Dewar drying apparatus

Abstract

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and / or devices for drying dewars. A dewar drying apparatus includes a heating element. The heating element is configured to generate heat that warms a payload region within a dewar. The dewar drying apparatus includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the heating element and is configured to determine or detect a temperature within the payload region of the dewar. The controller is configured to control the temperature within the payload region of the dewar using the heating element to evaporate a liquid or gas within the payload region.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. nonprovisional application No. 16 / 936,099, filed July 22, 2020, entitled “Dewar Drying Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a system, apparatus, or device for a Dewar flask drying apparatus for drying a dry steam conveyor. Background Technology

[0004] In the transportation business, certain types of contents and goods require additional special care. This need is evident when transporting biological samples and specimens. Enterprises, hospitals, laboratories, and other research or consumer facilities need to transport biological materials that are highly sensitive to cell degradation (if not maintained at a controlled temperature) and require cryogenic transport services to transport biological materials at low temperatures (approximately -150 degrees Celsius). The transport of these temperature-controlled materials requires specialized equipment, such as dry vapor carriers, which are validated to maintain cryogenic temperatures for extended periods to prevent or avoid cell degradation or loss. For example, a dry vapor carrier is a metal bottle with a payload area or well section that maintains the biological material at a cryogenic temperature for extended periods to allow for its transport.

[0005] When a dry steam carrier returns, its functionality must be verified, and it must be cleaned before transporting the next payload to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination. Standard procedures require the removal of all liquid nitrogen (LN2) from the interior of the dry steam carrier, allowing it to return to ambient temperature, which enables cleaning. This is challenging because the dry steam carrier uses an effective absorbent material that holds it at cryogenic temperatures for over 10 days. Current methods involve inverting the dry steam carrier for at least 24 hours, ensuring that the LN2 inside the carrier is transferred to the opening and increasing the LN2 evaporation rate. However, this prolongs the handling time of the dry steam carrier and reduces its availability.

[0006] Furthermore, when the dry steam conveyor is inverted to remove liquid nitrogen, this can cause moisture to accumulate within the absorbent material in the payload area of ​​the dry steam conveyor. This moisture accumulation within the absorbent material is detrimental to its effectiveness. As a result, the amount of liquid nitrogen that can be retained within the absorbent material is reduced, thus decreasing the retention time.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method, system, apparatus or device to increase the LN2 evaporation rate from the dry steam conveyor, reduce the amount of moisture retained in the absorbent material, improve the availability of the dry steam conveyor, and ensure that all LN2 within the dry steam conveyor has evaporated. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Typically, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in a Dewar flask drying apparatus for use with Dewar flasks. The Dewar flask drying apparatus includes a heating element. This heating element is configured to generate heat that raises the temperature of the payload region within the Dewar flask. The Dewar flask drying apparatus includes a controller. This controller is coupled to the heating element and configured to determine or detect the temperature within the payload region of the Dewar flask. The controller is configured to use the heating element to control the temperature within the payload region of the Dewar flask to evaporate liquids or gases within the payload region without damaging any material within the payload region.

[0009] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The controller may be configured to activate a heating element and use that heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask to evaporate a liquid or gas. The controller may be configured to deactivate the heating element when the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The controller may be configured to measure the amount of time it takes for the temperature to drop from the second threshold to a first threshold. The controller may be configured to determine that the payload area within the Dewar flask is dry when the amount of time exceeds the threshold amount.

[0010] The Dewar flask drying device may include a housing. The housing may enclose a controller and an indicator. The indicator may be configured to visually indicate when the payload area inside the Dewar flask is dry. The controller may be configured to activate the indicator to visually indicate that the payload area is dry.

[0011] The Dewar flask drying apparatus may include a Dewar flask cover. The Dewar flask cover may be positioned at the bottom of the housing and may be configured to be positioned on top of the opening at the neck of the Dewar flask. The Dewar flask drying apparatus may include an elongated member. The elongated member may be coupled to the housing at its proximal end and to a heating element at its distal end. The elongated member may have a hollow tubular structure. The hollow tubular structure may be surrounded by one or more wires that deliver electrical energy from a power source to the heating element. The distal end of the elongated member may be positioned within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask, such that the heating element extends into the payload area.

[0012] The Dewar flask drying equipment may include a thermocouple device. This thermocouple device may be configured to measure the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask. A controller may be coupled to this thermocouple device. The controller may be configured to use the thermocouple device to determine or detect the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask.

[0013] On the other hand, this topic is embodied in a Dewar flask drying system. The Dewar flask drying system includes a first Dewar flask having a first payload area and a second Dewar flask having a second payload area. The Dewar flask drying system includes a first Dewar flask drying device having a first heating element. The first heating element is configured to generate heat to raise the temperature of the first payload area of ​​the first Dewar flask. The Dewar flask drying system includes a second Dewar flask drying device having a second heating element. The second heating element is configured to generate heat to raise the temperature of the second payload area of ​​the second Dewar flask. The Dewar flask drying system includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the first and second Dewar flask drying devices. The controller is configured to control a first temperature within the first payload area using the first heating element. The controller is configured to control a second temperature within the second payload area using the second heating element. This configuration can be multiplied to simultaneously extend the capacity to several Dewar flasks.

[0014] On the other hand, this topic is embodied in a method for drying a Dewar flask. This method includes determining or detecting the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask using a processor and sensors. The method includes determining, by the processor, that the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask is less than or equal to a first threshold. The method includes delivering electrical energy to a heating element using a power source via the processor to increase the temperature within the payload area. The method includes providing an indication to the user that the Dewar flask is dry using an indicator via the processor.

[0015] In another aspect, this topic is embodied in Dewar flask drying systems. A Dewar flask drying system includes a Dewar flask having a payload area configured to maintain a liquid or gas temperature below ambient temperature. The Dewar flask drying system includes a Dewar flask drying device. The Dewar flask drying device includes a heating element configured to generate heat that raises the temperature of the payload area within the Dewar flask. The Dewar flask drying device includes a sensor configured to detect the temperature within the payload area. The Dewar flask drying device includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the heating element. The controller is configured to use the sensor to determine or detect the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask and to use the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions. The components shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate key features of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1A An example of a Dewar flask drying apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 1B Another example of a Dewar flask drying apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 An illustration is shown according to one aspect of the invention. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the drying equipment.

[0020] Figure 3A A Dewar flask drying system having the Dewar flask drying apparatus of FIG1 is shown according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3B Figure 1 shows a Dewar flask drying apparatus for heating a Dewar flask according to an aspect of the invention, which includes the effective load area of ​​the Dewar flask.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of drying a Dewar flask using the Dewar flask drying apparatus of FIG1, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example process for determining whether a Dewar bottle is dry based on the ambient temperature inside the Dewar bottle, according to one aspect of the present invention, using the Dewar bottle drying apparatus of FIG1. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This document discloses systems, apparatus, and devices for Dewar flask drying equipment. Dewar flask drying equipment uses a controlled heat source positioned within the Dewar flask to increase the evaporation rate of liquid nitrogen (LN2) or other liquids or gases within the Dewar flask or other dry vapor transporter. Dewar flask drying equipment ensures that all liquids or gases within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask are removed before the next transport, thus preventing cross-contamination. Furthermore, by using a heat source to evaporate liquids or gases, such as LN2, Dewar flask drying equipment reduces the amount of time spent evaporating and drying the Dewar flask compared to the conventional standard procedure of inverting the Dewar flask to remove its contents. In fact, using a heat source to evaporate liquids or gases reduces evaporation time from approximately a full day (or 24 hours) to less than approximately 8 hours. This increases processing time and increases the availability of the Dewar flask.

[0025] Other benefits and advantages of using a heat source to evaporate liquids or gases include allowing the Dewar flask to remain covered and upright while the Dewar flask dryer evaporates the liquid or gas. By maintaining the Dewar flask upright and covered, the dryer prevents foreign matter from contaminating the payload area inside the Dewar flask. Additionally, because the Dewar flask is not inverted, fewer supports are required, reducing the amount of space needed for drying the Dewar flask. Furthermore, the operator does not need to lift and invert the Dewar flask onto the drying support, which increases safety and minimizes hazards.

[0026] Furthermore, because the Dewar flask can remain upright, ambient air is not drawn into its interior. This could allow frost, condensation, moisture, or other water vapor to enter the Dewar flask and be absorbed by the absorbent material, preventing it from absorbing LN2. If the absorbent material absorbs water vapor, its pores and capillaries retain the vapor and expand, causing it to lose its ability to absorb and retain LN2. Thus, by keeping the Dewar flask upright, the absorbent material does not expand due to water vapor absorption, allowing it to absorb more LN2 later and maintaining the overall cryogenic holding time of the Dewar flask.

[0027] Figure 1A A Dewar flask drying apparatus (or “drying apparatus”) 100 is shown. The drying apparatus 100 includes a drying platform 101 and a processing circuit 103. The drying apparatus 100 may include a housing 102 to enclose the processing circuit 103 and protect it from environmental influences. The housing 102 may be positioned on top of a Dewar flask cover 112 of the drying platform 101. The drying apparatus 100 can be used to evaporate any liquid or gas, such as liquid nitrogen (LN2), which remains in a dry vapor transporter (or “transporter”), such as a Dewar flask, when the dry vapor transporter (or “transporter”) returns to the sender for cleaning, sterilization, and / or other preparation for subsequent transport.

[0028] The drying apparatus 100 may include one or more drying platforms 101. For example, the drying apparatus 100 may include a single drying platform 101, such as... Figure 1A As shown, it may include multiple drying platforms 101, such as Figure 1B The first drying platform 101a and the second drying platform are shown. Multiple drying platforms 101 may include any number of drying platforms, such as 20 drying platforms. Each of one or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled to a corresponding processing circuit 103, or all or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled to a single processing circuit 103. The drying apparatus 100 may include any number of drying platforms 101 connected to a central processing circuit 103. One or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled via wired or wireless connections.

[0029] The drying equipment 100 includes a processing circuit 103. The processing circuit 103 may be housed within a housing 102, which protects the processing circuit 103 from environmental influences. The housing 102 may be coupled to a drying platform 101, or may be detached from and coupled to one or more drying platforms 101.

[0030] The processing circuit 103 may include multiple components, such as a processor 104, a memory 106, and / or adjustable circuitry. When the processing circuit 103 is decoupled from and coupled to one or more drying platforms 101, the processing circuit 103 may include a network access device 124, such as… Figure 1B As shown. The processing circuit 103 may include circuitry for one or more indicators 108a-b, switches 120, and / or user interface 122.

[0031] Processor 104 may be implemented as a single processor or multiple processors. Processor 104 may be a microprocessor, data processor, microcontroller, or other controller, and may be electrically connected to some or all other components within processing circuitry 103. Processor 104 may control one or more indicators 108a-b, switches 120, and / or one or more sensors 114.

[0032] Processor 104 can also control the delivery of electrical energy from power source 110 to heating element 118. For example, processor 104 can control the amount of electrical energy delivered from power source 110 to heating element 118, the activation or deactivation of electrical energy delivery, and / or the frequency of electrical energy delivery. For each of the one or more drying platforms 101, the amount of electrical energy delivered can be approximately 500W, and the amount of electrical energy delivered can be different for each of the one or more drying platforms 101. For example, processor 104 can deliver a first amount of electrical energy to a first drying platform 101a and a second amount of electrical energy to a second drying platform 101b. Processor 104 can deliver electrical energy to one or more drying platforms 101 simultaneously, in parallel, or sequentially. Drying equipment 100 can rotate or cyclically deliver electrical energy between one or more drying platforms 101, such that the electrical load on power source 110 is maintained and does not increase during the delivery of electrical energy to one or more drying platforms 101. Processor 104 can be coupled to memory 106.

[0033] Memory 106 may be coupled to processor 104 and store instructions executed by processor 104. Memory 106 may include one or more of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), USB storage devices, or other volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 106 may be non-transitory memory or data storage devices, such as hard disk drives, solid-state drives, hybrid disk drives, or other suitable data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions that can be loaded and executed by processor 104.

[0034] Network access device 124 may include communication ports or channels, such as a Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) unit, a Wi-Fi unit, etc. One or more of the following: a cell, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or reader, or a cellular network cell for accessing a cellular network (e.g., 3G, 4G, or 5G). The network access device 124 can transmit data to and receive data between the processing circuitry 103 and one or more drying platforms 101. For example, drying platforms 101a and 101b can communicate and transmit temperature data to the processing circuitry 103 via network 126 and the network access device 124, and in response, the processing circuitry 103 can control the amount of electrical energy delivered to each of the drying platforms 101a and / or 101b.

[0035] Network access device 124 can transmit and receive data to and from one or more drying platforms 101 and processing circuitry 103 via network 126. Network 126 can be used for communication between different components, such as between one or more drying platforms 101 and processing circuitry 103. Network 126 can be a wired or wireless connection and can be a Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof, connecting, coupling, and / or otherwise communicating between different components of drying equipment 100.

[0036] All these components can reside in a separate control box, which will also incorporate a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) capable of controlling multiple heating elements. It can also store data from the heating process and control individual heating elements. This data can be used to improve system efficiency by reducing the drying process.

[0037] The drying equipment 100 may include a user interface 122 or be coupled to a user interface 122. The user interface 122 may include input / output devices that receive user input from user interface elements, buttons, dial pads, microphones, keyboards, switches such as switch 120, or touchscreens. The user interface 122 may provide output to output devices such as displays, speakers, indicators such as one or more indicators 108a-b (which may be audio and / or visual indicators), refreshable Braille displays, or other human-machine interface (HMI) devices. The user interface 122 may have one or more heater settings or recipes available, which the controller can use to control the heating elements to increase or decrease the temperature within the payload area.

[0038] User interface 122 can display sensor data, such as temperature or humidity, within the payload area of ​​the transporter. User interface 122 can also display other data, such as the amount of electrical energy being delivered in each of the one or more transporters, or the frequency of the delivered electrical energy. User input can activate processing circuitry 103 and deliver electrical energy to heating element 118.

[0039] User interface 122 can provide notifications to users or other operators, such as an indication that the conveyor is dry. User interface 122 can display statistics calculated from sensor data, such as the estimated time until the dry steam conveyor is dry and / or other statistics related to the evaporation of LN2 within the payload area. User interface 122 can also display alarms, such as the need to cut off power delivery.

[0040] The drying device 100 may include one or more indicators 108a-b. The one or more indicators 108a-b may indicate the status of a dry steam conveyor, such as a Dewar flask 302. For example, indicator 108b may be switched on to indicate when the heating element 118 is switched off or deactivated. Figure 3A As shown. When the drying equipment 100 is disconnected or the power is cut off, the heating element 118 is disconnected or deactivated, so that no electrical energy is delivered to the heating element 118. In another example, the indicator 108a can be turned on to indicate when the heating element 118 is turned on or activated, such as... Figure 3B As shown. When the drying equipment 100 is turned on or the power supply 110 is connected to the heating element 118 to provide or deliver electrical energy to the heating element 118, the heating element is turned on or activated.

[0041] The drying device 100 may use one or more indicators 108a-b to indicate the status of the conveyor, for example, when the Dewar flask 302 is dry. The drying device 100 may flash, blink, or otherwise use an on-off sequence to indicate various states of the conveyor or the drying device 100. In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may use a user interface 122 to display various states of the conveyor and / or the drying device 100. Indicator lights may be LEDs capable of displaying different colors. Red may indicate that the drying device 100 is running and that touching the heating element 118 is unsafe. A green light may be used to indicate that the drying device 100 has completed the process and that the heating element 118 can be safely handled.

[0042] The drying equipment 100 may include a switch 120. Switch 120 may be an on-off switch, which, when in the on position, allows power to be supplied to the processing circuit 103, and when in the off position, disconnects power to the processing circuit 103. When the processing circuit 103 is on, it may be connected to a power supply 110, operating one or more sensors 114 and / or operating one or more indicators 108a-b. When the processing circuit 103 is off, the power supply 110 may be disconnected, one or more sensors 408 may be disabled, and / or one or more indicators 108a-b may be deactivated.

[0043] The drying equipment 100 may include a power supply 110. The power supply 110 may be an electrical outlet or cable connected to an external power source (such as an electrical socket), or it may be a battery or other internal power source located within the housing 102 and / or connected to one or more drying platforms 101. When the heating element 118 is positioned within the payload area of ​​the carrier, the power supply 110 delivers electrical energy to the heating element 118 to activate it and increase the temperature within the payload area of ​​the carrier. The power supply 110 may deliver approximately 500W of electrical energy to each of the one or more heating elements 118 corresponding to one or more drying platforms 101. The power supply 110 for one or more drying platforms 101 may be located in a control box, which may contain an isolating switch that disables all heating elements 118 when open. And when the power supply 110 for one or more drying platforms 101 is on, the power supply 110 can power all or all of the one or more drying platforms 101. This allows a single power cable to be directly connected to an electrical outlet or a backup power source.

[0044] The drying apparatus 100 may include one or more drying platforms 101. Each drying platform 101 may include a Dewar flask cover 112, one or more sensors 114, a heating element 118, and one or more elongated members 116 between the sensors 114 or heating element 118 and the Dewar flask cover 112. The Dewar flask cover 112 may be a circular, cylindrical, elliptical, or other polygonal planar surface with a periphery larger than the opening of the conveyor neck so as to cover the opening when positioned over it. When the drying platform 101 is inserted onto the top of the conveyor, such as when the heating element 118 is positioned within the payload area to evaporate LN2 or otherwise dry the conveyor, the Dewar flask cover 112 may cover the opening to prevent foreign matter from entering the payload area of ​​the conveyor.

[0045] One or more drying platforms 101 may include one or more sensors 114. Sensor 114 may be a humidity sensor. A humidity sensor can measure the amount of condensate within the payload area of ​​the transporter. Sensor 114 may be a thermocouple. A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two different electrical conductors forming an electrical junction. Due to the thermoelectric effect, which can be interpreted as measuring temperature, a thermocouple generates a temperature-dependent voltage. One or more sensors 114 may include various other sensors, such as a scale that can measure the weight difference of the transporter when it contains liquid or gaseous contents and when the transporter is dry, or an LN2 sensor that can measure the amount of LN2 within the payload area of ​​the transporter. Other sensors may include sensors that identify when the heating element 118 is safely emitting heat based on one or more parameters, such as electrical contact, capacitance, or the amount of light surrounding the heating element 118. The sensors may use a user interface 122 to provide indications of whether it is safe to remove the heating element 118 and / or to use and power the heating element 118, which may be one or more indicators, such as audio or visual indicators. For example, when a sensor indicates that removing the heating element 118 is unsafe, such as when power is supplied to the heating element 118, the drying device 100 can issue an audible warning to the user.

[0046] One or more drying platforms 101 may include heating elements 118. Heating elements 118 may convert electrical energy into heat, such as through a Joule heating process. For example, current can be delivered through the heating element and encounter resistance, causing the heating element 118 to heat up to increase the temperature within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302, as... Figure 3A and 3B As shown.

[0047] Figure 3A and 3BThe diagram illustrates the positioning of various components of the drying apparatus 100 within a Dewar flask drying system 300, which includes a Dewar flask 302 and the drying apparatus 100 positioned within the Dewar flask 302. The Dewar flask 302 remains upright as the drying apparatus 100 evaporates any liquid or gaseous contents within it. This prevents ambient air containing water vapor or other moisture such as condensate from entering the Dewar flask 302 and causing expansion of the voids and / or capillaries in the absorbent material. This allows the absorbent material to maintain its ability to store or retain LN2 and to cryogenically cool the environment within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302.

[0048] Furthermore, when the Dewar flask 302 is upright, it is more stable during the evaporation process, occupies less space in the drying area, and prevents damage to the vapor stopper. Because the Dewar flask 302 is more stable and occupies less storage space, the likelihood of it tilting or otherwise tipping over is reduced, and the number of Dewar flasks that can be stored in the storage area for drying at the same time is increased.

[0049] The Dewar flask 302 or other dry vapor delivery device can be a double-walled flask with an inner wall and an outer wall. The Dewar flask 302 can create a vacuum between the inner and outer walls, allowing the space between them to be completely evacuated to isolate the stored material. The Dewar flask 302 may have an opening with a neck 306 leading to a payload area 304 formed by the inner wall, and this payload area can store, hold, or otherwise contain frozen biological material, liquids, and / or gases, storing the material at cryogenic temperatures.

[0050] When the heating element 118 is positioned within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302 and electrical energy is delivered to the heating element 118, the heating element 118 radiates heat or warms 308 within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302, for example... Figure 3B As shown. This increases the temperature within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302 and evaporates any remaining liquid or gas within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302. When no electrical power is delivered to the heating element 118, the ambient temperature within the payload region 304 can gradually cool and decrease.

[0051] One or more drying platforms 101 may include one or more elongated members 116. The elongated member 116 may be a hollow, elongated tubular structure or pipe having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end may be coupled or connected to a Dewar flask cover 112, while the distal end may be coupled or connected to one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118. When the Dewar flask cover 112 is positioned on top of the opening of the neck 306 of the Dewar flask 302, the one or more elongated members 116 allow one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118 to be inserted into the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302. The elongated member 116 coupled to one or more sensors 114 may be positioned spaced apart from another elongated member 116 coupled to the heating element 118, such that the one or more sensors 114 measure sensor data of the environment within the payload area 304, rather than heat dissipation from the heating element 118.

[0052] One or more elongated members 116 may extend from the central region of the Dewar bottle cover 112, such that one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118 are positioned at the center of the payload region 304 of the Dewar bottle 302, which allows for uniform temperature measurement and / or heating of the internal environment of the payload region 304 of the Dewar bottle 302.

[0053] One or more drying platforms 101 may include a shroud 128. The shroud 128 may enclose or circumferentially surround one or more elongated members 116, one or more sensors 114, and / or heating elements 118. The shroud 128 may enclose or surround the elongated members 116, one or more sensors 114, and / or heating elements 118 to protect the components from contact with the walls of the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302 and to prevent damage to the components. The shroud 128 may extend the entire length of the elongated members 116 and beyond the distal ends of one or more elongated members 116 to enclose or surround one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118. The shroud 128 may be perforated to avoid interfering with the measurement of sensor data and / or the heating of the environment within the payload area 304. In some embodiments, the shield may be in the form of a heat sink, such as aluminum fins positioned around the heating element 118 that extend the length of the heating element 118, or the shield 128 may wrap around the entire drying equipment 100 and serve as a safety device to prevent users from touching the heating element 118.

[0054] Figure 2A schematic diagram 200 of the drying apparatus 100 is shown. Schematic diagram 200 shows a cross-sectional view of the drying apparatus 100. Schematic diagram 200 shows a processing circuit 103 within a housing 102 and one or more wires 202 connecting the processing circuit 103 to a heating element 118. The one or more wires 202 deliver electrical energy from a power source 110 to the heating element 118 to emit heat within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302. The processing circuit 103 may be housed in a control box, and another separate control box may serve as a junction box to house the one or more wires 202 and / or other connectors.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of process 400 for evaporating any liquid or gas (such as LN2) within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302. Process 400 can be implemented by one or more appropriately programmed computers or one or more data processing devices, such as the processing circuit 103 of the drying apparatus 100 of Figure 1.

[0056] Users, technicians, or other operators may position the drying equipment 100 on a conveyor such as a Dewar flask 302 and within the payload area 304 (402) of the Dewar flask 302. Users, technicians, or other operators may insert a heating element 118 into the Dewar flask 302 and position the Dewar flask cover 112 to cover the opening of the neck 306 of the Dewar flask 302.

[0057] Once the drying apparatus 100 is positioned on the Dewar flask 302, the drying apparatus 100 can measure, determine, or otherwise obtain sensor data (404) of the environment within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302. This sensor data may include the temperature within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302 and / or the humidity or amount of condensate within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302. This sensor data may also include other measured parameters, such as the weight of the Dewar flask 302 or the amount of LN2 within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302.

[0058] The drying equipment 100 may use one or more sensors 114, such as thermocouples or humidity sensors, to obtain sensor data. For example, the drying equipment 100 may use thermocouples to measure or determine the temperature within the payload area 304, or use humidity sensors to measure or determine the amount of humidity or condensate within the payload area 304.

[0059] One or more sensors 114 may be positioned at and coupled to the distal end of the elongated member 116, and opposite the Dewar cover 112, which may be positioned at and coupled to the proximal end of the elongated member 116. Temperature, humidity, or the amount of condensate, or other measurement parameters, such as the weight of the Dewar 302 or the amount of LN2 within the payload area 304, may be used to determine whether the payload area 304 of the Dewar 302 is dry.

[0060] Drying device 100 determines whether to activate heating element 118 to increase the temperature (406) within the payload area 304 of Dewar flask 302. Drying device 100 activates heating element 118 to evaporate any liquid or gas within payload area 304. Drying device 100 may determine whether to activate heating element 118 based on sensor data. For example, when sensor data indicates that the amount of residual humidity, condensate, or LN2 in payload area 304 is greater than a threshold amount, this may indicate that payload area 304 contains liquid or gaseous contents such as LN2 that may need to be evaporated, and therefore, drying device 100 may activate heating element 118 to evaporate the liquid or gaseous contents. In another example, when sensor data indicates that the temperature within payload area 304 is less than or equal to a threshold temperature, this may also indicate that payload area 304 contains liquid or gaseous contents such as LN2 that may need to be evaporated. Figure 5 The process 500 of delivering electrical energy to the heating element 118 based on the temperature within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302 is further described. In another example, when the weight of the Dewar flask 302 is greater than the baseline weight, this can indicate the presence of liquid or gas within the payload region 304 and that the Dewar flask 302 is not dry.

[0061] When the drying equipment 100 determines that the heating element 118 should not be activated, the drying equipment can continue to monitor or determine sensor data, as described above (404). Otherwise, once the drying equipment 100 determines that the heating element 118 should be activated, the drying equipment 100 delivers electrical energy to the heating element 118 (408). One or more user interfaces 122 can display the temperature and humidity in the payload area. Based on information collected from the sensor data, a program can be selected from one or more user interfaces as a drying cycle. This program can be pre-programmed into the drying equipment 100 and listed according to the drying cycle.

[0062] The drying apparatus 100 uses a power source 110 to supply and apply electrical energy to a heating element 118 via one or more wires 202 within one or more elongated members 116. The drying apparatus 100 can be switched on, activated, or otherwise allowed to deliver electrical energy from the power source 110 to the heating element 118 via one or more wires 202. By delivering electrical energy to the heating element 118, the heating element 118 dissipates heat 308 into the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302, for example, as... Figure 3B As shown. And therefore, the drying equipment 100 heats or raises the temperature of the environment within the payload area 304.

[0063] While the heating element 118 heats the environment within the payload area 304, the drying apparatus 100 continues to monitor sensor data (410). The drying apparatus 100 uses one or more sensors 114 to re-determine, re-detect, and / or otherwise reacquire sensor data. The drying apparatus 100 may continuously or periodically sample or otherwise process samples of sensor data and / or calculate averages to determine whether liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated and whether the Dewar flask 302 is dry.

[0064] The drying device 100 determines whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated (412). The drying device 100 may use sensor data to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated. For example, the drying device 100 may use temperature, the amount of humidity, the amount of condensate, weight, and / or combinations thereof to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated. The drying device 100 may compare the sensor data to one or more thresholds to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry. For example, when the sensor data indicates that the amount of humidity or condensate within the payload area 304 is greater than a threshold amount, this may indicate that the payload area 304 is not dry. In another example, the drying device 100 may use temperature to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry. Figure 5 An embodiment is further described that uses temperature to determine whether the liquid or gas in the payload area 304 has evaporated and whether the Dewar flask 302 is dry.

[0065] When the drying device 100 determines that the payload area 304 is not dry and that liquid or gas still exists within the payload area 304, the drying device 100 can re-deliver electrical energy to the heating element 118 to continue evaporating the liquid or gas, as described above (408). When the drying device 100 determines that the payload area 304 is dry and that the liquid or gas has evaporated, the drying device 100 can provide the user with an indication that the Dewar flask 302 is dry (414).

[0066] The drying device 100 can activate one or more indicators 108a-b to indicate the state of the Dewar flask 302. For example, one indicator 108a can be used to indicate that the heating element 118 is off and the Dewar flask 302 is dry, while another indicator 108b can be used to indicate that the heating element 118 remains on and the Dewar flask 302 is not dry. The one or more indicators 108a-b can have various colors, such as green and / or red, or flash, blink, or otherwise change state to indicate the state of the Dewar flask 302 and / or the state of the heating element 118.

[0067] In some embodiments, the drying apparatus 100 may provide instructions via a remote computer, such as on a user interface 122. These instructions may include additional information regarding the status of the heating element 118 and / or the environmental conditions within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302. This additional information may include the amount or rate of evaporation, the current or average temperature, and / or the amount of liquid or gas remaining within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of process 500, which uses temperature data to determine whether a liquid or gas within the payload area has evaporated and whether the Dewar flask is dry. Process 500 can be implemented by one or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as the processing circuit 103 of the drying device 100 in Figure 1, which are appropriately programmed.

[0069] The drying apparatus 100 can determine the temperature within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302, as described above (502). The temperature can be averaged over time or it can be an instantaneous temperature. The drying apparatus 100 can use the temperature to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry.

[0070] The drying equipment determines whether the temperature is less than or equal to a first threshold (504). The first threshold may be a minimum temperature, such as approximately 70°C-75°C, which may represent the temperature at which the drying equipment 100 is instructed to activate the heating element 118 to heat or warm the payload area 304 and evaporate or continue evaporating any liquid or gas within the payload area 304. The first threshold may also be a temperature at which the heat within the payload area 304 is less effective or no longer effective in further evaporating any liquid or gas within the Dewar flask 302.

[0071] In some implementations, the first threshold may be a user-configured, pre-configured, or predetermined temperature and / or a default temperature, which may be set by the user or operator or set at a certain factor during manufacturing or distribution. The first threshold may be obtained from memory 106 and may vary for various types, varieties, or sizes of Dewar flasks. The adjustable first threshold allows the drying equipment 100 to be used for drying various types, varieties, or sizes of Dewar flasks.

[0072] When the drying equipment 100 determines that the temperature is greater than a first threshold, this indicates that the heat within the payload area 304 has not dissipated, and the temperature can be further increased to evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area 304. While the temperature is greater than the first threshold, the drying equipment 100 can continue to determine and monitor the temperature within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302 (502). When the drying equipment 100 determines that the temperature is less than or equal to the first threshold, this indicates that the heat within the payload area 304 has dissipated. The drying equipment will then need to activate or reactivate the heating element 118 to further evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area 304. Therefore, the drying equipment 100 delivers electrical energy to the heating element 118 to activate it, causing the temperature within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302 to rise and evaporate any liquid or gas within the payload area 304 of the Dewar flask 302.

[0073] When the drying apparatus 100 determines that the temperature is less than or equal to a first threshold, the drying apparatus 100 may deliver electrical energy to the heating element 118 to heat, reheat, or otherwise increase the temperature within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302 (506). The power source 110 delivers electrical energy to the heating element 118 via one or more wires 202 within one or more elongated members 116. Once energized, the heating element 118 heats or raises the temperature within the payload region 304 of the Dewar flask 302. This increases the temperature within the payload region 304, thereby evaporating any remaining liquid or gas within the payload region 304.

[0074] As the heating element 118 raises the temperature within the payload area 304, the drying apparatus 100 continues to monitor, determine, or otherwise detect the temperature within the payload area (508). The drying apparatus 100 uses a temperature sensor to continue monitoring the temperature so that the heating element 118 does not overheat the environment within the payload area 304 and / or damage the Dewar flask 302. This prevents the drying apparatus 100 from damaging the Dewar flask 302.

[0075] The drying apparatus 100 determines whether the temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold (510). The drying apparatus 100 compares the temperature to the second threshold. The second threshold may be a threshold temperature representing the highest temperature limit of the Dewar flask 302. The highest temperature limit of the Dewar flask 302 may be approximately 80°C–100°C before damage occurs. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. If the temperature within the payload area 304 exceeds the second threshold, the Dewar flask 302 may be damaged; therefore, the drying apparatus 100 can ensure that the temperature within the payload area 304 remains below the second threshold. The temperatures of the two thresholds can be selected from one or more user interfaces 122. These temperatures can also be pre-programmed in each recipe selected from one or more user interfaces 122.

[0076] When the temperature is below the second threshold, the drying device 100 may continue to supply electrical energy to the heating element 118, as described above (506). The drying device 100 continues to supply electrical energy to raise the temperature within the payload region 304, thereby evaporating any liquid or gas within the payload region 304. Otherwise, when the temperature is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the drying device 100 deactivates the heating element 118 (512). The drying device 100 deactivates the heating element 118 to prevent the temperature from increasing above the second threshold and damaging the Dewar flask 302.

[0077] The drying device 100 can disconnect or cut off the power supply 110 to prevent electrical energy from being delivered to the heating element 118 via one or more wires 202. When no electrical energy is delivered, the heating element 118 does not dissipate or emit heat to warm the environment within the payload area 304. This results in a decrease in temperature within the payload area 304, which may be due to the remaining liquid or gas in the Dewar flask 302.

[0078] As the temperature within the payload area 304 cools, the drying apparatus 100 continues to measure the ambient temperature within the payload area 304. The drying apparatus 100 may use a timer, clock, or other device to measure the amount of time (514) during which the temperature cools, decreases, or otherwise drops below a first threshold. When the temperature cools, decreases, or otherwise drops below the first threshold, the drying apparatus 100 may reactivate the heating element 118 to raise, heat, or otherwise increase the temperature within the payload area 304.

[0079] The drying equipment 100 can use the measured amount of time to estimate the amount of any remaining liquid or gas within the payload region 304. The greater the amount of remaining liquid or gas, the faster the temperature within the payload region 304 will decrease. As the amount of remaining liquid or gas decreases, the amount of time required for the temperature within the payload region 304 to decrease from the second threshold to the first threshold increases because some of the gas or liquid, such as LN2, has already evaporated.

[0080] The drying equipment 100 determines whether the time quantity is greater than or equal to a threshold quantity (516). The threshold quantity can indicate the time it takes for the temperature to drop to a first threshold value without any liquid or gas assistance in lowering the temperature within the payload area 304. Therefore, this will indicate whether there is no liquid or gas assisting in cooling the environment within the payload area 304.

[0081] When the time duration is less than a threshold amount, this indicates that liquid or gas still exists within the payload area 304, and therefore, the drying device can re-deliver electrical energy to the heating element 118 to reheat, reheat, or otherwise increase the temperature within the environment of the payload area 304, as described above (506). Otherwise, when the time duration is greater than or equal to the threshold amount, this indicates that no remaining liquid or gas is available to assist in lowering the temperature within the environment of the payload area 304, and therefore, the Dewar flask 302 can be dry. Thus, the drying device 100 can determine that the Dewar flask 302 is dry and indicate to the user that the drying device 100 is dry, as described above (518).

[0082] Exemplary embodiments of the methods / systems have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Therefore, the terminology used throughout this document should be interpreted in a non-limiting way. While those skilled in the art will conceive of minor modifications to the teachings herein, it should be understood that all such embodiments are intended to be limited to the scope of this patent, which reasonably fall within the scope of the contributions made herein to the advancement of the art, and the scope of the invention should not be limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A Dewar flask drying apparatus, comprising: A heating element configured to generate heat that raises the temperature of the payload area inside the Dewar flask; A Dewar flask cover, the Dewar flask cover being positioned at the bottom of the housing and configured to be positioned at the top of the opening in the neck of the Dewar flask; A controller, connected to the heating element, and configured such that: Determine or detect the temperature within the effective load area of ​​the Dewar flask; and The heating element is used to control the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask to evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area, wherein the housing encloses the controller, and the Dewar flask remains covered and upright while the Dewar flask drying device evaporates the liquid or gas; An elongated member, the elongated member being connected to the Dewar flask cover at a proximal end and to the heating element at a distal end, wherein the elongated member has a hollow tubular structure surrounding one or more wires for delivering electrical energy from a power source to the heating element; as well as Another elongated member is coupled to the Dewar bottle cover at its proximal end and to the sensor at its distal end, and is positioned at a distance from the elongated member having the heating element to measure sensor data of the environment within the payload area.

2. The Dewar flask drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, In order to control the temperature within the effective load region of the Dewar flask, the controller is configured to: Activate the heating element; and When the temperature is below a first threshold temperature, the heating element is used to increase the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask to evaporate the liquid or gas.

3. The Dewar flask drying equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is configured to deactivate the heating element when the temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask is greater than or equal to a second threshold temperature.

4. The Dewar flask drying equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second threshold temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature.

5. The Dewar flask drying equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is configured such that: The time it takes for the temperature to drop from the second threshold temperature to the first threshold temperature is measured; and When the time value is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the effective load area inside the Dewar flask is dry.

6. The Dewar flask drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A housing encloses the controller and has an indicator configured to visually indicate when the payload area within the Dewar flask is dry, wherein the controller is configured to: Activate the indicator to visually indicate that the payload area is dry.

7. The Dewar flask drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distal end of the elongated member is positioned within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask, such that the heating element extends into the payload area.

8. The Dewar flask drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A thermocouple device configured to measure the temperature within the payload region of the Dewar flask, wherein the controller is coupled to the thermocouple device and configured to: The thermocouple device is used to determine or detect the temperature within the effective load area of ​​the Dewar flask.

9. A Dewar flask drying system, comprising: A first Dewar flask, the first Dewar flask having a first effective load area; A second Dewar flask, the second Dewar flask having a second payload area; A first Dewar flask drying apparatus, the first Dewar flask drying apparatus having a first heating element configured to be inserted into the first Dewar flask and generate heat that heats the first payload area of ​​the first Dewar flask. A second Dewar flask drying device, the second Dewar flask drying device having a second heating element configured to be inserted into the second Dewar flask and generate heat to heat up the second payload area of ​​the second Dewar flask; A first Dewar flask cover is positioned at the bottom of the housing and configured to be positioned at the top of the opening in the neck of the first Dewar flask. A second Dewar flask cover is positioned at the bottom of the housing and configured to be positioned at the top of the opening in the neck of the second Dewar flask. as well as A controller, connected to the first Dewar flask drying device and the second Dewar flask drying device, is configured as follows: The first temperature within the first payload area is controlled using the first heating element, and The second temperature within the second payload area is controlled using the second heating element. When the Dewar flask drying device evaporates liquid or gas, the Dewar flask remains covered and upright; An elongated member is connected to the first Dewar flask cover at its proximal end and to the first heating element at its distal end, wherein the elongated member has a hollow tubular structure surrounding one or more wires that deliver electrical energy from a power source to the first heating element. as well as Another elongated member is connected to the first Dewar flask cover at its proximal end and to the sensor at its distal end, and is positioned at a distance from the elongated member having the first heating element to measure sensor data of the environment within the first payload area.

10. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A power source configured to deliver electrical energy to the first heating element and the second heating element, wherein the controller is configured to control the first temperature using the first heating element and to independently control the second temperature using the second heating element.

11. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 10, characterized in that, In order to control the first temperature and the second temperature, the controller is configured to: A first amount of electrical energy is delivered to the first heating element to raise the first temperature; and A second amount of electrical energy is delivered to the second heating element to increase the second temperature.

12. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first quantity is different from the second quantity, or the first quantity is delivered before or after the delivery of the second quantity.

13. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A first indicator is configured to visually indicate when the first payload area within the first Dewar flask is dry; as well as A second indicator is configured to visually indicate when the second payload area within the second Dewar flask is dry.

14. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first Dewar flask drying device includes a first planar base configured to be positioned on top of the opening of the first Dewar flask, wherein the second Dewar flask drying device includes a second planar base and a second elongated member configured to be positioned on top of the opening of the second Dewar flask, the second elongated member having a proximal end connected to the first planar base and a distal end connected to the second heating element.

15. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first Dewar flask drying device evaporates the liquid or gas in the first Dewar flask and the second Dewar flask drying device evaporates the liquid or gas in the second Dewar flask, the first Dewar flask and the second Dewar flask remain upright.

16. A method for drying a Dewar flask, comprising: The temperature within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask is determined or detected by a processor and using sensors, wherein the Dewar flask cover is positioned on top of the opening in the neck of the Dewar flask; The processor determines that the temperature within the effective load area of ​​the Dewar flask is less than or equal to a first threshold. The processor uses a power source to deliver electrical energy to a heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area, wherein the heating element is coupled to the distal end of an elongated member having a hollow tubular structure surrounding one or more wires that deliver electrical energy from the power source to the heating element. The processor uses an indicator to provide the user with an indication that the Dewar flask is dry, wherein the processor is housed in a casing on the Dewar flask cover, and the Dewar flask remains covered and upright when the Dewar flask drying device evaporates liquid or gas; and The sensor is coupled to the distal end of another elongated member, wherein the other elongated member is positioned at a distance from the elongated member having the heating element.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: When the temperature within the effective load area is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the delivery of electrical energy to the heating element is stopped, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: When the temperature is less than or equal to the first threshold, the electrical energy is redistributed to the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area; and The amount of time between stopping the delivery of electrical energy and resuming the delivery of electrical energy is measured.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The user is provided with an indication that the Dewar flask is dry based on a comparison of the measured time with a threshold time.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: Before determining or detecting the temperature, the heating element and the sensor are positioned within the payload area of ​​the Dewar flask.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: The amount of electrical energy to be delivered or the duration of the delivery of electrical energy is determined based on the temperature. The electrical energy is delivered to the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area based on the amount of electrical energy to be delivered or the duration of the electrical energy to be delivered.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Providing the user with an indication that the Dewar bottle is dry includes illuminating a visual indicator to show that the Dewar bottle is dry.

23. A Dewar flask drying system, comprising: A Dewar flask having a payload area configured to maintain a liquid or gas temperature below ambient temperature; as well as Dewar flask drying apparatus, the Dewar flask drying apparatus comprising: A heating element configured to generate heat that raises the temperature of the payload area inside the Dewar flask; A sensor configured to detect temperature within the payload area; A Dewar flask cover, the Dewar flask cover being positioned at the bottom of the housing and configured to be positioned at the top of the opening in the neck of the Dewar flask; A controller, connected to the sensor and the heating element, is configured such that: The sensor is used to determine or detect the temperature within the effective load area of ​​the Dewar flask, and The heating element is used to increase the temperature within the payload area, wherein the housing encloses the controller, and the Dewar flask remains covered and upright when the Dewar flask drying device evaporates the liquid or gas; An elongated member, connected at a proximal end to the Dewar flask cover and at a distal end to the heating element, wherein the elongated member has a hollow tubular structure surrounding one or more wires for delivering electrical energy from a power source to the heating element; and Another elongated member is connected to the Dewar bottle cover at its proximal end and to the sensor at its distal end, and is positioned at a distance from the elongated member having the heating element.

24. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The Dewar flask drying device also includes: A power source configured to deliver energy to the heating element to increase the temperature; The controller is configured to stop the delivery of energy when the temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

25. The Dewar flask drying system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The Dewar flask drying device has a user interface configured to receive user input indicating heater settings, wherein the controller is configured to: The temperature is controlled based on the heater settings.

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