Patent Description:
The system for dispensing refrigerant packs uses a pack with an absorbent material inside, and without refrigerant fluid. In an example embodiment the absorbent material is a Super Absorbent Material (SAM) such as Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP).

The terms "Super Absorbent Material" and "SAM" are used throughout the present application and claims to mean an absorbent material for use inside a cold pack. In some embodiments the absorbent material is a Super Absorbent Material, optionally SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer).

The term "SAM pack" in all its grammatical forms is used in the present application and claims to mean a pack, according to an example embodiment of the invention, containing absorbent material, and without refrigerant fluid.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of providing a refrigerant pack including providing a waterproof SAM pack with SAM inside and without refrigerant fluid inside, adding refrigerant fluid to an inside of the SAM pack, thereby producing a refrigerant pack, and sealing the refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sealing the refrigerant pack includes heat sealing the refrigerant pack. According to some embodiments of the invention, the sealing the refrigerant pack includes gluing refrigerant SAM pack.

According to the invention, the adding refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack includes puncturing the SAM pack, injecting refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack, producing a refrigerant pack, and sealing the refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including cooling the refrigerant pack, producing a cold pack. According to some embodiments of the invention, further including shipping the cold pack to a cold pack customer.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including heating the refrigerant pack, producing a hot pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including altering a temperature of the refrigerant pack, producing a pack for use for temperature control.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including altering a temperature of the refrigerant pack to room temperature, producing a pack for use for temperature control of a Controlled Room Temperature container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including placing the SAM pack between walls of a SAM pack tray cell.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adding refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack further includes pressurizing the refrigerant fluid for conveying the refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adding refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack includes adding refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack through a side of the SAM pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including collecting the cold packs in a holding container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes freezing the refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling includes conveying the refrigerant packs on a conveyor belt through a cooling unit, to emerge as cold packs cooled to a desired temperature.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including dispensing one or more cold packs based on at least one of the following considerations: intended duration of storage of the cold packs before packaging with merchandise, intended duration of storage of the merchandise, intended duration of shipping of the merchandise, to what temperature the merchandise may be cooled or frozen without damage, insulating parameters relating to an intended package, and maximum weight of cold packs plus merchandise in a package (for example when packaging cold pack(s) and merchandise for delivery by a drone with limited lifting capacity.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including controlling at least one of the following parameters, based on at least one of the considerations: number of cold packs to be used, size of cold packs to be used, weight of cold packs to be used, total weight of cold packs to be used, weight of SAM in cold pack(s) to be used, weight of refrigerant fluid in cold packs to be used, and temperature of cold packs.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including providing a specific number of cold packs at a specific temperature.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including receiving electronic requests for dispensing cold packs. According to some embodiments of the invention, the receiving electronic requests includes receiving the electronic requests via a user interface terminal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including cooling the cold packs in the holding container by a second cooling unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including detaching the holding container from the cooling unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes cooling the refrigerant pack to a temperature in a range of <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius. According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes cooling the refrigerant pack to freezing temperature yet not freezing the refrigerant pack. According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes cooling the refrigerant pack to freezing temperature and also freezing the refrigerant pack. According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes freezing the refrigerant pack to a temperature in a range of minus <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius. According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling the refrigerant pack includes freezing the refrigerant pack to a temperature in a range of minus <NUM> degrees Celsius to minus <NUM> degrees Celsius.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including providing a specific number of cold packs at a specific temperature in response to an electronic request specifying the specific number of cold packs and the specific temperature.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including providing a specific number of cold packs at a specific temperature starting with a cooling machine with no cold packs inside.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including taking in a strip of connected SAM packs and producing a strip of connected cold packs.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including taking in a strip of connected SAM packs and separating the SAM packs, producing a plurality of disconnected cold packs.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a system for dispensing a cold pack including a filling unit for taking in a waterproof SAM pack with SAM inside and without refrigerant fluid inside and adding refrigerant fluid to an inside of the SAM pack, producing a refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a sealing unit for sealing the refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a first cooling unit for cooling the refrigerant pack, producing a cold pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a conveyor belt, for taking in refrigerant packs and passing the refrigerant packs through the cooling unit to emerge as cold packs cooled to a desired temperature.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the filling unit includes an injection needle for injecting the refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the filling unit includes a pressurizing component for conveying the refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the filling unit includes a pressurizing component for conveying refrigerant fluid through the injection needle.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the filling unit is arranged to perform the adding refrigerant fluid to the inside of the SAM pack through a side of the SAM pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a holding container for a plurality of cold packs. According to some embodiments of the invention, the first cooling unit also cools the holding container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first cooling unit is capable of freezing the refrigerant pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a chute for dispensing cold packs.

According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a communication unit for receiving electronic requests for dispensing cold packs. According to some embodiments of the invention, further including a user interface terminal for receiving user requests for dispensing cold packs.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the holding container is a detachable holding container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the holding container includes a second cooling unit for cooling cold packs in the holding container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first cooling unit is capable of cooling the refrigerant pack to a temperature in a range of <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius. According to some embodiments of the invention, the first cooling unit is capable of freezing the refrigerant pack to a temperature in a range of minus <NUM> degrees Celsius to <NUM> degrees Celsius.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is designed to provide a specific number of cold packs at a specific designated temperature.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is designed to receive a strip of connected SAM packs and produce a strip of connected cold packs. According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is designed to receive a strip of connected SAM packs and separate the strip, producing a plurality of separate cold packs.

According to some embodiments of the invention the system is arranged to receive an electronic request for at least one cold pack and to produce the at least one cold pack in response to the electronic request.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a barcode reader and arranged to receive the electronic request by reading a barcode containing the electronic request, wherein reading the barcode containing the electronic request comprises reading the barcode from a shipping box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, producing the cold pack includes producing at least one cold pack in response to receiving an electronic request for at least one cold pack.

According to some embodiments of the invention, receiving the electronic request includes reading a barcode containing the electronic request. According to some embodiments of the invention, reading the barcode containing the electronic request includes reading the barcode from a shipping box.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a cold pack in a packing line including providing a SAM pack with SAM inside and without refrigerant fluid inside,
adding refrigerant fluid to an inside of the SAM pack, thereby producing a refrigerant pack, sealing the refrigerant pack, cooling the refrigerant pack, thereby producing a cold pack, and providing the cold pack to the packing line.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the providing includes on-demand providing based on an electronic request. According to some embodiments of the invention, the cooling includes on-demand cooling to a specific temperature based on the electronic request.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer interface for providing a cold pack, the computer interface including presenting a user interface for receiving a user input including at least one parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of a requested number of cold packs, a specific size of the cold packs, a temperature of the cold pack(s), a duration for the cold packs to maintain cold, a type of the container into which the cold packs are to be added, a volume of a container to be cooled by the cold packs, a weight of goods to be cooled by the cold packs, and a heat mass of goods in a container for which the cold packs are intended. By way of a non-limiting example, a maximum weight or size of a package may be provided, for example for a container intended for shipping by a drone, and one or more of a weight, a temperature, and a size of a cold pack may be determined based on the maximum weight or size.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the providing the cold pack includes manufacturing a refrigerant pack from a SAM pack, cooling the refrigerant pack, thereby producing a cold pack.

The present invention is defined by the system according to claim <NUM> and a method according to claim <NUM>.

An ice pack or gel pack is a portable plastic sac filled with water, or refrigerant gel or fluid. For use the contents are frozen in a freezer. Both ice and other non-toxic refrigerants (mostly water) can absorb a considerable amount of heat before they warm above <NUM>, due to a high latent heat of fusion of water. These packs are commonly used to keep goods such as food, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies cool in portable coolers; as a cold compress to alleviate the pain of minor injuries; and in insulated shipping containers to keep products cool during transport.

Ice packs may be provided frozen for immediate use; frozen in insulated packages for eventual use; or at room temperature for eventual freezing. However, such ice packs are heavy, due to presence of water or other fluid.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a pack with SAM inside, and without refrigerant fluid such as water inside. Such a pack weighs less, and takes up less space.

Prior art packs include water or refrigerant gel. Such packs are heavier than if provided without water, and take up more volume. The smaller weight and volume of a pack according to some example embodiments save expense relative to transporting commercial quantities of prior art packs. Expense is saved by transporting less weight, and by transporting less volume. The smaller weight and volume of a pack according to some example embodiments save expense relative to storing commercial quantities of prior art packs. Expense is saved by storing less volume, and by taking up less floor space.

The term "refrigerant pack" in all its grammatical forms is used in the present application and claims to mean a SAM pack, according to an example embodiment of the invention, which also contains a refrigerant fluid.

The adjectives "cold" or "frozen", in all their grammatical forms, will be added to the term "pack" to describe when the pack is cold or frozen, or even heated, regardless of a specific temperature. When a definite temperature is intended, the temperature is written.

The term "cold pack", in all its grammatical forms, is used in the present specification and claims to mean a refrigerant pack at a specific temperature, whether frozen, cold, roomtemperature or hot, for use as a temperature-affecting pack. Such a pack may be cold - for cooling or maintaining cold, at room temperature for maintaining temperature in a Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) environment, and hot - for heating or maintaining heat.

A refrigerant pack has a heat capacity which may optionally be used for cooling or maintaining cold, for maintaining temperature in a Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) environment, and for heating or maintaining heat.

Super Absorbent Materials (SAMs), sometimes also called slush powder, can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a fluid relative to their own mass. In various embodiments, the SAM may include one or more of, by way of some non-limiting examples: a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) material; gelatin; SAP in pill form, a Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based gel, or materials commonly known in the art.

In various embodiments, the refrigerant fluid may include one or more of, by way of some non-limiting examples: water; de-ionized water, de-salinated water, anti-freeze fluid, treated water, and fluids commonly known in the art.

The SAM pack includes a moisture absorbing laminate film.

The pack includes water only with no SAP. In the present application and claims where the terms SAM pack or cold pack are used, a person skilled in the art should also understand use of a pack which includes water only with no SAP.

The SAM pack is waterproof, absorbing no water until water is introduced on purpose. Such embodiments potentially prevent a need to keep water and/or moisture away from the SAM packs, and potentially prevent the SAM packs getting heavy over time by absorbing moisture.

The waterproof material includes plastic film, such as polyethylene.

The material forming the pack is spun-woven and backed to a polyethylene film for prevention of moisture absorbance. In some embodiments the SAP is optionally a non-toxic CMC based gel.

The SAM packs are sealed in a way which allows filling with water and re-sealing, producing refrigerant packs.

The SAM pack is heat sealed, and the SAM pack is subsequently penetrated to allow filling with water, and re-sealed, producing a refrigerant pack.

The SAM pack is mechanically sealed by pressure of filling.

When the SAM pack is filled with refrigerant fluid the pack changes shape and seals against fluid leakage.

Alternatively the SAM packs are not sealed.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to taking a SAM pack with SAM inside, and without water inside, according to some embodiments of the invention, and dispensing cold packs on demand.

According to the invention a first machine takes in a SAM pack and fills the pack with water or other fluid, dispensing a refrigerant pack with refrigerant fluid ready for cooling and/or freezing.

In some embodiments, a second machine takes in a refrigerant pack which already includes refrigerant fluid, and cools or freezes the refrigerant pack, dispensing a cold pack.

In some embodiments, a third machine takes in a SAM pack and fills the pack with water or other fluid, producing a refrigerant pack with refrigerant fluid ready for cooling and/or freezing, and cools or freezes the refrigerant pack, dispensing a cold pack.

In some embodiments, a machine provides a consistently-shaped gel pack.

In some embodiments, the machine provides a gel pack shaped in a brick format.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to taking a non-frozen refrigerant pack or SAM pack and producing a cold pack. In some embodiments the refrigerant pack or SAM pack is in a form of a strip of refrigerant packs or SAM packs, and producing means producing a strip of cold packs.

In some embodiments the methods include methods for using such a machine when integrated into a packing line, for dispensing cold packs.

In some embodiments the methods include methods for using such a machine as a stand-alone machine, not integrated into a packing line, for dispensing cold packs.

Optionally it can be provided an interface to a machine for providing cold packs on-demand.

In some embodiments the interface includes an electronic interface for providing a computerized request for cold packs, including one or more features of a cold pack request, such as, by way of some non-limiting examples: a specific number of cold packs, a specific size of cold packs, a specific temperature of cold packs, a specific period of time for the cold packs to maintain a temperature less than a specific temperature, a specific volume of container for which the cold packs are intended, a specific weight of material in a container for which the cold packs are intended, a specific heat mass of material in a container for which the cold packs are intended, and so on.

In some embodiments the interface includes an interface for a user to provide input of a request for cold packs, including any one or more of the above-mentioned features of the request.

Additionally it can be envisaged to handling a request for goods delivery and determining a command for cold pack dispensing associated with the request. The request may be received from a goods delivery center, or a data collection center. In some embodiments the request is analyzed to determine goods request parameters which pertain to determining a desired cooling capacity. In some embodiments the goods request parameters are translated to cold pack parameters such as a size of a cold pack, a number of cold packs, and temperature of the cold pack, which are capable of providing the desired cooling capacity.

For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, reference is first made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of prior art cold packs.

<FIG> shows a first cold pack <NUM> and a second cold pack <NUM>. Both the first cold pack <NUM> and the second cold pack <NUM> include SAM and a refrigerant fluid inside the cold packs <NUM><NUM>. The cold packs <NUM><NUM> are intended to appear as rather thick, three dimensional, full of refrigerant fluid.

The second cold pack <NUM> also shows a sealed seam <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified line drawing illustrations of a prior art cold pack.

<FIG> shows a top view of a prior art cold pack <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a side view of the prior art cold pack <NUM>. <FIG> is intended to illustrate that the prior art cold pack <NUM> is full of refrigerant fluid and therefore somewhat thick, for example in comparison to the SAM pack illustrated in <FIG>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified line drawing illustrations of a SAM pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a top view of a SAM pack <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a side view of the SAM pack <NUM>. <FIG> is intended to illustrate that the SAM pack <NUM> does not include refrigerant fluid and is therefore thinner and lighter than the prior art cold pack <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is completely sealed and waterproof. In such embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is potentially immune to soaking up moisture and becoming heavier and thicker/larger unless fluid is intentionally injected into the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> also includes an opening (not shown) for injecting refrigerant fluid such as water. In some embodiments the opening is a small opening, potentially reducing a possibility of soaking up moisture and becoming heavier and thicker/larger unless fluid is intentionally injected into the SAM pack <NUM> through the small opening. In some embodiments the opening is in a short end of the SAM pack <NUM>. In some embodiments the opening is in a long end of the SAM pack <NUM>. In some embodiments the opening is in a corner of the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments a portion of a seam of the SAM pack <NUM>, or a portion of an edge of the SAM pack <NUM> is sealed so that a force of <NUM>-<NUM> grams pulling sides of the SAM pack <NUM> apart opens the portion of the seam or edge of the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments a portion of the seam or edge is sealed so that a fluid refrigerant pressure in a range of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> bar and up to <NUM> bars opens the seam or edge of the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is not sealed. In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally open until filled with water, then sealed. In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally open until filled with refrigerant fluid, and not even sealed after filling with refrigerant fluid.

A typical SAM pack <NUM>, containing SAM and no fluid according to example embodiments of the invention may range in thickness from <NUM> millimeter to <NUM>, to <NUM>, to <NUM>, to <NUM>, to <NUM> and to <NUM> millimeters, however thicker SAM packs are also contemplated, and are produced when needed.

It is noted that the above-mentioned weights represent a weight of a pack which contains SAM and refrigerant fluid. The weights are written as weights of a pack which contains SAP and water in a typical ratio of <NUM> percent SAP and <NUM> percent water. However, the list of weights is not intended to be limiting or exact. A same-sized pack with a different ratio of SAM and refrigerant fluid, or a same-sized pack containing different SAMs and/or refrigerant fluid may have a different weight, and the sizes and weights of the above-mentioned packs are not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, ratio of SAM weight to water weight may range from <NUM> percent to <NUM> percent and lower and/or higher. In some embodiments ratio of SAM weight to water is optionally made according to SAM manufacturer recommendation or specification. Furthermore, ratio of SAM weight to fluid refrigerant weight may differ according to the absorbent material manufacturer recommendation or specification and/or refrigerant fluid recommendation or specification.

Reference is now made to <FIG> which is a simplified line drawing illustration of a cold pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a side view of a cold pack <NUM>, produced by adding refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack <NUM> of <FIG> is intended to illustrate that the cold pack <NUM> includes refrigerant fluid and is therefore thicker than the SAM pack <NUM> of <FIG>.

The cold pack <NUM> is intended to illustrate different sized packs.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified line drawing illustrations of a SAM pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a sealed SAM pack <NUM>, with a top seam <NUM> and a bottom seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the top seam <NUM> has a specific shape, as explained in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified line drawing illustration of a refrigerant pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a refrigerant pack <NUM> which is optionally the SAM pack <NUM> of <FIG>, following injection with refrigerant fluid. The injection is optionally made through the puncture <NUM>, and the refrigerant pack <NUM> is shown as having optionally been sealed by an additional seam <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG> which are simplified line drawing illustrations of cold packs according to some example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments SAM packs are optionally formed as two SAM packs attached to each other along their edges, optionally forming a pair of SAM packs.

In some embodiments SAM packs are optionally formed as several SAM packs attached to each other along their edges, optionally forming a line of SAM packs one SAM pack wide and several SAM packs long.

<FIG> shows a line of SAM packs <NUM> one SAM pack wide and several SAM packs long.

In some embodiments SAM packs are optionally formed as two or more lines of SAM packs attached to each other along an edge, optionally forming a two or more lines of SAM packs, in what is sometimes called a saddle bag configuration.

<FIG> shows several lines of SAM packs <NUM> attached to each other.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system which receives SAM packs and dispenses cold packs on demand, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows some system components along a pack path, from a SAM pack input <NUM> to an optional cold pack dispenser <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a SAM pack <NUM> is received at the SAM pack input <NUM>, and enters an injector and sealer component <NUM>, which includes an injector <NUM> for injecting refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack <NUM>, and an optional sealer unit <NUM> for sealing the pack, producing a sealed pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> may optionally be filled with refrigerant fluid and not sealed. The optionally sealed pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid optionally enters onto, or optionally a user places onto, a conveyor <NUM> passing through a cold pack machine <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> carries the pack <NUM> through a cooler which cools the pack <NUM> to a desired temperature, producing a cold pack <NUM><NUM>. Eventually the conveyor <NUM> dispenses the cold pack <NUM>, optionally via an optional dispenser <NUM> as a cold pack <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the conveyor may be a straight-line conveyor, a helical-path conveyor, a serpentine-path conveyor, and other types of conveyors as are known in the art.

In some embodiments, the cold pack <NUM> is stored in an optional holding container <NUM>, for optional dispensing later, for example by user taking the cold pack from the holding container <NUM>, or by the holding container <NUM> dispensing a cold pack <NUM> in response to a computer command, optionally through the dispenser <NUM>, or through another optional dispenser <NUM>.

In some embodiments the holding container <NUM> optionally includes a separate cooler (not shown). In some embodiments the holding container <NUM> is optionally detachable from the cold pack machine.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> includes the injector and sealer component <NUM>. One such example embodiment is shown as the cold pack machine <NUM> option <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> includes a computer control unit <NUM>, for controlling operating parameters of the cold pack machine <NUM> for producing a desired number of cold packs, at a desired temperature, at a desired point in time.

In some embodiments the computer control unit <NUM> provides commands to any one or more of the components of the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM><NUM>.

<FIG> also shows an air cooler and blower <NUM> optionally blowing cold air <NUM> for cooling the packs <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM>. In some embodiments the cold air <NUM> is collected and returned as air return <NUM> to the air cooler and blower <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> includes the holding container <NUM>. One such example embodiment is shown as the cold pack machine <NUM> option <NUM>. In some embodiments the air cooler and blower <NUM> optionally serves to also refrigerate the holding container <NUM>.

In some embodiments the holding container <NUM> optionally contains a refrigeration component (not shown) of its own, which optionally serves to refrigerate the holding container <NUM> in addition to, or instead of, the air cooler and blower <NUM>.

In some embodiments the holding container <NUM> is detachable from the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments the refrigeration component (not shown) of the holding container <NUM> optionally serves to refrigerate the holding container <NUM> when detached from the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM><NUM>.

<FIG> also shows an optional data center <NUM> providing cold pack requests <NUM> to the controller <NUM> of the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments the data center <NUM> is part of a center for packing packages for delivery, and the cold pack requests are provided for dispensing cold packs for inclusion into the packages.

<FIG> also shows an optional user interface <NUM> providing cold pack requests <NUM> and/or machine control commands <NUM> to the controller <NUM> of the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments the user interface <NUM> enables a user to request cold packs from the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM>, optionally a specific number of cold packs, at specific temperatures, and so on.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM><NUM> includes one or more of the user interface <NUM>, the holding container <NUM> and the optional dispenser <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for producing a SAM pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a system <NUM> which includes:.

The system <NUM> takes in input of material <NUM> such as, by way of a non-limiting example, plastic sheet, and produces output of a SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is constructed to be waterproof.

In some embodiments the material <NUM> is waterproof.

In some embodiments the SAM packs <NUM> are connected to each other, forming a strip of SAM packs <NUM>. In some embodiments the strip of SAM packs <NUM> is provided as a roll of SAM packs <NUM>. In some embodiments a length of the strip of SAM packs <NUM> is greater than <NUM> meters, optionally <NUM> meters, optionally <NUM> meters, optionally <NUM>,<NUM> meters, optionally <NUM>,<NUM> meters.

In some embodiments the strip of SAM packs <NUM> is provided as a fan-folded package of SAM packs <NUM>. In some embodiments a box optionally includes <NUM>,<NUM> SAM packs sized 10x15 centimeters. In some embodiments <NUM> such boxes are packed on a pallet. In some embodiments <NUM>,<NUM> SAM packs are packed on a pallet.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is heat sealed.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is sealed using adhesive.

In some embodiments the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally not sealed.

In some embodiments the material <NUM> for forming the packs is a bag, such as a plastic bag, to be filled with SAM. In some embodiments the system <NUM> includes a forming unit <NUM> for optionally forming a bag from sheet material, and not forming a bag when the material <NUM> is already in a form of a bag.

In some embodiments the material is a tube, such as a plastic tube. Optionally, both open ends of the tube are sealed shut, by heating and/or by using adhesive to close the open ends.

In some embodiments an amount of SAM placed in the bag is optionally selected, to potentially provide SAM packs with different cooling power, based on an amount of SAM within a SAM pack, and using a same pack size.

In some embodiments the SAM placed in the bag is optionally SAM already packed in a cloth bag, and/or a mesh bag, and/or a woven bag, inserted into a waterproof bag.

In some embodiments the system <NUM> is a Form Fill and Seal machine.

The system <NUM> optionally forms the material <NUM> into a tube <NUM>, and seals a seam <NUM> along a length of the tube <NUM>.

The system <NUM> optionally fills the tube <NUM> with SAM <NUM> in a desired amount, optionally using a dispenser (not shown), and seals <NUM> across the tube <NUM> to produce SAM packs <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for dispensing a refrigerant pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the refrigerant pack <NUM> is optionally not sealed.

In some embodiments the system <NUM> does not includes a sealer <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a process for producing SAM packs and dispensing cold packs, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the adding refrigerant fluid is performed at a goods packing site.

In some embodiments the SAM packs are optionally produced as strips or chains of connected SAM packs. In some embodiments the SAM packs are optionally produced from a tube, and the tube is sealed at ends of the SAM packs, producing a strip or chain of connected SAM packs.

In some embodiments a strip or chain of SAM packs is packaged in a box. In some embodiments a strip or chain of SAM packs is packaged in a box in a fan-folded fashion, layer upon layer. In some embodiments a strip or chain of SAM packs is packaged in a roll.

In some embodiments the SAM packs are a product which is shipped to users/clients. Shipping SAM packs takes up less weight and less volume than shipping cold packs which includes refrigerant fluid within each cold pack, and require only adding refrigerant fluid, even such as water, to become cold packs. The refrigerant fluid can weigh a large portion of a weight of the cold pack, and such weight is saved in SAM packs.

In some embodiments a SAM pack, or a strip of SAM packs, is optionally fed into a refrigerant injection machine. In some embodiments the refrigerant fluid is injected into an end, a side, or a face of a SAM pack. In some embodiments the refrigerant fluid is injected into the SAM pack by puncturing the SAM pack, optionally puncturing with a syringe for injection the refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack. In some embodiments the injection machine optionally also seals an opening through which the refrigerant fluid was injected. In some embodiments a component other than the injection machine optionally does the sealing of the opening through which the refrigerant fluid was injected.

In some embodiments the strip of SAM packs is kept as a connected strip during the adding of refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments the strip of SAM packs is separated into separate packs by a same machine performing the adding of refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments the strip of SAM packs is separated into separate packs by a same machine performing the sealing or re-sealing of the packs.

In some embodiments the cooling is performed in a refrigeration machine. In some embodiments the packs are loaded onto a conveyor belt going through a refrigeration machine.

In some embodiments a strip of packs is separated into separate packs upon entry into the refrigeration machine and/or upon placing onto the conveyor.

In some embodiments a strip of packs is separated into separate packs after a cooling, being separated when they are already cold packs.

In some embodiments the conveyor is a conveyor travelling in a helical path, potentially reducing a footprint of the refrigeration machine.

In some embodiments the conveyor is a conveyor travelling up in a helical path. In some embodiments an upward portion of the conveyor is optionally above a second conveyor, and is optionally used to dispense cold packs from above the second conveyor, optionally into a box on the second conveyor. In some embodiments an upward portion of the conveyor is optionally straight, optionally to convey above a second conveyor or above a storage container for the cold packs.

In some embodiments the conveyor is a conveyor travelling down in a helical path.

In some embodiments the cooling is performed by cold air enveloping the packs. In some embodiments a temperature of the air is optionally controllable, for example in a range between <NUM> and -<NUM> degrees Celsius.

In some embodiments the refrigeration machine can accommodate different sized packs.

In some embodiments a pack reaching an end of the conveyor is dispensed, optionally via a dispensing chute.

In some embodiments a pack reaching an end of the conveyor is optionally conveyed to a storage chamber for cold packs. In some embodiments the storage chamber is used to collect cold packs. In some embodiments cold packs are dispensed from the storage chamber when there is a demand for a cold pack, and if there is a cold pack in the storage chamber.

In some embodiments when a pack reaches an end of the conveyor, and there is no unfilled request for a cold pack, the conveyor is stopped.

In some embodiments the dispensing of cold packs is under computer control. In some embodiments the dispensing of cold packs is by a user entering a number of desired cold packs to a user interface. In some embodiments a data center controls requests for package shipments, and calculates and/or controls a number of cold packs to be dispensed.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a process for providing a refrigerant pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments, the refrigerant pack is not sealed.

An example embodiment of two-stage pack production and distribution.

In some embodiments, cold packs are made in two stages. In a first stage, plastic bags are filled with SAM, producing SAM packs, and shipped to a user. A second stage is performed at the user's site, where a machine makes cold packs out of the SAM packs. This is done by adding water to the SAM packs and cooling and/or freezing the packs. Since volume and weight of SAM packs with SAM only is significantly lower than fluid-filled cold packs, shipping, handling and storing costs are also significantly lower.

An example embodiment of producing SAM packs.

In some embodiments SAM packs are made in a process called FFS, Form Fill and Seal. A sheet of plastic such as polyethylene, optionally from a roll of polyethylene sheet, is fed into a machine which makes packs, sacs or bags, fills SAM in each pack, producing SAM packs, and optionally seals the SAM pack. In some embodiments a thickness of the plastic sheet may vary between <NUM>-<NUM> microns.

In some embodiments the SAM packs are connected to each other in a chain with or without perforation between consecutive SAM packs. A chain may include from <NUM> SAM packs up to <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> SAM packs. The FFS machine optionally packages each chain in a box, optionally fan-folded, layer upon layer, or as a roll. The SAM packs can be conveniently packaged in a roll because they are not as thick as cold packs which have refrigerant fluid inside.

A wide range of SAM pack dimensions is made, to cover common sizes on the market. A typical width of a SAM pack may be <NUM>-<NUM> and a typical length may be <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments a quantity of SAM per SAM pack is optionally determined by the pack size and by the pack's intended application, and is typically <NUM>-<NUM>% of the weight of the bag after it is filled with water.

In some embodiments a quantity of SAM per SAM pack is optionally determined by the pack size and by the pack's intended application, and is typically <NUM>-<NUM> grams of SAP per <NUM> cc water.

In some embodiments data about SAM pack size, SAM amount, perforation between chains and number of SAM packs in a chain is optionally fed into a FFS machine for the manufacturing process. Feeding in the data is done either manually or by a computerized system.

In some embodiments boxes with SAM packs or chains of SAM packs are optionally arranged on pallets and stored until delivered. A pallet may contain <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> and even to <NUM>,<NUM> SAM packs and more.

In some embodiments pallets of boxes containing SAM packs or chains of SAM packs are delivered to users upon request or according to a predetermined schedule.

In some embodiments, SAM packs or chains of SAM packs are optionally fed into a refrigerant filling machine at the user's site, which injects refrigerant fluid such as water into the SAM packs. In some embodiments the same machine, in some embodiments an additional machine, cools and/or freezes the packs, making cold packs. In some embodiments the cooling is to a temperature between +<NUM>° Celsius and -<NUM>° Celsius. In some embodiments the amount of water per cold pack may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> cc per pack.

In some embodiments a quantity of refrigerant fluid per SAM pack is optionally determined by the pack size, manually set up or by a machine reading a barcode on the SAM pack.

In some embodiments each pack is separated from a chain prior to being cooled. The cold packs can potentially be used in shipment of goods that require refrigeration.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for producing a cold pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the system <NUM> also includes a mixer (not shown) for mixing the SAM from the SAM supplying component <NUM> and the refrigerant fluid from the refrigerant fluid source <NUM> before filling the mixture into the tray <NUM>.

In some embodiments the tray travels through the system <NUM> on a conveyor belt.

In some embodiments the tray <NUM> includes compartments such as a home refrigerator ice tray.

In some embodiments the tray <NUM> includes depressions in specific shapes, such as, by way of some non-limiting examples: cubic, rectangular, oval, spherical.

In some embodiments the tray 296A containing the cold and/or frozen mixture contains the mixture frozen solid. In some embodiments the tray 296A containing the cold and/or frozen mixture contains the mixture as a cold slush or gel.

In some embodiments the mixture is optionally frozen to the specific shape which, after packing in a bag, produces a bag with accurate dimensions as determined by the tray cell dimensions.

In some embodiments the bag source <NUM> provides different size bags or packs, optionally based on receiving an electronic request for the different size bags or packs, and the system <NUM> provides cold packs in a variety of sizes.

In some embodiments the packing component <NUM> is set up to pack a desired amount of cold and/or frozen mixture into the bags or packs, optionally based on receiving an electronic request for the desired amount and/or a request for different size bags or packs.

In some embodiments the packing component <NUM> seals the cold packs <NUM>.

In some embodiments the packing component <NUM> is a Form Fill and Seal component.

In some embodiments a controller 298A controls operation of the packing component <NUM>.

In some embodiments the packing component <NUM> does not seal the cold packs <NUM>. In some embodiments the system <NUM> includes an additional optional sealer for sealing the cold packs <NUM>.

In some embodiments the bag source <NUM> and the packing component <NUM> are in a separate machine from the other components described above with reference to the system <NUM>.

In some embodiments the bag source <NUM> and the packing component <NUM> are optionally as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs, and the packs are separated prior to filling with the cold and/or frozen mixture.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs and the packs are separated after filling with the cold and/or frozen mixture.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs and not separated after filling with the cold and/or frozen mixture.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as separate packs packaged next to each other similarly to envelopes in a package of envelopes.

In some embodiments the material in the SAM-plus-refrigerant-fluid filled tray 1295A is mixed by a mixing component (not shown) before refrigerating.

In some embodiments the tray 1296A containing cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material contains material frozen solid. In some embodiments the tray 1296A containing cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material contains material as a cold slush.

In some embodiments the packing component <NUM> is set up to pack a desired amount of cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material into the bags or packs, optionally based on receiving an electronic request for the desired amount and/or a request for different size bags or packs.

In some embodiments a controller 1298A controls operation of the packing component <NUM>.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs, and the packs are separated prior to filling with the cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs and the packs are separated after filling with the cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material.

In some embodiments the packs are provided as a connected series or strip of packs and not separated after filling with the cold and/or frozen SAM plus fluid material.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG> - in some embodiments the machines <NUM><NUM> optionally receive a refrigerant pack, that is a SAM pack which also contains a refrigerant fluid, or a water-filled pack, and places the incoming pack(s) in a tray <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments a manipulator picks up an incoming pack and places the pack in a cell in the tray <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments the refrigerant pack is optionally shaped by the cell to any of the shapes listed above. a potential benefit of some embodiments includes forming cold packs which have a shape of the tray cells, potentially being formed with more accurate geometric dimensions than packs cooled or frozen without tray cell walls shaping them.

In some embodiments the packs are shaped by a shape of the tray cell, optionally as a rectangular or brick shape.

In some embodiments the tray is optionally interchangeable, enabling changing between different tray cell sizes and/or shapes.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for taking in an empty bag and producing a cold pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the fill component <NUM> optionally accepts different size bags or packs, optionally based on receiving an electronic request for the different size bags or packs, and the system <NUM> provides cold packs in a variety of sizes.

In some embodiments the fill component <NUM> is optionally set up to pack a desired amount of cold and/or frozen mixture into the bags or packs, optionally based on receiving an electronic request for the desired amount and/or a request for different size bags or packs.

In some embodiments the fill component <NUM> and the packing component <NUM> are a Form Fill and Seal component.

In some embodiments a controller (not shown) controls operation of the system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cold pack batches are cooled to different temperatures. In some embodiments a first batch of cold packs is cooled to a first specific temperature, and optionally stored in a first holding unit or temperature controlled or insulated storage unit, and a second batch of cold packs is cooled to a second specific temperature, and optionally stored in a second holding unit or temperature controlled or insulated storage unit, or cold pack machine.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of warehouse operation according to prior art.

<FIG> shows a warehouse <NUM> for shipping packages <NUM>, at least some of which require addition of cold packs in order to maintain cold in the packages <NUM>.

The warehouse <NUM> includes an unloading dock 309A, a goods storage area <NUM>, a cold pack freezer <NUM>, and one or more conveyors <NUM> for packing some mixture of goods and cold packs, for shipping from a loading dock 309B.

Trucks <NUM> unload goods <NUM> for storing at the goods storage area <NUM>, and trucks <NUM> unload pallets <NUM> of cold packs for storing <NUM> in the cold pack freezer <NUM>.

It is noted that some of the goods require cold storage, and may be stored in refrigerators or freezers.

Warehouse operators or conveyors (not shown) take goods <NUM> from the goods storage area <NUM> to the conveyors <NUM>, and warehouse operators or conveyors (not shown) take <NUM> cold pack palettes <NUM> from the cold pack freezer <NUM> to use for packaging the goods <NUM> with cold packs. The packaged goods are then shipped by truck <NUM>. Typically, a pallet <NUM> of <NUM> cold packs is placed next to the conveyors <NUM>. Providing such a pallet <NUM> from the cold pack freezer <NUM> takes approximately <NUM>-<NUM> minutes, and is typically performed manually <NUM>-<NUM> times per day.

The inventors point out some typical issues with reference to the prior art warehouse shown in <FIG>.

Unloading a truck at the unloading dock 309A typically takes approximately an hour. Bringing in SAM packs instead of cold packs can reduce the volume and weight and numbers of trucks coming in, for a same amount of goods shipped, saving time and salary for the unloading. A number of empty cold pack boxes is greater than a number of empty SAM pack boxes.

The cold pack freezer <NUM> takes up a large floor area. In a typical prior art warehouse <NUM> pallets of cold packs include <NUM>,<NUM> cases of cold packs, which include <NUM>,<NUM> cold packs. A cold pack typically stays <NUM> weeks on the average in the freezer <NUM>. The cold pack freezer requires power to refrigerate the cold packs, which arrived frozen/cold from a supplier of cold packs, and must be kept cold. Keeping a similar amount of SAM packs takes up less warehouse floor space and does not require refrigeration. By way of a non-limiting example, ½ a pallet of SAM packs has a same number of SAM packs as <NUM> pallets of prior art cold packs of a similar size and/or cooling capacity. Refrigeration can optionally be used on-demand, to cool or freeze cold packs in the amount needed, without refrigerating a large number of cold packs for a long duration.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of warehouse operation according to an example embodiment of the invention.

The warehouse <NUM> includes an unloading dock 329A, a goods storage area <NUM>, a SAM pack storage area <NUM>, and one or more conveyors <NUM> for packing some mixture of goods and cold packs, for shipping from a loading dock 329B.

Trucks <NUM> unload goods <NUM> for storing at the goods storage area <NUM>, and trucks <NUM> unload pallets <NUM> of SAM packs for storing <NUM> in the SAM pack storage area <NUM>.

Warehouse operators or conveyors (not shown) take goods <NUM> from the goods storage area <NUM> to the packing lines and/or conveyors <NUM>, and warehouse operators or conveyors (not shown) take <NUM> SAM pack pallets <NUM> from the SAM pack storage area <NUM> and place near one or more cold pack machines <NUM>.

The cold pack machines <NUM> optionally provide cold packs near the conveyors <NUM>. The cold pack machines <NUM> optionally provide as many cold packs as are needed, optionally fulfilling computerized requests from a system which controls goods supply and/or from a user interface operated by warehouse operators working at the conveyors <NUM>. At an end of the packing lines or conveyors <NUM> goods and optionally cold packs have been packaged, optionally for shipping by truck <NUM>.

In some embodiments providing such a pallet <NUM> from the SAM pack storage area <NUM> is typically performed less than providing a pallet of cold packs <NUM> of <FIG>, since the same number of SAM packs takes up much less volume and weight than cold packs, so a pallet <NUM> of SAM packs can contain many more packs than a pallet <NUM> of cold packs.

As mentioned above with reference to <FIG>, a typical prior art pallet <NUM> contains about <NUM> cold packs, while a pallet of SAM packs may contain <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> SAM packs.

The cold pack machines <NUM> optionally receive a strip of SAM packs, inject the SAM packs with refrigerant fluid such as water, cool or freeze the packs, and provide cold packs for packing with the goods.

Some benefits of the configuration of <FIG> over the configuration of <FIG> are listed below.

Smaller trucks <NUM> may be used for providing the SAM packs, and/or same size trucks may be unloaded less often.

Shipping a truckload of prior art cold packs may cost $<NUM>,<NUM> to ship a distance of a day's drive. Such a cost potentially needs to be incurred far less, since a same volume and/or weight of shipping contains many times more SAM packs than prior art refrigerant packs or cold packs.

An area of the SAM pack storage area <NUM> is significantly smaller than an area of the cold pack freezer <NUM>. The SAM pack storage area may optionally use up an area of a few pallets, each pallet <NUM> inches by <NUM> inches, or <NUM> square feet. The floor space of the cold pack machine <NUM> is optionally approximately <NUM> square feet. A typical cold pack freezer <NUM> of <FIG> can be as little as <NUM>,<NUM> cubic feet, taking up a floor space of more than <NUM> square feet, up to <NUM>,<NUM> cubic feet, taking up more than <NUM> square feet.

The SAM pack storage area <NUM> requires no refrigeration, saving power.

A savings in labor is potentially achieved, with providing a pallet <NUM> from the cold pack freezer <NUM> taking approximately <NUM>-<NUM> minutes, typically performed manually <NUM>-<NUM> times per day, while for the same amount of cold packs, a single pallet can be provided once a day or less.

The warehouse <NUM> optionally includes a cold pack freezer <NUM>. It is noted that the cold pack freezer <NUM> is not necessary in all embodiments since cold packs are produced in the cold pack machine(s) <NUM>, and cold packs may be stored in cold pack machines <NUM> or in optional holding container included in the cold pack machines <NUM> or detachable from the cold pack machines <NUM>. The cold pack freezer <NUM> may optionally contain cold packs left over and not used, optionally keeping the cold packs cold. In some embodiments the cold pack freezer <NUM> optionally serves to store cold packs at a first temperature when cold packs are being cooled by cold pack machines <NUM> to a second, different temperature.

In some embodiments the cold pack freezer <NUM> used for serving the warehouse <NUM> is significantly smaller than the cold pack freezer <NUM> used for a prior art warehouse <NUM>.

In some embodiments it is sufficient to provide <NUM> truck per month of SAM packs instead of one truck per day of prior art cold packs.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for providing a cold pack in a packing line according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the refrigerant pack is optionally not sealed.

Reference is now made to Figure 4A, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for handling a request for goods delivery and determining a command for cold pack dispensing associated with the request, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4A shows a process which includes:.

In some embodiments the method optionally includes the cold pack dispenser dispensing cold packs based, at least in part, on the set of cold pack request parameters.

In some embodiments when a box with goods to be shipped reaches the cold pack dispenser, the right amount of packs is dispensed into the box.

In some embodiments a user/packaging worker optionally makes an assessment of what set of cold pack request parameters should be used for a box or package, and feeds the parameters using a keyboard or a user interface to feed this set of parameters to the cold pack dispenser.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for analyzing goods contents in a goods shipping box and determining parameters for adding cold packs to the goods shipping box, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the receiving the data describing goods for packing in a goods shipping box comprises reading a barcode on the shipping box and interpreting the barcode to receive the data therefrom.

In some embodiments the receiving the data describing goods for packing in a goods shipping box comprises using a camera to image the shipping box and/or contents of the shipping box, and using image analysis to determine the data, such as a size of the shipping box, number of goods, what portion of the shipping box is full, and additional data determined by the image analysis pertaining to the goods and/or the shipping box.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of a method for using a robot to pack goods and cold packs in a goods shipping box according to an example embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments the robot picks up the cold pack(s) from a cold pack machine as described herein.

In some embodiments the robot sends a cold pack request or a goods request to a cold pack machine as described herein.

In some embodiments the robot picks up cold pack(s) before picking up goods. In some embodiments the robot picks up goods before picking up cold pack(s).

In some embodiments the robot places the goods into the goods shipping box before placing the cold packs. In some embodiments the robot places the cold packs into the goods shipping box before placing the goods. In some embodiments the robot intersperses placing the cold packs into the goods shipping box with placing the goods into the goods shipping box.

In some embodiments additional steps of the robot sending a list of goods to a cold pack analysis module and/or the robot receiving data regarding cold pack parameters are optionally included.

In some embodiments a person performs the operations which were described above as performed by the robot.

In some embodiments the SAM packs are provided as a connected chain or strip of SAM packs.

In some embodiments a sensor detects when a last pack in a chain or strip of packs enters a cold pack machine. In some embodiments a check is conducted when the last pack in a chain or strip of packs is detected to enter the cold pack machine.

One or more sensor(s) optionally check an amount if ice accumulated on specific parts inside the machine. The checking is optionally done prior to feeding a new chain into the machine. In some embodiments, if ice is detected to have accumulated above an allowed quantity, the machine optionally blows warm or hot air to thaw the ice. In some embodiments melt water from the thawing is optionally accumulated in a container at a bottom of the machine, or fed to a drain pipe. In some embodiments the machine thaws the ice once every specific period of time. In some embodiments parts of the machine are checked for ice accumulation by shining light such as laser light off the parts.

In some embodiments a refrigerant fluid injection needle is optionally monitored for correct operation, by way of a non-limiting example by measuring a pressure of fluid during injection, to verify that the needle is not blocked, or partially blocked.

In some embodiments a pack is optionally monitored by a thermometer for pack temperature at one or more locations along a cooling and/or freezing path of a conveyor.

In some embodiments a temperature inside a cooling/freezing machine is optionally monitored by a thermometer, at one or more locations along a cooling/freezing path of a conveyor.

In some embodiments a speed of advance of a conveyor is optionally monitored, by way of a non-limiting example by measuring speed of servo motors advancing the conveyor, optionally using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

In some embodiments a number of packs which are injected with refrigerant fluid is optionally controlled. In some embodiments, the number of packs is optionally monitored by one or more of: a servo motor controller, measuring time, a manual count, a proximity sensor, and an optic sensor.

In some embodiments a number of packs which are cooled/frozen is controlled.

In some embodiments a speed of advance of a conveyor is optionally controlled, to optionally control a temperature of a cold pack, by way of a non-limiting example by measuring speed of servo motors advancing the conveyor, optionally using a PLC.

In some embodiments a quantity of refrigerant fluid injected into a pack is optionally controlled. In some embodiments the control is according to bag size, as manually set up for an injector, as manually entered to a controller by an operator, or as read by a barcode reader reading a barcode on the pack.

In some embodiments a time for cooling and/or freezing a cold pack is optionally controlled. In some embodiments the time is set according to bag size, as manually set up for a cooler/freezer, as manually entered to a cooler/freezer controller by an operator, as read by a barcode reader reading a barcode on the pack, or as calculated based on information about the pack size.

In some embodiments a cold pack dispensing system and/or a warehouse which dispenses merchandise packed with cold packs optionally controls various amount parameters based on potential merchandise shipping and/or merchandise storage considerations.

In some embodiments, the amounts which are optionally controlled include one or more of:.

Considerations for controlling the above-mentioned amounts optionally include one or more of the following:.

In some embodiments the considerations are performed automatically by a cold pack dispensing system or by a software program.

In some embodiments the considerations are performed by modeling heat flow of an intended package.

In some embodiments the considerations are performed by using a Look-Up-Table which includes one or more parameters listed in the amounts list and/or one or more parameters listed in the considerations list.

In some embodiments, at an end of a work shift, the machine goes into a cold saving mode. The temperature inside the machine is optionally kept constant by blowing cold air into the machine. In some embodiments the cold air flows into the machine at specific time intervals. In some embodiments the cold air flows into the machine in response to one or more temperature sensor(s) sensing a temperature above a specific temperature.

In some embodiments moving parts of the machine perform a back-and-forth movement to avoid seizure by ice.

In some embodiments, at a start of a work shift, the machine may be empty of cold packs. When SAM packs are fed into the machine, optionally in response to a computerized request, optionally automatically, a cooler and/or blower in the machine is optionally operated at full cooling power, until the cold packs reach a requested temperature. In some embodiments, once the requested temperature has been reached, the refrigerator may optionally operate at a lower intensity.

In some embodiments the machine may be at a desired temperature, and enter into an energy saving mode.

In some embodiments a water injection needle is optionally monitored by one or more sensor(s). In some embodiments the water injection needle is optionally monitored to detect accumulation of scale in the water injection needle. In some embodiments the water injection needle is optionally monitored to detect accumulation of SAM blocking the water injection needle.

In some embodiments scale on the injection needle is optionally monitored by laser sensors.

In some embodiments scale on the injection needle is optionally monitored by monitoring a pressure required to push a syringe and/or by monitoring a speed of movement of a plunger of a syringe.

In some embodiments, when the water injection needle is detected as requiring maintenance, the cold pack dispensing machine, or the fluid injection component, optionally sends a message to a machine control unit to replace the needle.

In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of reacting to a maintenance message, a periodic replacement of the needle is performed.

In some embodiments, water filters are optionally checked for cleanliness at the beginning of each shift. In some embodiments, filters are replaced periodically.

In some embodiments moving parts such as bearings, electric motors, blowers and the like are checked periodically and replaced when necessary.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a device which receives SAM packs and dispenses packs with refrigerant fluid or gel according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows some device components along a refrigerant filling path, from a SAM pack input <NUM> to dispensing a pack.

In some embodiments, a pack filler device <NUM> receives a SAM pack <NUM> from the SAM pack input <NUM>. The SAM pack <NUM> enters the pack filler device <NUM>. The pack filler device <NUM> optionally includes an injector <NUM>, which injects refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack <NUM>, producing a refrigerant pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the pack filler device <NUM> also includes an optional pack sealer component <NUM>, which optionally seals the injected pack, producing a sealed pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid.

In some embodiments the pack filler device <NUM> does not seal the injected pack, producing a not-sealed pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a cold pack machine which takes in sealed packs and dispenses cold packs according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a cold pack machine <NUM>, which includes a conveyor <NUM> and a cooler and blower component <NUM>.

A sealed pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid optionally enters onto, or optionally a user places onto, a conveyor <NUM> through the cold pack machine <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> carries the pack <NUM> through a cooler which cools the pack <NUM> to a desired temperature, producing a cold pack <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments the conveyor <NUM> dispenses the cold pack <NUM> optionally via an optional dispenser <NUM> as a cold pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cold pack <NUM> is stored in an optional storage unit <NUM>, for optional dispensing later, for example by user taking the cold pack <NUM> from the storage unit <NUM>, or by the storage unit <NUM> dispensing a cold pack in response to a computer command, optionally through the optional dispenser <NUM>, or through another optional dispenser.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> of <FIG> optionally includes the pack filler <NUM> as a component of the cold pack machine <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> optionally includes a computer control unit (not shown), for controlling parameters of the cold pack machine <NUM> for producing, by way of some non-limiting example, a desired number of cold packs, at a desired temperature, at a desired point in time.

<FIG> also shows a cooler and blower <NUM> optionally blowing cold air <NUM> for cooling the packs <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM>. In some embodiments the cold air <NUM> is collected and returned as air return <NUM> to the cooler and blower <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> optionally includes one or more of a user interface (not shown), the storage <NUM> and an optional second dispenser (not shown).

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a method for producing filling and cooling a cold pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a first machine <NUM> for producing SAM packs, a second machine <NUM> for filling the SAM packs with refrigerant fluid, producing refrigerant packs, and a third machine <NUM> for cooling and/or freezing the refrigerant packs.

In some embodiments, the first machine <NUM> is optionally located at a first location, optionally producing the SAM packs at a SAM pack production facility, and optionally ships <NUM> the SAM packs to a second location, optionally at a client's warehouse.

In some embodiments, the second machine <NUM> optionally fills the SAM packs with refrigerant fluid, optionally at the client's warehouse, optionally producing refrigerant packs. In some embodiments the refrigerant packs are optionally fed <NUM> into the third machine <NUM> for cooling and/or freezing the refrigerant packs.

In some embodiments the feeding <NUM> is optionally a feeding onto a conveyor belt which carries the refrigerant packs through a cooling tower in the third machine <NUM>, optionally at the client's warehouse.

In some embodiments the third machine <NUM> is optionally a machine designed for freezing pizzas and/or hamburgers, and/or a standard freezing machine as is known in the art.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a cold pack machine according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a cold pack machine <NUM> with an optional insulated cabinet <NUM> with some panels open so as to provide a view inside the cold pack machine <NUM>.

The example embodiment cold pack machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes:.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> optionally includes a dispensing chute <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> optionally includes a control panel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cold pack machine <NUM> without optional cabinet panels, so as to provide a view inside the cold pack machine <NUM>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> optionally includes a conveyor portion 634A, which conveys cold packs to a dispensing chute (not shown) such as, by way of a non-limiting example, the dispensing chute <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> shown in <FIG> optionally includes a conveyor portion <NUM>, which makes the conveyor <NUM>, the conveyor portion <NUM> and optionally the conveyor 634A a closed loop conveyor or belt.

In some embodiments the cold pack machine <NUM> optionally includes a refrigerant filler (not shown) such as the refrigerant filling component <NUM> of <FIG>. In some embodiments the refrigerant filler optionally includes a device or conveyor which takes in a strip of SAM packs, which optionally conveys the strip of SAM packs past the refrigerant filler, optionally, by way of some non-limiting examples, such as the refrigerant filling devices shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a device for producing a SAM pack according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a device <NUM> which includes:.

In some embodiments the pack forming component <NUM> and the filler component <NUM> are formed as one unit.

In some embodiments the pack forming component <NUM> and the filler component <NUM> are a bag form and fill machine.

In some embodiments the pack forming component <NUM>, the filler component <NUM> and the sealer component <NUM> are a Form Fill and Seal machine.

In some embodiments the device <NUM> does not include an optional sealer component <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealer <NUM> optionally does not seal all or some of the packs <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a refrigerant filling and sealing machine according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a refrigerant filling and sealing machine <NUM>, including:.

In some embodiments the refrigerant filling and sealing machine <NUM> includes an optional pressurization component for optionally pressurizing the refrigerant fluid for injection into SAM packs <NUM>.

In some embodiments the refrigerant filling and sealing machine <NUM> uses tap water as a refrigerant fluid, the tap water typically provided at a pressure of <NUM>-<NUM> bars.

I some embodiments the pipe <NUM> enters a sleeve <NUM> of the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the machine <NUM> includes a clamp <NUM> for clamping the sleeve <NUM> to the pipe <NUM> during an injecting of the refrigerant fluid.

In some embodiments the machine <NUM> does not include a sealer <NUM>.

In some embodiments the machine <NUM> optionally does not seal all or some of the SAM packs <NUM> which have been injected with refrigerant fluid.

Reference is now additionally made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of components of the refrigerant filling and sealing machine of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows components of a refrigerant filling and sealing machine, including:.

In some embodiments cutting the edge open optionally slits open the sleeve <NUM> of the first SAM pack <NUM>, opening the first SAM pack <NUM> to filling of refrigerant fluid through a side orifice in the refrigerant providing pipe <NUM>.

<FIG> shows two open edges <NUM> of a second pack <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the second pack <NUM> as a thicker pack than the SAM pack <NUM>, to indicate that the second pack <NUM> has been filled with refrigerant fluid.

In some embodiments there is no optional knife <NUM> in the refrigerant filling and sealing machine, and the filling of refrigerant fluid is optionally performed by injecting without cutting open an edge of the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments a portion of an edge, or a whole edge, or a portion of more than one edge of the SAM pack <NUM> are sealed by adhesive, and the optional SAM pack edge separation device <NUM> does not necessarily include a knife <NUM> for cutting the edge <NUM> open.

Reference is now additionally made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of an optional clamp and an optional piston or solenoid of the refrigerant filling and sealing machine of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows one clamp <NUM> and one optional solenoid or piston <NUM>.

In some embodiments the clamp <NUM> optionally includes a half-hole <NUM> in the clamp <NUM> for allowing a water jet to pass through and optionally fill a SAM pack with water. The half-hole <NUM> potentially works together with another half-hole (not shown) in a mating clamp (not shown) to form a hole for allowing the water jet to pass through.

In some embodiments the clamp <NUM> optionally seals the sleeve <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> around the pipe <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> during injection.

In some embodiments the clamp <NUM> is optionally shaped with a recess 840B between two protuberances 840A 840C, so the protuberances 840A 840C clamp the sleeve <NUM> around the pipe <NUM>, clamping the sleeve <NUM> so that refrigerant fluid does not leak and pressure is not lost between the sleeve <NUM> and the pipe <NUM>.

Reference is now additionally made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a pipe for side fluid injection of the refrigerant filling and sealing machine of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the pipe <NUM> and the knife <NUM> of <FIG>, and a side orifice <NUM> for injecting water into a SAM pack, such as the SAM pack <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some embodiments an end <NUM> of the pipe <NUM> is closed and rounded and/or shaped to work its way into the sleeve <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Reference is now additionally made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a SAM pack arranged for side fluid injection of the refrigerant filling and sealing machine of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a SAM pack <NUM>, having a sleeve <NUM> along at least one side of the SAM pack <NUM>. When the SAM pack <NUM> reaches a point in which the pipe <NUM> of the refrigerant filling and sealing machine <NUM> of <FIG> enters the sleeve <NUM> of the SAM pack <NUM>, the pipe <NUM> enters an opening <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>, and optionally the optional knife <NUM> of<FIG> optionally cuts a slit <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>, for the pipe <NUM> of <FIG> to pass along the slit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example embodiment of a SAM pack <NUM> which optionally includes a portion <NUM> of a seam of the SAM pack <NUM> designed for opening under fluid pressure and allowing refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the portion <NUM> is glued, while a rest of the SAM pack <NUM> periphery is heat sealed.

In some embodiments the portion <NUM> is lightly glued, to be waterproof but also openable under pressure as supplied by the pipe <NUM> of <FIG>, while the rest of the periphery of the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally glued to remain sealed, and/or the rest of the periphery of the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally heat sealed.

In some embodiments the pipe <NUM> provides tap water as a refrigerant fluid, the tap water typically provided at a pressure of <NUM>-<NUM> bars.

In some embodiments the portion <NUM> is lightly heat sealed, by a thin seam, while a rest of the periphery of the SAM pack <NUM> is optionally better heat sealed, with a stronger and/or thicker seam.

In some embodiments the portion <NUM> of the seam is sealed, whether glued or heat-sealed, so that a force of <NUM>-<NUM> grams pulling sides of the SAM pack <NUM> apart opens the portion of the seam.

In some embodiments the portion <NUM> of the seam is sealed, whether glued or heat-sealed, so that a fluid refrigerant pressure in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> bars opens the portion <NUM> of the seam.

In some embodiments using tap water at normal tap water pressure is sufficient to open the portion <NUM> of the seam.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a SAM pack arranged for fluid injection of refrigerant fluid as an example useful for understanding the invention.

<FIG> shows a SAM pack <NUM>, having a tubular opening <NUM> along one side of the SAM pack <NUM>, and a tube <NUM> extending from the tubular opening <NUM> into the SAM pack <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the SAM pack <NUM> with a partial cutout <NUM>, in order to show the tube <NUM> even inside the SAM pack <NUM>.

The tube <NUM> is optionally mostly closed at an end distant from the opening <NUM>, and optionally has one or more openings <NUM> at a portion of the tube <NUM> which is inside the SAM pack <NUM>. In some embodiments the tube <NUM> optionally has a flat shape.

<FIG> shows a non-limiting example embodiment where the openings <NUM> are at corners of an internal end of the tube <NUM>. In some embodiments the tube <NUM> optionally has a flat shape.

In some embodiments when the SAM pack is filled with refrigerant fluid, the refrigerant fluid plus SAM mixture expands, exerting pressure on the tube <NUM> and mechanically sealing the tube <NUM>, preventing leakage of the mixture.

In some embodiments a refrigerant filling and sealing machine injects refrigerant fluid into the tube <NUM>. Pressure of the refrigerant fluid is optionally sufficient to enable the refrigerant fluid to penetrate into the SAM pack <NUM>, mix with the SAM inside, making a SAM and refrigerant fluid mixture. When enough refrigerant fluid has been injected, the SAM pack <NUM> is mechanically sealed by pressure of the mixture in the SAM pack <NUM>, now a refrigerant pack.

In some embodiments the refrigerant filling and sealing machine <NUM> of <FIG> injects refrigerant fluid into the tube <NUM>.

In some embodiments a refrigerant fluid pressure in a range of <NUM>-<NUM> bars is sufficient to fill the SAM pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid.

In some embodiments using tap water at normal tap water pressure is sufficient to fill the SAM pack <NUM> with refrigerant fluid.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are simplified block diagram illustrations of a SAM pack fluid injection of refrigerant fluid according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows an example embodiment of a SAM pack <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the SAM pack <NUM> cut along one edge, separated along a line <NUM> to form an open-edged SAM pack 860A, and a cutoff 860B.

<FIG> show two views from two perpendicular directions, of the sides of the open-edged SAM pack 860A being pulled open, optionally by vacuum arms or hoses 862A 862B. <FIG> also show the open-edged SAM pack 860A being filled <NUM> with refrigerant fluid,.

<FIG> shows the open-edged SAM pack 860A optionally being sealed 865A 865B along its open edge, producing a sealed refrigerant pack 860C. In some embodiments the sealing may be heat sealing or gluing, or other methods of sealing as described herein and/or as are known in the art.

<FIG> shows the sealed refrigerant pack 860C optionally placed or packaged side by side with additional sealed refrigerant packs 860C.

In some embodiments the sealed refrigerant packs 860C are optionally placed <NUM> side by side by a vacuum arm or hose 862C. In some embodiments the vacuum arm or hose 862C is optionally one of the vacuum arms or hoses 862A 862B.

In some embodiments the actions of opening, filling with refrigerant and sealing as described above with reference to <FIG> are optionally performed by a specific machine suitable for this purpose.

<FIG> also shows a pack <NUM> which contains refrigerant fluid, and appears thicker than a SAM pack <NUM>.

In some embodiments the optional pressurization component <NUM> is a piston for providing pressure to the refrigerant fluid.

In some embodiments the plunger <NUM> and needle <NUM> are optionally components of a syringe.

In some embodiments the sealer <NUM> is a heat sealer, optionally solenoid operated or piston operated.

In some embodiments the machine <NUM> uses tap water as a refrigerant fluid, the tap water typically provided at a pressure of <NUM>-<NUM> bars. In some embodiments the machine <NUM> uses tap water as a refrigerant fluid, and does not include a tank <NUM>.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a SAM pack, and <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a pack which has been injected with refrigerant fluid, according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a SAM pack <NUM>. The SAM pack <NUM> may include all seams at the edges of the SAM pack <NUM>, or some seams, such as a top seam <NUM>, somewhat inward from an edge <NUM> of the SAM pack <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a refrigerant pack <NUM>, which is the SAM pack <NUM> after a hole <NUM> has been made in the SAM pack <NUM>, refrigerant fluid has been injected into the pack, and the refrigerant fluid filled pack has optionally been sealed by a seam <NUM> which seals off a section of the refrigerant pack <NUM> which includes the hole <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the hole <NUM> is made in a body of the SAM pack <NUM>, inward of the seam <NUM>. In some embodiments, where a seam of the SAM pack <NUM> is at an edge of the SAM pack, the hole is inward of the edge <NUM>.

In some embodiments the refrigerant pack <NUM> is optionally sealed by the seam <NUM> located between a body of the refrigerant pack <NUM>, containing all or most of the SAM and refrigerant fluid, and the hole <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a SAM pack <NUM>, with a first seam <NUM> for example at a bottom of the SAM pack <NUM>, and a second seam <NUM>, for example at a top of the SAM pack1002.

In some embodiments the second seam <NUM> optionally includes at least a portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM> in a crescent shape, for an injector to inject refrigerant fluid into the SAM pack <NUM> in a vicinity of the crescent shaped portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a pack <NUM> with the first seam <NUM> and the second seam <NUM>, which is the SAM pack <NUM> after a hole <NUM> has been made in the SAM pack <NUM>, refrigerant fluid has been injected into the SAM pack <NUM>, and the refrigerant fluid filled pack has been sealed by a seam <NUM> which seals off a section of the pack <NUM> which includes the hole <NUM>.

It is noted that <FIG> describe a seam shape, regardless of whether that seam is at a top, bottom, or left or right side of a pack.

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which is a simplified illustration of a pack including a seam design according to an example embodiment of the invention.

<FIG> shows a pack <NUM>, with a bottom seam <NUM> and a top seam <NUM>. When the pack contains SAM the seam <NUM> is optionally not sealed along a portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>, or sealed weakly, as defined elsewhere herein, along the portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>.

Refrigerant fluid is optionally injected through a location <NUM> which is located above a line of the seam <NUM>, next to the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>. Following the injection, the pack <NUM> is optionally sealed.

In some embodiments the optional sealing is optionally performed along a line <NUM>. In some embodiments the line <NUM> is crescent shaped, sealing the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed at the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>, and/or along a straight line of the seam <NUM>, sealing the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed both at the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>, and along the line <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a pack <NUM>, with a bottom seam <NUM> and a top seam <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the pack contains SAM the seam <NUM> is optionally not sealed, or weakly sealed, along a portion <NUM>, or even all, of the top seam <NUM>.

Refrigerant fluid is optionally injected through a location <NUM> which is located above a line of the seam <NUM>, next to the not-sealed or weakly sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>. Following the injection, the pack <NUM> is optionally sealed.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed along a line of the seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed only along the not-sealed portion <NUM>. In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed along the entire seam <NUM>. In some embodiments the sealing is optionally along a line <NUM> parallel to the seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the pack contains SAM the seam <NUM> is sealed along all its length, Refrigerant fluid is optionally injected through a location 1028a which is located below a line of the seam <NUM>, and optionally sealed along a line <NUM> parallel to the seam <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a pack <NUM>, with a bottom seam <NUM> and a top seam <NUM>. When the pack contains SAM the seam <NUM> is optionally not sealed along a portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed along a line <NUM>. In some embodiments the line <NUM> is shaped to seal off the not-sealed portion <NUM>, by way of a non-limiting example by a rectangular-shaped seam <NUM>.

In some embodiments the sealing is optionally performed at the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>, or along a straight line of the seam <NUM>, sealing the not-sealed portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM>.

Additional notes about example embodiments.

Wherever sealing a pack is described in the present application and claims, the sealing may be performed by heat sealing and/or by gluing.

In some embodiments refrigerant fluid is added via a non-return valve.

Wherever SAM is described in the present application and claims, the absorbent material may be a Super Absorbent Material, SAP; or gelatin, or some other absorbent material. In some embodiments a preservative material, such as, by way of some non-limiting examples a microorganism growth retardant material and/or potassium sorbate is added to the SAM.

Wherever a refrigerant fluid is described in the present application and claims, the refrigerant fluid may be water, de-salinated water, treated water, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and/or a mixture thereof.

Parameters for cold pack dispensing include, by way of some non-limiting examples:.

In some embodiments, pack temperature is kept above a specific temperature, so as not to harm products with which the pack is placed.

In some embodiments, pack temperature is kept above freezing. In some embodiments, pack temperature is cooled to freezing, and the pack is not frozen. In some embodiments, pack temperature is cooled to freezing, and the pack is also frozen, potentially enabling more cooling using the latent heat of melting. In some embodiments, pack temperature is cooled to below freezing.

In some embodiments, pack temperature is made as low as possible, to maintain cold for a longer time than higher temperatures.

In some embodiments, a pack size is selected to be large, to maintain cold for a longer time than a smaller pack. In some embodiments, a number of packs to be used in packaging product(s) is selected to be more than one, optionally many more than one, to maintain cold for a longer time than one pack or a smaller number of packs.

In some embodiments the packs optionally provide cooling action over a period of hours, and even days, for example <NUM> day, <NUM> days, <NUM> days, up to <NUM> days or even <NUM> days.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of <NUM> degrees Celsius is selected, for use in packaging with some products, such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, pharmaceuticals and/or groceries which are to be kept cold but not frozen.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of <NUM> degrees Celsius, and not frozen, is selected, for use in packaging with some products. Such a cold pack will provide a cooling effect for a shorter period of time than a <NUM> degrees Celsius and yet frozen cold pack. Such a cold pack potentially does not freeze a product with which it is packaged.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of <NUM> degrees and frozen is selected, for use in packaging with some products. Such a cold pack will provide a cooling effect for a longer period of time than a cold pack at <NUM> degrees Celsius and not frozen.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of -<NUM> degrees Celsius is selected, for use in packaging with some products, such as, by way of a non-limiting example, some pharmaceuticals.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of -<NUM> degrees Celsius is selected, for use in packaging with some groceries. Such a temperature potentially reproduces temperature of some household freezers.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of -<NUM> degrees Celsius is selected, for use in packaging with some frozen products, by way of a non-limiting example such as meat.

In some embodiments, a cold pack temperature of -<NUM> degrees Celsius is selected, for use in packaging with frozen products which may spend a long time in transit.

In some embodiments, a cold pack size is selected to be large, to maintain cold for a longer time than a smaller pack. In some embodiments, a number or quantity of packs to be used in packaging product(s) is selected to be more than one, optionally many more than one, to maintain cold for a longer time than one pack or a smaller number of packs.

In some embodiments goods packing parameters defining an optional cold pack request are translated to machine operation parameters or instructions.

In some embodiments the cold pack request is translated, via a look-up table, to a number and/or temperature and/or size of cold packs and/or other cold pack parameters as described herein.

The look-up table optionally includes one or more input parameters such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, weight, volume, type of goods, insulation properties of a packing box and/or type of box, expected time of goods staying in the box during shipment to destination.

The look-up table optionally includes one or more output parameters such as, by way of some non-limiting examples, temperature, size of cold pack, number of cold packs, cooling blower operating intensity or setting.

In some embodiments the cold pack request is translated, by calculation, to a number and/or temperature and/or size of cold packs and/or other cold pack parameters as described herein. The calculation may be based on estimated heat retention and/or dissipation properties of the goods in a box and of the box.

In some embodiments, a cold pack machine is optionally empty of cold packs when a request for cold packs at a specific temperature arrives. In some embodiments, the cold pack machine manufactures a number of cold packs per the request, at the temperature requested.

In some embodiments, a cold pack machine optionally already contains cold packs at a first temperature when a request for additional cold packs at the first specific temperature arrives, and the cold pack machine dispenses a requested number of cold packs at the first requested temperature.

In some embodiments, a cold pack machine optionally already contains cold packs at a first temperature when a request for additional cold packs at a second, warmer temperature arrives. The cold pack machine optionally warms the requested number of cold packs to the requested second temperature and optionally dispenses the requested number of cold packs at the second requested temperature. In some embodiments the warming is by blowing warm air instead of cold air through a cold pack refrigerating section of the cold pack machine, optionally controlling the desired temperature and halting the warming when the second temperature is reached.

In some embodiments, a cold pack machine optionally already contains cold packs at a first temperature when a request for additional cold packs at a second, colder temperature arrives. The cold pack machine optionally refrigerates the requested number of cold packs to the requested second temperature and optionally dispenses the requested number of cold packs at the second requested temperature. In some embodiments the refrigeration is by blowing more cold air, and/or colder air, through a cold pack refrigerating section of the cold pack machine, optionally controlling the desired temperature and halting the refrigeration when the second temperature is reached.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant absorbent materials will be developed and the scope of the terms "absorbent material" and SAM are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant refrigerant fluids will be developed and the scope of the term refrigerant fluid is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of" is intended to mean "including and limited to".

For example, the term "a unit" or "at least one unit" may include a plurality of units, including combinations thereof.

The words "example" and "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as an "example or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from <NUM> to <NUM> should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM>, from <NUM> to <NUM> etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for dispensing a refrigerant pack comprising:
a filling unit (<NUM>) for filling refrigerant fluid to an inside of a super absorbent material pack (SAM) thereby producing a refrigerant pack;
characterized by:
the filling unit (<NUM>) configured to inject the refrigerant fluid to an inside of a sealed super absorbent material pack (SAM) previously without refrigerant fluid inside;
the system comprising a syringe (<NUM>) for:
puncturing the super absorbent material pack (SAM); and
injecting the refrigerant fluid to the inside of the super absorbent material pack (SAM), thereby producing a refrigerant pack.