Abstract:
Portable snow and dry ice production system for use and handling individuals in home and recreational applications, rather than experts skilled in the field of manufacture of dry ice, and more specifically to a portable container for manufacturing solid carbon dioxide particles in the form of a tubular member having peripheral slits there around as well as to a method and apparatus for facilitating the formation, capture and compression of snow-like carbon dioxide in a portable environment conducive to efficient formation of dry ice.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a portable snow and dry ice production system for use and handling individuals in home and recreational applications, rather than experts skilled in the field of manufacture of dry ice, and more specifically to a portable container for manufacturing solid carbon dioxide particles in the form of a tubular member having peripheral slits there around as well as to a method and apparatus for facilitating the formation, capture and compression of snow-like carbon dioxide in a portable environment conducive to efficient formation of dry ice.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in its liquid and solid forms is used in many commercial and industrial applications to provide dry ice for refrigeration, freezing, and cooling applications. Much technology is devoted to the formation of dry ice for use in the food, beverage, and medical industries for the refrigeration and freezing of foodstuffs and medical supplies that must be kept at low temperatures without interrupting their refrigeration system from the time they are refrigerated or frozen until the time that are used.  
         [0005]     Numerous apparatuses are known for converting liquid carbon dioxide into solid matter in commercial applications such as packing plants or refrigeration systems for commercial use. Such embodiments are typically not easily portable, nor are they for use in a fully self recreational environment or by individuals unskilled in the art of manufacturing dry ice. They do not provide a portable lockable enclosure for the apparatus which is essential for use in a home environment.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,148.679 to Eve discloses a portable device for producing solid carbon dioxide having a heat exchange coil across which heat transfer takes place to cool the flow of liquid carbon dioxide and a foraminous bag which are enclosed in a pressurized thermally insulated space attached to the outlet of an expansion nozzle for collecting solid carbon dioxide while the rest of the liquid carbon dioxide evaporates into gaseous carbon dioxide which flows out of the foraminous bag to atmosphere. A pressure relief valve is provided to regulate the pressure within the insulated chamber and to permit the escape of gaseous carbon dioxide exiting the foraminous bag to atmosphere. Dry ice is collected in the bag while the bag is in the selectively pressurized chamber. The user must then open the pressurized chamber and remove a bag which is attached underneath the heat exchange unit which is also within the pressurized chamber.  
         [0007]     Gibot et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,481, discloses a method and device for packaging carbon dioxide snow in a plastic film which film may thereafter be cut into packageable units containing dry ice. Prior to the introduction of carbon dioxide into the plastic film, a fluid with a temperature below the dew point of the air is injected into and in contact with the plastic film container.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,922 disclosed a rapid freezing apparatus for forming dry ice in a dry ice collecting chamber around a cooling chamber in which cooling chamber specimens, biological samples or other matter is positioned to be frozen. This disclosure is directed to the initial freezing process and not to the production of dry ice for later use.  
         [0009]     US. Pat. No.  3 , 871 , 107  describes a freeze dryer which utilizes an aluminum container cooled by snow formed upon the expansion of carbon dioxide formed by the expansion of carbon dioxide gas into the container.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No, 4,224,801 discloses a refrigeration unit which is cooled by dry ice mixed with liquid carbon dioxide in such a tank.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,341 B1 discloses a plant for the manufacture of block dry ice wherein a dose of dry ice is placed within a casing and then liquid carbon dioxide is inserted into the casing by way of an injection device which is inserted into and within the casing.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,658 discloses a machine for making block dry ice.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     An objective of the present invention is to provide a portable container for use by unskilled users in a home or recreational application for producing, housing and transporting dry ice.  
         [0014]     A further objective is to provide a portable container for use in making small 00quantities of carbon dioxide in a non-commercial application.  
         [0015]     Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a light-weight, portable apparatus for housing a source of carbon dioxide which may be connected to a container which effects the production of solid carbon dioxide.  
         [0016]     Other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading and understanding this specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the container with closeable ends for effecting the formation, collection, and storage of dry ice.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the container.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3   a  is a partial perspective exploded view of a typical closure for a first end of said container disclosed in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 3   b  is a partial perspective top view of a first end view of the typical closure disclosed in  FIG. 3   a.    
         [0021]      FIG. 3   c  is a partial perspective bottom view of a first end view of the typical closure disclosed in  FIG. 3   a.    
         [0022]      FIG. 4   a  is a partial perspective side view of a typical closure for a second end of said container disclosed in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 4   b  is a partial top view of a second end view of a typical closure disclosed in  FIG. 4   a.    
         [0024]      FIG. 4   c  is a partial perspective bottom view of a second end view of a typical closure disclosed in  FIG. 4   a.    
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front and back view of a sleeve which mates about the cylinder of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the sleeve with one end thereof folded over to disclose a first end view disclosed in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the cylinder there on and there about.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a front view of collection chamber with an aggregation chamber positioned on the collection chamber.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a cross partial sectional view of collection chamber with aggregation chamber positioned on a first end thereof.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of an assembly including a standard container of liquid carbon dioxide connected to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  discloses a portable apparatus for housing the carbon dioxide supply and the collection chambers for ultimate use by a lay person to manufacture dry ice.  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a partially exploded view of a portable apparatus according to the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a collar in the portable apparatus of  FIG. 13 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a side view showing how two collection chambers may be joined together to achieve a desired length.  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a side view of two collection chambers boxcared. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]     Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views,  FIG. 1 . is a perspective view Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:  
         [0038]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , collection chamber  2  having a tubular configuration having a first end  4  and a second end  6 . First end  4  has a first closure means  8  positioned thereon. Second end  6  has a second closure means  10  positioned thereon. Closure means  8  and closure means  10  are secured in their respective positions when collection chamber  2  is being stored to prevent foreign matter from entering collection chamber  2 . Closure means  8  and closure means  10  are also secured in their respective positions after collection chamber  2  is caused to contain dry ice as will be disclosed hereinafter.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2  discloses a preferred embodiment of collection chamber  2 . Collection chamber  2  may have different configurations; however, in the preferred embodiment, collection chamber is a tubular member having a longitudinal axis  12  and a periphery  14  and a length  16  having a plurality of slits  18  disposed uniformly and partially about periphery  14  and along the length  16  of collection chamber  2 . In a preferred embodiment, slits  18  have a width  20  of approximately 0.010 inches in a preferred embodiment and a length  22 . while the slits are circumferential slits in a preferred embodiment, the slits may be of varied configurations other than circular, such as longitudinal or longitudinal and circular slits in the same collection chamber.  
         [0040]     Slits  18  are arranged into first segment or group  24  and second segment or group  26  disposed between first end  4  of collection chamber  2  and second end  6  of collection chamber  2 , about periphery  14  of collection chamber  2  and along length  16  of collection chamber  2 . A first segment or group  24  is separated from a second segment or group  26  along length  16  of collection chamber  2  by ribs  28  which encase the entire periphery  14  of collection chamber  2 . Ends  32  of width of slits  20  in segment or group  24  are about a section of collection chamber  2  referred to as spine  30 . Spine  30  extends along periphery  14  of collection chamber  2  from first end  4  of collection chamber  2  to second end  6  of collection chamber  2 .  
         [0041]     Spine  30  and ribs  28  provide rigidity and integrity to collection chamber  2 . Collection chamber  2  may be provided with a third segment or group  34  and fourth segment or group  36  wherein said first segment or group  24  is symmetrically positioned on periphery  14  of collection chamber  2  from said second segment or group  26  by a spine  30 . Collection chamber  2  would then have a second spine  31  geometrically and symmetrically opposite spine  30  and having the same configuration as spine  30 . Collection chamber  2  may have any configuration of segments or groups having different configurations and other configurations of ribs and spines as may be determined to provide an efficient collection chamber for formation and collection of carbon dioxide as dry ice.  
         [0042]     Collection chamber  2  may have a first closure means  8  on first end  4  of collection chamber  2  and a second closure means  10  on second end  6  of collection chamber  2 . Said first closure means  8  and said second closure means  10  may have different components as determined to cause collection chamber  2  to be closed when collection chamber  2  is not in use and when collection chamber  2  is filled with dry ice. Collection chamber  2  is selectively made from a material that is ultraviolet and extreme-temperature tested as well as human, food and dishwasher safe.  
         [0043]     Referring to  FIG. 3   a,    FIG. 3   b  and  FIG. 3   c,  a typical first closure means  8  may comprise a first connector  38  and a first plug  40 . First connector  38  has a tubular shape with a first end  42  and a second end  44 . First end  42  has an internal diameter  46  ( FIG. 4   b ) such that connector  38  may be slidable and snugly receive there into for mating engagement to said first end  4  of collection chamber  2 . Second end  44  of first closure means  8  has an internally threaded portion  58  about the peripheral inside of first connector  38 .  
         [0044]     First plug  40  is tubular and has a first end  48  and a second end  50 . First end  48  has threaded portion  52  Said first end  48  may concave as disclosed in more detail in  FIG. 3   b  or may be closed (solid). Referring to  FIG. 3   b,  end  48  of plug  40  is dimensioned to have an outside diameter  54  which has disposed about periphery  56  of the first end  48  of plug  40 , a threaded portion  52 . The threaded portion  52  is dimensioned to threadably engage and secure into second end  44  of first connector  38 . In use, connector  38  is forcibly joined onto and about the periphery  14  of collection chamber  2  and plug  40  may then be threadably engaged into second end  44  of first connector means  38 . When connector  38  and plug  40  are mating engaged and when first end  42  of first connection  38  is matingly engaged with first end  4  of collection chamber  2  the first end  4  of collection chamber  2  is thus closed.  
         [0045]     When or before first connector  38  is engaged with collection chamber  2 , plug  40  may be removed from first connector  38  to permit attachment therewith or passage there through the introduction of pulverulent carbon dioxide and/or liquid or vaporous carbon dioxide to effect the formation of dry ice within collection chamber  2 . FIG. 1  shows first closure means  8  at first end  4  of collection chamber  2  when first connector  38  and plug  40  are all engaged to selectively seal or close first end  4  of collection chamber  2  As may be observed in  FIG. 1 a  second closure means  10  may be disposed on second end  6  of collection chamber  2 . Second closure means  10  may be identical to first closure means  8 . A preferred second closure means is disclosed in more detail in  FIG. 4   a ,  FIG. 4   b  and  FIG. 4   c . Second closure means  10  comprises a second connector  60  and a cap  62 . Second connetor  60  is tubular in configuration and has a first end  64  and a second end  66 .  
         [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 4   a,    FIG. 4   b  and  FIG. 4   c,  a typical second closure means  10  may comprise a second connector  60  and a cap  62 . Second connector  60  has a tubular shape with a first end  64  and a second end  66 . First end  64  has an internal diameter  68  ( FIG. 4b ) such that second connector  60  may be slidable and snugly receive there into for mating engagement to said second end  6  of collection chamber  2 . Second end  66  of second connector  60  has an externally threaded portion  70  about the peripheral outside of end  66  of second connector  60 .  
         [0047]     Cap  62  is tubular and has a first end  72  and a second end  74 . First end  72  has internally threaded portion  76 . Said first end  72  of cap  62  is disclosed in more detail in  FIG. 4   b.  The threaded portion  70  is dimensioned to threadably engage and secure into first end  72  of cap  62 . In use, connector  60  is forcibly joined onto and about the periphery  14  at second end  6  of collection chamber  2  and cap  62  may then be threadably engaged into second end  66  of second connector means  60 . When connector  60  and cap  62  are mating engaged and when first end  64  of second connector  60  is matingly engaged with second end  6  of collection chamber  2  the second end  6  of collection chamber  2  is thus closed.  
         [0048]     When or before second connector  60  is engaged with collection chamber  2 , cap  62  may be removed from second connector  60  to permit attachment therewith or passage there through of matter into collection chamber  2 . Cap  62  may be removed from second connecter to permit the introduction of pulverulent carbon dioxide and/or liquid or vaporous carbon dioxide to effect the formation of dry ice within collection chamber  2 . FIG. 1  shows second closure means  10  at second end  6  of collection chamber  2  when second connector  60  and cap  62  are all engaged to selectively seal or close second end  6  of collection chamber  2   
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG.5 , there is disclosed a sleeve  80  which functions as a filtration jacket which may also be referred to as a collection chamber when jacket  80  is about collection chamber  2  as disclosed in  FIG. 7  and in partial cross sectional view of  FIG. 7  disclosed in  FIG. 8 . Sleeve  80  is disclosed in  FIG. 6  as being tubular in configuration and having a diameter  82 . In a preferred embodiment, diameter  82  is of such dimension that sleeve  80  may be snugly slipped over collection chamber  2 . Sleeve  80  has a length  84  which is substantially of the same length  16  of collection chamber  2 .  
         [0050]     Sleeve  80  has a high resistance to vapor and is comprised of a porous substance through which a liquid or gas may be passed to trap constituents such as carbon dioxide which is purulent meaning that solid crystals of carbon dioxide are formed. This may also be referred to as snow. Sleeve  80  acts to trap carbon dioxide which is transforming into or is dry ice.  
         [0051]     Sleeve  80  may be formed of a synthetic material made by Kimberly Clark and known as Sentrex® comprised of layers of synthetic material designed to trap liquid and let air pass there through. Sleeve  80  creates a natural pressure around collection chamber  2  and slows the rate that a gas may pass through sleeve  80 . In a preferred embodiment sleeve  80  is placed around collection chamber  2  when liquid carbon dioxide is caused to be forced into collection chamber  2  and will be explained herein after. Sleeve  80  acts as an insulation chamber around collection chamber  2 . Sleeve  80  also acts to slow sublimation of liquid carbon dioxide. The sleeve will cause collection chamber  2  to be cooled when collection chamber  2  is being filled with dry ice to further increase the efficiency by reducing loss to vaporization when converting liquid carbon dioxide into dry ice.  
         [0052]     It will be appreciated that as liquid carbon dioxide sublimates to form dry ice, gas is given off from the solid CO 2  by sublimation. Slits  18  on collection chamber  2  permit the gas to escape from collection chamber  2  as dry ice is formed within collection chamber  2 . Sleeve  80  further filters the escaping gas to trap small particles of dry ice to form a cooling barrier around collection chamber  2 . In this manner collection chamber  2  is maintained at an ever decreasing temperature as dry ice forms within collection chamber  2  and carbon dioxide gas passes through slits  18 , through the chamber  86  formed between collection chamber  2  and sleeve  80  and into the atmosphere. Use of sleeve  80  provides a filtration chamber about collection chamber  2 . This particular configuration increases the efficiency of converting liquid carbon dioxide into dry ice.  
         [0053]     As carbon dioxide gas, which is constantly being given off by the solid carbon dioxide in the collection container  2 , is forced into the filtration chamber the result is that a current of cold CO 2  gas constantly circulates through the slits, and through the filtration chamber  86 , and through sleeve  80  and out into the atmosphere carrying with it a certain amount of the heat which penetrates into the filtration chamber  86  from the outside. This causes the collection container as a whole to be a more efficient heat insulator.  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the collection chamber  2  with sleeve  80  encased about collection chamber  2  is shown in cross section. Sleeve  80  has a thickness, in a preferred embodiment of ⅛th of an inch. The particular fabric and the porosity there and the ability for gas to pass there through may be determined by the specific issue and environment of use.  
         [0055]     There is provided a chamber or space between collection chamber  2  and sleeve  80  which is denoted as a filtration chamber  86 . The addition of sleeve  80  about collection chamber  2  thereby forms a filtration chamber which is a second stage filter to capture solid CO 2 . In a preferred embodiment sleeve  80  captures solid CO 2  smaller than 1/32″. Sleeve  80  has an additional function in that it insulates collection chamber  2  from its environment and slows the sublimation process of dry ice to vapor. As liquid CO 2  enters collection chamber  2 , the liquid becomes a vapor and also what is called snow (dry ice). The transformation into dry ice is not 100% effective. Some vapor will escape collection chamber  2  through slits  18  and enter chamber  86 . Chamber  86  provides yet another opportunity for the vapor to transform into dry ice. The vapor is in the pulverulent stage where some or all of it will be snow. Sleeve  80  insulates collection chamber  2  and also slows the sublimation process of the liquid CO 2 . The particles of snow that either form in chamber  86  or pass through slits  18  of collection chamber  2  are filtered or trapped by sleeve  80  to form a cold barrier about collection chamber  2  which increases the overall efficiency of the process.  
         [0056]     To further enhance the process and the efficiency of transforming liquid CO 2  into solid CO 2  aggregation chamber  88  may be placed at a first end  4  of collection chamber  2  to provide an initial expansion chamber which is unvented. See  FIG. 9 . Liquid CO 2  entering aggregation chamber  88  expands to either form a vapor or pulverulent snow. This initial stage or action provides a cooling chamber into which further CO 2  being introduced there into at approximately 300 psi is chilled to a temperature which is approximately the triple point temperature of liquid CO 2  at 300 psi. This improves the efficiency of the process in that the liquid CO 2  is chilled.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , aggregation chamber  88  is shown in cross section as it is positioned over the end of collection chamber  2 . As the liquid CO 2  is supplied to aggregation chamber  88  by way of supply tube  90 , it may be appreciated that the initial introduction of the liquid CO 2  will cause aggregation chamber  88  to be cooled as previously disclosed. Snow will form and collect in aggregation chamber  88  around the first end  92  of aggregation chamber  88 . The exact pattern of formation of dry ice (snow) at end  92  of aggregation chamber  88  is determined by the pressure of CO 2  being supplied thereto and the resulting eddy currents. Nevertheless, the function of the aggregation chamber is to initially permit the CO 2  to reach a triple point and to present a cooling chamber for the CO 2  as it enters the aggregation chamber, passes there through and enters collection chamber  2 , and eventually passes through slits  18 , through filtration chamber  86 , through sleeve  80  and into the atmosphere or a contained environment where the liquid CO 2  source and the collection chamber  2  are housed as will be disclosed hereinafter.  
         [0058]     An important aspect of the present invention is that is provides relatively inexpensive, light-weight and highly efficient apparatus which is readily connectable to a standard source of liquid carbon dioxide to quickly produce relatively small amounts of solid carbon dioxide therefrom.  
         [0059]     As can be seen with reference to  FIG. 11 , a typical standard cylinder  94  containing a quantity of liquid carbon dioxide  96  is configured to interact with and be connected to a collection chamber  2  to form dry ice there within. At the top of the cylinder there is provided a tank valve  98  typically of a type which may be manually operated to permit an outflow of the contents of the tank. Depending downwardly from tank valve  98  is a liquid carbon dioxide pick-up tube  100  which ends close to the bottom surface of tank  94 . Whenever tank valve  98  is opened, liquid carbon dioxide  96  is forced upwardly through tube  100  and out of tank  94 . It is known that at an ambient temperature of 300° K., i.e., approximately 80.6° F., the saturation vapor pressure of gaseous carbon dioxide over liquid carbon dioxide will be approximately 98 psia. For the convenience of the user, a pressure gauge  102 , preferably one capable of measuring pressures of at least 1200 psia is permanently fitted to an outlet of tank valve  98 , the down stream side of which is connected to a fitting  104  which may be threaded or otherwise provided with any known quick-connection features. Pressure gauge  102  has a variable control valve to regulate the flow and pressure of the liquid carbon dioxide exiting from tank  94 .  
         [0060]     A length of tube  90  is formed at one end with a quick disconnect fitting  106  to quickly and securely connect to fitting  104  so as to be able to receive liquid carbon dioxide through readable pressure regulator  102  when tank value  98  is opened. A second end of tube  90  is fitted with an connection means  108  to receive the liquid carbon dioxide and to connect the same into aggregation chamber  88 . It may be appreciated that aggregation chamber  88  may be omitted such that the distal end  110  of supply line  90  may be used to introduce the carbon dioxide directly into collection chamber  2 . Distal end  110  of supply line  90  may be securely attached to the aggregation chamber  88  using conventional means so one may quickly attach the distal end of supply  90  to collection chamber  2  by causing aggregation chamber  88  to conform to an end of collection chamber  2 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 12  discloses a portable apparatus  112  in the form of a wheeled cart which houses a source of carbon dioxide  94  together with an assortment of collection chambers  2 . Valve  98  is positioned to be easily accessible to the user as well as regulator  102 . Supply line  90  would be attached to quick disconnect  104 . Distal end  110  of supply line  90  is then positioned at an open end of a collection chamber  2  such that carbon dioxide is exhausted into a collection chamber  2 . As previously disclosed, it may be appreciated that the interior of portable apparatus  112  will be cooled when one makes dry ice. The interior  114  of portable apparatus  112  actually form a cooling chamber. Thus, the temperature of the interior  114  of portable apparatus  112  is reduced which ultimately plays an important role in the efficient production of dry ice. As one produces a collection chamber of dry ice, the escaping carbon dioxide gas causes interior  114  to be cooled which results in the container of carbon dioxide  94  being cooled and the other collection chambers  2  to be cooled. As container of carbon dioxide  94  is cooled, the pressure within the tank  94  is thus reduced which causes the liquid carbon dioxide to be more efficiently converted liquid carbon dioxide into solid particles of carbon dioxide. This results in a 40-50% greater yield After making dry ice, the collection chambers may be stored in portable apparatus  112  to hold the dry ice after formation and before utilizing the dry ice in some ultimate manner. Portable apparatus  112  may have conventional means for providing a hinged door  116  for access to cooling and storage chamber  114  for cleaning and exchange of storage tank  94 . There is provided a tamping tool  118  for use in compressing the snow or dry ice into a more solid form.  
         [0062]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , it may be appreciated that the portable apparatus  112  actually serves to provide an interior  114  which is also a cooling chamber  114 . As dry ice is formed in collection chamber  2  while collection chamber  2  is within cooling chamber  114 , the process as described in detail in the preceding disclosure, causes the interior of cooling chamber  114  to be cooled. To further enhance the performance of cooling chamber  114 , a collar  120  is configured to fit above and around the end of tank  94  and below tank valve  98 . Collar  120  is disclosed in  FIG. 14  as formed of a first portion  122  which is mounted to the back  132  of portable container  112  by conventional means.  
         [0063]     Second portion  124  of collar  120  is mounted perpendicular to the inside portion of hinged door  116 . In application, as hinged door  116  is closed, second portion  124  of collar  120  mates with collar portion  122  to provide an opening  126  formed when first portion of collar  122  and second portion of collar  124  are mated together. Second portion of collar  124  is planar in configuration and in parallel alignment with top  116  of portable container  112 . Second portion of collar  124  has a width such that it is positioned into first portion of collar  122  to provide a planar covering over a portion of the interior  114  of portable container  112 . Opening  126  is dimensioned to snugly conform around and above top of tank  94 .  
         [0064]     Collar  120  may be referred to as a capture and is formed of a first section  122  having a first arm  128  and a second arm  130 , each of which extend substantially perpendicular to the back of portable apparatus  112 . At a first end  134  of first section  122 , there is a planar section  136  which extends from said first arm  128  and said second arm  130 . Second end  138  of planar section  136  has a semicircular opening  140  of such a dimension as to fit below and about tank valve  98  of the source of liquid carbon dioxide  94 .  
         [0065]     Second portion  124  of collar  120  has a semicircular opening  142  at the first end  144  of first second portion  124  of collar  120  which is symmetrically aligned with semicircular opening  140  of the first portion  122  of collar  120 . Second end  146  of second portion of collar  120  is mounted to the inside  148  of hinged door  116  such that the semicircular opening  142  aligns with semicircular opening  140  when hinged door  116  is closed such that semicircular opening  142  and semicircular opening  140  conform to form a collar  120  about the top of tank  94  and tank valve  98 .  
         [0066]     When door  116  is closed, the collar  120  thus forms a protective barrier over tank  94 . At each side of collar  120  there is a space between collar  120  and the first side  150  of portable apparatus  112  and the second side  152  of portable apparatus  112 . The compartments thus formed are for placement of collection chambers while being stored as well as when being used. In use, as collection chamber is filled with dry ice, the escaping carbon dioxide vapor cools interior  114  of portable apparatus  112  and tank  94 . By cooling tank  94  and the environment in which collection chamber is extant, the efficiency of the production process is increased since the reduction in the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide, decreases the pressure within tank. Thus, the carbon dioxide exiting tank  94  and entering collection chamber  2  is closer to the temperature and pressure of the triple point for carbon dioxide. Triple point is the condition when carbon dioxide exists in liquid, vapor and solid states simultaneously.  
         [0067]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , one may appreciate the functioning of the portable apparatus  112  when tank  94  is in place and collection chambers  2  are positioned. For the convenience of the user, fitting  104  between the pressure gauge  102  and tube  90  is mounted through second side  152  of portable apparatus  112 .  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIGS. 14, 15  and  16 , collection chamber  2  is disclosed as being capable for box car configuration. Should one desire, a first collection chamber  2  may be mated with a second collection chamber  2 . Second closure means  10  has a male externally threaded portion  70  which is easily mated with internally threaded portion  58  of closure means  8 . This permits one to connect successive sections of collection chamber  2  in series to form a longer collection chamber if desired.  
         [0069]     As can be appreciated, the novel collection chamber provides maximum efficiency for production of dry ice and may be utilized in a portable device to effect cooling of the source of carbon dioxide and other collection chambers and for storage of collection chamber containing dry ice.  
         [0070]     In this disclosure, there are shown and described on the preferred embodiments of the invention, but, as aforementioned, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications with the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.