Abstract: A bottle chiller including a housing and an inner member positioned within the housing is presented, the inner member having a first portion and a second portion such that the first portion rests on the second portion, the inner member including a plurality of spaced apart openings. The first portion has a first diameter and the second portion has a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. The second portion of the inner member is configured to receive water and a vertical gap portion extending from an inner surface of the housing to an outer surface of the first portion of the inner member is configured to receive ice.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices.

Abstract: The Super Cooler will be the only cooler that is designed to keep your food cool with a variety of different types of cooling mediums, i.e. ice cubes, frozen plastic modules, etc. of different sizes, but does not take up space in the cooler. The Super Cooler with its unique side/front design will provide cooling from three different large areas as well as the “cold water” which melts into the compartment below the food. The result will be a cooler that keeps the water separated from the cooling medium, and separated from the food in the cooler, to prevent spoilage of food, the melted ice inevitably melts into the water storage space. Space for food storage will increase because the ice or frozen modules are not taking up space in the cooler area. You can actually fit more food and beverages in this cooler and they will come out of the cooler in the same condition as you put them in the cooler . . . unspoiled because they are not floating in melted ice water.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: A cooling container suitable for cooling a beverage is provided. Inside of the container with an opened upper end and a closed bottom is divided by a partition element made of a material such as a perforated plate into at least two parts for receiving water and ice and for receiving an object to be cooled. An appropriate amount of ice blocks and cold water are put in one of the parts, and only the cold water is allowed to flow into the other part through the partition element. The object to be cooled such as canned beer or bottled wine is cooled or cool-kept by inserting it into the part of the cold water. The position of the object to be cooled received is stably retained by the partition element 20 so that the handling of the object to be cooled is conveniently made.

Abstract: A dry-compartment cooler has a dry compartment (1) with compartment walls (3) that are connected water-tightly to a compartment floor (4). The compartment walls are articulated to extend upwardly from proximate a riser framework (6) on a cooler floor (7) to proximate a bottom side of a cooler lid (8) of a predetermined cooler. One or more ice compartments (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) separate ice and water from inside surfaces of the compartment walls and from space inside of the dry compartment. The ice compartments are in fluid communication intermediate proximate the bottom side of the cooler lid and riser-framework space (9) where the riser framework is positioned under the compartment floor. The compartment walls can have heat-conveyance members (27) for conveying coldness and for deterring moisture formation on food and other items being cooled.

Abstract: A beverage cooling apparatus including a cylinder shaped receptacle extending into a second receptacle for receiving ice, the cylindrical receptacle having one open end to receive bottles or beverage containers. The apparatus can be utilized in an ice bin, ice chest, ice maker, freezer, or any refrigerated placement area to chill, refrigerate or store open, partially used or unused bottles, such as wine or liquor, or any other beverage container that is best when served cold or should be preserved cold. The receptacle is provided in a slanted position, and contains slots or openings small enough to prevent ice cubes or ice chunks from entering the chilling or storing area.

Abstract: A thermoregulating container provides for the heating and cooling of food and drink. The container is insulated and includes a heat exchanger system that can maintain the temperature of the contents of the container. The device may include modular elements that can detachably attach to one or many containers to selectively heat or cool the contents of the container(s). A first embodiment container includes at least one passage through the walls thereof, for conducting a heat exchanging fluid (water, refrigerant liquid, etc.) therethrough. The container passage(s) communicate with an attached reservoir module when such a module is attached to the container. When the module is attached, a heat exchanging fluid is circulated through the passage(s) in the container walls to heat or cool the substance therein accordingly.

Abstract: A modular metal hydride hydrogen storage system which can provide a robust and reliable source of hydrogen that can quickly and easily be modified for a variety of applications and environments. The hydrogen storage system comprises at least one storage module. Each storage module comprises a container for storing metal hydride and gaseous hydrogen, and an adapter for connecting storage modules together end-to-end to form a connected sequence of storage modules.

Abstract: A portable storage unit for a vehicle seat includes a generally rectilinear housing having a plurality of pull-out drawers and a fixed shelf with an overlying cover serving as a writing surface. The drawers and shelf may be compartmentalized to provide storage compartments for various articles such as pens, pencils, paper, and food articles, such as packets of condiments. The storage unit may have a beanbag-type flexible container secured along its bottom surface enabling the flexible container to conform to the contours of the vehicle seat such that the flexible container maintains the overlying housing in a stable, upright position on the seat. In another form, the cooler includes a housing having an insert for containing a cooling medium and a door for selective access to a cooling chamber defined by the insert. The insert is removable for purposes of replenishing the cooling medium.

Abstract: The instant invention consists of a device similar to an inverted shallow basket with a myriad of openings through which water and air may pass easily. The device, when placed into an ice chest, holds the items in the chest up out of the melted ice water, thereby keeping the items from contamination and spoilage.

Abstract: A ceramic composite is provided comprising ceramic fibers and microparticles bound together as a porous matrix with a ceramic binder. The ceramic composite is particularly useful for transporting cryogenic fluids.

Abstract: A container is provided for holding and carrying objects, including groceries, and for enabling those objects to better maintain their temperature. The container comprises an insulated body having a cavity which opens upward, a movable lid which can fit across the cavity's opening to close it, and a removable, relatively rigid, basket which fits within the cavity. The insulated body and basket has a size to enable two, but not three, standard grocery bags to stand up within the enclosed basket when the lid is shut. The basket has one or more handles which make it easy to remove its contents from the insulated body. The inside surfaces of the insulated body and the basket are tapered, so the basket can be easily withdrawn from the insulated body and so more than one basket can be stacked inside the insulated body. Space is provided between the basket and the insulated body for cooling packs.

Abstract: An element comprised of a cryoretentive material is adapted for insertion into and support within the inner vessel of a cryogenic dewar adjacent one or more sample holders. Such a cryoretentive element may be adapted for disposition within the canister of existing sample holders and for acceptance of one or more samples, thus permitting the convenient conversion of unprotected dewars for protection against upsets and for improved sample holding times. Such elements provide a convenient and inexpensive conversion of cryogenic dewars for shipping, an improved ability to maintain samples in a cold state for longer periods of time and an improved sample holder with protection against a loss of liquid cryogen.

Abstract: An open top barrel having an end portion of circular configuration includes a linear tub somewhat smaller than the barrel and disposed within the barrel together with a bezel flange formed integrally with the liner and in engagement with the barrel end portion, the bezel flange being formed to mate with a range of different barrel end portion sizes.

Abstract: A method for converting a barrel type unit into an assembly for holding chilled products, particularly, barrel units having an upper annular portion of a smaller circumference as compared to other annular portions thereof, the barrel unit also including top and bottom end closure walls, the method including supplying a kit of separate components including a tub member for holding ice and product positioned therein, and a sizing device for determining the proper location for severing the barrel side wall, the tub member having an annular support flange associated with the upper portion thereof for cooperatively engaging with a peripheral edge portion of the barrel unit when the barrel unit is severed at a particular location therearound, the sizing device enabling a user to locate the particular location on the barrel side wall at which to sever the same such that the annular edge resulting therefrom will be compatible with the annular support flange associated with the tub member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryogenic storage container having a pressure vessel surrounded by a vacuum vessel for maintaining a vacuum between the outer wall of the vacuum vessel and the pressure vessel. A pair of intermediate and sub-intermediate heat shields are disposed between the outer wall of the vacuum vessel and the pressure vessel for intercepting the heat that would otherwise be transferred from the vacuum vessel to the pressure vessel. The heat intercepted by the intermediate heat shield is absorbed by liquid nitrogen contained within a liquid nitrogen container. The heat intercepted by the sub-intermediate heat shield is preferably absorbed by liquid neon in a liquid neon storage tank. The liquid nitrogen and neon absorb heat by undergoing a phase change, from liquid to vapor. In order to prevent failure of the liquid nitrogen container, the nitrogen is vented to the atmosphere over a period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a barrel type unit into an assembly for holding chilled products, particularly, barrel units having an upper annular portion of a smaller circumference as compared to other annular portions thereof, the barrel unit also including top and bottom end closure walls, the method including supplying a kit of separate components including a tub member adapted to hold ice and product positioned therein, and a sizing device for determining the proper location for severing the barrel side wall, the tub member having an annular support flange associated with the upper portion thereof adapted to be cooperatively engageable with a peripheral edge portion of the barrel unit when the barrel unit is severed at a particular location therearound, the sizing device enabling a user to locate the particular location on the barrel side wall at which to sever the same such that the annular edge resulting therefrom will be compatible with the annular support flange associated with the tub member

Abstract: A cryostat is provided which comprises a vacuum vessel; a target disposed within the vacuum vessel; a heat sink disposed within the vacuum vesssel for absorbing heat from the detector; a cooling mechanism for cooling the heat sink; a cryoabsorption mechanism for cryoabsorbing residual gas within the vacuum vessel; and a heater for maintaining the target above a temperature at which the residual gas is cryoabsorbed in the course of cryoabsorption of the residual gas by the cryoabsorption mechanism.

Abstract: A portable container is disclosed herein for the hypothermic transport of donor organs which includes an inner container holding a body organ within a surrounding preservation medium and an outer container suspending the inner container within a thermoregulatory fluid. The inner and outer sidewalls are transparent, permitting exterior stored organ visual inspection. An air inlet exhaust port is provided on the outer container for controlling the volume of fluid into which the organ-carrying inner container is held. The double container storage, storage medium and fluid, as well as proper sealing devices, provide for sterile isolation of the organ.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing chloroflurocarbon (CFC) refrigerant emissions during removal or transfer or refrigerants from a vapor compression cooling system or heat pump which comprises contacting the refrigerant with a suitable sorbent material. The sorbent material allows for the storage and retention or the chlorofluorocarbon in non-gaseous form so that it does not tend to escape to the atmosphere where it would cause harm by contributing to ozone depletion. In other aspects of the invention, contacting of CFC refrigerants with sorbent material allows for purification and recycling of used refrigerant, and a device containing stored sorbent material can be employed in the detection of refrigerant leakage in a cooling system or heat pump.

Abstract: A device for cooling condiments, beverages and the like. The device includes an insulated chest which receives a cooling medium therein. The chest also carries a first stationary compartment and at least one second compartment. The chest has a base wall, side walls and an open top. The stationary compartment has a bottom wall, side walls, open top and a depth defined between the open top and the bottom wall thereof. Each of the second compartments has a respective bottom wall, side walls, open top and a depth defined between the open top and the bottom wall. The depth of the second compartment is less than the depth of the stationary compartment. Each of the compartments is positioned extending into the chest. Positioned thusly, the cooling medium directly contacts each of the bottom walls and at least two of the side walls of the stationary compartment, such that condiments therein are substantially surrounded by the cooling medium.

Abstract: A cooler device is provided which will keep ice in an insertable inner container from a beverage within an outer housing so as to prevent the beverage from becoming diluted when the ice melts.

Abstract: A wine cooling apparatus comprises a bottle holder which holds a bottle within an ice and water mixture in a container which is rotatably mounted on a turntable. When the turntable is rotated, the container rotates and fins on the inside of the container stir the mixture and cause it to swirl around the surface of the bottle thereby cooling the wine.

Abstract: A server for displaying and keeping cool wine bottles and the like includes a generally cylindrical housing open at the top for receiving a bottle, wherein the side wall of the housing generally conforms to and surrounds the side exterior of the bottle. A bottom wall is joined at its perimeter to the side wall to form a receptacle for housing ice in contact with the side wall. A support structure is positioned within the housing above the bottom wall to hold a bottle above and out of contact with the ice, with the support structure including an opening to allow placement of ice into the receptacle through the top opening of the housing. At least one-half of the area of the side wall is made of a heat conductive material and the remaining area of the side wall is made of a substantially transparent material to enable viewing the interior of the server.

Abstract: A container assembly for storing and displaying chilled products such as bottled or canned soft drink beverages and the like comprising a body member, a floor member positioned adjacent the lower end portion of the body member, a tub member adapted to hold products positioned therein located adjacent the upper end portion of the body member, a drain tank assembly positioned intermediate the floor member and the tub member, and a plurality of bracket members attached to the inner wall surface of the body member, each of the bracket members including a plurality of spaced shoulder surfaces adapted for positioning and supporting the floor member, and/or the tub member, and/or the drain tank assembly.

Abstract: A chambered chest in which articles are to be placed to be cooled or heated, or kept at constant temperature. The chest is designed to hold blocks or cubes of ice, together with the articles to be cooled.

Abstract: A foamed polystyrene beverage container cooler. In one embodiment an annular wall is nestably received between a base and lid each of which defines a cylindrical inner cavity to receive a half barrel size beverage container. The outlet of the container extends centrally through an aperture located in the top wall of the lid locating the container concentrically with respect to the cylindrical inner surface of the cooler allowing ice to circumferentially surround the container. A skirt and rim mating combination between the annular wall and the lid and between the annular wall and the base secure the components together. In an alternate embodiment, a cooler to receive a pony keg includes a base and lid each of which has an annular wall defining a cavity sized to allow ice to surround the keg. The keg outlet extends through an aperture in the lid locating the keg concentrically with respect to the interior surface of the cooler.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiments of the present apparatus, a tray or platform standing above the bottom of an ice chest is disclosed. The tray is a generally horizontal planar member having a number of slots or openings formed therein, and further comprising a set of feet which support the horizontal member in an elevated position. In an alternate embodiment, the tray rests on a set of raised transverse members integrally formed in the bottom of the ice chest.

Abstract: A container for cooling, preserving and safely transporting a biological specimen includes a thermally insulating over-all container having as contents a container for ice, a container for the specimen including an isothermal metal cup, and a thermally insulating sheet interposed between the specimen container and the ice, the over-all container and the insulating sheet having thermal constants chosen to control the cooling rate, preferably to approximately one to three minutes per degree Centigrade, and to achieve a steady state temperature of the specimen near, but above freezing, preferably in the range of 4.degree. C. to 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a beverage container such as a beer keg while the exterior of the container is being subjected to a cold liquid is disclosed. In one embodiment, there is a plastic housing which is formed with a generally cup-shaped internal cavity, the cavity having a bottom cavity wall and cavity sidewalls. The housing is also formed with an opening for allowing the container and the cold liquid to be inserted in and removed from the cavity. A plurality of ribs are positioned in the cavity that have an inner centering edge which is spaced radially inward from the cavity sidewalls. The inner edges are suitable to hold the container away from the sidewalls when the container is inserted in the cavity and positioned radially inward of the inner edge. In another preferred form, there is also provided a platform positioned in the cavity and affixed to the bottom wall.

Abstract: An organ hypothermic storage unit includes a first container with a removable cover and a plurality of organ receptacles mounted within the first container, each receptacle having a removable cover. A plurality of groups of spacers upon the container bottom wall receive and locate the receptacles spacing them from each other and from the container walls to define a chilling zone within the first container and around each receptacle. Each receptacle mounts upon its interior a thermometer. An outer container having a removable cover receives, supports and encloses the first container defining an insulating air space therebetween. The inner container is adapted to receive and store a quantity of ice within the chilling zone for continuously maintaining an organ in any receptacle at a temperature between 0.degree. and 7.degree. C., for maximal metabolic suppression and preservation thereof until transplant to a recipient. The containers, receptacles and covers thereof are of a clear transparent material.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiments of the present apparatus, a rack or platform standing above the bottom of an ice chest is disclosed. The rack is a generally horizontal planar member having a number of slots or openings formed therein, and further comprising a set of feet which support the horizontal member in an elevated position. An alternate preferred embodiment is preferably divided into a pair of similar portions, the two portions joining together, one portion having a set of hollow legs with receptacles therein and the other portion having two sets of tabs which protrude for insertion into the hollow legs. One set of tabs is insertable into the receptacles in the hollow legs to align the two portions, thereby forming a large planar expanse, the two being parallel and coextensive. An alternate arrangement of the two portions secures one of the two portions horizontally and the other is set at a right angle to enable division of an ice chest into two separate portions.

Abstract: A portable cooler for use in transporting medicines or the like which must be kept at lower than room temperature includes an insulative housing containing a coolant compartment and a medicine compartment, each having its own lid, and heat sinks in the compartments thermally connected by a heat tube. Water ice, dry ice, or a chilled gel may be utilized as the coolant. The whole assembly is enclosed in a carrying case about the size and weight of a carrying case for binoculars or a camera.

Abstract: A beverage container cooling device comprising a lower housing unit having an ice compartment area formed therein adapted to contain ice. The lower housing unit is provided with structure for centering the beverage container on the ice in a substantially horizontal attitude. A top housing unit is detachably secured to the lower housing unit and is provided with a horizontally disposed roller having a crank operatively secured thereto which extends outwardly through the top housing unit. The roller is vertically movably mounted in the top housing unit and is designed to engage the beverage container positioned on the ice so that operation of the crank will cause the roller to rotate the beverage container on the ice which will cause the contents of the container to be cooled.