US3823567A - Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container - Google Patents

Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3823567A
US3823567A US00348183A US34818373A US3823567A US 3823567 A US3823567 A US 3823567A US 00348183 A US00348183 A US 00348183A US 34818373 A US34818373 A US 34818373A US 3823567 A US3823567 A US 3823567A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
heat transfer
heat
thermoelectric
inner frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00348183A
Inventor
L Corini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MELBRO CORP
Original Assignee
MELBRO CORP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MELBRO CORP filed Critical MELBRO CORP
Priority to US00348183A priority Critical patent/US3823567A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3823567A publication Critical patent/US3823567A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B21/00Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B21/02Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2321/00Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
    • F25B2321/02Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
    • F25B2321/025Removal of heat
    • F25B2321/0251Removal of heat by a gas
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators

Definitions

  • a container has an inner shell vacuum insulated from an insulated outer shell.
  • a removable cap is provided with thermoelectric temperature control means actuated by a circuit which provides for reverse polarity for reversing heat flow.
  • the thermoelectric means controls the temperature within the inner shell by making up the small heat transfer through the vacuum container construction.
  • This invention relates to a storage container of the type designed to maintain temperature within given parameters, and in particular, to a vacuum insulated container which utilizes principles of thermoelectrics to achieve controlled temperature within the container.
  • a vacuum is a perfect insulator with a heat transfer factor of zero. If it were possible to build a true vacuum container, that is, one vessel within another without any contact whatsoeverbetween the two vessels and with the space between them completely void (that is, a vacuum), any product placed inside the container would remain at its initial stable temperature indefinitely. Such a container, however, is impossible to build, because the inner container must contact the outer container for support. This is true even though the points of contact between the two containers are kept to a minimum and are only made with low conductor materials.
  • thermoelectrics in providing temperature control are well known. See for example US. Pat. No. 3,445,039, issued May 20, 1969, and the patents referenced therein. Thermoelectric modules provide an excellent means of temperature control.
  • thermoelectric modules to act as compensators for the very low rate of heat leakage.
  • I provide a means for controlling the temperature in a vacuum shipping container, comprising an insulated, vacuum shipping container having a thermoelectric module mounted to a heat transfer block attached to the lining of the cap on the container.
  • the thermoelectric module is mounted to a finned heat transfer means positioned in a frame on the cap which cooperates with a fan to blow air through the finned means and out through the frame of the cap.
  • the thermoelectric means is actuated by a circuit providing for reverse polarity which provides for either heating or cooling; the circuit also having means to operate from either a DC. or AC. current source.
  • thermoelectric system in accordance with this invention does not refrigerate or heat the product within the container, but rather monitors and compensates for the heat leakage defined generally as radiant and conductive heat loss or gain. Note in this regard that if the ambient temperature surrounding the container is less than the temperature of the product, heat will leak out of the container, and if the ambient temperature surrounding the container is greater than the temperature of the product, heat will leak into the container.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the rear-left sides of a container in accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention
  • FIG. 2 is a section taken as indicated by the lines and arrows 22 in FIG. I;
  • FIG. 3 is a foreshortened plan view taken as indicated by the lines and arrows 33 in FIG. 2.
  • the container is designated generally 10 and comprises an overall outer frame 12 made of a lightweight sheet material, such as steel.
  • the inner frame 14 and inner liner 16 are also made of a lightweight sheet material.
  • An insulating material is disposed between the outer frame 12 and the inner frame 14.
  • the inner liner 16 is spaced from the inner frame 14 by a plurality of spacers 18 which may be of any suitable material, such as rubber, and which are disposed in mating grooves in the liner and shell as clearly shown in FIG. 2.
  • the inner liner 16 and inner shell 14 are fixedly connected in sealed engagement with one another by any suitable means such as soldering or welding, so as to form a substantially hollow jacket surrounding the inner portion of the container. This hollow jacket is evacuated of air to form a vacuum barrier to heat transfer therethrough.
  • the cap is designated generally 20 in the figures and has an outer frame portion 22 spaced from an inner frame portion 24 with insulating material therebetween.
  • An inner shell 26 is provided spaced from the inner frame 24 and evacuated of air so as to form a vacuum shield against heat transfer.
  • a block of metallic material 28 suitably affixed to the inner frame 24 of the cap along an area which is depressed toward the inner liner 26.
  • the inner liner 26 is depressed toward the inner frame 24 along the same area as at 30, so that the liner and frame are joined or in engagement with one another along this area.
  • the block is in heat transfer relation with the frame 24 and also with the liner 26. Since the frame and liner are joined at their outer periphery as at 32, and since they engage the juncture of the frame and liner l4 and 16 respectively, as at 34, the
  • block 28 is in heat transfer relation with both frame and liner throughout the entire container. This is important, since heat transfer, while minimal, only occurs in a vacuum container at the juncture of the liner with the supporting structure.
  • thermoelectric modules 36 and 38 Suitably mounted to the block of heat conductive material 28 are a plurality of thermoelectric modules 36 and 38. These modules are adequately described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,039 previously referred to and as stated therein possess numerous advantages over mechanical refrigeration. One of these advantages is that there are no moving parts necessary in order to obtain cooling or heating. The basic theory behind the thermoelectric module is that the passage of electric current through a metallic thermocouple results in a transfer in heat from one metal to the other.
  • Finned heat sinks are known in the refrigeration art and comprise a flat plate 42 having mounted thereon at right angles therefrom a plurality of thin flat plates 44 arranged in parallel planes.
  • a DC. current is passed through the thermoelectric module to cool the metallic material 28 and the inner liners l6 and 26. Heat is dissipated through the finned heat sink 40.
  • a fan 46 which draws air across the fins 44 to remove the heat.
  • the cover 48 is provided with air inlet louvers 50 and an outlet grill 52 covering the fan. Air, therefore, passes as shown by the arrows directly from the outside, through the heat sink 40, and out through the grill 52. In doing so it removes heat from the fins 44.
  • the DC current polarity is reversed and heat is pumped into the liners l6 and 26 through the material 28.
  • the lid or cap of the container is suitably formed of thin sheet metallic material and filled with polyurethane insulation as previously described.
  • a plurality of cam catches 54 are provided equally spaced about the lid and a seal 56 is provided around the entire margin.
  • the device contains an A.C. input marked in FIG. 1, and a DC. input also marked in FIG. 1, which, through suitable transformers and wiring, and whatever other circuitry is necessary, are connected to the thermoelectric modules 36 and 38 as for example, by the wire 60, FIG. 1.
  • Thermostatic controls are also well known in the art and form no part of the present invention. Accordingly, none of the electrical parts of the invention will be described herein. See for example, the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,991,628, 3,351,233, 3,480,015, 3,220,198, 3,111,166, and 2,276,835.
  • the user determines whether the container is to operate in a hot or cold environment, and then adjusts the polarity accordingly.
  • the corresponding thermostat, hot or cold is then set at the desired control temperature.
  • the system as above described and explained provides an efficient and reliable method and apparatus for controlling cooling or heating to a vacuum shipping container, from either an A.C. or DC. source. It is thus possible with minimal energy input, to maintain the temperature in the vacuum shipping container, since the make-up energy input need only be sufficient to overcome the leakage.
  • the method of making this device comprises the steps of providing an insulated vacuum container, providing a heat conductive material in heat transfer relation to the liner of said container and then providing a thermoelectric controlled temperature means in heat transfer relation to said heat conductive material.
  • the thermoelectric vacuum shipping container in accordance with the present invention will maintain the product in the container at the temperature it was when placed within the container for as long as the thermoelectric unit is energized with DC. current. In transit, this DC.
  • the DC. current can be supplied directly from the generator of the vehicle within which the container is disposed.
  • the DC. current can be supplied from a stationary storage battery or from an A.C. current through a power converter.
  • Such converters are well known in the art and it is within the scope of this invention to place such a converter within the container, such as for example, in the base of the container. 1
  • a controlled temperature compensating vacuum storage container comprising: an outer frame; an inner frame spaced from said outer frame; insulating material disposed between said frames to insulate one from the other; an inner liner connected to said inner frame and forming therewith a vacuum chamber; a removable cap having outer and inner frame members and insulation disposed between said members to insulate one from the other, and an inner liner engaging said inner frame and forming a vacuum chamber therewith; said cap engaging said first mentioned vacuum chamber along the line formed by said first mentioned inner liner and said first mentioned inner frame so as to be in heat transfer relation therewith; the inner liner and inner frame portions of said cap engaging each other along an area intermediate their periphery of contact and having a block of heat conductive material mounted in heat transfer relation thereto within said area; thermoelectric controlled temperature means mounted in heat transfer relation to said block of material and exposed to the environment outside of said container to comtion to said block of material and heat sink means pensate for the heat lost through the points of contact mounted in heat transfer relation to a second portion between said liners
  • thermoelectric module mounted in heat transfer rela-

Abstract

A container has an inner shell vacuum insulated from an insulated outer shell. A removable cap is provided with thermoelectric temperature control means actuated by a circuit which provides for reverse polarity for reversing heat flow. The thermoelectric means controls the temperature within the inner shell by making up the small heat transfer through the vacuum container construction.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Corini [451 July 16,1974
[ THERMOELECTRIC-VACUUM SHIPPING CONTAINER [75] Inventor: Louis J. Corini, Philadelphia, Pa.
[73] Assignee; Melbro Corporation, Philadelphia,
[22] Filed: Apr. 5, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 348,183
[52] US. Cl. 62/3, 62/268 [51] Int. Cl. F25b 21/02 [58] Field of Search 62/3, 268
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,532,016 3/1925 Wright 62/268 1,636,322 7/1927 OLeary 62/268 2,000,882 5/1935 Comstock 62/268 2,991,628 7/1961 Tuck 62/3 3,078,682 2/1963 Gould 62/3 3,111,166 11/1963 62/3 3,178,896 4/1965 Sandsto 62/3 3,194,023 7/1965 Sudmeier 62/3 3,220,198 11/1965 Muller 62/3 Primary Examiner-William J. Wye Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Paul & Paul [5 7 ABSTRACT A container has an inner shell vacuum insulated from an insulated outer shell. A removable cap is provided with thermoelectric temperature control means actuated by a circuit which provides for reverse polarity for reversing heat flow. The thermoelectric means controls the temperature within the inner shell by making up the small heat transfer through the vacuum container construction.
1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figures PAIENTED Jun 6 I974 SHEET 1 OF 2 THERMOELECTRIC-VACUUM SHIPPING CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a storage container of the type designed to maintain temperature within given parameters, and in particular, to a vacuum insulated container which utilizes principles of thermoelectrics to achieve controlled temperature within the container.
It is, at times, desirable to maintain the temperature of products, both while they are being transported, say for example, in a train, and while they are being stored, for example, just prior to shipment or prior to being delivered. It is known to use vacuum containers to transport materials at relatively constant temperatures. However, the construction of such containers is such that there is some leakage heat transfer through the structure supporting the inner shell. This is unacceptable where the goods are in transit for several days.
In theory, a vacuum is a perfect insulator with a heat transfer factor of zero. If it were possible to build a true vacuum container, that is, one vessel within another without any contact whatsoeverbetween the two vessels and with the space between them completely void (that is, a vacuum), any product placed inside the container would remain at its initial stable temperature indefinitely. Such a container, however, is impossible to build, because the inner container must contact the outer container for support. This is true even though the points of contact between the two containers are kept to a minimum and are only made with low conductor materials.
The principles of thermoelectrics in providing temperature control are well known. See for example US. Pat. No. 3,445,039, issued May 20, 1969, and the patents referenced therein. Thermoelectric modules provide an excellent means of temperature control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the present invention I solve the problem of heat leakage by utilizing thermoelectric modules to act as compensators for the very low rate of heat leakage.
I provide a means for controlling the temperature in a vacuum shipping container, comprising an insulated, vacuum shipping container having a thermoelectric module mounted to a heat transfer block attached to the lining of the cap on the container. The thermoelectric module is mounted to a finned heat transfer means positioned in a frame on the cap which cooperates with a fan to blow air through the finned means and out through the frame of the cap. The thermoelectric means is actuated by a circuit providing for reverse polarity which provides for either heating or cooling; the circuit also having means to operate from either a DC. or AC. current source. The thermoelectric system in accordance with this invention does not refrigerate or heat the product within the container, but rather monitors and compensates for the heat leakage defined generally as radiant and conductive heat loss or gain. Note in this regard that if the ambient temperature surrounding the container is less than the temperature of the product, heat will leak out of the container, and if the ambient temperature surrounding the container is greater than the temperature of the product, heat will leak into the container.
Accordingly, it is an object of my invention to provide a new and novel vacuum shipping container having better temperature controls than that of prior art devices, by compensating for heat leakage.
It is a further object of this invention to produce such a'container which will provide the desirable results at minimal energy input.
This and other objects of my invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the rear-left sides of a container in accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention;
FIG. 2 is a section taken as indicated by the lines and arrows 22 in FIG. I; and
FIG. 3 is a foreshortened plan view taken as indicated by the lines and arrows 33 in FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although specific forms of the invention have been selected for illustration in the drawings, and the following description is drawn in specific terms for the purpose of describing these forms of the invention, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.
.Referring to the figures, the container is designated generally 10 and comprises an overall outer frame 12 made of a lightweight sheet material, such as steel. The inner frame 14 and inner liner 16 are also made of a lightweight sheet material. An insulating material is disposed between the outer frame 12 and the inner frame 14. The inner liner 16 is spaced from the inner frame 14 by a plurality of spacers 18 which may be of any suitable material, such as rubber, and which are disposed in mating grooves in the liner and shell as clearly shown in FIG. 2. The inner liner 16 and inner shell 14 are fixedly connected in sealed engagement with one another by any suitable means such as soldering or welding, so as to form a substantially hollow jacket surrounding the inner portion of the container. This hollow jacket is evacuated of air to form a vacuum barrier to heat transfer therethrough.
It is apparent from the prior art that there is some heat transfer even in a vacuum container, in that wherever the inner liner engages or is supported by the outer frame or inner frame of the container there will be a path for the transfer of heat. In the present invention I compensate for this slight leakage of heat by providing a specially designed cap with a thermoelectric temperature control means. The cap is designated generally 20 in the figures and has an outer frame portion 22 spaced from an inner frame portion 24 with insulating material therebetween. An inner shell 26 is provided spaced from the inner frame 24 and evacuated of air so as to form a vacuum shield against heat transfer. Centrally located in the cap 20 is a block of metallic material 28 suitably affixed to the inner frame 24 of the cap along an area which is depressed toward the inner liner 26. The inner liner 26 is depressed toward the inner frame 24 along the same area as at 30, so that the liner and frame are joined or in engagement with one another along this area. Thus, the block is in heat transfer relation with the frame 24 and also with the liner 26. Since the frame and liner are joined at their outer periphery as at 32, and since they engage the juncture of the frame and liner l4 and 16 respectively, as at 34, the
block 28 is in heat transfer relation with both frame and liner throughout the entire container. This is important, since heat transfer, while minimal, only occurs in a vacuum container at the juncture of the liner with the supporting structure.
Suitably mounted to the block of heat conductive material 28 are a plurality of thermoelectric modules 36 and 38. These modules are adequately described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,039 previously referred to and as stated therein possess numerous advantages over mechanical refrigeration. One of these advantages is that there are no moving parts necessary in order to obtain cooling or heating. The basic theory behind the thermoelectric module is that the passage of electric current through a metallic thermocouple results in a transfer in heat from one metal to the other.
To aid in this heat transfer process I have provided a finned heat sink 40. Finned heat sinks are known in the refrigeration art and comprise a flat plate 42 having mounted thereon at right angles therefrom a plurality of thin flat plates 44 arranged in parallel planes.
To maintain the temperature of the product when the ambient temperature surrounding the container is greater than the temperature of the product, a DC. current is passed through the thermoelectric module to cool the metallic material 28 and the inner liners l6 and 26. Heat is dissipated through the finned heat sink 40. To aid in this dissipation of heat, I have provided a fan 46 which draws air across the fins 44 to remove the heat. The cover 48 is provided with air inlet louvers 50 and an outlet grill 52 covering the fan. Air, therefore, passes as shown by the arrows directly from the outside, through the heat sink 40, and out through the grill 52. In doing so it removes heat from the fins 44.
To maintain the temperature of the product within the container when the ambient temperature surrounding the container is less than the product temperature, the DC current polarity is reversed and heat is pumped into the liners l6 and 26 through the material 28.
The lid or cap of the container is suitably formed of thin sheet metallic material and filled with polyurethane insulation as previously described. A plurality of cam catches 54 are provided equally spaced about the lid and a seal 56 is provided around the entire margin.
The electrical elements and circuitry necessary to achieve the desirable ends of my invention will not be described in detail, since the necessary circuitry is well known in the art. Suffice it to say for purposes of the present disclosure, that the device contains an A.C. input marked in FIG. 1, and a DC. input also marked in FIG. 1, which, through suitable transformers and wiring, and whatever other circuitry is necessary, are connected to the thermoelectric modules 36 and 38 as for example, by the wire 60, FIG. 1. Thermostatic controls are also well known in the art and form no part of the present invention. Accordingly, none of the electrical parts of the invention will be described herein. See for example, the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,991,628, 3,351,233, 3,480,015, 3,220,198, 3,111,166, and 2,276,835.
In practice, the user determines whether the container is to operate in a hot or cold environment, and then adjusts the polarity accordingly. The corresponding thermostat, hot or cold, is then set at the desired control temperature.
The system as above described and explained provides an efficient and reliable method and apparatus for controlling cooling or heating to a vacuum shipping container, from either an A.C. or DC. source. It is thus possible with minimal energy input, to maintain the temperature in the vacuum shipping container, since the make-up energy input need only be sufficient to overcome the leakage. The method of making this device comprises the steps of providing an insulated vacuum container, providing a heat conductive material in heat transfer relation to the liner of said container and then providing a thermoelectric controlled temperature means in heat transfer relation to said heat conductive material. The thermoelectric vacuum shipping container in accordance with the present invention will maintain the product in the container at the temperature it was when placed within the container for as long as the thermoelectric unit is energized with DC. current. In transit, this DC. current can be supplied directly from the generator of the vehicle within which the container is disposed. When the container is stored, the DC. current can be supplied from a stationary storage battery or from an A.C. current through a power converter. Such converters are well known in the art and it is within the scope of this invention to place such a converter within the container, such as for example, in the base of the container. 1
It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials and arrangement of parts which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims. For example, the type and amount of insulation surrounding the outer shell which is provided to further cut down or radiant leakage to the inner shell, can be varied in accordance with expected environmental conditions.
It will further be understood that the Abstract of the Disclosure set forth above is intended to provide a non-legal technical statement of the contents of the disclosure in compliance with the Rules of Practice of the United States Patent Office, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described and claimed herein.
What is claimed is:
l. A controlled temperature compensating vacuum storage container comprising: an outer frame; an inner frame spaced from said outer frame; insulating material disposed between said frames to insulate one from the other; an inner liner connected to said inner frame and forming therewith a vacuum chamber; a removable cap having outer and inner frame members and insulation disposed between said members to insulate one from the other, and an inner liner engaging said inner frame and forming a vacuum chamber therewith; said cap engaging said first mentioned vacuum chamber along the line formed by said first mentioned inner liner and said first mentioned inner frame so as to be in heat transfer relation therewith; the inner liner and inner frame portions of said cap engaging each other along an area intermediate their periphery of contact and having a block of heat conductive material mounted in heat transfer relation thereto within said area; thermoelectric controlled temperature means mounted in heat transfer relation to said block of material and exposed to the environment outside of said container to comtion to said block of material and heat sink means pensate for the heat lost through the points of contact mounted in heat transfer relation to a second portion between said liners and said inner frames, comprising of said module.
a thermoelectric module mounted in heat transfer rela-

Claims (1)

1. A controlled temperature compensating vacuum storage container comprising: an outer frame; an inner frame spaced from said outer frame; insulating material disposed between said frames to insulate one from the other; an inner liner connected to said inner frame and forming therewith a vacuum chamber; a removable cap having outer and inner frame members and insulation disposed between said members to insulate one from the other, and an inner liner engaging said inner frame and forming a vacuum chamber therewith; said cap engaging said first mentioned vacuum chamber along the line formed by said first mentioned inner liner and said first mentioned inner frame so as to be in heat transfer relation therewith; the inner liner and inner frame portions of said cap engaging each other along an area intermediate their periphery of contact and having a block of heat conductive material mounted in heat transfer relation thereto within said area; thermoelectric controlled temperature means mounted in heat transfer relation to said block of material and exposed to the environment outside of said container to compensate for the heat lost through the points of contact between said liners and said inner frames, comprising a thermoelectric module mounted in heat transfer relation to said block of material and heat sink means mounted in heat transfer relation to a second portion of said module.
US00348183A 1973-04-05 1973-04-05 Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container Expired - Lifetime US3823567A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00348183A US3823567A (en) 1973-04-05 1973-04-05 Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00348183A US3823567A (en) 1973-04-05 1973-04-05 Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3823567A true US3823567A (en) 1974-07-16

Family

ID=23366950

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00348183A Expired - Lifetime US3823567A (en) 1973-04-05 1973-04-05 Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3823567A (en)

Cited By (58)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4007600A (en) * 1975-02-10 1977-02-15 Simms Larry L Icebox conversion unit
FR2435680A1 (en) * 1978-09-07 1980-04-04 David Georges Portable preserving enclosure typically refrigerator - has reversible thermo-electric elements to maintain temp. of refrigerated or heated compartment
US4287720A (en) * 1979-11-21 1981-09-08 Union Carbide Corporation Cryogenic liquid container
US4297850A (en) * 1979-12-26 1981-11-03 Koolatron Industries, Inc. Wall mounted thermoelectric refrigerator
US4300356A (en) * 1979-11-21 1981-11-17 Union Carbide Corporation Refrigeration storage assembly
US4320626A (en) * 1980-05-12 1982-03-23 Fogel Commercial Refrigerator Company Portable beverage chiller/warmer
US4326383A (en) * 1980-08-04 1982-04-27 Koolatron Industries, Ltd. Compact thermoelectric refrigerator
US4346562A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-08-31 Bipol Ltd. Thermoelectric device and process for making the same
US4593529A (en) * 1984-12-03 1986-06-10 Birochik Valentine L Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature and pressure of confined substances
US4726193A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-02-23 Burke Edward J Temperature controlled picnic box
US4738113A (en) * 1985-10-18 1988-04-19 The Cola-Cola Company Combination cooler and freezer for refrigerating containers and food in outer space
US4807441A (en) * 1987-07-17 1989-02-28 Allied-Signal Inc. Cooling system for a sealed enclosure
FR2621685A1 (en) * 1987-10-07 1989-04-14 Cauchois Jean Pierre Autonomous refrigerated containers for transporting blood, serum, etc.
EP0353671A2 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-07 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Cooling apparatus
US5287702A (en) * 1992-05-15 1994-02-22 Preferred Co2 Systems, Inc. Carbon dioxide storage with thermoelectric cooling for fire suppression systems
US5315830A (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-05-31 Marlow Industries, Inc. Modular thermoelectric assembly
US5367890A (en) * 1993-07-13 1994-11-29 Marlow Industries, Inc. Integrated thermoelectric system with full/half wave rectifier control
US5398510A (en) * 1994-01-12 1995-03-21 Marlow Industries, Inc. Superinsulation panel with thermoelectric device and method
US5483799A (en) * 1994-04-29 1996-01-16 Dalto; Michael Temperature regulated specimen transporter
US5501076A (en) * 1993-04-14 1996-03-26 Marlow Industries, Inc. Compact thermoelectric refrigerator and module
US5505046A (en) * 1994-01-12 1996-04-09 Marlow Industrie, Inc. Control system for thermoelectric refrigerator
US5522216A (en) * 1994-01-12 1996-06-04 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric refrigerator
US5572872A (en) * 1994-08-15 1996-11-12 Hlavacek; Robert A. Liquid cooling, storing and dispensing device
US5576512A (en) * 1994-08-05 1996-11-19 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric apparatus for use with multiple power sources and method of operation
US5605047A (en) * 1994-01-12 1997-02-25 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. Enclosure for thermoelectric refrigerator and method
US5650904A (en) * 1994-02-08 1997-07-22 Marlow Industries, Inc. Fault tolerant thermoelectric device circuit
US5737923A (en) * 1995-10-17 1998-04-14 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric device with evaporating/condensing heat exchanger
WO1999027312A1 (en) * 1997-11-24 1999-06-03 Isosafe Limited Container
US5927085A (en) * 1997-08-07 1999-07-27 Waldman; Joseph Commercially viable counter-top beverage dispenser with passive thermal insulation
US6141969A (en) * 1998-03-10 2000-11-07 Rover Group Limited Beverage vessel holder
US6308519B1 (en) 2000-03-16 2001-10-30 George Bielinski Thermoelectric cooling system
US6619045B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-09-16 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with improved cold air distribution
US6625991B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-09-30 Delta T, Llc Space saving food chiller
US6651445B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-11-25 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with ductless air circulation
US6658858B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-12-09 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with enclosing air duct system (SE-2)
US20040025517A1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2004-02-12 Ching Fong Console heating and cooling apparatus
US6763665B2 (en) 2002-07-10 2004-07-20 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with optimized air flow
US20040177624A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2004-09-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator having display
US20050097912A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with television
US20060175355A1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-10 Glucksman Dov Z Beverage dispenser
US7308796B1 (en) 2005-06-03 2007-12-18 Eager Jacob P Fruit refrigerator
US7975881B1 (en) 2005-02-09 2011-07-12 Appliance Development Corporation Beverage dispenser
US20140020406A1 (en) * 2005-08-04 2014-01-23 Eic Solutions, Inc. Thermoelectrically air conditioned transit case
US20170122627A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-04 Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz Gmbh Vacuum Damping Element With A Thermoelectric Element
US20170131001A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-11 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh Thermoelectrically cooled or heated container
US20170131000A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-11 Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz Gmbh Temperature-Controlled Container
US9668510B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2017-06-06 Marthinus Hendrik Doman Cooler with vacuum pump
US20180206550A1 (en) * 2015-07-20 2018-07-26 Imperial Industries Sa Container system with a controlled environment
US10288355B2 (en) * 2017-07-05 2019-05-14 Noren Products Inc. Heat exchanger assemblies and methods for cooling the interior of an enclosure
DE102018101104A1 (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-10-10 Zdravko Šerek Movable transport unit with coolable interior and loading area for the transport unit
AU2016373207B2 (en) * 2015-12-15 2020-07-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Vacuum insulator in a storehouse and methods of making and using the same
EP3699532A1 (en) * 2019-02-25 2020-08-26 LG Electronics Inc. Entrance refrigerator
US10852047B2 (en) 2018-04-19 2020-12-01 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US10989466B2 (en) 2019-01-11 2021-04-27 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US11118827B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2021-09-14 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11162716B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2021-11-02 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11668508B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2023-06-06 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11906210B1 (en) * 2023-03-15 2024-02-20 Xiamen Godzilla Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. Refrigeration and insulation bag

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1532016A (en) * 1922-10-12 1925-03-31 James W Wright Thermally-insulated picnic box
US1636322A (en) * 1924-08-28 1927-07-19 Joseph R Pumphrey Vacuum wall receptacle
US2000882A (en) * 1928-09-07 1935-05-07 Stator Refrigeration Inc Insulating housing
US2991628A (en) * 1959-09-15 1961-07-11 Gen Motors Corp Refrigerating apparatus
US3078682A (en) * 1961-05-29 1963-02-26 Gen Motors Corp Thermoelectric refrigerating apparatus
US3111166A (en) * 1961-04-13 1963-11-19 Gen Electric Portable heating and cooling appliance
US3178896A (en) * 1964-04-06 1965-04-20 Bjorn P Sandsto Beer keg cooler
US3194023A (en) * 1963-03-20 1965-07-13 Gustav H Sudmeier Thermo-electric refrigerator unit
US3220198A (en) * 1961-01-19 1965-11-30 Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh Thermoelectric refrigerating appliances

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1532016A (en) * 1922-10-12 1925-03-31 James W Wright Thermally-insulated picnic box
US1636322A (en) * 1924-08-28 1927-07-19 Joseph R Pumphrey Vacuum wall receptacle
US2000882A (en) * 1928-09-07 1935-05-07 Stator Refrigeration Inc Insulating housing
US2991628A (en) * 1959-09-15 1961-07-11 Gen Motors Corp Refrigerating apparatus
US3220198A (en) * 1961-01-19 1965-11-30 Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh Thermoelectric refrigerating appliances
US3111166A (en) * 1961-04-13 1963-11-19 Gen Electric Portable heating and cooling appliance
US3078682A (en) * 1961-05-29 1963-02-26 Gen Motors Corp Thermoelectric refrigerating apparatus
US3194023A (en) * 1963-03-20 1965-07-13 Gustav H Sudmeier Thermo-electric refrigerator unit
US3178896A (en) * 1964-04-06 1965-04-20 Bjorn P Sandsto Beer keg cooler

Cited By (78)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4007600A (en) * 1975-02-10 1977-02-15 Simms Larry L Icebox conversion unit
FR2435680A1 (en) * 1978-09-07 1980-04-04 David Georges Portable preserving enclosure typically refrigerator - has reversible thermo-electric elements to maintain temp. of refrigerated or heated compartment
US4287720A (en) * 1979-11-21 1981-09-08 Union Carbide Corporation Cryogenic liquid container
US4300356A (en) * 1979-11-21 1981-11-17 Union Carbide Corporation Refrigeration storage assembly
US4297850A (en) * 1979-12-26 1981-11-03 Koolatron Industries, Inc. Wall mounted thermoelectric refrigerator
US4320626A (en) * 1980-05-12 1982-03-23 Fogel Commercial Refrigerator Company Portable beverage chiller/warmer
US4326383A (en) * 1980-08-04 1982-04-27 Koolatron Industries, Ltd. Compact thermoelectric refrigerator
US4346562A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-08-31 Bipol Ltd. Thermoelectric device and process for making the same
US4593529A (en) * 1984-12-03 1986-06-10 Birochik Valentine L Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature and pressure of confined substances
US4738113A (en) * 1985-10-18 1988-04-19 The Cola-Cola Company Combination cooler and freezer for refrigerating containers and food in outer space
US4726193A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-02-23 Burke Edward J Temperature controlled picnic box
US4807441A (en) * 1987-07-17 1989-02-28 Allied-Signal Inc. Cooling system for a sealed enclosure
FR2621685A1 (en) * 1987-10-07 1989-04-14 Cauchois Jean Pierre Autonomous refrigerated containers for transporting blood, serum, etc.
EP0353671A2 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-02-07 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Cooling apparatus
EP0353671A3 (en) * 1988-08-01 1990-04-25 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Cooling apparatus
US5070701A (en) * 1988-08-01 1991-12-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Cooling apparatus
US5287702A (en) * 1992-05-15 1994-02-22 Preferred Co2 Systems, Inc. Carbon dioxide storage with thermoelectric cooling for fire suppression systems
US5367879A (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-11-29 Marlow Industries, Inc. Modular thermoelectric assembly
US5315830A (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-05-31 Marlow Industries, Inc. Modular thermoelectric assembly
US5501076A (en) * 1993-04-14 1996-03-26 Marlow Industries, Inc. Compact thermoelectric refrigerator and module
US5367890A (en) * 1993-07-13 1994-11-29 Marlow Industries, Inc. Integrated thermoelectric system with full/half wave rectifier control
US5398510A (en) * 1994-01-12 1995-03-21 Marlow Industries, Inc. Superinsulation panel with thermoelectric device and method
US5505046A (en) * 1994-01-12 1996-04-09 Marlow Industrie, Inc. Control system for thermoelectric refrigerator
US5522216A (en) * 1994-01-12 1996-06-04 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric refrigerator
US5605047A (en) * 1994-01-12 1997-02-25 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp. Enclosure for thermoelectric refrigerator and method
US5650904A (en) * 1994-02-08 1997-07-22 Marlow Industries, Inc. Fault tolerant thermoelectric device circuit
US5483799A (en) * 1994-04-29 1996-01-16 Dalto; Michael Temperature regulated specimen transporter
US5576512A (en) * 1994-08-05 1996-11-19 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric apparatus for use with multiple power sources and method of operation
US5572872A (en) * 1994-08-15 1996-11-12 Hlavacek; Robert A. Liquid cooling, storing and dispensing device
US5737923A (en) * 1995-10-17 1998-04-14 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric device with evaporating/condensing heat exchanger
US6003319A (en) * 1995-10-17 1999-12-21 Marlow Industries, Inc. Thermoelectric refrigerator with evaporating/condensing heat exchanger
US5927085A (en) * 1997-08-07 1999-07-27 Waldman; Joseph Commercially viable counter-top beverage dispenser with passive thermal insulation
WO1999027312A1 (en) * 1997-11-24 1999-06-03 Isosafe Limited Container
US6260360B1 (en) 1997-11-24 2001-07-17 Isosafe Limited Container
US6141969A (en) * 1998-03-10 2000-11-07 Rover Group Limited Beverage vessel holder
US6308519B1 (en) 2000-03-16 2001-10-30 George Bielinski Thermoelectric cooling system
US6763666B2 (en) * 2000-06-28 2004-07-20 Textron Automotive Company Inc. Console heating and cooling apparatus
US20040025517A1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2004-02-12 Ching Fong Console heating and cooling apparatus
US6651445B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-11-25 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with ductless air circulation
US6625991B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-09-30 Delta T, Llc Space saving food chiller
US6763665B2 (en) 2002-07-10 2004-07-20 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with optimized air flow
US6619045B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-09-16 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with improved cold air distribution
US6658858B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-12-09 Delta T, Llc Food chiller with enclosing air duct system (SE-2)
US20040177624A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2004-09-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator having display
US7143599B2 (en) * 2003-03-10 2006-12-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator having display
US7155923B2 (en) * 2003-11-07 2007-01-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with television
US20050097912A1 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator with television
US7975881B1 (en) 2005-02-09 2011-07-12 Appliance Development Corporation Beverage dispenser
US20060175355A1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-10 Glucksman Dov Z Beverage dispenser
US7308796B1 (en) 2005-06-03 2007-12-18 Eager Jacob P Fruit refrigerator
US20140020406A1 (en) * 2005-08-04 2014-01-23 Eic Solutions, Inc. Thermoelectrically air conditioned transit case
US8978392B2 (en) * 2005-08-04 2015-03-17 Eic Solutions, Inc. Thermoelectrically air conditioned transit case
US9668510B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2017-06-06 Marthinus Hendrik Doman Cooler with vacuum pump
US20170122627A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-04 Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz Gmbh Vacuum Damping Element With A Thermoelectric Element
US20170131001A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-11 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh Thermoelectrically cooled or heated container
US20170131000A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2017-05-11 Liebherr-Hausgerate Lienz Gmbh Temperature-Controlled Container
US20180206550A1 (en) * 2015-07-20 2018-07-26 Imperial Industries Sa Container system with a controlled environment
US10899264B2 (en) 2015-12-15 2021-01-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Vacuum insulator in a storehouse and methods of making and using the same
US11603025B2 (en) 2015-12-15 2023-03-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Vacuum insulator in a storehouse and methods of making and using the same
AU2016373207B2 (en) * 2015-12-15 2020-07-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Vacuum insulator in a storehouse and methods of making and using the same
US10288355B2 (en) * 2017-07-05 2019-05-14 Noren Products Inc. Heat exchanger assemblies and methods for cooling the interior of an enclosure
US10935324B2 (en) 2017-07-05 2021-03-02 Noren Products Inc. Methods for cooling the interior of an enclosure
DE102018101104B4 (en) 2018-01-18 2024-02-22 Zdravko Šerek Movable transport unit with coolable interior and loading area for the transport unit
DE102018101104A1 (en) * 2018-01-18 2019-10-10 Zdravko Šerek Movable transport unit with coolable interior and loading area for the transport unit
US10941972B2 (en) 2018-04-19 2021-03-09 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US11067327B2 (en) 2018-04-19 2021-07-20 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US11927382B2 (en) 2018-04-19 2024-03-12 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US10852047B2 (en) 2018-04-19 2020-12-01 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US10989466B2 (en) 2019-01-11 2021-04-27 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler with active temperature control
US11525609B2 (en) 2019-02-25 2022-12-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Entrance refrigerator
EP3699532A1 (en) * 2019-02-25 2020-08-26 LG Electronics Inc. Entrance refrigerator
US11365926B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2022-06-21 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11466919B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2022-10-11 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11668508B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2023-06-06 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11719480B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2023-08-08 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable container
US11162716B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2021-11-02 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11118827B2 (en) 2019-06-25 2021-09-14 Ember Technologies, Inc. Portable cooler
US11906210B1 (en) * 2023-03-15 2024-02-20 Xiamen Godzilla Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. Refrigeration and insulation bag

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3823567A (en) Thermoelectric-vacuum shipping container
JPH0643662Y2 (en) Cooling system
US3194023A (en) Thermo-electric refrigerator unit
US3100969A (en) Thermoelectric refrigeration
US5315830A (en) Modular thermoelectric assembly
US3225549A (en) Thermoelectric cooling device
US413136A (en) dewey
US3733836A (en) Temperature controlled mobile cart
US3040539A (en) Refrigerating apparatus
US4671070A (en) Microgravity beverage can cooler
US5505046A (en) Control system for thermoelectric refrigerator
US2991628A (en) Refrigerating apparatus
US2749716A (en) Refrigeration
US5638896A (en) Cold-hot storage box with inert gas insulating jacket
US5642622A (en) Refrigerator with interior mounted heat pump
US4593529A (en) Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature and pressure of confined substances
US3111166A (en) Portable heating and cooling appliance
US3324667A (en) Refrigerator cabinet with thermoelectric cooling means
KR960014840A (en) Cryogenic Chiller to Chill Coolant
WO1995019532A1 (en) Superinsulation panel with thermoelectric device and method
US2964912A (en) Refrigerating apparatus including supplemental refrigerating means
US3209547A (en) Thermoelectric refrigerator and method and heat dissipating surface
US2996889A (en) Refrigerating apparatus
US2973627A (en) Thermoelectric heat pump
US3402561A (en) Refrigerating apparatus