Patent Publication Number: US-11662063-B2

Title: Dry vapor dewar temperature monitoring retrofit lid adapter

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This specification relates to a system, device or apparatus for a dry vapor shipper lid adapter. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the shipping business, certain types of contents and cargo require extra special care. This need is very apparent when shipping biological samples and specimens. Businesses, hospitals, labs and other research or consumer facilities need to ship biological material that is highly susceptible to cellular degradation, and so, they require cryogenic shipping services to ship the biological material at cryogenic temperatures at approximately −150 degrees Celsius. The shipping of these temperature controlled materials requires special equipment, such as a dry vapor shipper or dewar that is validated to maintain the cryogenic temperature for an extended period of time, to prevent or avoid cell degradation or loss. For example, a dry vapor shipper is a metallic flask that has a payload area or well that holds the biological material within at cryogenic temperatures for a long period of time to allow the transport of the biological material. 
     Moreover, these temperature controlled materials require logistics support and regular monitoring of the controlled materials during shipment to maintain the integrity of the biological material. During shipment, the progress of the shipment may need to be tracked to remedy any issues within the supply chain to protect the temperature controlled materials during transit. Since these various materials are extremely temperature and/or environmentally sensitive, these materials must be maintained in a constant controlled environment during the entire shipment process, and so, the temperature and/or other environmental variables need to be monitored and controlled throughout the entire shipment process. 
     When shipping, customers may require internal temperature monitoring, external temperature monitoring and other monitoring and data logging of the dry vapor shipper for clinical trials and commercial, medical and industrial shipments. Dry vapor shippers, however, do not have integrated temperature or data monitoring capabilities because there is no standard data logger, temperature monitor and/or dry vapor shipper. 
     Instead, dry vapor shipper manufacturers rely on third parties to provide the data loggers and/or temperature monitors. The various data loggers and/or temperature monitors have various types and models from various manufacturers. The various data loggers and/or temperature monitors range from inexpensive units that only monitor internal temperature to sophisticated complex units that measure other sensor data. Due to the various different types and models of data loggers and/or temperature monitors, the dry vapor shipper manufactures cannot anticipate the type of data logger and/or temperature monitor that the customer requires. Thus, the dry vapor shipper manufacture does not address the issue of providing an integrated temperature or data monitoring capability. And so, the dry vapor shipper manufacturer does not modify the cap, lid, or vapor plug of the dry vapor shipper to accommodate the data logger and/or temperature monitor. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a system, device or apparatus to accommodate and/or integrate the use of the data logger and/or other monitoring devices with the dry vapor shipper. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in a vapor plug system. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug. The vapor plug is configured to fit onto a shipper and partially seal contents within a payload area of the shipper. The vapor plug system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure or determine a condition or location of the shipper. The vapor plug system includes an electronic device that is coupled to the sensor and has a display. The display is configured to provide the condition or the location to a user. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug adapter. The vapor plug adapter is coupled to the vapor plug and configured to cover the vapor plug. The vapor plug adapter includes a recessed pocket that is configured to receive the electronic device. The vapor plug adapter includes an opening within the recessed pocket that is configured to receive the sensor and allow the sensor to be inserted into the payload area of the shipper. 
     These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The sensor may include a thermocouple. The thermocouple may be configured to measure an internal or an external temperature of the shipper. The thermocouple may have a wire. The opening may receive the wire that is inserted into the payload area of the shipper. The sensor may be a global positioning system. The global positioning system may be configured to determine the location of the shipper. The sensor may be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure an atmospheric pressure within the shipper. The sensor may be an inclinometer that is configured to measure tilt of the shipper or a piezoelectric to that is configured to measure shock within or to the shipper. 
     The vapor plug adapter may have a lid that includes the recessed pocket and the opening. The lid may be a thin-walled lid. The vapor plug adapter may have a cover. The cover may be configured to fit within the recessed pocket and may enclose the electronic device and/or the sensor within the vapor plug adapter, the vapor plug and the shipper. The shipper may be a dewar and may be designed to withstand cryogenic temperatures. The electronic device may be a data logger. The vapor plug adapter may be configured to house, couple with or be integrated with various types of data loggers, sensors and dewars of different sizes and shapes. 
     In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a vapor plug adapter. The vapor plug adapter has a vapor plug lid. The vapor plug lid has a recessed pocket. The recessed pocket is configured to receive an electronic device and has an opening. The opening is configured to receive a sensor and allow the sensor to be inserted into a payload area of a dewar. The vapor plug adapter has a cover. The cover is configured to cover and enclose the electronic device within the recessed pocket. 
     In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a vapor plug system. The vapor plug system includes a dewar and a vapor plug coupled to the dewar. The vapor plug system includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure or determine a condition or a location of the dewar. The vapor plug system includes a data logger. The data logger is coupled to the sensor and has a display. The display is configured to provide the condition or the location to a user. The vapor plug system includes an adapter. The adapter is coupled to the vapor plug and configured to cover the vapor plug. The adapter includes a lid having a pocket recessed within. The lid is configured to receive the data logger. The pocket has an opening that is configured to receive the sensor and allow the sensor to be inserted into a payload area of the dewar. 
     In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a vapor plug system. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug configured to fit onto a shipper and partially seal contents within a payload area of the shipper. The vapor plug system includes an electronic device. The electronic device has a display configured to provide a condition or a location of the shipper to a user. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug adapter. The vapor plug adapter is coupled to the vapor plug and configured to be fitted on the vapor plug and hold the electronic device. 
     In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a method of transporting a shipper. The method includes providing a shipper to store or transport contents within a payload area of the shipper. The method includes providing a vapor plug to partially seal the contents within the payload area of the shipper. The method includes fitting a vapor plug adapter onto the vapor plug. The method includes positioning an electronic device within the vapor plug adapter and a sensor within the payload area of the shipper. The method includes partially sealing the contents within the shipper using the vapor plug. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 A  shows an example dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a bottom perspective view of the dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter of  FIG.  1    according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    shows the dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  coupled to the vapor plug according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an exploded view of the dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  and the vapor plug according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a bottom perspective view of the dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  coupled to the vapor plug according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    shows an example dry vapor plug system with the dry vapor shipper vapor plug adapter of  FIG.  1    according to an aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses and devices for a dry vapor shipper vapor plug retrofit lid adapter (“vapor plug adapter”). The system, apparatus or device may be a vapor plug adapter that integrates an electronic device, a monitoring device and/or a sensor that captures internal data and external data related to the dewar, contents of the dewar, and/or the shipment of the dewar. The electronic device and the monitoring device (hereinafter, referred to as the “electronic and/or monitoring device”) may be a single device or multiple separate physical devices. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The vapor plug adapter integrates, includes or couples with an electronic and/or monitoring device, such as a data logger, and/or a sensor, such as a thermocouple or other sensor to monitor the internal or external temperature, pressure, tilt, shock, location or other data of the dewar. The electronic and/or monitoring device may detect, provide, transmit or otherwise communicate the data to a remote server so that the data may be displayed or provided to the customer. This allows the customer to monitor the shipment of the dewar and/or the internal data related to the contents of the dewar in real-time during shipment. 
     Other benefits and advantages of the vapor plug adapter includes the capability to be retro-fitted, integrated with and/or adapted to various vapor plugs and/or dewars. Typically, manufacturers of dewars do not make specific vapor plugs for specific data loggers, and so, the lids of the vapor plugs need to be modified or customized for the specific data logger that the customer desires. The vapor plug adapter, however, allows the manufacturer to integrate various types of electronic and/or monitoring devices with dewars of different sizes and/or shapes. This allows the dry vapor shipper manufacturer to integrate different combinations of electronic and/or monitoring devices, sensors, vapor plugs and/or dewars of different sizes and/or shapes so that the dry vapor shipper manufacturer can accommodate or meet different customer requirements for monitoring customer shipments. 
     Additionally, the vapor plug adapter protects the electronic and/or monitoring device from exposure to liquid nitrogen vapors and other potential hazards. The vapor plug adapter allows access to the electronic and/or monitoring device with minimal manipulation. The vapor plug adapter may have a transparent lid to allow for ease of viewing the display of the electronic and/or monitoring device to view the internal and/or external data related to the contents of the dewar, the dewar and/or the shipment of the dewar. 
       FIG.  1 A  shows the vapor plug adapter  100 , and  FIG.  1 B  shows a bottom perspective view of the vapor plug adapter  100 . The vapor plug adapter  100  includes a vapor plug lid  102 , cap or other cover which may be modified and/or retro-fitted onto a vapor plug of a dry vapor shipper. The vapor plug adapter  100  includes a lid cover  104  that couples, snaps on or otherwise fastens to the vapor plug lid  102  to cover and protect an electronic and/or monitoring device, such as a data logger, and/or a sensor positioned within the vapor plug lid  102 , vapor plug  202  and/or dry vapor shipper, such as a dewar  402 . 
     The vapor plug lid  102  may be shaped, scaled or otherwise modified, to fit around various different types of vapor plugs of various dry vapor shippers, such as various dewars. For example, the vapor plug lid  102  may have a ridge on a bottom edge of the vapor plug lid  102  to hook onto the vapor plug  202  so that when the vapor plug lid  102  is pushed onto the vapor plug  202 , the vapor plug adapter  100  will snap or couple with the vapor plug  202 . The vapor plug adapter  100  may then be twisted or rotated to lock onto the vapor plug  202 , as shown in  FIG.  2    for example. This allows the vapor plug lid  102  to be fitted or fastened around various types of vapor plugs of various dry vapor shippers while allowing the use of various electronic and/or monitoring devices and/or sensors. Thus, various configurations of different types of electronic and/or monitoring devices, sensors, and/or dry vapor shippers may be used and monitored in real-time during shipment of the dry vapor shipper.  FIG.  4    shows one example configuration of the vapor plug adapter  100 , electronic and/or monitoring device  404 , vapor plug  202  and dewar  402 . 
     The vapor plug lid  102  may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene or other polymer or material designed to be resistant to cryogenic temperatures. The vapor plug lid  102  has a top portion  106 , an overhang  110 , a middle portion  108  that interfaces between the top portion  106  and the overhang  110 , and a bottom portion  112 . The middle portion  108  may extend or be angled outward from the top portion  106  to connect the top portion  106  with the overhang  110 . The overhang  110  may extend, project or otherwise hang or suspend downward from the middle portion  108  in parallel with a side surface of a vapor plug  202 . The overhang  110  may have one or more cut-outs  114  within the overhang  110 . The one or more cut-outs  114  may facilitate the fastening of the vapor plug  202  to a dewar  402  via a hinge, tether or other fastener. For example, the one or more cut-outs  114  may allow the vapor plug adapter  100  to be fitted onto a vapor plug  202  without interfering with the fastening of the vapor plug  202  to the dewar  402 . 
     The vapor plug adapter  100  may have a pocket  116 . The pocket  116  may be recessed within the top portion  106  and extend outward from the bottom portion  112  of the vapor plug lid  102 . The pocket  116  may receive the lid cover  104  such that the lid cover  104  does not protrude out of the pocket  116  when the lid cover  104  is placed in and rests within the pocket  116 . 
     The pocket  116  may be sized and shaped to receive various types of electronic and/or monitoring devices within. In some implementations, the electronic device and/or monitoring device may be a single device or multiple devices. The pocket  116  may have a recessed portion  118  that receives the electronic and/or monitoring device. For example, the recessed portion  118  may be shaped as a rectangle and have a depth such that the electronic and/or monitoring device does not protrude from the recessed portion  118  when inserted or placed within the recessed portion  118 . In another example, the recessed portion  118  may be shaped as a triangle, square or other polygonal shape that is shaped to fit the electronic and/or monitoring device. 
     The pocket  116  may have one or more lid cover notches  120 . The one or more lid cover notches  120  may be positioned within an inner circumference of the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102  to receive the one or more protrusions  122  when the lid cover  104  is inserted, placed or otherwise positioned within the pocket  116 . The one or more lid cover notches  120  may include multiple lid cover notches  120 . The multiple lid cover notches  120  may be positioned equidistant apart and/or opposite one another along the circumference of the pocket  116 . 
     Each of the one or more lid cover notches  120  may have a vertical channel  120   a  and a lateral horizontal channel (or “lateral channel”)  120   b  or may be otherwise designed to allow the lid cover  104  to be locked and unlocked. The vertical channel  120   a  may be aligned with and receive a corresponding one of the one or more protrusions  122  to insert the lid cover  104  within the pocket  116 . The lateral channel  120   b  may be perpendicular to and/or integrally formed with the vertical channel  120   a . The lateral channel  102   b  may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be integrally formed with the vertical channel. The lateral channel  102   b  allows the lid cover  104  to be locked or unlocked when the one or more protrusions  122  are slid or moved within the lateral channel  120   b . When the lid cover  104  is twisted or rotated such that the one or more protrusions are slid from a proximal end of the lateral channel  120   b  to a distal end of the lateral channel  120   b , the lateral channel  120   b  prevents the one or more protrusions  122  from exiting the vertical channel  120   a.    
     For example, the vertical channel  120   a  may receive the one or more protrusions  122  as the lid cover  104  is inserted into pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102 . Once the lid cover  104  is seated within the pocket  116 , the lid cover  104  may be twisted or rotated in one direction clockwise or counter-clockwise so that the one or more protrusions  122  slide or move toward the distal end of the lateral channel  120   b  away from the vertical channel  120   a . This rotation or movement slides the one or more protrusions  122  away from the vertical channel  120   a  and locks the lid cover  104  within the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102 , as shown in  FIG.  1 A  for example. In another example, when the lid cover  104  is seated within the pocket  116 , the lid cover  104  may be twisted or rotated in another direction clockwise or counter-clockwise so that the one or more protrusions  122  slide or move along the lateral channel  120   b  toward the vertical channel  120   a . This rotation or movement that slides the one or more protrusions  122  toward the vertical channel  120   a  unlocks the lid cover  104  and allows the lid cover  104  to be removed from the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102  when the one or more protrusions  122  are aligned with the vertical channel  120   a.    
     In some implementations, a clockwise rotation of the lid cover  104  when seated within the pocket  116  locks the lid cover  104  into the vapor plug lid  102 , and a counter-clockwise rotation of the lid cover  104  when seated within the pocket  116  unlocks the lid cover  104  from the vapor plug lid  102 . In other implementations, a clockwise rotation of the lid cover  104  when seated within the pocket  116  unlocks the lid cover  104  from the vapor plug lid  102 , and a counter-clockwise rotation of the lid cover  104  when seated locks the lid cover  104  into the vapor plug lid  102 . 
     The pocket  116  may have an access port or opening  130  positioned on the bottom surface of the pocket  116 . The access port or opening  130  allows a wire of the sensor  308 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B  for example, to pass through and electrically and/or mechanically couple with the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  that resides within the recessed portion  118  of the pocket  116 . For example, a sensor  308  may be positioned within a dewar  402  and be coupled with the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  that sits in the recessed portion  118  of the pocket  116  via a wire or other cable that passes through the access port or opening  130  to electrically couple the sensor  308  and electronic and/or monitoring device  404 . 
     The access port or opening  130  may allow the sensor  308 , such as a thermocouple or a wire of the thermocouple, to extend directly straight into the payload area of the dewar  402 . By allowing the thermocouple and/or thermocouple wire to extend directly straight into the payload area of the dewar  402  and not snake through and/or around a side of the vapor plug  202 , the access port or opening  130  prevents the thermocouple and/or thermocouple wire from getting intertwined or caught up around the vapor plug adapter  100  and/or the vapor plug  202  when the vapor plug adapter  100  and/or the vapor plug  202  is being inserted and/or removed from within the neck of the dewar  402 . 
     The bottom portion  112  of the vapor plug lid  102  may have one or more hollow protrusions  126 , as shown in  FIG.  1 B  for example. The one or more hollow protrusions  126  may receive a fastener, such as a screw  128 . The screw  128  may be fastened through an opening within a frame  302  that interfaces the vapor plug lid  102  with the vapor plug  202 , as shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  for example. 
     The vapor plug adapter  100  includes a lid cover  104  that couples, snaps on or otherwise fastens to the vapor plug lid  102  to cover and protect the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  and/or the sensor  308 . The lid cover  104  may be placed and rest within the pocket  116  such that the lid cover  104  is planar with the top portion  106  of the vapor plug lid  102 . The lid cover  104  may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow the display  406  of the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  to be viewed when the lid cover  104  is coupled to the vapor plug lid  102  and covers and/or encloses the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  within the vapor plug adapter  100 . The lid cover  104  allows the vapor plug adapter  100  to enclose the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  and/or the sensor  308  within and protects the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  and/or the sensor  308  from cryogenic temperatures and/or other hazards during shipment of the dewar  402  while providing monitoring capabilities. 
     The lid cover  104  may have an outer circumference that is less than the circumference of the top portion  106  so that the lid cover  104  may be inserted within the vapor plug lid  102 . The lid cover  104  may slide, be inserted within or otherwise received by the top portion  106  of the vapor plug lid  102  and rest within the pocket  116 . When the lid cover  104  is inserted within or otherwise received by the top portion  106  of the vapor plug lid  102  and rests within the pocket  116 , the lid cover  104  may be twisted, turned or otherwise rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise to lock or unlock the lid cover  104  from the vapor plug lid  102  to be inserted or removed from the pocket  116 . 
     The lid cover  104  may have one or more protrusions  122 . The one or more protrusions  122  may be positioned on the side and along the circumference of the lid cover  104 . The one or more protrusions  122  may have a dow pin and spring mechanism that retracts when the dow pin is pushed inward toward a central origin of the lid cover  104  when the lid cover  104  is inserted into the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102 . The dow pin may extend outward against the vapor plug lid  102  when the lid cover  104  is inserted within the one or more lid cover notches  120  of the vapor plug lid  102 . 
     The one or more protrusions  122  may interface with the one or more lid cover notches  120  to lock, unlock, remove and/or insert the lid cover  104  within the pocket  116 . For example, the one or more protrusions  122  may be aligned with the one or more lid cover notches  120  positioned along the inner circumference of the pocket  116  such that the one or more protrusions  122  are inserted into and received by the vertical channel  120   a  of the one or more lid cover notches  120 . When the one or more protrusions  122  are inserted into and received by the vertical channel  120   a , the lid cover  104  may rest within the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102 . Then, the lid cover  104  may be rotated or twisted clockwise or counter-clockwise to slide or move the one or more protrusions  122  laterally and parallel to a planar surface of the pocket  116  along the lateral channel  120   b  of the one or more lid cover notches  120 . 
     The lid cover  104  may have one or more recesses or openings (hereinafter, referred to as “openings”)  134   a - b . The one or more openings  134   a - b  allow a person to place or insert their finger or other object within to grasp, hold, clinch or clasp the lid cover  104 . Once the person inserts their finger within the one or more openings  134   a - b , the person may rotate, twist or turn their finger or other object in a counter-clockwise or clockwise direction to lock or unlock the lid cover  104 . 
     The vapor plug adapter  100  may include one or more markings  132   a - b . The one or more markings  132   a - b  may be positioned on the lid cover  104  and/or the vapor plug lid  102 . The one or more markings  132   a - b  may provide information to a person using the vapor plug adapter  100 . For example, the marking  132   a  may be positioned on a top surface of the vapor plug lid  102 . The marking  132   a  may be marked as “OPEN” and may indicate the position of the vertical channel  120   a . When the one or more protrusions  122  are aligned with the vertical channel  120   a , the one or more protrusions  122  may be inserted to seat the lid cover  104  within the pocket  116  or the one or more protrusions  122  may be removed to unseat or remove the lid cover  104  from the pocket  116 . In another example, the marking  132   b  may be marked as “CLOSED” and may indicate the position of a distal end of the lateral channel  120   b . When the lid cover  104  is seated within the pocket  116 , the lid cover  104  may be twisted or rotated such that the one or more protrusions are slid within the lateral channel  120   b  toward the distal end, which locks the lid cover  104  within the pocket  116  and prevents the lid cover  104  from being removed. 
       FIG.  2    shows the vapor plug lid  102  fitted onto the vapor plug  202  and the various diameters of the circumferences of the different portions. The top portion  106 , the middle portion  108  and the overhang  110  may each have a cross-sectional area that has a circumference about a longitudinal axis through a center origin of the vapor plug lid  102  that aligns with the center origin of the vapor plug  202  when fitted onto the vapor plug  202 . The diameter  204  of the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the top portion  106  may be less than the diameter  206  of the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the middle portion  108  due to the middle portion  108  being angled outward toward the overhang  110 . Since the middle portion  108  may be angled outward, water may runoff or be directed off the vapor plug adapter  100  and away from the vapor plug  202 . The diameter  204  may also be slightly greater than or equal to the diameter  210  of the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the vapor plug  202  that the vapor plug adapter  100  is to be fitted on. The diameter  206  of the cross-sectional area of the middle portion  108  may be less than the diameter  208  of the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the overhang  110 . 
       FIG.  3 A  shows an exploded view of the vapor plug adapter  100  along with the vapor plug  202  with the frame  302 , and  FIG.  3 B  shows an underside of the vapor plug adapter  100  with the vapor plug lid  102 , the frame  302  and the vapor plug  202  coupled together. When the vapor plug lid  102  is fitted onto the vapor plug  202 , the vapor plug lid  102  may be fitted onto a frame  302  of the vapor plug  202 , as shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  for example. The frame  302  may be positioned in between the vapor plug lid  102  of the vapor plug adapter  100  and the vapor plug  202  and may provide an interface between the vapor plug adapter  100  and the vapor plug  202 . 
     The frame  302  has one or more sensor openings  304  that allow a sensor  308  or a wire of the sensor  308  to access the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102  where the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  is seated or resides. This allows the sensor  308  to be inserted into the payload area of the dewar  402  and remain coupled to the electronic and/or monitoring device  404  situated within the enclosure of the pocket  116  of the vapor plug lid  102 , as shown in  FIG.  4    for example. 
     The frame  302  may have one or more fastener openings  306 . The one or more fastener openings  306  provide access for a screw  128  to be inserted within and through the one or more fastener openings  306  to the one or more hollow protrusions  126  of the vapor plug lid  102 . When the screw  128  is inserted within and through the one or more fastener openings  306  and fastened to the one or more hollow protrusions  126 , the screw  128  couples together the frame  302  of the vapor plug  202  with the vapor plug adapter  100  so that the vapor plug adapter  100  is fitted on the vapor plug  202 . The frame  302  may have different shapes and/or sizes so that the frame  302  may be fitted onto various vapor plugs  202  of different shapes and/or sizes. The vapor plug adapter  100  may be coupled to the frame  302  so that the vapor plug adapter  100  is adapted to be fitted onto the various vapor plugs  202  of various dry vapor shippers. 
       FIG.  4    shows a vapor plug system  400 . The vapor plug system  400  includes the vapor plug adapter  100 , a vapor plug  202  and a dry vapor shipper, such as the dewar  402 . The vapor plug adapter  100  may be modified or retro-fitted onto various different vapor plugs  202  of various dewars  402  of various shapes and/or sizes. The vapor plug adapter  100  may enclose various electronic and/or monitoring devices  404  within the vapor plug adapter  100  and/or various sensors  308  within the dewar  402 , the vapor plug  202  and/or the vapor plug adapter  100 . 
     The various types of electronic and/or monitoring devices  404  may include different types of data loggers. The electronic and/or monitoring device  404  may have a user interface including a display  406 , a memory, a communication device and/or a data processor. The data processor may use the display  406  to render information onto the display  406 , such as a notification or indication of monitoring data, location data, sensor data or other characteristic of the shipment or dewar  402 . The data processor may provide the information to the communication device to provide, transmit or otherwise send the information to a web portal to display to a customer. For example, different data loggers may include a low-end model, which measures the internal temperature of the dewar  402 , a mid-grade model, which tracks the tip, tilt, shock, or location of the dewar  402 , and a slightly higher end model, which includes a communication device that provides wireless communication and networking capabilities with a web portal or other remote device. 
     The various sensors  308  may measure or determine a condition, a location or other characteristic of the shipment or dry vapor shipper. The various sensors  308  include a thermocouple that measures an internal or an external temperature of the shipping container, a global positioning system that determines the location of a dry vapor shipper, such as a dewar  402 , a pressure sensor that measures an atmospheric pressure within the dewar  402 , an inclinometer that measures tilt of the dewar  402  or a piezoelectric that measures shock within or to the dewar  402 . Other sensors may include a sensor that measures the humidity within or surrounding the dewar  402  during shipment or an accelerometer or inertia measurement unit that measures the motion of the dewar  402  during shipment. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.