Portable temperature controlled storage system

At least one method and container are described for maintaining a target temperature within the container. The container generally includes a vacuum insulated body; a lid couplable to the vacuum insulated body; a heatsink, coupled to the lid, wherein a portion of the heatsink is positionable within the vacuum insulated body; and at least one thermoelectric cell coupled to the heatsink, wherein the at least one thermoelectric cell is operated to promote the transfer of heat between the inside of the container and the outside of the container to cool the inside of the container or to warm the inside of the container. The container may be arranged so that internal and external portions of the heatsink may be arranged in a decoupled position to reduce heat transfer therebetween.

FIELD

Various embodiments are described herein that generally relate to the field of refrigerated containers, and more specifically, refrigerated containers for transporting pharmaceutical compounds.

BACKGROUND

Certain materials such as, but not limited to vaccines, medication or other compositions, for example, are required to be kept at low temperatures to preserve quality. Generally, such compositions are kept in refrigerators to maintain them at the required low temperature. Materials that require refrigeration may require shipment. Maintaining low temperatures during shipping conventionally involves the use of refrigerated shipping trucks, insulated containers containing ice and or frozen gel packs, or some other method of refrigeration. However, refrigerated shipping trucks are expensive, complicated and not practically available in certain areas. In addition, insulated containers containing ice and or frozen gel packs are unable to maintain precise internal temperatures for long periods of time, which may impact the quality of the shipped compositions.

Some environments to which refrigerated materials are to be delivered to are relatively remote. For example, vaccines may be delivered to remote areas far from urban centers. If shipping is conducted using a slower method, the duration of shipping may be relatively long, requiring a refrigeration method that can maintain materials at a certain temperature range for long periods of time, while using an apparatus that is small and light.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In one broad aspect, at least one example embodiment described herein provides a container having a coupled and decoupled configuration for maintaining a target temperature within the container, wherein the container comprises: an insulated body; a lid that is releasably couplable to an upper portion of the insulated body; an exterior heatsink, coupled to the lid, the exterior heatsink having an exterior heatsink interface; an interior heatsink, positionable within the insulated body, the interior heatsink having an interior heatsink interface; and at least one thermoelectric cell; wherein in the coupled configuration, the exterior heatsink interface and interior heatsink interface are engaged such that heat may be readily conducted from the interior heatsink interface to the exterior heatsink interface or from the interior heatsink interface to the exterior heatsink interface; and wherein in the decoupled configuration, the exterior heatsink interface and the interior heatsink interface are separated by a vacuum volume to reduce any heat transfer between the interior heatsink interface and the exterior heatsink interface.

In at least one embodiment, the interior heatsink further comprises a carriage portion, wherein the carriage portion comprises a plurality of cavities.

In at least one embodiment, the cavities are shaped to receive at least one vessel.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one vessel includes a vial.

In at least one embodiment, the vial is a medical vial containing a pharmaceutical composition.

In at least one embodiment, each cavity may be filled with a thermal mass fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a sleeve that is disposed within the insulated body and has a reservoir for receiving a thermal mass fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve is disposed around the carriage portion.

In at least one embodiment, the interior heatsink interface and the exterior heatsink interface are both substantially planar.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one thermoelectric cell is coupled to the interior heatsink.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one thermoelectric cell is at least one Peltier cooler.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises an energy source, wherein the energy source is coupled to the at least one thermoelectric cell.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a temperature sensor and a controller coupled to the energy source and the at least one thermoelectric cell, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energy flow from the energy source to the at least one thermoelectric cell based on an output from the temperature sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the energy source is at least one battery and/or at least one solar cell.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises an electrical interface that is connectable to an external power source that acts as the energy source.

In at least one embodiment, the insulated body is vacuum insulated.

In at least one embodiment, the insulated body is made using a thermally conductive material including one or more of a cast metal alloy, a machined thermally conductive material, or sheet metal.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a fan that is coupled to the external heatsink and is operated to transfer additional heat away from the external heatsink when heat is being transferred out of the interior of the container to the surrounding environment.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a radiator that is coupled to the external heatsink to promote additional heat transfer from the external heatsink to the surrounding environment of the container when heat is transferred out of the interior of the container to the surrounding environment.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a decoupling mechanism for decoupling the exterior heatsink interface from the interior heatsink interface, wherein the decoupling mechanism is manual or automatic.

In at least one embodiment, the decoupling mechanism is geared and/or cammed.

In another aspect, in accordance with at least one embodiment, there is provided a container for transporting at least one vessel, wherein the container comprises: an insulated body; a lid couplable to the insulated body; a heatsink slidably receivable with the insulated body and releasably couplable to the lid, wherein the heatsink further comprises a carriage portion that is slidably positionable within the insulated body, wherein the carriage portion comprises a plurality of cavities that are each configured to receive at least one vessel; and at least one thermoelectric cell coupled to the heatsink, wherein the at least one thermoelectric cell is operated to promote the transfer of heat between the inside of the container and the outside of the container to cool the inside of the container or to warm the inside of the container.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a thermal mass fluid that is received in the plurality of cavities.

In at least one embodiment, the container further comprises a sleeve that is disposed within the insulated body and around the carriage portion, and the sleeve includes a reservoir for receiving a thermal mass fluid.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, there is provided a container for maintaining a target temperature within the container, wherein the container comprises: a vacuum insulated body; a lid couplable to the vacuum insulated body; a heatsink, coupled to the lid, wherein a portion of the heatsink is positionable within the vacuum insulated body; and at least one thermoelectric cell coupled to the heatsink, wherein the at least one thermoelectric cell is operated to promote the transfer of heat between the inside of the container and the outside of the container to cool the inside of the container or to warm the inside of the container.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment described herein, there is provided a method of transporting at least one vessel using a container defined in accordance with the teachings herein, wherein the method comprises: placing the at least one vessel within the vacuum insulated body; coupling the lid to the vacuum insulated body; and activating the at least one thermoelectric cell, such that the at least one thermoelectric cell transfers heat from the inside of the container to the outside of the container or transfers heat from outside of the container to within the vacuum insulated body.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one vessel is a medical vial that includes a pharmaceutical composition.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises pouring a thermal mass fluid into cavities inside the vacuum insulated body.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises filling a sleeve that is disposed within the insulated body with a thermal mass fluid.

In at least one embodiment, when the container reaches a predetermined cooling temperature, the method further comprises deactivating the at least one thermoelectric cell and moving the lid to a decoupled configuration to prevent heat ingress into the container.

Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein will be described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described herein limits any claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to devices, systems or methods having all of the features and/or elements of any one of the devices, systems or methods described below or to features common to some or all of the devices and or methods described herein. It is possible that there may be a device or method described herein that is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical, electric, or thermal connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices can be directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements, devices or mechanical elements, or through an electric signal or electrical contact, or through thermal conduction or radiation, depending on the particular context.

It should also be noted that the term “vacuum” should be understood as being a low pressure state relative to ambient pressure down to and including a perfect vacuum.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1%, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “at least one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, unless otherwise specified to be not combinable or to be alternative options.

In one aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, there is provided at least one example embodiment of a container (e.g., a refrigerated container) that can maintain a refrigerated internal environment for relatively long periods of time for liquids, materials or compositions stored therein. Such containers are relatively small, light and easy to transport.

Referring now toFIG.1, pictured therein is an example embodiment of a refrigerated container100. The container100comprises an insulated body102. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, the insulated body102is shaped as a substantially cylindrical cup. The insulated body102is comprised of stainless steel. In other examples, the insulated body102may be comprised of other materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, glass, wood and polymer materials, for example.

The insulated body102of the container100is insulated by vacuum insulation. The walls of the insulated body102are comprised of two thin layers of stainless steel, separated by a gap. This gap is at least partially evacuated, such that the absolute pressure within the gap is significantly less than about 1 atm. The absence of air or another gas within this gap significantly reduces the rate of heat transfer through the walls of the insulated body102.

In at least one other example embodiment of the container100, the insulated body102may be provided with thermal insulating properties through other means. For example, the insulated body102may comprise expanded polystyrene insulation, fiberglass insulation, air-gap insulation, aerogel-based insulation or any other suitable method of insulation for thermally insulating small, portable containers.

The container100comprises a lid104. The lid104is couplable to the insulated body102. When the lid104is coupled to the insulated body102, the container100is substantially sealed from the environment. Fluids may not readily enter or exit the container100when lid104is coupled to the insulated body102.

In the example container100ofFIG.1, the lid104is comprised of a polymer material. In other examples, the lid104may comprised of other materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, glass, wood, and cork.

In the example container100ofFIG.1, the lid104couples to the insulated body102through a threaded mechanism. Threads are present along the inside upper edge of insulated body102. Corresponding opposing threads are present on the lower exterior of lid104. An operator may engage the threads of the lid104with the threads of the insulated body102by placing lid104onto insulated body102. An operator may then rotate lid104clockwise, engaging the opposing threads of each component, securing the lid104to the insulated body102. In other example embodiments, other mechanisms may be used to secure the lid104to the insulated body102.

When the lid104is coupled to the insulated body102, the interior of the container100is relatively thermally insulated from the environment that is external to the container100. For example, the rate of heat transfer of the sealed embodiment ofFIG.1is less than about 1.4 W to about 2.45 W for an unpowered coupled operation and less than about 0.7 W to about 1.25 W for an unpowered decoupled operation for a difference in temperature of between about 20 to 35 degrees Celsius based on experimental data from a prototype.

The lid104further comprises a heatsink106. The heatsink106extends through the lid104, from the interior of the sealed container100to the exterior of the sealed container100. The heatsink106promotes the conduction of heat from the inside of the container100to the outside of the container100, and to the environment, or vice versa depending on the temperature gradient present between the inside and outside of the container100. The heatsink106may be made using aluminum, copper, or any other materials that have a high heat conductivity.

In various embodiments, the external heatsink106has an upper portion with fins or radiating elements for radiating heat to the external environment. The external heatsink106also includes a lower portion having a stem or piston106p, such as is shown inFIG.2. The piston106pextends through the lid104to make thermal contact with an upper portion of the interior heatsink of the insulated body102of the container100. The piston shape may be used to facilitate a zero-volume condition when the piston is in a down position (i.e., during a coupled configuration). This may aid in removing air from the decoupling chamber (i.e., the chamber between the internal and external heatsinks in the decoupled configuration). The circular shape allows for rotation of the piston106p(and therefore the external heatsink106) when the threads are spun on the decoupler (e.g., upper portion of the lid). This allows for the piston106pand the threaded section to be made as a single piece.

Container100additionally comprises a cooling element108. Cooling element108may promote the transfer of heat between the inside of the container100and the outside of the container100, or vice versa. In at least one example embodiment, the cooling element108may be at least one thermoelectric (TE) cell such as a Peltier cooler. In such embodiments, the cooling element108may comprise an internal side, and an external side. The application of a first electrical current to the electrical leads of the Peltier cooler promotes transfer of heat from the internal side, to the external side. When the direction of the first electrical current applied to the Peltier cooler is reversed, the direction of heat transfer may be reversed in which case the Peltier cooler may promote the transfer of heat from the external side to the internal side.

While the description generally refers to a Peltier cooler it may be possible that other thermoelectric cells may be used in the various embodiments described herein.

In at least one example embodiment, the cooling element108may comprise multiple sub elements, such as multiple Peltier coolers. In such embodiments, the TE cells may be physically arranged so that they are thermally in series and are electrically coupled in parallel. Other embodiments may have thermally parallel TE cells. In at least one example embodiment, the cooling element108may be a TE Technology TE-35-0.6-1.0 Peltier cooler or other suitable Peltier cooler.

The container100additionally comprises an energy source110such as is shown inFIG.2. The energy source110may be electrically connected to the cooling element108to provide energy to the cooling element108which in turn promotes the transfer of heat. In at least one example embodiment, the energy source110may be an electrical energy source, such as a chemical battery or a fuel cell, which provides an electrical current to the cooling element108to provide energy thereto. Examples of chemical batteries may include lithium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, alkaline batteries, lead acid or any other suitable battery. In at least one other example embodiment, the energy source110may be an external power supply, wherein the container100is connected to the external power supply using a power cable, such as a DC power cable, a USB power cable, or an AC power cable. The external power supply may be used to recharge the internal energy source110. Alternatively, in at least one alternative embodiment, the external power supply may interface with the container100wirelessly, such as through the Qi wireless power protocol. In at least one example embodiment, there may be both an internal energy source, such as a battery type energy source110and an external energy source, such as a DC power cable. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the external power supply may be a portable solar panel that is electrically couplable to the cooling element108.

The cooling element108is coupled to the heatsink106, such that the cooling element108is in thermally conductive contact with the heatsink106. When the cooling element108is in operation, heat is transferred from one end of heatsink106to the other end of heatsink106, depending on the direction of operation of cooling element108.

In at least one example embodiment, the cooling element108may be coupled to the heatsink106such that the cooling element108is positioned within the heatsink106, and promotes heat transfer from one end of heatsink106to the other end of heatsink106.

Alternatively, in at least one example embodiment, the heatsink106may be separable into two portions, an internal portion and an external portion. The internal side of cooling element108may be in thermal contact with the internal portion of the heatsink106, and the external side of the cooling element108may be in thermal contact with the external portion of the heatsink106.

Referring now toFIGS.3to5, the heatsink106may generally comprise a carriage portion114, which may be a section of, or extends from, the internal portion of heatsink106. The carriage portion114of the heatsink106may comprise a substantially cylindrical structure with a plurality of cavities114c(only one of which is labelled for simplicity). Vessels115of substances, fluids, materials or compositions that one wishes to keep temperature-controlled may be placed into the cavities. By placing the vessels115into the cavities114c, the vessels115may be in thermal communication with the walls of the carriage portion114, and therefore, the heatsink106. This may allow for more efficient heat transfer to and from the vessels115which an individual wishes to temperature control, resulting in more effective temperature control and consistency. Additionally, the carriage portion114provides more thermal mass (i.e., heat capacity) to the internal system (e.g., internal elements) of the container100. Consequently, for each watt of heat gain or loss from or to the environment, the internal temperature of the container100will vary less.

In at least one example embodiment, the vessels115may be vials. In some cases, the vials may contain a pharmaceutical composition such as a medication or a vaccine.

The carriage portion114may be comprised of a cast alloy. It may be advantageous to manufacture carriage portion114out of an alloy that has a high thermal conductivity, and is highly castable, in order to balance thermal properties and manufacturing convenience. Alternatively, the carriage portion114may be machined. However, it may be much more economical to cast the carriage portion114instead of machining it due to its specific geometry, as shown inFIGS.3,5and10.

In at least one example embodiment, an operator may deposit a thermal mass fluid into the insulated body102before sealing the container100. The thermal mass fluid may be water, ethanol, propylene glycol or any other fluid that stays in liquid form throughout the operating temperatures of the container100and possesses a relatively high specific heat capacity.

The operator may place the carriage portion114into the insulated body102, submerging each vessel115into the thermal mass fluid contained within the insulated body102when inserting carriage portion114into the insulated body102. The thermal mass fluid provides the advantage of increasing the heat capacity of the temperature-controlled elements internal to the container100. For each watt of heat transferred into or out of container100, a higher heat capacity for the temperature-controlled elements will result in a smaller magnitude of temperature change. As the intended use of the container100is generally for refrigerated transport of materials, fluids or compositions, to maintain these within specific temperature ranges, a higher internal heat capacity may be desirable. Additionally, the presence of the thermal mass fluid may provide more efficient heat conduction into or out of the vessels115, and also provide the vessels115with shock protection for instances wherein the container100is knocked, dropped or otherwise impacted during transport or handling.

The presence of a higher thermal mass within the insulated body102additionally means that in order to cool or heat the contents of the container100to a target temperature, more heat transfer may be required. The target temperature is the desired internal temperature of the insulated body102. This may be addressed by cooling or heating all internal components, including the carriage portion114, the vessels115, and the thermal mass fluid to the target temperature before placing these elements into the container100. The thermal mass fluid can be contained in an inner sleeve117(seeFIG.4) that covers the carriage portion114(e.g., vessel holder) and the vessels115. The inner sleeve117can be used to reduce the quantity of the heat transfer medium used to the places where it is effective. This reduces weight and improves insulation by creating an air gap between refrigerated contents and inner walls of the vacuum flask (e.g., insulated body102), and increases the rate at which the temperature of the contents of the vessels115can be dropped. Alternatively, the thermal mass fluid can be added to the inside of the container100without the sleeve. For example, if the container100is being used to refrigerate vials during transport, the vials may be kept in a refrigerated environment, taken from the refrigerated environment when they are to be transported and then placed into the container100. Similarly, the carriage portion114and/or thermal mass fluid may be taken from a refrigerated environment before being placed into the container100. Afterwards, the internal temperature of the container100will be nearer to the target temperature, and will remain relatively stable.

In at least one example embodiment, the container100may additionally comprise a controller112(seeFIG.2). The controller112may comprise a processor, a memory, a temperature sensor and an I/O controller (all not shown). The temperature sensor may be embedded or mounted to the heatsink106, or the carriage portion114in examples wherein a carriage portion114is present. The controller112may be coupled to both the cooling element108, and the energy source110.

In some examples, container100may be further equipped with a solar cell (not shown). The solar cell may be configured to supply a current to the energy source110to recharge the energy source110, and/or controller112in embodiments wherein the container100comprises a controller112.

The container100allows for the regulation of the internal temperature of the container100when the lid104is coupled to insulated body102. The cooling element108promotes transfer of heat from the interior of container100to the outside of the container100, or vice versa, through heatsink106.

For example, the container100may be used to keep the internal temperature of the container100below the ambient temperature. Vessels containing substances, for which there is a desire to keep cool, may be placed within the container100, and the container100may be sealed with the lid104. The cooling element108may be activated, such that the cooling element108promotes the transfer of heat from the internal side of the cooling element108, to the external side of cooling element108. The heat may be absorbed from the internal portion of the heat sink106by the cooling element108and transferred to the external portion of the heat sink106. The internal portion of the heatsink106is exposed to the interior of the container100, readily absorbing heat from the inside of the container100. The external portion of the heat sink106is exposed to the environment exterior to the container100. When the cooling element108is activated, promoting heat transfer from the internal portion to the external portion of the heatsink106, heat is transferred from the inside of the container100to the external portion of heatsink106. The external portion of heatsink106may increase in temperature as it absorbs this heat. This heat may then be transferred to the external environment through convection, conduction and/or radiation. An example of this is shown inFIG.8.

In at least one example embodiment, the container100may additionally comprise a fan (seeFIG.14) that is coupled to the external portion of the heatsink106, to increase airflow across the external portion of the heatsink106from the environment, promoting convective heat transfer to, and/or, from the heat sink106to the environment.

The transfer of heat from the inside of the container100to the external environment reduces the internal temperature of the container100below the ambient temperature. This provides a refrigerated environment for the storage and transport of materials that require refrigeration. The container100, through the combination of active refrigeration, and vacuum insulation, may allow the internal temperature of the container100to be maintained below the ambient temperature for time periods longer than possible with a non-refrigerated vacuum insulated flask. The cooling element108may transfer as much heat out of the interior of the container100as is transferred into the container100from the environment which is a steady state condition. This steady state condition allows the internal temperature of the container100to be maintained below the ambient temperature for as long as energy is supplied to the cooling element108and the cooling element108is able to operate to maintain the steady state condition.

Similarly, at least one component of the container100may be configured to maintain an internal temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature for long periods of time. For example, in this case, the cooling element108may be operated in reverse, transferring heat from the external portion of the heatsink106, to the internal portion of the heatsink106. Heat is absorbed from the environment into the external portion of heatsink106, and then this heat is transferred to the internal portion of the heatsink106. The addition of heat may raise the temperature of the internal portion of the heatsink106above the internal temperature of the container100, which in turn causes heat to transfer to the interior of the container100thereby raising the internal temperature of container100.

In example embodiments in which the container100comprises a controller112, the controller112may be configured, through a software program that is stored on the memory and executed by the processor, to automatically manage the cooling/heating process of the container100. For example, an operator may “program”, through manipulation of the software program, the container100to maintain its internal temperature at a target temperature of 3° C., while the external temperature is approximately 20° C. In this case, the controller112may continuously measure the internal temperature of the container100using its temperature sensor and compare the measured temperature to the target temperature. In response to the comparison, the controller112may adjust the flow of current from the energy source110to cooling element108to drive the internal temperature of the container100to the target temperature. For example, if the internal measured temperature is first measured at 20° C., the controller112may supply the maximum amount of current from the energy source110to the cooling element108, for maximum heat transfer out of the container100. As heat is removed from the inside of the container100, the internal temperature of the container100may approach 3° C. Once the internal temperature of the container100approaches 3° C., the controller112may decrease the current supplied to the cooling element108from the energy source110. When the temperature measured by the controller112is approximately the target temperature, the controller112may finely adjust the current supplied to the cooling element108such that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is at about the target temperature. Other control methods for maintaining the internal temperature using a cooling/heating element and temperature sensor feedback may be used by controller112for maintaining the internal temperature of the container100at the target temperature.

In at least one example embodiment, the container100may comprise two configurations including a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. Referring now toFIGS.6and7, in such embodiments, the heatsink106of the container100may comprise an internal heatsink106aand an external heatsink106b. The internal heatsink106acomprises internal heatsink interface116a. External heatsink106bcomprises external heatsink interface116b. The coupled configuration allows for relatively efficient heat transfer between the internal heatsink106aand the external heatsink106b. The uncoupled configuration inhibits heat transfer between the internal heatsink106aand the external heatsink106b.

In the coupled configuration shown inFIG.6, the internal heat sink interface116aand external heat sink interface116bare engaged, such that heat may readily conduct between the internal heat sink106aand the external heat sink106b. In some examples, internal heat sink interface116aand external heat sink interface116bmay each be substantially planar. The coupled configuration forces the internal heat sink106aand the external heat sink106btogether at their interfaces116aand116b, respectively, to promote maximum thermal conductivity.

In at least one example embodiment, the internal heat sink interface116aand external heat sink interface116bmay both be treated to maximize heat conduction across interfaces when engaged, for example, by polishing each interface to a smooth finish, or by applying a thermal compound to one or both interfaces. For polishing, 600 grit or finer grits may be used. The minimum grit level may be about 240 in some cases. The thermal compound may be, but is not limited to, an off the shelf thermal paste or a graphite pad, for example.

In the uncoupled configuration (seeFIG.7), the internal heatsink106aand the external heatsink106bare separated by a vacuum volume118. The vacuum volume118is a void volume between the internal heat sink interface116aand external heat sink interface116b. The vacuum volume118is substantially evacuated, and comprises an absolute pressure much lower than 1 atm. The vacuum volume118does not allow for heat transfer or allows very little heat transfer which allows the internal temperature of the container100to be maintained for a longer period of time.

In at least one example embodiment of the container100that has a lid which can be moved between coupled and uncoupled configurations, the container100may further comprise a mechanism for switching the lid from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration and vice versa. The external heatsink106bmay be coupled to the lid104with a threaded mechanism. When the external heatsink106bis rotated, the external heatsink106bis translated axially.

For example, when the lid104of the container100is in the coupled configuration, where the external heatsink106band internal heatsink106aare in contact with each other, when an operator rotates the external heatsink106bcounterclockwise, the external heatsink106btranslates axially away from the internal heatsink106a. The walls of the lid104surrounding the portion of the external heatsink106bthat translate axially away from the internal heatsink106aare relatively fluidically sealed, such that when the vacuum volume118opens during the translation from the coupled to the uncoupled configurations, fluids such as ambient air may not enter vacuum volume118. In some examples, polymer gaskets may be present around the edge of external heatsink interface116bto promote fluid sealing and gaskets may also be used to seal the lid of the insulated vessel. Element116aalso represents a gasket that seals between the piston and piston wall.

As a result, when switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration, the vacuum volume118is created. The vacuum volume has an absolute gas pressure of much less than 1 atm. The low absolute gas pressure within vacuum volume118may significantly reduce heat transfer between internal heatsink106aand external heatsink106bversus the coupled configuration.

It may be advantageous to switch from the coupled configuration, when heat is actively transferred using the cooling element108, to the uncoupled configuration, when heat is not actively being transferred using the cooling element108. For example, the cooling element108may be operated until the internal temperature of container100reaches the target temperature. The lid104of the container100may then be switched from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration, and the cooling element108may be deactivated. At this point, the internal temperature of the container100is near the target temperature, and the rate of heat transfer from the inside of the container100to the external environment is reduced to the minimum possible amount. When heat transfer through the container100varies the internal temperature of container100such that the internal temperature is outside of the target temperature range, the container100may be switched back to the coupled configuration and the cooling element108may be reactivated. This configuration reduces the total energy consumption of the cooling element108required to maintain the internal temperature of the container100at a certain set point, i.e., at a target internal temperature.

Alternatively, since some Peltier coolers operate most efficiently at maximum heat output, instead of modulating the Peltier cooler output, an “on-off” control scheme may be used to maintain the internal temperature of container100within a target temperature range. During each “on cycle”, the container100may be set to the coupled configuration. During each “off cycle”, the container100may be set to the uncoupled configuration.

Referring now toFIGS.9A-9C, in at least one example embodiment, the container100may comprise a powered mechanism for providing an automatic switching from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration and vice versa. The powered mechanism may comprise a stepper motor920with a gear922and a driven gear924that is coupled to the external heatsink106b. When a current is applied to the stepper motor920, the external heatsink106bis rotated, along the threads described above in reference to the switching mechanism. The direction of rotation reverses when the direction of the current applied to the stepper motor920is reversed. This rotation may actuate the external heatsink106btowards or away from the internal heatsink106a, closing or creating the vacuum volume118.

In at least one embodiment where the container100comprises a controller112, the powered mechanism may be coupled to, and automatically managed by, the controller112. For example, it may be desired to maintain the internal temperature of the container100at a target temperature. In such cases, the controller112may be configured to activate the cooling element108to reduce the internal temperature of container100. The controller112may simultaneous direct the powered mechanism to set the container100to the coupled configuration, such that heat may be efficiently transferred out of container100. When the internal temperature of the container100reaches the target temperature, the controller112may be configured to deactivate the cooling element108, and direct the powered mechanism to set the container100to the decoupled configuration to minimize heat transfer into or out of container100. This controller automated configuration may significantly reduce power consumption by the cooling element108that is required to maintain a given internal temperature, therefore allowing container100to maintain a given internal temperature for longer periods of time with a fixed energy source.

Referring now toFIG.9D, in another alternative embodiment, there is provided a lid couplable to an insulated body902, that includes an internal heatsink906aand an external heatsink906bwith an extra wide piston906pfor providing a larger diameter vacuum insulated column918. The large diameter of the vacuum insulated column918provides for improved insulation on the lid. As partial vacuums have insulating properties, the increased diameter of the vacuum insulated column can reduce the thermal conductance of the lid.

In at least one embodiment, a valve may be used to reset the vacuum chamber in the coupled position. This may be used if there is any leakage in the vacuum system. It will also aid in manufacture as it no longer necessitates a vacuum chamber in which to make the device. This is thanks to the cycler design going to a zero-volume state when at the bottom of the stroke.

In another aspect, in at least one embodiment in accordance with the teachings herein, at least one of the containers described herein may be used for warming and do not exclusively use the Peltier effect. In such embodiments, the Seebeck effect may be used to warm the interior of the container by reversing the voltage polarity of the thermoelectric cell. This is useful when transporting contents that need to be stored and/or transported in warm environments such as in the storage or transport of mammalian cell cultures, for example.

In at least one embodiment, the container may further comprise a fan that is coupled to the external heatsink and is operated to transfer additional heat away from the external heatsink when heat is being transferred out of the interior of the container to the surrounding environment.

In at least one embodiment, the container may also comprise a radiator that is coupled to the external heatsink to receive heat transfer from the external heatsink. The radiator may be filled with fluid and provide additional heat capacity for transferring heat out of the interior of the container to the surrounding environment.

In at least one embodiment, the container may further comprise a decoupling mechanism for decoupling the exterior heatsink interface from the interior heatsink interface, wherein the decoupling mechanism is manual or automatic.

In at least one embodiment that has the decoupling mechanism, the decoupling mechanism may be geared and/or cammed.

Referring now toFIG.10, pictured therein is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of a method300of refrigerated transport, using an embodiment of the container100described in accordance with the teachings herein. An embodiment of method300is shown pictorially inFIG.11.

Method300begins with step302. An operator obtains the container100and vessels115and removes the lid104of the container100from the insulated body102. The operator then places the vessels115into the insulated body102of the container100. The vessels115may contain any substance, sample, material or any other matter which is desired to be maintained at a specific temperature (i.e., the target temperature). In embodiments wherein the heatsink106further comprises a carriage portion114, the operator may place the vial into a cavity of the carriage portion114instead of directly into insulated body102. The carriage portion114may then be placed into the insulated body102.

Method300may optionally additionally include step304. In embodiments where the insulated body102comprises a thermal mass fluid, the operator may deposit the thermal mass fluid into insulated body102. In embodiments where the container100comprises the carriage portion114, the operator may then place the carriage portion114into the insulated body102. After step304, the vessels are submerged in the thermal mass fluid.

At step306, the lid104is coupled to the insulated body102. In embodiments where the lid104couples to the insulated body102through a threaded/screw mechanism, the operator may screw the lid104onto the insulated body102. In other embodiments, the operator may make use of a different mechanism to couple the lid104to the insulated body102.

At step308, the cooling element108of the container100may be activated. In some embodiments, the cooling element108may be a Peltier cooler. Once the cooling element108is activated, the internal temperature of container100may reach the target temperature and the cooling element108may then be deactivated.

Although not shown inFIG.10, in embodiments where the container100can be set to the coupled or uncoupled configurations, the method300may include another step when the internal temperature of the container100reaches the target temperature. In this case, the container100may be placed in a decoupled configuration and the cooling element108may be turned off. As another option, as the internal temperature of the container100varies the container100may be moved to the coupled configuration and the cooling element108activated until the internal temperature of the container100reaches the target temperature or is in an acceptable temperature range, at which point the container100may be moved to the decoupled configuration and the cooling element108is deactivated.

The process for determining the external heat sink may involve picking a TE cell from a supplier (such as TE technology, e.g.), creating an external heat sink and simulating the waste heat being rejected through the external heat sink. The waste heat for the chosen TE cell may be read from the cell specification charts from the supplier.

Referring now toFIG.12, shown therein are test results for a steady state test. This test allows one to determine how much power is needed to maintain the low-end temperature in the container100. Several voltages were tested to attempt to characterize the performance of the device and correlate the power input to the steady state difference in temperature between the contents of the container and the environment. This relationship can be used to predict the operating envelope in terms of battery life, maximum temperature difference between the inside and outside the container100, as well as offer insight into a feasible pattern of time operating in a coupled and decoupled configuration The prototype for this testing included a 3D printed lid with a crude decoupling mechanism, and a 1.2 W fan was attached to the heat sink. There was 405 mL of water and a copper cylinder that were on the cold side heat sink. Power was provided by an external DC power supply/voltage controller. The Peltier coolers were two thermoelectric elements (e.g., TE-35-0.6-1.0p) that were arranged to be thermally parallel with one another.

Referring now toFIG.13, shown therein are test results for a cooldown test. During this test, the voltage across the thermoelectric cell was varied throughout the cooldown period to determine steady state heat sink temperatures at each voltage as well as determine the heat removal rate at differing voltages. The prototype used for this experiment was the same as that described for the experimental results ofFIG.12.

Referring now toFIG.14, shown therein is an example of a benchtop controller setup with a corresponding software application. In this example embodiment, an Arduino controller is used, which connects to the operator's smartphone, or another mobile device, through a Bluetooth communication chip. The controller may be configured to log the measured temperature of the interior of the container100and display the measured temperatures via an application on the smartphone. The controller can adjust the thermoelectric cell input voltage based on the internal temperature measured. Graphs can be generated by the controller that show the last 24 hours of measured temperatures. The controller may be configured to provide timers and/or alerts which are prompted when the measured temperature moves outside of a desired temperature range and when the container should be moved to the decoupled configuration.

Referring now toFIG.15, shown therein are thermal simulation results and comparison for two different heatsinks. Data collected during prototype testing can be used to model and improve the heatsink configuration for future prototypes.

Referring now toFIG.16A, shown therein is performance data for a prototype refrigerated container in terms of net heat out determined by measuring heat removed versus temperature difference and power. The prototype used for this experiment was the same as that described for the experimental results ofFIG.12. The power [W] refers to the total power consumption of the device including the 1.2 W fan. The temperature difference refers to the difference between the contents of the container and the ambient temperature. Heat removed refers to the net heat out.

Referring now toFIG.16B, shown therein is a projection for performance data (based on experimental data) in terms of number of days of battery life versus the ambient temperature for a prototype refrigerated container that alternates between coupled and decoupled operation1620and a prototype refrigerated container that does not have the ability to decouple1640. The prototype used for this experiment was the same as that described for the experimental results ofFIG.12.

While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.