Abstract: A refrigeration delivery system for use with portable food storage systems having an L-shaped body with a hollow vertical tower portion and a hollow horizontal flat lower portion. The internal volume of the body is suitable for the storage of ice and a combination of ice and melt water. In one embodiment, a hand-powered pump and spout is provide through a top of the tower portion to pump chilled water for drinking or to remove it from the delivery system. A second embodiment incorporates a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion. A third embodiment incorporates both a hand-powered pump and spout as well as a flexible straw arrangement through a top of the tower portion.

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 pre-packaged, flexible container of ice and air is disclosed. The pre-packaged, flexible container includes a first member having a hermetically sealed outer periphery which encloses a cavity. The cavity has a volume of less than about 20 cubic inches. The flexible container also includes ice and air contained within the cavity. The ice is present as an individual piece or as multiple pieces. The remainder of the cavity is occupied by air. The air fills at least about 50% of the volume of the cavity. Furthermore, the container, ice and air have a combined weight of less than about 5 ounces.

Abstract: A pouch for carrying temperature-sensitive products having at least three sides and a bottom that are fixedly attached. The sides and bottom of the pouch form an internal container which may be sized and configured to hold a variety of sizes and shapes of temperature-sensitive products. The pouch may also comprise a releasably-attached top. A thermo-regulable agent is contained within at least one of the sides.

Abstract: A thermal buffer for an intermittent thermal load, e.g., a directed energy weapon (DEW) system, includes a phase change heat exchanger (PCHEX), an apparatus for circulating a first working fluid of the thermal load through first conduits of the PCHEX cell in a first direction such that heat is transferred between the first fluid and a phase change material (PCM) of the PCHEX in a second direction and causes a first phase change in the PCM, and an apparatus for circulating a second working fluid of, e.g., a heat pump through second conduits of the PCHEX in a third direction opposite to the first direction such that heat is transferred between the second fluid and the PCM in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction and results in a second phase change in the PCM opposite to the first phase change therein.

Abstract: A food container includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. At least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall includes a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.

Abstract: A container has a thermal pack aligned on a central axis of the container. The thermal pack includes a material such as a phase change material for cooling (or heating) the liquid in the container. The thermal pack attaches to the container such as by a threaded connection in a receiving tube, which makes full circumferential contact with an end of the thermal pack. The container has a drinking or pouring opening aligned relative to the thermal pack, but completely separated from the thermal pack. Radial flow slots permit fluid to flow from the container interior through the drinking or pouring opening.

Abstract: The cup holder for a drinking game is a triangular multi-cup beverage tray and freezer pack insert that holds and chills multiple cups in a “billiard ball rack” formation for use in the drinking game “Beer-Pong,” “Beirut,” or variations thereof. The cup holder for a drinking game includes cup pockets, indentations or channels in a triangular row formation (front to back) of one cup, two cups, three cups, etc., which are formed in the freezer pack The cup holding freezer pack fits into the triangular tray for added stability. Rubber or neoprene feet are disposed symmetrically on an underside of the bottom of the tray to provide traction during use. Preferably, the placement and depth of the cup pockets provide for the correct orientation of the cups for optimal playing of the drinking game with standard 16-ounce party cups.

Abstract: Non-slip, non-constrictive, self-adhesive ice bag device for use with confined patients that comprises a flexible, preferably water-impermeable outer cover with an open end that is sealable with a leak-proof closure means, said cover having a layer of adhesive to temporarily attach said cover, when it is filled with the cooling medium, or one or more cooling packs containing the cooling medium, to the inside or the outside of a patient-care fabric that is arranged to be in close contact with an injured area of the patient, such that said cooling medium is then in close contact with said injured area, without slippage, and without the need for a potentially constrictive strapping and/or wrapping means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the irradiation of a radiation sensitive material. The apparatus includes at least one thermally conductive tank for containing a heat transfer medium therein, said at least one thermally conductive tank having a first wall and a second wall in a parallel spaced relationship, said second wall having an outer surface for placing a radiation sensitive material thereon. Also disclosed is a system and method of irradiating a radiation sensitive material.

Abstract: A coolant base for regulating the temperature of a beverage is detachable from the beverage container with which it works. The base may be repeatedly used with the same container. The base can be chilled separately from the beverage container and, when assembled, can provide a stable, chilled beverage for an extended time. In some embodiments, the diameter of the base cooler/container system is the same as the diameter of the beverage container absent the base cooler.

Abstract: A gel-pack for chilling bottled beverages comprising a flexible plastic envelope, sealed around its perimeter, provided with a spaced array of holes therethrough whereby the gel-pack can be draped over a plurality of beverage bottles, with the necks of the bottles protruding through the holes in the gel-pack.

Abstract: An active thermal insulation system is disclosed. The system utilizes a cool air source or ambient air below a threshold temperature in conjunction with a phase change material and/or conventional insulation. In a controlled manner, the cooled air or ambient air facilitates the transition of the phase change material from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state allowing the solid phase change material to absorb heat. Cooled air or ambient air may be directed to the phase change material via a gap or plenum capable of introducing the cooled air or ambient air adjacent to the phase change material. A fan, blower or air intake device may be used to direct ambient air to the gap or plenum.

Abstract: A portable cooler having one or more ice sheets including built-in refrigerant cubes. The cooler comprises an outer fabric shell and one or more sets of spaced apart refrigerant cubes encapsulated in plastic to form ice sheets that are attached to the interior walls of the cooler. The walls of the cooler may also include one or more layers of thermal insulation. The ice sheets provide a visually pleasing appearance to the inside of the cooler suggestive of cooling effects. The ice sheets may be retained along the walls of the cooler by seams sewn along the lanes passing between the refrigerant cubes, by being retained in pockets formed by sidewall liners or by being secured into chambers defined by the cooler's outer walls and a plastic insert fitted into the cooler. The cooler may include a hinged top and bottom that can be folded flat for allowing the cooler to assume a compact configuration during storage or freezing of the refrigerant cubes.

Abstract: The cooling device for a pet carrier is a portable system for providing an ice-cooled surface on which a pet can rest. The cooling device includes a housing defining an open interior region therein, adapted for receiving a volume of ice. An opening is formed through an upper surface of the housing, and a lid is pivotally joined to the housing for selectively and releasably covering and sealing the opening. A plurality of apertures are formed through the lid, and a plurality of spikes are secured to a lower surface of the lid and project downwardly therefrom. When the volume of ice is received within the housing, the lid may be closed and the spikes evenly distribute the ice within the housing. The ice generates cooled air, which may be transmitted through the apertures to a pet resting on the upper surface of the lid.

Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of phase change material-containing wall panels. The wall panels have a thickness and sides. The wall panels define an inner major surface and an outer major surface. The sides of the wall panels are hingedly interconnected to define a closed structure. Two diametrically opposed hinge interconnections are proximate the inner major surface. The remaining hinge interconnections are proximate the outer major surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible plated cooling pack for headwear and a method for making the same that is capable of providing a sufficient cooling effect with a small amount of coolant, not causing worry about leakage of the coolant, and providing a cushion effect without a volume variance regardless of many uses, as well as the cooling effect. The flexible plated cooling pack has an inner and outer synthetic resin film sheet bonded each other and a coolant filled therein, wherein the outer synthetic resin film sheet has a shape respectively corresponding to a piece of the crown portion and a sweatband and the coolant is always maintained in at least a gel state. The flexible plated cooling pack may be disposed in an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear or may be inserted in a pocket formed at an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear.

Abstract: A canteen cooling apparatus of the present disclosure has a cavity for holding a canteen. The cavity has a sleeve with a first layer and a second layer. The apparatus further has an inlet coupled to the second layer that receives a medium from a medium injection apparatus and an envelope created between the first and second layers that receives the medium and delivers the medium to the canteen in the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for converting liquid (60) in a container (50) to a semi-frozen slurry (61) or frozen ice particles, where a refrigerant (41) is contained within a refrigerant cavity (40) defined by two walls (20, 30), the flexing/deformation of at least one of the walls (20, 30) agitating the liquid (60) to assist the conversion thereof into the semi-frozen slurry (61) or ice particles.

Abstract: A portable cooling device has a vacuum bottle, a pump, an outflow pipe, a thermal exchanger and a return pipe. The vacuum bottle holds a coolant and has an outer casing and a vacuum flask. The outer casing has a chamber. The vacuum flask is mounted in the chamber. The pump is mounted on the vacuum bottle to pump the coolant out of the vacuum bottle. The outflow pipe connects to the pump. The thermal exchanger connects to the outflow pipe, is filled by the coolant and is placed adjacent to a person to lower his body temperature. The return pipe connects between the thermal exchanger and the vacuum bottle to form a flow circle. Consequently, the portable cooling device efficiently cools the body temperature. Moreover, having the vacuum bottle to hold and insulate the coolant elongates effective cooling time of the cooling device.

Abstract: A pre-packaged, flexible container of ice and air is disclosed. The pre-packaged, flexible container includes a first member having a hermetically sealed outer periphery which encloses a cavity. The cavity has a volume of less than about 20 cubic inches. The flexible container also includes ice and air contained within the cavity. The ice is present as an individual piece or as multiple pieces. The remainder of the cavity is occupied by air. The air fills at least about 50% of the volume of the cavity. Furthermore, the container, ice and air have a combined weight of less than about 5 ounces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for packaging dry ice in a plastic film, the said device comprising: —means for dispensing and shaping a plastic film comprising a shaping sleeve over the exterior wall of which the plastic film is paid out, —a dry ice generator connected to a source of liquid carbon dioxide, the dry ice generator being positioned inside the shaping sleeve so as to leave a gap between the generator and the shaping sleeve and allow the plastic film shaped to become filled with dry ice, —and means for sealing the shaped plastic film, characterized in that the shaping sleeve is equipped with thermal insulating means and/or with heating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat/temperature preserving pack. Embodiments of the heat preserving pack include a soft pack or a hard box pack, having an inner containing space filled with phase change isothermal substance. The present invention maintains the temperature of objects for an extended period to achieve a constant temperature effect. By implementing the present invention, the size and weight of the heat preserving container is effectively reduced and the space available for storing objects to be heat preserved is increased. Thus, the heat preserving container is convenient to carry and the transport cost is reduced.

Abstract: A disposable ice bag having at least one extension that can secure the bag to an injured area.

Abstract: A pitcher for keeping beverages cooled for protracted periods, having a pitcher lining and a pitcher wall sealingly attached to form a cavity there between. A freezable substance is disposed within the cavity. The cavity extends continuously between the bottom walls of the pitcher lining and the pitcher wall allowing for complete cooling through the floor area of the pitcher. In an alternate embodiment an insulating layer is provided between the freezable substance and the inner surface of the sidewalls and bottom wall of the pitcher shell. The insulating layer further retards warming and reduces condensation.

Abstract: A multi-compartment flexible pouch with an insulated compartment and method of forming includes a pouch body formed from a panel of material, and the pouch body has at least one compartment for a product. An opening means for accessing the product is disposed in the pouch body. A first insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and a second insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first seal to form the insulated compartment. The insulated compartment contains a pressurized gas and a surface temperature of the insulated compartment is less than a surface temperature of the product compartment after the pouch is heated.

Abstract: Aircraft galley carts and other insulated food storage units are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a food storage unit configured in accordance with the invention includes an interior portion configured to hold food, a first panel positioned at least proximate to a wall of the interior portion, and at least a second panel positioned at least proximate to the first panel. In this embodiment, the first panel can include a phase change material and at least a portion of the second panel can be evacuated. In one aspect of this embodiment, the food storage unit can further include a temperature sensor operably coupled to the interior portion. The temperature sensor can be configured to provide an indication when the temperature in the interior portion reaches a preselected temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a beverage, through the special design of a container for dispensing a beverage, is disclosed. The beverage remains cold for a period of time while it is inside the container, through contact with a frozen substance consumable substance with a lower temperature than the beverage. The frozen substance is substantially frozen before the beverage is introduced into the container. The beverage and the frozen substance make contact through portions of a barrier structure containing the frozen substance. As the frozen substance melts, it gradually mixes with the beverage, continuing to cool the beverage over a period of time, without ice floating to the top of the container.

Abstract: A device filled with ice and water provides for the quick cooling, and cool maintenance at ice temperature, of beer kegs and other beverage containers.

Abstract: Devices designed to aid the cooling of liquids in a flexible fluid container such as a bag being dispensed over time, generally through use of a dispenser which penetrates the membrane of the bag with at least one spike. The devices are cooling packs, adapted and sized to allow interaction with the fluid in the bag, while generally inhibiting damage to the pack from the spike. The devices are designed especially to cool liquid beverages such as water, without need to include an electromechanical cooling system in the dispensing device.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that applies cooling to areas of the forehead and the eyes of a patient in traumatized areas. The device consists of sleeve made of natural fabric that lies gently to the skin. The sleeve is compartmentalized to hold from one to four gel packs depending on a users need. The gel packs are composed of a non toxic substance that will remain unfrozen and malleable even when cooled to temperatures at which water filled packs would freeze solid. The individual packs readily conform to facial features due to the material used and thereby contributing to the improved comfort of the user. The gel packs can be heated for use by submerging them in hot water for use over sinus areas of the face. For facial use comfort can be had by allowing the user to be in a semi-inclined position rather than prone, without any restriction or pressure of a band going around the head of the user to cause undue compression to an already traumatized tissue.

Abstract: A thermal cooling apparatus is provided that includes a thermal pack and a flexible band conformable into an annulus. The flexible band includes outer and inner layers made of thermally insulating material. The inner and outer layers are connected to one another to establish a pocket including a mouth sized to permit insertion and removal of the thermal pack through the mouth for accommodation in the pocket. The inner layer preferably possesses a plurality of vent ports for permitting thermal transfer from the thermal pack through the inner layer. Also provided is a method of treating an anatomical area of an individual with the thermal cooling apparatus.

Abstract: Multiple food storage systems are disclosed herein. One food storage system includes a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned in the first food receiving cavity and defines a second food receiving cavity. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein. A separate food storage system includes a main lid configured for use with a main bowl that defines a first food receiving cavity. A secondary bowl is positioned at least partially on and/or in the main lid. The secondary bowl includes a sidewall containing thermal energy storage material therein.

Abstract: An elongated sheet having repeating compartments and intermittent sections placed after any repeating compartment. The repeating compartments are closed membranes encasing refrigerant therein. Alternatively, the repeating compartments may be disposed with pockets for releasably retaining the refrigerant. The intermittent sections are flat in cross section and provide holes along its sides for creating a passageway therethrough. The holes may be strengthened using a grommet or the like. In use, one elongate sheet is secured to other elongated sheets in any various end-to-end and/or side-to-side combinations for creating a modular blanket of refrigerant. The sheets are secured to one another by hooks or other known means in which holes in one sheet are connected to various holes in another sheet. The refrigerant blanket may then be placed around the exterior of a large quantity of perishable goods for maintaining the temperature of the sensitive goods.

Abstract: A means to keep a sandwich or food item fresh and safe in a disposable closeable plastic bag is provided. The means is an extension to the bag that contains a refrigerateable gel polymer. As a result, the closeable bag can be placed into the freezer for allowing the gel polymer to solify. Then the bag is removed from the freezer and a sandwich or food item is placed thereinto. The bag is then closed and folded over, so that the extension abuts the food so as to maintain freshness for an extended time. Alternately, a double closeable plastic bag with substantially identical pouches or pockets is provided, with one end containing food and the opposite end designed for receiving a frozen gel polymer pack. Still further, the plastic bag may have a separate gel receiving pouch disposed to abut the food storage pocket of the bag.

Abstract: A coaster for a beverage container has an enclosed base and a cooling material encapsulated therein. The enclosed base has a top surface with a substantially planar portion. The beverage container engages on the top surface of the base. In another embodiment, a coaster assembly has a base portion and a collar portion. The collar portion attaches to the base portion and reveals at least a portion of a top side of the base portion.

Abstract: A temperature control pack for refrigerating a shipping container includes a mass of gel material which is shape-retaining at room temperature, and is configured as a relatively thick rectangular solid. The mass of gel material is enclosed in a first plastic film bag, and also in a second plastic film bag providing a sheath about the first bag, and also enclosing a quantity of air to provide an insulating and cushioning air space between the bags. Especially at the ends of the mass of gel material and surrounding bags, an air cushion space is provided in order to safeguard the plastic bags against bursting caused by “water hammer” effect from dropping, impacts, or jarring of the shipping container. The thick rectangular shape of the mass of gel material, along with the pair of plastic film bags, in combination with the insulating air space, provide a leak-resistant temperature control pack with increased refrigerating endurance.

Abstract: Containers are provided. An exemplary container for storing an item comprises: an insulating material; a pressure-maintaining container defining an interior, the pressure-maintaining container being surrounded by the insulating material; and a temperature-maintaining material disposed within the interior of the pressure-maintaining container, the temperature-maintaining material being arranged to maintain a temperature of an item placed with the container. The temperature-maintaining material sublimates during warming to produce sublimation gasses and the pressure-maintaining material is operative to control venting of the sublimation gasses such that pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is maintained about the temperature-maintaining material. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: A container has a thermal pack aligned on a central axis of the container. The thermal pack includes a material such as a phase change material for cooling (or heating) the liquid in the container. The thermal pack attaches to the container such as by a threaded connection in a receiving tube, which makes full circumferential contact with an end of the thermal pack. The container has a drinking or pouring opening aligned relative to the thermal pack, but completely separated from the thermal pack. Radial flow slots permit fluid to flow from the container interior through the drinking or pouring opening.

Abstract: A self-contained insulated container for maintaining an item at a predetermined temperature. The container has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, which are spaced apart from each other and closed off to define an insulating chamber therebetween. The container includes a storage area, for receiving the item therein, which is defined by the inner sidewall. The storage area is at a first storage temperature. The insulating chamber is substantially filled with a first insulating material, which is a gel mixture. The first insulating material is at a first insulating temperature. The storage area attains a second storage temperature after the item is placed therein and the first insulating material maintains the second storage temperature and the item at the predetermined temperature for a storage period.

Abstract: A cooler comprising a first compartment defining an interior region and a portion of the first compartment extending into an interior region of a second compartment. The interior region of the second compartment carries a cooling material that cools the interior region thereof. Heat flow from the interior region of the first compartment into the interior region of the second compartment cools the interior region of the first compartment.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: A multi-purpose ice holding assembly is disclosed for the making and storing of ice. Parts of the assembly include an external chamber, a bucket that inserts snugly into the external chamber and a lid for closing the assembly. Pockets for the forming of ice may be formed in the external chamber or the internal bucket, depending on the embodiment. The device may also be used for the serving of ice, as well as the chilling of wine bottles and other cold beverage containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having alternating enclosure walls for providing temperature insulation and for providing alternating reservoirs of phase change materials, wherein the respective phase change materials are different in each alternating reservoir. The innermost reservoirs comprise a thermal insert which modifies the control temperature inside the container.

Abstract: A cold pack comprising a handheld flexible plastic bladder filled with a smaller container of a first reactant, with a volume between the container and the bladder filled with a second reactant. The cold pack may be hand crushed to break the thin walled inner container, allowing the reactants to mix and generate an endothermic reaction cooling the outer walls of the bladder.

Abstract: A personal air conditioning system that may be used, for example, to cool a tent. The personal air conditioning system includes a cooling lid that fits over a typical insulated cooler. The cooling lid includes a heat transfer tower that is configured to transfer heat from a cold medium, such as ice, that is located within the cooler to an area within the cooling lid. A heat sink is provided at the top of the heat transfer tower and at least partially within the cooling lid. A fan is configured to draw air into the cooling lid, across the heat sink, and out of the cooling lid. The cooled air may then be used for cooling of a tent or other compartment, for example, or may be directed to blow on an individual.

Abstract: Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier having a body with arcuate sidewall sections and an integrally formed base, the body being sufficiently rigid to support a plurality of individual canned or bottled beverages. The carrier also includes an internal coolant chamber, a durable handle, and an elastomeric, thermally insulative band that is releasably securable around the body to maintain the beverages in supported contact with the body until removed for consumption of the contained beverage. Upon removal of all beverage containers from the carrier, the band desirably contracts into engagement with the projecting portions of the body perimeter to reduce the overall volume defined by the carrier. Shoulders are preferably provided on the body of the carrier to assist in maintaining the elastomeric band in a preferred positional alignment relative to the body.

Abstract: An article includes a flexible bag that has a cavity therein. A predetermined quantity of ice pellets are deposited within a cavity of the bag and a predetermined quantity of polymer pellets are deposited within the cavity of the bag and mixed with the ice pellets such that a homogenous mixture of the ice pellets and the polymer pellets is formed within the cavity. Such polymer pellets and ice pellets have coextensive shapes. The polymer pellets further have liquid-absorbing characteristics such that melted ice is advantageously absorbed and retained by the polymer pellets during extended periods of time, thereby conveniently eliminating the need to drain the bag. The polymer pellets have vapor-releasing characteristics such that thermo-energy is released from the melted ice as a vapor rather than as a liquid to thereby advantageously prevent a surrounding area from becoming water damaged.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food service container is formed with an inner portion having side walls and an opening for the receipt of food, and an outer portion having sidewalls spaced from the inner portion with a eutectic gel, disposed between them. A ledge extends from the periphery of the outer portion with a flange extending from the inner portion seated against the ledge; and is held by an ultrasonic bond joining the ledge to the flange. The food container has ribs along the sidewalls of the inner and outer portions. Peripheral channels and ridges are formed respectively on the ledge and flange for welded engagement with each other, the channels having enlarged segments which extend beyond the cross-sectional dimension of a respective ridge received therein.