the cold compartment so as to cool the second article.

Abstract: A thermoelectric sleeve-type beverage insulator apparatus with a printable sleeve-type insulated jacket with a rigid enclosure mean, a thermoelectric engine assembly incorporated into the sleeve-type insulated jacket, an electrical connection mean connected to the thermoelectric engine assembly and secured to the rigid enclosure mean of the sleeve-type insulated jacket, a support base with mechanical connection mean and electrical connection mean, and an electrical power transmission mean between a power source and the support base. A preferred embodiment includes the printable sleeve-type insulated jacket that is made of printable tubular foam insulating member having an open top and closed base, an inner surface and partially exposed outer surface, a longitudinal groove on the inner surface reaching from the open top to the closed base and extending to the radial middle of the closed base, where the printable tubular foam insulating member allows use of the apparatus as an advertising medium.

Abstract: Containers are provided. A representative container comprises: an outer shell defining an interior and having a lid, the outer shell having at least one opening for providing access to the interior, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position, in the closed position the outer shell encasing the interior, in the open position the lid providing access to the interior, the outer shell comprising cardboard; a storage chamber formed within the interior and communicating with the opening, the storage chamber being adapted to receive at least one item; insulating material disposed within the interior between the storage chamber and the outer shell; and temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior, the temperature-maintaining material comprising a super-absorbent.

Abstract: An improved portable cooling device for a standard water bottle, specifically a standard water bottle is placed within a cooling jacket and secured in place using a zipper or similar attachment mechanism. The cooling jacket is comprised of a cooling agent located within inner cooling tubes in the cooling jacket. The inner cooling agent is circulated through the tubes by a motor-driven compressor. The motor-driven compressor is connected to a standard automobile cigarette lighter for power.

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

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: An organ containment shipping system has an outer container adapted to receive a passive cooling medium and an inner container adapted to receive an organ to be transported in a preservation medium. The inner container is positioned within the outer container by structure that includes a gimbal mechanism to substantially maintain the inner container in a predefined orientation in the event of a change of orientation of the outer container. Preferably, the preservation medium is a dual-layer preservation liquid having a bottom oxygen carrying layer and a top layer and the inner container include a perforated plate positioned in the inner container above a level of the bottom layer to prevent the organ from rising in the preservation medium. In one embodiment, the organ containment shipping system includes a system for regulating a level of the preservation medium relative to the organ and a system for regulating a temperature of the organ relative to the cooling medium.

Abstract: A portable beverage container assembly includes a capsule containing a refrigerant which is inserted into and securely held inside the beverage container, together with a mechanism to discharge the refrigerant so that the latent heat of evaporation and expansion of the refrigerant gases will impart a chilling action to the refrigerant and hence to the beverage inside the container when the user wishes to drink the beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with at least one cooling module for receiving a coolant, characterized in that the cooling module is designed as a hollow wall that is attached at least partially in the area of the side wall container, whereby the hollow wall is provided for receiving coolant.

Abstract: A contained beverage cooling apparatus for cooling and keeping cool a beverage placed in the apparatus. The contained beverage cooling apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a bottom wall and a top wall. A peripheral side wall extends between and is integrally coupled to a periphery of the top and bottom walls. The housing has a front side and a back side. The top wall has a hole therein for receiving a cylindrical can or cup. The hole is positioned generally adjacent to the front side of the housing. A cooling means for cooling a beverage placed in the hole includes a duct. The duct has an open first end and an open second end. The duct is positioned in a spaced relationship with the top wall such that the second end extends away from the back side of the housing. A first heat sink is securely attached to an interior of the top wall. A second heat sink is securely mounted to an interior surface of the duct. A thermo-electric device is positioned between the duct and the top wall.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly changing at least one of the temperature and the state of a liquid in a container is provided. The container is rapidly rotated about its longitudinal axis. A source of a thin film of a medium having a different temperature than the liquid in the container is provided to thermally affect the container while rotating the container. The container is positioned at an angle to the horizontal of less than 45°, and the position of the container with respect to the thin film source is controlled by angling the axis of the container skewed from the axis of the rotating mechanism. The device can be used to cool liquids such as beverages, warm liquids such as infant formula, and/or make ice cream.

Abstract: A compact cooler/ice maker is taught which is capable of maintaining a uniform cooling or freezing temperature using a heat conductive liner continuous over a bottom liner wall and front, rear and side linear walls. Also taught is a means to provide a small forward voltage when the thermoelectric module is turned off, to prevent back flow through the heat sink. Also taught is a cooler with a beverage dispensing door located proximal to the bottom of said front and with inside walls adapted to form a beverage stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated sorbent assembly for coupling to a liquid refrigerant reservoir and a cooling device comprised of at least one sorbent section, at least one liquid passageway section, at least one wicking material, at least one thermal spacer, a vapor-permeable membrane, a heat-removing material, at least one liquid barrier, a liquid refrigerant reservoir, and a valve. The sorbent section contains a sorbent for a liquid refrigerant. The liquid passageway section is adjacent the sorbent section and defines a liquid passageway through a portion of the evacuated sorbent assembly and cooling device to the sorbent section. The wicking material is disposed in the liquid passageway section. The thermal spacer is in contact with the sorbent section. The vapor-permeable membrane is interposed between the liquid passageway section and the thermal spacer. The heat-removing material is in thermal contact with the sorbent. The liquid barrier is interposed between the heat-removing material and the sorbent.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling article, the evaporative cooling article including a non-woven fabric, the non-woven fabric being water absorbent and exposed to atmosphere, the evaporative cooling article effective for exerting an evaporative cooling effect on a liquid held within a container when the container is in contact with the evaporative cooling article.

Abstract: A beverage bottle container includes a pair of rigid, double-walled mating container portions having inner surfaces for engagement with a beverage bottle. Each of the container portions includes a bottom surface, hinge means, and a top surface which defines a bottle neck receiving passageway. The inner surfaces include bottle engagements means in the form of internal projections suitable to engage and otherwise secure beverage bottles of varying shape and size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A meal trolley has an insulated casing and food dishes or plates supported therein for cooling and heating by thermochemical reactions. The reagents of the chemical reactions are stored in containers and reservoirs carried by the trolley and selectively connected to provide the self-contained cooling or heating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an insulated cooler 10 having ski runners 16 and wheels 34 in combination for mobility for attachment to the underside of the cooler body. The cooler also has the interior partition at 58 to form a thermos container portion 60 and an ice cooler portion 56. A removable thermos 44 with cap and pump spout 36 are disclosed which pump spout 36 extends through a recess 66 in one sidewall of the cooler body. Molded compartments 48, 52 are located on the underside of the cooler lid 42 for storage of various items. Cargo netting 20 is attached to the side of the cooler with snap ring ports 68 which also can hold various items. The underside of the cooler contains recessed wheel wells 70 for receiving the wheels 34 which are attached with retaining pins 72 into mounting holes 84 on the underside of the cooler body.

Abstract: An insulated beverage cooling container for cooling and insulating a beverage. The insulated beverage cooling container includes a container having a base wall. A peripheral side wall is integrally coupled to a periphery of the base wall and extends upwardly therefrom for defining an interior space and an upper peripheral edge. The container further includes a generally horizontally orientated first intermediate face mounted to the peripheral side wall above and in general parallel orientation with the base wall for defining a first compartment. A perimeter wall is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly away from the periphery of the base wall for defining a space and a lower peripheral edge. A second intermediate face is mounted to the perimeter wall below and in general parallel orientation with the base wall for defining a second compartment and a lower peripheral edge. The second intermediate face has a plurality of holes therethrough.

Abstract: A cryogenically-cooled working surface in heat exchange contact with a reservoir of cryogenic fluid permits sorting or measuring cryogenically-preserved samples without the risk of damage by thawing. The portable device is suitable for laboratory or field use, is positionally stable, and easily refillable with cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A phase change composition is provided which includes a nucleating agent to reduce supercooling of the composition. The phase change composition may comprise a eutectic mixture of water and sodium chloride. The nucleating agent may comprise calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, or pentaerythritol. The phase change composition may also include silica particles such that it is provided in the form of a gel or powder. The phase change composition may be used in a variety of applications including thermal shipping containers.

Abstract: A container for cooling/refrigerating produce comprising at least one panel made from metal foam for storing a cryogenic fluid under pressure and means for discharging said fluid into the container in order to reduce/maintain the temperature within the container.

Abstract: A rigid lightweight portable Beverage Bottle Container is described. It features a two-piece double walled construction, which provides impact, shock protection, and a thermal retention barrier and or coolant for beverage bottles, and features a carry handle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a bio-medical cryogenic system 10 is described having a unique canister support frame 100. The frame 100 is elongated when in the upright position having side walls 102 and 104, a top wall 114, a bottom wall 118, a back wall 122 and internal dividers 132 forming a narrow elongated cavity subdivided into canister compartments 136 having a front opening 130. Upright abutment lips 121 and 138 are positioned in the compartments 136 to prevent canisters 50 from being inadvertently dislodged from the compartments 136. Access slots 150 are formed in the back wall 122 and at least one of the side walls 102,104 to enable a laboratory person to insert their finger into the slot and push a canister forward while the other hand is lifting a front portion of the canister above the abutment lip 121 or 138.

Abstract: A sorption cooler for cooling substances in a vessel (4) by means of a sorption agent (11) within a sorption agent vessel (10), which in connected via a vapor valve (9) to an evaporator (10) for generation of working agent vapor, and where a part of the outer wall (1) of the vessel (4) is in good thermal contact with a working agent storage material (2) and at least this part of the outer wall (1) of vessel (4) is at the same time a part of the boundary surface (5) of the evaporator (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising photographic silver halide film substantially surrounded by a container comprising a phase change material, wherein said container will maintain said film at a temperature of below 130° F.(55° C.) when said container is repeatedly cycled over a 24-hour period reaching 180° F.(82° C.) for four hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with at least one cooling module, which has means for receiving a coolant, characterized in that the cooling module is designed as a hollow wall that is attached at least partially in the area of the side wall of the container, whereby the hollow wall is provided for receiving coolant.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container, particularly a cooler bag, for the refrigerated transportation of foods, substances and/or articles, having a jacket surrounding a transportation space or area and a closable opening is provided in the jacket for accessing the transportation space. According to the invention the insulated container is characterized in that in the transportation space is received an active cooling device with a heat exchange device, that in the jacket there is at least one recess and that the recess is constructed for receiving and passing to the outside the heat exchange device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the cooling of a liquid (4) within a container (3) by means of a liquid cooler (1), which absorbs a working agent vapor through a sorbent (14) from an evaporator (8), which is in thermal contact with the liquid (4) to be cooled, and wherein during the regeneration of the sorbent (14), the working agent vapor flows back into the evaporator (8) and during condensation, releases its condensation heat to a liquid (4) in the container (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation system, for cryopreserving a biopharmaceutical product that includes a cryopreservation compartment; a cryopreservation fluid located within the cryopreservation compartment; and a biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial located within the cryopreservation compartment and surrounded by the cryopreservation fluid, and the biopharmaceutical product cryopreservation vial including a body that includes an oblong cross-section defining proximal and distal ends of the body, and at least one nucleating structure, coupled to a distal end of the body, and the body including a cryogenically stable material that is compatible with biopharmaceutical products. Also disclosed are cryopreservation vials and methods of cryopreserving biopharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A beverage container (10) has a base member (16) indented to define an elongate external cavity (20). To provide a self-heating can, the cavity (20) is filled with quicklime and closed by a closure (30) which contains water. If the closure (30) is opened with the can inverted, water flows over the quicklime to cause an exothermic reaction. To provide evidence that the closure (30) has been operated to cause self-heating, the internal surface of a lid (34) is colored and/or provided with a bold pattern. The material of part of the closure (30) is transparent and the contained water is colored. For example, the water is red and the surface of the lid (34) is blue. In the initial full and unoperated state, the closure will appear red. After operation, during which the water exits, the closure will appear blue. The fact that the closure has been operated is immediately visually apparent.

Abstract: An apparatus for subjecting articles of manufacture to a cryogenic thermal cycling process includes a bottom portion and a lid. The bottom portion comprises an outer and inner tank separated by a plurality of insulation layers. The inner tank defines an inner cavity wherein the articles are subjected to the cryogenic process. A thermal break is provided between the lid and bottom portion so that the temperature of the inner cavity does not conduct to the outer tank of the apparatus bottom portion. The process conducted in the apparatus is controlled by a pre-programmed profile inputted by a key controller or PC. Liquid nitrogen is the preferred cryogenic material to be employed. The novel process subjects the article to extreme negative temperatures thereafter cycling the article between a set of negative temperatures for a number of cycles. The process is completed by heating the article to an extreme positive temperature and then allowed to cool to ambient room temperature.