Patent Publication Number: US-2022212852-A1

Title: Systems and methods for maintaining temperature control of items in a distribution network

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application is a Continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/977,198, filed May 11, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 62/641,840 filed Mar. 12, 2018 and 62/504,974, filed May 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a systems and methods to maintain a desired temperature within a container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a system for shipping an item in a temperature controlled environment. 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded view an embodiment of a system for shipping an item in a temperature controlled environment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature control device. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cooling unit in a temperature control device. 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating unit in a temperature control device. 
         FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of control circuit in a temperature control device. 
         FIG. 2E  depicts a simplified top view of an embodiment of a cooling or heating unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for operating a temperature control device. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature control device insert. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a temperature control device arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. 
     Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”, or “in some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover, the appearance of these or similar phrases throughout the specification does not necessarily mean that these phrases all refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive. Various features are described herein which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but may not be requirements for other embodiments. 
     As used herein, an item can be a parcel, a package, an envelope, a flat, a mailpiece, a box, a suitcase, a pallet, a load, a bag, a hamper, or any other object or container that can be transported from one location to another by a distribution entity. Also, as used herein, an item can be the object being transported within a box, suitcase, package, parcel, and the like. A distribution entity may be an entity engaged in transporting items from one location to another, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS), another commercial carrier, a storage facility, a fulfillment warehouse, a luggage sorting facility, or any other similar facility, company, or entity. 
     Many items are purchased online and need to be shipped. Some of these items need to be maintained below a specific temperature, above a specific temperature, or within a specific temperature band. For example, perishable items, medicines, or items with a relatively low melting point or freezing point, may become damaged, spoiled, rotten, unusable, or even dangerous if the temperature of the item is not properly maintained during shipping or transit. 
     Described herein are systems and methods for maintaining temperature control within a container for shipping an item. 
       FIG. 1A  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a temperature controlled shipment system  100 . The shipment system  100  is used to package an item  120  for transportation from one point to another, with elements of the shipment system  100  providing a temperature controlled environment for the item  120 . The shipment system  100  comprises a container  110 , various insulation and support layers which will be described below, and one or more temperature control packs  130 . The container  110  receives, encloses, or holds all the other components of shipment system  100 . The container  110  may be made of a rigid material, such as corrugated paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The material of the container  110  can have a coating or multiple coatings applied thereto which can provide additional insulation for hot or cold applications, for protection against condensation and/or moister, and the like. The container  110  is coated with a reflective layer  111 , which is a reflective coating added to the container  110  to reflect radiation, such as sunlight, and mitigate the heating effects of solar radiation. In some embodiments, the reflective layer  111  can be applied to the inner surface of the container  110 . 
     An insulating liner  112  is disposed within the container  110 . The insulating liner can be made of an insulating material, and can be attached to the inner surfaces of the container, or can be slidably inserted and/or removed from the container. In some embodiments, the insulating liner can be a honeycomb-type paper arrangement having either air or another insulating material in the spaces in the honeycomb matrix. The insulating liner  112  can include, but is not limited to, polyurethane foam, beaded polystyrene foam, or extruded polystyrene foam. In some embodiments, the insulating liner  112  can be a fiber-type insulation, or can be any other desired insulating material. Advantageously, the insulating liner  112  can be formed from a lightweight material to keep the overall weight of the shipping system  100  low. In some embodiments, the insulating layer  112  is coated with a water resistant coating. 
     An insulating base  113  is inserted into the container  110 . The insulating base  113  can be formed of the same material as the insulating liner  112 , or can be formed of a different material. In some embodiments, the insulating base  113  can be a single component, such as a piece of honeycomb-type insulation. In some embodiments, the insulating base  113  can be a loose foam layer, such as insulating packing peanuts. 
     A cooling layer  114  can be placed on the insulating base  113 . The cooling layer  114  can comprise an ice pack, dry ice, or other similar cooling material. In some embodiments, the cooling layer  114  can be a temperature control pack  130  as will be described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the cooling layer  114  can be omitted. In some embodiments, the cooling layer  114  can be replaced with a layer of insulating foam material, such as packing peanuts. 
     A support layer  115  is placed on the cooling layer  114 , or is placed on the insulating base  113 . The support layer  115  can be a rigid material, and is adapted to provide a stable platform on which to place the item  120 . The support layer  115  can be a cardboard platform, a plastic tray-like insert, or any other suitable material. The support layer  115  provides a planar surface on which to place the item  120 . In some embodiments, the support layer  115  can comprise a pre-formed shape or outline of a specific item  120  to be shipped formed therein. For example, the support layer  115  can be a foam layer having the outline, indentation, impression, or shape of a specific product to be shipped, so that the product will be retained in a desired position. 
     The item  120  is placed on the support layer  115 . One or more temperature control packs  130  are placed around the item  120 . In some embodiments, the one or more temperature control packs  130  comprise an ice pack, a cold pack, and/or a hot pack. The one or more temperature control packs  130  will be described in greater detail below. 
     A top insulating layer  116  is placed on the item  120 , or on a top temperature control pack  130 . The assembly including the insulating base  113 , the cooling layer  114  (if present), the support layer  15 , the one or more temperature control packs  130 , and the top insulating layer  116  are disposed within a wrapper  118 . The wrapper  118  can be a plastic sheath, a bag, shrink wrap, or other similar material. The wrapper  118  can keep any condensation or moisture developed from the one or more temperature control packs  130  contained within the wrapper  118 , which can maintain the integrity of the container  110  and help maintain the temperature within the wrapper  118 . In some embodiments, the shipment system  100  does not include a wrapper  118 . 
       FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the temperature controlled shipment system  100 . The shipment system  100  is used to package an item for transportation from one point to another within a payload space  121 . The shipment system  100  includes elements that provide a temperature controlled environment for an item within the payload space  121 . The shipment system  100  comprises a container  110 , insulation wraps  112 , and one or more temperature control packs  130 . The container  110  receives, encloses, or holds all the other components of shipment system  100  and may be similar to those described elsewhere herein. The container  110  may be made of a rigid material, such as corrugated paper, cardboard, Styrofoam, plastic, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The container  110  can include a coating such as a moisture barrier coating on the internal surfaces of the container  110 . 
     The insulation wraps  112  are disposed within an internal volume of the container  110 . As shown, the insulation wraps  112  are “C-wraps”, meaning they are shaped like the letter “C”. Each of the insulation wraps  112  has three sections,  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  which form a “C”. Using two insulation wraps  112  can provide coverage on all six sides of an item within the payload space  121  when they are placed within the container  110 , as will be described in greater detail hereafter. 
     The sections  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  can be moveably joined together, or can be formed of a single piece with score lines or other features to allow the sections  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  to move relative to each other. The insulation wraps  112  can comprise a paper outer layer, such as a paper envelope, a corrugated material, or other similar material. The insulation wraps  112  can include a water repellant or high thermal conductivity coating, or a heat-seal coating on one or more sides or faces. In some embodiments, the insulation wraps  112  can be filled with a fiber insulation. In some embodiments, the fiber insulation can be recyclable and/or biodegradable. In some embodiments, two insulation wraps  112  can be inserted into the container  110  in different orientations, such that the “C” shapes interlock, as depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
     The temperature control packs  130  can be similar to those described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the temperature control packs  130  can be gel filled packs contained in foil bubble wrap. The temperature control packs  130  can be placed on one, more than one, or surrounding all sides of the payload space  121 . In some embodiments, the temperature control packs  130  need not surround all sides of the payload space  122 , but can be disposed on only 1 side, top, or bottom, can be disposed on opposite sides, adjacent sides. In some embodiments, there can be 4 temperature control packs arranged around a perimeter of the payload space  121 . 
     An item can be placed into the payload space  121 , where it will be enclosed, bordered, or surrounded by one or more temperature control packs  130 . The payload space  121  and the surrounding temperature control packs  130  can be placed into a void formed by the interlocking “C” shapes of the insulation wraps  112 . The insulation wraps  112  enclosing the temperature control packs  130  and the payload space  121  can be placed in the container  110 . 
     In some embodiments, an insulation wrap  112  can be placed in the container  110  in a generally vertical arrangement such that sections  112   a ,  112   b , and  112   c  are in contact or proximity to the internal sides of the container  110 . A second insulation wrap  112  can be placed in the container with section  112   a  in contact with or in proximity to the internal bottom surface of the container  110 , section  112   b  is in contact with or in proximity to an internal side of the container  110 , and section  112   c  is not in contact with the container. Section  112   c  can be folded up such that it is co-planar or substantially co-planar with section  112   b . the temperature control pack  130  assembly surrounding the item within the payload space  121  can be placed in the container and in a boundary formed by sections of the insulation wraps  112 , such that a bottom portion of the temperature control pack  130  assembly is in contact with the section  112   a  of one of the insulation wraps  112 . Section  112   c  of one of the insulation wraps  112  can then be folded over to cover the top of the temperature control pack  130  assembly, and to allow the container  110  to be closed. 
     In some embodiments, the shipment system  100  can include one or more features depicted in  FIG. 1A  in combination with one or more features depicted in  FIG. 1B . The containers  110  can come in a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, although a generally cube-shaped box is depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a rectangular box or any other shape or size box can be used without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. 
       FIGS. 2A-5  depict embodiments of systems for use in climate control applications, such as those depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2A  depicts an embodiment of a temperature control pack  230 . The temperature control pack  230  can be used in a temperature controlled shipping system  100  described with regard to  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the temperature control pack  230  may be used in a container  110  as one or more of the temperature control packs  130 . The temperature control pack  230  comprises a cooling unit  240 , a heating unit  250 , and control circuitry  260 . The temperature control pack  230  can be inserted into a shipping container similar to container  110  at locations or positions similar to those shown in  FIG. 1 , or in any other desired container or position within the container, and can maintain temperature in a specified range within the container. 
     For example, using the cooling unit  240  and the heating unit  250 , the temperature within a container can be maintained within a certain range, for example within a range of 36° F. to 46° F., which is a desirable range for maintaining drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals, and the like. The range above is exemplary, and a person of skill in the art will know that the range within which the temperature of an item, or the temperature within a shipping container, can be maintained and can be set to any desired range or temperature setting within the capability of the cooling and heating materials used. Maintaining temperatures of distribution items can be referred to as “Cold Chain” logistics. The operation of the cooling and heating units  240 ,  250  will be described in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, a temperature control pack  230  can include only a cooling unit  240  and control circuitry  260 . In some embodiments, the temperature control pack  230  can include only a heating unit  250  and the control circuitry  260 . For example, if an item is shipped from and/or to a warm climate, or if an item is not susceptible to damage from freezing, there may be no concern about ensuring a minimum temperature is maintained within the container. In some embodiments, the cooling unit  240  can be configured such that the cooling unit cannot actually cool the item below a certain threshold, such as a freezing point, and so no heating unit  250  would be necessary. 
     In some embodiments, the temperature control pack  230  can include only a heating unit  250  and the control circuitry  260  where the item originates in or is sent to a cold climate, and the concern is to keep an item from freezing due to ambient temperatures. In some embodiments, an item may only need to be maintained above a minimum temperature, and there is no concern about the item getting too warm. In this example, only a heating unit  250  would be needed. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts the cooling unit  240  for use in the temperature control pack  230 . The cooling unit  240  comprises a plurality of cooling cells  242 , a plurality of insulating cells  247 , and a switch  248 . 
     The plurality of cooling cells  242  are shown arranged around the central switch  248 , like the pieces of a pie. Each of the cooling cells  242  can be activated separate from each of the other cooling cells via the central switch, which will be explained in greater detail below. The depicted geometric embodiment is exemplary only, and any other geometric or physical arrangement of cooling cells  242  can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     The plurality of cooling cells  242  each comprise a first component  243 , a second component  244 , and a barrier  245 , such as an electro-permeable barrier. The first component  243  is contained in a pouch  246 , reservoir, or other impervious material which retains the first component  243  and prevents the first component  243  from contacting the second component  244 . The second component  244  can be retained within the cooling cell  242 , but need not be enclosed within the pouch  246  or other similar material. The barrier  245  is part of the pouch  246  containing the first component  243 , and will react physically to the application of an electric current. When an electric current is applied to the barrier  245 , portions of the barrier  245  will break, creating gaps or voids in the pouch  246  in which the first component  243  is retained. The barrier  245  may be formed of filaments, fusible links, piezoelectric material, carbon fiber, or other materials. The barrier  245  may be configured to physically move when an electrical current is applied. The barrier  245  may be configured to melt, shorten and break, or otherwise change state or shape to permit an opening for the first component  243  to contact the second component  244 . 
     In some embodiments, the first component  243  is water, pure water, deionized, or distilled water. The water of the first component  243  is contained within the pouch  246 . In some embodiments, the second component  244  is ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, or urea. The second component  244  can be present as beads, particles, or in another solid form. Breaking the barrier  245  and creating gaps or voids in the pouch  246  allows the first component  243  to mix with the second component  244 . The combination and reaction of the first and second components  243 ,  244  creates an endothermic reaction, thereby lowering the temperature of the cold pack  242 . 
     The plurality of insulating cells  247  can be made of materials such as thermally resistant foam, metal, or carbon fiber, or any combination of these. The plurality of insulating cells  247  are positioned between individual cooling cells  242  to prevent activation of one cooling cell  242  from damaging an adjacent cooling cell. The plurality of insulating cells  247  also serve to prevent the cooling effect from the cooling cells  242  from affecting neighboring cooling cells in order to direct the cooling effect or the thermal gradient toward the item in the container. 
     The switch  248  comprises individual leads  249  connected to each of the cooling cells  242 . The switch  248  provides an electric signal to a selected one or more of the plurality of cooling cells  242  according to a signal sent from control circuitry  260 , as will be described in greater detail below with regard to  FIG. 2D . The electrical signal sent along the leads  249  is received by the barrier  245  and causes the barrier  245  to break to initiate the cooling reaction in the cooling cell  242 . In some embodiments, the leads  249  can be enclosed in a foil sleeve (not shown) to isolate the leads  249  from electrical interference or noise signals. 
     In some embodiments, the switch  248  is a bundle of leads which extend from the control circuitry  260  to the individual cooling cells  242 . In some embodiments, the switch  248  receives a lead or set of leads from the control circuitry  260 , and which can distribute a signal from the control circuitry  260  to one or more of the cooling cells via leads  249  to activate the cooling cells  242  in a pattern or order that one of skill in the art will recognize as effective to maintain the desired temperature or temperature range. 
       FIG. 2C  depicts the heating unit  250  used in the temperature control pack  230 . The heating unit  250  comprises a plurality of heating cells  252 , a plurality of insulating cells  257 , and a switch  258 . 
     The plurality of heating cells  252  are shown arranged around the central switch  258 , like pieces of a pie. Each of the heating cells  252  can be activated independent of the other heating cells  252  via the central switch  258 , which will be explained in greater detail below. The depicted geometric embodiment is exemplary only, and any other geometric or physical arrangement of heating cells  252  can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
     The plurality of heating cells  252  each comprise a heating solution  254  and an activator  255 . The heating solution  254  is contained in a pouch  256 , reservoir, or other impervious material. The activator  255  is disposed in the pouch  256  and is in contact with the heating solution  254 . The activator  255  will react physically to the application of an electric current. The activator  255  can be a metallic disc, a piezoelectric, or other similar component which reacts physically when an electric current is applied. 
     In some embodiments, the heating solution  254  can be a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate in water. In some embodiments, the pouch  256  can contain 44 mL of supersaturated sodium acetate solution. Applying an electric current to the activator  255  causes the activator  255  to deform, move, or change shape in order to cause the sodium acetate to crystallize in an exothermic reaction, generating heat in the heating cell  252 . 
     The plurality of insulating cells  257  are positioned between individual heating cells  252  to prevent activation of one heating cell  252  from damaging an adjacent heating cell  252 . The insulating cells  257  also serve to prevent the heating effect of the actuated heating cells  252  from affecting neighboring heating cells. This can also direct the heating effect or the thermal gradient toward the item in the container. The plurality of insulating cells  257  can be similar to those described elsewhere herein. 
     The switch  258  comprises individual leads  259  connected to each of the heating cells  252 . The switch  258  can be similar to those described elsewhere herein. The switch  258  provides an electric signal to a selected one or more of the plurality of heating cells  252  according to a signal sent from control circuitry, which will be described in greater detail below. The electrical signal sent along the leads  259  is received at the activator  255  which initiates the heating reaction in the heating cell  252 . 
       FIG. 2D  depicts an embodiment of control circuitry  260  for the temperature control pack  230 . The control circuitry  260  comprises a circuit board  262 , a processing unit  264 , a communications port, a temperature sensor  266 , a power source  267 , and one or more output terminals  268 . The circuit board  262  is a platform on which the other components and electrical wiring between the other components can be placed. The circuit board  262  may comprise an adhesive or similar material to allow the control circuitry  260  to be attached to an inner surface of a container. 
     The processing unit  264  can be a central processing unit having a processor and on-board memory storing operating instructions for the processor. The processing unit  264  can be a specially manufactured processing unit having specific features and capabilities suited for operation in a temperature controlled environment. The operation of the processing unit  264  will be described in greater detail below. 
     The temperature sensor  266  detects the temperature within a container in which the temperature sensor  266  is disposed. The temperature sensor can be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a thermocouple, or semiconductor-based temperature sensor. In some embodiments, temperature sensor  266  continuously measures the temperature within the container. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor measures the temperature within the container at set intervals of time. The set intervals of time may be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, the item being shipped, the length of transport time, life of the power source  267 , environmental/ambient temperature of the container, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the intervals of time can change based on the location of the container. For example, the communications port can receive a location signal from a device, facility, etc. within the distribution network. The location signal can change the intervals of time or change the temperature range of the item. If a container is being transported from one location to another, the temperature patterns or weather of an intermediate location between the origin and destination of the item can be used as an input to the processor  264 . In some embodiments, the communications port  265  can include a location sensing module, using GPS, triangulation, Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc., in order to identify its location. In some embodiments, the communications port can receive signals from processing facility equipment, carrier devices, vehicles, and the like which include current temperature and temperature forecasts. The processor  264  can use this information to determine whether to increase frequency of temperature measurements, reduce frequency of temperature measurements, to expand or contract the set temperature range, and the like. In some embodiments, these signals can be provided by a supervisor&#39;s mobile computing device to a container in a facility local to or remote from the supervisor&#39;s mobile computing device. 
     The power source  267  can be a coin cell battery, button cell battery, or another type of battery source of electrical power. The power source  267  is electrically connected to the processing unit  264 , the temperature sensor  266 , and all the other components of the control circuitry  260 . The power source  267  provides a source of electric current to operate the processing unit  264 , the temperature sensor  266 , and to actuate the cooling and heating units  242 ,  252 . 
     The output terminals  268  are electrically connected to the processing unit  264  and the power source  267 , and transfer current and/or signals from the power source  267  along leads  269  to switches  248  and  258  in the cooling and heating units  242 ,  252 . 
     The communications port  265  can be a USB, microUSB, or other type of input/output connection protocol. In some embodiments, the communications port  265  can be a wireless communication device using a wireless communication type or protocol, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication, LAN, or any other wireless communication protocol or mechanism. The communications port  265  can be used to input instructions to the processing unit  265 , for example, regarding temperature set points, or other instruction. The communications port  265  can also be used to retrieve stored data, error messages, or other information regarding the operation of the control circuitry  260 . The control circuitry  260  includes an alarm  263 . The alarm  263  may be an audible, visual, or other type of alarm, including transmitting alarm indications via the communications port  265  to a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the communications port  265  and/or the alarm may not be present on the circuit board  262 . 
     In some embodiments, the container  100  can include the control circuitry  260 . For example, if the heating and/or cooling units are heating or cooling gel packs which are not electrically activated, there may be control circuitry including the processor  264 , the communications port  265 , and the communications port  265  in order to communication the temperature of the item  120  and/or alarm conditions within the container to a remote computing device. 
       FIG. 2E  is a top view of an embodiment of a heating or cooling unit as described herein.  FIG. 2E  is described with reference to the cooling unit  240 , but this discussion can apply equally to the operation of the heating unit  250  of the temperature control pack  230 . The cooling unit  240  is electrically connected to the control circuitry  260  via leads  269 . The leads  269  connect to the switch  248 . As described elsewhere, the switch is in electrical communication with each of the plurality of cooling cells  242 . The switch is configured to activate the cooling cells  242  in a specific pattern in order to apply the most efficient use of thermal energy, and to make the thermal gradient or flux across the item within the container uniform. This can prevent localized low or high temperatures, which may be undesirable in some cases. 
     As shown, upon a signal to actuate a cooling cell  242  from the processing unit  264 , the switch  248  is configured to actuate the cooling cell  242  labeled “1” first (cooling cell  242 - 1 ), and then to actuate the cooling cell  242 - 2  opposite cooling cell  242 - 1 . The switch  248  next actuates cooling cells  242 - 3 , then, in order,  242 - 4 ,  242 - 5 ,  242 - 6 ,  242 - 7 ,  242 - 8 ,  242 - 9 ,  242 - 10 . The process continues following the same pattern for the remaining cooling cells  242  which are not specifically labelled. In some embodiments, the cooling cells  242 - 1  and cooling cell  242 - 2  may be actuated in opposing pairs to ensure a temperature gradient or heat flux is created equally across the cooling unit  240 . In some embodiments, the cooling cells may be actuated in a trio, such as actuating cooling cells  242 - 1 ,  242 - 10 , and  242 - 8  simultaneously which would provide a more uniform thermal gradient across the item within the container. In some embodiments, adjacent or proximate cooling cells  242  can be actuated together. A person of skill in the art would understand that different patterns or combinations of cooling cells  242  can be actuated to achieve different desired thermal gradients in the item and/or within the container. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a process for maintaining temperature control within a container. The container contains an item to be transported, and which has particular temperature control requirements. A process  300  describes the operation of a temperature control pack  230  installed within a container, such as a box or other type of shipping container. 
     The process  300  describes operation of a temperature control pack  230  which has been activated. Activation of the temperature control pack  230  can occur upon sealing of the container  110 . In some embodiments, the container  110  may include in its closure mechanism electrical contacts which activate the control circuitry  260  when the closure mechanism is activated. In some embodiments, sealing the box may include removing an insulating tab from between the power source  267  and the processor  264 , which can activate the temperature control pack  230 . For example, this may be similar to those described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/442,345, filed Jan. 4, 2017, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     In some embodiments, the temperature control pack can be activated by a signal from a computing device to the communications port  265 . The activation signal from the computing device can also include a temperature range within which the temperature should be maintained. The activation signal can also include any other desired information or instructions to the temperature control pack  230 . 
     The process  300  begins in step  302 , wherein the temperature of the inside of the container is sensed. The temperature sensor  266  senses the temperature in the environment of the container. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor may be in direct contact with the item within the container in order to provide a more accurate temperature reading. 
     The process  300  moves to decision state  304  wherein it is determined, in the processing unit  264 , whether the sensed temperature is within a specified or predetermined range. As described herein, a temperature can be within the specified or predetermined range when the temperature is at any temperature value between the temperature range endpoints or is at the temperature endpoints. The specified or predetermined temperature range can be based on the characteristics of the item. For example, a drug, medicament, pharmaceutical, biological specimen, or other item may need to be maintained within a specified temperature range to prevent degradation, loss of efficacy, and the like. The predetermined or specified temperature may be based at least in part on the environment or ambient conditions of the origination, destination, or transportation route of the item. For example, where the item is travelling a long distance, the temperature range may be widened to allow for less frequent actuation of heating or cooling cells,  252 ,  242 . Where the item originates in a cold climate, or in the winter, a temperature range may be set to prevent freezing of the item. In some embodiments, the temperature range may have an endpoint only on a single end. For example, the specified or predetermined temperature range may be any temperature≥36° F. 
     Where an item originates in a hot climate, in the summer, the specified or pre-determined temperature range may be set to prevent an item from heat damage, melting, denaturing, or other heat induced problem. In these situations, the specified or pre-determined temperature range may be any temperature≤80° F. Of course, these temperature values are exemplary only. Further, where the chief concern is preventing too high a temperature, or too low a temperature, the temperature control pack  230  may include only a cooling unit  240  or a heating unit  250 . 
     In some embodiments, the specified or pre-determined temperature range is set narrower than the actual temperature that will cause damage to the item being shipped. For example, if an item will melt at 100° F., the upper limit of the specified or pre-determined temperature range can be set at 75° F., or at another temperature which gives a suitable margin before the item is damaged. Thus, if, after an out of range temperature is detected, the temperature of the item continues to rise before the cooling cell  242  is activated, the item will not be damaged as the cooling cell  242  begins removing heat from the container or provides a noticeable or detectable cooling effect. 
     If the temperature detected in state  304  is within the specified or predetermined range, the process  300  moves to step  305 , wherein the process waits a predetermined time before sampling or sensing temperature again. This wait can prevent unnecessary expenditure of limited power resources from the power source  267 . After waiting the predetermined amount of time in step  305 , the process returns to step  302 , wherein the temperature is sensed, and the process  300  begins again. In some embodiments, the process  300  need not include waiting a predetermined time, as in step  305 . 
     If the processing unit  264  determines that the temperature is outside the specified or pre-determined range, or if the rate of change of temperature of the item or the container internals is significant, or is high, in state  304  the process  300  moves to decision state  306  wherein it is determined whether any cooling cells  242  or heating cells  252  have not been actuated. The processing unit  264  can store information regarding the number of available cooling cells  242  and heating cells  252  within the temperature control pack  230 . The processing unit  264  can record and increment a count whenever a signal is sent to one of the cooling cells  242  or to one of the heating cells  242 . The processing unit  264  can then determine how many unactuated cooling and heating cells,  242 ,  252  are available. In some embodiments, the switches  248 ,  258  can record or transmit to the processing unit  264  whenever a current is applied to a cooling cell  242  or a heating cell  252 . If all the cooling cells  242  of the cooling unit  240  have been actuated, or if all of the heating cells  252  of the heating unit  250  have been actuated, then the process  300  moves to step  308  and ends. In some embodiments, if it is determined that all the cooling and heating cells  242 ,  252  have been actuated, the processing unit  264  may cause an alarm to sound or may send a communication via a wireless transmitter indicating that there are no more cooling or heating cells  242 ,  252  left to actuate, and warning that the contents of the package may be in danger of exceeding the specified or pre-determined temperature range. 
     The alarm can be an audible alarm and can emanate from the alarm  263 . In some embodiments, the communications port  265  may send a signal, such as a Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, cellular, or other type of wireless communication signal which can be received by a carrier or delivery personnel, facility personnel, and the like. The signal may include why the temperature control unit  230  is alarming or what the alarming condition is, for example, temperature out of range, circuitry failure, low battery, final cooling or heating cell  242 ,  252  actuated, or any other alarm condition. When an alarm signal is received, the distribution network personnel can investigate and or correct the problem. The alarming condition can be stored on a central server of the distribution network for tracking, accountability, trending, and the like. 
     If there are remaining, unactuated cooling cells  242  and/or heating cells  252 , as determined in state  306 , the process moves to decision state  310 , wherein it is determined whether the sensed temperature is too high, that is, whether the sensed temperature is above an upper set point or limit of the specified or predetermined range. 
     If the processing unit  264  determines that the temperature is too high in state  310 , the process  300  moves to step  312 , wherein the processing unit  264  sends a signal to actuate one of the cooling cells  242 . The cooling cell  242  can be actuated by the electric signal as described elsewhere herein, and can cool the contents of the container. In some embodiments, the processing unit  264  may store the container temperature received from the temperature sensor  266  as a function of time. The processing unit  264  can calculate a rate of change of temperature. If the rate of change of temperature is high enough that actuation of a single cooling cell  242  would not arrest the heating rate of the container, the processing unit  264  can send a signal to actuate two or more of the cooling cells  242  at the same time or in quick succession. 
     If the processing unit  264  does not determine that the temperature is too high, the process  300  moves to step  314 , wherein the processing unit  264  sends a signal to actuate one of the heating cells  252 . If the processing unit  264  determines that the sensed temperature is not too high, this is, in effect, a determination that the temperature is too low, as state  310  was only reached through a determination that the temperature is not within the specified or pre-determined range. One of skill in the art will understand that state  310  could determine whether the sensed temperature is too high without departing from the scope of this application. A person of skill in the art would understand that the process  300 , in decision state  310  could determine whether the temperature is too low, and then would take action accordingly. 
     In some embodiments, the processing unit  264  could determine that the rate of temperature change of the item or container internal temperature exceeds the capacity of one of the cooling or heating cells  242 ,  252 , and could send a signal to actuate two or more of the cooling or heating cells  242 ,  252  simultaneously or in rapid succession. In some embodiments, 
     The process  300  moves to step  316  wherein the system waits a predetermined period before returning to step  302  and repeating the process. This predetermined wait is sufficiently long to allow the temperature change of one or more of the cooling cells  242  and/or heating cells  252  to affect the temperature within the container before the processing unit  264  determines to actuate additional cooling or heating cells  242 ,  252 . After the predetermined wait period, the process  300  moves to decision state  318  returns to step  302 , wherein the process is repeated. 
     When the container  110  is opened, the act of opening the container may disconnect or sever electrical contacts and deactivate the control circuitry. In some embodiments, a tear strip is torn in order to deactivate the temperature control pack  230 . This can occur upon delivery, when the recipient opens the container  110  or removes tear strips that sever electrical connections. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a temperature control pack  430  on or in an insert insertable into a container. The temperature control pack  430  comprises a cooling unit  440 , a heating unit  450 , and control circuitry  460 . These components can be similar to those described elsewhere herein. The cooling unit  440 , the heating unit  450 , and control circuitry  460  are attached to an insert  470 . The insert  470  can be a cardboard, insulator, foam, or other type of insert shaped and sized to slide into a box or container that will be used to ship an item. The insert can be similar to the components of the shipment system  100  described elsewhere herein. The box or container can be a standard size/shape box as are currently available. In some embodiments, the insert  470  may not include both a cooling unit  440  and a heating unit  450 , but may include either a cooling unit  440  or a heating unit  450 . In some embodiments, the insert  470  can include two or more cooling units  440  or two or more heating units disposed on the insert  470 . The insert  470  will provide structural support and insulation between the item and the container in which the item is being shipped. In some embodiments, the insert  470  can comprise tear-away sides in order to allow access to the item  420 , and will comprise one or more tear strips  490  that can be removed to sever leads  469  to break the electrical connection between the cooling and heating units  440 ,  450  and the control circuitry  460 . 
     The cooling unit  440  is connected to an upper surface of the insert  470 , and the heating unit  450  is connected to a lower surface of the heating unit. The control circuitry  460  is shown attached to a side panel, or vertical portion of the insert  470 , but this is exemplary only. The control circuitry  460  could be attached at any desired location on the insert  470 . The cooling unit  440  and the heating unit  450  are positioned such that an item  420  can be received between the cooling unit  440  and the heating unit  450 , as depicted. The cooling unit  440  is shown disposed above the item  420  and the heating unit  450  is shown disposed below the item. When the insert  470  and the item  420  are placed within a container, the item  420  can sit on the heating unit  450  such that the heating unit  450  is in contact with a surface of the item  420 , and the cooling unit  440  can be in contact with another surface of the item  420 . In some embodiments, the item  420  can sit on a platform similar to those described with regard to  FIG. 1  that will maintain the item  420  not in direct contact with either a cooling unit  440  or a heating unit  450 . In some embodiments, the heating unit  450  can be disposed above the item and the cooling unit  440  can be disposed below the item. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a temperature control device. The temperature control device  530  is shown attached to a portion of an inner wall  580  of a container (not shown). The temperature control device  530  comprises a cooling unit  540  and control circuitry  560 . The control circuitry  560  includes a processing unit  564 , a temperature sensor  566 , and a power source  567 . The control circuitry  560  can operate similar to the control circuitry discussed elsewhere herein. The processing unit  564  can be wired to each of the cooling cells  542  via a set of leads  569  for each cooling cell  542 , and can actuate the cooling cells  542  according to temperature signals received from the temperature sensor  566 . 
     The cooling unit  540  comprises a plurality of cooling cells  542 . The cooling cells  542  can be similar to those described elsewhere herein. The cooling cells  542  are retained within pockets, frames, holders, or supports  582 . The supports  582  are attached to the inner wall  580  and are sized and shaped to receive and releasably retain one or more of the cooling cells  542 . In some embodiments, the cooling cells  542  can be easily inserted into and removed from the supports  582 . 
     The cooling cells  542  are in electrical contact with the control circuitry  560  via leads  549 . Each of the plurality of cooling cells  542  is connected to an associated lead  549  or set of leads  549  via a node  541 . The nodes  541  can be fixed connections, or can be points where the cooling cells  542  are hardwired to the leads  549 . In some embodiments, the nodes  541  are contact pads, stabs, button-type connectors, or a similar releasable type of electrical connector. The leads  549  may be fixed in place on the inner wall  580  at specific positions corresponding to the location of each of the plurality of cooling cells  542 , for example, in the supports  582 . The nodes  541  can be formed on an outer surface of the cooling cells  542 . In this way a cooling cell  542  can be inserted into the supports  582 , and, by the insertion, can align electrical contacts to make an electrical connection between the node  541  for that cooling cell  542  and the corresponding leads  549 . 
     The arrangement of nodes  541  for connecting the cooling cells  542  to the leads  549 , and thus, to the control circuitry  560 , allows for a cooling cell  542  to be removed from the cooling unit  540  if it was not actuated during transit of the container or shipping of the item. As an item is transported in a container having a temperature control pack  530 , it may not be necessary to actuate each of the plurality of cooling cells  542  in order to maintain the temperature within the container in the specified range. When the container arrives at its destination, the cooling unit  540  may have unused or non-actuated cooling cells  542 . The releasable electrical connections of the nodes  541  allows for removal of cooling cells  542  from the cooling unit  540  which were not activated. These unused or non-actuated cooling cells  542  can be inserted into and used in another container having a temperature control pack  530 . Similarly, unused cooling and heating packs  242 ,  252  can be removable from the cooling and heating units  240 ,  250  and be inserted to another cooling or heating unit  240 ,  250  and be reused. 
     The temperature control pack  530  described herein refers only to a cooling unit  540  having cooling cells  542 , but one of skill in the art, guided by this disclosure, would understand that the temperature control pack  530  could include a heating unit and heating cells as described elsewhere herein. 
     The technology is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
     The present disclosure refers to processor-implemented steps for processing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed step undertaken by components of the system. 
     The processors or processing units described herein may be implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that may perform calculations or other manipulations of information. The system hub  210  may comprise a processor  212  such as, for example, a microprocessor, such as a Pentium® processor, a Pentium® Pro processor, a 8051 processor, a MIPS® processor, a Power PC® processor, an Alpha® processor, a microcontroller, an Intel CORE i7®, i5®, or i3® processor, an AMD Phenom®, A-series®, or FX® processor, or the like. The processors  212  and  305  typically have conventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or more conventional control lines. 
     The system may be used in connection with various operating systems such as Linux®, UNIX®, MacOS®, or Microsoft Windows®. 
     The system control may be written in any conventional programming language such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, or Java, and ran under a conventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and FORTRAN are industry standard programming languages for which many commercial compilers can be used to create executable code. The system control may also be written using interpreted languages such as Perl, Python, or Ruby. 
     Those of skill will further recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, software stored on a computer readable medium and executable by a processor, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such embodiment decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor-executable software module which may reside on a computer-readable medium. Memory Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection can be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine readable medium and computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product. 
     The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material. 
     The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
     The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.