U.S. patent application number 11/708847 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for method and device for the transportation of temperature sensitive materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to HealthCare Products International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gerald H. Wilson.
Application Number | 20070193297 11/708847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38437999 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Gerald H. |
August 23, 2007 |
Method and device for the transportation of temperature sensitive
materials
Abstract
A temperature sensitive material is transported in an insulated
container. The temperature sensitive material is enclosed in an
insulated container comprising a double wall container. The
container has a front wall a rear wall, two side walls, and a
bottom wall, and insulation material in each of the regions between
the double walls of said front wall, said rear wall, said two side
walls, and the bottom wall. A double wall container cover has
insulation material in the cover's double walls. A releasable hinge
is provided and the container cover is releasably secured to the
double wall container. A temperature sensing system is provided for
monitoring the temperature within the container. The monitored
temperature is stored in a temperature history database.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Gerald H.;
(Batesville, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sheldon Parker;Parker Intellectual Property Law Offices
536 Pantops Center #234
Charlottesville
VA
22911
US
|
Assignee: |
HealthCare Products International,
Inc.
Charlottesville
VA
|
Family ID: |
38437999 |
Appl. No.: |
11/708847 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60774603 |
Feb 21, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/371 ; 62/126;
62/457.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D
2303/0845 20130101; F25D 2400/12 20130101; F25D 29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/371 ;
62/457.2; 62/126 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00; F25D 3/08 20060101 F25D003/08 |
Claims
1. An insulated container for minimizing heat transfer between a
temperature sensitive material and the environment through which
the temperature sensitive materials are being transported,
comprising a double wall container; said container having a front
wall, a rear wall, two side walls, and a bottom wall, insulation
material in each of the regions between the double walls of said
front wall, said rear wall, said two side walls, and said bottom
wall, a double wall container cover, insulation material in said
container's cover's double walls, releasable hinge member, said
container cover being releasably secured to said double wall
container by said releasable hinge means, and a temperature sensing
system.
2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said temperature
sensing system comprises means for monitoring the temperature
within said container, a temperature data recording member, and a
database containing stored monitored temperature data.
3. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising wireless
transmitter for transmitting monitored temperature data.
4. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said container cover
is filled with a eutectic mixture having a freezing point below
that of water.
5. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said eutectic
mixture is CaCl.sub.2 and water.
6. The insulated container of claim 1, further comprising at least
four inserts dimensioned to fit within said insulated container and
having dimensions, in combination, equal to or slightly less than
the interior front, rear, and side wall dimensions of said
insulated container, and wherein said inserts are filled with a
eutectic mixture having a freezing point below that of water.
7. The insulated container of claim 6, wherein at least four of
said inserts have substantially equal dimensions, and in
combination, substantially match the interior wall dimensions of
said container.
8. The insulated container of claim 6, wherein said eutectic
mixture is CaCl.sub.2 and water.
9. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the spaces between
the double side walls of each of two opposing sides of said
container, and the rear double side walls are substantially uniform
and are free of wall recesses that protrude into said spaces
between the double side walls of each of two opposing sides of said
container, and the rear double side walls
10. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the front side of
said container has a shallow recess, and a temperature data display
and said wireless transmitter for transmitting monitored
temperature data unit is mounted in said shallow recess but is
otherwise free of wall recesses that protrude into said spaces
between the double front walls.
11. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said container has
a flange region upwardly extending from each side wall and forming
a "U"-shaped channel at the top of said container, said container
cover being positioned within said "U"-shaped channel.
12. The insulated container of claim 11, further comprising hand
holds formed in each of said flange regions.
13. The insulated container of claim 12, wherein said hand holds
comprise openings in said flange regions and have a convex
outwardly facing surface.
14. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein said releasable
hinge means comprises a cylindrical shaft member extended from
opposite sides of said cover, and a curved channel in each of said
flange regions said curved channel being open at the upper edge of
said flange regions, extend toward the rear edge of said flange
regions, and are closed at said rear edge, each cylindrical shaft
member being mounted for rotary movement in said curved channel,
and being removable from said curved recesses via the open upper
edge of said curved recesses.
15. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein said releasable
hinge means comprises a cylindrical shaft member projecting
inwardly from each of said flange regions, opposite sides of said,
and a curved channel in, said curved channels being open at the
lower edge of said cover, and extend toward the rear edge of said
cover, and being closed at said rear edge, each cylindrical shaft
member being mounted for rotary movement in said curved channel,
and being removable from said curved recesses via the open end of
said channel.
16. The insulated container of claim 14, further comprising means
to snap said cylindrical shaft members in place at the rear edges
of said flange regions.
17. The insulated container of claim 14, further comprising a
locking member for locking said cover to said container, when said
cover member is snapped in place at the rear edges of said flange
regions, whereby said locking member precludes the cover from being
removed from said container and prevents rotation of said cover
about said releasable hinge.
18. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the interior of
said container has an interior ridge proximate the upper edge of
the interior walls of said container, said ridge forming a
longitudinal channel to receive an interior lid member, and hold
said lid member in place, said lid member being a double wall
member filled with a eutectic mixture.
19. The insulated container of claim 18, wherein said cover forms a
rabbet joint with the open end of the walls of said insulated
container.
20. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said cover forms a
rabbet joint with the open end of the walls of said insulated
container.
21. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said cover upper
side and said container bottom wall have a mating recess and ridge,
said recess and said ridge having asymmetrical configurations,
whereby the cover of a first container mates with the bottom of
another container in only one configuration, such that the front
wall of said first container and the front wall of said another
container, lie in the same plane.
22. The insulated container of claim 14, further comprising at
least one flange on the upper surface of said cover, said at least
one flange being positioned and dimensioned to extend into the
rotational path of said cover and limit the degree of rotation of
said cover about said cylindrical shaft member.
23. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein said double walled
container and said double wall cover are blow-molded.
24. The insulated container of claim 11, wherein said flange
regions extend substantially from the front wall to the rear wall
of said container and from said container upper edge to the top of
said cover, when said cover is locked in place on said
container.
25. The insulated container of claim 7, wherein the width of each
of at least four inserts is at least one inch, and the width plus
the length of at least four inserts is equal to or slightly less
than the interior wall horizontal dimensions of said container.
26. The insulated container of claim 24, wherein the space between
the double side walls of each of two opposing sides of said
container, and the rear double side walls is substantially uniform
and are free of recesses, the front side of said container has a
shallow recess, and a temperature data display and said wireless
transmitter for transmitting monitored temperature data unit is
mounted in said shallow recess, said container has a flange region
upwardly extending from each side wall and forming a "U"-shaped
channel at the top of said container, said container cover being
positioned within said "U"-shaped channel, hand holds formed in
each of said flange regions, said hand holds comprising openings in
said flange regions and have a convex outwardly facing surface,
said releasable hinge means comprising a cylindrical shaft member
extending from opposite sides of said cover, and curved channels in
each of said flange regions, said curved channels being open at the
upper edge of said flange regions, and extending toward the rear
edge of said flange regions and being closed at said rear edge,
each cylindrical shaft member being mounted for rotary movement in
said curved channel, and being removable from said curved recesses
via the open upper edge of said curved recesses, a locking member
for locking said cover to said container, when said cover member is
snapped in place at the rear edges of said flange regions, whereby
said locking member precludes the cover from being removed from
said container and prevents rotation of said cover about said
releasable hinge, the interior of said container has an interior
ridge proximate the upper edge of the interior walls of said
container, having a ridge forming a longitudinal channel to receive
an interior lid member, and hold said lid member in place, said lid
member being a double wall member filled with a eutectic mixture,
said cover forming a rabbet joint with the open end of the walls of
said insulated container, said cover upper side and said container
bottom wall, have a mating recess and ridge, said recess and said
ridge having asymmetrical configurations, whereby the cover of a
first container mates with the bottom of another container in only
one configuration, such that the front wall of said first container
and the front wall of said another container, lie in the same
plane, said lock member being a pair of channels in said cover and
in said container front wall, said channels being aligned to
receive a locking device.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said monitored temperature data
is transmitted to a data receiver by a RF transmitter.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising maintaining said
temperature sensitive material a sub-ambient temperature by the
enthalpy fusion of a frozen eutectic mixture within the walls of
said container.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said eutectic mixture is
CaCl.sub.2 and water.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising maintaining said
temperature sensitive material at a stable temperature by means of
a high heat capacity mixture within the walls of said
container.
32. The method of claim 27, further comprising maintaining said
temperature sensitive material in a predetermined temperature range
within said container by enclosing said temperature sensitive
material within a padded, filled, pouch member sealed in the manner
of a quilt, said member being filled with a eutectic mixture.
33. The method of claim 27, further comprising maintaining said
temperature sensitive material in a predetermined temperature range
within said container by covering said temperature sensitive
material with a padded, filled, blanket member sealed in the manner
of a quilt, said member being filled with a eutectic mixture.
34. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of
wirelessly transmitting data in said temperature history database,
to a remote data receiver.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application 60/774,603, filed Feb. 21, 2006, for TRANSPORTATION OF
TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE MATERIALS, the disclosure of which is
incorporated hereby by reference as though recited in full.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the
transportation of temperature sensitive materials, and more
particularly, to a system of transporting temperature sensitive
materials, a method of transporting temperature sensitive
materials, devices for transporting temperature sensitive
materials, devices for maintaining the temperature sensitive
materials within a required range, and to the monitoring of thermal
history of the temperature sensitive materials that are
transported.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] There is a global need to ensure that every blood and organ
donation is processed to respond to human needs globally and within
the existing transportation conditions and requirements. The loss
of valuable donated blood supplies due to careless handling, and/or
poor packaging is estimated to be over 40%. This valuable donated
blood is lost either to processing failure, transport inadequacies,
carelessness, or even unintentional handling of materials as it
they are being readied for human use. The current transport
systems, however, fail to provide a comprehensive solution to the
need to be able to respond to dynamic changes and needs in the
transport industry to reduce these losses.
[0006] Temperature control is one of the most critical factors in
successful blood and organ transport. There is a need to replace
wet ice or dry ice, which is now restricted in air transport, with
another more efficient, and safe coolant, at low cost.
[0007] There is also a need to extend the time from 24 hours of
safe temperature control to five or more days of safe temperature
control. The longer time period would enable the global healthcare
industry to meet response time requirements in emergency, military,
and extraordinary civilian healthcare needs.
[0008] There is a need to protect valuable cargo, such as blood,
from the heat to which the vehicle or transport device in which is
its being shipped, while on the tarmac of an airport.
[0009] There is a need to maintain the valuable cargo within its
safe temperature range, while being transported in regions where
electricity is not readily available. Recent military actions in
the Middle East, the tsunami in Asia, the hurricane Katrina, and
the international interdependence of healthcare and disease control
all bring into focus the need for a "State of Art" transport
container for this critical supply.
[0010] Paste board or corrugated box constructions with polystyrene
and similar foam containers are cheap but have serious
environmental problems.
[0011] The 1950's beer cooler type of container filled with ice is
common used, especially for whole blood units transported to
aphaeresis centers that are typically in regional locations. There
is a need for a system that reduces the time consuming and messy
operation of loading ice and maintaining a stable temperature.
Additionally, it is difficult to assure the sterility of ice that
is used as the coolant.
[0012] Complex transport units that contain battery operated
controls for air flow, complex temperature monitors, and alarms are
expensive, cumbersome, and deliver small payloads.
[0013] A semi disposable foil laminated insulated container was
marketed that delivered 48 hours of temperature stability. The
product line also included a battery operated unit for platelet
transport up to 48 hours. The 48 hours of stabile control is
insufficient to meet many if not most of the requirements in the
global temperature sensitive transportation systems.
[0014] A sophisticated cooler is available with integrated
electronics capable of PC readout. While it is a good product that
provides about three secure days of storage time, it is very
expensive and three days of storage time falls short of the needs
of the industry.
SUMMARY
[0015] According to a first broad aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an insulated container for minimizing heat
transfer between temperature sensitive materials and the
environment through which the temperature sensitive materials are
being transported.
[0016] According to a second broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided packages of eutectic composition for use in maintaining
temperature sensitive material within a required temperature range,
during a period in which the temperature sensitive material is
being subjected to a combination of external physical conditions
that affect and influence temperature of the temperature sensitive
material.
[0017] According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a monitoring system for establishing a thermal history of
the temperature sensitive material that is being transported.
[0018] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided a transmitting system for transmitting to an external
receiver, thermal information relating to the temperature sensitive
material within a transportation container without exposing the
temperature sensitive material to external physical conditions that
affect and influence temperature or other physical properties of
the temperature sensitive material that is being transported.
[0019] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or relative information relating
to the temperature sensitive material.
[0020] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying specifics
about the temperature sensitive material that is being transported,
to preclude misidentifying the temperature sensitive material.
[0021] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided a wireless identification system for remotely
identifying the temperature sensitive material that is being
transported.
[0022] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or identifying other relative
information relating to the temperature sensitive material without
exposing the temperature sensitive material to ambient conditions,
and for remotely accessing the identification system data.
[0023] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or identifying other relative
information relating to the temperature sensitive material without
exposing the temperature sensitive material to ambient
conditions.
[0024] According to still another broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or relative information relating
to the temperature sensitive material, and for remotely accessing
the identification system data.
[0025] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or identifying other relative
information relating to the temperature sensitive material without
exposing the temperature sensitive material to external physical
conditions that affect and influence temperature of the temperature
sensitive material.
[0026] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided an identification system for identifying the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, for
identifying the container within which the temperature sensitive
material is being transported, and/or relative information relating
to the temperature sensitive material, and for remotely accessing
the identification system data.
[0027] According to a further broad aspect of the invention, there
is provided a system and structure for raising or lower the
temperature within the thermal barrier container within which the
temperature sensitive material that is being transported, without
exposing the temperature sensitive material to ambient
conditions.
[0028] According to a still another broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided a reusable system for use in maintaining
temperature sensitive material within a required temperature range,
during a period in which the temperature sensitive material is
being subjected to a combination of external physical conditions
that affect and influence temperature of the temperature sensitive
material.
[0029] According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided packages of disposable and/or replaceable containers of
eutectic or other compositions for use in maintaining temperature
sensitive material within a required temperature range, during a
period in which the temperature sensitive material is being
subjected to a combination of external physical conditions that
affect and influence temperature of the temperature sensitive
material.
[0030] According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided biologically safe reusable, disposable, and/or replaceable
containers of eutectic or other compositions for use in maintaining
temperature sensitive material within a required temperature range,
during a period in which the temperature sensitive material is
being subjected to a combination of external physical conditions
that affect and influence temperature of the temperature sensitive
material.
[0031] According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a biologically safe reusable highly insulation efficient
thermally insulating container for use in maintaining temperature
sensitive material within a required temperature range, during a
period in which the temperature sensitive material is being
subjected to a combination of external physical conditions that
affect and influence temperature of the temperature sensitive
material.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention an
insulated container is provided for minimizing heat transfer
between a temperature sensitive material and the environment
through which the temperature sensitive materials are being
transported. The container is a double wall container, having a
temperature sensing system, a front wall, a rear wall, two side
walls, and a bottom wall. The region between the double walls of
said front wall, said rear wall, said two side walls, and said
bottom wall, are filled with a thermal insulation material. A
double wall container cover is filled with insulation material and
has a releasable hinge member is releasably secured to the double
wall container by the releasable hinge.
[0033] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
temperature sensing system includes means for monitoring the
temperature within said container, includes a temperature data
recording member, and a database containing stored monitored
temperature data.
[0034] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
monitored temperature data is stored in a database and said data is
transmitted to a receiver by means of a wireless transmitter.
[0035] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the
container cover is filled with a eutectic mixture having a freezing
point below that of water.
[0036] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
container cover is filled with a eutectic mixture eutectic mixture
of CaCl.sub.2 and water.
[0037] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention at
least five inserts are positioned within the container, proximate
to the interior walls of the container. The inserts are dimensioned
to fit within the insulated container and have dimensions, in
combination, that are equal to or slightly less than the interior
dimensions of the insulated container. The inserts and are filled
with a eutectic mixture having a freezing point below that of
water. The eutectic mixture can be NaCl or CaCl.sub.2 and water, or
a similar liquid and solid mixture, or a mixture of two or more
liquids.
[0038] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention at
least four of the inserts have substantially equal dimensions, and
in combination, substantially match the interior wall dimensions of
said container.
[0039] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
space between the double side walls of each of two opposing sides
of the container, and the rear double side walls is substantially
uniform and free of recesses. Additionally, the front side of the
container has a shallow recess into which a temperature data
display member and a wireless transmitter for transmitting
monitored temperature data unit is mounted.
[0040] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the
spaces between the double side walls of each of two opposing sides
of said container, and the rear double side walls are substantially
uniform and free of recesses. Additionally, the front side of the
container has a shallow recess and a temperature data display
member and a wireless transmitter for transmitting monitored
temperature data unit mounted in the shallow recess. The
temperature display member can display data visually, or by
transmitting data to be displayed to a remote member that includes
a visual display.
[0041] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
container has a flange region that extends upwardly from each side
wall and forms a "U"-shaped channel at the top of the container.
The said container cover is positioned within the "U"-shaped
channel. Preferably, hand holds are formed in each of the flange
regions. The hand holds can comprise finger receiving openings in
the flange regions and can have a convex outwardly facing
surface.
[0042] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
releasable hinge means comprises a cylindrical shaft member
extended from opposite sides of said cover, and a curved channel in
each of said flange regions. The curved channels are open at the
upper edge of the flange regions, extend toward the rear edge of
the flange regions, and are closed at the rear edge. Each
cylindrical shaft member is mounted for rotary movement in the
curved channel, and is removable from the curved channels via the
open upper edge of said curved channel. The curved channels can be
in the form of an "L", with the short leg of the "L" having an open
end and the long leg of the "L" having a closed end.
[0043] In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention
the releasable hinge means comprises a cylindrical shaft member
projecting inwardly from each of the flange regions, and a curved
channel is provided in the side walls of the cover. The curved
channels are open at the lower edge of the cover, extend toward the
rear edge of the cover, and are closed at the rear edge. Each
cylindrical shaft member is mounted for rotary movement in a curved
channel, and is removable from the curved channels via the open end
of said channel. The curved channels can be in the form of an "L",
with the short leg of the "L" having an open end and the long leg
of the "L" having a closed end.
[0044] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention means
are provided to snap the cylindrical shaft members in place at the
rear, closed ends of the channels.
[0045] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention a
locking member is provided for locking the cover to the container,
when the cover member is in place within the "U" shaped channel and
the rear edges of the cover is at the rear edge of the flange
regions. The locking member precludes the cover from being removed
from said container by preventing rotation of the cover about said
releasable hinge.
[0046] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
interior of the container has an interior ridge proximate the upper
edge of the interior walls of the container, and the ridge forms a
longitudinal channel to receive an interior lid member, and hold
the lid member in place. Preferably, the lid member is a double
wall member filled with a eutectic mixture. The insulated container
cover preferably, forms a rabbet joint with the open end of the
walls of the insulated container.
[0047] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
cover upper side and the container bottom wall have a mating recess
and ridge. The recess and ridge have asymmetrical configurations,
such that the cover of a first container mates with the bottom of
another container in only one configuration, wherein the front wall
of the first container and the front wall of the another container,
lie in substantially the same plane.
[0048] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention at
least four insert members are dimensioned to fit within the
insulated container and have length, width, and height dimensions,
that in combination, are equal to or slightly less than the
interior wall dimensions of said insulated container. The inserts
are filled with a eutectic mixture having a freezing point below
that of water. The width of each of the at least four inserts is at
least one inch, and the width plus the length of at least four
inserts are equal to or slightly less than the interior wall
dimension of the container
[0049] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a
method of transporting a temperature sensitive material comprises
enclosing the temperature sensitive material in a double wall
insulated container. The container has a front wall, a rear wall,
two side walls, and a bottom wall, insulation material in each of
the region between the double walls of said front wall, said rear
wall, said two side walls, and said bottom wall, a double wall
container cover, and insulation material in the container's cover's
double walls. Preferably, the container has a releasable hinge for
releasably securing the container cover to the double wall
container. The container further includes a temperature sensing
system. The temperature within the container is preferably
monitored from the time the temperature sensitive material is
inserted into the container until the temperature sensitive
material is to be removed from the container. The monitored
temperature data is stored in a database. Preferably, the stored
temperature data is wirelessly transmitted a data receiver by an RF
transmitter or other wireless transmission means, now known, or
which may hereinafter be known.
[0050] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
temperature sensitive material is maintained at a sub-ambient
temperature by the enthalpy fusion of a frozen eutectic mixture
within the walls of said container.
[0051] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a
temperature sensitive material is maintained at a stable
temperature by means of a high heat capacity mixture within the
walls of said container which insulates the temperature sensitive
material from temperature fluctuations.
[0052] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
temperature sensitive material is maintained within a predetermined
temperature range within said container by enclosing the
temperature sensitive material within a padded, filled, pouch
member sealed in the manner of a quilt, the member being filled
with a eutectic mixture.
[0053] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention the
temperature sensitive material is maintained within in a
predetermined temperature range within the container by covering
the temperature sensitive material with a padded, filled, blanket
member sealed in the manner of a quilt, the member being filled
with a eutectic mixture.
[0054] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a
method of transporting a temperature sensitive material comprises
enclosing the temperature sensitive material in an insulated
container. The container has a releasable hinge for releasably
securing a container cover to the container. The container cover is
filled with a eutectic mixture and the container further includes a
temperature sensing system. The cover is separated from the
container, placed within a refrigerated unit and the eutectic
mixture in cover is frozen and/or maintained in a frozen state. The
cover is replaced on the container and the temperature sensitive
material is housed within the container. The container with its
cargo of a temperature sensitive material is then transported to a
desired destination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The invention will be described in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a standard container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the top of the container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 2A is a front view of the locking recesses in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bottom of the container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of a standard
container in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the front of the container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back of the container
with the lid open in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the side rim of the
container and hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0064] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the side of the container
lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 9 is a side view of the refrigerant tray in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the refrigerant tray of
FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0067] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the interior of the
container in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view of the double walls of
the container, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0069] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an eutectic refrigerant pad
for use in the container, in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a vacuum sealed, eutectic
refrigerant pad having indicators showing that the vacuum is not
lost, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0071] that has been air evacuated; FIG. 15 is a perspective view
of the eutectic refrigerant pad of FIG. 14, show after the
integrity of the pad has been breeched and the vacuum lost.
[0072] FIG. 15 is a is a perspective view of a rectangular
container with the placement of single sized heating or cooling
panels, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0073] FIG. 16 is a is a perspective view of the standard container
with the placement of single sized heating or cooling panels, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a refrigerant blanket having a
plurality of pockets filled with a eutectic mixture, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 18 is an end view of the refrigerant blanket of FIG. 17
having a plurality of rows and columns of pockets filled with a
eutectic mixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0076] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a refrigerant panel having a
single column of pockets filled with a eutectic mixture, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 20 is a plan view of blood container in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 21 is a plan view of an insulated cover for the blood
container of FIG. 20, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0079] FIG. 22 is a plan view of an insulated cover with the blood
container of FIG. 20 in the cover, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0080] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary container
for housing, for example, a human organ, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0081] It is advantageous to define several terms before describing
the invention. It should be appreciated that the following
definitions are used throughout this application.
Definitions
[0082] Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used
meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions
provided below, unless specifically indicated.
[0083] For the purposes of the present invention, the term
"eutectic" refers to a composition of a mixture having the lowest
possible temperature of solidification of the specified
constituents of the mixture. A salt water mixture, for example,
eutectic point for a water-salt mixture is -21.12.degree. C.
(-6.02.degree. F.), as compared to 0.degree. C. or 32.degree.
F.
[0084] "Latent heat" means the quantity of heat absorbed or
released by a substance undergoing a change of state, such as ice
changing to water, or water to steam, as constant temperature and
pressure.
[0085] For the purposes of the present invention, the term
"refrigerant" means a substance such as air, ammonia, water, or
carbon dioxide by direct absorption of heat. The substance can be a
eutectic mixture or other substance that has a required freezing
point. Preferably, the refrigerant has a high latent heat and
require a substantial amount of heat to go from its solid state to
its liquid or gaseous state.
[0086] "Freezing point" means the temperature at which the liquid
refrigerant solidifies under a specific pressure, which is normally
ambient pressure.
[0087] For the purposes of the present invention, the term
"wireless" refers to any suitable electronic device for
transmitting data from sensors and data collectors to readout
devices, and the like. The system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,443 is
representative of one such system. Alternatively, it can be a chip
that is not self powered, but rather is activated by a signal from
a remote data reader.
Description
[0088] The container is made by plastic blow molding or any other
means for forming a double wall container, as well known in the
art, or as may become known in the future. Preferably, the
container surface has a matte finish. The surface is moderately
textured since excessive texturing of the surface can render the
surface difficult to clean, sanitize, and/or sterilize.
Insufficient texturing of the surface makes it too difficult to
remove labels that are placed on the container for identifying the
shipment. Moderate texturing is just sufficient to be sensed by a
user's finger and to be visible to the naked eye. Moderate
texturing of the surface can be in the form of a moderate matte
finish, dimples, surface crinkles, wrinkles, fine waves, other
slightly raised surface. A moderate texturing is characterized by
having sufficient irregularity to limit the surface contact between
the label adhesive and the plastic surface of the container thereby
facilitating or enabling complete removable of labels. Moderate
texturing is further characterized by having crevices or surface
irregularities that are not of such depth or so pronounced as to
harbor bacteria or other infectious organism while providing
sufficient surface contact area to prevent inadvertent release of
the label from the container. Preferably, the combination of
surface texture and adhesive provides some what less than an
adhesion level that inhibits or precludes complete removal of the
label from the container.
[0089] It should further be noted that the system disclosed herein
can maintain the initial temperature for approximately eight hours.
This applies to ambient temperature, the temperature required for
the initial shipping of blood, to sub-zero temperatures.
[0090] The present invention provides a double wall container,
indicated generally as 100, in FIG. 1. The area between the
container exterior wall 104 and interior wall (not shown) is filled
with an insulating material, preferably, a closed cell insulating
foam, such as the blown insulation used in home insulation. The
side lid receiving rims 160A and 160B extend above the body 108 of
the container 100 on opposing sides to receive the lid 130. The
front panel 138 and back panel 139 of the lid 130 rest on the front
lip 110 and back lip 111 (not shown) of the body 108, between the
side lid receiving rims 160A and 160B. The handles 120A and 120 are
recessed into the side lid receiving rims 160A and 160B,
respectively, to enable easy carrying and will be described in
further detail hereinafter.
[0091] The lid 130 has a recessed receiving area 132 which has an
aligning angle 134 to interact with the bottom of additional
containers 100 to be stacked to ensure that all containers 100 are
aligned properly. The alignment of the containers 100 will be
disclosed in detail hereinafter.
[0092] To prevent the lid 130 from opening 180.degree. a pair of
stops 136A and 136B are placed on the back panel 139 of the lid
130. The stops 136A and 136B connect with the back lip 111 (FIG. 6)
to prevent the lid 130 from opening further than a predetermined
distance. The stops 136A and 136B are raised areas having a height
sufficient that it limits the rotation of the lid 130 about its
pivot point. That is, the stops 136A and 136B must project into the
path of the lid 130 such that the lid 130 cannot rotate
180.degree.. If the lid can rotate too far, then further rotational
pressure on the may break the pivot or hinge mechanism. The width
of the stops 136A and 136B is not narrowly critical and the height
of the stops is determined by the relative dimensions and positions
of the lid and pivot. Preferably, the lid 130 opens beyond
90.degree. before being prevented from further movement by the
stops 136A and 136B. Generally, rotation of the lid should be
greater that 90.degree. but less than 135.degree.. The placement
and size of the stops 136A and 136B can be altered to permit a
greater or lesser angle of opening based upon the application.
Additionally, although two stops 136A and 136B are illustrated
herein, a single centered stop or more than two stops can be
provided.
[0093] The lid 130 is shown from the top in FIG. 2, clearly showing
the handles 120A and 120B, as well as the dimensioning of the stops
136A and 136B. As see here, the stops 136A and 136B extend from the
edge of the lid 130 to the recess 132. The angle of the aligning
angle 134 can also be easily seen in this Figure. It should be
noted that although an angle is used in this embodiment, any other
design, protrusion or other method of ensuring that the containers
100 are placed in the same direction as they are stacked can be
used.
[0094] The lid lock recess 140 and lock bar hole 142 can also be
seen more clearly in this and FIG. 2A. The alignment between the
lock bar hole 142 and bar receiving hole 113 is critical to enable
a lock to pass through without binding. Likewise, the body lock
recess 112 should be aligned with the lid lock recess 114 to
maintain the smooth surface of the container 100. In the preferred
embodiment the lid lock recess 140 and the body lock recess 112 are
smooth, curves recesses with no corners for the accumulation of
bacteria.
[0095] The front panel 138 of the lid 130 contains the lid lock
recess 140, lock bar hole 142 and the recessed handle 144. The
recessed handle 144 illustrated herein is centered within the lid
130, however the recessed handle 144 could be moved to one side or
the other if desired. The lid lock recess 140 is dimensioned to
receive a portion of a small lock to maintain the container 100
locked during transport. Below the lid lock recess 140 is the lock
bar hole 142. Within the front 108 of the container 110 is the body
lock recess 112 and lock bar hole 114 (not shown). The body lock
recess 112 and the lock bar hole 114 are aligned directly beneath
the lid lock recess 140 and lock bar hole 142 to enable a lock to
be easily recessed. Alternatively, a locking system can be build
directly into the container 100, however as all surfaces must be
easily cleaned when used in medical application, the lock would
need to be covered to prevent bacteria growth. In non-medical
applications the lock would not need to be as carefully
designed.
[0096] The front 108 of the container 100 also contains the
electronic recess 180 and probe wire receiving area 182. The probe
wire receiving area 182 is dimensioned to receive a probe connected
to the electronics package. The probe extends into the interior of
the container from the back of the electronics package. This
prevents any change in the interior temperature due to air seepage.
The probe monitors temperature fluctuations or migrations within
the container, sending the data to a microprocessor where it is
recorded. The data is stored for retrial remotely by satellite, by
a reader that reads the data when in the proximity of the data
storage device, by infrared transmissions, optical readers,
Bluetooth wireless transmission, or similar system now in
commercial use or which come into use at a future date. The
electronics package consists of components that are well known in
the art.
[0097] Alternatively, or additionally, the data can be read by a
hard wire connection to a PC. The connector 808 can be a USB port,
serial port, firewire port, or other comparable data communication
port, now in use or that comes into use at a future date.
Additionally, a visual display can be provided for facilitating
monitoring the temperature at the product being shipped. A
parameter that is essential to monitor is the opening of the
container. Violating the sealing of the container must be readily
determined as part of the system for maintaining the product
temperature and assuring product integrity. If the lid is opened,
even momentarily, there will be an immediate temperature rise
within the container. Sensing a high temperature spike signals that
the lid has been opened and ambient air has been permitted to enter
the container. The integrity of the temperature of the product
being shipped, as for example, whole blood, blood plasma, or an
organ, would likely be unaffected by the temperature spike, and a
temperature sensor that monitors the product temperature would not
reveal the temperature of the spike unless it is positioned to be
sensitive to the air temperature within the container. A separate
internal air temperature monitor can be provided or, alternatively,
the product temperature sensor can have the dual function
required.
[0098] When transporting biological materials, there is a maximum
and a minimum temperature that is acceptable during the
transportation stage. In many instances, if the temperature falls
below that range the ability to use the materials may be
compromised. In the disclosed system, the processor reads and
stores the temperature from the probe and stores the time and
temperature. If the temperature rises above the temperature set, an
alarm is activated. Preferably this alarm is visual only; however
in some applications the alarm can be visual and/or audible.
Whether the data is read from the processor only if the alarm has
been activated, or if it is always read is dependent upon the user
and the protocol for the materials being transported. Additionally,
the handling of the material subsequent to exposure to higher
temperatures than programmed is a matter of protocol. The
temperatures and the temperatures range are dependent upon the type
of biological material and will be known to those skilled in the
art.
[0099] The microprocessor within the electronics package preferably
has the ability to receive data from an external source, thereby
permitting the bar codes of the materials being transported to be
scanned and stored within the processor. This information is then
retrieved upon delivery and can be compared with hard records,
contents, etc.
[0100] The bottom 200 of the container 100, illustrated in FIGS. 3
and 4, has a base 202 with a locking rim 204 that is dimensioned
slightly less than the recess 132 of the lid 130. The locking rim
204 interacts with the recess 132 of an adjacent container 100 to
prevent the stacked containers 100 from sliding off of the adjacent
bottom container 100. To ensure that the containers 100 are all
facing the same direction, the locking area 204 has an angled
offset 212 that corresponds to the aligning angle 134 on the lid
130. The depth of the locking area 204 must be equal to the depth
of the recess 132 to enable stable interaction between the stacked
containers 100. To accommodate the stops 136A and 136B, recesses
206A and 206B are placed in the base 202. In addition to enabling
the containers 100 to sit flat upon one another, the interaction
between the stops 136A and 136B and the recesses 206A and 206B
further prevents sliding of the stacked containers.
[0101] The front of the container 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5
wherein the dimensioning of the elements can be seen more clearly.
The container 100, must for shipping and storage reasons, have a
straight sides and backs without any protrusions. This enables the
containers 100, whatever dimensions and configurations are being
used, to be stored and stacked compactly. To maintain this,.smooth
appearance, the lid 130 has a slightly small periphery than the
periphery of the container 100. This change in dimension enables
the handles 120A and 120B to be rounded and still be within the
periphery of the container body 108. The locking rim 204 is also
seen in this Figure extending beyond the bottom of the container
body 108. It is critical that, as the weight of the container 100
rests on the locking rim 204, that the locking rim 204 provides a
sufficiently wide base to prevent tipping. The stops 136A and 136B
are seen extending above the top surface of the top 130. The
alignment of the lid lock recess 140 and body lock recess 112 is
also easily seen in this figure. Although the lid lock recess 140
and body lock recess 112 in this embodiment are positioned adjacent
to the handle 144, the location of the lid lock recess 140 and body
lock recess 112 can be moved. It is critical that the lid lock
recess 140 and body lock recess 112 be recessed within the
container body 108 to maintain the smooth exterior surface.
[0102] The interaction between the stops 136A and 136B is
illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein the lid 130 is shown in the open
position. As can be seen the stops 136A and 136B contact the back
rim 111, preventing the lid 130 from opening further. As noted
heretofore, the stops 136A and 136B can be dimensioned and
positioned to enable the lid 130 to open to any degree.
[0103] The lid 130 is design to be capable of being separated from
the body 108 of the container 100. In this manner, lids can be
refrigerated and maintained at their desired temperature. While the
container 100 is too large for it to be practical to refrigerate,
having the lid 130 stored at the required temperature enables a
user to assemble a container 100 that is immediately at its
required temperature.
[0104] In order to remove the lid 130 while still maintaining the
desired profile and sterilization ability, the container 100 and
top 130 are designed to interact with one another through a slide
and locking system within the side lid receiving rims 160A and
160B. In FIGS. 7 and 8 the slide recess 702 is shown molded into
the side lid receiving rim 160B. The slide recess 702 ends at
receiving area 704 that is dimensioned to receive the button 802 of
the lid 130. The receiving area 704 has a rim 706 that is slight
raised to maintain the button 802 within the receiving area 704.
This design is one embodiment of how the lid can be removably
affixed to the container 100 and other designs will be evident to
those skilled in the art.
[0105] The lid 103 also has a protrusion 806 that interacts with
the snap lock 724 that consists of an entry area 720 and rim 722.
This serves as a friction locking system for the container 100,
preventing the lid 130 from inadvertently opening prior to
locking.
[0106] The refrigerant tray 900 is illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and
10. The refrigerant tray 900 is dimensioned to sit within the lower
rim 1002 (FIG. 11) of the container 100, illustrated in FIG. 10.
The top surface 902 of the refrigerant tray 900 has a recessed
handle 910 and concave strips 906 extending from front to back. The
concave strips 906 provide additional surface area to enhance
freezing. The shape and size of the concave strips 906 as
illustrated is for example only and other configurations can be
used. The refrigerant tray 900 is fill with refrigeration material
appropriate for the temperature level desired and will be evident
to those skilled in the art. The bottom of the refrigerant tray 900
(not shown) can contain recesses and other structural element to
maintain its integrity.
[0107] The interior of the container 100 is illustrated in FIG. 11
showing the front lip 110 and lower rim 1002. The lower rim 1003
extends into the interior of the container 100 to provide the
support for the refrigerant tray 900. A finger notch 1004 is
provided in the lower rim 1002, extending into the front panel
1006, to enable the user to life up the refrigerant tray 900.
[0108] To contribute to the maintenance of the consistent
temperature, the container 100, as illustrated in FIG. 12, is
manufactured with a double wall, exterior side walls 1202 and
interior side walls 1204. Additionally, the exterior base 1208 is
spaced from the inner base (not shown). The space between the
exterior side walls 1202, interior side walls 1204, exterior base
1208 and inner base is filled with insulation to maintain the
initial temperature. It should be noted that the none of the
recesses on the container 100 are placed in the double walls. By
placing all recesses lock, handles, etc. above the double walls,
the interior temperature is not compromised.
[0109] To further insure that the contents of the container 100 are
kept at the desired temperature, vacuum sealed refrigerant pads
1400 and 1300, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 are used. The
refrigerant pads contain an open cell, hygroscopic foam and a
eutectic mixture such as NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, Kl, and related members
of the sodium and halogen groups. The refrigerant pads can be
capable of providing eight hours of stable temperature under normal
circumstances or eight days of stable temperature in the system of
the present invention. Preferably, the pads and containers are
dimensioned such that all pads are the same size. Pads can be color
coded to indicate their eutectic temperature to easily select a
correct pad corresponding to the required storage temperature of
the system.
[0110] Alternatively, as Illustrated in FIG. 14, a eutectic pad
1400 can be used. The open cell hygroscopic foam within the
container can be provided with embossed indicia 1402. When the pad
1400 is evacuated, the outer sleeve 1404 is pulled tightly against
the open cell foam and is pulled into the embossed region. When the
sleeve is forced to conform to the shape of the open cell foam, the
sleeve displays the indicia 1402 that indicates that the integrity
of the pad has not been breeched. Conversely, when the outer sleeve
1404 is punctured or otherwise is no longer air tight, the vacuum
is lost that the sleeve 1404 relaxes. When the sleeve 1404 is no
longer sucked into the embossed indicia 1402, the indicia 1402 is
no longer visible. When this happens, the pad 1400 is replaced.
[0111] In the square container the refrigerant pad 1300 pattern of
FIG. 16 can be used, such that pads 1300 are of equal size. In a
rectangular container, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the end pads 1300
extend the full length of the interior of the container end wall
1504 and the side pads 1300 extend between the ends pads 1300. In
this manner, all of the refrigerant pads 1300 can be of the same
dimensions and accordingly, interchangeable. Having all five pads
of the same size negates the possible of using a wrong size, or
being out of supply of a particular size.
[0112] FIGS. 17-19 show a refrigerant blanket indicated generally
as 1700, having a plurality of eutectic containing cells 1702
separated by seal lines 1704. The end view of the blanket 1700,
illustrated in FIG. 18, shows more clearly the cells 1702 separated
by seal lines 1704. FIG. 19 shows a refrigerant unit indicated
generally as 1900 and having a column of eutectic cells 1902.
Additionally, the refrigerant element can be a single cell.
Refrigerant elements such as illustrated in FIGS. 17-19 are used to
fill the otherwise unoccupied space within the shipping container
and provides product protection, cushioning, and additional
refrigeration.
[0113] FIG. 20 shows a blood container 2000 that requires storage
at a predetermined subzero degree C. temperature. The container
2000 can be provided with a plurality of bar codes, such as 2002
and 2004, and thus readily scanned to provide required data and
inventory control. The remote system can be as disclosed and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,160, the disclosure of which is
incorporate herein by reference, as though recited in full.
[0114] FIG. 21 shows an insulated, or preferably, a refrigerant
container 2100 dimensioned to receive the blood container 2000, as
illustrated in FIG. 22. The cells 602 are preferably filled with a
eutectic mixture to provide a subzero refrigerant component that
preferable has a high latent heat or heat of transformation, and a
required low freezing point.
[0115] In some embodiments, an additional container is used to
provide increased refrigeration. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view
of a container that is employed within the primary shipping
container. The secondary container has its own refrigerant
component and is capable of maintaining a human organ at the
required subzero temperature, during the period in which the organ
is transferred from the shipping container to an operating room an
awaits being incorporated into a human being. The container
indicated generally as 2300 is a double wall unit having an outer
wall 2304 and an inner wall 2302. The space between the inner and
outer walls is filled with a eutectic mixture or other refrigerant
2306, and can provide up to about eight hours of organ storage
time, to accommodate the time that it takes to transfer the organ
from its primary location to the shipping container, and from the
shipping container to an operating room. The padded shipping
container 2320 protects the organ and can be similar in design to
the shipping sleeves or covers of FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0116] FIG. 24 is a temperature regulated transportation system,
indicated generally as 100. The shipping container system includes
refrigerant pads 1300 as previously described, and the container is
a double wall structure filled with an open cell hygroscopic
insulator, a closed cell insulating foam, or other insulating
material.
[0117] The maintenance cost of the shipping system is reduced and
the life of a system is prolonged by virtue of the ability to
replace damaged, soiled, or otherwise unusable components.
Conversely, damaging a component of a structurally integrated
system requires total replacement of the unit. The disposable
components include the lid and its refrigerant unit, eutectic pads
(204), and the absorbent pads (1306). In the designs where the
electronic components are housed in the lid, defective electronic
can be replaced without replacing the entire system.
[0118] Specification Details
[0119] The following size and other considerations are provided for
reference rather than by way of limitation.
[0120] The pallet sizes routinely used here in the USA are
40.times.48 inches. The sizes of the common EU metric pallets are
800.times.1000 mm. While there are other possible dimensions, the
container configuration should both maximize the number of units in
the layer and stack to provide a combined dimension of under the 96
inches for cargo and 48 inches for warehouse requirements.
[0121] The HPI temperature sensitive transportation product is
sized for the internal element needs, payload, and finally best
possible fit to the EU pallet. Leaving pallet space unused would
not be as negative as "overshoot". In some markets pallets are less
likely to be using in shipping. Single shipments are the norm. The
preferred exterior size of HPI TSTD is 16.times.16.times.18.5
inches. The exterior size may be less but preferably is not greater
than the preferred dimensions.
[0122] Maintaining an interior square payload area is important for
the suggested fitting of the insulation/eutectic pads. The taper of
the interior should be minimized to insure best side fitting of the
pads in the configuration suggested so that all panels will be
equal in size for the sides. The interior payload area is
14.times.14.times.14.5 inches.
[0123] The vacuum sealed pads of specialty foam for the sides are
preferably sized at 11.5.times.11.5.times.1.5 inches. They are
fitted to overlap at the corners and not be skived or fitted. The
base panel of same construction is 13.times.13.times.1.5 inches,
which allows for some taper in the payload area. The top liquid
filled foam panel measures 13.5.times.13.5.times.2 inches. This
leaves a payload area of 10.5.times.10.5.times.12 inches which
provides space for a pack of 16 units of whole blood and
plasma.
[0124] The exterior of the shipping container has side handles
built into the container. Preferably the side handles are not in
the side walls of the container, but rather are above the side
walls, such that the side walls are free of recesses that can
produce a region of reduced thermal insulation. Add on floppy
handles is avoided for cleanliness and stacking purposes. The
interface between the lid and base allows for a tape seal, and has
a locking device to accommodate a security band or padlock. The
temperature data display is preferably visible from a side, most
preferably the front side, rather than from the top due to stacking
of containers obscuring the top surface.
[0125] An electronic access plug for hardwire connections is
preferably proximal to the data display. Logo stick-on labels can
be used to give flexibility for private label contracts.
[0126] The color of preference is either dull orange or tan. Colors
such as blue, black, or white are preferably not used because of a
need to provide a distinctive color and wipe-down convenience.
[0127] The lid is preferably breakaway, or releasably hinged and
easily opened once the tape seal is broken.
[0128] The wall thickness should be at any point no less than 1.5
inches and have filler ports for adding internal foam insulation.
The filler ports preferably are internal or on the bottom of the
container for appearance.
[0129] All documents, patents, journal articles, and other
materials cited in the present application are hereby incorporated
by reference.
[0130] Although the present invention has been fully described in
conjunction with several embodiments thereof with reference to the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes
and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
changes and modifications are to be understood as included within
the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims, unless they depart there from.
* * * * *