Patent Publication Number: US-11656007-B2

Title: Thermo-electric heat pump systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/700,867, filed Dec. 2, 2019 (published as US20200103147), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/228,391, filed Dec. 20, 2018 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,495,357), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/702,379, filed Sep. 12, 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,161,657), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/427,243, filed Feb. 8, 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,791,185), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/834,260, filed Aug. 24, 2015 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,599,376), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/228,048, filed Mar. 27, 2014 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,115,919), which is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/805,926 filed Mar. 27, 2013; U.S. application Ser. No. 14/228,048 is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/176,078, filed Feb. 8, 2014 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,151,523), which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/146,635, filed Feb. 8, 2012 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,282), which is the U.S. National Stage of PCT/US2010/022459, filed Jan. 28, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/361,484 filed Jan. 28, 2009 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,677,767); U.S. National Stage of PCT/US2010/022459 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/148,911 filed Jan. 30, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/834,260 is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/197,589, filed Mar. 5, 2014 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,134,055), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/361,484, filed Jan. 28, 2009 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,677,767), which is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/024,169, filed Jan. 28, 2008, and 61/056,801, filed May 28, 2008, the contents of each of the above applications which are incorporated herein by reference thereto in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to thermo-electric heat pump systems. In another aspect, this disclosure relates to providing a system for improved iso-thermal transport and storage systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to providing a system for temperature regulation for transported materials requiring a stable thermal environment. There is a need for a robust shock-proof and efficient thermo-electric device that is self-sufficient and does not require external power for a period of multiple days. Further, there is a need for a thermo-electric device that is capable of safely storing and maintaining its cargo during transport and/or storage. The need has been expressed by those involved in transportation and storage of temperature sensitive and delicate goods, for example, biological or laboratory samples. Additionally, this need is further expressed by those responsible for transporting sensitive goods in extreme locations where temperature regulation may be problematic. Furthermore, a need exists for an iso-thermal storage and transport system that self-regulates temperature over pre-defined, adjustable cooling or heating profiles. Shipping weight and volume are also prime concerns. 
     A need exists for an iso-thermal storage and transport system that provides a self-contained means for storing energy onboard during the transport and storage of sensitive goods, such as biological materials and samples, including cell and tissue cultures, nucleic acids, bodily fluids, tissues, organs, embryos, semen, stem-cells, ovaries, platelets, blood, plant tissues, and other sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines and chemicals. In light of available utilities, external ambient temperature, environmental conditions and other factors, it is essential that an iso-thermal storage and transport system function reliably to protect sensitive goods from degradation. 
     A need exists for an iso-thermal storage and transport system that is robust and that provides a shock-proof system that withstands abuses and rough handling inherent within storage and transportation of sensitive goods. 
     Further, needs exist for iso-thermal storage and transport systems and other related thermo-electric heat pump systems that are reusable, reliable over an extended time period, cost-effective and dependable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to a thermoelectric heat pump assembly having a more efficient design. As used herein, Temperature (T) is in Celsius; Voltage (V) is in Volts; current (I) is in Amps; heat (Q) is in Watts; and resistance R is in Ohms. The heat pump assembly designs described herein increases heat pump per unit of input power during overall use, with increased reliability. In an embodiment the thermoelectric heat pump assembly comprises: two or more thermoelectric unit layers (i.e., thermoelectric modules) capable of active use of the Peltier effect, each thermoelectric unit layer having a cold side and a hot side, and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. 
     The heat pump assembly of the disclosure can be configured so that each thermoelectric unit layer at steady-state during operation has ratio or coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat removed divided by the input power that is prior to and less than the peak COP on a COP curve of performance (See  FIGS.  25 A- 25 C  and  FIGS.  26 A- 26 C ). The capacitance spacer block has a top portion and a bottom portion and is between a first thermoelectric unit layer and a second thermoelectric layer. The top portion of the capacitance spacer block is thermally connected to the hot side of the first thermoelectric unit layer and the bottom portion is thermally connected to the cold side of the second thermoelectric unit layer, forming a sandwich layer suitable to pump heat from the first thermoelectric unit layer to the second thermoelectric layer. The capacitance spacer block can be made of copper, aluminum, or other thermally conductive and capacitive alloys. 
     Each thermoelectric unit layer can comprise thermoelectric units electrically connected in parallel or series, but thermally connected in series. Each thermoelectric unit layers in the heat pump assembly can be separated by a capacitance spacer block. In some configurations, the thermoelectric heat pump of the disclosure would have two to nine thermoelectric unit layers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The thermoelectric unit layers are can be electrically reconfigurably connected to maintain a given temperature profile over time by switching between different configurations, e.g., electrically reconfigurable between series and parallel configurations. 
     At least one energy source (e.g., battery) is operably connected to each thermoelectric unit layer, wherein the energy source is suitable to provide a current to power the thermoelectric heat pump and to control the amount of heat removed by the heat pump. In certain aspects, the heat pump assembly comprises two or more energy sources (e.g., 3, 4, 5) that can be used as back up or provide alternative current configurations. 
     Advantageously, the heat pump assembly typically also has a heat sink associated with a fan assembly, wherein in the heat sink is thermally connected at the bottom end of the heat pump assembly. In certain aspects, the heat sink can be at least 30 W, or at least 40 W (e.g., 45 W, or 50 W). 
     In one aspect, the heat pump assembly is configured so that each individual thermoelectric unit layer has a ratio of input current to maximum available current (I/Imax) of 0.35 at steady-state. The heat pump assembly can also be configured so that the I/Imax of 0.09 or less (e.g. 0.076) at a steady-state, when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is about 20° C. and heat removal (Q) is about 0 Watts; and/or the ratio of input current to maximum available current (I/Imax) of each individual thermoelectric unit layer is 0.18 or less at a steady-state, when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is about 40° C. and heat (Q) is about 0 Watts. 
     In another aspect, the heat pump assembly is configured so that each individual thermoelectric unit layer has a maximum change in temperature (ΔTmax) potential and comprises at least 127 coupled pairs of thermoelectric units, and wherein the heat pump assembly is configured so that each thermoelectric layer operates at: (i) less than 20% of the ΔTmax at steady-state when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is about 20° C.; and/or (ii) less than 40% of the ΔTmax at steady-state when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is about 40° C. 
     In another aspect, the heat pump assembly further comprises a heat sink associated with a fan assembly, wherein in the heat sink is thermally connected at the bottom end of the heat pump assembly, the heat pump assembly being configured to minimize a temperature rise or drop on the heat sink at a steady-state so that the temperature rise or drop on the heat sink does not exceed 5° C., or does not exceed 4° C. or 3° C., and even 2.5° C., typically as compared to ambient temperature. 
     In a configuration, the thermoelectric heat pump assembly is configured so that at steady-state the heat sink has a temperature that does not exceed 30%, 25% or 20%, of the heat sink maximum temperature rating, wherein the heat sink has a rating of at least 35 Watts (e.g., 40 Watts). 
     Each thermoelectric unit layer can comprise at least 127 coupled pairs of thermoelectric units. Also, each thermoelectric unit layer can be configured at 3 or more Ohms at 25° Celsius, or 5 or more Ohms, (e.g. about 5.5, 6.0, or 6.5 Ohms), typically not greater than 7.5 Ohms. The thermoelectric unit layer (i.e., a thermoelectric module) can have a heat pumping capability of between 15 Watts and 20 Watts. 
     Each thermoelectric unit layer can have a maximum change in temperature (ΔTmax) potential and is configured so that each thermoelectric layer operates at less than 20% of the ΔTmax at steady-state when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is 20° C.; and/or operates at less than 40% of the ΔTmax at steady-state when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is 40° C. 
     In addition, the capacitance spacer block can typically separate the thermoelectric unit layers by at least ¼ inch, or at least about ½, 1, 2, or 3 inches. In a specific embodiment, the capacitance spacer block, is about 1.5-2.5 inches. The top portion and bottom portion of the capacitance spacer block can be substantially the same size and shape as the cold side and hot side of each thermoelectric unit layer to obtain substantial contact with the thermoelectric unit layer. 
     The thermoelectric heat pump assembly of the present disclosure may further comprise momentary relay based circuitry, programmable by a portable microprocessor adapted to control the temperature of the temperature sensitive goods based on a given temperature profile. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermoelectric heat pump assembly further comprises a microcontroller (e.g., microprocessor) operatively associated with the energy source and at least one relay, wherein the microcontroller activates the at least one relay which directs current from the energy source to at least one of the thermoelectric unit layers and wherein the at least one relay reconnects the at least one thermoelectric unit layer in series or parallel with another thermoelectric unit layer. 
     For example, the microcontroller: (1) defines a setpoint temperature (Tsp) and compares the Tsp to a temperature (Tc) of a container operatively associated with the thermoelectric heat pump assembly, wherein the microcontroller controls at least one relay to connect the at least one thermoelectric unit layer in series if Tc checks positive or equal against Tsp, and wherein the microcontroller deactivates the at least one relay if Tsp checks negative or equal against Tc; (2) defines a Tsp and compares the Tsp to Tc of a container operatively associated with the thermoelectric heat pump assembly, wherein the microcontroller activates the at least one relay to connect the at least one thermoelectric unit layer in parallel if Tc checks positive or equal against Tsp, and wherein the microcontroller deactivates the at least one relay if Tsp checks negative or equal against Tc; and/or (3) defines a Tsp and compares the Tsp to a Tc of a container operatively associated with the thermoelectric heat pump assembly, wherein the microcontroller activates the at least one relay to connect the at least one thermoelectric unit layer in parallel and the microcontroller activates the at least one relay to connect the at least one thermoelectric unit layer in series if Tsp checks positive or equal against Tc, and wherein the microcontroller deactivates the at least one relay if Tsp checks negative or equal against Tc. In a specific example, the Tc would check positive or equal if the Tc is greater than the Tsp plus 1° C., or 0.5° C., or 0.1° C. 
     The disclosure is further directed to a thermoelectric transport or storage device for thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods during transport. The thermoelectric transport and storage device can be configured so that it self-regulates temperature over pre-defined, adjustable cooling or heating profile. Advantageously, the device comprises a thermal isolation chamber for storing the temperature sensitive goods and at least one thermoelectric heat pump assembly, as described herein, thermally connected to the thermal isolation chamber and configured to control a temperature of the temperature sensitive goods during transport or storage at a selected steady-state temperature within a tolerable temperature variation for the temperature sensitive goods being transported or stored. The thermal isolation chamber can be made of thermally conductive metals and alloys, e.g., aluminum. 
     Non-limiting examples of temperature sensitive goods suitable for transport in the device include: semen, embryos, oocytes, cell cultures, tissue cultures, chondrocytes, nucleic acids, bodily fluids, organs, plant tissues, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and temperature sensitive chemicals. In an embodiment the thermoelectric transport or storage device also has a robust shock proof exterior, capable of protecting sensitive goods during long periods of transport and storage. 
     In certain aspects of the disclosure, the transport or storage device typically also has a portable microprocessor, wherein the portable microprocessor is programmed to communicate with the thermoelectric transport or storage device upon activation. In addition, the device may also advantageously have an electrical-erasable-programmable read-only-memory (EEPROM) chip operatively associated with the thermoelectric transport or storage device. The EEPROM chip communicates with the portable microprocessor and the thermoelectric heat pump. The portable microprocessor also typically communicates with the EEPROM chip through a multi-master serial computer bus using I2C protocol and can store received time and temperature profiles related to the thermoelectric heat pump assembly. 
     In one exemplary configuration, the portable microprocessor communicates time and temperature profiles related to the thermoelectric heat pump to the EEPROM and also receives time and temperature profiles related to the thermoelectric heat pump from the EEPROM. The portable microprocessor can store the received time and temperature profiles related to the thermoelectric heat pump. Also, the portable microprocessor can be operatively associated with the thermoelectric transport or storage device through one or more DB connectors. In this exemplary embodiment, the portable microprocessor is often advantageously activated by the energy source of the thermoelectric transport or storage device. 
     The thermoelectric transport or storage device described herein, can also comprise reconfigurable circuitry suitable for a selected temperature input. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric unit layers are electrically reconfigurable to maintain a temperature profile during transport or storage. Typically, the circuitry comprises a programmable microprocessor programmed to actuate a temperature sensitive goods specific temperature profile. 
     The thermoelectric transport or storage device can also have at least one rotator structured and arranged to rotate the temperature sensitive goods within the thermal isolation chamber. This facilitates a uniform temperature of the goods during transport and enhances the effectiveness of maintaining the desired temperature. 
     The thermoelectric transport or storage device can also be configured to configured to control the temperature of the temperature sensitive goods within a selected tolerance for a specific temperature sensitive good, for example, a tolerance of less than about 10° C., less than: 8° C.; 5° C.; and/or 3° C.; and even less than: 1° C., 0.5° C. and/or 0.1° C. 
     Another aspect is the ability to program the thermoelectric transport or storage device with unique specific profiles suitable for the specific goods being transported and the needs of the users. For example, the device can be programmed to ship reproductive fluids at a selected and desired temperature to best preserve the fluids using very low tolerance variability levels of 0.1° C., until delivery, at which the device would be programmed to increase to a second selected and desired the temperature for clinical use. 
     Also with extremely sensitive temperature goods it is important to have a ramp down and/or ramp down period so as not to harm the goods due to a rapid change in temperature. To ramp down/up the temperature, the device can be programmed or configured to gradually increase or decrease the temperature over a set time period. For example, the device could be programmed to decrease/increase the temperature by 0.1 degrees every 20 minutes, down to a selected temperature. Thus, as can be seen, the device of the disclosure provides the user with the ability to specifically program the device with not just one profile, but with several temperature profiles (or sub-profiles), e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc. in accordance with parameters of the goods to be stored or transported. The activation of sub-profiles allows for increased flexibility in best protecting the specific temperature sensitive goods during transport. 
     The thermoelectric transport or storage device advantageously has at least one portable energy source, e.g. at least one, two, or three batteries, which is suitable to maintain the selected temperature for the temperature sensitive goods during transport of at least 72 hours, or at least 84 hours, and even 7 days, the selected temperature of the temperature sensitive goods compared to ambient temperature is at least 20° C., at least 30° C. or at least 40° C. Multiple batteries can be used to provide the necessary energy source. 
     Another aspect is the insulation. The insulation can be one or more vacuum insulators insulating the thermal isolation chamber. Vacuum insulators comprise at least one layer of reflective material having infrared emittance, in the infrared spectrum from about one micron to about one millimeter wavelength, of less than about 0.1. The vacuum insulators can also comprise at least one evacuated volume having an absolute pressure of less than about 10 Torr. 
     The thermoelectric transport or storage devices described herein can come in many sizes and shapes, e.g., 1′×2′; 4′×4′, etc. As the sizes of the transport or storage device increase it can be that at least 2 thermoelectric heat pumps be incorporated therein (4, 8, 10, 15, etc.). The heat pumps can be reconfigurably connected between series and parallel configurations. Furthermore, the thermoelectric unit layers of each heat pump can also be reconfigurably connected between series and parallel providing greater control over the amount of heat generation of each thermoelectric unit layer and the heat pump in general. 
     The disclosure is also directed to a method of safely transporting temperature sensitive goods at a selected temperature profile during transport. The method can comprise the steps of: 
     (a) placing the temperature sensitive goods in a transportation device adapted to thermally isolate the temperature sensitive goods from outside environment, wherein the transportation device comprises at least one temperature control system adapted to actuate the selected temperature profile while the temperature sensitive goods are in the transportation device, the temperature control system comprising at least one thermoelectric heat pump as described above in thermal association with the temperature sensitive goods being transported; and 
     (b) transporting the temperature sensitive goods while the transportation device is activated according to the selected temperature profile. 
     In certain embodiments, the disclosure further comprises loading a user-selected temperature profile specific to the temperature sensitive goods being transported by inserting a smart chip into a communication link, wherein the smart chip downloads the profile into the transport device. 
     In accordance with a other embodiments hereof, a thermal protection system, relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods, comprising: at least one thermo-electric heat pump adapted to control at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods; wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one thermo-electric device adapted to active use of the Peltier effect; wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one thermal capacitor adapted to provide at least one thermal capacitance in thermal association with such at least one thermo-electric device; and wherein such at least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to provide intended thermal association with such at least one thermo-electric device, and wherein such at least one thermal capacitance can be embodied by a capacitance spacer block made of, for example, aluminum, copper, or other thermally conductive and capacitive alloys. Moreover, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such intended thermal association of such at least one least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to provide increased energy efficiency of operation of such at least one thermo-electric device as compared to such energy efficiency of operation of such at least one thermo-electric device without addition of such at least one least one thermal capacitor. 
     Additionally, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such intended thermal association of such at least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to allow usage of momentary-relay-based control circuitry in combination with at least one energy store to power such at least one thermo-electric device to achieve control of at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods. Also, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such control of such at least one temperature comprises controlling such at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than about one degree centigrade. In addition, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such intended thermal association is user-selected to control usage of proportional control circuitry in combination with at least one energy store to power such at least one thermo-electric heat pump to control such at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods. And, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such control of such at least one temperature comprises controlling such at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than one degree centigrade. Further, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises a minimum of one sandwich layer; wherein such sandwich layer comprises at least one set of such thermo-electric devices and at least one set of such thermal capacitors; wherein each such sandwich layer is suitable for thermally-conductively connecting to at least one other such sandwich layer; and wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade. 
     Even further, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one such sandwich layer comprising such set of such thermo-electric devices; wherein each thermo-electric device comprising such plurality is electrically connected in parallel with each other each thermo-electric device comprising such plurality; and wherein each set of such thermo-electric devices comprising such first sandwich layer is suitable for thermally-conductively connecting to at least one other such sandwich layer; and wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade. 
     Moreover, it provides such a thermal protection system further comprising: at least one thermal isolator for thermally isolating the temperature sensitive goods. Additionally, it provides such a thermal protection system: at least one thermal isolator for thermally isolating the temperature sensitive goods, wherein such at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one vessel structured and arranged to contain the temperature sensitive goods; and wherein such at least one vessel comprises at least one heat-transferring surface structured and arranged to conductively exchange heat to and from such at least one temperature controller. 
     Also, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one vessel comprises at least one re-sealable surface structured and arranged to ingress and egress the temperature sensitive goods to and from such at least one thermal isolator. In addition, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one re-sealable surface comprises at least one seal structured and arranged to exclude at least one microorganism from such at least one vessel. And, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one insulator for insulating the temperature sensitive goods. Further, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one insulator comprises at least one layer of reflective material; and wherein infrared emittance of such reflective material is less than about 0.1, in the infrared spectrum from about one micron to about one millimeter wavelength. 
     Even further, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one insulator comprises at least one evacuated volume; and wherein absolute pressure of such least one evacuated volume is less than about 10 Torr. Moreover, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one goods rotator structured and arranged to rotate the temperature sensitive goods within such at least one thermal isolator. Additionally, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one goods rotator is structured and arranged to self-power from at least one energy storage device. 
     Also, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one energy storage device comprises at least one battery. In addition, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such thermo-electric heat pump comprises from about two to about nine vessel sandwich layers, each such vessel sandwich layer comprising at least one vessel set of such thermo-electric devices; and wherein such at least one vessel set comprises at least two thermo-electric devices. And, it provides such a thermal protection system: wherein such at least one vessel set comprises at least ten thermo-electric devices. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided relating to use of at least one thermal protection system, relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods, comprising the steps of: delivery, by at least one provider, of such at least one thermal protection system to at least one user, relating to at least one use, relating to at least one time period; wherein such at least one thermal protection system comprises at least one thermo-electric device adapted to active use of the Peltier effect to effect such control of at least one temperature; wherein such at least one thermo-electric device comprises at least one thermal capacitor adapted to provide at least one thermal capacitance in thermal association with such at least one thermo-electric device; and wherein such at least one thermal capacitor is user-selected to provide intended thermal association with such at least one thermo-electric device presetting of at least one set-point temperature of such at least one thermal protection system, by such at least one provider, prior to such delivery; and receiving value from at least one party benefiting from such at least one use. Further, it provides such a method, further comprising: providing re-use of such at least one thermal protection system, by such at least one provider; wherein such step of providing re-use comprises at least one cleaning step, and at least one set-point re-setting step. Even further, it provides such a method, further comprising: permitting other entities, for value, to provide such method. 
     In accordance with another embodiment hereof, the disclosure provides a method of engineering design of thermo-electric heat pumps, relating to designing toward maximizing heat pumped per unit of input power, comprising the steps of: accumulating at least one desired range of variables for each at least one design-goal element of such thermoelectric heat pump to be designed; discovering such maximum heat pumped per unit of input power; and finalizing such engineering design; wherein such step of discovering such maximum heat pumped per unit of input power comprises providing at least one desired arrangement of a plurality of thermo-electric devices, wherein essentially each thermoelectric device of such plurality of thermo-electric devices is associated with at least one user selectable thermal capacitance, holding each such at least one design-goal element within a respective such at least one desired range of variables, incrementally trial raising each such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while performing such holding step, and essentially maximizing such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while remaining within each respective such at least one desired range of variables; wherein at least one essentially maximum heat pumped per unit of input power may be achieved. 
     In accordance with another embodiment hereof, the disclosure provides a method, applied to shipping perishables: wherein such design-goal elements comprising ambient temperature, shipping container cost, shipping container weight, shipping container size, maximum variation of temperature of perishables required; wherein the shipping container cost, shipping container weight, shipping container size, variation of temperature of perishables are minimized while achieving essentially maximum heat pumped per unit of input power; wherein such shipping container comprises at least one arrangement of a plurality of thermo-electric devices; wherein essentially each thermo-electric device of such plurality of thermo-electric devices is associated with at least one user selectable thermal capacitance; wherein thermal capacitance of each such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance is determined by holding each such at least one design-goal element within a respective such at least one desired range of variables, incrementally trial raising each such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while performing such holding step, and essentially maximizing such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while remaining within each respective such at least one desired range of variables; and wherein at least one essentially maximum heat pumped per unit of input power is achieved. 
     In accordance with another embodiment hereof, the disclosure provides a method, applied to providing temperature conditioning of perishables in recreational vehicles: wherein such design-goal elements comprise ambient temperature, perishable cold storage container cost, perishable cold storage container weight, perishable cold storage container size, maximum variation of temperature of perishables required; wherein the cold storage container cost, perishable cold storage container weight, perishable cold storage container size, variation of temperature of perishables are minimized while achieving essentially maximum heat pumped per unit of input power; wherein such shipping container comprises at least one arrangement of a plurality of thermo-electric devices; wherein essentially each thermo-electric device of such plurality of thermo-electric devices is associated with at least one user selectable thermal capacitance; wherein thermal capacitance of each such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance is determined by holding each such at least one design-goal element within a respective such at least one desired range of variables, incrementally trial raising each such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while performing such holding step, and essentially maximizing such at least one user selectable thermal capacitance while remaining within each respective such at least one desired range of variables; and wherein at least one essentially maximum heat pumped per unit of input power is achieved. 
     In accordance with another embodiment hereof, the disclosure provides a method, relating to protectively transporting equine semen, comprising the steps of: providing at least one transportation vessel adapted to seal such horse semen in isolation from outside environment; providing at least one temperature control system adapted to control temperature of the horse semen while in such at least one transportation vessel; and providing that such at least one temperature control system comprises at least one thermoelectric heat pump; wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump is adapted to controlling temperature of such horse semen to remain in at least one temperature range assisting viability of such horse semen. Moreover, it provides such a method wherein such at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one Peltier thermo-electric device in thermal association with at least one thermal capacitor having at least one thermal capacitance designed to provide intended to provide intended operational features of such at least one thermo-electric heat pump. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a thermoelectric heat pump assembly may comprise at least three identical thermoelectric units arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured for simultaneous use of the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block is disposed between each of the at least three thermoelectric units. An energy source is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units and configured to provide a current source to each of the serially connected thermoelectric units. A heat sink is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units and thermally capacitive spacer blocks. A microcontroller is operatively associated with the energy source to direct current from the energy source to the at least three thermoelectric units. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The microcontroller defines a Tsp and compares the Tsp to a Tc coupled to the thermoelectric heat pump and activates a simultaneous use of the Peltier effect for a duration to reduce a difference in temperature between the Tsp and Tc. The Tsp and Tc can be compared with a resolution of approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius. The Tsp and Tc can also be compared with a resolution of approximately 0.0625 degrees Celsius. The microcontroller compares a change of rate of the Tc and the Tsp. The microcontroller compares a change of rate of the Tc and the Tsp. The Tsp can be defined as a range of temperatures. The microcontroller is configured to receive a user defined Tsp. At least three thermoelectric units are configured for simultaneous use of the Peltier effect such that a first thermoelectric unit transfers heat to a second thermoelectric unit while the second thermoelectric unit transfers heat to a third thermoelectric unit. A thermal capacitor disposed between each of the thermoelectric units. The thermoelectric heat pump comprises four or more thermoelectric units in each thermoelectric heat pump. A fan is disposed adjacent to the heat sink and configured to aid in removal of heat from the thermoelectric heat pump. Each thermoelectric unit comprises at least 127 coupled pairs of thermocouples and a resistance of at least 3 ohms. In an embodiment, each thermocouple has a resistance of 3.75 ohms. In another embodiment, each thermoelectric unit comprises at least 287 coupled pairs of thermocouples and a resistance of at least 3 ohms. Optionally, each thermoelectric unit can also have a resistance of 8.5 ohms. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly can also be used in method of safely transporting temperature sensitive goods at a selected temperature profile during transport. Temperature sensitive goods are placed in a thermal isolation chamber within the transportation device. The thermal isolation chamber is adapted to thermally isolate the temperature sensitive goods from an outside environment. The thermal isolation chamber is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units. A temperature of the thermal isolation control system is controlled by activating the Peltier effect of the at least three thermoelectric units. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a thermoelectric heat pump assembly may comprise at least three thermoelectric units arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured for simultaneous use of the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block is disposed between each of the at least three thermoelectric units. An energy source is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units and configured to provide a current source to each of the serially connected thermoelectric units. A heat sink is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units and thermally capacitive spacer blocks 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. Each of the thermoelectric units are substantially identical. Each of the thermoelectric units includes a same size. Each of the thermoelectric units is configured to transfer a same amount of heat. Each of the thermoelectric units is configured with a same resistance. An energy source is coupled to the at least three thermoelectric units and configured to provide a current source to each of the serially connected thermoelectric units. The thermoelectric units are identical. The thermoelectric heat pumps are configured to provide temperature control to at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than about one degree centigrade. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a thermoelectric heat pump assembly may comprise at least three thermoelectric units arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured for simultaneous use of the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block is disposed between the at least three thermoelectric units. 
     In an aspect, a thermal protection system relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods can comprise a vessel configured to contain the temperature sensitive goods. A stack of at least three identical thermoelectric modules can be thermally coupled to the vessel and arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured such that each thermoelectric module within the stack simultaneously uses the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block can be disposed between each of the at least three thermoelectric modules. An energy source can be coupled to the stack of at least three thermoelectric modules and configured to provide a current source to each of the serially connected thermoelectric modules. A heat sink can be coupled to the stack of at least three thermoelectric modules and thermally capacitive spacer blocks opposite the vessel. A microcontroller can be operatively associated with the energy source to direct current from the energy source to the stack of at least three thermoelectric modules. 
     The thermal protection system can further comprise a system wherein the microcontroller defines a setpoint temperature (Tsp) and compares the Tsp to a temperature (Tc) of a container coupled to the stack of at least three identical thermoelectric modules and activates a simultaneous use of the Peltier effect for a duration to reduce a difference in temperature between the Tsp and Tc. The microcontroller can be configured to vary a voltage to the thermoelectric modules by varying a pulse-width-modulation (PWM), a pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM), or a thermal capacitance of the thermal protection system. The Tsp can be defined as a range of temperatures and the Tsp and Tc can be compared with a resolution greater than or equal to 0.01 degrees Celsius. The microcontroller can be configured to received a user defined Tsp. Each thermoelectric module can comprises at least 127 coupled pairs of thermocouples and a resistance of at least 1 ohm. 
     In another aspect, a thermal protection system relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods can comprise a vessel configured to contain the temperature sensitive goods. A stack of at least three thermoelectric modules can be thermally coupled to the vessel and arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured such that each thermoelectric module within the stack simultaneously use the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block can be disposed between each of the at least three thermoelectric modules. An energy source can be coupled to the stack of at least three thermoelectric modules and configured to provide a current source to each of the serially connected thermoelectric modules. A heat sink can be coupled to the stack of at least three thermoelectric modules and thermally capacitive spacer blocks opposite the vessel. 
     The thermal protection system can further comprise a system wherein each of the thermoelectric modules are substantially identical. Each of the thermoelectric modules can include a same number of thermocouples. The stack of at least three thermoelectric modules can comprise a delta T that increases for each thermoelectric module in a first direction along the stack and an amount of heat transferred by the thermoelectric module (Qc) that increases for each thermoelectric module in a second direction opposite the first direction. Four or more thermoelectric modules can be in each stack of at least three thermoelectric modules. The stack of at least three identical thermoelectric modules can comprises a height greater than or equal to 2.5 cm, thereby providing a space for insulation around the stack of at least three identical thermoelectric modules between the vessel and the heat sink. The stack of at least three thermoelectric modules can be configured to provide temperature control to at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than about six degrees centigrade. 
     In another aspect, a thermal protection system relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods can comprise a vessel configured to contain the temperature sensitive goods. A stack of at least two thermoelectric modules can be coupled to the vessel and arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured such that each thermoelectric module within the stack simultaneously use the Peltier effect. A thermally capacitive spacer block can be thermally coupled to the stack of at least two thermoelectric modules, and a heat sink can be coupled to the stack of at least two thermoelectric modules and thermally capacitive spacer block opposite the vessel. 
     The thermal protection system can further comprise a system wherein the thermally capacitive spacer block is disposed between the stack of at least two thermoelectric modules. At least one energy source can be operably connected to each thermoelectric module, wherein the energy source is suitable to provide a current, the thermal protection system being configured so that each individual thermoelectric module has a ratio of input current to maximum available current (I/Imax) of 0.17 or less at a steady-state when a change in temperature (ΔT) of the thermal protection system between the vessel and the heat sink is about 20° C. and heat removal (Q) is about 0 Watts. Each of the thermoelectric modules are substantially identical. Each of the thermoelectric modules can include a same size. The stack of at least two thermoelectric modules can be configured to provide temperature control to at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than about fifteen degrees centigrade. 
     In yet another aspect a method of safely transporting temperature sensitive goods at a selected temperature profile during transport using a thermal protection system assembly described above can comprise placing the temperature sensitive goods in a thermal isolation chamber within the transportation device, coupling the thermal isolation chamber to the stack of at least two thermoelectric modules and controlling a temperature of the thermal isolation control system by activating the Peltier effect of the at least two thermoelectric modules. The thermal isolation chamber can be adapted to thermally isolate the temperature sensitive goods from an outside environment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show a perspective views, illustrating various embodiments of iso-thermal transport and storage systems. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  show various perspective and plan views, illustrating various embodiment of a lid portion of the embodiments of the iso-thermal transport and storage system shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . 
         FIG.  3    shows a partially disassembled perspective view, illustrating arrangement of interior components of the embodiment of iso-thermal transport and storage system. 
         FIG.  4    shows an exploded perspective view, illustrating a mating assembly relationship between a sample rotating assembly and the outer enclosure of the iso-thermal transport and storage system. 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view, illustrating the sample rotating assembly. 
         FIG.  6    shows a partially exploded perspective view, illustrating the order and arrangement of the inner working assembly and sample placements of the iso-thermal transport and storage system. 
         FIG.  7    shows a partially disassembled bottom perspective view, illustrating the inner working assembly of the iso-thermal transport and storage system. 
         FIG.  8    shows a side profile view, illustrating a thermo-electric assembly of the iso-thermal transport and storage system. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  show an electrical schematic views, illustrating possible electrical control of iso-thermal transport and storage systems. 
         FIG.  10    shows a perspective view illustrating a possible embodiment of the iso-thermal transport and storage system as viewed from underneath. 
         FIG.  11    shows a schematic view, illustrating a control circuit board, according to a possible embodiment. 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  show perspective views, illustrating a thermoelectric transport and storage device. 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  show perspective views, illustrating a thermoelectric heat pump assembly can comprise two thermoelectric unit layers and a thermoelectric transport and storage device with a robust shock proof exterior. 
         FIG.  14    shows a perspective view, illustrating a portable microprocessor. 
         FIG.  15    shows a side profile view, illustrating a sandwich layer. 
         FIG.  16    shows a schematic view of a control hardware block diagram, illustrating momentary relay based circuitry programmable by a microprocessor adapted to control the temperature of temperature sensitive goods based on a desired temperature profile. 
         FIG.  17    shows a schematic view of a possible control logic diagram. 
         FIG.  18    shows a schematic view of a possible control logic diagram. 
         FIG.  19    shows two charts, each of which illustrate how various embodiments can be configured to maximize efficiency of operation compared to previously available thermoelectric heat pump systems; the charts further illustrate how heat pumped per unit of input power is maximized during overall use. 
         FIGS.  20 A and  20 B  show an electrical schematic view, in which the thermoelectric heat pump assembly contains six thermoelectric unit layers, and wherein the thermoelectric unit layers can be reconfigurable between a higher power setting and a lower power setting, and series and/or parallel configurations. 
         FIGS.  21 A and  21 B  show electrical schematic views, in which the thermoelectric heat pump assembly contains nine thermoelectric unit layers, and wherein the thermoelectric unit layers can be reconfigurable between a higher power setting and a lower power setting, and series and/or parallel configurations. 
         FIGS.  22 A and  22 B  show an electrical schematic view, in which the thermoelectric heat pump assembly contains nine thermoelectric unit layers, and wherein the thermoelectric unit layers can be reconfigurable between a higher power setting and a lower power setting, and series and/or parallel configurations; and an electrical schematic view illustrating an embodiment in which the thermoelectric transport and storage device contains at least two thermoelectric heat pump assemblies. 
         FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  show electrical schematic views, in which the thermoelectric heat pump assembly contains two thermoelectric unit layers, and wherein the thermoelectric unit layers can be reconfigurable between a higher power setting and a lower power setting, and series and/or parallel configurations. 
         FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  show charts, each of which illustrate how various embodiments maximize efficiency of operation compared to previously available thermoelectric heat pump systems; the charts further illustrate how various embodiments can be configured to maximize heat pumped per unit of input power during overall use, while minimizing the ratio of input current to maximum available current at a given steady-state temperature. 
         FIGS.  25 A- 25 C  show charts, illustrating how various embodiments can be configured to maximize efficiency of operation compared to typical thermoelectric heat pump systems; the charts further illustrate how the various embodiments can be configured to maximize heat pumped per unit of input power during overall use, while minimizing the ratio of input current to maximum available current at a given steady-state temperature. 
         FIGS.  26 A- 26 C  show charts, illustrating how various embodiments can be configured to maximize efficiency of operation compared to typical thermoelectric heat pump systems; the charts further illustrate how various embodiments can be configured to maximize heat pumped per unit of input power during overall use, while minimizing the ratio of input current to maximum available current at a given steady-state temperature. 
         FIGS.  27 A- 27 C  show electrical schematic views, in which thermoelectric heat pump assemblies can comprises four thermoelectric units, all of which are arranged electrically and thermally in series. 
         FIG.  28    shows electrical schematic views, in which multiple thermoelectric heat pump assemblies are coupled to a container for transporting temperature sensitive material. 
         FIG.  29    shows an electrical schematic view of a thermoelectric heat pump assembly that can comprise six thermoelectric units, all of which are arranged electrically and thermally in series. 
         FIG.  30    shows an electrical schematic view of a thermoelectric heat pump assembly that can comprise nine thermoelectric units, all of which are arranged electrically and thermally in series. 
         FIG.  31    shows an electrical schematic view of a thermoelectric heat pump assembly that can comprise two thermoelectric units, both of which are arranged electrically and thermally in series. 
         FIGS.  32 A- 32 C  show charts, each of which illustrate how various embodiments maximize efficiency of operation compared to previously available thermoelectric heat pump systems; the charts further illustrate how various embodiments can be configured to maximize heat pumped per unit of input power during overall use, while minimizing the ratio of input current to maximum available current at a given steady-state temperature. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Steady-state, as used herein, is the state at which, during operation the heat pump assembly, the heat pump assembly reaches a selected temperature. For example, the heat pump assembly reaches a set temperature and the system is substantially balanced and is simply maintaining the set temperature. 
     Ambient Temperature is the temperature of the air or environment surrounding a thermoelectric cooling system; sometimes called room temperature. 
     COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the ratio of the heat removed or added, in the case of heating, divided by the input power. 
     DTmax is the maximum obtainable temperature difference between the cold and hot side of the thermoelectric elements within the module when Imax is applied and there is no heat load applied to the module. 
     Heat pumping is the amount of heat (Q) that a thermoelectric device is capable of removing, or “pumping”, at a given set of operating parameters. For example, at a steady-state, when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is 20° C. and heat (Q) is 0.5 Watts, or alternatively when change in temperature (ΔT) of the heat pump assembly at the top end compared to the bottom end of the heat pump assembly is 40° C. and heat (Q) is 1. 
     Heat sink (also a cold sink when run in reverse) is a device that is attached to the hot side of thermoelectric module. It is used to facilitate the transfer of heat from the hot side of the module to the ambient. 
     Imax is the current that produces DTmax when the hot-side of the elements within the thermoelectric module are held at 300 K. 
     Peltier Effect is the phenomenon whereby the passage of an electrical current through a junction consisting of two dissimilar metals results in a cooling effect. When the direction of current flow is reversed heating will occur. 
     Qmax is the amount of heat that a TE cooler can remove when there is a zero degree temperature difference across the elements within a module and the hot-side temperature of the elements are at 300 K. 
     Thermal conductivity relates the amount of heat (Q) an object will transmit through its volume when a temperature difference is imposed across that volume. 
     Vmax is the voltage that is produced at DTmax when Imax is applied and the hot-side temperature of the elements within the thermoelectric module are at 300 K. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  show perspective views, illustrating at least two embodiments  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can be designed to protect sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  (see  FIG.  4   ,  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   ), mammal biological matter, mammal reproductive cells and/or tissues, horse semen (at least embodying herein a thermal protection system, relating to thermally protecting temperature sensitive goods). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other sensitive and perishable sensitive goods, such as cell and tissue cultures, nucleic acids, semen, stem-cells, ovaries, equine reproductive matter, bodily fluids, tissues, organs, and/or embryos plant tissues, blood, platelets, fruits, vegetables, seeds, live insects and other live samples, barely-frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, chemicals, sensitive goods yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Outer enclosure  105  can comprise a rectangular-box construction, as shown. Outer enclosure  105  can include lid portion  150 , enclosure portion  180 , and base portion  190 , as shown. External dimensions of outer enclosure  105  can be about 14 inches in length with a cross-section of about 9-inches square, as shown. 
     Lid portion  150  can attach to enclosure portion  180 , with at least one thumbscrew  151  and at least one fibrous washer  152 , as shown and explained herein. When lid portion  150  attaches to enclosure portion  180 , such attachment can provide an airtight seal, as shown, preventing contamination of enclosure portion  180  from external contaminants. Leakages of external contaminants, including microorganisms, into enclosure portion  180  can be prevented by applying pressure between at least one raised inner-portion  158 , of lid portion  150 , and threaded cap  142 , as shown (also see  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   ) (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one vessel comprises at least one re-sealable surface structured and arranged to ingress and egress the temperature sensitive goods to and from said at least one thermal isolator) (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one re-sealable surface comprises at least one seal structured and arranged to exclude at least one microorganism from said at least one vessel). Upper-lid raised inner-portion  158  of lid portion  150  can be shaped, as shown, by milling or alternately molding. Upper-lid raised inner-portion  158  can seal to the top of threaded cap  142  (see  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   ). 
     Fibrous washer  152  can comprise an outside diameter of about ½ inch, an inner diameter of about ¼ inch, and a thickness of about 0.08 inch. Over-tightening of thumbscrew  151  may cause cracking or distortion of lid portion  150  or degradation of fibrous washer  152 . Fibrous washer  152  can protect at least one lid portion  150  from at least one user  200  damaging lid portion  150 , due to over-tightening of thumbscrew  151 . Fibrous washer  152  can withstands high compression loads, up to 2000 pounds per square inch (psi) and can prevent vibration between mating surfaces of lid portion  150  and enclosure portion  180 . Also, each fibrous washer  152  can provide sufficient friction to prevent loosening of each respective thumbscrew  151 , as shown. Further, fibrous washer  152  can comprise a flat, deformable, inexpensive-to-produce, readily available, vulcanized, fibrous material, adhering to ANSI/ASME B18.22.1 (1965 R1998). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other washer materials, such as gasket paper, rubber, silicone, metal, cork, felt, Neoprene, fiberglass, a plastic polymer (such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene), etc., may suffice. 
     Thumbscrew  151  can feature at least one plastic grip  163 , possibly comprising at least one tang  164 , as shown. User  200  can grasp plastic grip  163  to tighten or loosen thumbscrew  151 , using at least three fingers. User  200  can use tang  164  to apply rotary pressure to plastic grip  163  for tightening or loosening of thumbscrew  151 , as shown. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, application requirements, etc., other grips, such as, for example, interlocking heads, wings, friction, etc., may suffice. 
     Thumbscrew  151  can comprise at least one 300-series stainless-steel stud with about ¼-20 inch threads, mounted in phenolic thermosetting resin (possibly reinforced laminate produced from a medium weave cotton cloth impregnated with a phenolic resin binder, MIL-i-24768/14 FBG). Plastic grip  163  can have about a 1½ inch wide top, can be about ⅝ inch thick, and can have about a ¼-inch offset between top portion of screw thread  148  and plastic grip  163 . Screw thread  148  can be about ¾ inch long. Thumbscrew  151  can comprise part number 57715K55 marketed by McMaster-Carr. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other thermosetting composites, such as polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester matrices with reinforcement fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, etc., may suffice. 
     Stainless steel possesses wear resistance properties appropriate to withstand rough treatment during commercial transport and storage. Stainless steel also provides corrosion proofing to ensure longevity of thumbscrew  151  for applications when embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  experiences moisture or corrosive environments. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, application requirements, etc., other screw materials, such as, for example, plastics, other metals, cermets, etc., may suffice. 
     Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other fastening means, such as adhesives, fusion processes, other mechanical fastening devices including screws, nails, bolt, buckle, button, catch, clasp, fastening, latch, lock, rivet, screw, snap, and other fastening means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     At least one raised section  165  of lid portion  150  can surrounds thumbscrew  151 , as a protective guard, to protect thumbscrew  151  from damage or accidental adjustment, as shown. Raised section  165  can be about 1¼ inch tall, about 3¼ inches wide, and about 3¼ inches long, and can be located at each of the four corners of lid portion  150 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other protective guards, such as, for example, protective rims, gratings, handles, blocks, buffers, bulwarks, pads, protections, ramparts, screens, shields, wards and other such protective guards yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Enclosure portion  180  can contain a means to accept at least one screw thread  148  on thumbscrew  151 , threaded insert  182 , as shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   . Internal thread size of threaded insert  182  can be about ¼-20 with a barrel diameter of about ⅓ inch, and a flange thickness of about 1/12 inch. Length of threaded insert  182  can be about 9/16 inch. Threaded insert  182  can be molded into, or, alternately, swaged into, enclosure portion  180 , as shown in  FIG.  3    and  FIG.  4   . Threaded insert  182  can be made of die-cast zinc to provide rust and weather resistance. Threaded insert  182 , as used in embodiment  102 , can comprise part number 91316A200 sold by McMaster-Carr. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other threaded inserts, such as self-tapping, ultrasonic inserts for use on plastic, metal, or wood-base materials yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Inner-layer  155 , located within lid portion  150 , can be formed from urethane, as shown. Inner-layer  155  can be about 1¼ inches thick. Inner-layer  155  can be formed from expanded-urethane semi-rigid foam having a density of about of 2 pounds per cubic foot (lb/cu. ft.). Inner-layer  155  can utilize part number SWD-890 as produced by SWD Urethane Company. Urethane is a thermoplastic elastomer that combines positive properties of plastic and rubber. Urethane-foam cells can be created by bubbling action of gases that create small air-filled pockets (possibly no more than 1/10 inch in diameter) that are beneficial for creating both resistance to thermal transfer and structural integrity. Further, the urethane foam can act as an impact absorber to protect components of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  and sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  from mechanical shock and vibration during storage and transport, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other forming means, such as other urethane foaming techniques/materials, plastic or other material, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and other acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, or materials such as composites, metals or alloys yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Inner-layer  155  of lid portion  150  can be encapsulated in outer-surfacing layer  156  that can comprise a tough semi-rigid-urethane plastic, as shown. Outer-surfacing layer  156  can provide durability and protection for embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  during rough handling and incidents of mechanical shock and vibration. Outer-surfacing layer  156  can be tough and amply flexible to withstand direct impact loads associated with normal commercial storage and transportation, as defined by ASTM D3951-98 (2004) Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging. Outer-surfacing layer  156  can be about ⅛ inch thick, as shown, and can be about 7 lb/cu. ft. density. Outer-surfacing layer  156  can utilize part number SWD-890 as produced by SWD Urethane Company. 
     Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) can be incorporated within lid portion  150  as VIP vacuum-panel  157  and in VIP insulation  108 , as shown (also see  FIG.  7   ) (at least embodying herein at least one thermal isolator for thermally isolating the temperature sensitive goods) (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one vacuum insulator for vacuum-insulating the temperature sensitive goods). VIPs can use the thermal insulating effects of a vacuum to produce highly efficient thermal insulation thermal insulation values (R-values) as compared to conventional thermal insulation, as shown. VIP vacuum-panel  157  and VIP insulation  108  can comprise NanoPore RP-150 core as made by NanoPore, Incorporated. NanoPore RP-150 core, which can comprises a thermal insulation for embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , has an R-value of about R-30 per inch and operates over a temperature range from about −200 degrees centigrade (° C.) to about 125° C. VIP vacuum-panel  157  and VIP insulation  108  can comprise layers of reflective film, having less than about 0.1, in the infrared spectrum from about one micron to about one millimeter wavelength, separating evacuated volumes, having pressure levels of less than 10 Torr. (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one vacuum insulator comprises at least one layer of reflective material; and at least herein embodying wherein infrared emittance of said reflective material is less than about 0.1, in the infrared spectrum from about one micron to about one millimeter wavelength; and at least herein embodying wherein absolute pressure of said least one evacuated volume is less than about 10 Torr). 
     VIP vacuum-panel  157 , as used in the present disclosure, can be encased in urethane foam to protect VIP vacuum-panel  157  from mechanical damage during usage of embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , as shown. The thermal insulation of VIP vacuum-panel  157  becomes more effective when lid-horizontal decking-surface  153  (see  FIG.  2   ) is in full contact with enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181  (see  FIG.  3   ), as shown. 
     Lid portion  150  also can provide at least one substantially flat-surface  159  that serves as a location for displaying at least one indicia  160 , as shown. User  200  may place indicia  160  on at least one flat-surface  159 , as shown. Indicia  160  may aid in designating ownership, advertising, or warnings for embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  and/or the contents contained in embodiment  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , as shown. 
     At least one rivet  162  can be used when enclosure portion  180  is formed from at least one wall section  201  and at least one corner section  202 , which require a fastening means to join the sections together, as shown. Wall section  201  can be about ⅛ inch thick, made from aluminum alloy 6061, T6 tempering, and/or anodized coated. Corner section  202  can be about ⅛ inch thick, made from aluminum alloy 6061, T6 tempering, and/or anodize coated. At least one rivet  162  can be used to hold at least one wall section  201  attach to at least one corner section  202 . Rivet  162  can be selected to withstand tension loads parallel to the longitudinal axis of rivet  162  and sheer loads perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rivet  162 . 
     Rivet  162  can comprise a blind rivet, alternately a solid rivet. Rivet  162  can be made from aluminum alloy 2024, as shown. Rivet  162  can have a head of about ⅓ inch diameter and can has a shaft of about 5/32 inch diameter. Rivet  162  can comprise part number 97525A470 from McMaster-Carr. Hole size (in wall section  201  and corner section  202 ) for rivet  162  may range from about 0.16 inch to about 0.17 inch in diameter. The shaft of rivet  162  can be about ½ inch diameter and can be upset to form a buck-tail head about ⅓ inch diameter after being inserted through holes, in wall section  201  and corner section  202 , located near at least one corner of outer enclosure  105 , as shown herein. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other securing means, such as bolts, buckles, buttons, catches, clasps, fastenings, latches, locks, rivets, screws, snaps, adapters, bonds, clamps, connections, connectors, couplings, joints, junctions, links, ties yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. User  200  may impart rough treatment to embodiment  102 ; thus, the design can employ plastic material capable of absorbing impact forces. The nature of the construction of embodiment  102 , in combination with expandable urethane  115  as insulation, assists isolation of thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown in  FIG.  3   , which is prone to damage from mechanical shock and/or vibration, from mechanical shock. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other impact absorption materials, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, and other acrylics, silicones, polyurethanes, composites, rubbers, soft metals or other such materials yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Enclosure portion  180  comprises at least one vent  183 , located on at least one vertical surface  161 , in close proximity to base portion  190 , as shown. Vent  183  can allow ambient air to freely enter and circulate throughout at least one interior portion of outer enclosure  105 , using at least one fan  120 , as shown (also see  FIG.  7   ). Vent  183  can provide about a 25% free flow opening (of the lower portion of wall section  201 ), through which air may be drawn in or exhausted, as shown. Vent  183  can comprise about 80 slots  184 , each about ⅓ inch wide and about 1 inch high, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other opening means, such as holes, apertures, perforations, slits, or windows yet to be developed but which are capable of ambient air ingress and egress, etc., may suffice. 
     Base portion  190  may use at least one rivet  162  to connect to enclosure portion  180 , thereby providing structural integrity for embodiment  102 , as shown (also see  FIG.  3   ). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other fastening devices, such as bolts, buckles, clasps, latches, locks, screws, snaps, clamps, connectors, couplings, ties or other fastening means yet to be developed, or fusion welding, adhesives, etc., may suffice. 
     Base portion  190  further can provide a mounting surface for at least one battery system  119  and can be a means for enclosing enclosure portion  180  from the bottom, as shown (also see  FIG.  3   ). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other enclosing means, such as lids, caps, covers, hoods, floors, bottoms or other such enclosing device yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  1 B  shows a perspective view of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b . Thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b  comprises outer enclosure  105 , inside of which is disposed a vessel or container  121 . Vessel  121  is configured to safely contain temperature sensitive and perishable goods  139  for storage, transportation, and shipping. Vessel  121  can be placed within, or accessed from, threaded cap  142 , which can be disposed on or within enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181 . A vent  183  can be formed is a side surface of outer enclosure  105  to allow ambient air from without thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b  to be circulated by fan  120  within storage device  102   b  to assist in controlling a temperature of temperature sensitive and perishable goods  139 . In an embodiment, a carrying case  170  can optionally be disposed around outer enclosure  105  to add additional padding, covering, protection, or information to the outer enclosure. Carrying case  170  can be formed of cloth, plastic, or any other natural or synthetic material, and can include one or more handles or adjustable openings. The adjustable openings that can be temporarily opened or closed by zippers, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, latches, cords, or other suitable devices to provide or restrict access to various portions of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b , including threaded cap  142 , vessel  121 , upper-horizontal decking-surface  181 , and vent  183 . 
       FIG.  2 A  shows a bottom-side perspective view, illustrating lid portion  150  of embodiment  102   a  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to an embodiment. Lid-horizontal decking-surface  153  can be molded, alternately machined, to be a mating and sealing surface with enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181 , as shown (also see  FIG.  3   ). Lid-horizontal decking-surface  153  and enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181  can come into complete contact with each other, as shown in  FIG.  1 A , forming one of two barriers between the external environment and the contents of vessel or container  121 , as shown (at least embodying herein wherein said at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one vessel structured and arranged to contain the temperature sensitive goods). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other enclosure means, such as lids, caps, covers, hoods, or floors, yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     VIP vacuum-panel  157  can be embedded in lid portion  150  and can provide thermal insulation within embodiment  102 , as shown. VIP vacuum-panel  157  can be about 4 inches wide, about 4 inches long and about 1 inch thick, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technologies, application requirements, etc., other VIP vacuum panel sizes, may suffice. 
     At least one retainer  149  can hold thumbscrew  151  and fibrous washer  152  from becoming detached from lid portion  150 , as shown. Retainer  149  can slide smoothly down the threads when installed, such that thumbscrew  151  and fibrous washer  152  can be retained within at least one lid alignment well  166  in lid portion  150 , as shown. Retainer  149  can be about 5/16 inch inner diameter, about ⅝ inch outer diameter, and can be made of black phosphate spring steel, as shown. Retainer  149  can comprise part number 94800A730 from McMaster-Carr. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other retaining means, such as clasps, clamps, holders, ties and other retaining means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Lid alignment well  166  can align with at least one lid alignment post  167  (see  FIG.  3   ). Lid alignment well  166  and lid alignment post  167  can allow quick alignment of lid portion  150  to enclosure portion  180 . 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a two-dimensional plan view of a top portion of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b  shown previously in the perspective view of  FIG.  1 B . As shown in  FIG.  2 B , threaded cap  142  can be disposed on or within enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181  and over vessel  121 .  FIG.  2 B  shows threaded cap  142  in a closed position disposed over, securing, and enclosing vessel  121  in which temperature sensitive and perishable goods  139  can be placed, stored, and removed. A number of indicia  160  can also be optionally placed on, or within, enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181 . Indicia  160  can include, for example, a charging indicator and a ready indicator, such as a light, for indicating when battery system  119  is being charged through charger  199 , which can include an extendable power cord and adapter to be plugged into one or more standard electrical outlets, or is fully charged and ready for storage or shipment of temperature sensitive goods  139 . Indicia  160  can further include a variable message indicator such as a lighted display that can show a desired or actual temperature within vessel  121 . Indicia  160  can further include a lock that can be turned with a key or other device to turn power on and off to storage device  102   b , while a low battery indicator and a running indicator can show, such as by a light, whether the unit is running, has a low batter, or both. 
       FIG.  2 C  shows a two-dimensional plan view of a top portion of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b  similar to that shown previously in  FIG.  2 B .  FIG.  2 C  differs from  FIG.  2 B  in that threaded cap  142  has been removed from enclosure upper-horizontal decking-surface  181  such that vessel  121  is open and accessible, allowing for insertion, removal, or inspection of temperature sensitive and perishable goods  139 . As shown in  FIG.  2 C , an interior surface of vessel  121  can be optionally configured to comprise openings  134  in an interior surface of vessel  121 . A size, shape, and number of openings  134  can be customizably adjusted and configured to receive one or more sample tubes  140 , including vials, test tubes, or other suitable containers for containing temperature sensitive and perishable goods  139 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a partially disassembled perspective view, illustrating an optional arrangement of inner-workings assembly  106  of embodiments  102  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 .  FIG.  3    also shows threaded cap  142 , which can be about 7½ inches in diameter and about ¾ inch thick. Threaded cap  142  can assist isolation of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  from its surroundings, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other methods of isolation, such as caps, coverings, packings, gaskets, stoppers yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  3    also shows at least one battery system  119 , mounted on base portion  190 . Battery system  119  can provide a portable, reliable power source for long durations while sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  are being transported in embodiment  102 . At least one circuit board  117  can be wired to, and powered by, battery system  119  using at least one wire  177 , as shown. Battery system  119  of the present disclosure can be about 3.6 volt DC supply. Battery system  119  can be rechargeable, can provide a source of power for thermo-electric assembly  123 , and can be controlled by at least one safety on/off switch  118 , as shown. Where an external power source is available, battery system  119  may be recharged while embodiment  102  is in storage or transport. 
     In addition, at least one sample battery pack  143  may be mounted on sample assembly frame  141 , as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other power sources, such as accumulators, dry batteries, secondary batteries, secondary cells, storage cells, storage devices, wet batteries or other such storage means yet to be developed, or a fixed power source, etc., may suffice. 
     Wire  177  as shown comprises about 16 AWG coated 26/30 gage copper stranded-conductors with an insulation thickness of about 1/64 inches and a diameter of about 1/12 inches, as shown. Operating temperature range of wire  177  can be from about −40° C. to about 105° C. Insulation covering conductors of wire  177  can be color-coded polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Voltage rating of wire  177  is about 300V. Wire  177  can be marketed by Alpha Wire Company part number 3057. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other wiring configurations for example parallel, other series/parallel connections, other size wire, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  3    also shows thermo-electric assembly  123 , can comprise at least one thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  (see  FIG.  8   ) capable of being wired in at least one series and/or parallel configuration to at least one battery system  119 . Thermoelectric semi-conductor node  133  can provide an incremental temperature staging means (at least embodying herein at least one thermo-electric heat pump adapted to control-at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods; wherein said at least one thermoelectric heat pump comprises at least one thermo-electric device adapted to active use of the Peltier effect). Thermo-electric assembly  123  can be about 7⅝ inches high, about 5 inches long and about 5 inches wide when stacked, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other heat-transferring effects, such as induction, thermal radiation means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     In embodiment  102 , user  200  may select at least one set-point temperature for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . Embodiment  102  can then automatically maintain the at least one set-point temperature for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , for a duration necessary to store or transport sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  to at least one predetermined destination. Embodiment  102  can use thermo-electric assembly  123 , in conjunction with fan  120 , in at least one closed-loop feedback sensing of at least one thermocouple  124 , as shown. Thermocouple  124  can comprise at least one temperature-sensing chip, such as produced by Dallas Semiconductor part number DS18B20. Thermocouple  124  can be used as a single-wire programmable digital-thermometer to measure temperatures at thermocouple  124 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other temperature tuning means, such as adjusters, dials, knobs, on/off power switches, switches, toggles, tuners, thermo-conductive means or other temperature tuning means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Embodiment  102  can comprise at least one vessel  121  designed to store and contain sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , as shown. Vessel  121  can be made from urethane or, alternately, aluminum. Upper section of vessel  121  can comprise at least one inner threaded portion  189  that permits vessel lid  122 , having an external threaded portion  185 , to be threaded together (also see  FIG.  4   ). Threading together of upper section of vessel  121  and vessel lid  122 , as shown in  FIG.  6   , can provide a seal that isolates sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  from the local environment. Vessel lid  122  alternately may have a friction fit sealing relationship with vessel  121 , as shown. Tolerances for friction fit will depend on pressure required to be maintained within vessel  121 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other means of attaching, such as, clamped-lid mechanisms, bolted lids, joined by adhesives and other means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Aluminum 6069-T4 may be used, due to its light weight and ability to withstand high pressure, should sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  need to be maintained at a high pressure. Aluminum can be used because of its high thermal conductivity of about, at about 300° Kelvin (300° K), 237 watts-per meter-degree Kelvin (W·m −1 ·K −1 ), manufacturability, light weight, resistance to corrosion, and relative dimensional stability (low thermal expansion rate) over a substantial working temperature range. During the heat transfer processes, materials store energy in the intermolecular bonds between the atoms. [When the stored energy increases (rising temperatures of the material), so does the length of the molecular bond. This causes the material to expand in response to being heated, and causes contraction when cooled.] Embodiment  102  can overcome this problem by using aluminum due to the relatively low thermal expansion rate of about 23.1 micro-meters per meter per degree Kelvin (μ·m −1 ·K −1 ) (300° K). This property can allow embodiment  102  to effectively manage thermally induced linear, area, and volumetric expansions throughout a wide range of ambient temperatures and desired set-point temperatures for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other materials, such as, for example, copper, copper alloys, other aluminum alloys, low-thermal-expansion-composite constructions, etc., may suffice. 
     At least one volume  116  exists between VIP vacuum-panel  157  and vessel  121  mounted above thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown. Volume  116  can be filled with expandable urethane  115 , as shown. The expandable urethane  115  foam can have a density of about 2 lb/cu. ft. Expandable urethane  115  can secure all components within the upper portion of embodiment  102 , as shown. Expandable urethane  115  foam can be only allowed to fill the portion shown within the illustration so as to allow ample available space for heat sink  114 , at least one fan assembly  127 , and at least one battery system  119  to operate in a non-restricted manner, as shown (also see  FIG.  6   ). 
     Alternately, volume  116  between VIP vacuum-panel  157  and vessel  121  can be filled up to three layers of about ½ inch thick VIPs. Such VIPs can be curved around vessel  121  and thermo-electric assembly  123 , creating a total minimum thickness of about 1½ inches, as shown. Square-box style VIPs may also be used depending on specific geometries associated with embodiment  102 . After such VIPs are positioned around vessel  121  and thermo-electric assembly  123 , the remaining cavity areas are filled with expandable urethane  115 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other surface cooling means, such as appendages, projections, extensions, fluid heat-extraction means and others yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     All of the mentioned items within inner-workings assembly  106  lose efficiency if not cooled. Fan  120  can circulate ambient air through vent  183 , impinging on at least one fin  113 , as shown. Fin  113  can absorb heat from the air (in heating mode) or reject heat to the air (cooling mode). Fin  113  further can transport heat from/to its surface into heat sink  114 , through conductive means. Fin  113  and heat sink  114  can be comprised of 3000 series aluminum. Aluminum alloys have the significant advantage that they are easily and cost-effectively formed by extrusion processes. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technologies, cost, available materials, etc., other fin and heat sink materials, such as, for example, other aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, ceramics, cermets, etc., may suffice. Heat sink  114  can be designed for passive, non-forced air-cooling, as shown. 
     Fan  120  can provide necessary thermal control by creating an active means of air movement onto heat sink  114  surfaces, as shown. Fan assembly  127  can be about 3⅞ inches long, about 3⅞-inches wide and about 1⅓ inches high. Fan  120  can comprise model number GM0504PEV1-8 part number GN produced by Sunon. Fan  120 , can be rated at about 12 VDC, however, fan  120  can operate at 5 VDC. Airflow can be about 5.9 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at a speed of about 6000 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a power consumption of about ⅜ watts (W). Noise of fan  120  can be limited to about 26 decibels (dB). Fan  120  can weighs about 7.5 grams (g). 
     Fan  120  alternately can be operated at about 5 volts with a DC/DC boost converter, not shown. The DC/DC boost converter can be a step-up type, possibly comprising a start-up of less than 0.9 VDC with about 1 mill-ampere (mA) load. The DC/DC boost converter can comprise part number AP1603 as marketed by Diodes Incorporated. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other conversion means, such as, for example, buck converter or buck-boost converter yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Heat sink  114  can comprise at least one heat-sink plate  136 , base surface  171  (at least embodying herein wherein said at least one vessel comprises at least one heat-transferring surface structured and arranged to conductively exchange heat to and from said at least one temperature controller), and fins  113 . Heat sink  114  can be FH-type as produced by Alpha Novatech, Inc., as shown. A configuration of heat sink  114  can comprises about 200 individual, fins  113 , shaped hexagonally, possibly comprising dimensions of about ⅛ inch wide across the flats and about 1⅓ inches long, as shown. Fins  113  can be arranged in a staggered relationship on heat-sink plate  136 , as shown. Heat-sink plate  136  can be about ¼ inch thick, about 3⅞ inches wide and about 3⅞ inches long, as shown. Heat-sink plate  136  and fins  113  can comprise a one-piece extrusion. Base surface  171  of heat sink  114  can be flat and smooth to ensure adequate thermal contact with the object being cooled or heated, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other heat sink materials, such as copper, gold, silver, brass, tungsten, ceramics, cermets, or metal alloys of different sizes and configurations, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  4    shows an exploded perspective view, illustrating a mating assembly relationship between at least one sample rotating assembly  109  and outer enclosure  105  of the iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to an embodiment, such as thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   a  from  FIG.  1 A  or thermoelectric transport or storage device  102   b  from  FIG.  1 B . 
     Vessel  121  may be designed to allow rotation capability, as shown. Further, vessel  121  alternately may be designed to allow at least one formed separator support sample tube  140 , set in vessel  121 , and spaced so as to eliminate contact with any other sample tube  140 , as shown in  FIG.  6   . Sample tube  140  may be made of glass, alternately metal alloy, alternately plastic, alternately composite material. 
     Sample rotating assembly  109  can comprise a removable assembly that can allow rotation of at least one sample tube  140  while sample assembly frame  141  can remain stationary within the confines of outer enclosure  105 , as shown. Sample rotating assembly  109  can be located within outer enclosure  105 , as shown. Sample rotating assembly  109  can be held securely by means of threaded cap  142  that can restrict any upward motion of sample rotating assembly  109  within outer enclosure  105 , as shown. Sample rotating assembly  109  can be about 11 inches in diameter and about 3 7/16 inches wide, as shown. User  200  may open, close, and reopen lid portion  150  during storage, or during transport, without compromising the integrity of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . 
     Maintaining integrity of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  comprises protection from, for example, contamination by foreign gases, liquids, moisture, or solids, minimizing any fluctuations in temperature, preventing any spillage or degradation by ultraviolet or other forms of radiation, as shown. If integrity is not maintained, sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  may die, degrade through separation, denature, deform, mold, dry out, become contaminated, or be unusable or inaccurate, i.e., if not kept within a protective isolated environment. Sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can maintain integrity due to the further sealing within vessel  121 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other enclosing means for example caps, covers, hoods, roofs, top and others yet to be developed, or other rotational means, etc., may suffice. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , sample assembly frame  141  provides a structural mount for mounting at least one sample battery pack  143 , as shown. Also, sample assembly frame  141  can provide a suspending mount, flat-bar  173 , to suspend at least one rotating cylinder  145 , as shown. Additionally, sample assembly frame  141  can provide a handle for user  200  to grasp sample rotating assembly  109  for lifting-from or lowering-into outer enclosure  105 , as shown. 
     User  200  may remove sample rotating assembly  109  for accuracy of filling or dispensing from sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  into at least one sample tube  140 , as also shown in  FIG.  5   . This feature can also permits ease of cleaning and sanitizing of embodiment  102  by user  200  at re-use intervals of embodiment  102 , as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such step of providing re-use comprises at least one cleaning step). Sample rotating assembly  109  can require less space when removed from outer enclosure  105 , as shown, for instances when space is limited such as in laboratory settings. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other portable containing means, such as bags, canisters, chambers, flasks, humidors, receptacles, or vessels yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  5    shows an enlarged perspective view, of a non-limiting sample-rotating assembly  109 . Sample battery pack  143  can comprise at least one battery  186 , three AAA-sized batteries (each can have about 7/16-inch outer diameter and being about 1¾ inches long) as shown. These batteries may be tabbed for ease of interconnection and removal, as shown. These batteries can be series connected to supply about 3.6 volts direct current (VDC) to supply power to sample rotating assembly  109 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other batteries, such as, for example, AA-sized batteries, unified battery packs, etc., may suffice. 
     Batteries  186  can comprise alkaline batteries, alternately, high capacity nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, alternately lithium ion batteries, alternately lithium polymer batteries. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other battery materials, such as, for example, other metal hydrides, electrolytic gels, bio-electric cells, etc., may suffice. 
     Sample battery pack  143  can provide power for at least one gear motor  144  to turn at least one shaft  146 , as shown (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one goods rotator is structured and arranged to self-power from at least one energy storage device) (at least herein embodying wherein said least one energy storage device comprises at least one battery). Shaft  146  can be connected to one end of rotating cylinder  145  and connected to at least one gear motor  144  on the opposing end of rotating cylinder  145 , as shown. When at least one gear motor  144  is activated, shaft  146  can rotate rotating cylinder  145  turning about the longitudinal axis of shaft  146 , as shown. The rotating motion may be enabled to one direction, or, alternately, in two directions for agitating, depending on application requirements to preserve sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . Shaft  146  can have an outer diameter of about ½ inch and is about 3¼ inches long, as shown. Gear motor  144  can have about 1-inch outer diameter and about ½ inch length, as shown (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one thermal isolator comprises at least one goods rotator structured and arranged to rotate the temperature sensitive goods within said at least one thermal isolator). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other rotating means, such as worm and pinion combinations, gearing combinations, sprockets and chains, pulleys and belts or chains and swing mechanical mechanisms yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Sample tube  140  can be held securely when rotating cylinder  145  to allow sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  to remain in a fixed position or alternately to rotate upon activation of at least one gear motor  144 , as shown. Sample tube  140  (in the illustrated embodiment) can have an outer diameter of about 3⅞ inches and is about 8 inches long, as shown. Sterile centrifuge tubes as produced by Exodus Breeders Corporation code number 393 may be used, as shown. Sample tube  140 , can comprise a size of about 50 milliliter (ml), is non-free standing and has a conical end. 
     Sample assembly frame  141  can be in a closely fitted relationship within outer enclosure  105  to minimize vibrations, as shown. Sample tube  140  may be in a closely fitted relationship with rotating cylinder  145  to minimize vibration and the possibility of physically damaging sample tube  140 , as shown. This arrangement can minimize potential compromising of the integrity of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , as well as lessens possible dangers of exposure to user  200 . Sample assembly frame  141  can be about 5 inches high and can be made of urethane smooth-cast-roto-molded, as shown. Sample assembly frame  141  can comprise of at least one upright bar  147 , possibly comprising an outer diameter of about ½ inch and a length of about 5 inches, as shown. Upright bar  147 , can comprise urethane can be friction fitted through upper frame-plate  138  and possibly lower frame-plate  137 , as shown. Upright bar  147  can protrude about ½ inch outwardly from upper side of upper frame-plate  138  and lower side of lower frame-plate  137 , as shown. One upright bar  147  can be affixed with at least one connection flat-bar  173  to another upright bar  147 , to provide structural rigidity for sample assembly frame  141 , as shown. At least one connection flat-bar  174  can connect two other upright bars  147 . Connection flat-bar  174  can comprise at least one shaft pass-through  175  allowing shaft  146  to pass through with at least one bearing  176  to aid rotation, as shown. 
     Gear motor  144  can be fit on end of shaft  146  and held in place with a hub  188 , as shown. Connection flat-bar  173  can provide a mounting for sample battery pack  143 , as shown. Connection flat-bar  173  can be attached to upright bar  147 , by adhesive, alternately fusion welding, as shown. Connection flat-bar  173  can prevent twisting of sample assembly frame  141 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, materials, etc., other attachment methods, such as, for example, screws, epoxies, soldering, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  6    shows a partially exploded perspective view, illustrating an non-limiting example of an order and arrangement of inner-workings assembly  106  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 . Embodiments  102  may be used without sample rotating assembly  109 , as shown, and thereby is suitable for handling sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  that do not need to be rotated or agitated to preserve the required quality. Fan  120  can blow ambient air pulled in through vent  183 , as shown in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  4   . Heat sink  114  can comprise fin  113  mounted or otherwise configured to be perpendicular to fan  120 , as shown. Heat sink  114  can be configured for providing maximum surface area exposure to air currents from fan  120 , to maximize the rates of cooling or heating within embodiment  102 , as shown. This method of forced-convection heat-transfer can create fewer fluctuations in temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  over any extended time. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other heat sink cooling devices, such as aerators, air-conditioners, and ventilators yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     At least one retainer  112  can be attached at its base to thermo-electric assembly  123 , and can partially wrap around vessel  121  can permit user  200  to lift vessel  121  out of embodiment  102 . Retainer  112  can be a means to ensure vessel  121  is held in place, as shown. Retainer  112  can be formed in a U-shape, as shown, and can be constructed of smooth-cast-roto-molded urethane as made by Smooth-On manufacturers. Smooth-Cast ROTO™ urethane is a semi-rigid plastic and can be selected for its density-control, structural and insulating characteristics. Smooth-Cast ROTO™ has a shore D hardness of about 65, a tensile strength of about 3400 psi, tensile modulus of about 90,000 psi, with a minimal shrinkage of about 0.01 in/in over a seven-day period. 
     Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other retaining means, such as catches, clasps, clenches, grips, holds, locks, presses, snaps, vices, magnets, or mechanical attaching means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Retainer  112  according to the present disclosure may alternately be manufactured from aluminum, due to its high thermal conductivity and low mass density. The high thermal conductivity of retainer  112  can efficiently transport heat between thermo-electric assembly  123  and vessel  121 , possibly comprising a minimum of temperature difference between thermo-electric assembly  123  and vessel  121 . This efficient heat conduction can support temperature stability for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , contained within vessel  121 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other high thermal conductors, such as copper, brass, silver, gold, tungsten and other conductive element alloys yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Thermo-electric assembly  123  can be mounted on base surface  171  of heat sink  114  and can connect to retainer  112 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other retaining means, such as catches, clasps, clenches, grips, holds, locks, nippers, presses, snaps, vices, magnets, or mechanical attaching means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Circuit board  117  can be mounted substantially parallel to thermo-electric assembly  123  by at least one bracket  110 , as shown. Also, circuit board  117  can mount to flat upper surface of heat sink  114 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, cost, etc., other circuit board mountings, such as suspension in foam insulation, epoxies, snap-in, cable suspensions, etc., may suffice. 
     Circuit board  117  can control and regulates the functioning of thermo-electric assembly  123 , according to electronic feedback from thermocouple  124  within thermo-electric assembly  123 , as also shown in  FIG.  8   . At least one mounting hole can be present in circuit board  117  and to allow mounting by bracket  110 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other mounting means for example hooks, magnets, mechanical fastening means yet to be developed, fusion means, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  7    shows a partially disassembled bottom perspective view, illustrating inner-workings assembly  106  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to an embodiment. Excess heat can be pumped into heat sink  114  from thermo-electric assembly  123  and can convectively transfer into ambient air by forced convection from fin  113 , by at least one fan  120 , as shown. 
     During time periods when heat must be sourced from the ambient to warm sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , such that the temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be maintained near a desired set-point temperature, fin  113 , as shown, may serve to collect heat from the ambient air. Under this alternate operational mode, at least one fan  120  can push relatively warm ambient air over fin  113 , thereby allowing heat to be absorbed into fin  113 . Such absorbed heat can conduct up into thermo-electric assembly  123 , where the heat can be pumped, as needed, into vessel  121  and thus provides necessary heating to maintain the set-point temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . 
     Control circuit on circuit board  117  enables user  200  to re-set set-point temperature, of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , to the desired temperature at which sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  are maintained (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein such step of providing re-use comprises at least one set-point re-setting step). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other heat-sink heat exchanges, such as fluid cooling through internal flow of liquids, air cooling means and other passive or active cooling means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Fan  120  can use at least one blade  128  to pull ambient air into at least one vent  183 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   . Further, fan  120  can blow the ambient air onto heat sink  114 , as shown. Embodiment  102  can either dissipate excess heat from heat sink  114  to the ambient air or alternately extract heat from the ambient air (into heat sink  114 ), as needed, to maintain the at least one set-point temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , as shown. Also, fan  120  can exhaust the ambient air out through vent  183 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   . Fan  120  can operate at low power to pull ambient air into at least one vent  183  and can exhaust the ambient air out through at least one vent  183 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   . Blade  128  has a steep pitch for sufficient air movement at the hottest rated ambient air temperature while maintaining the lowest rated set-point temperature for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . Input voltage to fan  120  can be alternately determined by closed-loop feedback sensing of at least one thermocouple  124 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other controllers of forced air movers having for example heat-flux sensors, system voltage sensors yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     The opening for blade  128  to rotate within fan assembly  127  can be between about 5 inches and about 8 inches in diameter, depending on volume of airflow needed. Vent  183  can be free from any obstructions to allow proper circulation to occur, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  4   . Thermo-electric assembly  123  can be mounted on base surface  171  of heat sink  114 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other air movers, such as, for example, turbines, propellers, etc., may suffice. 
     Thermo-electric assembly  123  comprises at least one thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , as shown. Thermo-electric assembly  123  can comprises a plurality of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , as shown. Thermo-electric assembly  123  can also comprise between about six and about nine thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , electrically connected in series, as shown in  FIG.  9 A  (at least embodying herein wherein said at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises a minimum of about three sandwich layers). 
     The quantity of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  can be determined by the total expected variance between a desired set-point-temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  and the ambient temperatures that embodiment  102  will be potentially subjected to. Once the set-point-temperature-to-ambient-temperature range of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be defined, it is divided by a per-unit factor to determine the desired number of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  that are electrically connected in series (and thermally connected in series). The per-unit factor for bismuth-telluride (Bi.sub.2Te.sub.3) based thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes, ranges from about 3° C. to about 5° C. Thus, if the set-point-temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  is about 0° C. and the ambient temperature is expected to range up to about 27° C.; about six to about nine thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  are needed. Thus, the thermo-electric assembly  123  can comprise about six to about nine thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , that can be electrically connected in series (and thermally connected in series), as shown. 
     The per-unit factor for series-connected thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , and can be selected to maximize the efficiency of heat pumping across thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 . The efficiency at which thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  pump heat is largely determined by the external boundary conditions imposed on heat pumping across thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 . The most significant of these boundary conditions comprise the temperature gradient (change in temperature from the P-side to the N-side of the thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 ) and the level of heat conductivity at the semi-conductor node boundaries. 
     Generally, operation that is more efficient correlates with smaller temperature gradients and with higher levels of heat conductivity at the semi-conductor node boundaries of thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 . Thus, thermo-electric assembly  123  has a sufficiently large number of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  electrically connected in series (and thermally connected in series) such that no single thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  experiences a temperature gradient greater than from about 3° C. to about 5° C. Also, thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  are configured such that the level of heat conductivity at each semi-conductor node boundary can approximate the thermal conductivity of aluminum. 
     The number of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  electrically connected in parallel can be determined by the total heat-rate that must be pumped from, or to, sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  such that the temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  may be maintained at, or near, the desired set-point-temperature, within from about 2 degree C. to about 8 degrees C., or within 1 degree C. The heat pumping capacity of each thereto-electric semi-conductor node  133 , electrically connected in parallel (and thermally connected in parallel), depends on specific characteristics of the specific thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , as shown. Thus, a designer of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can consult the manufacturer of the specific thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  to determine its rated-heat-pumping-capacity. Additionally, the designer of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can determine the total heat-rate that must be pumped from, or to, sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . Once these factors are known to the designer of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , the designer divides the total heat-rate by the rated-heat-pumping-capacity of a single series string of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , to determine the required number of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , which should be electrically connected in parallel (and thermally connected in parallel). 
     VIP insulation  108  can provide a further degree of control over gradual changes in temperature by decreasing heat convection, radiation and conduction and increasing thermal resistance. About 2 lb/cu. ft. expanded urethane foam, as produced by Smooth-On model Foam-iT!™, can be used for VIP insulation  108 . VIP insulation  108  can comprise three sheets of about ½ inch thickness making a total thickness of about 1½ inches which is wrapped around inner-workings assembly  106 , as shown. Height of VIP insulation  108  can be about 8½ inches, as shown. All VIPs can be encased in urethane foam to minimize damage to VIPs, making embodiment  102  more shock-resistant, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other insulating means, such as epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, phenolics, fibrous materials and foam materials yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  8    shows a side profile view, illustrating thermo-electric assembly  123  of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to a particular embodiment. The present disclosure can attain a high coefficient of performance using the method herein described. At least one thin non-electrically conductive layer  131  can electrically separate thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  from thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , while maintaining thermal conductivity. At least one thin-film thermal epoxy  135 , fills microscopic imperfections between thin non-electrically conductive layer  131  and thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  (also see  FIG.  8   ). Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technology, cost, application needs, etc., other thermal conductivity maximizers, such as, for example, thermal greases, thermal dopes, molecularly smoothed surfaces, etc., may suffice. 
     Thermo-electric assembly  123  can comprise a plurality of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , connected physically (thermally) in series and/or parallel, and electrically in series and/or parallel, and can use at least one battery system  119  to create at least one bidirectional heat-pump, as shown. This configuration can provide progressive temperature gradients and precise temperature control (at least herein embodying wherein such control of such at least one temperature comprises controlling such at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than about one degree centigrade). Thermo-electric assembly  123  can be used to increase the output voltage since the voltage induced over each individual thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  is small. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other heating/cooling means for example, thermoelectric refrigerators, thermo-electric generators yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  8    shows repetitive layers of thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  and thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , which comprise thermo-electric assembly  123 . Thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  can comprise bismuth-telluride that can be secured with electrically-conductive thermal adhesive, silver-filled two-component epoxy  132 , as shown. Thin-film thermal epoxy  135  can fill any microscopic imperfections at the interface between each layer of thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  and thin non-electrically conductive layer  131 , as shown. 
     Thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  can comprise banks of electrically parallel-connected bismuth-telluride semiconductors that are in-turn electrically connected in series and interconnected to both power supply circuits and sensing/control circuits, as shown. 
     The overall efficiency of operation of thermo-electric assembly  123  can be improved with the combination of adding thermal capacitance, between each electrically series-connected (and thermally connected in series) thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , and the ability to independently control the voltage across each series-connected thermoelectric semi-conductor node  133  (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one thermal capacitor adapted to provide at least one thermal capacitance in thermal association with said at least one thermo-electric device). 
     Thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can be the thermal capacitance added between each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermoelectric semi-conductor node  133 , as shown. Also, the voltage, across each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , can be controlled by at least one closed-feedback loop sensory circuit, as shown. Further, the voltage, across each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , can be independently controlled, as shown. Still further, the independently-controlled voltage impressed across each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermoelectric semi-conductor node  133 , is integrated with adjacent such independently-controlled voltages, so as to ensure that under normal operational conditions, all electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  pump heat generally in the same direction, as shown. Even further, any short-term variation in voltage, impressed across each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , can be constrained to less than about 1% of the RMS value of the voltage impressed across each electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 . 
     At least one thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can be about ¼ inch thick, and can be flat with parallel polished surfaces, as shown (at least embodying herein wherein such at least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to provide intended thermal association with said at least one thermo-electric device). At least one thermoelectric capacitance spacer block  125  can have slight indentations on parallel surfaces to allow the assembler to align thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  with thermoelectric semi-conductor node  133  while assembling thermo-electric assembly  123 . Aluminum alloy 6061 can be used because of its lightweight, relatively high yield-strength of about 35000 psi, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability. Aluminum alloy 6061 is resistant to stress corrosion cracking and maintains its strength within a temperature range of about −200° C. to about +165° C. Aluminum alloy 6061 is sold by McMaster-Carr as part number 9008K48. Alternately, thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  comprises copper and copper alloys, which provide needed levels of thermal conductivity, but are not as advantageous as aluminum alloys relative to structural strength and weight considerations. 
     Thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can be ‘sandwiched’ between each thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  in thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown (at least embodying herein wherein each such sandwich layer comprises at least one set of said thermo-electric devices and at least one set of said thermal capacitors). Thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can, during normal operation, provides delayed thermal reaction time (stores heat), and in conjunction with controlled operation of a plurality of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , may act to minimize variations in temperature swings for sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  (at least herein embodying wherein said intended thermal association of such at least one least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to provide increased energy efficiency of operation of said at least one thermoelectric device as compared to said energy efficiency of operation of said at least one thermoelectric device without addition of said at least one least one thermal capacitor). 
     Circuit board  117  can be mounted and wired to control thermo-electric assembly  123  as shown. Circuit board  117  houses circuitry (see  FIG.  11   ) for connecting at least one thermocouple  124  such that at least one thermocouple  124  acts as a one-wire programmable digital thermometer to measure at least one temperature at thermocouple  124 , as shown. Circuitry on circuit board  117  can also provide at least one feedback loop for control of voltage and power feeds to at least one plurality of thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 . 
     Silver-filled two-component epoxy  132  can be a thermal adhesive (at least embodying herein wherein each such sandwich layer is suitable for thermally-conductively connecting to at least one other such sandwich layer; and wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade; and wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade). In some embodiments, thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers can be less than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade, and can be in a range of 5-10 watts per meter per degree centigrade, and can be, without limitation, approximately 6, 7, 8, or 9 watts per meter per degree centigrade. 
     Silver-filled two-component epoxy  132  can have a specific gravity of about 3.3, can be non-reactive and can be stable over the operating temperature range of embodiment  102 . Silver-filled two-component epoxy  132  can be part number EG8020 from AI Technology Inc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other materials with a high Seebeck coefficient, such as uranium dioxide, Perovskite® and other such materials yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Metal-to-metal contact is ideal for conducting the maximum heat transfer. However, a minute amount of thin-film thermal epoxy  135  applied provides filling of any air pockets and may increase thermal conduction between thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  and thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  as shown in  FIG.  8   . Trapped air is about 8000 times less efficient at conducting heat than aluminum; therefore, thin-film thermal epoxy  135  can be used to minimize losses in interstitial thermal conductivity, as shown. The increase in efficiency can be realized because the effective contact-surface-area is maximized, thereby minimizing hot and cold spots that would normally occur on the surfaces. The uniformity increases the thermal conductivity as a direct result. Thin-film thermal epoxy  135  is often applied on both surfaces with a plastic spatula or similar device. Conductivity of thin-film thermal epoxy  135  is poorer than the metals it couples, therefore it can be important to use no more than is necessary to exclude any air gaps. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other conductor enhancements, such as, for example, other thermal adhesives, material fusion, conductive fluids or other such conductor enhancers yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  9 A  shows an electrical schematic view, illustrating electrical control of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to a particular embodiment. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the multiple temperature staging process can be accomplished by having at least two thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  that, when wired in series, combine to form thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown. Additional thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  may be electrically series-connected (and thermally series-connected) or electrically parallel connected (and thermally series-connected) to extend the heat-pumping capabilities of thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown. 
     Individual battery cells in at least one battery system  119  may be wired to switch between combinations of series and/or parallel depending on specific power available or if user  200  desires that particular design, as shown. At least one serial/parallel conversion relay  187  can provide switching between combinations of series and/or parallel modes. Serial/parallel conversion relay  187  can comprise double pole double throw (DPDT). Serial/parallel conversion relay  187  can further comprise a latching type of relay, which does not require continuous power to remain in either position. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other relay switching means, such as dual coil, non-latching, reed relays, pole and throw relays, mercury-wetted relays, polarized relays, contactor relays, solid-state relays, Buchholz relays, or other current switching means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     When increased voltage is supplied to selected layers of thermo-electric assembly  123  these sandwiched layers can be capable of pumping heat at higher rates, as required to ensure that the temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be maintained over a wide range of ambient conditions, as shown. This variation in heat pumping rate with each sandwiched layer of thermo-electric assembly  123  is allowed since at least one thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can be provided between each thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , as shown. Each at least one thermo-electric capacitance spacer block  125  can allow a buffering (momentary storage) of heat between adjacent thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , as shown. This buffering can allow each thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133  flexibility to pump heat at varying rates while maintaining overall heating or cooling rates as required so as to maintain sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  at or near its desired temperature set-point. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other isolating means for example shims, blocks, chocks, chunks, cleats, cotters, cusps, keystones, lumps, prongs, tapers made of metallic and non-metallic materials yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Battery system  119  may comprise three each about 1.2 volt DC rechargeable batteries wired in series to thermo-electric assembly  123 . Nominal capacity of this configuration of battery system  119  is about 10000 ampere-hour (Ah) with a minimum capacity of about 9500 milliampere-hour (mAh) per 1.2 VDC rechargeable battery. Maximum charging current of this configuration of battery system  119  is about of about 5 A. Battery system  119  can comprise Powerizer rechargeable battery part number MH-D10000APZ, having a maximum discharging current of about 30 A. Dimensions of each battery can be about 1.24 inches by about 2.36 inches. Each, each battery can weigh about 5.7 ounces and can have a cycle performance of above about 80% of initial capacity at 1000 cycles at about 0.1° C. discharge rate. 
     Heat pumping rates, between sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  and the ambient air surrounding iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , may be actively increased or decreased by thermo-electric assembly  123  within iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , as shown. The direction of the heat pumping within this system can be fully reversible and available upon instant demand. Changing the polarity of the voltage of battery system  119 , as applied across thermo-electric assembly  123 , causes heat to be pumped in opposite directions (either from the ambient surrounding iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  to sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , or from sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  to the ambient surrounding iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 ). Changes in the level of voltage, at which power from battery system  119  is applied across thermo-electric assembly  123 , cause heat to be pumped, by thermo-electric assembly  123 , at greater or lesser rates. The combination of controlling the polarity, and the magnitude, of voltage from battery system  119  can allow sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be maintained near a predetermined set-point temperature. The predetermined set-point temperature can be maintained as the ambient temperature varies widely. This allows the integrity of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be maintained over a wide range of ambient conditions. Also, this allows the integrity of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  can be maintained for long transporting-distances, or long storage-time periods, or both. The duration of the long transporting-distances or the long storage-time periods is largely determined by a combination of the total stored energy in battery system  119  and the rate at which that energy is dissipated into thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other voltage regulating means for example multi-output pulse-width modulation power supplies, flyback-regulated converters, magnetic amplifier/switching power supplies yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  9 B  shows an electrical schematic view, illustrating an alternate electrical control of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , according to a particular embodiment. 
     Thermo-electric assembly  123  alternately may operate with pulse-width modulation based voltage control, as shown. Such pulse-width modulation voltage control is not limited to about 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8 or 12 VDC battery-string voltages. Rather, the pulse-width modulation based voltage control can be varied as needed to achieve intermediate voltages consistent with maintaining constant temperature within at least about 1° C., as shown in  FIG.  9 B  (at least herein embodying wherein such control of such at least one temperature comprises controlling such at least one temperature to within a tolerance of less than one degree centigrade). 
     Pulse-width modulation can use a square wave, wherein the duty cycle is modulated, so as to vary the average value of the resulting voltage waveform. The output voltage of the pulse-width modulation voltage-control can be smooth, as shown. The output voltage can have a ripple factor of less than about 10% of the RMS (root mean square) output voltage, and can result in less than about 1% variation in the change in temperature across thermo-electric assembly  123  (at least herein embodying wherein said intended thermal association is user-selected to control usage of proportional control circuitry in combination with at least one energy store to power said at least one thermo-electric heat pump to control such at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods). 
     At least one DC/DC converter  129  can be a switch-mode converter, which can provide output voltages that are greater than its input voltage, as shown. Input voltage for DC/DC converter  129 , as utilized in iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , can be sourced from at least one battery system  119 . DC/DC converter  129  can provide output power at voltages in excess of battery system  119 , as shown. This attribute of DC/DC converter  129  can allow substantial flexibility in the operation of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , particularly the operation of fan  120 , as shown. Powering fan  120  at higher input voltages, are available directly from battery system  119 , results in fan  120  operating at higher speeds (revolutions per minute) and thus higher cooling rates. Thus, varying the input voltage into fan  120  can also vary the ability of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  to dissipate heat. Increasing input voltage into fan  120 , above the output voltage available from battery system  119 , also can increase the highest ambient temperatures at which iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can operate. Additionally, increasing the voltage across thermo-electric assembly  123  also can increase the rate at which thermo-electric assembly  123  pumps heat from sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  to the ambient (when operating in cooling mode), or from the ambient to sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  (when operating in heating mode). Thus, the addition of DC/DC converter  129  can be highly useful for extending the operational flexibility iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 . 
     Power from battery system  119 , entering into DC/DC converter  129  or directly into at least one thermo-electric semi-conductor node  133 , exits passing through at least one relay  178  and at least one relay  179 . Relay  178  and relay  179  can be momentary latching relay(s) that perform as electrical switches that open and close under of at least one control of monitoring circuitry on circuit board  117 . Relay  178  and relay  179  can be latching relays, meaning they require control power only during the time that they switch from their on-to-off state or switch from off-to-on state, thus minimizing control power usage (at least embodying herein wherein said intended thermal association of such at least one thermal capacitance is user-selected to allow usage of momentary-relay-based control circuitry in combination with at least two energy stores to power said at least one thermo-electric device to achieve control of at least one temperature of the temperature sensitive goods). 
     Relay  178  and relay  179  can be double pole, double throw (DPDT), latching-style relays. Relay  178  and relay  179  can be digital, high-sensitivity low-profile designs, which may withstand voltage surges meeting FCC Part  68  regulation. Relay  178  and relay  179  can be a low-signal style G6A as manufactured by Omron. A standard dual-coil latching relay  178  and relay  179  can be part number G6AK-234P-ST-US. Specifications on this relay include a rated voltage of about 5 VDC, a rated current of about 36 mA and a coil resistance of about 139 ohm (.OMEGA.). A minimal power can be consumed during the latching operation of relay  178  and relay  179 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other relay switching means, such as dual coil, non-latching, reed relays, pole and throw relays, mercury-wetted relays, polarized relays, contactor relays, solid-state relays, Buchholz relays, or other current switching means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can operate most efficiently when thermo-electric assembly  123  is electrically wired in series, as shown. However, thermo-electric assembly  123  may be wired in various combinations of series and parallel, as a means of adjusting the heat-pumping rate, as shown. Thus, iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can operate efficiently when the wiring of thermoelectric assembly  123  can be switched as needed to mirror the heat-pumping demand, as that demand changes with time, as shown. Iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  can provide such operational efficiently by switching the input voltages into thermo-electric assembly  123  using at least one relay  178  and at least one relay  179 . At least one relay  178  and at least one relay  179  can switch available voltages, from battery system  119 , without continuously dissipating energy. Monitoring circuitry on circuit board  117  can monitor the status of at least one relay  178  and at least one relay  179  to prevent unnecessary energizing of outputs if at least one relay  178  and at least one relay  179  are already at a desirable position (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one thermo-electric heat pump comprises at least one first such sandwich layer comprising such set of said thermo-electric devices; wherein each thermo-electric device comprising said plurality is electrically connected in parallel with each other each thermo-electric device comprising said plurality; and wherein each of set of said thermo-electric devices comprising such first sandwich layer is thermally connected in series with each other sandwich layer). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other power conservation means other energy-efficient switching means, such as control devices, incremental power storage means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     At least one DC/DC converter  129  can utilize pulse-width modulation (hereinafter “PWM”) may be incorporated into circuitry on circuit board  117  to boost voltage to thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133  when higher rates of heat pumping is required. Such higher voltages, applied to thermo-electric semi-conductor nodes  133 , permit higher rates-of-change in temperature, thus increasing the heat transfer rate in that portion of thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown, to remove excessive heat from the portions of thermo-electric assembly  123 , as shown. Once the temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  is normalized, the system may return to normal high efficiency operation. 
       FIG.  10    shows a perspective view illustrating embodiment  102   a , of iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  as viewed from underneath, as shown previously in  FIG.  1 A . Safety on/off switch  118  can be mounted on horizontal upper-surface  191  (see  FIG.  3   ) of base portion  190 . Base portion  190  can measure about 9 inches wide by about 9 inches long. User  200  can activate or deactivate safety on/off switch  118  on iso-thermal transport and storage system  100 , by moving it to the appropriate position. At least one recess  192  can be provided, as shown, to allow safety on/off switch  118  to be protected from accidental switching causing iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  to cease operation. This recessed design of safety on/off switch  118  can serve to prevent iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  from operating when not required or, more dangerously, not operating when necessary. A simple mishap such as inadvertently bumping the switch to the off position may allow iso-thermal transport and storage system  100  to return to ambient environmental temperature, which may damage or destroy sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 . The danger in accidental shutoff of safety on/off switch  118  is that at least one required temperature-range of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139  protected in vessel  121  is compromised. Recess  192  can be about 1⅓ inches wide, about ⅞ inch long and about 1 inch deep. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other switching means for example, actuators, triggers, activators or other such switching means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
     Embodiment  102  is designed to be hardened relative to mechanical shock, thereby creating extended expected usable-life and cost-effectiveness for user  200 , during normal transport and storage conditions, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other shock protectors, such as, for example, pads, buffers, fillings, packings or other such shock protecting means yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  11    shows a schematic view, illustrating a control circuit board, according to an embodiment. Circuit board  117  can use a series P-1 linear analog controller  315 , PIC-16F88-1/P, with an output of 0-5 VDC, corresponding to a thermistor range of about 0-50 thousand ohms (K.OMEGA.) or about 0-500 K.OMEGA. Series P-1 linear analog controller  315  can be provided with temperature set-point, maximum current set-point, loop gain and integral-time single-turn adjustment potentiometers. High current-levels may be applied to control actuators, relay  178  and relay  179 , while maintaining low power on circuit board  117 . Heat may be pumped in either direction, to or away from, sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 , as shown in  FIG.  6    according to desired temperature setting (set-point temperature of sensitive and perishable sensitive goods  139 ). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other controller means, such as other circuit boards, temperature monitors yet to be developed, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  11    shows the control circuit board physical layout for circuit board  117 .  FIG.  11    shows an optional pin-configuration for relay-driver device ULN2803  310 .  FIG.  11    also shows an optional pin-configuration for series P-1 linear analog controller  315 . Additionally,  FIG.  11    further shows optional pin-configurations for relay  178  and relay  179 . Potential additional control relays R3, R4, R5, and R6 are also shown in  FIG.  11   . Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as future technologies, cost, space limitations, etc., other circuit board layouts, such as, for example, single integrated chip layouts, size variant layouts (longer, wider, shorter, etc.), stacked layouts, multi-board layouts, etc., may suffice. 
     The wiring connections between thermo-electric assembly  123  and at least one battery system  119  can use soldered connections, as shown. Circuit board  117  can comprise G10 epoxy-glass board, about 1/16 inches thick, about 2½ inches wide and about 3⅞ inches long, possibly comprising one-ounce etched-copper conductors on at least one side, as shown. 
     Solder comprises a fusible metal alloy, possibly comprising a melting range of about 90° C. to about 450° C. Solder can be melted to join the metallic surfaces of the wire  177  to circuit board  117 . Flux cored wire solder can be used, such as Glow Core, marketed by AIM. Solder can be lead-free compatible, can have excellent wetting properties, can have a wide process-time window and can be cleanable with a CFC-free cleaning solution, designed for use in ultrasonic cleaning or spray and immersion systems, total Clean 505 as manufactured by Warton Metals Limited. Alternately, other metals such as tin, copper, silver, bismuth, indium, zinc, antimony, or traces of other metals may be used within the solder mixture. Also, lead-free solder replacements for conventional tine-lead (Sn60/Pb40 and Sn63/Pb37) solders, having melting points ranging from about 118° C. to about 340° C., which do not damage or overheat circuit board  117  during soldering processes, are utilized. 
     Alternately, other alloys, such as, for example, tin-silver-copper solder (SnAg 3.9 Cu 0.6 ) may be used, because it is not prone to corrosion or oxidation and has resistance to fatigue. Additionally, mixtures of copper within the solder formulations lowers the melting point, improves the resistance to thermal cycle fatigue and improves wetting properties when in a molten state. Mixtures of copper also retard the dissolution of copper from circuit board  117 . Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as changes in technology, user requirements, etc., other wiring controlling means, such as boards, cards, circuit cards, motherboards yet to be developed, or other combinations of solder including SnAg 3.0 Cu 0.5 , SnCu 0.7 , SnZn 9 , SnIn 8.0 Ag 3.5 Bi 0.5 , SnBi 57 Ag 1 , SnBi 58 , SnIn 52  and other possible flux and alloy solder formulations, etc., may suffice. 
       FIG.  12 A  illustrates an embodiment of thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310 . In this embodiment, thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310  has a top end  312  and a bottom end  314 , thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310  comprising at least one thermoelectric unit layer  320  capable of active use of the Peltier effect. Thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310  further comprises a capacitance spacer block  125  suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly  310 , wherein the capacitance spacer block  125  is thermally connected to thermoelectric unit layer  320 . Assembly  310  further comprises: at least one energy source  340  operably connected to the at least one thermoelectric unit layer  320 , wherein the energy source  340  is suitable to provide a current; a heat sink  114  associated with a fan assembly  127 , wherein in the heat sink  114  is thermally connected at the bottom end of the heat pump assembly  310 , the heat pump assembly  310  being thermally connected to an isolation chamber  336 , and wherein the thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310  further comprises a circuit board  117 . 
       FIG.  12 B  shows a top view of another embodiment of thermoelectric transport and storage device  102 , showing: a thermal isolation chamber  336 , an LCD display  386 , at least one energy source  340 , and a DB connector  384 . 
       FIG.  13 A  shows another embodiment of thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310 , the assembly  310  comprising: two thermoelectric unit layers  320  capable of active use of the Peltier effect, each thermoelectric unit layer  320  having a cold side  322  and a hot side  324  (See  FIG.  15   ); at least one capacitance spacer block  125  suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly  310 , the capacitance spacer block  125  being between a first thermoelectric unit layer  332  and a second thermoelectric layer  334  (See  FIG.  15   ), wherein the top portion  326  of the capacitance spacer block  125  is thermally connected to the hot side  324  of the first thermoelectric unit layer  332  and the bottom portion  328  is thermally connected to the cold side  322  of the second thermoelectric unit layer  334  (See  FIG.  15   ), thereby forming a sandwich layer  330  suitable to pump heat from the first thermoelectric unit layer  332  to the second thermoelectric layer  334  (See  FIG.  15   ); and a heat sink  114  associated with a fan assembly  127 , wherein the heat sink  114  is thermally connected at the bottom end  314  of the heat pump assembly  310 . 
       FIG.  13 B  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of thermoelectric transport and storage device  102 , wherein the transport and storage device  102  includes: a thermal isolation chamber  336 , a robust shock proof exterior  370 , an LCD display  386 , at least one energy source  340 , and a DB connector  384 . 
       FIG.  14    shows a perspective view, illustrating a portable microprocessor  380 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a portable microprocessor  380  may be utilized to communicate with the thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  (See  FIG.  13 B ) to send and receive time and temperature profiles related to the thermoelectric heat pump  310 . The sending and receiving of time and temperature profiles between the portable microprocessor  380  and thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  may either be directly through DB connectors  384  or alternatively through radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. When the portable microprocessor  380  is sending or receiving time and temperature profiles directly through the DB connectors  384  or RFID tag the thermoelectric transport or storage device&#39;s  10   2  energy source  340  may supply the needed power to activate the portable microprocessor  380 . The amount of power generally needed to activate the portable microprocessor  380  is 5 volts. Upon activation, the portable microprocessor  380  may then communicate with an electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) rewritable memory chip  382  operatively associated with the thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 . Such communication between the portable microprocessor  380  and EEPROM rewritable memory chip  382  may be through a serial protocol by way of a multi-master serial computer bus. During communication the portable microprocessor  380  may also receive the time and temperature profiles from the EEPROM rewritable memory chip  382  and configure new time and temperature profiles for the EEPROM rewritable memory chip  382  relating to the thermoelectric heat pump  310 . For instance, the portable microprocessor  380  may reconfigure the time for activating a series of thermoelectric unit layers  320  upon reaching a specified temperature. 
       FIG.  15    shows a side profile view, illustrating a sandwich layer  330 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sandwich layer  330  comprises at least one capacitance spacer block  125  suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly  310 , the capacitance spacer block  125  having a top portion  326  and a bottom portion  328  and being between a first thermoelectric unit layer  332  and a second thermoelectric layer  334 , wherein the top portion of the capacitance spacer block  125  is thermally connected to the hot side  324  of the first thermoelectric unit layer  332  and the bottom portion  328  is thermally connected to the cold side  322  of the second thermoelectric unit layer  334 , thereby forming a sandwich layer  330  suitable to pump heat from the first thermoelectric unit layer  332  to the second thermoelectric layer  334 . 
       FIG.  16    shows a microprocessor  350  operatively associated with the thermoelectric heat pump assembly  310 . As shown, microprocessor  350  communicates with EEPROM chip  382  to obtain instructions for operating at least one double-pole double-throw (DPDT) relay  360 - 364 . The communication between microprocessor  350  and EEPROM chip  382  may include the sequencing of DPDT relays  360 - 364 . For instance, microprocessor  350  may communicate with relays  360 - 364  to place thermoelectric unit layers  320  in series or parallel depending on the temperature of a canister, wherein the canister is comprised of the thermal isolation chamber  336  (see  FIG.  12 A ). 
     Other communication between microprocessor  350  and DPDT relays  360 - 364  may include allocating power from battery  119  or alternative 5 volt direct-current (DC) transformer to various parts of the thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 , such as fan assembly  127  (see  FIG.  12 A ). A DC-to-DC converter, consisting of an inverter followed by a step-up or step-down transformer and rectifier may also be used to supply direct-current to microprocessor  350 . In addition, microprocessor  350  communicates with LCD display  386  (see  FIG.  12 B ) to convey information wherein microprocessor  350  is powered by a 3.6 volt battery pack which is connected by way of a master power switch. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  17   , a portable microprocessor  380  i.e., “Smartdevice” (see  FIG.  14   ) communicates with EEPROM chip  382  through a multi-master serial computer bus using I2C protocol to convey time and temperature profiles relating to the thermoelectric unit layers  320 . Initially, as the power is turned on for the thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 , all relays  360 - 364  are initially off. Next, microprocessor  350  of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  checks for the presence of a portable microprocessor  380 . If a portable microprocessor  380  is found the microprocessor  350  waits for operations to complete and ask user to reset. From this point, microprocessor  350  reads operating parameters from EEPROM chip  382 . Microprocessor  350  may then receive temperature protocols and auxiliary operations of charging battery and recording EEPROM chip  382 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  17    and  FIG.  18   , temperature control subroutines are conveyed by microprocessor  350  to relays  360 - 364 . The subroutines, define a setpoint temperature (Tsp) and control relays  360 - 364  to place thermoelectric unit layers  320  in series or parallel depending on Tsp and canister temperature (Tc), wherein the canister is comprised of the thermal isolation chamber  336  (see  FIG.  12 A ). For instances, in one embodiment the subroutines may include the following instructions: 1) if Tc&lt;Tsp, then turn relay off; 2) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.1° C.), then switch to 9S and 2.4 volt mode; 3) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.2° C.), then switch to 4&amp;5S and 2.4 volt mode; 4) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.3° C.), then switch to 3S and 2.4 volt mode; 4) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.5° C.), then switch to 4&amp;5S and 4.8 volt mode; 5) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.7° C.), then switch to 3S and 4.8 volt mode; 6) if the battery charger is connected, then force 4.8 volt battery relay on; and 7) if batter charger is disconnected; then switch to normal 2.4 volt/4.8 volt operation. 
     As shown in  FIG.  18   , in another embodiment the subroutines may include the following instructions: 1) if Tc&lt;Tsp, then turn relay off; 2) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.1° C.), then switch to 6S and 3.6 volt mode; 3) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.2° C.), then switch to 3S and 3.6 volt mode; 4) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.3° C.), then switch to 2S and 3.6 volt mode; and 5) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.5° C.), then switch to 1S and 3.6 volt mode. In yet another embodiment, the subroutines may include the following instructions: 1) if Tc&lt;Tsp, then turn relay off; 2) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.2° C.), then switch to 2S and 3.6 volt mode; and 3) if Tc&gt;(Tsp+0.5° C.), then switch to 15 and 3.6 volt mode. 
       FIG.  19    shows two charts, each of which illustrate how embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to maximize efficiency of operation compared to previously available thermoelectric heat pump systems. For example, embodiments of the heat pump assembly can be configured so that each thermoelectric unit layer at steady-state during operation has ratio of the heat removed divided by the input power (or COP) that is prior to and less than the peak COP on a COP curve of performance (See infra  FIGS.  25 A- 25 C  and  FIGS.  26 A- 26 C ). 
       FIGS.  20 A- 23    show the thermoelectric unit layers  320  of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 . More specifically,  FIG.  20 A  shows a 6 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320  in series, as well as in 65-3.6 volt mode wherein thermoelectric unit layers  320  receive current from energy source  340  in order to create a heat pump which draws heat from thermal isolation chamber  336  to heat sink  114 . Each thermoelectric layer  320  comprises capacitance spacer block  125 , cold side  322  of thermoelectric unit layer  320 , and hot side  324  of thermoelectric unit layer  320 , wherein first thermoelectric unit layer  332  is adjacent to thermal isolation chamber  336 . In the 65-3.6 volt mode heat is transferred from thermal isolation chamber  336  to heat sink  114 . Similar to  FIG.  20 A ,  FIG.  20 B  shows a 6 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320 . However,  FIG.  20 B  shows the 6 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320  wherein 3 thermoelectric unit layers  320  are in 2 sets of series, corresponding to a 3 S-3.6 volt mode. 
       FIGS.  21 A and  21 B  show 9 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320  stacks. In  FIG.  21 A  all 9 thermoelectric unit layers  320  are in series and correspond to a 9S-4.8 volt mode. In  FIG.  21 B  the 9 layer thermoelectric unit layers  320  are broken into one set of 5 thermoelectric unit layers in series and one set of 4 thermoelectric unit layers in series, corresponding to a 4&amp;55-4.8 volt mode.  FIG.  22 A  shows the 9 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320  stack in three sets of 3 thermoelectric unit layers in series. 
       FIG.  22 B  shows how the thermoelectric unit layer  320  stacks may be placed in parallel when one thermoelectric unit layer  320  stack is not sufficient.  FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  show a 2 layer thermoelectric unit layer  320  wherein  FIG.  23 A  is in 2S-3.6 volt mode and  FIG.  23 B  is in 1S-3.6 volt mode. As previously stated, switching thermoelectric unit layers  320  between modes allow the thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  to more efficiently utilize energy source  340  while maintaining a desired Tc. 
       FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  further emphasize advantages of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 , (see  FIG.  13 B ), wherein the maximum current, current, maximum Delta-T, Delta-T, transferred heat, voltage, ratio of current to maximum current, ratio of Delta-T to maximum Delta-T, are displayed.  FIG.  24 A  further shows the 1S mode and 2S mode at Delta-T of 20.9° C. and 39.4° C. Likewise,  FIG.  24 B  shows a 1S and 2S mode at Delta-T of 10° C., 20° C. and 40° C. However,  FIG.  24 B  defines values for heat transferred Q.  FIG.  25 A  shows a graph of a typical operating point coefficient of performance at a Delta-T of 20° C., wherein Delta-T is the temperature difference between thermal isolation chamber  336  and heat sink  114 . The coefficient of performance is defined as the amount of heat transferred from thermal isolation chamber  336  divided by the amount of power (voltage multiplied by current) required to operate thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 .  FIG.  25 B  further shows the optimum operating point coefficient of performance at a Delta-T of 20° C., which corresponds to  FIG.  25 C  showing the operating point coefficient of performance of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 . As shown in  FIG.  25 A  through  FIG.  25 C  the operating point coefficient of performance for thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  is well above the typical operating point coefficient of performance. That is, thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  is able to pump more heat from thermal isolation chamber  336  to heat sink  114  using less current and ultimately less power than typical thermoelectric systems. Further improvements over typical thermoelectric systems was also shown in  FIG.  26 A  through  FIG.  26 C  at a Delta-T of 40° C. 
       FIGS.  27 A- 31    are similar to  FIGS.  20 A- 23 B  in that  FIGS.  27 A- 31    disclose various arrangements of thermoelectric heat pump assemblies or thermal protection systems  464  that include different numbers of thermoelectric modules.  FIGS.  27 A- 31    differ from  FIGS.  20 A- 23 B  in that while  FIGS.  20 A- 23 B  illustrate thermoelectric modules or unit layers that are reconfigurable between higher power settings and a lower power settings by varying series configurations, parallel configurations, or both,  FIGS.  27 A- 31    illustrate thermoelectric heat pump assemblies in which all of the thermoelectric modules of a stack can be electrically coupled and operated only in series, and do not have varying series configurations, parallel configurations, or both, to control higher power settings and a lower power settings. Instead, by providing thermoelectric heat pump assemblies in which all of the thermoelectric modules can be electrically coupled only in series, all of the thermoelectric modules for a given thermoelectric heat pump assembly can only be operated at a same time instead of having less than an entirety of the thermoelectric modules operating at a same time within the thermoelectric heat pump assembly to adjust an amount of heat being transported by the thermoelectric modules. 
       FIG.  27 A  shows a thermoelectric heat pump assembly  464   a  comprising four thermoelectric modules or thermoelectric unit layers  450 . Thermoelectric modules  450  are similar to thermoelectric unit layers  320  of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 . More specifically,  FIG.  27 A  shows 4 layers of thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  thermally and electrically coupled in series. Thermoelectric modules  450  receive current from energy source  452 , similar to energy source  340  discussed in relation to  FIGS.  20 A- 23 B , in order to create a thermal protection system or heat pump which draws heat from vessel, container, or thermal isolation chamber  454  to heat sink  456 , which are similar to thermal isolation chamber  336  and heat sink  114 , respectively. While thermal protection system  464  is discussed, for convenience, with respect to heat being removed from vessel  454  and being transported through thermoelectric modules  450  and capacitance spacer blocks  458  to heat sink  456  to cool or decrease a temperature of vessel  454 , the heat transfer can of course also operate in an opposite direction from heat sink  456  to vessel  454  to heat or increase a temperature of vessel  454  as previously described above. Thermoelectric heat pump assemblies  464  can include any number of thermoelectric modules  450  and capacitance spacer blocks  458 , including without limitation, two to nine thermoelectric modules and capacitance spacer blocks, or any other number of thermoelectric modules  450  according to the operation and design of the heat pump assembly. Each stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  can optionally comprise one or more capacitance spacer blocks or capacitive spacer blocks  458  similar to capacitance spacer blocks  125 . Each thermoelectric module  450  comprises a cold side  460  and a hot side  462 , similar to cold side  322  and hot side  324  of thermoelectric unit layers  320 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG.  27 A , thermal protection system  464   a  can comprise a stack  470   a  comprising four thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  and three capacitance spacer blocks  458  interleaved with, and disposed between, the four thermoelectric modules. First thermoelectric module  450   a  can be adjacent to vessel  454 , and fourth thermoelectric module  450   d  can be adjacent to heat sink  456 . Heat can be transferred from vessel  454  to heat sink  456  through thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  to cool the contents of vessel  454 . Thermoelectric modules  450  of  FIG.  27 A  can also include, as shown, sandwich layers similar to sandwich layer  330  shown in  FIG.  15   . By disposing capacitance spacer blocks  458  between thermoelectric modules  450 , capacitance spacer blocks  458  can store heat and provide a delayed thermal reaction time between each adjacent thermoelectric module  450 . Alternatively, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to the other embodiments shown in  FIGS.  27 A- 31   , capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be omitted from between thermoelectric modules  450 , such that an entirety, or a portion less than an entirety, of the thermoelectric modules can be in direct contact with each other and not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . While thermoelectric modules  450  are at times, for convenience, referred to throughout the specification as being in direct contact with each other, direct contact between thermoelectric modules  450 , as used herein, can include any desirable thermal interface material or adhesive, as described above, disposed between the thermoelectric modules. 
     Accordingly,  FIG.  27 A  shows a thermoelectric heat pump assembly  464   a , comprising a stack of four identical thermoelectric modules  450  arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured such that each thermoelectric module within the stack can simultaneously use the Peltier effect. As used herein with respect to thermoelectric modules  450 , identical means the same in at least one material aspect of the thermoelectric module, such as an area, footprint, size, material, thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, electrical resistance, or a number of coupled pairs of thermocouples within the thermoelectric module. For example, thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  can be commercially available units of a same size, such that each comprises a same number of thermocouples within the thermoelectric module, wherein each thermocouple or thermocouple pair can comprise two nodes. For example, thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  can each include 63 thermocouples, 71 thermocouples, 127 thermocouples, 199 thermocouples, 254 thermocouples, 283 thermocouples, 287 thermocouples, or any other number of suitable thermocouples. Alternatively, one or more material aspects of thermoelectric modules  450  can also be similar but not identical to other thermoelectric modules, such as comprising variation among at least one aspect of the thermoelectric modules. Therefore, while thermoelectric modules  450  can be identical in at least one material aspect, the thermoelectric modules can also differ in other aspects, and can, for example, comprise an aspect that varies by a percent difference in a range of 0-30 percent, 0-20 percent, 0-10 percent, 0-5 percent, or within less than one percent difference. 
     As a non-limiting example, thermoelectric modules  450  can be different commercially available or custom made thermoelectric modules that are similar in size and identical in a number of thermocouples. Thermoelectric module  450   a  can, for example, include a 40 millimeter (mm) 127 thermocouple thermoelectric module while thermoelectric module  450   b  can include a 40 mm 127 thermocouple thermoelectric module. However, thermoelectric units can also comprise any suitable number of coupled pairs. In an embodiment, each thermoelectric unit comprises at least 127 coupled pairs and comprises a resistance of at least 3 ohms. In another embodiment, each thermoelectric unit can comprise a resistance of 3.75 ohms. Alternatively, each thermoelectric unit or thermoelectric module can comprise a resistance less than 3 ohms, such as a resistance greater than or equal to 1 ohm. In yet another embodiment, each thermoelectric unit can comprise at least 287 coupled pairs and a resistance of at least 3 ohms. Optionally, the thermoelectric unit can comprise a resistance of 8.5 ohms. 
     As indicated above with respect to  FIG.  27 A  and thermoelectric heat pump assembly  464   a , the stack of four identical thermoelectric modules  450  are arranged electrically and thermally in series and configured such that each thermoelectric module within the stack simultaneously uses the Peltier effect to conduct heat between vessel  454  and heat sink  456 . For convenience, the term simultaneously refers to thermoelectric modules  450  being electrically connected in series and being activated at a same time, such, as when the electrical circuit is energized and the thermoelectric modules  450  receive power. As such, “simultaneously” as used herein ignores small delays that can exist within the circuit. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  27 A , a thermally capacitive spacer block or capacitance spacer block  458  can be disposed between each of the at least three thermoelectric modules  450 . In an embodiment, each thermoelectric module  450  can include a height, or a distance between cold side  460  and hot side  462 , in a range of about 0.38-0.89 cm or about 0.64 cm (i.e., about 0.25 inches). The capacitance spacer blocks  458  disposed between each thermoelectric module  450  can include a height, or a distance between opposing hot and cold sides in a range of about 1.2-1.6 cm, or about 1.4 cm (i.e., about 9/16 inches). Accordingly, an overall height of stack  470   a  comprising four identical thermoelectric modules  450  and three interleaved capacitance spacer blocks  458 , as shown in  FIG.  27 A , can be in a range of about 2-10 cm or approximately 6.35 cm (or about 2.5 inches). By creating an offset or distance of about 6.35 cm between vessel  454  and heat sink  456 , insulation can be added around the stack  470  between vessel  454  and the ambient temperature outside the vessel from which the container is being heated or cooled to further increase an efficiency of thermal protections system  464 . Alternatively, an overall height of stack  470  can also be in a range of about 0.5-5 cm or approximately 2.5 cm (or about 1 inch). By creating an offset or distance of about 2.5 cm between vessel  454  and heat sink  456 , insulation can be added around the stack  470  between vessel  454  and the ambient temperature outside the vessel from which the container is being heated or cooled to further increase an efficiency of thermal protections system  464 . 
     Additionally, because capacitance spacer blocks  458  can store heat to provide a time delay or temporal buffer with respect to heat transfer between a cold side of a first thermoelectric module  450  and a hot side of a second adjacent thermoelectric module  450 , continuous or constant operation of the thermoelectric modules is not required. Instead, microcontroller  466  can turn off thermoelectric modules  450  to provide periods in which the thermoelectric modules are not actively using the Peltier effect to transfer heat between or among the thermoelectric modules and without significantly effecting a temperature differential established between the hold and cold sides of a single unit or between adjacent units during operation because of the thermal capacitive effect of the thermally capacitive spacer blocks. 
     Capacitance spacer blocks  458  are disposed between each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules  450  and help facilitate the simultaneous transfer of heat through thermoelectric modules  450  between vessel  454  and heat sink  456 . An energy source  452  is coupled in series to stack  470   a  of the plurality of thermoelectric modules  450  and is configured to provide a current source to each of the thermoelectric units. As shown in  FIG.  27 A , thermoelectric modules  450  and capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be interleaved to form sandwich layers, as shown and described above with respect to  FIG.  8   . As described above, a thermal adhesive can be disposed between each thermoelectric module and capacitance spacer block to increase thermal conductivity and performance. The thermal adhesive can include silver-filled two-component epoxy  132 , wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade; and wherein thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers is greater than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade). In some embodiments, thermal conductance between essentially all such attached sandwich layers can be less than 10 watts per meter per degree centigrade, and can be in a range of 5-10 watts per meter per degree centigrade, and can be, without limitation, approximately 6, 7, 8, or 9 watts per meter per degree centigrade. 
     A microcontroller  466  is operatively associated with energy source  452  to direct current from the energy source to the plurality of thermoelectric modules  450 . Operation of microcontroller  466  differs from the microcontroller used in conjunction with  FIGS.  20 A- 23 B  in that instead of using the microcontroller to control at least one relay or electromechanical latch to change among various configurations of different series and parallel connected thermoelectric modules, the arrangement of the stack of thermoelectric modules  450  does not change, but remains in series and configured for simultaneously use the Peltier effect. Microcontroller  466 , is not limited to electromechanical relays, but can include metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or other suitable components or combinations of components as understood in the art to control an amount and duration of power simultaneously applied to the series connected stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450 . 
     Microcontroller  466  can define a Tsp and compare the Tsp to a Tc of vessel  454  and activate a simultaneous use of the Peltier effect for a duration of time in order to reduce a difference in temperature between the Tsp and Tc. Microcontroller  466  can compare the Tsp and Tc with a resolution of approximately 0.0625 degrees Celsius, using microcontroller  466  in a system comprising 12 bit resolution. As such, a temperature of vessel  454  can be controlled within approximately 0.0625 degrees Celsius, if desired. In another embodiment, microcontroller  466  compare the Tsp and Tc with a resolution of approximately 0.0325 degrees Celsius, using microcontroller  466  in a system comprising 16 bit resolution. As such, a temperature of vessel  454  can be controlled within approximately 0.0325 degrees Celsius, if desired. In yet another embodiment, microcontroller  466  can compare the Tsp and Tc with a resolution of approximately 0.01 degrees Celsius (or multiples thereof such as 0.02, 0.03, etc.), using microcontroller  466  in a system comprising 24 bit resolution and platinum resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and other suitable components that can sample a temperature of vessel  454  25 times per second and adjust thermoelectric modules  450  up to once every 40 milliseconds. As such, a temperature of vessel  454  can be controlled within approximately 0.01 degrees Celsius, if desired. In some applications, temperature of vessel  454  is controlled to within less than 1.0 degree Celsius or within a range of approximately 0.5-1.0 degrees Celsius. 
     In an embodiment, microcontroller  466  is optionally configured to receive a user defined Tsp. The Tsp can be defined as a range of temperatures that can be arbitrarily selected by a user, manufacturer, or provider, to correspond to anticipated needs for a particular use of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102 , or to correspond to a particular standard. For example, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets standards for temperature control for various pharmaceuticals. As a non-limiting example, the FDA has a Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Protocol that requires a substance to remain within a temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, the thermal protections system can be configured to provide temperature control within the range of 2-8 degrees Celsius or within a tolerance of less than about six degrees Celsius. As a further non-limiting example, the FDA has a room Temperature Protocol that requires a substance to remain within a temperature range of 15-30 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, the thermal protections system can be configured to provide temperature control within the range of 15-30 degrees Celsius or within a tolerance of less than about 15 degrees Celsius. While vessel  454  comprises a temperature within the specified range or tolerance, microcontroller  466  does not need to activate a simultaneous use of the Peltier effect for each of the thermoelectric modules  450  to transfer heat with respect to the vessel. 
     When vessel  454  comprises a temperature near or outside a specified range or tolerance, microcontroller  466  can activate simultaneous use of the Peltier effect for each of the thermoelectric modules  450  to transfer heat between each thermoelectric modules  450 . For example, a first thermoelectric unit can transfer heat from a first thermoelectric module  450  to a second thermoelectric module  450  while the second thermoelectric module  450  transfers heat to a third thermoelectric module  450 . Numerical examples of such a configuration are included in the charts of  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C . 
     Capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be disposed between thermoelectric modules  450  to provide thermal capacitance and to provide additional flexibility in allowing for microcontroller  466  to operate with a lower duty cycle or greater off periods when microcontroller  466  does not provide a voltage to thermoelectric modules  450  for active use of the Peltier effect. The duty cycle can be determined by a signal output of microcontroller  466  as part of a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal, a pulse-frequency-modulated (PFM) signal, or a thermal modulated signal. For PWM signals, microcontroller  266  can operate in a range of 0.01 hertz (Hz)-10 megahertz (MHz), or in a range of 0.1 Hz-10 kHz, or at about 1 kHz. Unlike conventional systems that do not include capacitive spacer blocks, can operate efficiently with duty cycles measured on the order of seconds rather than milliseconds. For pulse-frequency-modulated (PFM) signals, microcontroller  266  can operate in a range of 0.01 Hz-10 MHz, or in a range of 0.1 Hz-10 kHz, or at about 1 kHz. The operation of microcontroller  266  can also vary an duty cycle for applying a voltage to thermoelectric modules  450  based on the thermal capacitance provided by the configuration of capacitance spacer blocks  458 , including a size and number of the capacitance spacer blocks as well as operating conditions of thermal protection system  464  including, for example, an ambient temperature outside the thermal protection system, Tc, and Tsp. The range of efficient operation of thermoelectric modules  450 , and an ability to operate within a “sweet spot” as disclosed herein, can be facilitated, at least in part, by the inclusion of capacitance spacer blocks  458  within stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450 . Without capacitance spacer blocks  458 , thermal protection system  464  requires a duty cycle with more on time and could be required to be constantly on or supplying a voltage from energy source  452  to stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  such that the thermoelectric modules  450  are actively engaged in using the Peltier effect to transfer heat without pauses or breaks. Storage and slowed release of heat from capacitance spacer blocks  458  to and from thermoelectric modules  450  allows for the thermal protections system  464  to adjust a duty cycle of the voltage supplied by microcontroller  466  and to switch between on and off modes due to the thermal delay resulting from capacitance spacer blocks  458 . 
     Use of a stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  and capacitance spacer blocks  458 , including at least three thermoelectric modules and four thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d , as shown in  FIG.  27 A , can allow for a smaller temperature gradient or temperature differential (delta T) between thermoelectric modules  450  while having a larger temperature differential or gradient between vessel  454  and heat sink  456 . Additional detail with respect to the above configuration is also presented in the charts shown in  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C . 
     Even without the use of capacitance spacer blocks  458 , use of multiple thermoelectric modules such as two, three, four, or more thermoelectric modules allows for better performance of thermal protection systems  464 , such as thermal protection systems  464   a , than is achieved with a single thermoelectric module. First, multilayer stacks  470  can perform more efficiently than a single thermoelectric module because multilayer stacks can run at a lower percentage of capacity and at lower voltage, which results in the thermoelectric modules operating at a higher coefficient of performance than single thermoelectric modules. Single thermoelectric modules, as conventionally used, will generally operate at higher percentage of capacity and at higher voltage. The industry has typically recommended running a thermoelectric unit near capacity (Q max), so that a less expensive unit with less capacity can be selected to save money in purchasing the thermoelectric module such that the thermoelectric module is then used to operate near capacity (Q max). As an example of an industry manufacturer recommending thermoelectric module capacity base on operating conditions, see for example, “Aztec Thermoelectric Cooler Analysis” software, made by Laird Technologies. However, by operating a single thermoelectric or stack of thermoelectric modules at or near maximum capacity (Q max) for much of the time heating or cooling is desired, such as at a duty cycle of greater than about 50%, performance efficiencies of the thermoelectric module or modules are decreased. 
     Better performance of thermal protection systems  464  can also result from use of multiple thermoelectric modules such as two, three, four, or more thermoelectric modules for at least another reason. As a second reason, a temperature differential or delta T between a hot side  462  and cold side  460  of a thermoelectric module  450  in a stack  470  will be less than a temperature differential or delta T between a hot side  462  and cold side  460  of a single thermoelectric module  450  not part of a stack. An entire temperature differential or delta T between vessel  454  and heat sink  458  is present across a single thermoelectric module, while the entire temperature differential can be shared among thermoelectric modules in a stack  470 . Quantitative examples of how a temperature differential or delta T is divided among a plurality of thermoelectric modules  450  in a stack  470 , as illustrated in  FIG.  27 A , is provided in the charts of  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C . Because the thermoelectric modules are connected in series and receive an approximately equal voltage while the amount of heat transferred (Qc) by each thermoelectric module  450  increases as heat is transferred from vessel  454  to heat sink  456 , the delta T between hot side  462  and cold side  460  of each thermoelectric module  450  decreases from vessel  454  to heat sink  456 . In other words, a delta T that increases for each thermoelectric module  450  in a first direction along stack  470  is inversely related to an amount of heat transferred by each corresponding thermoelectric module, which increases for each thermoelectric module in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
     Smaller temperature gradients or delta Ts allow for higher efficiency and higher coefficients of performance from thermoelectric modules  450  within stacks  470 . Performance of a stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  without any capacitance spacer blocks  458  can include an efficiency in a range of only 60-80% or 65-75% of the performance of a configuration including the capacitance spacer blocks. Stacks  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  are less efficient without the inclusion of interleaved capacitance spacer blocks  458  for a number of reasons. First, efficiency is decreased without the capacitance spacer blocks  458  because of an increased duty cycle, operation, or on-time of thermoelectric modules  450 . For greater duty cycles, the higher percentage of time thermoelectric modules  450  are required to be active increases a corresponding amount of power that is consumed by the thermoelectric modules, which reduces a COP of the thermoelectric modules. Second, efficiency is decreased without the capacitance spacer blocks because of a reduction in thermal capacitance that prevents heat from transferring back in a direction along stack  470  in a direction opposite from a direction in which the heat or Qc was initially transferred by stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  during active use of the Peltier effect. 
     Smaller temperature differentials, or delta T, between adjacent thermoelectric modules  450  and hot sides  462  and cold sides  460  of the same thermoelectric module  450  can reduce thermal stress on the thermoelectric modules. Reduction of thermal stress within thermoelectric modules  450  reduces incidents of cracking at the nodes of the thermocouples. Thus, by reducing the thermal stress that can lead to cracking, wear on thermoelectric modules  450  is decreased and a period of operation or a lifetime of the thermoelectric module is increased. 
     By operating thermal protection systems  464  with smaller temperature differentials or delta Ts between adjacent thermoelectric modules  450  and hot sides  462  and cold sides  460  of the same thermoelectric module  450 , a smaller temperature differential or delta T also is maintained across heat sink  456  or between a hot side and a cold side of the heat sink. While conventional systems comprising a thermoelectric module and a heat sink might operate at an industry standard temperature differential of about a 15 degrees Celsius between hot and cold sides of the heat sink, the embodiment disclosed in  FIG.  27 A  can produce much smaller temperature differentials between hot and cold sides of the heat sink, which are closer to about 3 degrees Celsius. See, for example, the charts disclosed in  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C . 
     A fan can optionally be disposed adjacent to heat sink  456  to aid in removal of heat from thermal protection system  464  including heat sink  456 . In an embodiment, thermal protection system  464  is configured to provide temperature control within a tolerance of less than about one degree centigrade. 
     Thermoelectric heat pump assembly  464  can also be used in a method of safely transporting temperature sensitive goods at a selected temperature profile during transport. Temperature sensitive goods  139  are placed in vessel  454  within the thermal protection system. Vessel  454  is adapted to thermally isolate the temperature sensitive goods  139  from an outside environment. Vessel  454  is coupled to the stack  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  and thermally capacitive spacer blocks  458 . A temperature of vessel  454  is controlled by activating the Peltier effect for stack  470  of the plurality of thermoelectric modules  450  and conducting heat from vessel  454  through the thermoelectric units to heat sink  456 . 
       FIG.  27 B , shows an embodiment of a thermal protections system  464   b  that is similar to thermal protections system  464   a  shown in  FIG.  27 A . Thermal protections system  464   b  differs from thermal protections system  464   a  in that every thermoelectric module  450  does not include an interleaved capacitance spacer block  458  to form a sandwich layer. Instead, a number of capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be omitted from being disposed between a corresponding number of adjacent thermoelectric modules  450 . Accordingly, an entirety of thermoelectric modules  450 , or a portion less than an entirety of the thermoelectric modules can be in direct contact with each other and not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . 
     Thus,  FIG.  27 B  shows generally that in various embodiments, capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be omitted from being disposed between every thermoelectric module  450  such that less than an entirety of the thermoelectric modules are in direct contact with each other and do not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . While  FIG.  27 B  shows a single capacitance spacer block  458  disposed between thermoelectric modules  450   b  and  450   c , a single capacitance spacer block could similarly be disposed between thermoelectric modules  450   a  and  450   b , or  450   c  and  450   d . In other embodiments, two capacitance spacer blocks could be disposed between thermoelectric modules, such as between  450   a  and  450   b  as well as between  450   c  and  450   d ; or alternatively, between thermoelectric modules  450   a  and  450   b  as well as between  450   b  and  450   c ; or alternatively, between thermoelectric modules  450   b  and  450   c  as well as between  450   c  and  450   d.    
       FIG.  27 C , shows an embodiment of a thermal protections system  464   c  that is similar to thermal protections system  464   a  or  464   b  shown in  FIG.  27 A or  27 B , respectively. Thermal protection system  464   c  differs from thermal protections systems  464   a  and  464   b  in that no capacitance spacer blocks  458  are interleaved between thermoelectric modules  450 , and thermoelectric modules  450  can be in direct contact with each other. 
       FIG.  28    shows a schematic cross-sectional view, in which multiple stacks  470  of thermoelectric modules  450  and capacitance spacer blocks  450 , such as stacks  470   a  from  FIG.  27 A , can be arranged such that multiple stacks  470  may be placed in parallel and in thermal communication with vessel  454 . While two stacks  470  are shown in  FIG.  28   , any number of any of stacks  470  shown herein, or variations thereof, can be thermally coupled in parallel to vessel  454  to provide additional thermal transport capability. 
       FIG.  29    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal protection system  464   e , similar to thermal protection system  464   a  shown in  FIG.  27 A .  FIG.  29    shows thermal protection system  464   e  is a variation of thermal protection system  464   a  that includes a stack of 6 thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   f  and  5  capacitance spacer blocks  458  interleaved between the thermoelectric modules instead of the stack of 4 thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  and  3  capacitance spacer blocks  458  shown in  FIG.  27 A . Similar to the variations indicated in  FIG.  27 B or  27 C , not every thermoelectric module  450  in  FIG.  29    needs to include an interleaved capacitance spacer block  458  to form a sandwich layer. Instead, a number of capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be omitted from being disposed between a corresponding number of adjacent thermoelectric modules  450 . Accordingly, an entirety of adjacent thermoelectric modules  450 , or a portion less than an entirety of the thermoelectric modules can be in direct contact with each other and not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . 
       FIG.  30    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal protection system  464   f , similar to thermal protection system  464   a  shown in  FIG.  27 A .  FIG.  30    shows thermal protection system  464   f  is a variation of thermal protection system  464   a  that includes a stack of 9 thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   i  and  8  capacitance spacer blocks  458  interleaved between the thermoelectric modules instead of the stack of 4 thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  and  3  capacitance spacer blocks  458  shown in  FIG.  27 A . Similar to the variations indicated in  FIG.  27 B or  27 C , not every thermoelectric module  450  in  FIG.  30    needs to include an interleaved capacitance spacer block  458  to form a sandwich layer. Instead, a number of capacitance spacer blocks  458  can be omitted from being disposed between a corresponding number of adjacent thermoelectric modules  450 , such that an entirety, or a portion less than an entirety, of the thermoelectric modules can be in direct contact with each other and not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . 
       FIG.  31    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal protection system  464   g , similar to thermal protection system  464   a  shown in  FIG.  27 A .  FIG.  31    shows thermal protection system  464   g  is a variation of thermal protection system  464   a  that includes a stack of 2 thermoelectric modules  450   a  and  450   b  and  1  capacitance spacer block  458  interleaved between the thermoelectric modules instead of the stack of 4 thermoelectric modules  450   a - 450   d  and  3  capacitance spacer blocks  458  shown in  FIG.  27 A . Similar to the variations indicated in  FIG.  27 B or  27 C , not every thermoelectric module  450  in  FIG.  30    needs to include an interleaved capacitance spacer block  458  to form a sandwich layer. Instead, the capacitance spacer block  458  can be omitted from being disposed between both thermoelectric modules  450   a  and  450   b , such that an entirety of the thermoelectric modules can be in direct contact with each other and not include an intervening capacitance spacer block  458 . 
       FIGS.  32 A- 32 C  show charts, each of which illustrate how various embodiments maximize efficiency of operation compared to previously available thermoelectric heat pump systems. The charts further illustrate how various embodiments can be configured to maximize heat pumped per unit of input power during overall use, while minimizing the ratio of input current to maximum available current at a given steady-state temperature. 
       FIGS.  32 A- 32 C  further emphasize advantages of thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  or thermal protection system  464  in which the maximum current, current, maximum Delta-T, Delta-T, transferred heat, voltage, ratio of current to maximum current, ratio of Delta-T to maximum Delta-T, are displayed. The maximum values indicated within  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C , such as Imax and Qmax, are those values provided by a manufacturer in the specifications for a particular part or thermoelectric module. Determining a size or capacity for a particular component can based on design constraints and manufacturer specifications for particular component features or parameters such as Imax and Qmax. Sizing components based on manufacturer recommendations can also be accomplished using automated systems and software programs such as “Aztec Thermoelectric Cooler Analysis” software, made by Laird Technologies. 
       FIG.  32 A  shows further details for the configuration of thermal protection system  464   a  from  FIG.  27 A  when consuming approximately 1 watt of power during operation.  FIG.  24 B  shows further details for the configuration of thermal protection system  464   a  from  FIG.  27 A  consuming approximately 3 watts of power during operation.  FIG.  24 C  shows further details for the configuration of thermal protection system  464   a  from  FIG.  27 A  consuming approximately 5 watts of power during operation. 
     As indicated previously, the COP is defined as the amount of heat transferred from thermal vessel  454  divided by the amount of power (voltage multiplied by current) required to operate thermoelectric transport or storage device  102  or protections system  464 . As can be seen from a comparison of  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C , as voltage increases for a given thermoelectric module  450 , delta T, or a temperature difference between a cold side  460  and a hot side  462 , also increases and a COP decreases along a same direction of stack  470 . However, as seen in  FIGS.  32 A- 32 C , the operating point coefficient of performance for thermal protections system  464  is well above the typical operating point coefficient of performance. That is, thermal protection system  464  is able to pump more heat from vessel  454  to heat sink  456  using less current and ultimately less power than typical thermoelectric systems. 
     Although applicant has described various embodiment of the disclosure, it will be understood that the broadest scope of the disclosure includes modifications. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.