Cooler container including active temperature control

Abstract

To provide a portable cooler container including an active temperature control system.SOLUTION: An active temperature control system is operated to heat or cool a chamber of a container to come closer to a temperature setting point appropriate for a chemical housed within a cooler container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable cooler (for medicines, such as insulin, vaccines, epinephrine lines, medicine injectors, cartridges, biological liquids, etc.), and more particularly to a portable cooler with active temperature control.

[0002] Certain pharmaceuticals must be maintained at a certain temperature or temperature range to ensure efficacy (e.g., to maintain potency). Once a drug (e.g., a vaccine) loses potency, it cannot be recovered and the drug becomes ineffective or unusable. However, maintaining the cold chain (e.g., recording the temperature history of a drug as it passes through various distribution channels) can be difficult. Furthermore, when drugs are transported to remote locations for distribution (e.g., rural, mountainous, or sparsely populated areas with poor transportation access), maintaining the drug within the desired temperature range can be difficult, especially when traveling through harsh climates (e.g., deserts). Existing pharmaceutical transport coolers are passive and inadequate for proper cold chain control (e.g., when used in extreme weather conditions such as desert, tropical, or subtropical climates). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Thus, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs (e.g., for transporting pharmaceuticals such as vaccines, insulin, epinephrine lines, vials, cartridges, pen injectors, etc.) that can maintain the contents of the cooler at a desired temperature or temperature range. Additionally, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs that provide record-keeping of the temperature history of the cooler contents (e.g., pharmaceuticals such as vaccines) and improved cold chain control (e.g., during transport to remote locations).

[0004] According to one aspect, a portable cooler container is provided with an active temperature control system that is operated to heat or cool a chamber of the container to approach a temperature setpoint appropriate for a drug stored within the cooler container.

[0005] According to another aspect, a portable cooler is provided that includes a temperature control system operable (e.g., automatically) to maintain the cooler's chamber at a desired temperature or temperature range for an extended period of time. Optionally, the portable cooler is sized to accommodate one or more liquid containers (e.g., vaccine vials or insulin vials / cartridges, pharmaceutical vials, cartridges, or containers, such as pharmaceutical injectors). Optionally, the portable cooler automatically logs (e.g., stores in the cooler's memory) and / or communicates data on one or more detected parameters (e.g., chamber temperature) to a remote electronic device (e.g., a remote computer, a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, a remote server, etc.). Optionally, the portable cooler can automatically log and / or transmit data to the remote electronic device (e.g., automatically in real time, periodically at set intervals, etc.).

[0006] According to another aspect, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The container includes a container body having a chamber configured to contain and retain one or more quantities of a perishable liquid, the chamber being defined by a base and an inner circumferential wall of the container body. The container also includes a temperature control system including one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0007] Optionally, the container can include one or more batteries configured to power one or both of the circuitry and the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0008] Optionally, the circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system and / or a remote electronic device.

[0009] Optionally, the container includes a first heat sink in communication with the chamber, the first sink selectively thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0010] Optionally, the container includes a second heat sink in communication with one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs), such that the one or more TECs are disposed between the first and second heat sinks.

[0011] Optionally, the second heat sink is in thermal communication with a fan operable to draw heat from the second heat sink.

[0012] In one embodiment, such as when the outside air temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature or temperature range, the temperature control system is operable to draw heat from the chamber via a first heat sink, which transfers the heat to one or more TECs that transfer the heat to a second heat sink, where an optional fan dissipates the heat from the second heat sink.

[0013] In another embodiment, such as when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature or temperature range, the temperature control system is operable to apply heat to the chamber via a first heat sink that transfers said heat from one or more TECs.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container includes a container body having a chamber configured to accommodate and hold one or more containers (e.g., for pharmaceuticals). The portable cooler container also includes a lid for accessing the chamber removably attached to the container body, and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, one or more batteries, and circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. A display screen is disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid, and the display screen is configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container using electronic ink.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container includes a container body having a chamber configured to accommodate and hold one or more containers (e.g., for medicines), the chamber being defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body. A lid for accessing the chamber is removably attached to the container body. The portable cooler container also includes a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans, one or both of the thermoelectric elements and the fan configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and one or more batteries and circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container includes a container body having a chamber configured to contain and retain one or more quantities of perishable liquid, and a lid movably coupled to the container body by one or more hinges. The chamber is defined by a base and an inner circumferential wall of the container body. The portable cooler container also includes a temperature control system including one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber and one or more power storage elements. The temperature control system also includes circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range, the circuitry being configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device. One or both of the container body and the lid include an electronic display screen disposed thereon, the display screen configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 3C]FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 12C]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 18C] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a coupling mechanism between the lid and vessel of a cooler container. FIG. [Figure 18D] 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism between the lid and the vessel of the cooler container. FIG. [Figure 18E] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vessel of a cooler container. [Figure 18F] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a vessel for a cooler container. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic rear view of the cooler container of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the cooler container of FIG. 20. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the cooler container of FIG. 20. [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the cooler container of FIG. 20. [Figure 25A] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a tray removed from a container. [Figure 25B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interchangeable tray system for use with a container. [Figure 25C] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a tray for use in the container of FIG. 20. [Figure 25D] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a tray for use in the container of FIG. 20. [Figure 26] FIG. 21 is a schematic bottom view of the cooler container of FIG. 20. [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler container of FIG. 20 with a tray positioned within the container. [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic diagram of a container in an open position with one or more lighting elements. [Figure 29A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 29B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 29C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a visual representation of a container. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the security features of a container. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 33A] 1 is a schematic side view of various containers of different sizes. [Figure 33B] 1 is a schematic side view of various containers of different sizes. [Figure 34] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container placed on a power base. [Figure 35A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 35B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 35C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface for use with the container. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cooler container. [Figure 37] FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler container of FIG. 32. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler container of FIG. 37 with one fan operating. [Figure 39] FIG. 38 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler container of FIG. 37 with another fan in operation. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating communication between the cooler container and remote electronics. [Figure 41A] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a cooler container. [Figure 41B] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the electronics within the cooler container related to the operation of the cooler container's display screen. [Figure 42A] FIG. 41B shows a block diagram of a method of operating the cooler container of FIG. 41A. [Figure 42B] FIG. 41B shows a block diagram of a method of operating the cooler container of FIG. 41A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1A-1D show schematic cross-sectional views of a container system 100 including a cooling system 200. Optionally, the container system 100 has a container vessel 120 that is optionally cylindrical and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis Z, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the features shown in cross section in FIGS. 1A-1D are defined by rotating them about axis Z to define the features of the container 100 and the cooling system 200.

[0019] Container vessel 120 is optionally a cooler with active temperature control provided by cooling system 200 to cool the contents of container vessel 120 and / or maintain the contents of vessel 120 in a cooled or chilled state. Optionally, vessel 120 can hold one or more (e.g., multiple) separate containers (e.g., vials, cartridges, packages, injectors, etc.) therein. Optionally, one or more (e.g., multiple) separate containers that may be inserted into vessel 120 are pharmaceutical containers (e.g., vaccine vials, insulin cartridges, injectors, etc.).

[0020] The container vessel 120 has an outer wall 121 extending between a proximal end 122 having an opening 123 and a distal end 124 having a base 125. The opening 123 is selectively closed by a lid L removably attached to the proximal end 122. The vessel 120 has an inner wall 126A and a base wall 126B defining an open chamber 126 capable of containing and retaining contents to be cooled therein (e.g., one or more quantities of liquid, such as one or more vials, cartridges, packages, injectors, etc.). Optionally, the vessel 120 can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In another embodiment, the vessel 120 can be made of plastic. In one embodiment, the vessel 120 has a cavity 128 (e.g., an annular cavity or chamber) between the inner wall 126A and the outer wall 121. Optionally, the cavity 128 can be under vacuum. In another embodiment, the cavity 128 can be filled with air but is not under vacuum. In yet another implementation, cavity 128 can be filled with a thermally insulating material (e.g., foam). In another embodiment, container 120 can omit the cavity, such that container 120 is solid between inner wall 126A and outer wall 121.

[0021] Continuing with reference to Figures 1A-1D, cooling system 200 is optionally implemented with a lid L that releasably closes mouth 123 of container 120 (e.g., lid L is attached to container 120 to close opening 123 and is removed from container 120 when chamber 126 is accessed through opening 123).

[0022] The cooling system 200 optionally includes a cold-side heat sink 210 facing the chamber 126, one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) 220 (e.g., one or more Peltier elements) selectively contacting the cold-side heat sink 210, a hot-side heat sink 230 in contact with the thermoelectric elements 220 and positioned on the opposite side of the TEC 220 from the cold-side heat sink 210, a thermal insulator 240 positioned between the cold-side heat sink 210 and the hot-side heat sink 230, one or more distal magnets 250 proximate a surface of the thermal insulator 240, one or more proximal magnets 260, and one or more electromagnets 270 axially positioned between the distal magnets 250 and the proximal magnets 260. The proximal magnets 260 have an opposite polarity to the distal magnets 250. The electromagnets 270 are disposed around the hot-side heat sink 230 attached to the TEC 220 and connected to the hot-side heat sink 230, as described above. Cooling system 200 optionally includes a fan 280 in communication with hot-side heat sink 230 and one or more sealing gaskets 290 disposed between cold-side heat sink 210 and hot-side heat sink 230 and around TEC 220.

[0023] As described further below, circuitry and one or more batteries are optionally disposed within or on the container 120. For example, in one embodiment, the circuitry, sensor, and / or battery may be disposed within a cavity in the distal end 124 of the container body 120, such as beneath the base wall 126B of the container 120, and may communicate with electrical contacts provided at the proximal end 122 of the container 120 that may contact electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins, contact rings) on the lid L. In another embodiment, the lid L may be connected to the proximal end 122 of the container 120 via a hinge, and electrical wiring may extend through the hinge between the circuitry located at the distal end 124 of the container 120 and the fan 280 and TEC 220 within the lid L. Further description of the electronics in the cooling system 200 is provided below. In another embodiment, the circuitry and one or more batteries are in a removable pack (e.g., a DeWalt battery pack) that attaches to the distal end 124 of the container 120, and one or more contacts in the removable pack contact one or more contacts on the distal end 124 of the container 120. The one or more contacts on the distal end 124 of the container 120 are electrically connected (via one or more wires or one or more intermediate components) to electrical connections on the proximal end 122 of the container 120, or through a hinge as described above, to provide power to the components of the cooling system 200.

[0024] During operation, the one or more electromagnets 270 are operated to have a polarity opposite to that of the one or more distal magnets 250 and / or the same as that of the one or more proximal magnets 260. This moves the electromagnets 270 toward the distal magnets 250, bringing them into contact with the distal magnets 250 and thereby bringing the TEC 220 into contact with the cold-side heat sink 210 (see FIG. 1C ). The TEC 220 can operate to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210, which the TEC 220 transfers to the hot-side heat sink 230. The fan 280 can optionally be operated to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230, allowing the TEC 220 to draw more heat from the chamber 126 and cool the chamber 126. Once a desired temperature is reached within chamber 126 (e.g., as detected by one or more sensors in thermal communication with chamber 126), fan 280 is turned off and one or more electromagnets 270 are switched polarity (e.g., switched off). As a result, electromagnets 270 are repelled from distal magnet 250 and / or attracted to proximal magnet 260, thereby separating TEC 220 from (i.e., out of contact with) cold-side heat sink 210 (see FIG. 1D ) within housing 225. Separating TEC 220 from cold-side heat sink 210 advantageously prevents heat from the hot-side heat sink or from the ambient temperature from flowing back into the cold-side heat sink, thereby maintaining a longer cooling state within chamber 126.

[0025] 2A-2B schematically illustrate a container system 100B including a cooling system 200B. The container system 100B may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200B are similar to those of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200B are identical to the reference numerals used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200 in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for the addition of a "B" to the reference numerals. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200B in FIGS. 2A-2B, except as noted below.

[0026] The TEC 220B can optionally be slid between the cold-side heat sink 210B and the hot-side heat sink 230B, such that operation of the TEC 220B draws heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210B and transfers it to the hot-side heat sink 230B. The fan 280B can optionally be operated to further dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230B, drawing more heat from the chamber 126 through the TEC 220B. To maintain an efficient thermal connection between the cold-side heat sink 210B and the TEC 220B when they are aligned with one another, one or more springs 212B (e.g., coil springs) optionally urge the cold-side heat sink 210B into elastic contact with the insulator 240B.

[0027] TEC 220B can optionally be removed from between cold-side heat sink 210B and hot-side heat sink 230B (e.g., once the desired temperature in chamber 126 is achieved), thereby disabling heat transfer through TEC 220B. Optionally, TEC 220B is slid into cavity 242B in thermal insulator 240B.

[0028] The TEC 220B can be slidably mounted and removed between the cold-side heat sink 210B and the hot-side heat sink 230B using any number of suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, the TEC 220B can be mounted to a gear rack (e.g., rack and pinion) that moves linearly via rotation of the gear by an electric motor, with the rack driven by a gear in contact with the gear rack. In another embodiment, a solenoid motor can be mounted to the TEC 220B to achieve linear movement of the TEC 220B. In yet another embodiment, a pneumatic or electromechanical system can actuate a piston mounted to the TEC 220B to achieve linear movement of the TEC 220B.

[0029] FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a portion of a container system 100B′ including a cooling system 200B′. The container system 100B′ may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200B′ are similar to features of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200B′ are identical to the reference numerals used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200B in FIGS. 2A-2B, except for the addition of an “′” to the reference numerals. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200B′ in FIG. 2C, except as noted below.

[0030] Cooling system 200B′ differs from cooling system 200B in that TEC 220B′ has a tapered or wedge-shaped configuration. Actuator 20A (e.g., an electric motor) is coupled to TEC 220B′ via driver 20B. Actuator 20A moves TEC 220B′ to insert into (e.g., into contact with) hot-side heat sink 230B′ and cold-side heat sink 210B′, enabling heat transfer therebetween. Optionally, hot-side heat sink 230B′ and / or cold-side heat sink 210B′ can have tapered surfaces that are in thermal communication with one or more tapered surfaces (e.g., wedge-shaped surfaces) of TEC 220B′ when TEC 220B′ is moved into heat transfer (e.g., contact) with hot-side heat sink 230B′ and cold-side heat sink 210B′.

[0031] 3A-3C schematically illustrate a container system 100C including a cooling system 200C. The container system 100C may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200C are similar to those of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200C are identical to the reference numerals used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200B in FIGS. 2A-2B, except that a "C" is used instead of a "B." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200C in FIGS. 3A-3C, except as noted below.

[0032] Cooling system 200C differs from cooling system 200B in that TEC 220C is in a fixed position adjacent to hot-side heat sink 230C. Insulating member 240C has one or more thermal conductors 244C embedded therein, and insulating member 240C can be selectively rotated about an axis (e.g., an axis offset from axis Z of vessel 120) to align at least one of thermal conductors 244C with TEC 220C and cold-side heat sink 210C to enable heat transfer between chamber 126 and hot-side heat sink 230C. The thermal insulation member 240C can also be selectively rotated to move one or more thermal conductors 244C out of alignment with the TEC 220C, so that a thermal insulation portion 246C is instead interposed between the TEC 220C and the cold-side heat sink 210C, thereby reducing (e.g., preventing) heat transfer between the TEC 220C and the cold-side heat sink 210C to maintain a cooling condition over time within the chamber 126. Referring to Figures 3B-3C, in one embodiment, the thermal insulation member 240C can be rotated by a motor 248C (e.g., an electric motor) via a pulley cable or band 249C.

[0033] 4A-4C schematically illustrate a container system 100D including a cooling system 200D. The container system 100D may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200D are similar to those of the cooling system 200C of FIGS. 3A-3C. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200D are identical to the reference numerals used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200C in FIGS. 3A-3C, except that a "D" is used instead of a "C." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200C in FIGS. 3A-3C also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200D in FIGS. 4A-4C, except as noted below.

[0034] Cooling system 200D differs from cooling system 200C in the mechanism for rotating insulating member 240D. Specifically, insulating member 240D has one or more thermal conductors 244D embedded therein, and insulating member 240D can be selectively rotated about an axis (e.g., an axis offset from axis Z of vessel 120) to align at least one of thermal conductors 244D with TEC 220D and cold-side heat sink 210D to enable heat transfer between chamber 126 and hot-side heat sink 230D. Insulating member 240D can also be selectively rotated to move one or more thermal conductors 244D out of alignment with TEC 220D, so that instead, thermal insulation 246D is interposed between TEC 220D and cold-side heat sink 210D, thereby inhibiting (e.g., preventing) heat transfer between TEC 220D and cold-side heat sink 210D and maintaining a cooled state within chamber 126 for an extended period of time. 4B-4C, in one embodiment, the insulating member 240D can be rotated by a motor 248D (eg, an electric motor) via a gear train or gear connection 249D.

[0035] 5A-5B schematically illustrate a container system 100E including a cooling system 200E. The container system 100E may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200E are similar to those of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200E are identical to the reference numerals used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200B in FIGS. 2A-2B, except that an "E" is used instead of a "B." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200B of FIGS. 2A-2B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200E of FIGS. 5A-5B, except where noted below.

[0036] Assembly A, including the hot-side heat sink 230E, fan 280E, TEC 220E, and insulator segment 244E, can optionally be selectively slid relative to the vessel 120 to align (e.g., contact) the TEC 220E between the cold-side heat sink 210E and the hot-side heat sink 230E. As a result, operation of the TEC 220E draws heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210E and transfers it to the hot-side heat sink 230E. The fan 280E can optionally be operated to further dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230E, thereby drawing more heat from the chamber 126 through the TEC 220E. To maintain an efficient thermal connection between the cold-side heat sink 210E and the TEC 220E when they are aligned with one another, one or more springs 212E (e.g., coil springs) optionally urge the cold-side heat sink 210E into resilient contact with the insulator 240E.

[0037] Assembly A can optionally be slid to remove TEC 200E from between (e.g., in contact with) cold-side heat sink 210E and hot-side heat sink 230E (e.g., once the desired temperature in chamber 126 is achieved), thereby disabling heat transfer through TEC 220E by placing insulator segment 244E between (e.g., in contact with) cold-side heat sink 210E and hot-side heat sink 230E instead.

[0038] Assembly A can be slid using a number of suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, assembly A can be attached to a gear rack (e.g., rack and pinion) that moves linearly via rotation of the gear by an electric motor, with the rack driven by an electric motor. In another embodiment, a solenoid motor can be attached to assembly A to achieve linear motion of assembly A. In yet another embodiment, a pneumatic or electromechanical system can actuate a piston attached to assembly A to achieve linear motion of assembly A.

[0039] 6A-6B schematically illustrate a container system 100F including a cooling system 200F. The container system 100F may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200F are similar to those of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200F are identical to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200 in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for the addition of a "G" to the reference numerals. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200F in FIGS. 6A-6B, except as noted below.

[0040] 6A-6B, the high-temperature-side heat sink 230F is in contact with the TEC 220F. One or more springs 212F (e.g., coil springs) can be disposed between the high-temperature-side heat sink 230F and the insulating member 240F. The one or more springs 212F apply a (bias) force to the high-temperature-side heat sink 230F, urging the high-temperature-side heat sink 230F toward contact with the insulating member 240F. One or more expandable bladders 250F are disposed between the insulating member 240F and the high-temperature-side heat sink 230F.

[0041] When the one or more inflatable bladders 250F are in a collapsed state (see FIG. 6A ), the one or more springs 212F pull the hot-side heat sink 230F toward the insulating member 240F so that the TEC 220F contacts the cold-side heat sink 210F. The TEC 220F can be operated to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210F, which is then transferred to the hot-side heat sink 230F via the TEC 220F. Optionally, a fan 280F can be operated to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230F, allowing the hot-side heat sink 230F to further draw heat from the chamber 126 through contact between the cold-side heat sink 210F, the TEC 220F, and the hot-side heat sink 230F. Thus, with one or more inflatable bladders 250F collapsed, cooling system 200F can be operated to draw heat from chamber 126 and cool the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0042] When one or more inflatable bladders 250F are in an inflated state (see FIG. 6B ), the bladders can apply a force to the hot-side heat sink 230F in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the one or more springs 212F, separating (e.g., lifting) the hot-side heat sink 230F from the insulating member 240F. This separation between the hot-side heat sink 230F and the insulating member 240F separates the TEC 220F from the cold-side heat sink 210F and inhibits (e.g., prevents) heat transfer between the cold-side heat sink 210F and the TEC 220F. Thus, once a predetermined temperature or temperature range is achieved within the chamber 126, the one or more inflatable bladders 250F can be transitioned to an inflated state to thermally isolate the cold-side heat sink 210F from the TEC 220F, thereby maintaining the chamber 126 in a cooled state for an extended period of time.

[0043] In one embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250F form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250F with gas to transition the bladders 250F to an inflated state and selectively empties the one or more inflatable bladders 250F to transition the bladders 250F to a collapsed state.

[0044] In another embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250F form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a liquid reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250F with liquid to transition the bladders 250F to an inflated state and selectively empties the one or more inflatable bladders 250F to transition the bladders 250F to a collapsed state.

[0045] 7A-7B schematically illustrate a container system 100G including a cooling system 200G. The container system 100G may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some of the features of the cooling system 200G are similar to those of the cooling system 200F of FIGS. 6A-6B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200G are identical to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200F in FIGS. 6A-6B, except that a "G" is used instead of an "F." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200F of FIGS. 6A-6B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200G of FIGS. 7A-7B, except where noted below.

[0046] Cooling system 200G differs from cooling system 200F in the location of one or more springs 212G and one or more inflatable bladders 250G. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, one or more springs 212G (e.g., coil springs) can be disposed between cold-side heat sink 210G and thermal insulation member 240G. One or more springs 212G apply a (bias) force to cold-side heat sink 210G, urging the cold-side heat sink toward contact with thermal insulation member 240G. One or more inflatable bladders 250G are disposed between thermal insulation member 240G and cold-side heat sink 230G.

[0047] When the one or more inflatable bladders 250G are in a collapsed state (see FIG. 7A ), the one or more springs 212G pull the cold-side heat sink 230G toward (up) the insulating member 240G so that the TEC 220G contacts the cold-side heat sink 210G. The TEC 220G can be operated to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210G, which is then transferred to the hot-side heat sink 230G via the TEC 220G. Optionally, the fan 280G can be operated to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230G, allowing the hot-side heat sink 230G to further draw heat from the chamber 126 through contact between the cold-side heat sink 210G, the TEC 220G, and the hot-side heat sink 230G. Thus, with one or more inflatable bladders 250G collapsed, cooling system 200G can be operated to draw heat from chamber 126 and cool the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0048] When one or more inflatable bladders 250G are in an inflated state (see FIG. 7B ), the bladders can apply a force to the cold-side heat sink 210G in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the one or more springs 212G, separating (e.g., moving relatively downward) the cold-side heat sink 210G from the thermal insulation member 240G. This separation between the cold-side heat sink 210G and the thermal insulation member 240G separates the TEC 220G from the cold-side heat sink 210G and inhibits (e.g., prevents) heat transfer between the cold-side heat sink 210G and the TEC 220G. Thus, once a predetermined temperature or temperature range is achieved within the chamber 126, the one or more inflatable bladders 250G can be transitioned to an inflated state to thermally isolate the cold-side heat sink 210G from the TEC 220G, thereby maintaining the chamber 126 in a cooled state for an extended period of time.

[0049] In one embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250G form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250G with gas to transition the bladders 250G to an inflated state and selectively empties the one or more inflatable bladders 250G to transition the bladders 250G to a collapsed state.

[0050] In another embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250G form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a liquid reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250G with liquid to transition the bladders 250G to an inflated state and selectively empties the one or more inflatable bladders 250G to transition the bladders 250G to a collapsed state.

[0051] 8A-8B schematically illustrate a container system 100H including a cooling system 200H. The container system 100H may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some of the features of the cooling system 200H are similar to those of the cooling system 200F of FIGS. 6A-6B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200H are identical to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200F in FIGS. 6A-6B, except that an "H" is used instead of an "F." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200F of FIGS. 6A-6B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200H of FIGS. 8A-8B, except where noted below.

[0052] Cooling system 200H differs from cooling system 200F in that it includes one or more expandable bladders 255H instead of one or more springs 212F to provide a force opposite to the force exerted by one or more expandable bladders 250H. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, one or more expandable bladders 255H are disposed between housing 225H and a portion of hot-side heat sink 230H, and one or more expandable bladders 250H are disposed between insulating member 240H and hot-side heat sink 230H. Optionally, one or more expandable bladders 250H are in fluid communication with one or more expandable bladders 255H, such that fluid is transferred between the two expandable bladders 250H, 255H. That is, when one or more expandable bladders 250H are in an inflated state, one or more expandable bladders 255H are in a collapsed state, and when one or more expandable bladders 250H are in a collapsed state, one or more expandable bladders 255H are in an inflated state.

[0053] When one or more inflatable bladders 250H are in a collapsed state (see FIG. 8A ), one or more inflatable bladders 255H are in an inflated state and urge the hot-side heat sink 230H toward the insulating member 240H so that the TEC 220H contacts the cold-side heat sink 210H. The TEC 220H can operate to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210H, which is then transferred to the hot-side heat sink 230H via the TEC 220H. Optionally, a fan 280H can operate to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230H, allowing the hot-side heat sink 230H to further draw heat from the chamber 126 through contact between the cold-side heat sink 210H, the TEC 220H, and the hot-side heat sink 230H. Thus, with one or more inflatable bladders 250H collapsed, cooling system 200H can be operated to draw heat from chamber 126 and cool the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0054] When one or more inflatable bladders 250H are in an inflated state (see FIG. 8B), one or more inflatable bladders 255H are in a collapsed state. The inflated state of inflatable bladders 250H exerts a biasing force on hot-side heat sink 230H, separating (e.g., lifting) hot-side heat sink 230H from thermal insulation member 240H. This separation between hot-side heat sink 230H and thermal insulation member 240H causes TEC 220H to separate (e.g., lift) from cold-side heat sink 210H, creating a thermal disconnection (e.g., blocking heat transfer) between cold-side heat sink 210H and TEC 220H. Thus, once a predetermined temperature or temperature range is achieved within chamber 126, one or more expandable bladders 250H can be transitioned to an expanded state (e.g., by transferring fluid from expandable bladder 255H to expandable bladder 250H) to thermally decouple cold-side heat sink 210H from TEC 220H, thereby maintaining chamber 126 in a cooled state for an extended period of time.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250H, 255H form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills and empties bladders 250H, 255H to switch bladders 250H, 255H between inflated and collapsed states.

[0056] In one embodiment, one or more inflatable bladders 250H, 255H form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and / or a fluid reservoir) that selectively fills and empties bladders 250H, 255H to switch bladders 250H, 255H between inflated and collapsed states.

[0057] 9A-9B schematically illustrate a container system 100I including a cooling system 200I. The container system 100I may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some of the features of the cooling system 200I are similar to those of the cooling system 200G of FIGS. 7A-7B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200I are identical to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200G in FIGS. 7A-7B, except that an "I" is used instead of a "G." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200G of FIGS. 7A-7B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200I in FIGS. 9A-9B, except as noted below.

[0058] Cooling system 200I differs from cooling system 200G in that one or more rotatable cams 250I are used instead of one or more inflatable bladders 250G. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B , one or more springs 212I (e.g., coil springs) can be disposed between cold-side heat sink 210I and insulating member 240I. One or more springs 212I exert a (bias) force on cold-side heat sink 210I to urge cold-side heat sink 210I toward contact with insulating member 240I. One or more rotatable cams 250I are rotatably coupled to insulating member 240I and are rotatable to selectively contact a proximal surface of cold-side heat sink 230I.

[0059] In a cooled state (see FIG. 9A ), the rotatable cam 250I is not in contact with the cold-side heat sink 210I, and one or more springs 212I bias the cold-side heat sink 210I into contact with the TEC 220I, thereby enabling heat transfer therebetween. The TEC 220I is actuated to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210I, which is then transferred to the hot-side heat sink 230I via the TEC 220I. Optionally, a fan 280I can be operated to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230I, allowing the hot-side heat sink 230I to further draw heat from the chamber 126 through contact between the cold-side heat sink 210I, the TEC 220I, and the hot-side heat sink 230I. Thus, one or more rotatable cams 250I can be placed in a retracted state to activate the cooling system 200I to draw heat from the chamber 126 and cool the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0060] When the one or more rotatable cams 250I move to the deployed state (see FIG. 9B ), the cams 250I overcome the biasing force of the springs 212I and are supported against the cold-side heat sink 210I. In the deployed state, the one or more cams 250I exert a biasing force on the cold-side heat sink 210I, causing the cold-side heat sink 210I to separate (e.g., move relatively downward) from the thermal insulation member 240I. This separation between the cold-side heat sink 210I and the thermal insulation member 240I causes the cold-side heat sink 210I to move away (e.g., move relatively downward) from the TEC 220I, thereby causing a thermal disconnection (e.g., blockage of heat transfer) between the cold-side heat sink 210I and the TEC 220I. Thus, once a predetermined temperature or temperature range is achieved within the chamber 126, one or more rotatable cams 250I can be moved to a deployed state to thermally decouple the cold-side heat sink 210I from the TEC 220I, thereby maintaining the chamber 126 in a cooled state for an extended period of time.

[0061] 10A-10B schematically illustrate a container system 100J including a cooling system 200J. The container system 100J may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some of the features of the cooling system 200J are similar to those of the cooling system 200I of FIGS. 9A-9B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200J are identical to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200I in FIGS. 9A-9B, except that a "J" is used instead of an "I." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the cooling system 200I of FIGS. 9A-9B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200J in FIGS. 10A-10B, except where noted below.

[0062] Cooling system 200J differs from cooling system 200I in the positions of one or more springs 212J and one or more cams 250J. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, one or more springs 212J are disposed between heat insulating member 240J and high-temperature-side heat sink 230J, and apply a biasing force between them, thereby biasing high-temperature-side heat sink 230J downward into contact with heat insulating member 240J. Such a biasing force biases TEC 220J (attached to or in contact with high-temperature-side heat sink 230J) into contact with low-temperature-side heat sink 210J.

[0063] When one or more rotatable cams 250J are in a retracted state (see FIG. 10A ), the cams 250J allow the TEC 220J to contact the cold-side heat sink 210J. The TEC 220J can be operated to draw heat from the chamber 126 through the cold-side heat sink 210J, which is then transferred to the hot-side heat sink 230J through the TEC 220J. Optionally, the fan 280J can be operated to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230J, allowing the hot-side heat sink 230J to further draw heat from the chamber 126 through contact between the cold-side heat sink 210J, the TEC 220J, and the hot-side heat sink 230J. Thus, with the one or more rotatable cams 250J in a retracted state, the cooling system 200J can be operated to draw heat from the chamber 126 and cool the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

[0064] When the one or more rotatable cams 250J move to the deployed state (see FIG. 10B ), the cams 250J overcome the biasing force of the springs 212J and are supported against the hot-side heat sink 230J. In the deployed state, the one or more cams 250J exert a biasing force on the hot-side heat sink 230J, causing the hot-side heat sink 230J to separate (e.g., lift) from the thermal insulation member 240J. This separation causes the TEC 220J (attached to the hot-side heat sink 230J) to separate (e.g., lift) from the cold-side heat sink 210J, thereby creating a thermal disconnection (e.g., blocking heat transfer) between the cold-side heat sink 210J and the TEC 220J. Thus, once a predetermined temperature or temperature range is achieved within the chamber 126, one or more rotatable cams 250J can be moved to a deployed state to thermally decouple the cold-side heat sink 210J from the TEC 220J, thereby maintaining the chamber 126 in a cooled state for an extended period of time.

[0065] FIG. 11A schematically illustrates a container system 100K including a cooling system 200K. The container system 100K may include a receptacle 120 removably sealed by a lid L' (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200K are similar to those of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200K are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200 in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for the use of the letter "K." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200K in FIG. 11, except as noted below.

[0066] 11A, the vessel 120 optionally has a cavity 128 (e.g., an annular cavity or chamber) between the inner wall 126A and the outer wall 121. The cavity 128 can be under vacuum, and the vessel 120 is vacuum-sealed. The lid F′ that removably seals the vessel 120 is optionally a vacuum-sealed lid. The vacuum-sealed vessel 120 and / or lid L′ advantageously inhibit heat transfer therethrough, thereby inhibiting passive changes in temperature within the chamber 126 when the lid L′ is attached to the vessel 120 (e.g., via passive cooling loss through the walls of the vessel 120 and / or lid L′).

[0067] Cooling system 200K includes a hot-side heat sink 230K in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) (e.g., a Peltier element) 220K, the heat sink 230K capable of drawing heat from the TEC 220K. Optionally, a fan 280K can be in thermal communication with the hot-side heat sink 230K and selectively operable to further dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230K, thereby enabling the heat sink 230K to draw more heat from the TEC 230K.

[0068] The TEC 230K is in thermal communication with a cold-side heat sink 210K, which is in thermal communication with the chamber 126 within the container 120. The cold-side heat sink 210K optionally includes a flow path 214K extending from an opening 132K in the lid L′ adjacent to the chamber 126 to an opening 134K in the lid L′ adjacent to the chamber 126. In one embodiment, the opening 132K is optionally located approximately in the center of the lid L′, as shown in FIG. 11 . In one embodiment, the opening 134K is optionally positioned within the lid L′ proximate to the interior wall 126A of the container 120 when the lid L′ is attached to the container 120. Optionally, the cold-side heat sink 210K includes a fan 216K disposed along the flow path 214K between the openings 132K and 134K. As shown in FIG. 11 , at least a portion of the flow path 214K is in thermal communication with the TEC 220K (e.g., with the cold side of the TEC).

[0069] In operation, air within chamber 126 enters flow path 214K through opening 132K, flows through flow path 214K, and passes through a portion of flow path 214K adjacent to TEC 220K, where TEC 220K is selectively operated to cool (e.g., reduce the temperature of) the airflow passing therethrough. The cooled airflow continues through flow path 214K and exits flow path 214K at opening 134K and enters chamber 126. Optionally, fan 216K is operable to draw (e.g., cause or facilitate) the flow of air through flow path 214K.

[0070] Although FIG. 11A shows cooling system 200 disposed on the side of container 120, one skilled in the art will recognize that cooling system 200 can be disposed in other suitable locations (e.g., on the bottom of container 120, on the top of lid L', or in a separate module attached to the top of lid L') and that such embodiments are contemplated by the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 11B schematically illustrates a container system 100K′ that includes a cooling system 200K′. The container system 100K′ can include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200K′ are similar to those of the cooling system 200K of FIG. 11A. Accordingly, the numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200K′ are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200K in FIG. 11A, except for the use of an “′” prefix. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200K of FIG. 11A also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200K′ of FIG. 11B, except as noted below.

[0072] Container system 100K' is optionally a self-cooling container (e.g., a self-cooling water container such as a water bottle). Cooling system 200K' differs from cooling system 200K in that a liquid is used as a refrigerant circulated through the body of container 120. Conduit 134K' can deliver cooled liquid to the body of container 120, and conduit 132K' can remove warm liquid from the body of container 120. In the body of container 120, the cooled liquid can absorb energy from the liquid in chamber 126 through one or more walls of container 120 (e.g., one or more walls defining chamber 126), and the heated liquid can be discharged from the body of container 120 via conduit 132K'. In this manner, one or more surfaces of the body of container 120 (e.g., chamber 126) are maintained in a cooled state. Although not shown, conduits 132K', 134K' are connected to a cooling system, such as the system described above for container system 100K, having a TEC 220K in contact with a hot-side heat sink 230K.

[0073] 12A-12B schematically illustrate a container system 100L including a cooling system 200L. The container system 100L may include a container 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200L, which optionally function as part of a lid L that selectively seals the container 120, are similar to features in the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200L are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200 in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for the use of "L." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200L of FIGS. 12A-12B, except as noted below.

[0074] 12A-12B, the cooling system 200L may optionally include a cavity 214L disposed between a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220L and a cold-side heat sink 210L. The cooling system 200L may optionally include a pump 216L (e.g., a peristaltic pump) in fluid communication with the cavity 214L and a reservoir 213L. The pump 216L is operable to move a quantity of conductive fluid 217L (e.g., a conductive liquid), such as a quantity of conductive fluid 217, between the reservoir 213L and the cavity 214L. Optionally, the conductive fluid 217L may be mercury, although the conductive fluid 217L may be any other suitable liquid.

[0075] During operation, when cooling system 200L is operated in a cooling phase, pump 216L is selectively operable to pump conductive fluid 217L into cavity 214L (e.g., fill cavity 214L), thereby enabling heat transfer between cold-side heat sink 210L and TEC 220L (e.g., operate TEC 220L to draw heat from cold-side heat sink 210L and transfer the heat to hot-side heat sink 230L). Optionally, fan 280L is selectively operable to dissipate heat from hot-side heat sink 230L, thereby enabling TEC 220L to draw further heat from chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210L and conductive fluid 217L.

[0076] 12A , when cooling system 200L is operated in an adiabatic state, pump 216L is selectively actuated to remove (drain) conductive fluid 217L from cavity 214L (e.g., by moving conductive fluid 217L into reservoir 213L), thereby maintaining cavity 214L in an unfilled (e.g., empty) state. Such removal (e.g., complete removal) of conductive fluid 217L from cavity 214L thermally decouples cold-side heat sink 210L from TEC 220L, thereby inhibiting (e.g., preventing) heat transfer between TEC 220L and chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210L. This advantageously prevents heat in hot-side heat sink 230L or heat due to ambient temperature from flowing back into cold-side heat sink 210L, thereby maintaining a cooled state in chamber 126 over time.

[0077] FIG. 12C schematically illustrates a container system 100L′ including a cooling system 200L′. The container system 100L′ may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200L′ are similar to those of the cooling system 200L of FIGS. 12A-12B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200L′ are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200L in FIGS. 12A-12B, except for the use of an “’” symbol. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200L of FIGS. 12A-12B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200L′ in FIG. 12C, except as noted below.

[0078] The cooling system 200L′ differs from the cooling system 200L′ in that a heat pipe 132L′ is used to connect the hot-side heat sink 230L′ to the cold-side heat sink 210L′. The heat pipe 132L′ can be selectively turned on and off. Optionally, the heat pipe 132L′ can include a phase change material (PCM). Optionally, the heat pipe 132L′ can be turned off by removing the working fluid from the interior of the heat pipe 132L′ and turned on by inserting or injecting the working fluid into the heat pipe 132L′. For example, during operation, the TEC 210L can freeze the liquid in the heat pipe 132L′, thereby providing a thermal break in the heat pipe 132L′ and isolating the chamber of the vessel 120 from the TEC 220L′. When the TEC 210L is not operating, the liquid in the heat pipe 132L′ can flow along the length of the heat pipe 132L′. For example, a fluid may flow through heat pipe 132L' so that it is in thermal contact with the cold side of TEC 220L', which may cool the liquid, and then through the hot side of heat pipe 132L', thereby drawing heat from the chamber of vessel 120, which may heat the liquid. The heated liquid then flows back to the opposite end of heat pipe 132L', where heat is removed by TEC 220L' before the liquid again returns to the other end of heat pipe 132L' and draws more heat from the chamber.

[0079] 13A-13B schematically illustrate a container system 100M including a cooling system 200M. The container system 100M may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200M, which optionally function as part of a lid L that selectively seals the vessel 120, are similar to features of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200M are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200 in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for the use of the letter "M." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1A-1D also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except as noted below.

[0080] 13A-13B, cooling system 200M can include a cold-side heat sink 210M in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220M, which can be in selective thermal communication with chamber 126 of the vessel. Optionally, cooling system 200M can include a fan 216M selectively operable to draw air from chamber 126 into contact with cold-side heat sink 210M. Optionally, cooling system 200M can include an insulating member 246M selectively movable (e.g., slidable) between one or more positions. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, insulating member 246M can be positioned adjacent to or in communication with chamber 126.

[0081] 13A, when cooling system 200M operates in a cooling state, thermal insulation member 246M is positioned at least partially spaced (e.g., laterally spaced) from cold-side heat sink 210M and fan 216M. TEC 220M is selectively operated to draw heat from cold-side heat sink 210M and transfer it to hot-side heat sink 230M. Optionally, fan 280M is selectively operable to dissipate heat from hot-side heat sink 230M, thereby enabling TEC 220M to draw additional heat from chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210M.

[0082] 13B, when the cooling system 200M is operating in an adiabatic state, the insulating member 246M is moved (e.g., slid) to a position adjacent to the cold-side heat sink 210M so as to be disposed between the cold-side heat sink 210M and the chamber 126. This blocks the flow of air to the cold-side heat sink 210M (e.g., thermally decoupling the cold-side heat sink 210M from the chamber 126), thereby inhibiting heat transfer between the cold-side heat sink 210M and the chamber 126 (e.g., maintaining the adiabatic state of the chamber 126).

[0083] The insulating member 246M can be moved between a cooling state position (see FIG. 13A) and an insulating state position (see FIG. 13B) using any suitable mechanism (e.g., an electric motor, a solenoid motor, a pneumatic or electromechanical system that operates a piston attached to the insulating member 246M, etc.). Note that while FIGS. 13A-13B show the insulating member 246M sliding between these positions, in other embodiments, the insulating member 246M can rotate between the cooling state position and the insulating state position.

[0084] 14A-14B schematically illustrate a container system 100N including a cooling system 200N. The container system 100N may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200N, which optionally function as part of a lid L that selectively seals the vessel 120, are similar to features of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200N are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except for the use of "N." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200N of FIGS. 14A-14B, except as noted below.

[0085] 14A-14B, the cooling system 200N can include a cold-side heat sink 210N in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220N, which can be in selective thermal communication with the chamber 126 of the vessel 120. Optionally, the cooling system 200N can include a fan 216N selectively operable to draw air from the chamber 126 into contact with the cold-side heat sink 210N through the openings 132N, 134N and the cavities or chambers 213N, 214N. Optionally, the cooling system 200N can include insulating members 246N, 247N selectively movable (e.g., pivotable) between one or more positions relative to the openings 134N, 132N, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the insulating member 246N can be positioned adjacent to or in communication with the chamber 126 and movable to selectively allow and deny air flow through the opening 134N. Additionally, an insulating member 247N may be positioned within the chamber 214N and is movable to selectively allow and deny air flow through the opening 132N.

[0086] 14A , when cooling system 200N operates in a cooling state, insulating members 246N, 247N are positioned at least partially away from openings 134N, 132N, respectively, to allow airflow from chamber 126 through openings 132N, 134N and cavities 213N, 214N. Optionally, fan 216N can be operated to direct air from chamber 126 through opening 132N into chamber 214N, over cold-side heat sink 210N, through chamber 213N and opening 134N, and back to chamber 126. TEC 220N is selectively operated to draw heat from cold-side heat sink 210N and transfer it to hot-side heat sink 230N. Optionally, fan 280N is selectively operable to dissipate heat from hot-side heat sink 230N, thereby enabling TEC 220N to draw additional heat from chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210N.

[0087] 14B, when cooling system 200N operates in an adiabatic state, insulating members 246N, 247N move to positions adjacent openings 134N, 132N, respectively, to close those openings, thereby blocking airflow to cold-side heat sink 210N (e.g., thermally isolating cold-side heat sink 210N from chamber 126), thereby preventing heat transfer to and from chamber 126 (e.g., maintaining chamber 126 in an adiabatic state).

[0088] The insulating members 246N, 247N can be moved between the cooling position (see FIG. 14A) and the insulating position (see FIG. 14B) using any suitable mechanism (e.g., electric motors, solenoid motors, etc.). Optionally, the insulating members 246N, 247N are spring-loaded to the closed position (e.g., adjacent the openings 134N, 132N) so that the insulating members 246N, 247N automatically pivot to the open position (see FIG. 14A) with increasing air pressure generated by operation of the fan 216N. While the insulating members 246N, 247N are shown pivoting between the above positions in FIGS. 14A-14B, in other embodiments, the insulating members 246N, 247N can slide or translate between the cooling position and the insulating position.

[0089] FIGS. 15A-15B schematically illustrate a container system 100P including a cooling system 200P. The container system 100P may include a vessel 120 (as described above). Some of the features of the cooling system 200P, which optionally function as part of a lid F that selectively seals the vessel 120, are similar to those of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200P are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except for the use of the letter "P." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200P of FIGS. 15A-15B, except as noted below.

[0090] 15A-15B, cooling system 200P can include a cold-side heat sink 210P in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220P, which can be in selective thermal communication with chamber 126 of vessel 120. Optionally, cooling system 200P can include a fan 216P selectively operable to draw air from chamber 126 into contact with cold-side heat sink 210P. Optionally, cooling system 200P can include insulating members 246P, 247P selectively movable (e.g., slidable) between one or more positions relative to cold-side heat sink 210P.

[0091] 15A , when the cooling system 200P operates in a cooling state, the insulating members 246P, 247P are at least partially spaced away from the cold-side heat sink 210P, allowing airflow from the chamber 126 to contact (e.g., be cooled by) the cold-side heat sink 210P. Optionally, the fan 216P can be operated to draw air from the chamber 126 and flow over the cold-side heat sink 210P. The TEC 220P is selectively operated to draw heat from the cold-side heat sink 210P and transfer it to the hot-side heat sink 230P. Optionally, the fan 280P can be selectively operable to dissipate heat from the hot-side heat sink 230P, thereby allowing the TEC 220P to further draw heat from the chamber 126 via the cold-side heat sink 210P.

[0092] 15B, when the cooling system 200P operates in an adiabatic state, the insulating members 46P, 247P move (e.g., slide) into a position between the low-temperature-side heat sink 210P and the chamber 126, thereby blocking airflow to the low-temperature-side heat sink 210P (e.g., thermally decoupling the low-temperature-side heat sink 210P from the chamber 126), thereby preventing heat transfer between the low-temperature-side heat sink 210P and the chamber 126 (e.g., maintaining the adiabatic state of the chamber 126).

[0093] The heat insulating members 246P, 247P can be moved between a cooling state position (see FIG. 15A) and an insulating state position (see FIG. 15B) using any suitable mechanism (e.g., an electric motor, a solenoid motor, etc.). While the heat insulating members 246P, 247P are shown in FIGS. 15A-15B as sliding between the above positions, in other embodiments, the heat insulating members 246P, 247P can pivot between the cooling state position and the insulating state position.

[0094] FIGS. 16A-16B schematically illustrate a container system 100Q including a cooling system 200Q. The container system 100Q may include a container 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200Q, which optionally function as part of a lid L that selectively seals the container 120, are similar to features of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200Q are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except for the use of the letter "Q." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200Q of FIGS. 16A-16B, except as noted below.

[0095] 16A-16B, cooling system 200Q can include a cold-side heat sink 210Q in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220Q, which can be in selective thermal communication with chamber 126 of container 120. Optionally, cooling system 200Q can include a fan 216Q selectively operable to draw air from chamber 126 into contact with cold-side heat sink 210Q. Optionally, cooling system 200Q can include an expandable member 246Q selectively movable between a contracted state and an expanded state relative to cold-side heat sink 210Q.

[0096] 16A, when cooling system 200Q operates in a cooling state, expandable member 246Q is in a contracted state, allowing airflow from chamber 126 to contact (e.g., be cooled by) cold-side heat sink 210Q. Optionally, fan 216Q can be operated to draw air from chamber 126 and flow over cold-side heat sink 210Q. TEC 220Q is selectively operated to draw heat from cold-side heat sink 210Q and transfer it to hot-side heat sink 230Q. Optionally, fan 280Q can be selectively operated to dissipate heat from hot-side heat sink 230Q, thereby allowing TEC 220Q to draw additional heat from chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210Q.

[0097] 16B, when the cooling system 200Q operates in an adiabatic state, the expandable member 246Q transitions to an expanded state, occupying a space between the cold-side heat sink 210Q and the chamber 126. This blocks air from entering the cold-side heat sink 210Q (e.g., thermally decoupling the cold-side heat sink 210Q from the chamber 126), thereby preventing heat transfer between the cold-side heat sink 210Q and the chamber 126 (e.g., maintaining the adiabatic state of the chamber 126).

[0098] Inflatable member 246Q is optionally disposed or contained within a cavity or chamber 242Q defined within insulating member 240Q. Optionally, inflatable member 246Q is part of a pneumatic system and is filled with a gas (e.g., air) to transition to an inflated state. In another embodiment, inflatable member 246Q is part of a hydraulic system and is filled with a liquid (e.g., water) to transition to an inflated state.

[0099] FIGS. 17A-17B schematically illustrate a container system 100R including a cooling system 200R. The container system 100R may include a container 120 (as described above). Some features of the cooling system 200R, which optionally function as part of a lid L that selectively seals the container 120, are similar to features of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the cooling system 200R are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except for the use of the letter "R." Accordingly, it will be understood that the structure and descriptions of the similar components of the cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200R in FIGS. 17A-17B, except where noted below.

[0100] 17A-17B, a cooling system 200R can include a cold-side heat sink 210R in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220R, which can be in selective thermal communication with the chamber 126 of the enclosure. Optionally, the cooling system 200R can include a fan 216R selectively operable to draw air from the chamber 126 into contact with the cold-side heat sink 210R. Optionally, the cooling system 200R can include an insulating element 246R selectively movable (e.g., pivotable) between one or more positions. As shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, the insulating element 246R can be disposed within a cavity or chamber 242R defined within an insulating member 240R.

[0101] 17A , when cooling system 200R operates in a cooling state, insulating element 246R is positioned relative to cold-side heat sink 210R such that air flows from chamber 126 to cold-side heat sink 21R through chamber 242R. Optionally, fan 216R is selectively operated to draw air from chamber 126 and contact the cold-side heat sink 210R (e.g., to cool the air and return it to chamber 126). TEC 220R is selectively operated to draw heat from cold-side heat sink 210R and transfer the heat to hot-side heat sink 230R. Optionally, fan 280R is selectively operable to dissipate heat from hot-side heat sink 230R, thereby allowing TEC 220R to further draw heat from chamber 126 via cold-side heat sink 210R.

[0102] 17B, when cooling system 200R operates in an adiabatic state, insulating element 246R is moved (e.g., rotated, pivoted) into a position relative to cold-side heat sink 210P to close chamber 242R, thereby blocking airflow from chamber 126 to cold-side heat sink 210R (e.g., thermally decoupling cold-side heat sink 210R from chamber 126), thereby preventing heat transfer to and from chamber 126 (e.g., maintaining adiabatic state of chamber 126).

[0103] The insulating element 246R can be moved between the cooling position (see FIG. 17A) and the insulating position (see FIG. 17B) using any suitable mechanism (eg, an electric motor, a solenoid motor, etc.).

[0104] 18A is a schematic diagram of a portion of cooling system 200S. Cooling system 200S is similar to the cooling systems disclosed herein, such as cooling systems 200-200X, except as described below.

[0105] 18A, in cooling system 200S, fan 280S has a substantially vertical air intake I and a substantially horizontal air outlet E. As a result, air flows substantially horizontally over one or more heat sink surfaces, such as the surface of hot-side heat sink 230S.

[0106] 18B is a schematic diagram of a portion of a cooling system 200T within a cylindrical container 100T. The cooling system 200T optionally includes a fan 280T that blows air over a heat sink 230T. Optionally, the cooling system 200T includes a heat pipe 132T in thermal communication with another portion of the container 100T via an end face 134T of the heat pipe 132T, thereby enabling the fan 280T and heat sink 230T to remove heat from that portion via the heat pipe 132T.

[0107] 18C is a schematic diagram of a coupling mechanism 30A for coupling a lid L to a container 120 for one or more embodiments of a container system 100-100X disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid L can be connected to one or more portions of the container 120 via a hinge that allows the lid L to be selectively moved between an open position (see FIG. 18C) that allows access to the chamber 126 and a closed position that prevents access to the chamber 126.

[0108] 18D is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a coupling mechanism 30B between the lid L and the container 120 of the container system 100-100X. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid L has one or more electrical connectors 31B that communicate with one or more electrical contacts 32B on the container 120 when the lid L is coupled to the container 120. This enables operation of an optional fan 280, TEC 220, or the like provided within the lid L. Optionally, one of the electrical connectors 31B and the electrical contacts 32B can be a contact pin (e.g., a pogo pin), and the other of the electrical connectors 31B and the electrical contacts 32B can be an electrical contact pad (e.g., a circular contact) that optionally enables connection of the lid L to the container 120 regardless of the angular orientation of the lid L relative to the container 120.

[0109] FIG. 18E shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a container for a cooler container system, such as cooler container systems 100-100X disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, container 120 has electronics (e.g., one or more optional batteries, circuitry, optional transceiver) housed within a compartment E at the bottom of container 120. The electronics can communicate or connect with fan 280, TEC 220, or other components within lid L via electrical connections (such as those shown and described in connection with FIG. 18D) or via wiring (such as those shown in FIG. 18C) extending through hinge 30A.

[0110] FIG. 18F shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a container for a cooler container system, such as cooler container systems 100-100X disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, container 120 has electronics (e.g., one or more optional batteries, circuitry, optional transceiver) housed within compartment E on the side of container 120. The electronics can communicate or connect with fan 280, TEC 220, or other components within lid L via electrical connections (such as those shown and described in connection with FIG. 18D) or via wiring (such as those shown in FIG. 18C) extending through hinge 30A.

[0111] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of a container system 100U having a cooling system 200U. The container system 100U includes a vessel 120 with a chamber 126. The vessel 120 may be double-walled, with a vacuum created between the inner and outer walls, as shown. A TEC 220U may be in contact with the inner wall and a cold delivery member (e.g., a stud) 225U that may be in selective thermal communication with a hot-side heat sink 230U. The cold delivery member 225 may be small relative to the size of the vessel 120 and may extend through an opening 122U in the vessel 120. Optionally, the container system 100U may include a pump P operable to evacuate the cavity between the inner and outer walls of the vessel 120.

[0112] 20-31 illustrate a container system 100′ including a cooling system 200′. The container system 100′ has a body 120′ extending from a proximal end 122′ to a distal end 124′ and having an opening 123′ selectively closed by a lid L″. The body 120′ may optionally be box-shaped. The lid L″ may optionally be connected to the proximal end 122′ of the body 120′ by a hinge 130′ on one side of the body 120′. A groove or handle 106′ may be defined on the opposite side of the body 120′ (e.g., at least partially defined by the lid L″ and / or the body 120′) to allow a user to lift the lid L″ to access a chamber 126′ within the container 100′. Optionally, one or both of the lid L" and proximal end 122' of the body 120' can have one or more magnets (e.g., electromagnets, permanent magnets) that can apply a magnetic force between the lid L' and the body 120', keeping the lid L' closed on the body 120' until a user overcomes the magnetic force to lift the lid L'. However, other suitable fastening means can be used to hold the lid L' in a closed position on the body 120'.

[0113] 27, the body 120′ can include an outer wall 121′ and optionally an inner wall 126A′ spaced apart from the outer wall 121′ to define a gap (e.g., annular gap, annular chamber) 128′ therebetween. Optionally, the inner wall 126A′ can be suspended relative to the outer wall 121′ in a manner that provides shock absorption (e.g., energy dissipation) functionality to the inner wall 126A′. For example, one or more springs that provide such shock absorption can be disposed between the inner wall 126A′ and the outer wall 121′. Optionally, the container 100′ includes one or more accelerometers (e.g., in communication with circuitry of the container 100′) that detect movement (e.g., acceleration) of the container 100′. Optionally, the one or more accelerometers transmit detected motion information to circuitry, which optionally adjusts the shock absorption functionality provided by the inner wall 126A' by operating one or more components supporting the inner surface 126A' (e.g., by adjusting the shock absorption characteristics of one or more springs, such as magnetorheological (MRE) springs). In one embodiment, the container 100' can include a plastic and / or rubber structure in the gap 128' between the inner wall 126A' and the outer wall 12G to help provide such shock absorption.

[0114] The void 128' can optionally be filled with an insulating material (e.g., foam). In another embodiment, the void 128' can be under a vacuum. In yet another embodiment, the void 128' can be filled with a gas (e.g., air). Optionally, the inner wall 126A' can be made of metal. Optionally, the outer wall 12G can be made of plastic. In another embodiment, the outer wall 12G and the inner wall 126A' are optionally made of the same material.

[0115] Continuing with reference to FIG. 27 , the cooling system 200′ can optionally be housed within a cavity 127′ defined between the base 125′ and the inner wall 126A′ of the container body 120′. The cooling system 200′ can optionally include one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) (e.g., Peltier elements) 220′ in thermal communication (e.g., direct contact) with the inner wall 126A′. In one embodiment, the cooling system 200′ includes only one TEC 220′. Optionally, the one or more TECs 220′ can also be in thermal communication with one or more heat sinks 230′. Optionally, the one or more heat sinks 230′ can have a multi-fin structure. Optionally, one or more fans 280′ can be in thermal communication (e.g., fluid communication) with the one or more heat sinks 230′. Cooling system 200' may optionally include one or more batteries 277', optionally include a converter 279', and optionally include a power button 290', which are in communication with circuitry (e.g., on printed circuit board 278') that controls operation of cooling system 200'.

[0116] The optional battery 277′ provides power to one or more circuits, one or more fans 280′, one or more TECs 220′, and one or more sensors (described below). Optionally, at least a portion of the body 120′ of the container 100′ (e.g., a portion of the base 125′) is removable to access the one or more optional batteries 277′. Optionally, the one or more optional batteries 277′ may be provided in a removable battery pack, which may be easily removed from the container 100′ and replaced. Optionally, the container 100′ may include a built-in adapter and / or a retractable cable that allows connection of the container 100′ to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet, a vehicle power connector) to power the cooling system 200′ and / or charge the one or more optional batteries 277′.

[0117] 22-23 and 27, the container system 100′ can have two or more handles 300 on either side of the main body 120′, to which straps 400 can be detachably connected (see FIG. 24) to facilitate transportation of the container 100′. For example, a user can carry the container 100′ by draping the straps 400 over their shoulders. Optionally, the straps 400 can be adjustable in length. Optionally, the straps 400 can be used to secure the container system 100′ to a vehicle (e.g., a mop rack, bicycle, motorcycle, etc.) during transportation. Optionally, one or more handles 300 can be movable relative to the outer surface 121′ of the main body 120′. For example, the handles 300 can be selectively movable between a retracted position (see FIG. 22, for example) and an extended position (see FIG. 23, for example). Optionally, handle 300 is spring-loaded within body 120' and can be actuated in a push-to-open / push-to-open manner.

[0118] 26-27, the body 120′ can include a set of one or more vents on its surface to allow air to flow in and out of the body 120′. For example, the body 120′ can have one or more vents 203′ defined in the bottom of the base 125′ of the body 120′, and optionally, one or more vents 205′ on one or both sides of the base 125′. Optionally, the vents 203′ can be intake vents and the vents 205′ can be exhaust vents.

[0119] 25A , the chamber 126 is optionally sized to accommodate and hold one or more trays 500 therein (e.g., to hold multiple trays stacked one on top of the other). Each tray 500 optionally has a plurality of receptacles 510, each sized to receive a container (e.g., a vial) 520 therein. The container 520 may optionally hold a liquid (e.g., a medication such as insulin or a vaccine). Optionally, the tray 500 (e.g., the receptacle 510) may releasably lock the container 520 therein (e.g., lock the container 520 within the receptacle 510) to prevent movement, displacement, and / or damage to the container 520 during transportation of the container system 100′. Optionally, the tray 500 may have one or more handles 530 to facilitate transporting the tray 500 and / or removing or placing the tray 500 from or into the chamber 126. Optionally, the one or more handles 530 are movable between a retracted position (see FIG. 28) and an extended position (see FIG. 26). Optionally, the one or more handles 530 are spring-loaded and mounted within the tray 500 and can be actuated in a push-to-open or push-to-open manner. In another embodiment, the one or more handles 530 are fixed (e.g., not movable between the retracted and extended positions).

[0120] 25B-25D, a tray 500 can include an outer tray 502 that removably receives one or more inner trays 504, 504′, where different inner trays 504, 504′ can have different numbers and / or arrangements of receptacles 510 for receiving one or more containers (e.g., vials) 520 therein. This advantageously allows the container 100′ to receive different numbers of containers 520 (e.g., different medications, etc.). As shown in FIG. 25C, in one embodiment, the inner tray 504 can have a relatively small number of receptacles 510 (e.g., 16) to accommodate, for example, relatively large containers 520 (e.g., vials of medications such as vaccines or insulin, or biological fluids such as blood). In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25D, the inner tray 504′ can have a relatively large number of receptacles 510 (e.g., 38) to accommodate, for example, relatively small containers 520 (e.g., vials of medications or biological fluids such as blood).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 28 , the container system 100′ can have one or more lighting elements 550 to allow a user to easily view the contents within the chamber 126′ when in a dark environment (e.g., outdoors at night, in rural or remote areas such as mountainous, desert, or rainforest regions). In one embodiment, the one or more lighting elements can be one or more light strips (e.g., LED strips) at least partially disposed on one or more surfaces of the chamber 126′ (e.g., embedded in a surface of the chamber 126′, such as at a proximal opening of the chamber 126′). Optionally, the one or more lighting elements 550 can automatically illuminate when the lid L″ is opened. After being illuminated, the one or more lighting elements 550 can optionally automatically turn off when the lid L″ is closed over the chamber 126′. Optionally, the one or more lighting elements 550 can communicate with circuitry in the container 100′ and can also communicate with a light sensor in the container 100′ (e.g., a light sensor disposed on the outer surface of the container 100′). The light sensor may generate a signal when the detected light is below a predetermined level (e.g., when the container 100′ is in a building without power or in the dark) and transmit the signal to a circuit which, upon receiving such a signal (and, for example, upon receiving a signal indicating that the lid L″ has been opened), may activate one or more lighting elements 550.

[0122] The container system 100' can have a housing having one of a number of colors. Such different colored housings can optionally be used with different types of contents (e.g., medicines, biological liquids) to allow a user to easily identify the contents of the container 100' by the color of the housing. Optionally, such different colors can help a user identify different containers 100' they own / use without having to open the containers 100' to view the contents.

[0123] 29A-29C, the container 100′ can optionally communicate (e.g., one-way or two-way) with one or more remote electronic devices 600 (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, desktop computers, remote servers) via one or both of a wired or wireless connection (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11h, etc.). Optionally, the container 100′ can communicate with the remote electronic devices 600 via an app (mobile application software) downloaded onto the remote electronic devices 600 (e.g., from the cloud). The app can provide one or more graphical user interface screens 610A, 610B, 610C on which the remote electronic device 600 can display one or more pieces of data received from the container 100′. Optionally, a user can provide commands to the container 100′ via one or more of the graphical user interface screens 610A, 610B, 610C on the remote electronic device 600.

[0124] In one embodiment, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610A may provide one or more temperature presets corresponding to one or more specific medications (e.g., epinephrine / adrenaline for allergic reactions, insulin, vaccines, etc.). The GUI screen 610A may optionally allow for turning the cooling system 200′ on and off. The GUI screen 610A may optionally allow for setting the control temperature at which the chamber 126′ in the container 100′ is cooled by the cooling system 200′.

[0125] In another embodiment, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610B may provide a dashboard display of one or more parameters of the container 100′ (e.g., outside temperature, internal temperature of the chamber 126′, temperature of the heat sink 230′, temperature of the battery 277, etc.). The GUI screen 610B may optionally display the amount of power supply remaining in one or more batteries 277 (e.g., % battery charge remaining, time remaining until battery power is completely depleted). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B may also include information (e.g., an indication) of how many receptacles 510 in the tray 500 are occupied (e.g., by receptacles 520). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B may include information about the contents of the container 100′ (e.g., type of medication or name of the illness to be treated by the medication), destination information for the container 100′, and / or information about an individual assigned to the container 100′ (e.g., name, identification number).

[0126] In another embodiment, GUI screen 610C can include a list of notifications to be provided to a user of container 100′, including warnings regarding available battery power, warnings regarding outside temperature affecting the operation of container 100′, warnings regarding the temperature of the heat sink of container 100′, warnings regarding the temperature of chambers 126, 126′, 126V, warnings indicating possible blockages / blockages in intakes 203′, 203V and / or exhausts 205′, 205″, 205V, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an app can provide multiple GUI screens 610A, 610B, 610C to a user and the user can swipe between the different screens.

[0127] Optionally, as discussed further below, container 100′ may store information (e.g., periodically, such as hourly, or continuously, such as in real time) such as the temperature history of chamber 126′ and / or first heat sink 210, the power level history of battery 277, the ambient temperature history, etc., which generally corresponds to the temperature of container 520, 520 (e.g., drug container, vial, cartridge, injector) via one of: (a) an RFID tag on container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100V that can be read at a later time (e.g., at a delivery location); (b) a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop computer or desktop computer) connected wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, or other RF communications); or (c) a cloud (e.g., a cloud-based data storage system or server) connected wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, or other RF communications). The information may be communicated to one or more remote electronic devices. Such communication may occur periodically (e.g., hourly, continuously in real time, etc.). Once stored on the RFID tag, remote electronic device, or cloud, such information may be accessed by one or more remote electronic devices (e.g., via a dashboard on a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100V may store information in a memory (e.g., as part of the electronics within the container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100V), such as a temperature history of the chambers 126, 126', 126V, a temperature history of the first heat sinks 210, 210B-210V, a power level history of the battery 277, and an outside air temperature history. Note that this information may be accessed by a user from the container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100V via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via the remote electronic device 600).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 30 , the body 120′ of the container 100′ can have a visual display 140 on the exterior surface 121′ of the body 120′. The visual display 140′ can optionally display one or more of the temperature within the chamber 126′, the outside temperature, the charge level or percentage of charge of one or more batteries 277, and the time until the batteries 277 need to be recharged. The visual display 140′ can include a user interface (e.g., pressure-sensitive buttons, capacitive touch buttons, etc.) for adjusting (raising or lowering) the preset temperature at which the cooling system 200′ cools the chamber 126′. Thus, operation of the container 100′ (e.g., the cooling system 200′) can be selected via the visual display and the user interface 140′ on the surface of the container 100′. Optionally, the visual display 140′ can include one or more hidden illuminated LEDs. Optionally, the visual display 140′ can include an electronic ink (e-ink) display. In one embodiment, container 100′ may optionally include a hidden illuminated LED 142′ (see FIG. 34 ) that may be selectively illuminated (e.g., to indicate one or more operational functions of container 100′, such as indicating that cooling system 200′ is operational). LED 142′ may optionally be a multi-color LED that is selectively operable to indicate one or more operational conditions of container 100′ (e.g., illuminate green for normal operation and red for abnormal operation, such as low battery or inadequate cooling for the detected outside temperature).

[0129] 31 , container 100′ may include one or more security features that allow opening of container 100′ only if the security features are satisfied. In one embodiment, container 100′ may include a keypad 150 that allows entry of an access code to unlock lid L″ to allow access to chamber 126′ when matched with an access code key programmed into container 100′. In another embodiment, container 100′ may additionally or alternatively include a biometric sensor 150′ that allows biometric authentication (e.g., a fingerprint) to unlock lid L″ to allow access to chamber 126′ when matched with a biometric authentication programmed into container 100′. Optionally, container 100′ remains locked until it reaches its destination, such that an access code and / or biometric authentication is available at the destination to unlock container 100′ and access the contents (e.g., medications) within chamber 126′.

[0130] The container 100′ can optionally be powered in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the container system 100′ is powered using 12V DC power (e.g., from one or more batteries 277′). In another embodiment, the container system 100′ is powered using 120V AC or 240V AC power. In another embodiment, the cooling system 200′ can be powered by solar power. For example, the container 100′ can be removably connected to one or more solar panels so that electricity generated by the solar panels is transmitted to the container 100′, and the circuitry of the container 100′ optionally uses that power to charge one or more batteries 277. In another embodiment, solar power from the one or more solar panels directly powers the cooling system 200′ (e.g., when the battery 277 is removed from the container 100′). The circuitry of the container 100′ can include a surge protector to protect electronics within the container 100′ from damage due to power surges.

[0131] In operation, the cooling system 200′ can optionally be activated by pressing the power button 290. Optionally, the cooling system 200′ can additionally (or alternatively) be activated via a remote electronic device, such as a cell phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer, that communicates wirelessly with the cooling system 200′ (e.g., using a receiver or transceiver in the circuitry). The chamber 126′ can be cooled to a predetermined and / or user-selected temperature or temperature range. The user-selected temperature or temperature range can be selected via a user interface on the container 100′ and / or via the remote electronic device.

[0132] The circuitry optionally operates one or more TECs 220′, thereby cooling the sides of the one or more TECs 220′ adjacent to the interior wall 126A′ and heating the sides of the one or more TECs 220′ adjacent to the one or more heat sinks 230′. The TECs 220′ thereby cool the interior wall 126A′, thereby cooling the chamber 126′ and its contents (e.g., tray 500 with containers (e.g., vials) 520 therein). Although not shown in the drawings, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) are in thermal communication with the interior wall 126A′ and / or the chamber 126′ and communicate information to the circuitry indicative of the detected temperature. Based at least in part on the detected temperature information, the circuitry operates one or more TECs 220′ and one or more fans 280′ to cool the chamber 126′ to a predetermined and / or user-selected temperature. The circuitry operates one or more fans 280′ to direct air (e.g., drawn in through air inlet 203′) over one or more heat sinks 230′ to dissipate heat from the one or more heat sinks 230′. This allows more heat to be drawn from the one or more TECs 220′, thereby allowing the one or more TECs 220′ to draw more heat from (i.e., cool) the interior wall 126A′, thereby further cooling the chamber 126′. Once the airflow passes over the one or more heat sinks 230′, it is exhausted from the body 120′ through exhaust outlet 205′.

[0133] 32-34 schematically illustrate a container 100" including a cooling system 200". The container system 100" can include a container body 120 removably sealed by a lid L'". Some of the features of the container 100" and cooling system 200" are similar to the features of the container 100' and cooling system 200' of FIGS. 20-31. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the container 100" and cooling system 200" are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of the cooling system 200' in FIGS. 20-31. Accordingly, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of components of the cooling system 200' in FIGS. 20-31 also apply to corresponding components of the container 100" and cooling system 200" in FIGS. 32-34, except as noted below.

[0134] 32-34, container 100″ differs from container 100′ in that container 100″ has a cylindrical or tubular body 120″ having a generally cylindrical outer surface 121″. Container 100″ may have similar internal components as container 100′, such as a chamber 126″ defined by an inner wall 126A″, a TEC 220″, a heat sink 230″, one or more fans 280″, one or more optional batteries 277″, a converter 279″, and a power button 290″. Lid L′″ may have one or more vents 203″, 205″ defined therein and may operate similarly to vents 203′, 205″ described above. Container 100″ may have a variety of sizes to accommodate different numbers and / or sizes of receptacles 520″ (see FIG. 35). Container 100" and cooling system 200" operate in a manner similar to that described above for container 100' and cooling system 200'.

[0135] The container 100" may optionally have a display similar to the display 140' of the container 100' described above (e.g., displaying one or more of the temperature within the chamber 126", the outside temperature, the charge level or percentage of the one or more batteries 277", and the time until the batteries 277" require recharging). The container 100" may optionally include a hidden LED 142" (see FIG. 36) that may be selectively illuminated (e.g., to indicate one or more operational functions of the container 100", such as indicating that the cooling system 200' is operational). The LED 142" may optionally be a multi-color LED selectively operable to indicate one or more operating conditions of the container 100" (e.g., illuminated green for normal operation and red for abnormal operation, such as low battery or inadequate cooling for the detected outside temperature).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 34 , the container 100″ can be removably placed on a base 700″ that can be connected to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet) via a cable 702″. In one embodiment, the base 700″ provides power directly to the cooling system 200″ of the container 100″ (to cool the contents of the container 100″ to a predetermined temperature (e.g., the temperature required by a medication, such as insulin, stored in the chamber 126″ of the container 100″). In another embodiment, the base 700″ additionally or alternatively charges one or more batteries 277″, which take over powering the cooling system 200″ when the container 100″ is removed from the base 700″. Optionally, the receptacle 120″ of the container system 100″ can have one or more electrical contacts EC1 (e.g., in the form of a contact ring) that can communicate with one or more electrical contacts EC2 (e.g., pogo pins) of the base 700″ when the container 120″ is placed on the base 700″. In another embodiment, the base 700" can transfer power to the vessel 120" of the container system 100" via inductive coupling (eg, electromagnetic induction).

[0137] 35A-35C, the container 100″ can optionally communicate (e.g., one-way communication, two-way communication) with one or more remote electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, desktop computers) 600 via one or both of a wired or wireless connection (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11h standards, etc.). Optionally, the container 100″ can communicate with the remote electronic devices 600 via an app (mobile application software) downloaded (e.g., from the cloud) onto the remote electronic devices 600. The app can provide one or more graphical user interface screens 610A″, 610B″, 610C″ on which the remote electronic device 600 can display one or more pieces of data received from the container 100″. Optionally, a user can provide commands to the container 100″ via one or more of the graphical user interface screens 610A″, 610B″, 610C″ on the remote electronic device 600.

[0138] In one embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610A″ may provide one or more temperature presets corresponding to one or more particular medications (e.g., insulin). The GUI 610A″ may optionally allow for turning the cooling system 200″ on and off. The GUI 610A″ may optionally allow for setting a controlled temperature at which the chamber 126″ in the container 100″ is cooled by the cooling system 200″.

[0139] In another embodiment, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610B″ may provide a dashboard display of one or more parameters of the container 100″ (e.g., outside temperature, internal temperature of the chamber 16″, etc.). The GUI screen 610B″ may optionally display the amount of power supply remaining in one or more batteries 277″ (e.g., % battery life remaining, time remaining until battery power is completely depleted). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B″ may also include information (e.g., an indication) of how many receptacles 510″ in the tray 500″ are occupied (e.g., by containers 520″). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B″ may also include information about the contents of the container 100′ (e.g., type of medication or the name of the illness to be treated by the medication), information about the physician (e.g., physician's name and contact phone number), and individual information assigned to the container 100″ (e.g., name, date of birth, medical history, etc.).

[0140] In another embodiment, GUI screen 610C" can include a list of notifications provided to a user of container 100", such as warnings about available battery power, warnings about outside temperatures affecting the operation of container 100", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an app can provide multiple GUI screens 610A", 610B", 610C" to a user, allowing the user to swipe between different screens. Optionally, as described below, container 100" can communicate information to the cloud (e.g., periodically, such as hourly, or intermittently, such as in real time), such as the temperature history of chamber 126", the power level history of battery 277", and the outside temperature history.

[0141] In some embodiments, container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X can include one or both of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and a bar code reader. For example, the RFID reader and / or bar code reader can be positioned near (e.g., around) the rim of chamber 126, 126', 126" and can read content units (e.g., vials, containers) placed within or removed from chamber 126, 126', 126". The RFID reader or bar code reader can communicate data to circuitry in the container system, which can optionally store the data in memory or within the container system, as described above, and / or transmit the data to a remote computer system, such as a separately provided remote computer server (e.g., accessible to a physician treating a patient with the medication in the container), or a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone or tablet computer. Such communication can optionally be performed wirelessly (e.g., via a connector on the container body). This can be accomplished via wired or wireless (via a transmitter or transceiver on the container that communicates with the container's circuitry) or both. Each content (e.g., each drug unit, such as each vial or container) placed in a chamber of the container is tagged with an RFID tag or barcode that is read by an RFID reader or barcode reader when placed in and / or removed from the container's chamber. This allows tracking of the contents of container system 100, 100', 100, 100B-100X. Optionally, the container system (e.g., RFID reader, barcode reader, and / or circuitry) of the container system sends a notification (e.g., to a remote computer server, one or more computer systems, or a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, or desktop computer) each time a drug unit (e.g., a vial, container) is placed in and / or removed from a chamber of container system 100, 100', 100, 100B-100X.

[0142] In some embodiments, container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X may additionally or alternatively (to RFID readers and / or barcode readers) include proximity sensors, for example within chambers 126, 126', 126", to advantageously track the insertion and / or removal of content units (e.g., medication units such as vials, containers, pills, etc.) from the container system. Such proximity sensors may communicate with circuitry in the container and may, for example, facilitate tracking a user's ingestion of medication in the container or the frequency with which the user takes the medication. Optionally, operation of the proximity sensor may be triggered by a signal indicating that the lid L, L', L" has been opened. The proximity sensor may communicate data to circuitry within the container system, which may optionally store the data in memory or within the container system, as described above, and / or transmit the data to a remote computer system, such as a separately provided remote computer server (e.g., accessible to a doctor treating a patient with the medication in the container), or to a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. Such communication may optionally be accomplished in one or both of a wired manner (via a connector on the container body) and / or wireless manner (via a transmitter or transceiver on the container that communicates with the container's circuitry).

[0143] In some embodiments, container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X may additionally or alternatively (to RFID readers and / or barcode readers) include weight sensors, for example, within chambers 126, 126', 126", to advantageously track removal of content units (e.g., medication units such as vials, containers, pills, etc.) from the container system. Such weight sensors may be in communication with circuitry in the container and may facilitate tracking, for example, user ingestion of medication in the container or the frequency with which the user takes the medication. Optionally, operation of the weight sensor may be triggered by a signal indicating that the lid L, L', L" has been opened. The weight sensor may communicate data to circuitry within the container system, which may optionally store the data in memory or within the container system, as described above, and / or transmit the data to a remote computer system, such as a separately provided remote computer server (e.g., accessible to a doctor treating a patient with the medication in the container), or to a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. Such communication may optionally be accomplished in one or both of a wired manner (via a connector on the container body) and / or wireless manner (via a transmitter or transceiver on the container that communicates with the container's circuitry).

[0144] FIG. 36 illustrates a container system, such as the container systems 100, 100′, 100″, 100A-100X described herein, removably connectable to a battery pack B (e.g., a Dewalt battery pack). The battery pack B can provide power to one or more electrical components (e.g., TEC, fan, circuitry, etc.) of the container system or to the cooling systems 200, 200′, 200″, 200A-200T. Optionally, the container 120 of the container system can have one or more electrical contacts EC1 (e.g., in the form of a contact ring) that can communicate with one or more electrical contacts EC2 (e.g., pogo pins) when the container 120 is placed on the battery pack B. In another embodiment, the battery pack B can transfer power to the container 120 of the container system via inductive coupling (e.g., electromagnetic induction).

[0145] FIGS. 37-39 show schematic cross-sectional views of container system 100V including cooling system 200V. Optionally, container system 100V has container vessel 120V that is cylindrical and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, and those skilled in the art will recognize that at least some of the features shown in cross section in FIGS. 37-39 are defined by rotating them about the longitudinal axis to define the features of container 100V and cooling system 200V. Some of the features of cooling system 200V, which optionally function as part of lid L''' that selectively seals vessel 120V, are similar to features in cooling system 200M of FIGS. 13A-13B. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of cooling system 200V are similar to those used to identify corresponding components of cooling system 200M in FIGS. 13A-13B, except for the use of a "V" in the reference numerals. Therefore, it will be understood that the structures and descriptions of the similar components of cooling system 200M in Figures 13A-13B also apply to the corresponding components of cooling system 200V in Figures 37-39, except as noted below.

[0146] 37-39, the cooling system 200V can include a heat sink (cold-side heat sink) 210V in thermal communication with a thermoelectric element (TEC) 220V and can be in thermal communication with a chamber 126V of the vessel 120V. Optionally, the cooling system 200V can include a fan 216V selectively operable to draw air from the chamber 126V into contact with the cold-side heat sink 210V. Optionally, the cooling system 200V can include an insulating member 270V disposed between the heat sink 210V and an optional lid plate 202V. The lid plate 202V is disposed between the heat sink (hot-side heat sink) 230V and the insulating member 270V, and the insulating member 270V is disposed around the TEC 220V. 42, airflow Fr is drawn from chamber 126V by fan 216V, contacts heat sink (cold-side heat sink) 210V (e.g., to cool air Fr), and then is returned to chamber 126V. Optionally, airflow Fr is returned through one or more openings 218V in cover plate 217V located distal to heat sink 210V and fan 216V.

[0147] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 37-39, the TEC 220V is selectively operated to draw heat from a heat sink (e.g., a cold-side heat sink) 210V and transfer it to a heat sink (e.g., a hot-side heat sink) 230V. The fan 280V is selectively operable to dissipate heat from the heat sink 230V, thereby enabling the TEC 220V to draw additional heat from the chamber 126V via the heat sink 210V. As shown in FIG. 40, during operation of the fan 280V, an intake airflow F i is drawn through one or more openings 203V in the lid cover L''' and flows over the heat sink 230V (where the airflow extracts heat from the heat sink 230V). An exhaust airflow F i is then exhausted through one or more openings 205V in the lid cover L'''. Optionally, both the fan 280V and the fan 216V are operated simultaneously. In another embodiment, fans 280V and 216V are operated at different times (eg, operation of fan 216V does not overlap with operation of fan 280V).

[0148] As shown in FIGS. 37-39 , chamber 126V optionally receives and holds one or more (e.g., multiple) trays 500V, each supporting one or more (e.g., multiple) liquid containers 520V (e.g., vials of vaccines, medicines, etc.). Lid L′″ has a handle 400V that can be used to remove lid L′″ from container 120V to remove or place contents into chamber 126V (e.g., remove tray 500 via handle 530V). Lid L′″ can have a sealing gasket G disposed around insulator 270V to seal lid L′″ to chamber 126V. Inner wall 136V of container 120V is spaced from outer wall 121V to define a void (e.g., an annular gap) 128V therebetween. Optionally, void 128V can be under vacuum. Optionally, the inner wall 136V defines at least a portion of the inner vessel 130V. Optionally, the inner vessel 130V is disposed on a bottom plate 272V.

[0149] The bottom plate 272V can be spaced apart from a bottom 275V of the container 120V to define a cavity 127V therebetween. The cavity 127V can optionally house one or more batteries 277V, a printed circuit board (PCBA) 278V, and at least partially house a power button or switch 290V. Optionally, the bottom 275V defines at least a portion of an end cap 279V attached to the exterior wall 121V. Optionally, the end cap 279V is removable to access the electronics within the cavity 127V (e.g., to replace one or more batteries 277V or perform maintenance on the electronics, such as the PCBA 278V). The power button or switch 290V can be user-accessible (e.g., can be pressed to turn the cooling system 200V on, pressed to turn the cooling system 200V off, pressed to pair the cooling system 200V with a portable electronic device, etc.). As shown in FIG. 37, power switch 290V can be located approximately in the center of end cap 279V (and thus, for example, located / extending along the longitudinal axis of container 120V).

[0150] In a similar manner as described above for FIG. 18D, the electronics (e.g., PCBA 278V, battery 277V) can be in electrical communication with fans 280V, 216V and TEC 220V of lid L''' via one or more electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins, electrical contact pads) of lid L''' that contact electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins, electrical contact pads) provided on a portion of container 120V that fastens to lid L'''.

[0151] FIG. 40 shows a block diagram of a communication system for (e.g., incorporated into) an apparatus described herein (e.g., one or more of container systems 100, 100′, 100″, 100A-100X). In the illustrated embodiment, circuitry EM can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., level sensors, volume sensors, temperature sensors, battery charge sensors, biometric sensors, load sensors, global positioning system or GPS sensors, radio frequency identification or RFID readers, etc.). Circuitry EM can communicate with sensors located within container 120 (e.g., on the bottom of container 120, on the sides of container 120, as described above), or on the container. The circuitry 120 may be housed in a lid of a power supply. The circuitry 120 receives information (e.g., instructions) from and / or communicates to one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as TECs 220, 220', 220A-220X (to operate each heating or cooling element in a heating or cooling mode, power on or off, or adjust power output), and may optionally receive information from and / or transmit information to one or more power storage devices PS (e.g., batteries for charging the batteries and managing the battery's power supply to one or more heating or cooling elements).

[0152] Optionally, the circuitry EM includes a wireless transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver for communication (e.g., transmitting information such as detected temperature and / or location data and receiving information such as user instructions from one or more of: (a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., on the body of the container 120), (b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch, desktop computer, remote server, etc.), (c) the cloud CL, or (d) a wireless communication system such as WiFi and / or Bluetooth BT). The electronics ED may have a user interface UI2 (such as the interfaces disclosed above in Figures 31A-31C, 38A-38C) that can display information related to the operation of the container system (such as the interfaces disclosed above, see Figures 31A-31C, 38A-38C) and that can receive information (e.g., instructions) from a user and communicate that information to the container systems 100, 100', 100", 100A-100X (e.g., to adjust the operation of the cooling systems 200, 200', 200", 200A-200X).

[0153] In operation, the container system can operate to maintain the chamber 126 of the vessel 120 at a preselected or user-selected temperature. The cooling system can operate one or more TECs to cool the chamber 126 (e.g., when the chamber temperature is higher than the preselected temperature, e.g., when the outside air temperature is higher than the preselected temperature) or to heat the chamber 126 (e.g., when the chamber temperature is lower than the preselected temperature, e.g., when the outside air temperature is lower than the preselected temperature). The preselected temperature can be selected depending on the contents of the vessel (e.g., a particular drug, a particular vaccine) and can be stored in the vessel's memory. Depending on how the temperature control system operates, the cooling system or heating system can operate the TEC to approach the preselected or set temperature.

[0154] Optionally, circuitry EM can wirelessly communicate information, such as the temperature history of chamber 126, to a remote location (e.g., a cloud-based data storage system, a remote computer, a remote server, a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, or desktop computer) and / or to the individual carrying the container (e.g., via the individual's mobile phone, a visual interface on the container, etc.). This information provides a record for verifying the validity of alerts regarding the drug within the container and / or the condition of the drug within the container. Optionally, a temperature control system (e.g., a cooling system or a heating system) automatically activates a TEC to heat or cool chamber 126 of container 120 to approach a preselected temperature. In one embodiment, cooling systems 200, 200', 200", 200B-200X can cool and maintain one or both of one or more chambers 126, 126', 126V and containers 520, 520V at or below 15 degrees Celsius, e.g., below 10 degrees Celsius, and in some examples, at approximately 5 degrees Celsius.

[0155] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S1-Sn may be provided on lid L as one or more airflow sensors that may monitor airflow through one or both of intake ports 203′, 203″, 203V and exhaust ports 205′, 205″, 205V. If the one or more flow sensors detect a decrease in airflow, indicating that intake port 203′, 203″, 203V is clogged (e.g., by dust), circuitry EM (e.g., on PCBA 278V) may optionally reverse the operation of fans 280, 280′, 280B-280P, 280V to draw air through exhaust ports 205′, 205″, 205V and exhaust air out of intake port 203′, 203″, 203V, clearing (e.g., removing dust and unclogging) intake port 203′, 203″, 203V. In another embodiment, circuit EM may additionally or alternatively alert the user (e.g., via a user interface on container 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X, wirelessly to a GUI 610A-610C, 610A'-610C' on a remote electronic device such as the user's cell phone) that air inlets 203', 203", 203V may be clogged. This may allow the user to inspect container 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X or to instruct circuit EM (e.g., via an app on the user's cell phone) to perform a "cleaning" operation, for example, by reversing fans 280, 280', 280B-280P, 280V to exhaust air through air inlets 203', 203", 203V.

[0156] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S1-Sn may include one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors for tracking the location of container systems 100, 100', 100", 100B-100X. Location information may be communicated to a remote location (e.g., a portable electronic device, a cloud-based data storage system, etc.) by a transmitter and / or transceiver associated with circuit EM, as described above.

[0157] FIG. 41A illustrates a container system 100X (e.g., a chemical cooler container) that includes a cooling system 200X. Container system 100X has a generally box-like shape, although in other embodiments, it can be cylindrical or tubular, similar to container systems 100, 100", 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100K', 100L, 100L', 100M, 100N, 100P, 100Q, 100R, 100T, 100U, and 100V. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the generally cylindrical or tubular container can incorporate features of container system 100X, as described below. In other embodiments, the container system The features described below for system 100X can be incorporated into container 100′. In one embodiment, cooling system 200X can be provided in lid L of container system 100X and can be similar to (e.g., have the same or similar components as) cooling systems 200, 200″, 200B, 200B′, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200K′, 200L, 200L′, 200M, 200N, 200P, 200Q, 200R, 200S, 200T, and 200V described above. In another embodiment, the cooling system can be located in a portion of container vessel 120X (e.g., in the bottom of container vessel 120X, similar to cooling system 200′ in vessel 120′ described above).

[0158] As shown in FIG. 41A , the container system 100X can include a display screen 188X. While FIG. 41A shows the display screen 188X on the lid F, the display screen can alternatively (or additionally) be incorporated into the side surface 122X of the container vessel 120X. The display screen 188X can optionally be an electronic ink or E-ink display (e.g., an electrophoretic ink display). In another embodiment, the display screen 188X can be a digital display (e.g., a liquid crystal display or LCD, a light-emitting diode or LED, etc.). Optionally, the display screen 188X can display a label 189X (e.g., a shipping label having one or more of a sender's address, a recipient's address, a Maxi Code machine-readable symbol, a QR code, a routing code, a barcode, and a tracking number). However, the display screen 188X can additionally or alternatively display other information (e.g., temperature history information, information about the contents of the container system 100X). Container system 100X may also optionally include a user interface 184X. In FIG. 43A , user interface 184X is a button on lid L. In another embodiment, user interface 184X is located on side 122X of container vessel 120X. In one embodiment, user interface 184X is a push button. In another embodiment, user interface 184X is a capacitive sensor (e.g., a touch-sensitive sensor). In another embodiment, user interface 184X is a slide switch (e.g., a slide lever). In another embodiment, user interface 184X is a rotatable dial. In yet another embodiment, user interface 184X may be a touchscreen portion (e.g., separate from or incorporated as part of display screen 188X). Advantageously, operation of user interface 184X can change information shown on display 188X, such as the form of a shipping label shown on E-ink display 188X.For example, operation of the user interface 184X can toggle text associated with the sender and recipient, and upon receipt of the container system 100X by the recipient, the container system 100X can be sent back to the sender.

[0159] FIG. 41B shows a block diagram of the electronics 180 of the container system 100X. The electronics 180 can include circuitry EM′ (e.g., including one or more processors on a printed circuit board). The circuitry EM′ communicates with one or more batteries PS′, a display screen 188X, and a user interface 184X. Optionally, a storage module 185X is in communication with the circuitry EM′. In one embodiment, the storage module 185X can optionally be located on the same printed circuit board as other components of the circuitry EM′. The circuitry EM′ optionally controls the information displayed on the display screen 188X. Information (e.g., sender address, recipient address, etc.) can be communicated to the circuitry EM′ via an input module 186X. The input module 186X can receive such information wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency or RF communication, infrared or IR communication, WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, etc.), using a wand (e.g., a radio frequency or RF wand on the container system, such as the display screen 188X), or the like. Additionally, the wand is connected to a computer system that has pickup information. Once received by the input module 186X, the information (e.g., shipping information used for shipping labels displayed on the display screen 188X) may be stored electronically in the storage module 185X. Advantageously, one or more batteries PS' may power the electronics 180, and thus the display screen 188X of the container 100X, which may be used multiple times (e.g., up to 1,000 times during transportation of the container system 100X).

[0160] FIG. 42A shows a block diagram of one method 800A for shipping a container system 100X. In step 810, one or more containers, such as containers 520 (e.g., vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen injectors), pen injectors, drug containers such as vaccines, insulin, epinephrine, etc.), are placed in a container 120X of the container system 100X, such as at a distribution facility for the containers 520. In step 820, once all of the containers 520 have been placed in the container vessel 120X, a lid L is closed over the container vessel 120X. Optionally, the lid L is locked to the container vessel 120X (e.g., via a magnetic lock having an electromagnet that is turned off using a code, such as a digital code, when the lid L is closed). In step 830, information (e.g., shipping label information) is communicated to the container system 100X. For example, as described above, a radio frequency (RF) wand is oscillated over container system 100X (e.g., over lid L) to transmit shipping information to input module 186X of container system 100X's electronics 80. In step 780, container system 100X is shipped to a recipient (e.g., displayed on shipping label 189X on display screen 188X).

[0161] FIG. 42B shows a block diagram of a method 800B for returning a container 100X. In step 850, after receiving the container system 100X, the lid L is opened on the container vessel 120X. Optionally, before opening the lid L, the lid L is unlocked from the container 100X (e.g., using a code, such as a digital code, provided by the shipper to the recipient via a keypad and / or biometric authentication (e.g., a fingerprint on the container vessel, as shown and described in FIG. 31 )). In step 860, one or more containers 520 are removed from the container vessel 120X. In step 870, the lid L is closed on the container vessel 120X. In step 880, a user interface 184X (e.g., a button) is actuated to toggle between sender and recipient information within the display screen 188X. Advantageously, upon returning the container system 100X to the original sender, the shipping information can be reused on the display screen 188X without having to be re-entered. The display screen 188X and label 189X advantageously facilitate shipping of the container system 100X without the need to print a separate label for the container system 100X. Additionally, the display screen 188X and user interface 184X advantageously facilitate returning the container system 100X to the sender (e.g., without the need to re-enter shipping information or print a label). The container system 100X can also be reused to ship containers 520 (e.g., vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen injectors), pen injectors, medication containers such as vaccines, insulin, epiphrine, etc.) to the same or different recipients. Reusing the container system 100X for shipping perishable materials (e.g., medications) advantageously reduces shipping costs (e.g., compared to commonly used cardboard containers that are discarded after use) because the container container 120X can be reused.

[0162] [Additional Embodiments] In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable cooler container with active temperature control may comply with any of the following clauses: (Section 1) 1. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising: a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more drug containers; a lid removably connectable to the container body to provide access to the chamber; a temperature control system; The temperature control system includes: one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber; one or more batteries, a circuit configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range; and a display screen disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid; The portable cooler container, wherein the display screen is configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container using electronic ink. (Section 2) 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding claim, further comprising a user-actuable button or touch screen that automatically toggles between sender and recipient information on the display screen to facilitate returning the portable cooler container to the sender. (Section 3) 10. The portable refrigerator container of claim 1, wherein the body includes an outer peripheral wall and a bottom attached to the outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall is spaced apart from the outer peripheral wall to define a gap therebetween, the base is spaced apart from the bottom to define a cavity therebetween, and the one or more batteries and circuitry are at least partially disposed within the cavity. (Section 4) 10. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoelectric elements are housed within the lid, and the temperature control system further comprises a first heat sink unit in thermal communication with one side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, a second heat sink unit in thermal communication with an opposite side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, and one or more fans, wherein the one or more fans, first heat sink unit, and second heat sink unit are at least partially housed within the lid, and the first heat sink is configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber. (Section 5) 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense the one or more parameters of the chamber or temperature control system and communicate the sensed information to the circuitry. (Section 6) 10. The portable cooler container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature within the chamber and communicate the detected temperature to the circuitry, and the circuitry is configured to communicate the detected temperature data to the cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device. (Section 7) 10. The portable cooler container of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrical contacts disposed on a rim of the container body and configured to contact one or more electrical contacts disposed on the lid when the lid is coupled to the container body, wherein the circuit controls operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements and the one or more fans when the lid is coupled to the container body. (Section 8) 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity is under vacuum. (Section 9) 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding claim, further comprising a tray configured to removably receive the drug container therein and releasably lock the drug container to the tray to prevent the drug container from becoming dislodged from the tray during transport of the portable cooler container. (Section 10) 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding claim, further comprising means for thermally isolating the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to inhibit heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber. (Section 11) 1. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising: a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more drug containers; a lid removably connectable to the container body to provide access to the chamber; a temperature control system, wherein the chamber is defined by a base and an inner wall of the container; The temperature control system includes: one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans; one or more batteries, and a circuit, one or both of the one or more thermoelectric elements and the one or more fans are configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber; The portable cooler container, wherein the circuitry is configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. (Section 12) 12. The portable container of claim 11, wherein the body comprises an outer peripheral wall and a bottom attached to the outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall spaced apart from the outer peripheral wall to define a gap therebetween, the base spaced apart from the bottom to define a cavity therebetween, and the one or more batteries and the circuitry are at least partially disposed within the cavity. (Section 13) 13. The portable cooler container of any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the one or more thermoelectric elements are housed within the lid, and the temperature control system further comprises a first heat sink unit in thermal communication with one side of the one or more thermoelectric elements and a second heat sink unit in thermal communication with an opposite side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, wherein the one or more fans, first heat sink unit and second heat sink unit are at least partially housed within the lid, and the first heat sink is configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber. (Section 14) 14. The portable cooler container of any of claims 11 to 13, further comprising one or more sensors, at least one of which is a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the chamber and communicate the detected temperature to the circuit. (Section 15) 15. The portable cooler container of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the circuitry further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit one or both of temperature and location information of the portable cooler container to one or more of a memory unit of the portable cooler container, a radio frequency identification tag of the portable cooler container, a cloud-based data storage system, and a remote electronic device. (Section 16) 16. The portable cooler container of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a display on one or both of the container body and the lid, the display configured to display information indicating the temperature of the chamber. (Section 17) 17. The container of any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising one or more electrical contacts provided on a rim of the container body and configured to contact one or more electrical contacts provided on the lid when the lid is coupled to the container body, wherein the circuit is housed in the container body and the one or more thermoelectric elements are housed in the lid, and the electrical contacts facilitate control of operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans by the circuit when the lid is coupled to the container body. (Section 18) 18. The portable cooler container of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the cavity is under vacuum. (Section 19) 19. The portable cooler container of any one of items 11 to 18, further comprising means for thermally isolating the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to suppress heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber. (Section 20) 1. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising: a container body having a chamber configured to contain and hold one or more perishable liquids; a lid removably connectable to the container body by one or more hinges; a temperature control system; the chamber is defined by a base and an interior wall of the container; The temperature control system includes: one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber; one or more power storage elements; a circuit configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range; and an electronic display screen disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid; the circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device; The portable cooler container, wherein the display screen is configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container. (Section 21) 21. The portable cooler container of claim 20, wherein the electronic display screen is an electrophoretic display screen. (Section 22) 22. The portable cooler container of any of claims 20-21, further comprising a user-actuable button or touch screen that automatically toggles between sender information and recipient information on the display screen to facilitate returning the portable cooler container to the sender. (Section 23) 23. The portable cooler container of any one of items 20 to 22, further comprising means for thermally isolating the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to suppress heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber. (Section 24) 1. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising: a container body having a chamber configured to contain and hold perishable material and an opening selectively closed by a lid, the container body having an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall, defining a void between the outer wall and the inner wall under vacuum, the container body having one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets; a temperature control system housed in a cavity of the container body between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container body; The temperature control system includes: one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber; one or more heat sinks in thermal communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements; one or more fans operable to draw air into a cavity between the outer wall and the inner wall of the container body through the one or more air inlets, flow the air to the one or more heat sinks, dissipate heat from the heat sinks, and flow the air out of the cavity through the air outlet, thereby causing the one or more heat sinks to draw more heat from the one or more thermoelectric elements and the one or more thermoelectric elements to draw more heat from the inner wall, thereby further cooling the chamber; one or more batteries; a circuit configured to control operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range, and configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device; a display screen disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid, the display screen configured to selectively display a label having shipping information for the portable cooler container; a depressible button that, when pressed by a user, automatically switches the sender and recipient information on the label on the display screen, facilitating the return of the portable cooler container to the sender without re-entering shipping information. (Section 25) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, further comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more parameters of the chamber or the temperature control system and communicate the detected information to the circuitry. (Section 26) 26. The portable cooler container of claim 25, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature within the chamber and communicate the detected temperature to the circuit. (Section 27) 27. The portable cooler container of clause 26, wherein the circuitry is configured to communicate the detected temperature data to the cloud-based data storage system or remote electronic device. (Section 28) 27. The portable cooler container of clause 26, wherein the circuitry further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit one or both of the temperature and location information of the portable cooler container to one or more of a memory unit of the portable cooler container, a radio frequency identification tag of the portable cooler container, a cloud-based data storage system, and a remote electronic device. (Section 29) 25. The portable cooler container of claim 24, wherein the electronic display screen is an electrophoretic display screen or a digital display screen. (Section 30) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, wherein the electronic display screen is configured to display temperature history information for the chamber. (Section 31) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, further comprising an accelerometer that detects movement of the container body and communicates detected movement information to the circuitry. (Section 32) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, wherein the one or more heat sinks in thermal communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements have a plurality of fins. (Section 33) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, wherein the lid is selectively unlocked to the container body via a keypad or biometric authentication. (Section 34) 25. The portable cooler container of clause 24, further comprising a GPS sensor for tracking the location of the container body.

[0163] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. For example, while the features disclosed herein are described with respect to medicine containers, it is understood that the features are also applicable to non-medicine containers (e.g., portable coolers for food, etc.), and the present invention extends to such other containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications to the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined solely by reference to the appended claims.

[0164] A feature, material, characteristic, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless denied compatibility. All of the features and / or steps of the disclosed methods or processes disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection of the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. Protection of the invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0165] Also, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Further, while features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the combination may be specified as a subcombination or variation of the subcombination.

[0166] Also, while operations may be illustrated in the figures or described herein in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order illustrated, or in a sequential order, or that all operations be performed to achieve desired results. Other or undescribed operations may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or during any of the described operations. Moreover, operations may be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps performed in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, some of the steps described above may be removed, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems may generally be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0167] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0168] Conditional terms such as "may" or "can," unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context in which they are used, are generally intended to convey that certain features, elements, and / or steps are included in certain embodiments and not included in other embodiments. Thus, such conditional terms generally imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic, with or without user input, for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in any particular embodiment but should be performed in an embodiment.

[0169] Conjunction language such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood with the context as generally used that, unless otherwise specified, the item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunction language is not intended to mean that at least one of X, Y, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z are generally required to be present.

[0170] Thus, such connecting language generally refers to values, amounts, or characteristics that are close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "about," "approximately," "generally," and "substantially" can refer to amounts that are within less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated amount. In another embodiment, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to values, amounts, or characteristics that deviate from exact parallelism by no more than 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees.

[0171] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments here or elsewhere herein, but may be defined by the claims, as set forth here or elsewhere herein, or as set forth in the future. Claim terms are to be interpreted broadly based on the terms employed in the claims and not limited to the examples set forth herein, and are to be interpreted broadly during prosecution as well, and those examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

[Claim 1] A cooler container comprising: a chamber configured to contain one or more items; a lid configured to openably cover the chamber; a temperature control system, A thermoelectric element; a first heat sink configured to be in thermal communication with a first side of the thermoelectric element; a second heat sink; an electrically conductive fluid configured to selectively thermally couple the thermoelectric element and the chamber; a pump configured to move the electrically conductive fluid, The thermoelectric element is in thermal communication with the chamber during a cooling operation to cool the chamber, and a pump is provided to move the thermoelectric element so that it is thermally decoupled from the chamber other than during the cooling operation.

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