System and method for insulated low temperature transport

Abstract

The present application relates to systems and methods for thermally insulated cryogenic transport, and more particularly to a cryogenic sample transport container that uses nitrogen to transport cryogenic samples to a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar container for storage. The cryogenic sample transport container may include an outer container, an inner container contained within the outer container, and a gas passage located between the outer container and the inner container and configured to exhaust nitrogen gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a cryogenic sample transport container which uses nitrogen to transport a cryogenic sample to a cryogenic storage chamber or a Dewar container for storage. Background Art

[0002] Cryonics is the process of preserving a human body or brain at extremely low temperatures in the hope that future technology will allow it to be revived and restored to function. The goal of cryonics is to prevent irreversible death and preserve the body or brain until medical advances reach a point where the cause of death can be cured and the individual revived. The process involves using liquid nitrogen to cool the body or brain to a temperature of -196°C (-320°F), which slows biological processes to a near halt. The body or brain is then stored in a specially designed cryostat that can maintain the low temperature indefinitely.

[0003] It is important to note that cryonics is different from cryogenics, which is the study of the effects of extremely low temperatures on living organisms. Cryogenics has many scientific applications, such as preserving biological specimens for research purposes or storing embryos for fertility treatments.

[0004] Cryogenics studies the production and behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius (-238 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes as low as -273.15 degrees Celsius (-459.67 degrees Fahrenheit), known as absolute zero. At these temperatures, materials can exhibit unique properties such as superconductivity, where electrical resistance drops to zero, and superfluidity, where liquids flow without viscosity.

[0005] Cryopreserved samples are biological samples, such as cells, tissues or organs, that have been preserved at extremely low temperatures using a process called cryopreservation. The process involves cooling the sample to very low temperatures, usually below -130°C, which effectively stops all biological activity and preserves the sample for future use.

[0006] The most common cryopreservation method involves the use of a cryoprotectant, such as glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which helps prevent damage to cells during the freezing and thawing process. Once a sample has been treated with a cryoprotectant, it is usually gradually cooled to very low temperatures in a specialized freezer or tank of liquid nitrogen.

[0007] Cryopreservation is commonly used in research laboratories and medical institutions for the long-term storage of biological specimens. Cryopreserved specimens can be stored for many years and then thawed for a variety of applications, including cell culture, transplantation, and genetic analysis.

[0008] Dewar container, also known as Dewar flask or cryogenic storage container, is a special container used for storing and transporting extremely cold liquids (e.g., liquid nitrogen, oxygen or helium). Dewar container consists of two containers, one is nested in another container, wherein there is a vacuum sealed space between the two. The inner container is usually made of glass or metal and contains liquid to be stored or transported. The outer container is usually made of metal and provides a structure that supports and protects the inner container and prevents gas from penetrating into the vacuum sealed space. Typically, the vacuum sealed space is partially occupied by alternating layers (called super insulation) of aluminized plastic sheets and glass fiber mats wrapped around the inner container, which prevents the radiation transfer of heat from the outer container to the inner container.

[0009] Dewar vessels are commonly used in scientific research, medical laboratories, and industrial applications. They are designed to keep their contents at extremely low temperatures for long periods of time, allowing for long-term storage and transportation of cryogenic materials. Some models of Dewar vessels are also equipped with a pressure relief valve to prevent pressure from building up inside the vessel due to evaporation of the stored liquid.

[0010] Biostasis is the maintenance of living organisms in a state of suspended animation, where metabolic rates are reduced and biological processes are slowed in order to prolong their survival. The goal of biostasis is to extend the lifespan of an organism or to keep it alive until they can be restored to full functionality in the future. Biostasis can be achieved in a variety of ways, including lowering the temperature of the organism, reducing the metabolic rate, or using chemicals to induce a state of suspended animation.

[0011] Biostasis has potential applications in a variety of fields, including space exploration, medicine, and cryonics. In medicine, biostasis could be used to preserve organs for transplantation, buy time to heal trauma, or help extend the shelf life of blood and other medical supplies. Cryonics is the practice of freezing a person's body or brain in the hope that they can be revived in the future through advanced medical technology, and biostasis is a key component of this process.

[0012] Cryogenic samples are stored for long periods of time, including entire cryoprotected human bodies. The Dewar container in which the samples are stored is an open-top tank filled with liquid nitrogen that must be loaded vertically from above. Before being transferred to long-term storage, the samples are pre-cooled in an external device. This presents a challenge, namely, before long-term storage, the samples are obtained and quickly cooled in an external device for transport to the Dewar container. This procedure must be completed quickly to avoid re-warming the samples during exposure to room air before being introduced into long-term storage in the Dewar container. Summary of the invention

[0013] A system and method for transporting cryogenic samples according to various embodiments of the present application provides a user with the ability to place, retrieve, and temporarily store cryogenic samples before transferring them to a Dewar container or other type of cryogenic storage chamber. The system and apparatus include a cryogenic sample transport container that uses nitrogen to transport cryogenic samples to a cryogenic storage chamber or Dewar container for storage. The cryogenic sample transport may include an outer container, an inner container contained within the outer container, and a gas passage, the gas passage being located between the outer container and the inner container and configured to exhaust the nitrogen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present application may be more completely understood by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the following illustrative drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals represent similar elements and steps throughout the drawings. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cryogenic sample transport container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is representatively illustrated;

[0016] Figure 2 Representatively illustrates the exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 A perspective view of a cryogenic sample transport container with a top cover removed;

[0017] Figure 3 The end cross-sectional view of a cryogenic sample transport container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is representatively illustrated, and the cross-sectional view is taken along Figure 1 3-3 of the embodiment of the present invention and shows the gas outlet path;

[0018] Figure 4 A front cross-sectional view of a cryogenic sample transport container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is representatively illustrated, the front cross-sectional view being taken along Figure 1 4-4 of the embodiment of the present invention and illustrates the gas outlet path;

[0019] Figure 5 Representatively exemplify the exemplary embodiments of the present application Figure 3 a partially exploded cross-sectional end view of a cryogenic sample transport container of FIG. 1 and illustrating a gas outlet path;

[0020] Figure 6 Representatively illustrates the exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 a partially exploded cross-sectional end view of a cryogenic sample transport container of FIG. 1 and showing a gas outlet path with a spacer positioned therein; and

[0021] Figure 7Representatively illustrates the exemplary embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 A partial perspective end view of a cryogenic sample transport container of FIG. 1 and showing a gas outlet path with a spacer located therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The application can be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks can be realized by being configured to perform a specified function and realizing any number of components of various results. For example, the application can adopt various types of panels, plates, spacers, shelves, walls, shafts, support members, etc., which can perform various functions. In addition, the application can adopt any number of components, for storing cryogenic samples in order to transport to the cryogenic sample transport container of a cryogenic storage facility.

[0023] Methods and devices for transporting containers of cryogenic samples before being deposited in a Dewar container or other type of cryogenic storage chamber according to various embodiments of the present application. Various representative embodiments of the present application can be applied to any system for transporting containers of cryogenic samples before being deposited in a Dewar container or other type of cryogenic storage chamber.

[0024] The cryogenic sample transport container is capable of transporting cryogenic samples during the transition between an alert that the cryogenic sample needs to be preserved and storage with a cryogenic storage facility (eg, a Dewar vessel or other type of cryogenic storage chamber).

[0025] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a method and apparatus for a cryogenic sample transport container 100 for cryogenic samples is shown. The cryogenic sample transport container 100 may include an outer container 102, an inner container 104, and a gas passage 106 between the inner container 104 and the outer container 102.

[0026] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the outer container 102 may include a floor 116, a pair of end walls 108, a pair of side walls 110 and a cover 112. In one embodiment, the outer container 102 can be a roughly rectangular box. Each of the components of the outer container 102 can be made of a thin, strong, lightweight and puncture-resistant material. Some examples include, but are not limited to, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, thermoplastic polymers such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene "ABS", stainless steel, etc. The floor 116 and the cover 112 may also include a lightweight foam 114 to increase structure and support. A pair of end walls 108 and a pair of side walls 110 may include a series of small holes (discussed below) located at their lower ends, which are configured to allow gas to leave the cryogenic sample transport container 100.

[0027] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4, the inner container 104 may include a floor 116, a pair of end walls 118, a pair of side walls 120, and a support shelf 122. The inner container 104 may be constructed of aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene "ABS", stainless steel, etc. In one embodiment, the inner container 104 may be generally rectangular. The pair of end walls 118 and the pair of side walls 120 may include a series of small holes (discussed below) located at their upper ends, which are configured to allow nitrogen to leave the cryogenic sample transport container 100.

[0028] The support shelf 122 can be located at approximately the midpoint between the upper and lower surfaces of the pair of end walls 118 and the pair of side walls 120. The shelf 122 may include a plurality of beams 123 extending between and coupled to the pair of side walls 120. In one embodiment, the beams 123 may be coupled to the pair of side walls 120 by longitudinal supports 125 extending along the length of each pair of side walls 120. The shelf 122 is configured to support cryogenic samples during transport. In one embodiment, the shelf 122 may include a support extending between the pair of side walls 120 and extending longitudinally approximately the length of the pair of side walls 120.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7 , the gas passage 106 may include a series of panels 124 and spacers 126 that are configured to create an outlet channel 128. The gas passage 106 may include an inlet opening 130 in the pair of side walls 120 and the end wall 118 of the inner container 104. In one embodiment, the inlet opening 130 may be located near an upper portion of the pair of side walls 120 and the end wall 118 of the inner container 104.

[0030] Gas passage 106 may include an outlet opening 132 in the paired sidewalls 110 and end wall 108 of outer container 102 to allow nitrogen to be discharged to the external environment. In one embodiment, outlet opening 132 is located near a lower portion of the paired sidewalls 120 and end wall 118 of inner container 104.

[0031] like Figures 3 to 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the outlet passage 128 is located between the inner container 104 and the outer container 102 and surrounds the inner container 104. The outlet passage 128 may be located outside the pair of side walls 120 and the end wall 118 of the inner container 104 and inside the pair of side walls 110 and the end wall 108 of the outer container 102. In one embodiment, the outlet passage 128 may be located only outside the pair of side walls 120 and the end wall 118 of the inner container 104 and inside the pair of side walls 110 and the end wall 108 of the outer container 102. In another embodiment, the outlet passage 128 may be located outside the pair of side walls 120 and the end wall 118 of the inner container 104 and inside the pair of side walls 110 and the end wall 108 of the outer container 102, and between the floor 116 of the inner container 104 and the floor 106 of the outer container 102.

[0032] A series of panels 124 and spacers 126 are configured to create an outlet channel 128 formed to utilize a labyrinth gas path cooling concept. The labyrinth gas path cooling concept with liquid nitrogen is a technique used to utilize the cooling power of evaporated nitrogen by passing the gas through a labyrinth-like network of channels (i.e., outlet channels 128).

[0033] The principle behind the labyrinth gas path cooling concept is based on the fact that the gas evaporated from a liquid has a temperature equal to the boiling point of the liquid. The temperature difference between the boiling point of the liquid and the atmosphere into which the gas is discharged represents a great potential for the evaporated gas to absorb and reject heat from the system. As the nitrogen gases are forced through the outlet channels 128, they collect heat from the walls of the device and reject it to the atmosphere as they flow out of the device. Otherwise, the heat rejected from the system in this way would flow into the inner container 104 and accelerate the depletion of the liquid nitrogen inside.

[0034] The labyrinth passage is constructed in such a way that the nitrogen gas has to make multiple turns and twists before it reaches the outlet. This labyrinth-like passage increases the contact surface area between the gas and the liquid nitrogen, thereby allowing for more efficient heat transfer.

[0035] Panel 124 may include a vacuum insulated panel (VIP), which is a highly efficient insulation material made of a core material (e.g., rigid foam or fiber material) enclosed in an airtight barrier envelope. VIP is lightweight, thin, and strong, making it ideal for a variety of applications where space is tight. VIP is a highly efficient insulation material that can greatly improve energy efficiency in a variety of applications.

[0036] The key to VIP's superior insulation performance is the creation of a vacuum within the barrier envelope, which greatly reduces the transfer of heat through the material. The vacuum within the panel is achieved by removing all air from the barrier envelope, creating a near-perfect vacuum. This significantly reduces convective heat transfer, and the primary remaining heat transfer mechanism is conduction through the low-porosity insulation. Radiative heat transfer is also mostly blocked by the insulation. At the same thickness, VIP can provide up to ten times the insulation value of traditional insulation materials (e.g., fiberglass or foam).

[0037] The spacer 126 may comprise a polycarbonate multi-wall sheet, which is a plastic sheet made of polycarbonate resin, a strong and durable thermoplastic material. The sheet is constructed of multiple layers, typically 2 to 5 layers, each separated by air spaces or "ribs" that provide additional strength and allow gas to flow between the separated layers. Polycarbonate multi-wall sheets are known for their excellent impact resistance, high light transmission, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The spacer 126 allows the nitrogen to move / leave through it.

[0038] In operation, when the cryogenic sample is ready, the cryogenic storage facility is notified. The cryogenic team is replaced to retrieve the sample with the cryogenic sample transport container 100. The cryogenic sample is placed on the shelf 122 of the cryogenic sample transport container 100 for transportation and storage with the cryogenic storage facility. Although not shown, liquid nitrogen can reside in a compartment 134 below the sample and the shelf 122 in the inner container 104 of the cryogenic sample transport container 100. Liquid nitrogen can be used together with an aerogel component similar to a sponge-type material. The aerogel component may include an aerogel blanket that, when used together with liquid nitrogen, can absorb liquid nitrogen like a sponge, thereby preventing shaking and overflowing during transportation of the cryogenic sample transport container 100.

[0039] Once the sample is placed in the inner container 104 on the shelf 122, the cooling and preservation of the cryogenic sample begins. The liquid nitrogen on the aerogel blanket in the compartment 134 begins to boil from liquid nitrogen form to nitrogen gas. When the liquid nitrogen boils from liquid form to gas, a certain amount of heat energy absorbed per mass of nitrogen gas is proportional to the heat of vaporization (Hvap) of the liquid. The nitrogen gas produced is at the boiling temperature of the liquid. When the same mass of gas is heated from the boiling point of liquid nitrogen to a typical room temperature, a certain amount of heat energy absorbed per mass is proportional to the specific heat (Cp) of the nitrogen gas. In the case of nitrogen, the energy required to heat the gas from the boiling point to room temperature per gram is slightly more than the energy required to boil the same mass of liquid. Therefore, if a system is expected to experience a known heat load, it can be imagined that an exhaust scheme that heats the gas as much as possible before exhausting the gas will reduce the liquid nitrogen consumed by half or less each time.

[0040] Refer again Figures 4 to 7 When the liquid nitrogen in the aerogel blanket in the compartment 134 begins to boil from liquid nitrogen form to nitrogen gas, the nitrogen gas escapes from the inner container 104 to the outlet channel 128 via the inlet 130 in the inner container 104. The nitrogen gas then travels through the outlet channel 128 and exits the outlet channel 128 via the outlet opening 132 in the outer container 102.

[0041] As mentioned above, and again with reference to Figure 5 , the gas passage 106 may include a series of panels 124 and spacers 126 configured to create a flow path for the gaseous nitrogen through outlet passages 128. The nitrogen gas travels within the spacers 126 located between the panels 124.

[0042] As the nitrogen exits the inner container 104 via the inlet opening 130, it traverses downwardly through a first vertical outlet passage 128 that is parallel to the paired side walls 120 and end wall 118 of the inner container 104. When the nitrogen reaches the floor 116 of the inner container 104, the orientation of the outlet passage 128 causes the passage of the nitrogen to flow inwardly toward the center of the cryogenic sample transport container 100 through a first horizontal outlet passage 138 that is arranged parallel to and below the floor 116 until it reaches a void in one of the panels 124 positioned below the floor 116, which causes the nitrogen to reverse 180 degrees and flow outwardly in a second horizontal outlet passage 140 toward the outer wall 110 of the outer container until reaching a second vertical outlet passage 142 that is arranged between the first vertical outlet passage 136 and the outer wall 110, which causes the nitrogen to flow upwardly parallel to the first vertical outlet passage 136. Once the nitrogen reaches the upper portion of the outer container 108 , the nitrogen may change course again and flow downward through a third vertical outlet channel 144 disposed between the second vertical outlet channel 142 and the outer wall 110 before exiting from the outlet opening 132 .

[0043] The specific implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. In fact, for the sake of brevity, the conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or steps between various elements. In actual systems, there may be many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections.

[0044] In the foregoing, the present application has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present application as set forth. The specification and the accompanying drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of the present application should be determined by the general embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by the specific examples described above. For example, the steps described in any method or process implementation may be performed in any appropriate order and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and / or elements cited in any system implementation may be combined in various arrangements to produce results substantially the same as the present application, and are therefore not limited to the specific configurations cited in the specific examples.

[0045] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any factor that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

[0046] As used herein, the term "include" or any variation thereof is intended to refer to a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements listed, but also other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, composition, or device. In addition to those not specifically listed, other combinations and / or modifications of the above-mentioned structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of this application may be varied or otherwise specifically adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from its general principles. Any degree terms used herein, such as "substantially", "approximately", and "approximately", refer to a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term so that the final result does not change significantly. For example, if such a deviation does not negate the meaning of the word it modifies, these terms may be interpreted as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term.

[0047] The present application has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments may be changed and modified without departing from the scope of the present application. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A cryogenic sample transport container that uses nitrogen to transport a cryogenic sample to a cryogenic storage room or a Dewar container for storage, the cryogenic sample transport container comprising: An outer container, the outer container comprising: A pair of end walls, A pair of side walls, Floor, and Cover; an inner container, the inner container being contained within the outer container, the inner container comprising: A pair of end walls, A pair of side walls, Floor, and Shelves; and A gas passage is located between the outer container and the inner container and is configured to exhaust the nitrogen gas.

2. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 1, wherein: The inner container and the outer container are generally rectangular.

3. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 1, wherein: The gas passage comprises: at least one inlet opening, at least one exit channel, and At least one outlet opening.

4. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one inlet opening is adjacent to upper portions of the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the inner container.

5. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one outlet opening is adjacent lower portions of the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the outer container.

6. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one outlet channel includes a series of alternating panels and spacers configured to create a labyrinthine gas passage between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

7. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one outlet passage is located between the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the inner container and the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the outer container.

8. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one outlet channel is located between a floor of the inner container and a floor of the outer container.

9. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 6, wherein: The spacers are located between the panels.

10. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 6, wherein: The panel is a vacuum insulation panel.

11. The low temperature sample transport container according to claim 6, wherein: The spacer is a polycarbonate multi-wall sheet.

12. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 1, further comprising a compartment located between the shelf and the floor of the inner container, wherein: The compartment contained liquid nitrogen.

13. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 12, wherein: The boiling of the liquid nitrogen produces nitrogen gas, which exits the cryogenic sample transport container through the gas passage.

14. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 13, wherein: The boiling of the liquid nitrogen generates nitrogen gas to maintain the temperature of the cryogenic sample.

15. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 12, wherein: The liquid nitrogen is located in the aerogel component.

16. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 1, wherein: The shelf supports the cryogenic sample.

17. A cryogenic sample transport container for transporting a cryogenic sample to a cryogenic storage chamber or a Dewar container for storage using nitrogen, the cryogenic sample transport container comprising: A generally rectangular outer container, the outer container comprising: A pair of end walls, A pair of side walls, Floor, and Cover; a generally rectangular inner container, the inner container being contained within the outer container, the inner container comprising: A pair of end walls, A pair of side walls, Floor, and Shelves; and A gas passage is located between the outer container and the inner container and is configured to exhaust the nitrogen gas and includes at least one inlet opening, at least one outlet channel, and at least one outlet opening.

18. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one outlet channel includes a series of alternating panels and spacers configured to create a labyrinthine gas passage between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

19. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 18, wherein: The at least one outlet passage is located between the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the inner container and the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls of the outer container.

20. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one outlet channel is located between a floor of the inner container and a floor of the outer container.

21. The cryogenic sample transport container according to claim 17, further comprising a compartment located between the shelf and the floor of the inner container, wherein: The compartment includes an aerogel member containing liquid nitrogen, wherein boiling of the liquid nitrogen produces nitrogen gas that exits the cryogenic sample transport container through the gas passageway and maintains the temperature of the cryogenic sample.

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