Patent Description:
This specification relates to a system, device or apparatus for cryogenically storing, transporting and/or shipping a liquid or gas below ambient temperatures.

Lab technicians, scientists, medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, and other technicians may cryogenically store and transport commodities, utilizing liquids or gases for temperature control, to various facilities, such as hospitals, labs and/or research facilities. During transportation of the commodities, the commodities are kept at cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, the technicians and/or professionals store the commodities in a dewar, which is used to hold the commodity at a refrigerated or cryogenic temperature. The dewar may take several different forms including open buckets, flasks and/or self-pressurizing tanks. The dewar may be a double-walled metal or glass flask that has a vacuum between the walls. This provides thermal insulation between the walls.

The technician or professional may fill the dewar with the commodity, as well as liquid or gas, and package the dewar using shipping material. Then, the technician or professional provides the package including the dewar to a shipper to transport the contents to the final destination where it is unpacked. The liquid or gas, however, slowly boils so the dewar may have an opening on top, which is designed to allow the gas to escape. In addition, while being shipped, the dewar may be tilted or overturned resulting in the liquid or gas flowing out of the dewar.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system, device or apparatus to protect the liquid or gas in the dewar from evaporation and from pouring out while being transported.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose various support systems.

The invention concerns a cryogenic storage system in accordance with independent claim <NUM>. Advantageous aspects can be found in the dependent claims.

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.

Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses and devices for transporting and storing a liquid or gas, such as liquid nitrogen. The system, apparatus or device may be a cryogenic storage system that stores and transports liquid. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages.

The cryogenic storage system may have an enclosure that is made from a polymeric material so that the enclosure is able to withstand cryogenic temperatures. That is, the polymeric material is resistant to brittleness and not as susceptible to shattering at cryogenic temperatures. The enclosure may hold or suspend a dewar that contains the liquid or gas. Moreover, the enclosure surrounds the dewar to protect the dewar from any impacts. The enclosure may freely suspend or hold the dewar, such that the dewar freely rotates and/or moves about within the enclosure without impacting the inner sides of the enclosure. Moreover, the dewar may be spherical and have passive stabilization. That is, the dewar may have a center of mass that is located directly opposite from the opening and a center of gravity that is at or near the bottom of the dewar near the center of mass so that the dewar remains in or returns to an upright or vertical position when tilted. By being able to freely rotate within the enclosure and by having passive stabilization, the dewar remains upright regardless of the orientation of the enclosure to prevent spillage. Moreover, by stabilizing the dewar upright, the cryogenic storage system reduces the amount of evaporation of the liquid within the dewar. For example, the cryogenic storage system reduces the nitrogen evaporation rate within the dewar, which extends the life of the dewar in a shipment.

Other benefits and advantages include that the enclosure has multiple faces that provide access to the dewar, which improves physical access to the opening of the dewar for inserting and/or removing the liquid or gas. Additionally, the dewar may have an electronic device that conveys and monitors the temperature inside the dewar and has a connection device that reduces the amount of friction between the enclosure and the dewar when the dewar freely rotates.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the cryogenic storage system <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the cryogenic storage system <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments. The cryogenic storage system ("storage system") <NUM> includes an enclosure <NUM>, a dewar <NUM>, such as a double-walled flask, and a vapor plug <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> is three-dimensional (3D) and may be shaped as a cube. The enclosure <NUM> may be shaped as any type of three-dimensional object, such as a cube, tetrahedron, dodecahedron or octahedron, and may be made from a polymeric material so that the enclosure <NUM> does not shatter at cryogenic temperatures.

The enclosure <NUM> has multiple sides <NUM> or faces. The sides <NUM> form a closed enclosure that surrounds or encloses the dewar <NUM>. The sides <NUM> may be a planar or latticed surface that connects to the other sides to form the enclosure <NUM> and surround the dewar <NUM>. The dewar <NUM> inserted into or placed into a cavity of the enclosure <NUM> so that the dewar <NUM> resides within the enclosure <NUM>. The multiple sides <NUM> may snap together using one or more fasteners. The multiple sides <NUM> may snap together at one or more corners <NUM>, for example. In some implementations, the enclosure may be formed from multiple modular pieces. The multiple modular pieces may be connected and/or fastened together to form the enclosure <NUM>. The multiple sides may have one or more enclosure openings <NUM>. The one or more enclosure openings <NUM> may be circular and/or shaped in the same shape as the dewar opening. The one or more enclosure openings <NUM> provide access to the dewar <NUM> as the dewar <NUM> rotates within the enclosure <NUM>. Thus, the opening <NUM> of the dewar <NUM> may be access regardless of the orientation of the enclosure <NUM>.

For example, the enclosure <NUM> is shaped as a cube and has <NUM> sides <NUM>. Each side is connected to at least another side at a corner <NUM>. On each side, there is an enclosure opening <NUM>. The enclosure opening allows access to the vapor plug <NUM> and the dewar opening, when the dewar opening is aligned with the enclosure opening <NUM> on the side of the enclosure <NUM>. Thus, as the dewar rotates within the cavity of the enclosure, the one or more enclosure openings <NUM> provide access to the vapor plug <NUM> and the dewar opening, when the one or more enclosure openings <NUM> align with the dewar opening.

The enclosure <NUM> may have an inner framework <NUM> and an outer framework <NUM>. The outer framework <NUM> protects the dewar <NUM> from impacts, vibration and/or shocks. For example, the outer framework <NUM> separates the dewar <NUM> from other objects, such as other boxes or the side of a truck, when the enclosure <NUM> is shipped or stored. The inner framework <NUM> forms the cavity within the enclosure <NUM> where the dewar <NUM> is situated. The dewar may be suspended, placed or otherwise situated within the cavity of the inner framework <NUM> so that the dewar <NUM> is able to rotate within the cavity.

The storage system <NUM> may include a ball transfer device <NUM> that is connected between the enclosure <NUM> and the dewar <NUM>. The ball transfer device <NUM> facilitates the movement of the dewar relative to the enclosure <NUM>. The ball transfer device <NUM> may be positioned at an inner phalange or wing <NUM> that is between the enclosure <NUM> and the dewar and provide for a frictionless or near-frictionless surface. The ball transfer device <NUM> minimizes or eliminates friction between the dewar and the enclosure <NUM>, which allows the dewar to freely move or rotate within the enclosure <NUM>. <FIG> further describes the structure of the ball transfer device <NUM>.

The storage system <NUM> includes a dewar <NUM>. The dewar <NUM> may be double-walled flask and may be shaped as a sphere or any other polyhedron. The dewar <NUM> may be situated centrally within a central cavity of the enclosure <NUM> and may freely rotate and/or move within the central cavity. The dewar <NUM> may rotate in the direction <NUM>, <NUM> about a central vertical axis <NUM> or in any other direction three-dimensionally, as shown in <FIG> for example.

The dewar <NUM> has an inner wall <NUM>, an outer wall <NUM> and an opening <NUM>. The storage system <NUM> may have a plug, such as the vapor plug <NUM>, which may be inserted into the opening <NUM> to seal or partially seal the dewar <NUM> while allowing some gas to escape, as shown in <FIG> for example. The opening <NUM> leads to a cavity or payload area <NUM> that is within the dewar <NUM>. <FIG> shows the payload area <NUM> in the cross-sectional view of the dewar <NUM>. The dewar <NUM> may form a vacuum between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> to hold or store a liquid or gas below ambient temperatures. The dewar <NUM> may have a pump-out port <NUM>. The pump-out port <NUM> may be used to create a vacuum between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>, which allows the space in between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> to be completely evacuated.

The dewar <NUM> has an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM> with a vacuum between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM>. The outer wall <NUM> has an opening <NUM> that allows a liquid or gas to be inserted or placed into the payload area <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be positioned opposite the center of gravity or mass <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>, such that the opening <NUM> remains upright when the dewar <NUM> is passively stabilized. The opening <NUM> allows gases to escape from the payload area <NUM> of the dewar <NUM> to relieve the gas expansion within the dewar <NUM>.

The inner wall <NUM> forms and/or encloses the payload area <NUM> within the dewar <NUM>. The payload area <NUM> may be a cylindrical cavity within the dewar <NUM> that extends longitudinally from the top portion <NUM> through to the bottom portion <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>. The payload area <NUM> holds or stores the liquid or gas below ambient temperatures. An absorbent material <NUM> may be at or surrounding a bottom portion of the payload area <NUM>. The absorbent material <NUM> may maintain the temperature within the payload area <NUM> below the ambient temperature.

The dewar <NUM> has a top portion <NUM> and a bottom portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> is where the opening <NUM> is located and remains upright due to passive stabilization of the dewar <NUM>. The bottom portion <NUM> includes the center of gravity or mass <NUM>. Since the center of gravity or mass <NUM> is located within the bottom portion <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>, the dewar <NUM> stabilizes around the center of gravity or mass <NUM> so that the dewar <NUM> remains upright. By stabilizing the dewar <NUM> around the center of gravity or mass <NUM> regardless of the orientation of the enclosure <NUM>, the storage system <NUM> reduces the amount and/or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas and/or absorbent material, e.g., the nitrogen evaporation rate is reduced. The amount and/or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas and/or absorbent material is based on the amount of the cross-sectional surface area 604a-c of the liquid or gas <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> for example. Additionally, by having passive stabilization, the dewar <NUM> increases an amount of shipping density within a shipping container, as the dewar <NUM> may be enclosed in an enclosure <NUM> of any shape which allows the shipper to use any shape for the enclosure <NUM> that best fits the available space or empty volume within the shipping container.

<FIG> shows the liquid or gas <NUM> and the absorbent material <NUM> within the payload area <NUM> of the dewar <NUM> when the dewar <NUM> is upright. The absorbent material <NUM> may be positioned within or surrounding the bottom portion of the payload area <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>. The cross-sectional surface area 604a of the liquid or gas <NUM> has a diameter, D, when the dewar <NUM> is upright because the payload area <NUM> is upright or vertical. If the payload area <NUM> were to be angled or tilted, as shown in <FIG> for example, the liquid or gas <NUM> would have cross-sectional surface areas 604b-c of D+ΔD, respectively, that are greater than the cross-sectional surface area 602a, D, when the payload area <NUM> is upright or vertical. As the payload area <NUM> tilts or angles, the shape of the cross-sectional surface area 604a transitions from a circular shape due to the cylindrical nature of the payload area <NUM> to the elliptical shape of the cross-sectional surface areas 604b-c. The size of the elliptical cross-sectional surface areas 604b-c increase as the angle increases. The increased cross-sectional surface areas 602b-c result in an increased evaporation rate and/or amount of the liquid or gas <NUM> and/or an increased burn rate or amount of the absorbent material <NUM>. The increased cross-sectional surface areas 604b-c expose more of the liquid or gas <NUM> to a higher temperature medium causing a faster burn rate for the absorbent material <NUM> to cool the liquid or gas <NUM>. Moreover, the liquid and/or gas may spill out or escape from the opening <NUM> of the dewar <NUM> as the payload area <NUM> is tilted. Additionally, as liquid or gas <NUM> spills out and/or the cross-sectional surface area 602b-c increases, a partial vacuum is created, which draws in warm air that further increases the average temperature and causes a faster burn rate for the absorbent material <NUM> to cool the liquid or gas <NUM>.

Since the dewar <NUM> within the storage system <NUM> has passive stabilization that maintains the dewar <NUM> in the upright position regardless of the orientation of the enclosure <NUM>, the payload area <NUM> within the dewar <NUM> maintains the upright position or returns to the upright position when the dewar <NUM> is tilted, rotated and/or otherwise angled. Thus, the storage system <NUM> reduces the amount and/or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas <NUM> and reduces the burn rate of the absorbent material <NUM> by maintaining the dewar <NUM> in the upright position and/or passively adjusting the dewar <NUM> so that the dewar <NUM> returns to or maintains the upright and/or vertical position. Moreover, by reducing the burn rate of the absorbent material <NUM>, which may be nitrogen, the dynamic holding time of the dewar <NUM> increases. The dynamic holding time is the time that the dewar <NUM> maintains the internal temperature at or below -<NUM> during transportation.

The storage system <NUM> includes a vapor plug <NUM>. <FIG>, 7A and 7B show the vapor plug <NUM>. The vapor plug <NUM> may have a handle portion <NUM> and a neck <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> may have a handle or grip that allows a user to twist the vapor plug <NUM> in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to insert at least a portion of the neck <NUM> into the opening <NUM>. The vapor plug <NUM> may be removable. That is, the vapor plug <NUM> may be inserted into the opening <NUM> of the dewar <NUM> to close or partially close the dewar <NUM> and prevent access to the payload area <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> and/or the neck <NUM> may be made from a non-conductive material, such as a polymer or fiberglass like material.

The vapor plug <NUM> may be turned or twisted clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, as shown in <FIG> for example. For example, the vapor plug <NUM> may be turned clockwise when inserted into the opening <NUM> to secure the vapor plug <NUM> within the opening <NUM> and turned counter-clockwise to remove the vapor plug <NUM> from the opening <NUM> to allow insertion of the liquid or gas into the payload area <NUM>. In another example, the vapor plug <NUM> may be turned counter-clockwise when inserted into the opening <NUM> to secure the vapor plug <NUM> within the opening <NUM> and turned clockwise to remove the vapor plug <NUM> from the opening <NUM>. The vapor plug <NUM> may be inserted into the opening <NUM> such that there remains a gap that allows gas to escape to prevent pressure from building up as the liquid within the payload area <NUM> evaporates.

The vapor plug <NUM> may have a locking device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The locking device <NUM> may be positioned on the neck of the vapor plug <NUM>. The locking device <NUM> may be one or more magnets that interlock with one or more other magnets within a top inner portion of the payload area <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>. The magnets may have opposing polarities so that when vapor plug <NUM> is turned in certain position within dewar <NUM> the magnets lock vapor plug within the dewar <NUM>. Conversely, when vapor plug <NUM> is rotated about its axis to another position, the opposing polarity of the magnets may force vapor plug out of dewar <NUM>.

The locking device <NUM> locks when the vapor plug <NUM> is inserted within the payload area <NUM>. Since there may be a gap between the vapor plug <NUM> and the inner portion of the payload area <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>, the locking device <NUM> locks the vapor plug <NUM> in place with the dewar <NUM> to prevent the vapor plug <NUM> from falling out when the dewar <NUM> is oriented or rotated in different directions. The gap between the vapor plug <NUM> and the dewar <NUM> allows gas to escape due to the expansion of the gas or evaporation of the liquid within the payload area <NUM> to prevent pressure from building up within the payload area <NUM>.

The storage system <NUM> may include an electronic thermocouple <NUM>, which may positioned, embedded or included within, or connected to the neck <NUM> of the vapor plug <NUM>. The electronic thermocouple <NUM> may be an electronic device or sensor that measures and monitors the temperature within the dewar <NUM>. The electronic thermocouple <NUM> may wireless transmit and/or communicate with another electronic device, such as a smart data logger, using a wireless protocol. The electronic thermocouple <NUM> may communicate and provide the temperature to the smart data logger and/or may receive instructions from the smart data logger to monitor the temperature. The smart data logger may display or otherwise communicate the temperature to a user or another electronic platform. This allows for real-time monitoring of the temperature within the dewar <NUM> by other individuals.

The storage system <NUM> may include an electronic orientation sensor <NUM>, which may positioned, embedded or included within, or connected to the neck <NUM> of the vapor plug <NUM>. The electronic orientation sensor <NUM> may be an electronic device or sensor that measures an orientation within the dewar <NUM>, such as a gyroscope, or the like. The electronic orientation sensor <NUM> may wireless transmit and/or communicate with another electronic device, such as a smart data logger, using a wireless protocol. The electronic orientation sensor <NUM> may communicate and provide orientation data and/or angular velocity data to the smart data logger and/or may receive instructions from the smart data logger to monitor the orientation. The smart data logger may display or otherwise communicate the orientation to a user or another electronic platform. This allows for real-time monitoring of the orientation of dewar <NUM> by other individuals.

The storage system <NUM> may include a corrugated neck tube <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> for example. The corrugated neck tube <NUM> may be thin-walled. The corrugated neck tube <NUM> connects the inner wall <NUM> with the outer wall <NUM> of the dewar <NUM>. The corrugated neck tube <NUM> reduces the overall height of the neck tube but keeps the overall length of the path, which conducts the heat, the same as a straight neck tube. The corrugated neck tube <NUM> may have a serpentine path <NUM> that provides the heat conduction. By reducing the height of the neck tube but keeping the overall path length the same as a straight neck tube, the corrugated neck tube <NUM> reduces the overall size of the dewar <NUM>. Moreover, by keeping the overall path length for heat conduction the same as a straight neck tube, the corrugated neck tube <NUM> reduces the amount of heat that is conducted into the dewar <NUM>. Thus, the corrugated neck tube <NUM> provides for the same heat conduction with a shorter neck tube (e.g., shorter overall height or size) than a straight neck tube of similar overall path length. For example, the height of the corrugated neck tube <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM> inches long, whereas, the overall path length for heat conduction may be <NUM> inches long because the overall path length for heat conduction may be a serpentine path along the thin-walled corrugated neck tube.

The storage system <NUM> includes a ball transfer device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> for example. The ball transfer device <NUM> may be connected to the enclosure <NUM> at the inner phalange or wing <NUM>. The ball transfer device <NUM> may provide an interface between the enclosure <NUM> and the dewar <NUM> and allow the dewar <NUM> to freely rotate within the cavity of the enclosure <NUM>.

The ball transfer device <NUM> may have a head <NUM> and a body <NUM>. The head <NUM> and the body <NUM> may be shaped as cylinders. The diameter of the head <NUM> may be greater than the diameter of the body <NUM>. The ball transfer device <NUM> may be inserted into a hole or opening of the inner phalange or wing <NUM>. For example, the body <NUM> may be inserted into the opening and the head <NUM> may form a seal around the opening of the inner phalange or wing <NUM>. The head <NUM> and body <NUM> may have an opening and a cavity where a ball bearing <NUM> and spring <NUM> reside.

The ball transfer device <NUM> may have a ball bearing <NUM>, a cup <NUM> and a spring <NUM> that sits or rests in a cavity of the ball transfer device <NUM>. The ball bearing <NUM> may have a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the ball bearing <NUM> may protrude from the head <NUM> of the ball transfer device <NUM>. The top portion of the ball bearing <NUM> that protrudes contacts the dewar <NUM> when the dewar <NUM> sits in the cavity of the enclosure <NUM>. The ball bearing <NUM> minimizes the friction between the enclosure <NUM> and the dewar <NUM> allowing the dewar <NUM> to freely rotate or move within the enclosure <NUM>. The ball bearing <NUM> provides for a frictionless or a reduced friction surface. The bottom portion of the ball bearing <NUM> that is within the cavity of the body <NUM> may rest on the cup <NUM>, which engages with the spring <NUM>.

The cup <NUM> interfaces between a bottom portion of the ball bearing <NUM> and the spring <NUM>, such that when a force is applied on the top portion of the ball bearing <NUM>, the bottom portion of the ball bearing <NUM> presses against the cup <NUM>, which provides a downward force on the spring <NUM> so that the spring <NUM> contracts. This allows the dewar <NUM> to freely rotate within the enclosure <NUM> and allows the enclosure <NUM> to absorb shocks and vibrations during storage and/or transport. When the dewar <NUM> presses against the ball bearing <NUM>, the ball bearing <NUM> further enters into the cavity of the body <NUM> while the spring <NUM> further contracts. This allows the dewar <NUM> to jostle instead of remain rigid so that any shocks or vibrations are absorbed. When the event causing the shocks or vibrations has passed, the spring <NUM> returns or expands back into a normal state and keeps the dewar <NUM> positioned within the cavity of the enclosure <NUM>. Moreover, the one or more ball bearings <NUM> allow the dewar <NUM> to rotate or angle so that the dewar <NUM> remains passively stabilized and upright regardless of the orientation of the enclosure <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> may contract when a downward force is applied to the ball bearing <NUM>, such as when the dewar <NUM> exerts an outward force on the ball bearing <NUM> due to shocks or vibrations on the enclosure <NUM>. For example, when the enclosure <NUM> is moved, shifted or dropped a vibrational force is exerted on the enclosure <NUM>. If the dewar <NUM> moves or shifts in response to the vibrational force, the dewar <NUM> may exert an outward force on the ball transfer device <NUM>, and instead of violently contacting the enclosure <NUM>, the dewar <NUM> exerts a force on the ball bearing <NUM>, which retracts within the cavity of the body <NUM> and causes the spring <NUM> to contract and absorb the force.

Referring now to <FIG>, a storage system <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. Storage system <NUM> comprises a dewar <NUM> and an enclosure assembly <NUM>. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises a first support ring <NUM> and a second support ring <NUM>. The first support ring <NUM> may be disposed opposite the second support ring <NUM>. The first support ring <NUM> and the second support ring <NUM> may comprise the same geometry (e.g., a raceway or the like0. Each support ring <NUM>, <NUM> includes a plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM>. Each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may be in accordance with the ball transfer device <NUM> from <FIG>. In various embodiments, the ball transfer devices <NUM> may comprise a ball bearing, or the like.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a first end plate <NUM> and a second end plate <NUM>. The first end plate <NUM> is disposed opposite the second end plate <NUM>. The first support ring <NUM> is coupled to the first end plate <NUM> and the second support ring <NUM> is coupled to the second end plate <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. Each end plate <NUM>, <NUM> may be flat. Each support ring <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a sloped surface at an angle relative to an adjacent surface of each end plate <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, an inner surface of first support ring <NUM> may be disposed at an acute angle relative to a surface of the first support ring that is distal to the dewar <NUM>. The plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may be disposed about the sloped surface. In various embodiments, the ball transfer devices <NUM> may contact the dewar at a point substantially tangential to an outer surface of the dewar <NUM>. "Substantially tangential," as referred to herein, is tangential +/- <NUM> degrees.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of springs <NUM>. A first plurality of springs in the plurality of springs <NUM> may be disposed between the first end plate <NUM> and the first support ring <NUM> and a second plurality of springs in the plurality of springs <NUM> may be disposed between the second end plate <NUM> and the second support ring <NUM>. The plurality of springs <NUM> may be configured for shock absorption during transfer of the storage system <NUM>.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of rods <NUM> disposed between the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>. Each rod in the plurality of rods <NUM> may be coupled to the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The plurality of rods <NUM> may be configured to secure the dewar <NUM> between the first support ring <NUM> and the second support ring <NUM> by ensuring the dewar <NUM> is in contact with each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM>.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> may be configured to protect the dewar <NUM> from external forces during transfer of the storage system <NUM>. For example, the ball transfer devices <NUM> may provide near frictionless contact with the dewar, so it can rotate freely within the enclosure assembly <NUM>. The plurality of springs <NUM> may provide shock absorption when external forces are applied to the enclosure assembly.

Referring now to <FIG>, an enclosure assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises a first support tube <NUM> and a second support tube <NUM>. The first support tube <NUM> may be disposed opposite the second support tube <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first support tube <NUM> and the second support tube <NUM> may comprise may be made of polyester, nylon, vinyl, or the like. The first support tube <NUM> and the second support tube <NUM> may be filled with a gas or a liquid. The gas or the liquid may be configured to maintain the same volume as temperature changes (i.e., the gas or liquid may not contract or expand as temperature changes). In various embodiments, the first support tube <NUM> and the second support tube <NUM> may be filled with nitrogen gas.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of pad assemblies <NUM>. Each pad in the plurality of pad assemblies <NUM> may comprise a padding component and a pad housing. For example, pad assembly <NUM> of the plurality of pad assemblies <NUM> comprises a padding component <NUM> and a pad housing <NUM>. The padding component <NUM> may comprise a plate, or the like. The padding component <NUM> may be made of a flexible material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a thermoplastic polymer, or the like. The pad housing <NUM> may comprise a receptacle configured to receive the padding component <NUM>. The padding component <NUM> may be configured to removably couple to the pad housing <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as press fit, fastening, adhesion, or the like.

The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a first enclosure <NUM> and a second enclosure <NUM>. The first enclosure <NUM> may be disposed opposite the second enclosure <NUM>. The first enclosure <NUM> and the second enclosure <NUM> may be configured to receive a respective support tube. For example, first support tube <NUM> is coupled to first enclosure <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as press fitting, fasteners, adhesion, or the like. The first support tube <NUM> is housed in first enclosure <NUM>. The first enclosure <NUM> may fix the first support tube in place. In various embodiments, each enclosure may comprise a radially outer ring, a radially inner ring, and a plurality of flanges. For example, the second enclosure <NUM> comprises a radially outer ring <NUM>, a radially inner ring <NUM>, and a plurality of flanges <NUM>. Each flange in the plurality of flanges <NUM> may extend radially inward from radially inner ring <NUM>. The plurality of flanges <NUM> may be disposed substantially equal-distant around radially inner ring <NUM>. Each flange in the plurality of flanges <NUM> may be configured to hingedly couple to a respective pad assembly in the plurality of pad assemblies <NUM>.

The plurality of pad assemblies <NUM> may be configured to receive the a dewar <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The dewar <NUM> may be configured to only contact the pads of the respective pad assemblies. Each pad in the plurality of pad assemblies <NUM> may act as a near frictionless surface for the dewar to rotate about. The first support tube <NUM> and the second support tube <NUM> may be configured to absorb shock from external forces during transfer of a storage system comprising the enclosure assembly <NUM> and a dewar <NUM>. The first enclosure <NUM> and the second enclosure <NUM> may be configured to couple to an enclosure, such as enclosure <NUM> (from <FIG>), or the like. In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> may be lighter than enclosure assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> may provide greater shock absorption than enclosure assembly <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of an enclosure assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises a first enclosure <NUM>. The first enclosure <NUM> may be shaped like a spherical cap, or the like. The enclosure assembly further comprises a plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> disposed around an inner surface of the first enclosure <NUM>. The plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> are suspended by a net assembly <NUM> in first enclosure <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the net assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of cables <NUM>. The plurality of cables <NUM> are coupled to the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> and configured to suspend the plurality of transfer rollers such that the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> do not make contact with the first enclosure during transfer of a corresponding storage system. The plurality of cables <NUM> may be elastic cables, steel cables, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of springs <NUM>. Each spring in the plurality of springs <NUM> is coupled to a respective transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM>. In various embodiments, more than one spring in the plurality of springs <NUM> may be coupled to a respective transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM>. In various embodiments, a transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> may be coupled to no springs and/or suspended entirely by the plurality of cables <NUM> in the net assembly.

In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a second enclosure. The second enclosure may be in accordance with first enclosure <NUM>. The second enclosure may be disposed opposite first enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure assembly <NUM> may be configured to receive a dewar <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The enclosure assembly <NUM> may be configured to suspend the dewar away from the first enclosure <NUM> and the second enclosure during transfer of a respective storage system.

In various embodiments, each transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers <NUM> comprises a housing and a ball bearing. For example, transfer roller <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and a bearing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> is disposed in housing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> protrudes outward from housing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may provide a near frictionless outer surface. The bearing <NUM> may be configured to allow a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM> from <FIG>) to rotate freely within the enclosure assembly <NUM> during transfer of a respective storage system.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of an enclosure assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises an enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may comprise a box shape or the like. The enclosure <NUM> may define a recess <NUM>, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a sphere and cap recess, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a padding component <NUM> disposed within the recess <NUM>. The padding component <NUM> may comprise a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> disposed around an inner surface of the padding component <NUM>. Each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may comprise ball transfer device <NUM> (from <FIG>).

In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> is configured for dual shock absorption during transfer of a dewar. For example, when an external force is applied to the enclosure assembly <NUM>, the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may absorb a portion of the shock via a spring of each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM>. Similarly, upon compression of the spring, the dewar may contact the padding component <NUM>, which may absorb a portion of the shock from the external force.

In various embodiments, each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may be disposed within padding component <NUM> and coupled to padding component <NUM> and/or coupled to enclosure <NUM>. Each ball transfer device in the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM> may protrude outward from an inner surface <NUM> of padding component <NUM>. Under normal transfer conditions, a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM>) may only contact the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM>. Upon experiencing an external force, a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM>), may contact the padding component <NUM> and/or a portion of the plurality of ball transfer devices <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a fastener <NUM> coupled to a side of the enclosure <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be any fastener known in the art, such as a latch, or the like. The fastener <NUM> may be configured to engage a mating fastener of an adjacent enclosure. In various embodiments, the adjacent enclosure is in accordance with enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure assembly <NUM> may comprise a first enclosure (e.g., enclosure <NUM>) and a second enclosure (e.g., enclosure <NUM>). The first enclosure and the second enclosure may be configured to fully encapsulate a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM> from <FIG>) as a part of a storage system, in accordance with various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a fastener receptacle <NUM>. The fastener receptacle <NUM> may be configured to fasten to a respective fastener (e.g., fastener <NUM>) of a mating enclosure (e.g., enclosure <NUM>). The fastener <NUM> and fastener receptacle <NUM> may ensure the enclosure assembly <NUM> fully encloses a respective dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of an enclosure assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises an enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may comprise a box shape or the like. The enclosure <NUM> may define a recess <NUM>, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a sphere and cap recess, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a padding component <NUM> disposed within the recess <NUM>. The padding component <NUM> may comprise a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of ball elements <NUM> disposed around an inner surface of the padding component <NUM>. Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be embedded in the padding component <NUM>. Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be configured to rotate freely within the padding component <NUM>.

Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may protrude outward from an inner surface <NUM> of padding component <NUM>. Under normal transfer conditions, a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM>) may only contact the plurality of ball elements <NUM>. Upon experiencing an external force, a dewar (e.g., dewar <NUM>), may contact the padding component <NUM> and/or a portion of the plurality of ball elements <NUM> (i.e., each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be configured to deform the padding component <NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of a storage system <NUM> and a portion of an enclosure assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. Storage system <NUM> comprises a dewar <NUM> disposed within an outer dome <NUM>. The storage system <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of ball elements <NUM> disposed between the outer dome <NUM> and the dewar <NUM>. In various embodiments, outer dome <NUM> comprises a first dome portion <NUM> and a second dome portion <NUM>. First dome portion <NUM> may be coupled to second dome portion <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as a fastener, a hinge, or the like. First dome portion <NUM> may further comprise an aperture <NUM> disposed through an outer surface of first dome portion <NUM>. First dome portion <NUM> and second dome portion <NUM> may comprise a substantially hemispherical shape, or the like. Dewar <NUM> may be configured to rotate freely within outer dome <NUM> during transfer of storage system <NUM>. The outer dome <NUM> may be made of any material known in the art, such as metal, plastic, or the like. The outer dome <NUM> may define a substantially spherical cavity configured to receive dewar <NUM> therein.

In various embodiments, the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be configured to contact at least a third of a surface area of an outer surface of dewar <NUM>. For example, second dome portion <NUM> of outer dome <NUM> may be filled with the plurality of ball elements <NUM> and ensure that at least a third of the surface area of the outer surface of dewar <NUM> is in contact with plurality of ball elements. In various embodiments, the storage system <NUM> may be configured to ensure the outer surface of dewar <NUM> is only in contact with the plurality of ball elements <NUM> during transfer of the storage system <NUM>. Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be made of any material known in the art, such as plastic, metal, or the like. In various embodiments, each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> is made of plastic.

Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may provide a near frictionless outer surface. Each bearing in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be configured to allow dewar <NUM> to rotate freely within the outer dome <NUM> of enclosure assembly <NUM> during transfer of a respective storage system.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of a storage system <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. Storage system <NUM> may further comprise an enclosure assembly <NUM>. Enclosure assembly <NUM> may comprise an enclosure <NUM>. Enclosure <NUM> may comprise any shape known in the art, such as a box, a hexagon, or the like. The enclosure <NUM> may comprise a box shape or the like. The enclosure <NUM> may define a recess <NUM>, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a sphere and cap recess, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a padding component <NUM> disposed within the recess <NUM>. The padding component <NUM> may comprise a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. The padding component <NUM> may comprise a gasket, or the like. The enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a portion of outer dome <NUM> (e.g., first dome portion <NUM> or second dome portion <NUM>. The portion of outer dome <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM> and/or may contact the padding component <NUM>. After a portion of outer dome <NUM> is disposed in recess <NUM>, the plurality of ball elements <NUM> (from <FIG>) may be disposed in the portion of outer dome <NUM>.

In various embodiments, padding component <NUM> may comprise an aperture <NUM> disposed proximate a distal surface <NUM> of enclosure <NUM>. "Distal surface," as described herein, is a surface that is distal from a center of a storage system <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments. As such, the padding component <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of outer dome <NUM> and/or secure outer dome <NUM> in place via press fit, or the like. Padding component <NUM> may be coupled to enclosure <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as adhesive, or the like.

In various embodiments, enclosure assembly <NUM> may further comprise a second padding component <NUM> disposed proximate distal surface <NUM> of enclosure <NUM>. The second padding component <NUM> may be configured to provide additional shock support if the outer dome <NUM> bottoms out during transfer of storage system <NUM>.

In various embodiments, enclosure assembly <NUM> may comprise a first enclosure (e.g., enclosure <NUM>) and a second enclosure (e.g., enclosure <NUM>). The first enclosure and the second enclosure may be configured to be coupled together by any method known in the art, such as fasteners and fastener receptacles, as described in enclosure assembly <NUM> from <FIG>, or the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of a storage system <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. For ease of illustration, the outer dome <NUM> is illustrated as being transparent. The storage system <NUM> comprises an enclosure assembly <NUM> and a dewar <NUM>. The enclosure assembly <NUM> comprises an enclosure <NUM>, an outer dome <NUM>, and a plurality of ball elements <NUM>.

In various embodiments, outer dome <NUM> comprises a first dome portion <NUM> and a second dome portion <NUM>. First dome portion <NUM> may be coupled to second dome portion <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as a fastener, a hinge, or the like. For example, first dome portion <NUM> may comprise a first flange <NUM> and second dome portion <NUM> may comprise a second flange <NUM>. First flange <NUM> and second flange <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to each other. First flange <NUM> may be coupled to second flange <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as by a fastener (e.g., fastener <NUM>). First dome portion <NUM> and second dome portion <NUM> may each comprise a substantially hemispherical shape, or the like. First dome portion <NUM> may further comprise an aperture <NUM> disposed through an outer surface of first dome portion <NUM>. Dewar <NUM> may be configured to rotate freely within outer dome <NUM> during transfer of storage system <NUM>. The outer dome <NUM> may be made of any material known in the art, such as metal, plastic, or the like.

Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may provide a near frictionless outer surface. Each bearing in the plurality of ball elements <NUM> may be configured to allow dewar <NUM> to rotate freely within the outer dome <NUM> of enclosure assembly <NUM> during transfer of storage system <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the enclosure assembly <NUM> further comprises a plurality of padding components <NUM>. The plurality of padding components <NUM> may be disposed around outer dome <NUM>. In various embodiments, each padding component in the plurality of padding components <NUM> may be oriented substantially perpendicular to outer surface of outer dome <NUM>. Each padding component in the plurality of padding components <NUM> may comprise a first padding portion and a second padding portion. For example, padding component <NUM> comprises a first padding portion <NUM> and a second padding portion <NUM>. First padding portion <NUM> may be coupled to an inner surface of enclosure <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as adhesives, fasteners, or the like. The second padding portion <NUM> may be coupled to the first padding portion <NUM> by any method known in the art, such as adhesives, fasteners or the like. The second padding portion <NUM> may be configured to contact an outer surface and/or a flange of an outer dome <NUM> of an enclosure assembly <NUM> during transfer of storage system <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first padding portion <NUM> may be stiffer than the second padding portion <NUM>. The first padding portion <NUM> may be configured for vibration dampening during transfer of storage system <NUM>. The second padding portion <NUM> may be configured for shock absorption from an external force during transfer of storage system <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first padding portion <NUM> and the second padding portion <NUM> are made of a flexible material, such as a foam, rubber or the like. In various embodiments, the first padding portion is made of a urethane polymer (e.g., synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer). In various embodiments, the second padding portion <NUM> is made of a polyethylene polymer.

Although described with respect to various embodiments, any feature from a given embodiment may be utilized in an alternative embodiment and still be within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to <FIG>, a method <NUM> of assembling a storage system, in accordance with various embodiments, is illustrated. The method comprises disposing a plurality of ball elements in a first portion of an outer dome (step <NUM>). The first portion of the outer dome may be substantially hemispherical in shape. The plurality of ball elements may fill at least two-thirds of a surface area of the first portion of the outer dome. The method further comprises disposing a spherical dewar within the first portion of the outer dome (step <NUM>). A radially outer surface of the spherical dewar may be in contact with the plurality of ball elements only. The method further comprises coupling a second portion of the outer dome to the first portion of the outer dome (step <NUM>). The second portion of the outer dome may be substantially hemispherical in shape. The second portion of the outer dome may comprise an aperture disposed distal to the first portion of the outer dome. The spherical dewar may be configured to rotate freely within the outer dome on the plurality of ball elements.

Claim 1:
A cryogenic storage system, comprising:
a dewar (<NUM>) comprising a radially outer surface; and
an enclosure assembly (<NUM>) configured to house the dewar (<NUM>), the enclosure assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an outer dome (<NUM>) comprising a substantially spherical cavity and a radially inner surface; and
characterised in that the dewar (<NUM>) is shaped as a sphere and has a center of gravity or mass (<NUM>) within a bottom portion (<NUM>) of the dewar (<NUM>) that passively stabilizes the dewar (<NUM>) when the dewar (<NUM>) is tilted, angled or rotated within the enclosure assembly (<NUM>).