Patent ID: 6076313
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: A01G,Y02A

Abstract:
A facility for maintaining at least one item in a controlled environment for extended periods of time, the facility comprising:a vessel formed of a heat conductive material, the vessel including a foundation, a top wall and at least one sidewall extending between the foundation and the top wall, the foundation, sidewall and top wall cooperating to define an enclosed storage space adapted to receive items to be stored;a first thermal mass layer, substantially surrounding the foundation, sidewall and top wall of the vessel such that the vessel separates the first thermal mass layer from the enclosed storage space, for storing a sufficient amount of energy to equalize the temperature of the first thermal mass layer and the vessel and for acting as a thermal barrier, the first thermal mass layer having a preselected size;insulation means for thermally isolating the first thermal mass layer and the vessel;a first heating/cooling unit for controlling the temperature of the first thermal mass layer and for thereby controlling the temperature of the vessel to correspond to the temperature of the first thermal mass layer;sensor means for sensing the temperature of at least one of the first thermal mass layer, vessel, enclosed storage space, and items to be stored and for outputting a data signal indicative of the sensed temperature;an environmental control computer operably connected to the first heating/cooling unit for receiving the data signal output by the sensor means and for selectively actuating the first heating/cooling unit and deactuating the first heating/cooling unit to maintain the sensed temperature at a substantially constant predetermined level.