Patent ID: 6666032
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A61J,B65D,F25B,F25D

Abstract:
A thermally insulated container comprising:a payload volume located inside a sealed container, said payload volume to be maintained at a payload temperature within a predetermined temperature range during use; heating means located in said sealed container comprising a first heat storage means adapted to be pre-heated to a temperature above said predetermined range, said first heat storage means being isolated from an ambient environment external to said sealed container; cooling means located in said sealed container comprising a second heat storage means adapted to be pre-cooled to a temperature below said predetermined range, said second heat storage means being isolated from an ambient environment external to said sealed container; a first thermal pathway located inside said sealed container between the payload volume and the first heat storage means, said first thermal pathway comprising means for transferring heat selectively from said first heat storage means to said payload volume to raise said payload temperature; a second thermal pathway located inside said sealed container between the payload volume and the second heat storage means, said second thermal pathway comprising means for transferring heat selectively from said payload volume to said second heat storage means to lower said payload temperature; and control means for controlling flow of heat through the first and second thermal pathways to maintain said payload temperature within the predetermined range.