Modular temperature controlled shipping container

Inactive Publication Date: 2017-04-20
BROUSSARD KENNETH W
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The self-powered shipping container described in this patent has a system for maintaining the desired temperature inside, even when the outside temperature is too hot or too low. It uses a high-efficiency compression cooling system when the temperature is too high and an electric heating element when the temperature is too low. The container has thin-walled insulation and a mechanical tie-through that reduces heat loss. The floor structure allows for direct loading and unloading with a forklift, and the containers can be stacked on all sides without affecting the air flow. These features make the container more efficient, flexible, and adaptable to various temperatures and shipment needs.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, one of the drawbacks to these types of shipments is the inability to assure proper climate control during an extended period of time during transit and warehousing.
The level of reliability for valuable, temperature-sensitive, or hazardous cargo typically can only be achieved using containers with active cooling systems.
However, in most cases the systems do not have the capability of assuring temperature control over an extended period, typically up to 72 hours, which is required to permit long distance shipping, particularly by air transit.

Method used

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  • Modular temperature controlled shipping container
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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0039]As shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 of the subject invention is a box having sidewalls 11 (and an opposite wall 26, see FIG. 3) a top 12 and a bottom structure 13. The front end 14 includes and access door 16 mounted on hinges 17 and including a locking and latching system 18. As will be further described herein the back end 19 of the box includes an accessible chamber housing the on-board power supply, heating and cooling system and sealed sump. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottom structure 13 includes a raised floor, mounted on or near the top of the bottom rails 21, 22, 23 and 24. This permits a forklift or similar machine to lift and move the box by inserting the forks into the rail slots 25 provided in the rails 21-24. Where desired, reinforcing bands 26 may be mounted on the outer structure for increasing the strength and rigidity of the box.

[0040]FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are illustrations of exemplary, but not exhaustive, configurations for stacking, loading and preparing...

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PUM

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Abstract

An active temperature controlled modular shipping container may be in the active mode during flight. The container is also desirable for use in overland shipping operations as it provides accurate temperature control superior to known systems during transportation. The container can maintain a fixed temperature within 2° C. in ambient temperatures ranging from −20° C. to 49° C., using an integrated forced-air convection system for heating and cooling the cargo space of the container. The preferred embodiment of the container operates on rechargeable batteries and can maintain the selected temperature for at least 72 hours without recharging.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Field of the Invention[0002]The subject invention is generally related to refrigerated / heated climate control shipping containers and is specifically directed to self-contained modular refrigerated / heated shipping containers capable of maintaining closely controlled temperatures for extended periods of time.[0003]Discussion of the Prior Art[0004]There is a compelling public interest in transportation of biomedical materials and other temperature sensitive materials both overland and by air. Typically, one of the drawbacks to these types of shipments is the inability to assure proper climate control during an extended period of time during transit and warehousing. A system having the ability to control the climate, particularly temperature, is essential in order to assure proper maintenance and viability of the materials.[0005]Temperature controlled shipping containers are part of a comprehensive cold chain which controls and documents the temperature...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F25D11/00F25D29/00F25D16/00F25D31/00F25D17/04F25D23/06
CPCF25D11/003F25D17/04F25D23/061F25D16/00F25D2400/361F25D29/003F25D2201/14F25D2201/12F25D31/005
Inventor BROUSSARD, KENNETH W.
Owner BROUSSARD KENNETH W
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