Treating An Article Patents (Class 62/62)
  • Patent number: 8448454
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that expand environmental support for an HVAC system with an HVAC fluid circulating throughout by vaporizing a cryogen; and sparging the vaporized cryogen to dispense sparge bubbles to the HVAC fluid to cool the HVAC fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, John Hammerman
  • Publication number: 20130118186
    Abstract: A method of quenching a material by injecting a cryogenic fluid into a cooling stream and simultaneously venting gas from the cooling stream, in order to maintain a desired target pressure in a chamber containing the material. In a examplary application of the method, the quenching is a step in the heat-treatment of a metal and the chamber is part of a vacuum furnace. Also disclosed is a method of supplying a cryogenic fluid to a process in which the amount of cryogenic fluid necessary to perform the process is transferred from a storage vessel to a supply vessel via a supply line, after which the supply line is closed. An elevated pressure is maintained by vaporization of a relatively small amount of the cryogenic fluid that is allowed to build in a pressure vessel that is in fluid communication with the supply vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Zbigniew Zurecki
  • Publication number: 20130111931
    Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of biological materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling and optionally simultaneous pressure drop using uniform and unidirectional flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within a cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as well as the chamber pressure as a function of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Nigel J. Grinter, Alan T. Cheng, Ying Zhou
  • Patent number: 8424319
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Robert E. Whewell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130091875
    Abstract: A method for attaching a frozen specimen to a manipulator probe tip typically inside a charged-particle beam microscope. The method comprises cooling the probe tip to a temperature at or below that of the frozen specimen, where the temperature of the frozen specimen is preferably at or below the vitrification temperature of water; bringing the probe tip into contact with the frozen specimen, and bonding the probe tip to the frozen specimen by flowing water vapor onto the region of contact between the probe tip and the frozen specimen. The bonded probe tip and specimen may be moved to a support structure such as a TEM grid and bonded to it by similar means. The probe tip can then be disconnected by heating the probe tip or applying a charged-particle beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: OMNIPROBE, INC.
    Inventor: Cheryl Hartfield
  • Publication number: 20130090242
    Abstract: Techniques for sub-cooling in a superconducting (SC) system is disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a method and superconducting (SC) system comprising at least one insulated enclosure configured to enclose at least a first fluid or gas and a second fluid or gas, and at least one superconducting circuit within the at least one insulated enclosure. The superconducting (SC) system may be sub-cooled using at least the first fluid or gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Strassner, Gregory Citver, Frank Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20130055731
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of treating a substrate with an amorphous semiconductor layer, or a semiconductor layer having small crystals, to form large crystals in the substrate are described. A treatment area of the substrate is identified and melted using a progressive melting process of delivering pulsed energy to the treatment area. The treatment area is then recrystallized using a progressive crystallization process of delivering pulsed energy to the area. The pulsed energy delivered during the progressive crystallization process is selected to convert the small crystals into large crystals as the melted material freezes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Adams, Aaron Muir Hunter, Stephen Moffatt
  • Patent number: 8387403
    Abstract: A cooling goods presentation refrigerator for presenting refrigerated goods or frozen goods has a vertical access opening to the goods chamber that is subdivided into vertically superposed compartments. The current of cooling air is conducted out of the head part directly into the shelf compartments arranged underneath it, during which the cooling air flows from the top downward through one shelf compartment after the other. From the lowest shelf compartment, the air is trapped in a collection chamber arranged underneath it and subsequently prepared by the cooling unit for the next circulation. The head part of the goods presentation refrigerator includes an air-permeable separating wall against the adjacent shelf compartment. The shelf compartment bottoms are air-permeable, so that the current of cooling air can flow successively downward through the shelf compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Albert Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130045870
    Abstract: An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container 10 includes a cryogenic refrigeration system 14 for cryogenically cooling superconducting magnet(s) 12A, 12B during transit. The cryogenic refrigeration system 14 monitors the temperature and/or pressure of the superconducting magnet(s) and circulates a refrigerant to the superconducting magnet(s) to maintain cryogenic temperatures in superconducting coils. A power supply 16, provided by a transportation vehicle, connects to the cryogenic refrigeration system via a power inlet 20 which is accessible from the exterior of the shipping container. The superconducting magnet(s) are suspended within the shipping container which is then loaded onto the transportation vehicle. The external power supply is connected to the cryogenic refrigeration system such that refrigerant is circulated to a cold head 22A, 22B of each superconducting magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: John R. Rogers, Edwardus Maria Bek
  • Publication number: 20130036751
    Abstract: Embodiments may include one or more containers which may be placed inside an ice chest (or other container which is intended to control contents temperature) to prevent leaking of the ice or water into the one or more containers. Embodiments may also include an outer container which is intended to control contents temperature which is capable of securely holding one or more inner containers disposed therein and effectively segregating contents of the outer container from the contents of the one or more inner containers. In some embodiments, the one or more inner containers are securely positionally supported with respect to the outer container by a base of the outer container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Forney Barry Lile
  • Publication number: 20130036752
    Abstract: A cooling system for PV cells includes an evaporator configured to thermally contact the PV cells and transfer heat generated thereby to coolant in the evaporator, a condenser for receiving vaporized coolant from the evaporator and condensing the coolant to a liquid state, tubing connecting the evaporator, and the condenser in a circuit, a compressor arranged in the circuit for pumping coolant therethrough in a coolant flow direction, an active charge control apparatus arranged in the circuit between, in the coolant flow direction, the evaporator and the condenser, and a liquid flow control apparatus arranged in the circuit between, in the coolant flow direction, the condenser and the evaporator. The active charge control apparatus and the liquid flow apparatus cooperate to maintain the evaporator completely wetted by coolant and prevent coolant in the liquid state from leaving the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: EARTHLINKED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Cochran, Ricardo Cruz, JR.
  • Patent number: 8371169
    Abstract: The system comprising an object to be tested, with the object has a structural resonant frequency. A vibration analyzer sends a signal through the object to a signal receiver. The signal receiver sends the data to a processor and a data storage device. A cooling chamber is used to cool the object to a specified temperature, and then allows the object to return to ambient temperature. A second vibrational test is performed and the data is compared with the first vibrational test to determine the effectiveness of the thermal treatment of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Francis Masyada
  • Publication number: 20130025298
    Abstract: Methods and devices can protect samples maintained at controlled temperatures from degradation due to transient temperature fluctuations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BIOCISION, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Schryver
  • Publication number: 20130019614
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a local cooling station, which has a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and ducting for directing a cooling airflow across the heat exchanger. A cooling subsystem is associated with the electronic subsystem of the rack, and includes either a housing facilitating immersion cooling of electronic components of the electronic subsystem, or one or more liquid-cooled structures providing conductive cooling to the electronic components of the electronic subsystem. A coolant loop couples the cooling subsystem to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station. In operation, heat is transferred via circulating coolant from the electronic subsystem and rejected in the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station to the cooling airflow passing across the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the cooling airflow is outdoor air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Milnes P. DAVID, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20130023418
    Abstract: When cooling a superconducting magnet for use in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a two-stage cryocooler (42) employs a first stage cooler (52) to cool a working gas (e.g., Helium, Hydrogen, etc.) to approximately 25 K. The working gas moves through a tubing system by convection until the magnet (20) is at approximately 25K. Once the magnet (20) reaches 25 K, gas flow stops, and a second stage cooler (54) cools the magnet (20) further, to about 4 K.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert A. Ackermann, Philippe A. Menteur
  • Publication number: 20130008191
    Abstract: A method for freezing and thawing proteins is disclosed. The proteins are rapidly frozen by introducing droplets of a protein solution into a cryogenic freezing medium. The frozen pellets thus formed are rapidly thawed by introducing them into a heat transfer fluid to form a reconstitute protein solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Naresh J. SUCHAK, Prerona CHAKRAVARTY
  • Patent number: 8347639
    Abstract: A tempering treatment method whereby the temperature of meat, which involves a carcass prepared by slaughtering cattle or poultry and sterilizing and washing, is lowered as close to the ice storage temperature as possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by the actions of enzymes contained within the meat before transporting the meat to a refrigerated storage, which comprises surface-freezing the meat by blowing a cold air stream at about ?20 to about ?40° C. to the meat before conducting the tempering treatment, thus allowing the generation of freezing latent heat in the subcutaneous part owing to the surface-freezing (freezing the subcutaneous tissue), and then rapidly lowering the core temperature inside the meat due to the latent heat released at the melting of the freezing latent heat to thereby conduct the tempering treatment at a temperature of 0 to +15° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Okamoto, Suguru Sakuramoto, Takahiro Arai, Kouichi Tsubata, Akira Taniyama
  • Publication number: 20120324912
    Abstract: A method for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. Air is pulled through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. In addition, the air may be forced through the plenum, along the length of the space formed between the two rows and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity positioned in the boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald P. TIPPMANN, Vincent P. Tippmann, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120324911
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for cooling a work piece surface using a dual-loop cooling system. The system includes a vapor-compression loop and a liquid-evaporation loop. The loops are configured to prepare a coolant at or approximately at saturation for delivery into a chamber for cooling the surface. A preferred liquid-evaporation loop includes a chamber, a phase separator, a liquid pressurizer, and a vapor mixer that heats the coolant to or near its saturation temperature. A preferred vapor-compression loop includes the phase separator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a return line. The vapor mixer preferably heats the coolant by mixing liquid coolant with vapor coolant derived from the vapor-compression loop. A two-phase flow detector may be disposed downstream of the vapor mixer and be in communication with a vapor valve disposed upstream of the vapor mixer to ensure that an appropriate amount of vapor is fed into the vapor mixer to induce evaporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy A. Shedd
  • Publication number: 20120312031
    Abstract: A carrier for thermally sensitive items such as medications, biological tissue and the like comprises a cooling chamber for receiving items to be cooled and a thermoelectric heat transfer module using the Peltier effect to cool the chamber. To maximize the time the cooling chamber remains in a cooled state when the heat transfer module is deenergized, a polymer gel is confined in conductive heat transfer relationship with the cooling chamber wall to provide a “volume of cold” surrounding the cooling chamber. The polymer gel releases thermal energy to the cooling chamber as the chamber is cooled to attain essentially the same temperature as the cooling chamber and absorbs thermal energy from the cooling chamber when the heat transfer module is deenergized and the cooling chamber begins to warm. Absent active cooling this release and absorption of thermal energy maximizes the duration of cold temperatures in the cooling chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Elliot Olsen, Steven Jay Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120297798
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for cooling a switchgear is provided. The switchgear has one or more primary contacts supported by a bushing and constructed and arranged to connect to a terminal of a circuit breaker. The cooling apparatus includes at least one evaporator associated with each primary contact, a condenser apparatus located at a higher elevation than the at least one evaporator, fluid conduit structure connecting the at least one evaporator with the condenser apparatus, and electrically insulating working fluid in at least one evaporator so as to be heated to a vapor state, with the fluid conduit structure being constructed and arranged to transfer the vapor to the condenser apparatus and to passively return condensed working fluid back to the at least one evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Patrik Kaufmann, Tilo Buehler, Harshavardhan M. Karankikar, Rahul Pawar, Jerry Earl, Gabriel Schuler
  • Publication number: 20120297795
    Abstract: A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE, INC.
    Inventor: Loren Veltrop
  • Publication number: 20120285183
    Abstract: To provide a protective coat on a refrigerated sample collector for a corrosive environment a unitary frame includes a support unit with condenser and evaporator coils mounted to the support unit and an orifice connecting the condenser and evaporator coils. The evaporator coils, condenser coils and restrictor are powder coated after being connected, whereby an effective seal is provided for the restrictor, condenser coils and evaporator coils after they are assembled to the support. The unitary frame can be easily removed or connected as a unit to the sample collector. A peristaltic pump may be used for drawing at least one sample into the refrigerated sample collector and depositing said sample into at least one sample bottle. The peristaltic pump may include contoured tube guides to reduce movement of the peristaltic pump as a roller paddle rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: TELEDYNE ISCO, INC.
    Inventors: Robert R. Fiedler, Frederick A. Nabity, Henry L. Walters
  • Publication number: 20120266612
    Abstract: A thermal system is disclosed in thermal communication with an electrical device. In one form the thermal system is a refrigeration system having a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The electrical device can be disposed within the thermal system such that a working fluid of the thermal system exchanges heat with the electrical device. In one embodiment the thermal system includes a container in which the electrical device is disposed. The working fluid in the container can, but need not, remain in substantially the same physical state when transferring heat with the electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Rigoberto Rodriguez, Steven Gagne, Donald W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20120266613
    Abstract: A thermal system is disclosed in thermal communication with an electrical device. In one form the thermal system is a refrigeration system. The electrical device can be disposed within the refrigeration system such that a working fluid of the refrigeration system exchanges heat with the electrical device. In one embodiment the refrigeration system includes a container in which the electrical device is disposed. The electrical device can be an electrical motor, but other forms are contemplated. The container can be located anywhere in the thermal system. In one non-limiting embodiment the working fluid of the refrigeration system wets a stator of the motor. A partition can be used to separate the stator from the motor to keep the motor free from working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Rigoberto Rodriguez, Steven Gagne, Donald W. Burns
  • Publication number: 20120266614
    Abstract: A coolant mixture, method and apparatus for accelerated cooling of product, especially foodstuffs, is disclosed. A further aspect of this invention is the optimizing and controlling of the cooling process and the cooling medium without the need for pressurization. It further relates to a method of effectively increasing the flexibility and maximizing of cooling capacity and its storage without inducing a change of physical state within the coolant nor incurring high energy costs. Finally it relates to effectively eliminating any corrosive properties of the cooling medium. REFERENCES CITED US Patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,093 November 1992 Takeshige U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,455 June 2008 Chen U.S. Pat. No.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: PAUL BERNARD NEWMAN
  • Publication number: 20120260680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the fast formation of a gas hydrate. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for the formation of a fed-batch-type gas hydrate, the method including a first step i) of injecting a fresh aqueous solution containing a potential feed hydrate into a reactor, a second step ii) of feeding gas into the reactor in which the fresh aqueous solution containing the potential feed hydrate is injected in the first step, so as to pressurize said gas, and a third step iii) of injecting a surfactant solution into the reactor in which the gas is pressurized in the second step, as well as to a method for the formation of a batch-type gas hydrate, in which the first step is switched in sequence with the third step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: STX OFFSHORE & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Woo Lee, Cheol Ho Kim, Jae Ik Lee, Ho Kyeong Kim, Hyo Kwan Leem
  • Patent number: 8286437
    Abstract: A transport unit including a container defining a cargo space. The transport unit includes position detection apparatus coupled to the container, and adapted to determine a geographic location of the container and to generate a signal indicative of the geographic location. The transport unit also includes a refrigeration system in communication with the cargo space, and a control system including route data that defines a plurality of potential destinations of the container. The control system is programmed to predict a container route defined by at least two potential destinations of the container based on the geographic location and the route data, and to determine a proximity of the container relative to at least one potential destination of the route. The control system is in communication with the refrigeration system to control the refrigeration system based on the proximity of the container relative to the at least one potential destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Russell L. Sanders, Ashok Muralidhar, Timothy A. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120227419
    Abstract: A method for freezing a commodity includes a plurality of boxes arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes with the plurality of boxes being positioned side-by-side. Air is pulled through and/or around the plurality of boxes and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows. The air may be discharged upwardly, horizontally or downwardly therefrom. In addition, the air may be forced through the plenum, along the length of the space formed between the two rows and through ventilation holes in the boxes and/or through spacers positioned underneath adjacent boxes for evenly freezing a commodity positioned in the boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald P. Tippmann, Vincent P. Tippmann, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120227418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling unit for cooling a load having a refrigeration circuit, at least one compressor for compressing a refrigerant that circulates in the refrigeration circuit, several heat exchangers, in which the refrigerant is cooled against itself, and two expansion devices that operate at different temperature levels, in which, at least temporarily, at least one partial stream of the refrigerant is expanded to produce cold. At least one additional expansion device is provided. The latter is connected to the refrigeration circuit in such a way that the refrigerant that can be, at least temporarily, at least partially expanded in the additional expansion device to produce cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: LUTZ DECKER
  • Publication number: 20120210734
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for the concurrent delivery of elevated pressures and low temperatures to a sample, typically but not exclusively a biological sample. A medium that expands on cooling and/or freezing is employed with a sample immersed therein, typically but not exclusively encased in a sample container. Cooling the medium lowers the temperature and applies pressure to the sample such that reduced damage to a typical biosample occurs. Relatively long-lived metastable phases are also produced, including both metastable liquids and solids, without the need for very rapid cooling steps as required in conventional achievement of such metastable phases. Preliminary test data are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Gary A. Hoffman, Edmund René Troncoso
  • Patent number: 8240155
    Abstract: A method for serving beer from a font includes the steps of first chilling a glass for the beer to a temperature of below, at least, ?5° C. and then filling the glass with beer from the font, so that crystals of frozen beer are present in the drink below the head of foam on the beer that is created when the beer is poured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Dale
  • Publication number: 20120204294
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for devitalizing plant seed, the method comprising the steps of hydrating a viable whole plant seed and freezing the hydrated whole plant seed. The invention further provides a collection of devitalized whole plant seed wherein the integrity of genomic DNA and protein within the devitalized plant seed is preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Barry W. Schafer, Rod A. Herman
  • Publication number: 20120186274
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for monitoring functionality of a refrigeration system. A method may include periodically exercising a refrigeration system to test the refrigeration system. The method may further include monitoring operation of the exercised refrigeration system. The method may additionally include determining, based at least in part on the monitoring, whether the exercised refrigeration system is malfunctioning. The method may also include causing a notification to be provided in an instance in which it is determined that the exercised refrigeration system is malfunctioning. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Joe Cwiertniewicz, Marcus Mandagie, Rick Metcalf
  • Publication number: 20120183670
    Abstract: A cryogenically frozen beaded sorbet product that remains frozen at relatively high temperatures (e.g., about 10° F.) includes fruit solids, added sugars, and added liquid to have a dextrose-equivalence, in certain instances, of about 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Stan Jones
  • Publication number: 20120183667
    Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a frozen yogurt product that remains frozen at relatively high temperatures and can be added to juice, milk, or other liquid to create a smoothie or similar beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Dippin' Dots, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Jones, Curt Jones, Kay Jones, Robert Lynn
  • Publication number: 20120183666
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing a whey-based liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer, or colder, until desired. The beads can be consumed in their frozen form to provide a convenient source of protein or can be reconstituted into a beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm or cold beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Coffee Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Curt Jones, Stan Jones, Robert Lynn
  • Publication number: 20120159968
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled housing for storing and preserving wine bottles. The housing defines a storage compartment having front and rear temperature control chambers and wherein the rear chamber is also humidity controlled. A division wall having passages provided with a flexible sealing component receives bottles on supports associated with each of the passages and a cubic chamber structure in the rear chamber. The bottle necks engage the seals which, together with the division wall, substantially seal the front chamber from the rear chamber while the spout end portion of the wine bottles is supported in the rear humidified chamber. The housing may be used in a modular assembly. The method of use is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Guy Doucet, Laurent Senee
  • Publication number: 20120151944
    Abstract: An ice chest (a.k.a. portable cooler) rack designed to keep meats and/or other goods dry while inside the ice chest. The intent of the design is to keep game and/or domestic meats and/or other goods from getting “freezer burned”, and/or becoming water logged from coming into contact for periods of time with dry ice, ice, and/or water/liquids caused from melting/spillage. It has also been shown that this will prevent premature spoiling of products due to water logging. The present invention may be configured in a variety of different ways and may be constructed from a multitude of different materials including stainless steel, wood, extruded or molded plastics, various metals, aluminum, all with satisfactory results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Randy Carlson
  • Publication number: 20120122898
    Abstract: Solid forms of 3-(4-(aminomethyl)-1-(5-methyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamido)phenyl dimethylcarbamate and salts thereof are disclosed. Methods of its use to treat diseases and disorders of the eye are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Margaret Susan De PAUL, Qun LI, Haiming ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8177123
    Abstract: A system for use in storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The container includes a storage portion and a sampling portion connected to each other by a connecting portion. The holder has a storage cavity receiving the storage portion and a sampling cavity receiving the sampling portion. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior storage cradle bounding the storage cavity of the holder. The holder includes an interior sampling cradle bounding the sampling cavity. The sampling cradle is separated from the storage cradle and connected to the storage cradle by a passage receiving the connecting portion connecting the storage portion to the sampling portion. An outer rim of the holder is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Jonathan Cutting, Isabelle Gay
  • Publication number: 20120115771
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phopholipid-binding protein, an anionic phospholipid and a sterol. Also provided is a method for preparing a composition for delivering a cargo to a subject comprising a) forming liposomes from a vitamin E derivative, an anionic phospholipid-binding protein such as annexin, an anionic phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine and a sterol; and b) encapsulating the cargo in the liposomal composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: UCL BUSINESS PLC
    Inventors: Francesca Cordeiro, Stephen Moss, Katy Coxon, James Duggan
  • Publication number: 20120102982
    Abstract: A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time. The presently disclosed methods to systems also provide nucleation control via temperature quench and depressurized nucleation control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Ying Zhou, Theodore H. Gasteyer, III, Nigel J. Grinter, Alan T. Cheng, Yeu-Chuan Simon Ho, Robert R. Sever
  • Publication number: 20120102983
    Abstract: Described are a device and a method for rapidly sterilizing liquid nitrogen in a container using ultraviolet radiation irradiated for a predetermined length of time based on the temperature measured by a sensor and on the minimum dose of radiation necessary to kill micro-organisms resistant to liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Lodovico Parmegiani
  • Patent number: 8151593
    Abstract: Various embodiments for an apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sample container for receiving an excised tissue sample and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A chuck with a generally planar surface can be placed on the sample container during the freezing process joining the chuck, tissue specimen, and sample container base in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container can be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of tissue flatness and freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: London Health Sciences Centre Research Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Henderson, Claire Temple-Oberle
  • Publication number: 20120073312
    Abstract: A system for use in freezing or thawing a biopharmaceutical material includes a container means and a support member. The container means has a receiving cavity receiving the biopharmaceutical material therein. The support member is connected to and supported by the container means. A transmitter is configured to propagate an ultrasonic pulse into the biopharmaceutical material and is located in a support member cavity of the support member. An ultrasonic sensor is configured to sense a reflection of the pulse in the biopharmaceutical material and is located in the support member cavity. A controller is coupled to the transmitter and the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a phase change of the biopharmaceutical material based on the propagation of the pulse by the transmitter and the sense of the reflection by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventor: Jonathan Cutting
  • Publication number: 20120060520
    Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for storing chemical and biological samples includes freezer chests maintained at an ultra-low temperature (e.g. ?80° C.) or a cryogenic temperature. The freezer chests are located within a refrigerated (e.g. ?20° C.) enclosure. Samples are loaded through a wall of the enclosure and are then transferred to an input/output buffer section in an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer chest that is thermally segregated from a long-term storage section in the same freezer. Specialized input/output cassettes are used for transferring the samples through an input/output module into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Collins, Frank Hunt, Julian Warhurst, Bruce Zandi
  • Patent number: 8127561
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear
  • Publication number: 20120042664
    Abstract: In a control method of a refrigerator having a storage chamber for aging of meat, an operation to keep the storage chamber at an aging temperature and an operation to cool the storage chamber to a cooling temperature lower than the aging temperature are repeated. This enables optimal aging of meat via an aging time and aging temperature suitable for meat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Young Lee, Joo Young Ha, Mi Sun Park
  • Publication number: 20120042663
    Abstract: A cooling element for cooling goods to be chilled is proposed, comprising a shell with at least one heat transfer wall for exchanging thermal energy with the goods. The cooling element further comprises at least one fluid space proximate to the heat transfer wall and at least one storage space separated from the fluid space by at least one separating element, wherein the storage space is configured to hold a supply of cooling medium in the solid aggregate state. The separating element is configured to substantially separate the supply of cooling medium in the solid aggregate state from the fluid space and to enable the cooling medium in the liquid aggregate state to pass over from the storage space to the fluid space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Ideapro GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Baumgärtner, Klaus Kauer