Abstract: A method of manufacturing uniform ice objects includes placing an ice block in a freezer; cutting the ice block into sub-blocks, in the freezer; trimming all sides of each sub-block to ensure smooth, straight cuts on all sides thereof, in the freezer; cutting each trimmed sub-block into sheets, in the freezer, to define a final height of ice objects; cutting each sheet into loins, in the freezer, to define a width of the ice objects; cutting each loin into the ice objects, in the freezer; loading the ice objects in tubs, in the freezer; relocating the tubs of ice objects from the freezer to a refrigerator; removing snow from the ice objects and packaging the ice objects, in the refrigerator; and returning the packaged ice objects to the freezer.

Abstract: A process for metering the disposition of a food product into cavities forming a pellet. The cavities are defined in a conveyor as individual cavities. Each cavity defines a specific volume. The process includes supplying a quantity of food product in a supply chamber which includes a plurality of nozzles aligned above the conveyor. The nozzles are aligned with a predetermined portion of the cavities. A predefined supply of food product is dispensed and metered through each nozzle. The food product is dispensed through the nozzles into the cavities without exceeding the specific volume of the cavity. The food product is frozen into an individual quick frozen pellet starting immediately upon disposition in one of the cavities. The step of metering the predefined amount of food product includes metering a predetermined weight of the food product.

Abstract: A temperature controlled product shipper includes a phase change material bladder which can be filled at the point of packaging. The shipper includes an internal product box and an outer box where the product box is received within the outer box. The phase change material bladder is received within a cavity defined between the outer surface of the product box and the inner surface of the outer box. The shipper may also include an insulated liner which is received between the product box and the bladder.

Abstract: Described herein are an adapter kit for non-destructively adapting a cooler having a melt water drain hole into a cold tap, a cooler configured as a cold tap, and a method for non-destructively adapting a cooler having a melt water drain hole into a cold tap. In one example, the adapter kit allows the cooler to be configured as a cold tap, while being readily removable to allow the cooler to return to it's undamaged, original form.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-layer cell freezing vial and method of obtention thereof. The method of obtention is a cell freezing and thawing process that avoids the need of incorporating new fresh medium to the thawed cells for the dilution of the cryoprotective agent. This is achieved by the previous freezing of an extra layer of culture medium in addition to the frozen cell solution containing said cryoprotective agent. At the time of thawing, the culture medium and the cell solution mix themselves, turning the concentration of said cryoprotective agent to a non-toxic dilution and achieving the effective exclusion of said cryoprotective agent from the living cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is preservation system for nutritional substances. The preservation system obtains information about the nutritional substance to be preserved, senses and measures the external environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the internal environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the state of the nutritional substance, and stores such information throughout the period of preservation. Using this accumulated information, the preservation system can measure, or estimate, changes in nutritional content (usually degradation) during the period of preservation. Additionally, the preservation system can use this information to dynamically modify the preservation system to minimize detrimental changes to the nutritional content of the nutritional substance, and in some cases actually improve the nutritional substance attributes.

Abstract: A storage container incorporates a housing defining a cavity therein. At least one support rail extends from the housing within the cavity having a plurality of encoded first moieties. At least one refrigerant brick having mating encoded second moieties configured to be received into the encoded first moieties couples the refrigerant brick within the cavity.

Abstract: A high-pressure pump includes a plunger for pressurizing a fuel, a cylinder accommodating the plunger reciprocatably in its axial direction and a pump body. The pump body defines a pressurization chamber, a low-pressure fuel passage hydraulically connecting a fuel inlet and the pressurization chamber, and a discharge passage. The pump body further defines a cylindrical space around the cylinder. The fuel flows into the cylindrical space from the low-pressure fuel passage so as to cool the cylinder. The entire outer surface of the cylinder can be surely cooled.

Abstract: An ice cream freezer burn prevention method and apparatus is provided. The device of the present invention includes a flexible pouch with a non-freezing solution within. The flexible pouch is placed over ice cream within a container after a portion of the ice cream has been removed. The flexible pouch conforms to the ice cream and preserves the ice cream as well as preventing freezer burn.

Abstract: The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen.

Abstract: The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may involve the use of layered, insulated PCM assemblage that itself comprises: modular insulating foam material 8 that, upon establishment as part of the assemblage, defines inner foam material sides 9 and outer foam material sides 10; thin reflective material 11 established against (whether directly in contact with or not) at least either the inner foam material sides or the outer foam materials sides, and modular, enclosed PCM sections 12 established between the modular insulating foam material and the interior center.

Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.

Abstract: A retrofit ice making and bagging apparatus and retrofit installation method provide automatic supply of bags of ice into a freezer compartment. The apparatus has an outer housing with a lower end configured for securing on top of an aisle freezer so that openings in the lower end of the housing and upper end of the freezer are aligned to provide a passageway into the freezer compartment. An ice making unit and bag making and filling station are mounted in the housing. Ice is transported from the ice making station into partially formed bags at the bag making and filling station, and a bag is sealed and separated when a sufficient amount of ice is supplied to the bag. The bag making and filling station communicates with the passageway into a storage compartment in the freezer, whereby separated bags of ice fall into the storage compartment on completion.

Abstract: A system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags and the bags of ice are distributed and stacked within a temperature-controlled storage unit, such as an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus is provided having a nested thermally insulating structure, thermal links, a vacuum shroud, and a cryo-cooler. The nested thermally insulated structure holds a sample to be cooled while dampening the external vibrations caused by the cryo-cooler, the surrounding environment or cryo-cooler mounting surface. The thermal link is made of thermally conductive wires which connect the nested thermally insulated structure and the cryo-cooler thereby allowing the apparatus to reduce vibrations inherent in the operation of the cryo-cooler.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: A process with associated methods keeps the internal temperature of a cargo container within a temperature range during long transits having unpredictable high ambient temperatures. A cargo payload is shipped inside of an insulated container. The insulated container contains some form of refrigerant cooling agent (such as gel packs) to assist in keeping the internal temperature within the temperature range during transit. The container's shipping route to its destination includes stops at physical stations (hubs) where the container's internal temperature is measured using non-intrusive methods. If the internal temperature is above a trigger value, the container's refrigerant is replaced with new frozen ones. The container is shipped to the next hub or end destination. By exchanging refrigerant as needed, the container and its payload can traverse long distances over long time periods and still maintain its internal temperature within a desired window.

Abstract: A system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags and the bags of ice are distributed and stacked within a temperature-controlled storage unit, such as an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: A refreezable container for storage of perishable and/or temperature-sensitive items is described herein. A bottom surface, contiguous with one or more side surfaces is provided, each surface having an interior cavity at least partially filled with refreezable material, usable to retain contents within the container at a temperature less than ambient temperature. The bottom surface includes a lower groove therein. The side surfaces include a lip adapted for secure engagement for an upper object, which can include a top cover having a complementary groove, or the lower groove of an adjacent refreezable container, allowing multiple containers, with or without top covers, to be nested for storage or transport, and allowing multiple covered containers, or top covers independent of containers, to be stacked and nested.

Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cooling device for Stirling circulated dry storage container, which is mainly to make an accommodation space with opening within an external shield, and at the peripherals of the accommodation space, it is installed with a plurality of air flow inlets and air flow outlets that are connected to the external side. In addition, a shield cover is used to cover the opening of the accommodation space, and a nuclear waste storage container is installed within the accommodation space of the external shield, and the peripheral of the accommodation space and the nuclear waste storage container forms an air flow channel.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: An ice machine in which an icemaker sits atop the ice machine and makes ice that is processed by the ice machine to deliver on demand ice in bags to a paying customer. The customer places payment into the money acceptor and pushes a button indicating a demand to purchase an open bag of ice or a container of ice water provided by the ice water dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container (100) substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: A blank, carton, package, and method for enclosing a plurality of containers in a carton is disclosed. The carton includes first and second top panels, first and second side panels, and a bottom panel. The top panels each include separation lines with one top panel disposed over the other top panel when formed as a carton. The carton is openable along the separation lines to expose the containers. The carton is capable of receiving a cooling substance therewithin when the top panels are separated along the separation lines. The carton including at least two handle tear lines with a handle disposed therebetween. The handle capable of being engaged to move the carton or package as desired.

Abstract: A bottle display stand with an active cooling function. The display stand includes a housing having an opening into which a beverage bottle may be inserted. A reservoir for containing a cooling medium is disposed inside the hollow housing. A pump, in fluid communication with the reservoir, recirculates the cooling medium from the reservoir through a fluid passageway and out of a spray jet. The spray jet is aimed at an upper region of the bottle, preferably the shoulder. Cooling medium travels down the body of the bottle substantially in a thin film that does not obscure the bottle or its label and creates a waterfall- or fountain-type effect that is extremely aesthetically pleasing without splashing, dripping, or a similar mess. Simultaneously, the thin film of cooling medium chills the beverage and keeps it cold. A cooling unit may optionally remove heat from the cooling medium.

Abstract: An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of selecting of a container and temperature-control system, such that biological products (including blood) requiring maintenance within a specified range of temperatures are so maintained during shipment. The process requires a prediction of the maximum period of shipment, and the predicted ambient temperature ranges and time of exposure thereto for the system during the period of shipment. With that information, a system of container(s) with temperature-control agents including dry ice, ice, frozen gel packs or a phase change material, is selected.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, and to a method for installation of the system, for whole-body cryotherapy applicable to humans or animals at a temperature of the order of ?110° C. According to the invention, the treatment chamber and the refrigerating elements, or at least one of these two elements, are mounted on at least one mobile or transportable self-supporting structure, in a way that permits use from the self-supporting structure. It also relates to a whole-body cryotherapy system equipped with pre-chambers at intermediate temperatures, defining a modifiable or removable two-way path between the treatment chamber and the outside, and including elements for local cryotherapy. It also relates to such a system divided into several separable modules.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system to thermally package an item having at least one container (100) substantially filled with an alcohol, wherein said alcohol undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: Insulated shipping container and method of making the same. In a preferred embodiment, the insulated shipping container comprises an outer box, an insulated insert, an insulated cover, a payload container and a plurality of coolant members. The outer box comprises a rectangular prismatic cavity bounded by a plurality of rectangular side walls, a closed bottom end, and top closure flaps. The insulated insert is snugly, but removably, disposed within the outer box and is shaped to define a bottom, four sides and a top. The top includes a raised peripheral edge and a recessed shelf. A large rectangular prismatic cavity surrounded by a plurality of smaller cavities extends downwardly from the recessed shelf. The large cavity of the insulated insert is adapted to receive a payload container, together with a pair of coolant saddle bags adapted to surround the payload container.

Abstract: An information technology enclosure has a processing subsystem and infrastructure subsystem in separate shipping containers that cooperate to process information. The processing subsystem has increased information processing density by concentrating information handling systems in a first processing shipping container that is supported with infrastructure equipment in a second infrastructure shipping container. In one embodiment, the shipping containers are arranged in a stacked configuration so that cooled air and exhausted air are exchanged through aligned vents formed in the ceiling and floor of stacked shipping containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing, bagging and dispensing ice has an ice supply station, an ice collection station, a film supply, a bag forming station, and an ice transport device to transport ice from the collection station to the bag forming station. A controller controls supply of two superimposed film layers to the bag forming station, bag forming, and ice supply to the bags. A bag is partially formed from the superimposed film layers by a sealing device at the bag forming station, and ice is transported from the ice collector into the partially formed bag. The remaining open portions of the bag are sealed when sufficient ice has been supplied to the bag, which is then separated from the film supply for discharge into a storage and freezer compartment. The preceding steps are repeated until the storage and freezer compartment is filled to a predetermined level with bags of ice.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.

Abstract: Disclosed is various embodiments of a self-heating or self-cooling container with a number of improved features in overcoming the problems associated with existing containers, including, but not limited to, an improved breaking device designed to maximize the mixture and reaction between different reactants, an insulating lip to prevent heat loss in the heating process, a simple and efficient design of the container, and enhancements in manufacturing and assembling a self-heating or self-cooling container.

Abstract: A system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags and the bags of ice are distributed and stacked within a temperature-controlled storage unit, such as an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: A blank, carton, package, and method for enclosing a plurality of containers in a carton is disclosed. The carton includes first and second top panels, first and second side panels, and a bottom panel. The top panels each include separation lines with one top panel disposed over the other top panel when formed as a carton. The carton is openable along the separation lines to expose the containers. The carton is capable of receiving a cooling substance therewithin when the top panels are separated along the separation lines. The carton including at least two handle tear lines with a handle disposed therebetween. The handle capable of being engaged to move the carton or package as desired.

Abstract: A machine for making yoghurt without requiring active bacterial cultures includes a milk dispenser, an ingredient dispenser, a heating unit and a cooling unit. In particular, a vending machine further includes a credit entry component. The ingredient dispenser system releases at least one salt of a non-toxic divalent cation and at least one non-toxic acidulating agent.

Abstract: A shipping container is used with methods for controlling shipment of a temperature controlled material so that once a customer order is initiated with a customer origin point and a customer destination the shipping container with a phase change material maintaining a sample chamber within the shipping container within a desired temperature range is shipped to the customer origin point where a temperature controlled material is loaded into the sample chamber and then the shipping container is shipped to the customer destination and then returned to a repurposing site and periodic location of the shipping container is tracked by use of a wireless location sensor associated with the shipping container during its shipment. The health of the shipping container, as well as the temperature of its sample chamber, can also be monitored, tracked, recorded and retrieved either during shipment or at the conclusion of a shipping cycle.

Abstract: A container consisting of a PCTFE monolayer, the thickness of said layer being about 40-100 ?m, which container is equipped with a device where the liquid can be lead out through when desired and which container is transparent, shows superior properties for storing liquid pharmaceutical compositions, especially insulin compositions containing preservatives.

Abstract: The present inventions provides a container for dry ice, an entrance for the dry ice and a permeable surface wherein for the duration of vaporization the permeable surface provides an exit for vapor created by the dry ice inside the container and prevents the dry ice from exiting the container. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the entrance is configured to open and securely close. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the container further comprises a patch to close the entrance.

Abstract: An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cold chain package including a plurality of panels surrounded by an overwrap, each of the panels including a plurality of layers of dissimilar materials, and a hinge formed between adjacent panels of the plurality of panels for facilitating folding of the panels to fit in a shipping container.

Abstract: A device is provided to cool and apply a product. The device includes a pressurized container configured to hold a liquefied refrigerant product. The pressurized container includes a longitudinal axis and is provided with a refrigerant product dispensing element with a product coating surface. The device also includes cooling means with at least one refrigerant product vaporization conduit connected in fluid communication with the refrigerant product dispensing element. The device further includes an applicator coating element disposed adjacent to the vaporization conduit so as to exchange heat with the vaporization conduit while the refrigerant product is dispensed from the dispensing element into the vaporization conduit. The applicator coating element typically includes a surface complimentary to an applicator so that the applicator may be coated with product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.

Abstract: A system for distributing commodities such as foods requiring cold packing, such as frozen sea foods, chilled foods, cooled foods, etc., in disposable cold insulation boxes which can use ice and/or dry ice to cool these foods. This system comprises a packing facility for packaging commodities, into repetitively usable cold insulation boxes together with a repetitively usable cold insulating material, to produce cooled packages, a distribution facility for stacking resultant cooled packages for distribution to customers, a renewing facility for renewing used cold insulating material and used cold insulation boxes to facilitate their reuse, and a stock facility for stocking the renewed cold insulating material and the renewed cold insulation boxes, as components of the system, wherein each of the cold insulation boxes consists of a box body and a cover, and opening action proving tapes are stuck to straddle the body box and cover to couple them together.

Abstract: A method of preserving food in a supercooled state, wherein food is packed inside a container with no head space, and then converted to a supercooled state by a cooling step in which the food is cooled from a temperature higher than the freezing point to a temperature below the freezing point at a cooling rate exceeding ?0.5° C./h but no more than ?5.0° C./h.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transiently-extant drink bottle. The drink bottle is formed from joining two separate closed internal compartments, each compartment capable of holding a unique drinking fluid. Joining of the compartments allows for greater consumer choice in beverage selection as well as cooling of one beverage through its non-contact proximity to a frozen beverage. The transient nature of the proximity of closed internal compartments allows for multiple use and combination of drinking fluids.