Integrated vapor plug temperature monitoring

Abstract

A system for recalibrating a temperature reading of a Dewar flask includes a vapor plug and an electronic device. The vapor plug includes a vapor plug cap, a neck extending from the vapor plug cap, and a sensor located on the neck. The neck is configured to be inserted into an opening of a Dewar flask. The sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter associated with the Dewar flask. The electronic device is in communication with the sensor and is configured to receive, recalibrate, and transmit at least one parameter from the sensor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 867,982, entitled “INTEGRATED VAPOR PLUG TEMPERATURE MONITORING,” filed on July 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present description relates to a system, device or apparatus for plugging or partially sealing a cryogenic device that stores and / or transports liquids or gases at cryogenic temperatures. Background Art

[0003] Laboratory technicians, scientists, medical professionals (such as doctors or nurses), and other technicians can store materials cryogenically and transport the materials to various facilities, such as hospitals, laboratories, and research facilities. When transporting materials at cryogenic temperatures, technicians and / or professionals store the materials in dry vapor shippers. Dry vapor shippers are vacuum insulated containers for transporting materials. Dry vapor shippers can be dewar flasks, which have an inner container with a thin-walled neck tube and an outer container. The inner container can have an absorbent material. These dewar flasks use absorbent materials to hold liquid nitrogen vapor to maintain extreme low temperatures. Dewar flasks have an internal chamber for loading products. In order to maintain low temperatures, devices such as vapor plugs are used to slow down the escape of vapor gas. The vapor plug can act like a cork to partially seal the opening of the dewar flask. The vapor plug reduces the escape of vapor, but does not form a seal. If the vapor plug seals the opening, this will form a dangerous pressurized container.

[0004] In the health, medical, pharmaceutical and / or life science industries, it is very important to safely store and quickly transport payloads in a temperature controlled environment. Therefore, it is desirable that a dewar is a hardened, reusable shipping container that maintains, regulates or controls the temperature of the payload area when transporting temperature sensitive payloads in such industries. Therefore, there is a need for systems and devices to provide accurate temperature readings within the payload area. Summary of the invention

[0005] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is a system for recalibrating a temperature reading of a dewar flask. The system includes a vapor plug and an electronic device. The vapor plug includes a vapor plug cover, a neck extending from the vapor plug cover, and a sensor located on the neck. The neck is configured to be inserted into an opening of the dewar flask. The sensor is configured to detect at least one parameter related to the dewar flask. The electronic device communicates with the sensor and is configured to receive, recalibrate, and send at least one parameter from the sensor.

[0006] In various embodiments, the recalibration relates the sensor readings to the actual temperature of a payload area of ​​the dewar. The payload area is configured to receive the payload and maintain the temperature of the environment surrounding the payload.

[0007] In various embodiments, the at least one parameter is at least one of humidity and temperature within the payload area.

[0008] In various embodiments, the sensor is a thermocouple.

[0009] In various embodiments, the electronic device is a data logger configured to receive, store and transmit data from the sensor.

[0010] In various embodiments, the steam plug includes a passage disposed through the center of the steam plug. The passage extends through the steam plug cap and the neck.

[0011] In various embodiments, the channel includes a wire storage cavity. The channel is configured to receive a wire that is coupled to the sensor, and the wire storage cavity is configured to receive excess wire.

[0012] In various embodiments, the wires secured in the channel are configured to electronically couple the electronic device and at least one of: (i) a sensor controller connected to the sensor or (ii) the sensor.

[0013] In various embodiments, the system further includes a display coupled to the electronic device, the display configured to receive the recalibrated parameters from the electronic device and to display the recalibrated parameters.

[0014] In another aspect, a vapor plug system is described. The vapor plug system includes a vapor plug configured to at least partially seal a dewar, a sensor coupled to the vapor plug, and electronics including a processor operatively coupled to the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature within the dewar. The processor is configured to receive a temperature reading of the dewar from the sensor, recalibrate the temperature reading, and display the recalibrated temperature reading.

[0015] In various embodiments, the processor is configured to recalibrate the temperature readings based on a preprogrammed data set indicating expected temperature deviations.

[0016] In various embodiments, the system includes a memory configured to store a preprogrammed data set indicative of an expected temperature deviation.

[0017] In various embodiments, the electronic device is a data logger configured to receive, store and transmit data from the sensor.

[0018] In various embodiments, a vapor plug includes a vapor plug cover and a neck coupled to the vapor plug cover.

[0019] In various embodiments, the steam plug includes a passage disposed through the center of the steam plug. The passage extends through the steam plug cap and the neck.

[0020] In various embodiments, the channel includes a wire storage cavity. The channel is configured to receive a wire that is coupled to the sensor, and the wire storage cavity is configured to receive excess wire.

[0021] In various embodiments, the wires secured in the channel are configured to electronically couple the electronics and the sensor, wherein the electronics are disposed in the cavity of the vapor plug.

[0022] In yet another aspect, a method of operating a vapor plug system is described. The method includes receiving a parameter of a Dewar vessel, recalibrating the parameter, and displaying the recalibrated parameter.

[0023] In various embodiments, the recalibration includes correlating the parameters with actual parameters of a payload area of ​​the dewar. The payload area is configured to receive the payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload.

[0024] In various embodiments, the parameter is at least one of humidity and temperature within the payload area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, a more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be best obtained by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following illustrative drawings. In the following figures, like reference numerals represent similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0026] Figure 1A shows a top view of a vapor plug according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 1B According to various exemplary embodiments, Figure 1A A cross-sectional side perspective view of a vapor plug;

[0028] Figure 1C-Figure 1D According to various exemplary embodiments, Figure 1A Exploded view of the steam plug;

[0029] Figure 1E According to various exemplary embodiments Figure 1A A perspective view of the steam plug;

[0030] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a vapor plug system according to various exemplary embodiments;

[0031] Figure 3 shows a vapor plug inserted into a Dewar according to various exemplary embodiments; and

[0032] Figure 4 Methods for providing accurate temperature readings of a dewar payload are presented in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and / or methods for plugging or partially sealing a cryogenic device, such as a Dewar flask, that stores and / or transports liquids or gases at cryogenic temperatures. A vapor plug partially seals the inner container of the Dewar flask. The Dewar flask may be a double-walled vacuum insulated container for transporting goods at lower temperatures, such as cryogenic temperatures. The Dewar flask may have an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being lined with an absorbent material, the inner wall and the outer wall forming an inner container and an outer container. The inner container of the Dewar flask may have a neck portion. The neck portion may have an opening that receives material and stores the material in the inner container. The absorbent material may be a liquid or a gas.

[0034] The vapor plug can act like a cork to partially seal the opening and reduce the amount of liquid or gas that evaporates, while also equalizing the pressure within the Dewar flask so that pressure does not build up within the Dewar flask. By reducing the amount of liquid or gas that evaporates, the vapor plug also minimizes the amount of warm air that is pulled in to replace the evaporated liquid and gas, which extends the amount of time the Dewar flask can maintain cryogenic temperatures.

[0035] The ideal temperature reading is approximately -196 degrees Celsius, however, artificially high readings may occur when the thermocouple is located on the vapor plug. For example, a deviation in temperature may provide a reading of approximately -140°C to -155°C. Erratic temperature readings may be due to the vapor plug being a loose fit, thereby pulling in or pushing out air. Conversely, installation and uninstallation issues may occur when the probe or thermocouple is located further into the payload area. For example, lower temperatures during installation and uninstallation may damage the probe, which may result in additional cost and / or time due to the need to wait for a significant amount of time for the dewar to warm up (e.g., 24 hours, 48 ​​hours) to prevent or mitigate damage to the probe.

[0036] Thus, as described herein, a probe may be positioned on a vapor plug of a vapor plug system that includes logic (such as a controller or control algorithm) configured to consider a payload area temperature (e.g., toward the middle of the payload area) and a vapor plug temperature, and the logic determines a correlation for converting a temperature taken near the vapor plug to a payload area temperature. Thus, the vapor plug system reduces the need to replace the probe.

[0037] Figure 1A-1E Vapor plug 100 is shown in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1A An external view of vapor plug 100 is shown. Figure 1B A cross-sectional side perspective view of vapor plug 100 is shown. Figure 3 As shown in , when the vapor plug 100 is inserted into the opening of the Dewar 302, the vapor plug 100 reduces the volatilization of the liquid or gas in the Dewar 302. The vapor plug 100 can partially seal the Dewar 302. That is, the vapor plug 100 allows the liquid or gas to escape the Dewar 302 to equalize the pressure within the Dewar 302, but can also block and / or reduce the amount of liquid or gas that escapes to limit volatilization and limit the entry of warm air into the Dewar 302. This maintains the cryogenic temperature within the Dewar 302 to allow for continued cryogenic storage of the materials stored within the Dewar 302.

[0038] In various embodiments, the vapor plug 100 is removable. Specifically, the vapor plug 100 can be inserted into the opening of the dewar 302 to partially seal and / or restrict access to the cavity 304 of the dewar 302. The vapor plug 100 can be removed from the cavity 304 of the dewar 302 to allow liquid and / or gas to escape from the cavity 304 of the dewar 302.

[0039] The steam plug 100 has a steam plug cover 102 and a neck 104. The steam plug cover 102 has a handle 106 and a door 108. The steam plug 100 may be made from a single component, such as a single interconnected or unitary piece, or the steam plug 100 may be made from multiple components interconnected, such as using one or more fasteners.

[0040] The steam plug cover 102 may be a lid and / or may be cylindrical or circular. The steam plug cover 102 may have a recess 110 located in the center of the steam plug cover 102. The recess 110 may be configured to receive a foam pad 111 to support and stabilize other items, such as an electronic device 202 ( Figure 2 ).

[0041] The vapor plug cap 102 can have a circumference and cap diameter 112 that are greater than the circumference and neck diameter 114 of the neck 104. The circumference and cap diameter 112 can be greater than the Dewar 302 ( Figure 3 ) and the opening diameter of the Dewar flask 306 ( Figure 3 ), so that the vapor plug cover 102 covers the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 ) opening.

[0042] The vapor plug cap 102 may have a handle 106 or be coupled to a handle 106. The handle 106 allows easy access to remove the vapor plug 100, or to insert the vapor plug 100 into the opening of the dewar 302 to partially seal the cavity 304 of the dewar 302, for example, as Figure 3 . Handle 106 can be shaped to allow a user to easily grasp handle 106 so that the user can lift or otherwise remove vapor plug 100 from the opening of Dewar 302. Handle 106 can be a recessed portion having a shape such as a crescent, semicircle, square, rectangle, hexagon, etc.

[0043] The vapor plug 100 includes a neck 104. The neck 104 may be cylindrical in shape and inserted into the opening of the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 ). The neck can be made of a polystyrene material, a combination of materials, or any desired material. The neck 104 can have a first end 118a and a second end 118b opposite the first end 118a. The first end 118a can be coupled to the vapor plug cap 102 and proximate to the opening of the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 The second end 118b can be connected to the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 ) is inserted into the opening of the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 ) of the cavity 304 ( Figure 3 ). When the second end 118b is inserted into the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 ), the second end 118b may reside in the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 3 )’s neck.

[0044] In various embodiments, the first end 118a and the second end 118b can have different diameters. The first end 118a can have a first neck diameter 114a and / or circumference that is greater than the second neck diameter 114b and / or circumference of the second end 118b. For example, the vapor plug 100 can be a conical vapor plug having a neck having a shape that is inserted into the Dewar flask 302 ( Figure 2 ) in an opening of the neck 104. The second end 118b may be angled and gradually taper inwardly from the first end 118a toward the center of the neck 104 to form an inverted truncated cone shape. The taper may begin at a point where the losses due to thermal insulation are equal to a straight wall design and the surface temperature of the vapor plug 100 is warmer than the freezing point of water. This results in the second end 118b having a second neck diameter 114b and / or circumference that is less than the first neck diameter 114a and / or circumference of the first end 118a. In addition, the diameter of the neck gradually decreases from the first end 118a to the second end 118b as the neck tapers inwardly or angles inwardly to form an inverted truncated cone shape.

[0045] Still refer to Figure 1A-1B , the vapor plug 100 can have a liner 120. The liner 120 can be a fleece-like fabric, sleeve, or sock having an opening on a proximal end that is shaped to receive the neck 104 of the vapor plug 100 and is closed on the other end that is inserted into the opening of the dewar 302. The liner 120 can be a hydrophobic liner that repels water vapor, such as condensation or other moisture that may accumulate on the liner 120. Thus, when the neck 104 is inserted into the liner 120 and the liner 120 fits tightly around the neck 104, the liner 120 protects the neck 104 from the accumulation of condensation and / or moisture on the neck 104. In addition, the liner 120 improves the escape of cryogen from the dewar 302 within the payload area of ​​the dewar 302.

[0046] The steam plug 100 further includes a channel 122 disposed through the center of the steam plug 100. The channel 122 can be configured to receive a wire (e.g., a thermocouple). The channel 122 can extend from the top of the steam plug cover 102 to the bottom of the neck 104 (e.g., the side of the steam plug opposite the top of the steam plug cover 102, the second end 118b). In particular, the channel 122 extends through the door 108 and the foam pad 111. As a result, the door 108 can include an access point 109, which can access the wires disposed in the channel 122. The channel 122 includes a wire storage cavity 124. The wire storage cavity 124 can have a greater circumference than the channel 122. In various embodiments, the wire storage cavity 124 can be disposed adjacent to the channel 122 within the neck 104. The wire storage cavity 124 can be configured to accommodate excess wire when the wire is disposed in the channel 122. In various embodiments, the channel 122 and the wire storage cavity 124 can be surrounded by an insulating material 126. For example, the neck 104 is composed of an insulating material 126. In various embodiments, the insulating material 126 can be configured as a layer, wherein the layer can be disposed in a confronting relation with the channel 122 and / or a perimeter of the neck 104.

[0047] The vapor plug 100 can further include a disk 128. The disk 128 can be configured to act as a damper. For example, the disk 128 can prevent or reduce warm air, gas, vapor, or fluid, or radiant energy, from changing the temperature reading. The disk 128 can be disposed on the bottom of the neck 104 at the second end 118b. For example, the disk 128 can be a gasket, such that the disk 128 has a central through hole. The disk 128, and in particular the central through hole, can be aligned with the channel 122. Thus, a wire disposed in the vapor plug 100 can pass through the disk 128.

[0048] The vapor plug 100 includes a thermocouple connector 130. The thermocouple connector 130 can be configured to transmit a temperature reading via a wire (e.g., a wire fed through the channel 122) to an instrument that is configured to receive and measure the temperature reading. For example, the thermocouple connector 130 can be coupled to a sensor that can be positioned, embedded, or included within the neck 104 of the vapor plug 100, or connected to the neck 104 of the vapor plug 100. The sensor can be an electronic device or sensor that measures and monitors the temperature within the dewar 302. For example, the sensor can be a thermocouple, a damping probe, etc. that extends from the thermocouple connector 130 and enters the payload area of ​​the dewar 302 to measure the temperature of the payload area. The sensor (e.g., an electronic thermocouple) can wirelessly transmit and / or communicate with another electronic device (such as a smart data logger) using a wireless protocol. For example, the vapor plug 100 can include a sensor controller 132 (e.g., a thermocouple controller) that is configured to control the sensor. The wires fixed in the channel 122 are configured to electronically couple at least one of the sensor or the sensor controller 132 connected to the sensor to the electronic device. Thus, the sensor can communicate via the sensor controller 132 and provide the temperature to the smart data logger and / or can receive instructions from the smart data logger to monitor the temperature. The smart data logger can display or otherwise transmit the temperature to a user or another electronic platform. This allows other individuals to monitor the temperature within the Dewar 302 in real time.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 2 , a block diagram of a vapor plug system 200 is shown. The vapor plug system 200 includes a vapor plug 100 and an electronic device 202, which may be a smart data logger. The vapor plug 100 and the electronic device 202 may be connected via a network 206. Furthermore, in addition to or in lieu of being connected via the network 206, the vapor plug 100 and / or the electronic device 202 may be directly interconnected. The network 206 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof, which connects, couples, and / or otherwise communicates between different components of the vapor plug system 200. The network 206 may be a direct connection via a wire.

[0050] The electronic device 202 may be a smart data logger. The electronic device 202 may be included within a transport container in which the vapor plug is positioned and maintained in proximity to the vapor plug 100 such that the electronic device 202 is in communication with the vapor plug 100. In various embodiments, the electronic device 202 and the vapor plug 100 are co-located in a shared housing and may share electronic components. The electronic device 202 may be directly connected to the vapor plug 100, such as via a wired or wireless connection. In further instances, the electronic device 202 is not directly connected to the vapor plug 100, but is connected to the vapor plug 100 via a network 206.

[0051] The electronic device 202 may include a memory 208, one or more processors 210, and / or a communication device 212. The electronic device 202 may include a user interface 216 and / or a power source 218. The memory 208 may store data indicating an expected temperature difference between a temperature reading at the vapor plug 100 and a temperature reading at the payload area. The memory 208 may store instructions executed by the one or more processors 210. The memory 208 may include one or more of a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 208 may be a non-transitory memory or data storage device, such as a hard drive, a solid state disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, or other suitable data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions that may be loaded and executed by the one or more processors 210.

[0052] The user interface 216 may include an input device that receives user input from a user interface element, a scanner, a button, a dial, a microphone, or a keyboard, but the user interface 216 may not have an output device such as a display, a speaker, an audio and / or visual indicator, a touch screen display, or a refreshable braille display. The power supply 218 may be used to power the electronic device 202.

[0053] In some embodiments, the user interface 216 may be provided by the electronic device 202. For example, the user interface 216 may be presented on a touch screen display of the electronic device 202. The power supply 218 may be used to power the electronic device 202 and the user interface 216. In some embodiments, the user interface 216 and the electronic device 202 may be powered separately by independent power supplies.

[0054] One or more processors 210 may be coupled to memory 208, communication device 212, user interface 216, and / or power source 218. One or more processors 210 may perform functions such as obtaining temperature readings from vapor plug 100 and providing the temperature readings to user interface 216.

[0055] Reference now Figure 4, a method 400 for providing an accurate temperature reading of a dewar flask payload is shown. At 402, a sensor (e.g., a probe, a thermocouple, etc.) located on a plug of a dewar flask detects a temperature reading of the dewar flask. At 404, the electronic device receives the temperature reading from the sensor. At 406, the electronic device recalibrates the temperature reading to correlate with the actual payload area temperature. The memory of the electronic device can store a predetermined data set indicating artificially high readings that occur when the thermocouple is located on the vapor plug due to the following situation: the vapor plug is in a loose fit and can therefore pull in or push out air. For example, the deviation in temperature may provide a reading of approximately -140°C to -155°C instead of -196°C. The measurement deviation (e.g., approximately 40-50 degrees) can be calculated with reference to the data set, and the temperature reading is recalibrated to reflect the inaccuracy. Therefore, at 408, the electronic device displays the converted temperature measurement.

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of these methods / systems have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Therefore, the terms used throughout should be read in a non-restrictive manner. Although those skilled in the art will make minor modifications to the teachings herein, it should be understood that it is intended to be limited to the patent scope secured herein that all such embodiments reasonably fall within the scope of the technological advancement contributed herein, and that the scope should not be limited except in accordance with the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for recalibrating the temperature reading of a Dewar flask, comprising: A steam plug, the steam plug comprising: Steam plug cover; a neck extending from the vapor plug cap, the neck being configured to be inserted into an opening of the Dewar vessel; and a sensor located on the neck, the sensor configured to detect at least one parameter associated with the dewar; and An electronic device is in communication with the sensor, the electronic device being configured to receive, recalibrate, and transmit the at least one parameter from the sensor.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The recalibration relates the sensor reading to an actual temperature of a payload area of ​​the dewar, the payload area being configured to receive a payload and maintain the temperature of an environment surrounding the payload.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one parameter is at least one of humidity and temperature within a payload area of ​​the dewar.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor is a thermocouple.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic device is a data logger configured to receive, store and transmit data from the sensor.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam plug includes a passage disposed through a center of the steam plug, the passage extending through the steam plug cap and the neck.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The channel includes a wire storage cavity, wherein the channel is configured to receive a wire, the wire being coupled to the sensor, and the wire storage cavity is configured to receive excess wire.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The wires secured in the channel are configured to electronically couple the electronic device and at least one of: (i) a sensor controller connected to the sensor or (ii) the sensor. 9 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a display coupled to the electronic device, the display configured to receive the recalibrated parameters from the electronic device and to display the recalibrated parameters.

10. A vapor plug system, comprising: a vapor plug configured to at least partially seal the Dewar vessel; a sensor coupled to the vapor plug; The sensor is configured to detect the temperature inside the Dewar flask; An electronic device comprising a processor operatively coupled to the sensor, the processor being configured to: receiving a temperature reading of the Dewar flask from the sensor; recalibrating the temperature reading; and The recalibrated temperature reading is displayed.

11. The vapor plug system according to claim 10, characterized in that The processor is configured to recalibrate the temperature reading based on a preprogrammed data set indicating expected temperature deviations.

12. The vapor plug system of claim 11, further comprising: A memory is configured to store the preprogrammed data set indicative of the expected temperature deviation.

13. The vapor plug system of claim 10, wherein: The electronic device is a data logger configured to receive, store and transmit data from the sensor.

14. The vapor plug system of claim 10, wherein: The steam plug includes a steam plug cover and a neck coupled to the steam plug cover.

15. The vapor plug system of claim 14, wherein: The steam plug includes a passage disposed through a center of the steam plug, the passage extending through the steam plug cap and the neck.

16. The vapor plug system of claim 15, wherein: The channel includes a wire storage cavity, wherein the channel is configured to receive a wire, the wire being coupled to the sensor, and the wire storage cavity is configured to receive excess wire.

17. The vapor plug system of claim 16, wherein: The wire secured in the passage is configured to electronically couple the electronic device and the sensor, wherein the electronic device is disposed in the cavity of the vapor plug.

18. A method of operating a vapor plug system, the method comprising: Receive the parameters of the Dewar flask; recalibrating the parameters; as well as The recalibrated parameters are displayed.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that Recalibration includes correlating the parameters to actual parameters of a payload area of ​​the dewar, the payload area being configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The parameter is at least one of humidity and temperature within a payload area of ​​the dewar.

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