Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system having an electric circuit including a direct current (“d.c.”) power source providing direct current through the electric circuit, a thermoelectric module having at least one heat sink and at least one heat source capable of being cooled to a predetermined temperature range, and a control assembly. The d.c. power source, the control assembly, and the thermoelectric module being connected to each other in series. The control assembly comprising a thermostat control switch mechanism and a resistive element connected to each other in parallel. The thermostat control switch having a sensor generally coupled to the heat source of the thermoelectric module, the thermostat control switch mechanism being open in the predetermined temperature range.

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 chiller for fresh fruit and other perishable food products is cooled with a thermoelectric device and includes a cool air recirculating system that minimizes air flow path lengths and provides uniform cool air distribution throughout a fruit container removably supported above the thermoelectric module. The cooling air flow duct system is formed in part by the bottom wall of the container, thereby enhancing direct cooling air flow contact in minimizing the lengths of the flow paths.

Abstract: A refrigerated serving device is disclosed. The refrigerated serving device is portable. It includes a food chilling area. A compressor is operatively connected to an evaporator coil and a condenser coil forming a refrigeration unit which maintains the food chilling area at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration device is provided that includes a containerized beverage receptacle having inner and outer walls. The portable refrigeration device includes a refrigeration unit disposed within a refrigeration unit compartment disposed beneath the containerized beverage receptacle. A coolant circulating tube circulates coolant about the periphery of the beverage receptacle. A containerized beverage support is provided within the beverage receptacle and includes support shelves to support containerized beverages such as bottles of wine, soft drinks, or the like. A containerized beverage receptacle lid, having an indentation is provided that allows the neck of a wine bottle to pass there through when the lid is placed on the beverage receptacle.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage mug is provided which includes a self-contained mechanical refrigeration unit which is powered by a power unit mounted onboard the beverage mug. The mechanical refrigeration unit is a closed loop system which is mounted to the beverage mug and includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion flow passage and an evaporator. The condenser and the evaporator are integrally formed with the main body of the beverage mug. The compressor is mounted to the beverage mug for circulating a refrigerant through the condenser, the expansion flow passage and the evaporator. The power unit includes a chamber which contains a pressurized, expansible fluid such as liquid nitrogen, which is selectively released for passing through a pressure chamber of the compressor to power the compressor and the mechanical refrigeration unit. A manifold is integrally formed into the compressor housing for passing the expansible fluid from the compressor and across a portion of the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigerated serving device is disclosed. The refrigerated serving device is portable. It includes a food chilling area. A compressor is operatively connected to an evaporator coil and a condenser coil forming a refrigeration unit which maintains the food chilling area at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A palletized cooling system for shipping goods at controlled temperature and which includes a self powered cooling box and a plurality of storage boxes. Coolant is circulated by means of coolant outlet and return lines from the cooling box to each of the storage boxes thereby maintaining the interiors of the storage boxes at a specified temperature. The cooling and storage boxes are dimensionally identical, and can be abuttingly stacked for optimal use of cargo space. Storage boxes can be folded when not in use thereby also optimizing storage and shipping space.

Abstract: A method for preserving the temperature integrity of cryogenically preserved biological samples is presented, involving initiating a countdown sequence upon removal of a sample from a controlled portable or bulk storage environment, requiring operator action to terminate the countdown on restoration of the sample to a controlled environment. Audible and visual warnings are provided to an operator prior to attainment of a critical temperature, beyond which damage may accrue to the sample. A portable device facilitating execution of the method is described.

Abstract: An apparatus that utilizes the heat transfer ability of cryogenic materials to maintain its contents at low temperatures includes a container having inner and outer shells. The inner and outer shells have a chamber formed therebetween. An insulation layer is disposed within the chamber. The inner shell is disposed within the outer shell to form a chamber for receiving therein a material for storage and/or transport therebetween. A phase change material is disposed within the storage chamber and includes cut-outs for receiving therein a cryogenic material. Alternatively, a pre-charged phase change material insert is provided in the storage chamber and/or the storage chamber is packed with a filler material pre-chilled in a cryogenic material. A lid seals the container.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage device is disclosed having a tank with an open top and a wall which defines an interior chamber adapted to receive biological specimens. A fluid reservoir is disposed around at least a portion of the wall on an outer surface of the wall and this fluid reservoir receives a liquefied gaseous material, such as liquid nitrogen. The source of the liquid gaseous material is fluidly connected through a valve to the reservoir to maintain the level of the liquefied gaseous material between preset limits in the reservoir thus cooling the interior of the interior chamber and any biological specimens contained within the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A sample cooler has a thermostatic chamber containing a heat-conducting block on which vessels containing liquid samples are set. A control unit activates a cooling mechanism of the air cooling type to cool the air inside the thermostatic chamber. Thereafter, when the temperature or humidity inside the thermostatic chamber is detected to have reached a specified level, when condensation of dew is detected inside the thermostatic chamber, or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit starts to operate another cooling mechanism of the direct cooling type to cool the heat-conducting block, such that the samples can be cooled directly and quickly under a dehumidified condition without causing dew condensation.