System and method for active cooling of stored blood products

A portable blood storage device includes an outer housing an inner housing. The outer housing defines the structure of the blood storage device. The inner housing is located within the outer housing and has an interior cavity for storing collected blood and/or blood components. The inner housing has an open top to allow access to the interior cavity. The storage device also has an inlet duct and a return duct located within the interior cavity. The inlet duct is fluidly connectable to a cooling device and brings conditioned air into the storage device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The return duct is also fluidly connectable to the cooling device and returns exhaust air to the cooling device when fluidly connected.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to storage of blood and blood products, and more particularly to devices that provide active cooling of stored blood and blood products.

BACKGROUND ART

The United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) determines storage requirements for all blood and blood products. Among other things, the FDA requires that blood and/or blood products be stored within a specific temperature range. For example, after 8 hours, whole blood must be stored between 1 and 6 degrees Celsius. During transport, the whole blood must be kept between 1 and 10 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the FDA requirements also state that, after collection, blood products may only be outside of the specified temperature range for prescribed (brief) period of time. If the temperature of the blood or blood products remains outside of the target temperature range for longer than the allowed time, the blood and blood products must be disposed of. As one may expect, loss and disposal of any blood or blood product is wasteful and costly.

Furthermore, the FDA guidelines become more of an issue when one considers that blood and blood products are not always collected and immediately processed or placed within a fixed storage device or location. In most instances, the blood and/or blood products must be transported to a different location for permanent processing, storage, and/or use.

Currently, hospitals and blood donation organizations transport collected/stored blood and blood products in a consumer-type cooler (e.g., similar to those used to store beverages and food) with ice packs, bags of ice, or dry ice, for example. This method provides only limited transport time and cannot ensure that the stored blood and blood products remain within the target temperature range (e.g., the temperature may be above or below the target range). Additionally, this method cannot ensure that all of the blood and/or blood products within the cooler are at the same temperature (e.g., some of the blood product containers may be within the temperature range and others may not because of the uneven cooling provided by ice packs). Lastly, this method is unable to provide any information regarding how long the blood product has been stored and for how long the blood product was outside of the target temperature range. Therefore, in many instances, if the ice pack melts during transport and there is uncertainty as to whether or not the blood went over the target temperature, the blood and/or blood products must be disposed of. In other instances, the temperature of the blood or blood products is sampled at the processing center. If the blood or blood product falls within the specified range, the blood or blood product is cleared for processing even though the blood or blood unit may have been outside of the specified range at any point since collection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a portable biological-material storage device including an insulating housing, an inlet duct, and a return duct. The insulating housing may define the structure of the biological-material storage device and may have an interior cavity for storing biological material. The insulating housing may have an open top to allow access to the interior cavity. The inlet duct may be fluidly connectable to a conditioning device and may be located within the interior cavity of the storage device. The inlet duct may bring conditioned air into the storage device when fluidly connected to the conditioning device. The return duct may be fluidly connectable to the conditioning device and located within the interior of the storage device. The return duct may return exhaust air to the conditioning device when fluidly connected to the conditioning device.

In accordance with additional embodiments, there is provided a portable blood storage device including an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing defines the structure of the blood storage device. The inner housing may be located within the outer housing and may have an interior cavity for storing collected blood and/or blood products/components. The inner housing may also have an open top to allow access to the interior cavity.

The portable blood storage device may also have an inlet duct and an outlet duct within the interior cavity. Both the inlet duct and the outlet duct may be fluidly connectable to a cooling device. The inlet duct may bring conditioned air (e.g., warmed, cooled, or otherwise conditioned) into the storage device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The return duct may return exhaust air to the cooling device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The inlet and outlet ducts may have openings extending along the length of the ducts. The openings allow conditioned air within the inlet duct to enter the interior cavity and exhaust air within the interior cavity to enter the return duct.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the inner housing may be spaced from the outer housing to create a volume between the inner housing and the outer housing. The volume between the inner and outer housing may contain an insulator medium to help maintain the temperature within the storage device.

The portable blood storage device may also have a shroud located across the open top of the inner housing. The shroud may have a plurality of openings that extend through it and allow access to the interior cavity. Each of the plurality of openings may have a flap member(s) (or other flexible member) that prevents warm/ambient air from entering the interior cavity through the open top and prevents conditioned air within the interior cavity from exiting the interior cavity through the open top.

In accordance with further embodiments, the storage device may also have an inlet docking assembly and an outlet docking assembly. The inlet docking assembly may be located between the inlet duct and the cooling device, and may automatically create fluid communication between the inlet duct and the cooling device when the storage device is docked with the cooling device. The return docking assembly may be located between the return duct and the cooling device and may automatically create fluid communication between the return duct and the cooling device when the storage device is docked with the cooling device. When fluid communication is created, exhaust air may be returned to the cooling device, and conditioned air may be transferred from the cooling device to the inlet duct.

The inlet docking assembly may include a primary inlet door and a secondary inlet door. The primary inlet door may open as the storage device is docked with the cooling device. The primary inlet door may also open the secondary inlet door as it opens to create the fluid communication between the inlet duct and the cooling device The return docking assembly may include a primary return door and a secondary return door. The primary return door may open as the storage device is docked with the cooling device. The primary return door may also open the secondary return door as it opens to create fluid communication between the return duct and the cooling device. When the storage device is removed from the cooling device, the doors (e.g., the primary inlet door, the secondary inlet door, the primary return door, and the secondary return door) may automatically close to fluidly disconnect the inlet and return ducts from the cooling device.

In accordance with still further embodiments, the portable blood storage device may also include at least one temperature sensor located within the interior cavity. The temperature sensors may measure the temperature within the storage device at various locations. The storage device may also have an electrical connector in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and electrically couplable with the cooling device. The electrical connector may transfer blood storage device data to the cooling device.

In accordance with further embodiments, there is provided a portable cooling device for use with a blood storage device. The portable cooling device may have a cart chassis, a cart housing, a blood storage device support member, and at least one refrigeration unit. The cart chassis may define the structure of the portable cooling device and the cart housing may surround and enclose the chassis. The blood storage device support member may have a raised state and a lowered state. When in the lowered state, the support member may support a blood storage device. When in the raised state the support member may be substantially flush against the cart housing. The support member may also include a support leg that extends downward from the bottom surface of the support member and supports the support member against the floor. The portable cooling device may also have wheels or casters mounted to the chassis to allow the portable cooling device to be moved/transported.

The refrigeration unit(s) may be contained within the chassis and may be fluidly connected to the blood storage device when the blood storage device is supported by the support member and/or when the blood storage device is positioned on the cart and/or support member. The refrigeration unit may have a supply port and a return port. The supply port may be fluidly connected to an inlet duct on the blood storage device to allow conditioned air to be transferred to the blood storage device. The return port may be fluidly connected to a return duct on the blood storage device to allow exhaust air from the blood storage device to be returned to the portable cooling device.

The blood storage device support member may include a plate that may longitudinally slide within the support member to position the blood storage device to fluidly connect the supply and return ports with the inlet duct and return ducts. The plate may also have a first registration detail that corresponds to a second registration detail located on the blood storage device. The first and second registration details may orient the blood storage device on the plate.

Additional embodiments of the portable cooling device may also have a refrigeration chassis on which the refrigeration unit(s) may be mounted. The refrigeration chassis may be removable from the portable cooling device to allow for easy maintenance and/or replacement of components.

The portable cooling device may also have a cooling device electrical connector and a refrigeration control unit. The cooling device electrical connector may be in electrical communication with an electrical connector on the blood storage device when the blood storage device is fluidly connected to the refrigeration unit(s). The cooling device electrical connection may transmit data to and/or receive data from the blood storage device. The refrigeration control unit may be in communication with at least one refrigeration unit, and may control the operation of the refrigeration unit(s) based, at least in part upon, the data received by the cooling device electrical connector.

In accordance with additional embodiments, the portable cooling device may also include an embedded server for storing the data received by the cooling device electrical connection, and a wireless router or wireless access point device. The wireless router/access device may wirelessly transmit the data to and/or receive data from external devices. The portable cooling device may also have a battery back-up located within the chassis. The battery back-up may provide power to the refrigeration units, embedded server, wireless router and/or the wireless access point device if power is lost to the portable cooling device.

In accordance with still further embodiments, an active blood storage and cooling system is provided. The active blood storage and cooling system may include a portable cooling device and a blood storage device. The portable cooling device may have a refrigeration unit with a supply port and a return port. The blood storage device may have an interior cavity for storing blood products. The storage device may also have an inlet duct, and a return duct within the interior cavity. The blood storage device may be dockable with the portable cooling device. When docked, the supply port may fluidly connect to the inlet duct and the return port may fluidly connect to the return duct. The portable cooling device may send conditioned air to the blood storage device through the supply port and inlet duct and receive exhaust air through the return duct and return inlet.

The portable cooling device may include a blood storage device support member that may be oriented in a raised state or a lowered state. When in the lowered state, the support member may support the blood storage device. The support member may also include a plate that may longitudinally slide within the support member. The plate may position the blood storage device to fluidly connect the cooling and return ports with the inlet duct and return ducts on the blood storage device. The plate may have a first registration detail that corresponds to a second registration detail on the blood storage device. The registration details may orient and/or align the blood storage device on the plate.

In accordance with additional embodiments, the blood storage device may further include at least one temperature sensor within the interior cavity to measure the temperature within the blood storage device, and an electrical connector in electrical communication with the temperature sensor. The blood storage device may include a control module with a user interface that displays the blood storage device temperature and/or average temperature over time.

The portable cooling device may also have an electrical connector that is in electrical communication with the connector on the storage device when the blood storage device is docked with the portable cooling device. When connected, the storage device may transfer data to the portable cooling device. The portable cooling device may also include a control unit that controls the operation of the refrigeration unit(s) based, at least in part upon, the received data. The portable cooling device may store the data on an embedded server and/or wirelessly transmit the data to external devices using a wireless router/access device within (or external to) the cooling device.

In accordance with other embodiments, the storage device may have a wireless module that may send the blood storage data to an external device. The storage device may also include a location tracker (e.g., GPS) that tracks the location of the blood storage device during transport. The blood storage data may include the temperature within the blood storage device, a target temperature and/or range, a length of time that the stored blood components have been stored within the blood storage device, a length of time that the interior cavity has been above the target temperature, a quantity of blood product stored within the blood storage device, the type of blood product stored within the blood storage device, the location of the blood storage device, etc.

In accordance with additional embodiments, a portable storage device having an insulating housing, an inlet duct, and a return duct is provided. The insulating housing may define the structure of the blood storage device and may having an interior cavity for storing blood and blood components. The insulating housing may have an open top to allow access to the interior cavity. The inlet duct may be fluidly connectable to a cooling device and may be located within the interior cavity of the storage device. The inlet duct may bring conditioned air into the storage device when fluidly connected to the cooling device. The return duct may be fluidly connectable to the cooling device and located within the interior of the storage device. The return duct may return exhaust air to the cooling device when fluidly connected to the cooling device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In illustrative embodiments, a blood storage device may be used in conjunction with a portable cooling device to provide active cooling of the interior of the blood cooling device and, therefore, active cooling of stored blood and blood products. As discussed in greater detail below, embodiments of the present invention are able to maintain stored blood and blood products at the proper temperature and ensure that the blood and blood products are not stored above or below allowable temperature limits.

It is important to note that some embodiments of the present invention may also be used for storage and transportation of a variety of biological materials. For example, the storage device may be used to cool, store, and transport organs, tissues, cells, cellular material, and/or other biological material and tissue.

FIG. 1shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a blood storage device100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in the figure, the blood storage device100may have a shape and size similar to typical coolers that, as described above, are currently being used for blood storage and transport. The blood storage device100may have a body110and a lid120. The body110defines the structure of the storage device100and has a cavity in which the blood and blood products may be stored. The lid120may be connected to the body110with a hinge130that allows the lid to be opened and closed (e.g., to allow access to the internal cavity within the storage device100).

As described in greater detail below, the blood storage device100may also have a control module720(FIG. 7B) with a user interface140that allows a user to view the temperature within the storage device100as well as additional information relating to the storage device100and the blood and blood components stored within the device100. In some embodiments, the user interface140may also be used to increase or decrease a target temperature within the storage device100or control/adjust other operational parameters.

As mentioned above, the blood storage device may be used in conjunction with a portable cooling device200to provide active cooling within the storage device100.FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow perspective views of an exemplary portable cooling device200. In general, the portable cooling device200has body210and a pair of wheels220(or casters, treads, etc.) that allow the cooling device200to be moved (e.g., rolled) from location to location. The cooling device200may also have a handle230that a user may hold onto while transporting the cooling device200.

The portable cooling device200may essentially have two states—a transport state (FIG. 2A) and a cooling state (FIGS. 2B and 2C). When in the transport state, shown inFIG. 2A, a user may easily transport the cooling device200by tilting the cooling device200backwards using the handle230and pushing the cooling device200. The wheels220(or casters, treads, etc.) will allow the cooling device200to easily roll to the new location. When in the cooling state, shown inFIG. 2B, the cooling device200may be used to connect with and actively cool the storage device100(e.g., as shown inFIG. 2C). To transform from the transport state to the cooling state, the cooling device200may have a storage device support platform240that drops down from the body210. As shown inFIG. 2C, the storage device100may be placed on and supported by the support platform240. To provide additional support, the support platform240may have a support leg242that extends down from the bottom surface of the support platform240. The support leg242may be used to support the support platform240against the floor and prevent bending or breaking of the support platform240(e.g., when the storage device100is placed on the platform240). The individual components of and the interaction between the storage device100and the cooling device200will now be described in greater detail.

FIG. 3shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the storage device100. As shown inFIG. 3, the storage device body110can have an inner housing114and an outer housing112, each having an open top to allow access into the internal cavity150of the storage device100. The body110may be fully insulated in order to help maintain the temperature within the interior of the storage device100. To that end, the inner housing114and the outer housing112may be spaced apart to provide an area in which an insulation material, fluid, or other medium may be contained. For example, the insulation material/fluid/medium may be a liquid (e.g., water), a gas (e.g., air or other suitable gas), or other material (e.g., a foam). The inner housing114and the outer housing112may be secured together in a variety of ways including, but not limited to screws116. The body may also have a back cover115, a front cover111, and a top105. The top105may extend over and help secure the inner housing114and the outer housing112to one another. As discussed in greater detail below, the top105may also have a gasket106, a ridge107for supporting a shroud160, and a magnet or metal plate108to help keep the lid120closed.

It should be noted that, although the storage device body110is described above as having an inner housing114and an outer housing112, other embodiments of the present invention may only have a single walled housing. For example, the storage device100may have a single insulating housing that helps maintain the temperature within the storage device100.

As one may expect, the opening and closing of the blood storage device100(e.g., to insert and/or remove the blood or blood products) may allow the cold/conditioned air contained within the internal cavity150to escape and warm/ambient air to enter the storage device100. To prevent this loss of cold/conditioned air, some embodiments of the present invention may have a shroud160beneath the lid120and covering the internal cavity150. Therefore, when the lid120is opened to insert or remove the blood and/or blood products, the shroud160will keep the cold/conditioned air within the storage device100and prevent warm/room air from entering. The shroud160may rest on the ridge107of the body top105.

In order to allow a user to insert and remove the blood and blood products from the internal cavity150of the storage device100, the shroud160may have a series of passageways162extending through the shroud160. The passageways162may contain a normally closed, cut membrane, a flexible member, or a series of normally closed flaps164that prevent the cold/conditioned air from escaping, but still allow a user to insert the blood and/or blood products into the storage device100. For example, a user may push a blood bag through the passageway162causing the normally closed flaps164to open. Then, as the user removes their hand from the passageway162, the flaps164will close, keeping the cold/conditioned air within the storage device100.

As mentioned above, some embodiments of the present invention allow for active cooling within the storage device100. To that end, the storage device100may include ductwork within the interior cavity150. For example, the storage device100may include an inlet duct170and a return duct175. As described in greater detail below, the inlet duct170may be used to transfer cold and/or conditioned air from the cooling device200into the interior cavity150of the storage device100. Conversely, the return duct175may be used to transfer warm/exhaust air within the storage device100back to the cooling device200for cooling/conditioning and recirculation back to the storage device100. The inlet duct170and the return duct175may have holes or slots180along the length of the ducts to allow cold/conditioned air to enter the internal cavity150from the inlet duct170and warm/exhaust air from the internal cavity150to enter the return duct175. It should be understood that the term “warm air” as used herein refers to air that is warmer relative the cold/conditioned air that enters the storage device100and warmer relative to the target temperature range.

As shown inFIG. 3, the inlet duct170and the return duct175can be tubular structures that span across at least a portion of the interior cavity150. It is important to note that the term “tubular” does not require a circular/round cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the inlet duct170and the return duct175can have an oblong (e.g., generally rectangular with rounded corners) cross-sectional shapes.

Also, because the slots180may be spaced along the length of the inlet duct170, the slots180allow for even distribution of the cold/conditioned air within the internal cavity150. For example, the inlet duct170may have a slot180located near each of the passageways162. In this manner, each of the blood bags will essentially have their own slot180supplying cold/conditioned air. This may help prevent uneven cooling of the stored blood and blood products within the storage device100. Additionally or alternatively, the slots180may be sized to allow even airflow and/or cooling within the storage device100. For example, the slots180may be different sizes to assist with even air distribution along the inlet duct170.

As shown inFIG. 3, the inlet duct170and the return duct175may be secured to and supported by the shroud160by support arms177A/177B. For example, the support arms177A/177B may extend downward from the bottom surface of the shroud160and the inlet duct170and outlet duct175may pass through (or otherwise be secured to) the support arms177A/177B. The support arms177A/177B may also have foot members178A/178B that rest on the bottom of the inner housing114and help support the ducts170/175and the shroud160within the internal cavity150of the storage device100.

The storage device100may also have a variety of components that aid in transportation and stacking of the storage devices100. For example, the storage device100may have handles118located at either side of the storage device100that allow a user to easily lift and carry the storage device100. Additionally, the lid120may be designed to allow multiple storage devices100to be stacked. For example, the lid120may have an indent122(or other physical feature or apparatus) sized to accommodate a protrusion119(or physical feature or apparatus) on the bottom of the storage device100(seeFIG. 4).

Additionally, to keep the blood and blood components secured within the storage device100, the disposable sets710(e.g., the collection bags711,712,713inFIG. 7B), in which the blood and blood components are collected, may include a bar or a clip166. The bar/clip166may pass through a hole/slit in the top of the blood bag and may be configured such that blood bags may hang below the bar/clip166within the internal cavity150. The bar/clip166may span the passageways162and rest on the top surface of the shroud160(seeFIGS. 3 and 7A). The flaps164may then close around the portion of the blood bag extending through the passageway162.

In accordance with some embodiments, the lid120may also aid in securing the disposable sets in their respective passageway162. For example, the underside123of the lid120may have protrusions124corresponding to each of the passageways162(seeFIG. 5). These protrusions124may push down upon the bar/clip166and prevent them from moving and/or falling through the passageway162. In addition to the protrusions124, the underside123of the lid120may have a groove126for receiving the gasket106on the body top105(seeFIG. 7B). This allows the lid120to seal the storage container100when the lid120is closed. The lid120may also have a magnet128(or other latching device) that works in conjunction with the magnet/plate108(or other device) on the body top105to keep the lid120closed.

In order to monitor the temperature within the storage device100and ensure that the temperature of the contents does not exceed allowable limits, the storage device100may have one or more temperature sensors190located within the internal cavity150. The temperature sensor(s)190may monitor the temperature within the storage device100(e.g., at various locations) and transmit the temperature data to a variety of devices. For example, the temperature sensor(s)190may transmit the temperature data to the control module720so that it may be displayed on the user interface140. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor190may be connected to an electrical connector195which allows the storage device100to transmit the temperature data to external devices such as the cooling device200. It is important to note that the electrical connector195may also be connected to the control module720and other sensors and measurement devices and may be used to transmit other data. For example, the electrical connector195may transmit information relating to the quantity and type of blood or blood products contained within the storage device (e.g., the information obtained by the RFID scanner mentioned below), the target temperature, the length of time that the blood/blood products have been within the storage device100, if the temperature exceeded the target temperature and, if so, for how long, to name but a few. As discussed in greater detail below, the storage device may also wirelessly transmit and/or receive data.

In addition to transmitting data, the storage device100may also receive data from variety of external devices and/or the cooling device200. For example, some embodiments of the present invention may have the thermostat/temperature controller located on the cooling device200. In such embodiments, the storage device100may receive information regarding the set-point temperature and display it on the interface140. Additionally or alternatively, if equipped with a wireless module (discussed in greater detail below) the storage device100may wirelessly receive data from handheld devices (e.g., data from handheld RFID scanners, PDAs, etc.).

As mentioned above and as described in greater detail below, various embodiments of the storage device100may be docked with the portable cooling device200so that the internal cavity150and the contents may be actively cooled using the inlet duct170and the outlet duct175. To facilitate the connection of the ducts170/175to the ports860A/B on the cooling device200(seeFIG. 8) while minimizing the loss of cold/conditioned air within the storage device100, the storage device100may have a docking assembly300that automatically opens when the storage device100is docked with the cooling device200.

For example as shown inFIGS. 6A-6C, the docking assembly300may have a top housing310A, a bottom housing310B, a front panel mount320, a rear panel mount330, a mounting plate(s)340, a pair of primary door assemblies350/355, and a pair of secondary door assemblies360/365. Each of the panel mounts320,330, and the mounting plate(s)340may be used to secure the docking assembly300to the storage device100. For example, the mounting plate(s)340may be located on the rear wall113of the inner housing114within the interior cavity150, the rear panel mount330may be located between the inner housing114and the outer housing112, and the front panel mount320may be located on the exterior wall of the outer housing112. The panel mounts320/330and the mounting plate(s)340may then be secured to each other and the storage device100using, for example, screws or bolts, passing through the mounts320/330, the plate(s)340, and the inner and outer housings112,114.

The docking assembly housings310A/310B may pass through openings within the panel mounts320/330, the mounting plate340and the inner and outer housings112/114. In some embodiments, the docking assembly housings310A/310B may welded into the front panel mount320. As best shown inFIG. 6A, each of the docking assembly housings310A/310B may have an opening312A/312B to allow cold/conditioned air and returning warm/exhaust air to pass through the housings310A/310B when the primary door assemblies350/355and the secondary door assemblies360/365are open and the storage device100is docked with the cooling device200. However, when the primary door assemblies350/355and the secondary door assemblies360/365are closed, they essentially act as an air lock between the internal cavity150and the exterior of the storage device100.

In order to allow the doors352/357of the primary door assemblies350/355and the doors362/367of the secondary door assemblies to open, the doors may be secured to the assemblies using bearing mounts390,FIG. 6B. The bearing mounts390allow the doors352/357/362/367to rotate about an axis and swing open. Additionally, to keep the doors352/357/362/367normally closed, the primary door assemblies350/355and the secondary door assemblies360/365may include torsion springs380. The torsion springs380allow the doors to open when a force is applied. However, when that force is removed, the torsion springs380will cause the doors to automatically close.

It should be noted that the top primary door assembly350may correspond to the inlet duct170and the bottom primary door assembly355may correspond to the return duct175. Likewise, the top secondary door assembly360may correspond to the inlet duct170and the bottom secondary door assembly365may correspond to the return duct175. Therefore, when both the top primary door assembly350and the top secondary door assembly360are open, the inlet duct170is fluidly connected to the cooling device200. Additionally, when both the bottom primary door assembly355and the bottom secondary door assembly365are open, the return duct175is fluidly connected to the cooling device200.

As mentioned above, the docking assembly300may automatically open when the storage device100is docked with the cooling device200. To that end, as the storage device100is docked with the cooling device200, the doors352/357on the primary door assemblies350/355open (e.g., the evaporator ports860A/B push the primary doors352/357open) exposing the openings312A/312B within the assembly housings310A/310B. As the primary doors352/357open further (e.g. as shown inFIG. 6C), the primary doors352/357may contact a lever370within the secondary door assembly360/365. As the primary doors352/357push this lever370, the secondary doors362/367within the secondary door housings360/365will begin to open. When the storage device100is fully docked, the primary doors352/357and the secondary doors362/367will be open, allowing air flow in an out of the inlet and return ducts170/175. Additionally, when the storage device100is undocked from the cooling device200, the torsion springs380mentioned above cause the primary doors352/357and the secondary doors362/367to automatically close to prevent cold/conditioned air from escaping from and warm/ambient air from entering the internal cavity150.

FIG. 7Ashows a storage device100in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention with the lid120open to illustrate the configuration of the shroud160within the storage device100. Also,FIG. 7Ashows a disposable set hanging from the shroud160through a passageway162using a bar/clip166. When the lid120is closed the protrusions124on the underside of the lid122will secure the bar/clip166as described above.

FIG. 7Bshows a cross section of an embodiment of a fully assembled storage device100with a disposable set710within the internal cavity. As shown inFIG. 7B, the disposable set710can include several bags711,712,713, one (or more) of which may be filled with blood or blood product (e.g., bag713). The other bags711and712may be used when the blood/blood products are further processed after transport. As also shown inFIG. 7B, the inlet duct170and the return duct175may extend horizontally across the internal cavity150and may be supported by duct supports177A/177B which extend down from shroud160.

As mentioned above, the storage device100can have a controller720and a user interface140with a display142. The controller720may also have memory that may be used to store time data, temperature data, as well as data regarding the amount and type of blood within the storage device100. For example, each of the disposable sets710that are placed within the storage device may include an information tag that includes pertinent information regarding the disposable set and the type of blood/blood product that it contains. For example, the information tag may include the amount of blood/blood product, target storage temperature, the time that it was collected, the type of blood/blood product (e.g., whole blood, white blood cells, platelets, plasma, etc.), the location that the blood/blood product was collected, and the destination of the blood/blood product. The user may then read this tag and input the information into the control module memory using the user interface140. Alternatively, the information tag may include a bar code and the information may be scanned in using a scanner (e.g., a bar code scanner), or the information tag may be an RFID tag and an RFID scanner may be used. In such embodiments, the scanner may be in communication with the storage device such that the information is automatically stored in memory. It is important to note that, by storing such information within the storage device100, a data and temperature log may be created before, during and after transport that provides proof of compliance with regulatory requirements.

The controller720may also be used to set and/or adjust the target temperature within the storage device100if needed. When the storage device100docks with the cooling device200, the controller720may send the storage and blood/blood product information to the cooling device200so that the cooling device200will begin active cooling at the appropriate temperature. Additionally, the controller720may display any of the information on the display142on the user interface140.

As mentioned above, the storage device100may have a controller720that allows a user to set and/or adjust a target temperature. However, in some embodiments, the cooling device200may include a thermostat/temperature controller that allows a user to set and/or adjust the target temperature. In such embodiments, the user interface140and/or the controller720within the storage device100may only include monitoring, storage and display electronics (e.g., a user may not set or adjust the target temperature from the storage device100).

FIG. 8shows an exploded view of the cooling device200. As mentioned above, to facilitate the portability of the cooling device200, the cooling device200may have a body210with a pair of wheels220and a handle230that allows the cooling device to be easily transported from location to location. In addition to those components, the cooling device200may also have a refrigeration chassis810that holds the refrigeration units820and other refrigeration components within the cooling device200. In this manner, if any of the refrigeration components (discussed in greater detail below) need to be repaired or replaced, a technician may simply remove the chassis810from the body210and remove/repair the problematic component(s).

As shown inFIG. 9, each of the refrigeration units820may include a compressor910, a condenser920, and an evaporator940. While in the compressor910, the refrigerant may be compressed and then transferred to the condenser920. While in the condenser, as the name suggest, heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant (e.g., facilitated by condenser fan925) causes the refrigerant to condense. As the refrigerant exits the condenser920it may pass through a dryer927and enter a capillary tube930. The capillary tube930increases the pressure of the refrigerant and creates a larger pressure differential as the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil945. As the condensed refrigerant enters the evaporator coil945, the pressure differential causes evaporation to occur. The evaporation process cools the air within the evaporation chamber942. The cold/conditioned air within the evaporation chamber942may then be sent to the storage device100for active cooling.

To help facilitate the airflow within the system, the refrigeration unit820may also have a fan950to send the cold/conditioned air within the evaporation chamber942to the inlet duct170within the storage container. In a similar manner, the refrigeration unit820may also have a return fan960that may aid in drawing the warm air (e.g., the exhaust air) within the storage device100into the return duct175and back to the evaporator940. As the returning air enters the evaporator940, the air may pass over a heater element970. The heated air may then pass over the bottom portion of the evaporator coil945and remove any ice built up on the evaporator coil945(e.g., as a result of the evaporation). After passing over the bottom portion of the coil945, the air may then be re-cooled and recirculated back to the storage device100using the fan950and inlet duct170. The heater970and fans925/950/960may be controlled by a heater relay1060and fan relay1070, respectively (seeFIG. 10).

Returning toFIG. 8, the chassis810may also have a shelf portion812where many of the other cooling device200components may be mounted. For example, the compressor modules840A/840B that control the compressors910within the refrigeration units820and power supplies850A/B for the refrigeration units820may be mounted on the shelf portion812. Additionally, other components such as the wireless device/router and embedded server described in greater detail below may also be mounted on the shelf portion812.

As mentioned above and as shown inFIG. 8, the cooling device200may have support platforms240that fold down from the body210to support the storage device100. The embodiment shown inFIG. 8has two such support platforms, therefore, the cooling device200shown inFIG. 8can accommodate up to two storage devices100. It is important to note that, althoughFIG. 8shows a two storage device embodiment, the cooling device200can be configured to accommodate any number of storage devices100(e.g., by adding or removing refrigeration units910and support platforms240).

To aid in docking the storage device100with the cooling device, the support platform240may have a sliding plate245with a groove247that helps align the storage device100on the support platform245. For example the protrusion119on the bottom of the storage device100may rest within the grove247. Once the storage device is properly aligned on the support platform200, the user may slide the sliding plate245towards the cooler device body210and complete the docking process.

As the storage device100is docked with the cooling device200, the inlet duct170and return duct175may be fluidly connected with refrigeration units820. To that end, the evaporator may have evaporator ports860A/B (e.g., a supply port860A and a return/exhaust port860B) extending outward from the refrigeration unit820. Therefore, as the storage device100is slid into place using the sliding plate245, the evaporator ports860A/B may open the primary door assemblies350/355which, in turn, will open the secondary door assemblies360/365, as described above. Once the door assemblies are open, the inlet duct170and the return duct175are in fluid communication with the refrigeration units820. The cooling device200may then send cold/conditioned air from the evaporator to the storage device100through the inlet duct170and receive warm and/or exhaust air through the return duct175for recirculation in the refrigeration unit820.

In addition to making fluid connections between the refrigeration units820and the inlet and return ducts170/175, docking the storage device100with the cooling device200may also automatically connect electrical connector195on the storage device100with a corresponding electrical connector870on the cooling device200. Once the electrical connectors195and870are connected, the controller720within the storage device100may transfer the above mentioned data to the cooling device200. The cooling device200may then begin cooling the storage device100based, at least in part, upon the data received from the storage device100. In some embodiments, the cooling device200may provide the storage device100with power and/or recharge any power sources within the storage device100via the electrical connectors195/870. It should be understood that any type of electrical connection that allows the transfer of information and power may be used. For example, the electrical connectors195/870may be standard PIN type connectors, USB connectors, etc.

FIG. 10shows a block diagram of the circuitry of the storage device100and the cooling device200as well as the communications and connections between them. As mentioned above the storage device100may have a control module720(e.g., a processor) that is connected to a user interface140and display142. Embodiments of the present invention may also have a variety of other components and features that provide feedback to the user. For example, the user interface140and display may have a plurality of LEDs1010that are controlled by control module720and LED driver1012. The LEDs may provide a visual indication of the status of the storage device (e.g., at temperature, above temperature, whether the storage device100is full, whether the storage device100is cooling, etc.) Additionally, the storage device100may have a lid sensor1020that sends a signal to the control module720when the lid120is open. In such embodiments, the storage device100may also have an audible alarm1030which the control module720may cause to chime when it receives a lid open signal from the lid sensor1020.

Like the cooling device200, the storage device100may also have a wireless module1040(e.g., a wireless access device, wireless access point device, wireless router, etc) and antenna1045. The wireless module1040and antenna1045may be used to transmit storage device data to external devices. For example, the storage device100may transit the temperature data to a handheld device. Additionally, if the storage device100has a location tracker1050(e.g., a GPS), the storage device100may send the current location of the storage device100to an external device while the storage device100is in transmit. The wireless access device may provide wireless communication via IEEE 802.11 standard compatibility networks, cellular data networks, and location information via GPS networks, for example.

It is important to note that, although the above described embodiments describe devices and systems utilizing cooling and refrigeration units/devices, other embodiments of the present invention may include other conditioning devices. For example, some embodiments of the present invention may have conditioning devices that warm, cool, humidify, and/or dehumidify the air that is sent to the storage device100.