Abstract: A retaining member for use with a vacuum-insulated vessel is described. The retaining member may include a body and a deformable member. The deformable member may have a first layer and a second layer extending from the first layer to a resilient end of the second layer. The resilient end of the second layer may define an opening of the second layer and the opening of the second layer may be aligned with a first aperture of the body and a second aperture of the body, to receive and securely hold a bottle such as a wine bottle within the opening, the first aperture, and the second aperture. The second layer may be resiliently flexible between a first position and a second position of a peripheral edge of the resilient end, to receive and retain bottles having various sizes.

Abstract: A beverage container system can include a reusable beverage bottle, such as a water bottle, and a reusable beverage cup that can nest with the beverage bottle, inside a sleeve that attaches to the beverage bottle, when not in use. A beverage bottle cap can include a storage region for storing a cup cap that fits onto the beverage cup when it is removed from its nested, or stowed, configuration. From the stowed configuration, the user can twist a collet to permit removal of the beverage cup. After filled, the cup cap may be placed over the cup to prevent leakage or spillage and permit the user to access the contents. The cup may be placed, bottom side first, into the sleeve and the collet activated to connect the cup with the bottle, where a user may access each by accessing either end of the assembly.

Abstract: A beverage insulator with an adjustable beverage lift assembly that allows a user to set a height for positioning a beverage container inserted within the open end of the beverage insulator so that the beverage container protrudes a sufficient amount for drinking from the top of the beverage container but keeps much of the beverage container surrounded by the beverage lift assembly. The user can adjust the beverage lift assembly to work with cans and bottles of different sizes.

Abstract: Polymers, hydrogels, and thermochromic agents, including products embodying them, methods of using them, and processes for making them. In certain embodiments, temperature therapy packs which utilize thermochromic agents integrated into solid, semi-solid, or liquid hydrogels. In preferred (but optional) embodiments, the thermochromic agents are integrated into the composition used as the temperature exchange material of the therapy pack. In certain other embodiments, methods of using the thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials, or processes for manufacturing such thermochromic integrated temperature exchange materials and/or methods or processes for manufacturing or using thermal packs embodying such materials. In certain particularly preferred embodiments, novel polymer compositions and/or processes for making polymers, which improve product durability or longevity and/or which improve use cycles or usage times.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a unit load device and a method for storing and transporting articles. The unit load device includes: a housing defining an internal space and an opening to the internal space; and a cover configured to operably open or hermetically close the opening; wherein the housing is provided with a housing temperature control layer containing at least a first phase change material, and/or the cover is provided with a cover temperature control layer containing at least a second phase change material, so that during storage of articles in the internal space hermetically closed by the cover, a temperature of the internal space is within a preset temperature range after a preset period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A cooler allows easy attachment and detachment of a battery. The cooler includes a main container including a refrigeration compartment, an evaporator on the main container, a compressor and a condenser adjacent to the main container, and at least one battery mount to receive a power tool battery in a detachable manner. The at least one battery mount is adjacent to the main container and above the compressor and the condenser.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a housing and a flexible container. The flexible container is arranged in the housing and filled with a medicine or another liquid which occurs in a pharmaceutical production process. The housing is at least partially lined with an elastic foam configured to compensate for an increase in volume of the flexible container that occurs upon freezing.

Abstract: This disclosure includes ice packs that comprise paper and absorbent material, and also includes various methods of making, adding liquid to, freezing, shipping, and/or using such ice packs. This disclosure also includes assemblies that include one or more such ice packs, such as, for example, a container of a plurality of such ice packs in dry, wet, and/or frozen states, or a container that includes an ice pack in a hydrated, frozen state and one or more perishable items.

Abstract: A galley cart system employs a dry ice compartment and a refrigeration compartment in a galley cart in flow communication with the dry ice compartment. A ventilation system is in interruptible flow communication with at least the refrigeration compartment and configured to receive gas discharged from at least the refrigeration compartment.

Abstract: An insulating container comprises a container body and a container cover connected to the container body. The container body and the container cover each comprises a frame and a plate arranged on the frame. The plate comprises, from inside out, an external high strength sheet, an extruded polystyrene sheet, phase-change insulating sheets made of phase-change material, and an internal sheet. A phase-change process of the phase-change insulating sheets cooperates with a refrigeration system of the transportation device to precisely control the temperature of the insulating container and a refrigerator truck to be near a phase-change temperature. In the present disclosure, the phase-change insulating sheets made of the phase-change material remain to be in a solid state before or after occurrence of a phase change, so that the structure of the insulating container does not change with the phase change and a leakage problem of the phase-change material does not exist.

Abstract: A storage box includes a wall including: a packaging member; and a heat transfer body and a cold storage agent that are stored in the packaging member. The cold storage agent is disposed closer to an outer surface of the storage box than the heat transfer body is. Consequently, a chill from the cold storage agent spreads over the heat transfer body, and the chill is transferred to an inside of the storage box through the heat transfer body. Thus, a temperature can be more homogeneously maintained in the storage box.

Abstract: The cooling insert provides an aperture for cooling or warming items within the aperture. The insert collapses to a collapsed position and expands to a use position. The insert stores a heat transfer material to provide a cooling or warming effect depending on the needs of the user. Adjustable walls pivot toward a central wall to collapse to a storage position. The adjustable walls pivot outward from the central wall to expand to the use position to form compartments for placement of items to be cooled or warmed.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a structure provided with an interior volume in which is present for example at least one fluid capable of circulating in said volume and under the action of circulation means. Thermally insulating elements of VIP construction are arranged around a layer containing a PCM and extending around the peripheral wall that surrounds the volume. Protrusions fixed to the peripheral wall delimited spaces in which the thermally insulating elements are positioned. A sleeve extends around the protrusions and the insulating elements.

Abstract: Provided is a dehumidifier capable of preventing condensation from flowing to the outside of a water container when the dehumidifier is turned over or while the dehumidifier is moved, since a suction structure for suctioning the condensation and a discharge structure for discharging the condensation are improved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device, specifically, a medical transport container for transporting blood and/or pharmaceuticals, e.g. human or animal medication, which are temperature sensitive, and comprises a forming gel encapsulated within the main storage compartment, which may comprise of one or more removable dividers to accommodate a plurality of blood vials or pharmaceuticals being cooled by a refrigerating element and/or the forming gel, which morphs and conforms to hold the container's inner contents (i.e. pharmaceutical(s), blood, test tube and/or vial(s) and the like) firmly in place. Accordingly, the content(s) may be transported over long distances in a sterile climate-controlled environment, where the temperature can be preset and consistently maintained for much longer duration using a plurality of power sources, e.g.

Abstract: A portable seat cushion providing enhanced seating comfort while also enabling the use of self-contained heat sources is disclosed which provides greater comfort to users during cold weather outdoor entertainment events. The cushion includes especially configured recessed pockets and carriers for containing and strategically placing heat generators such as lighter fluid fueled and electric hand warmers in close contact with a user's legs while sitting. Sufficient ventilation is provided to enable combustion type hand warmers to access sufficient oxygen and vent exhaust.

Abstract: Wireless energy transfer apparatus include, in at least one aspect, a device resonator configured to supply power for a load by receiving wirelessly transferred power from a source resonator; a temperature sensor positioned to measure a temperature of a component of the apparatus; a tunable component coupled to the device resonator to adjust a resonant frequency of the device resonator, an effective impedance the device resonator, or both; and control circuitry configured to, in response to detecting a temperature condition using the temperature sensor, (i) tune the tunable component to adjust the resonant frequency of the device resonator, the effective impedance of the device resonator, or both, and (ii) signal the source resonator regarding the temperature condition to cause an adjustment of a resonant frequency of the source resonator, a power output of the source resonator, or both.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: A phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising a foam material, a phase change material, the phase change material being absorbed into the foam, and a protective covering encasing the foam material/phase change material. A method for making a phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising providing a phase change material, providing a foam material, absorbing the phase change material into the foam material, and sealing the foam material/phase change material within a protective covering.

Abstract: A thermally insulated sandwich polyurethane (PUR) shipper for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The sandwich PUR shipper comprises an outer corrugated box, an inner corrugated box, vacuum insulated panels (such as VIP panels) and PUR foam. The inner box is nested within the outer box and has a bottom, sides and a top. The inner box defines a payload compartment. The VIP panels are adhered to the outer facing surfaces of the inner box. Preferably the VIP panels are wedged against each other so that a side edge of one VIP panel abuts an adjacent VIP panel. The PUR foam fills the space between the VIP panels and the outer box. The PUR foam may cover the top edges of the VIP panels.

Abstract: An energy storable air conditioning device includes a main body, at least one air blower module and at least one energy storage module. The main body has an air inlet, an air outlet and several receiving spaces connected to each other and disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The air blower module includes a first drawer inserted into one of the receiving spaces and a fan disposed in the first drawer. The energy storage module includes a second drawer inserted into another one of the receiving spaces and an energy storage unit disposed in the second drawer. The first drawer is connected to the second drawer.

Abstract: A modular container for maintaining an article under controlled temperature conditions includes a generally rectangular box-shaped enclosure defining an interior volume, wherein at least one enclosure side includes an access opening to allow for insertion or removal of the article within the interior volume, and wherein enclosure sides may be made of an insulating material. The modular container further includes at least two first phase change elements including a first phase change material, wherein each of said at least two first phase change elements is positioned adjacent one of a pair of opposed enclosure sides, at least two buffer inserts disposed within said enclosure, and at least two second phase change elements including a second phase change material, to one of the at least two buffers inserts wherein the second phase change material changes phase at a different temperature than the first phase change material.

Abstract: A feminine cooling pad is configured for use in cooling a woman's vulva and/or adjacent region. The cooling pad may be configured for single use and be disposable so as to include a liquid permeable layer configured to be oriented toward a user's skin during use. A liquid absorbent layer is adjacent to the liquid permeable layer and configured to absorb bodily fluids or discharges during use. A cooling layer is adjacent to the liquid absorbent layer and configured to provide a cooling effect for a period of time of at least about 15 minutes when the cooling pad is placed against a user's skin. An adhesive layer is adjacent to the cooling layer and adheres the feminine cooling pad to a user's undergarment during use and maintains the cooling pad in a desired orientation relative to the user's body. A feminine heating pad may be provided by including a microwavable material that becomes warm or hot when placed in a microwave oven.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a case; an insulation material provided within the case, the insulation material defining an interior volume of the insulation material; a liner arranged in the interior volume, the liner having an inner surface that extends toward a center of the case; an outer container of phase change material provided in the liner, the outer container comprising a plurality of outer panels containing a first phase change material, the plurality of outer panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a top outer panel, and side outer panels; and an inner container of phase change material provided in the outer container, the inner container comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a second phase change material; wherein an outer surface of each of the side outer panels is parallel with the inner surface of the liner.

Abstract: A flat storage ice pack is provided that is designed to effectively wrap around square containers, such as prisma containers. The ice pack is comprised of a container having at least four segments each including a column of freezable liquid. The segments are designed to separate the freezable liquid columns from each other at a distance that will allow the columns, when frozen, to create right angles relative to one another. In this manner, the ice pack is able to sizably fold around a square container by creating corners between the columns for received corresponding corners of square objects, such a prisma containers.

Abstract: An apparatus carries and stores foodstuffs in a desired ambient temperature, and comprises a primary tray, a shroud, and a lid. The primary tray comprises an inner support platform portion and an outer shroud-receiving portion. The shroud comprises an inner cover portion and an outer wall portion contiguous with the inner cover portion. The inner cover portion defines a downwardly open matter-receiving space for covering matter supported by the support platform portion. The outer wall portion and the inner cover portion define an upwardly open medium-receiving space for receiving and positioning a heat transfer medium adjacent the matter-receiving space. The lid is seatable upon the shroud for covering the medium-receiving space. A series of fastening mechanisms removably fasten the primary tray to the shroud. A heat transfer medium is receivable in the medium-receiving space for effecting heat transfer intermediate the medium-receiving and matter-receiving spaces.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part. To heat the reactor part, a portion of this wall is arranged as a solar energy collector, which can result in a very compact structure. In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is held or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in its liquid state thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerator for fresh and frozen products with passive elements for temperature leveling without ventilation and for maintaining the relative humidity above 90% even in the absence of a connection to the electrical mains, by using the energy supplied by the melting enthalpy of the thermal mass, frozen beforehand by circulating refrigeration fluid at low temperature within a heat accumulator, which allows to absorb the heat that passes through the walls and the heat dissipated by the products, the refrigerator comprising a body which defines internally at least one compartment which is delimited by thermally insulating walls, at least 50% of the inner surface of the compartment being constituted by the surface of a heat accumulator containing a eutectic liquid, with a phase change temperature which is proximate to the temperature to be maintained within the compartment, an evaporation circuit associated with a compressor being connected to the heat accumulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance system for use with nested containers includes a segmented wall liner assembly and removable cover. The segmented wall liner assembly includes a plurality of segments formed in an array, with each of the segments connected to at least one of the other of the segments, and which extend radially outward from a central point. Each of the segments has a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a central compartment which contains phase change material. The segmented wall liner assembly is capable of changing from a substantially flat, open position, to an angular position when removably disposed in-between the nested containers, and the nested containers have substantially concave surfaces, whereby the segments conform to the substantially concave surfaces when the segmented wall liner assembly is in the angular position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transport package which efficiently maintains payload temperature within a predetermined temperature range during delivery through regions having ambient temperatures outside the desired range. The transport package is used for transporting temperature sensitive materials and thermally protecting the materials from cold and hot ambient temperatures in a manner that does not require a power source or other mechanical devices. Aspects of the invention relate to a temperature maintaining packaging system having an outer container, thermal insulation materials and two or more different phase change materials.

Abstract: A thermal barrier maintains a beverage within a container at a desired temperature. The barrier may include gas or liquid filled microcapsules and a base material having microencapsulated solid-liquid phase change material, or combinations thereof. The thermal barrier may include a cooling element attached to the exterior of the container, the interior of the container, or free-floating within the container. Other embodiments include a container holder incorporating phase change materials to control temperature of the beverages. The holder includes enclosing sidewalls and a plurality of cavities to receive one or more containers. Gaps between the cavities and the enclosing sidewalls are filled with phase change materials, such as microencapsulated phase change materials. Another embodiment provides a double walled pitcher with phase change materials and a base material filling the space between the walls.

Abstract: A system for use in freezing, thawing, transporting or storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a container, a holder and plurality of heat transfer members. The container is configured to hold biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity for receiving the container and includes an interior surface bounding the cavity. A plurality of pockets contact outer surfaces of the container and is received in the cavity. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets includes a pocket cavity. A heat transfer member actively controls the temperature of biopharmaceutical materials held in the container and is received in the pocket cavity.

Abstract: A phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising a foam material, a phase change material, the phase change material being absorbed into the foam, and a protective covering encasing the foam material/phase change material. A method for making a phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising providing a phase change material, providing a foam material, absorbing the phase change material into the foam material, and sealing the foam material/phase change material within a protective covering.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes an elongated flexible envelope (4) comprising two sheets (6), (8) that are attached to each other along permanent side seams (10), (12) and along a permanent bottom seam (14) and a moisture-activated chemical heater (16) disposed inside envelope (4), wherein envelope (4) is folded over on itself and secured by temporary side seams (18), (20) and a permanent top seam (22) to form a continuous moisture barrier surrounding the moisture activated chemical heater (16) and wherein heater (2) may be opened for use by removing top seam (22) and unfolding envelope (4) by unpeeling temporary seals (18), (20) to provide unfolded envelope (4), wherein sheets (6) and (8) remain sealed along permanent seams (10), (12) and (14), but wherein envelope (4) now has an open top end (30).

Abstract: A therapy device comprises a flexible sealed envelope and a gel within the envelope. The gel comprises water, thickening agent, and biodiesel by-product glycerin comprising glycerol and soap.

Abstract: A beverage container is provided with an integral cooling element to maintain a beverage at a cooled temperature after exposure to a warmer environment. The cooling element incorporates use of solid/liquid phase change material. When the beverage is chilled, the phase change material is maintained in a solid state below its melting temperature. When the beverage container is exposed to a warmer environment, such as during consumption, the phase change material undergoes a phase change thereby absorbing heat from the surrounding beverage. The cooling element can either be attached to the inside of the container or free-floating, but in either case, is in direct contact with the beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing temperature control includes a bottom layer, an upper layer permeable to liquid, a hydratable absorbent material positioned between the bottom layer and the upper layer, and an outer layer positioned over the upper layer, the outer layer including one or more apertures for passing a liquid from an exterior surface of the outer layer to the upper layer.

Abstract: A frozen beverage device (10) has a container (20) and sealable cover (30) to convert a liquid (60), such as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage into an at least semi-frozen slurry containing ice crystals (61). Freezing device(s) (50), which may have a range of shapes, contain refrigerant to from a thin layer of ice/ice crystals on the deformable wall(s) of the freezing device(s) (50), the ice crystals (61) being released therefrom due to agitation of the liquid (60) by shaking/rotation and/or squeezing on the container (20) and/or cover (30).

Abstract: A system simultaneously applies compression and cooling to a body part. An ice bag has a removable cap for inserting ice and removing water. An air release valve in the cap allows release of air from the ice bag without removing or loosening the cap. A compression wrap is a unitary sheet of elastic material having a central body with straps extending therefrom. A hole in the central body receives the neck of the ice bag, which is positioned over the body part. The unitary body and straps of the sheet apply pressure via the ice bag. Air released into the ice bag from melting ice is removed via the air release valve without disturbing the compression wrap or the cap. The compression wrap contracts to compensate for the volume of the released air, thus maintaining continuous pressure on and thermal contact with the body part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensitive transport container (20) for packaging and shipping cell-based products such as cultured cells intended for transplantation. In particular, the present disclosure provides a thermally insulated transport container system (10) for storing and transporting cells for transplantation which is capable of maintaining the cells at a desirable temperature range for a sufficient period of time to ensure adequate cell viability and therapeutic properties.

Abstract: A system for use with a consumable beverage includes a container having a mouth. A lid is detachably engaged with the container. A collar is adapted to be seated in the mouth of the container. The collar defines an opening therein. A thermal energy storing member is detachably engagable with the opening in the collar and/or the lid. A collar for supporting an end of a thermal energy storing member; a lid for a container adapted to engage a thermal energy storing member; and method of providing a chilled consumable beverage are each separately detailed herein.

Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.

Abstract: A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors.

Abstract: A temperature regulation apparatus includes a dry ice module that encloses dry ice so that the module's outside surface is not hazardous to touch. Insulation, breathable material, or a combination of insulating and breathable materials, allows dry ice sublimation at a sufficiently slow rate within the attached dry ice module to control the ambient temperature in the area to be cooled. The dry ice module can be attached in a location that maximizes the dry ice cooling properties, typically at or near the top of the area to be cooled. Since sublimated carbon dioxide is heavier than normal air, it falls to the bottom of the area to be cooled and builds up. The venting placement in the dry ice module is based upon the make up of the dry ice module and the breathable materials inside of it.

Abstract: A water storage unit includes an outer bag with an inlet defined in a top end thereof and an inner bag is received in the outer bag. A coolant bag is received in the inner bag and has coolant received therein. An outlet part is connected to the lower end of the outer bag and connected with a hose so that the user can suck the water in the outer bag. The water is cooled by the coolant in the coolant bag which is located at the lower end of the outer bag. A handle has a clamp slot with which a sealing rod is securely engaged. The inlet of the outer bag can be sealed by the cooperation of the clamp slot of the handle and the sealing rod.

Abstract: A fillable gel pack includes a first side panel having a peripheral region characterized by a first boundary and a second side panel having a peripheral region characterized by a second boundary. The fillable gel pack also includes a sealed periphery joining a portion of the peripheral region of the first side panel shorter than the first boundary with a portion of the peripheral region of the second side panel shorter than the second boundary. The sealed periphery includes one or more outwardly disposed convex portions. The fillable gel pack further includes an unsealed periphery disposed at an unsealed portion of the peripheral region of the first side panel and an unsealed portion of the peripheral region of the second side panel. The unsealed periphery provides a fluid conduit passing from a region external to the fillable gel pack to a region internal to the fillable gel pack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head cool and/or cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and/or comfort, and includes a liquid-absorbing material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions. One or more ventilation portions and/or devices may also be included to allow for the free flow of air, breathing of the wearer's scalp and to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. In some implementations, the article may be used in a variety of different headgear. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of a liquid by the material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.

Abstract: A phase change material comprising a mixture of water and deuterium oxide is described, wherein the mole fraction of deuterium oxide is selected so that the mixture has a selected phase change temperature within a range between 0° C. and 4° C. The mixture is placed in a container and used for passive storage and transport of biomaterials and other temperature sensitive materials. Gels, nucleating agents, freezing point depression materials and colorants may be added to enhance the characteristics of the mixture.