Portable cooler with active temperature control

Abstract

To provide a portable cooler container with active temperature control.SOLUTION: A temperature control system is operated to heat or cool a chamber of a vessel to a temperature set point suitable for a medication stored in the cooler container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) Any application for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in an Application Data Sheet filed in connection with this application is incorporated herein by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and is to be considered a part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention is directed to portable coolers (e.g., for medications such as insulin, vaccines, epinephrine, etc.), and more particularly to portable coolers with active temperature control. [Background technology]

[0003] Certain medications must be maintained at a specific temperature or temperature range to be effective (e.g., to maintain potency). Once a medication (e.g., vaccines, insulin, epinephrine) loses potency, it cannot be restored, rendering the medication ineffective and / or unusable. For example, pen injectors are commonly used to deliver medications such as epinephrine to counteract the effects of allergic reactions (e.g., due to peanut allergies, insect stings / bites, etc.). Users sometimes carry such medications (e.g., medication pen injectors, pen injector cartridges) with them (e.g., in a bag, purse, pocket, etc.) when suffering from an allergic reaction during the day. However, such medications may be exposed to various temperatures during the day (e.g., due to ambient temperature conditions, temperature conditions in a car, workplace, school, etc.), which may be outside the preferred temperature or temperature range for the medication to be effective. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thus, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs (e.g., for storing and / or transporting medications such as epinephrine, vaccines, insulin, etc.) that can maintain the contents of the cooler at a desired temperature or range of temperatures. Additionally, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs that provide improved cold chain control and record-keeping of the temperature history of the contents of the cooler (e.g., medications such as epinephrine, vaccines, insulin, etc.) (e.g., during storage and / or transport of the medications, such as during the commute to work or school). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect, a portable cooler container (e.g., capsule) is provided with an active temperature control system that operates to heat or cool a container chamber to approach a temperature setpoint appropriate for a medication (e.g., epinephrine, insulin, vaccines, etc.) stored in the cooler container.

[0006] According to another aspect, a portable cooler (or capsule) is provided that includes a temperature control system operable (e.g., automatically operable) to maintain a chamber of the cooler at a desired temperature or range of temperatures for an extended period of time. Optionally, the portable cooler is sized to accommodate one or more containers (e.g., pen syringes and / or pen syringe cartridges, vials, etc.). Optionally, the portable cooler automatically logs (e.g., stores in a memory of the cooler) and / or communicates data regarding one or more sensed parameters (e.g., chamber temperature, battery charge level, etc.) to a remote electronic device (e.g., a remote computer, a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer). Optionally, the portable cooler is configured to communicate with a remote electronic device (e.g., a remote computer, a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer). The data may be recorded and / or transmitted automatically (eg, automatically in real time, periodically at set intervals, etc.).

[0007] According to another aspect, a portable cooler container (e.g., a capsule) with active temperature control is provided. The container includes a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more containers (e.g., pen injectors, pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.), the chamber being defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body. The container also includes a temperature control system including one or more thermoelectric elements (e.g., Peltier elements) configured to actively heat or cool a heat sink component in thermal communication with (e.g., in contact with) the one or more containers (e.g., drug containers) within 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 heat sink component and / or the chamber to a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures.

[0008] Optionally, the container may include one or more batteries configured to provide power to one or both of the circuitry and the one or more thermoelectric elements.

[0009] Optionally, the circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system (e.g., a remote server) or a remote electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer).

[0010] Optionally, the container includes a first heat sink in thermal communication with the chamber, the first heat sink selectively thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements. Optionally, the first heat sink can removably extend into the chamber of the container, and one or more containers (e.g., drug containers such as pen injectors, pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.) can be releasably coupled to the first heat sink (e.g., to one or more clip portions or slots of the first heat sink) such that the one or more containers are disposed within the chamber.

[0011] Optionally, the vessel includes a second heat sink in communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) such that the one or more TECs are disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink.

[0012] Optionally, the second heat sink is in thermal communication with a fan operable to draw heat from the second heat sink.

[0013] In one embodiment, such as when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures, the temperature control system is operable to draw heat from a first heat sink (and draw heat from the chamber), which transfers the heat to one or more TECs, which transfer the heat to a second heat sink, where an optional fan dissipates the heat from the second heat sink. The temperature control system can thus cool the first heat sink (and the chamber), thereby cooling a container (e.g., a drug container) within the chamber toward a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures.

[0014] In another embodiment, such as when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures, the temperature control system is operable to add heat to the first heat sink (and add heat to the chamber), which transfers the heat to one or more TECs. The temperature control system, at this point, can heat the first heat sink (and the chamber), thereby heating a container (e.g., a drug container) within the chamber toward a predetermined temperature or range of temperatures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a cooler vessel. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cooler vessel of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of a charging base. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a partial view of the cooler container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed from the cooler container container and three pen syringes and / or cartridges coupled to a heat sink attached to the lid. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the cooler vessel of FIG. 1 in communication with a remote electronic device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cooler vessel and charging base of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cooler vessel. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel container of FIG. 7 without the lid. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating communication between a cooler vessel and a remote electronic device. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic partial perspective view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a schematic partial perspective view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another cooler vessel. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 14B]FIG. 14B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a schematic perspective view of another cooler vessel and an exploded view of a capsule for use with the vessel. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a capsule for use with the cooler vessel of FIG. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another capsule for use with the cooler vessel of FIG. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the capsule of FIG. 16B. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a schematic perspective view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A shows a schematic perspective view of a capsule for use with the cooler vessel of FIG. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 17A for use with the cooler vessel of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of another cooler vessel. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A shows a schematic diagram of a pen syringe for use with the cartridge removed from the cooler container of FIG. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B shows a schematic, partial view of a cartridge from the cooler container of FIG. 18 loaded into a pen injector. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A shows a schematic perspective view of a cooler vessel. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a schematic block diagram showing the electronics within the cooler enclosure related to the operation of the display screen of the cooler enclosure. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A shows a block diagram of a method for operating the cooler vessel of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B shows a block diagram of a method for operating the cooler vessel of FIG. 19A. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a schematic user interface for an electronic device for use with a cooler vessel. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a schematic user interface for an electronic device for use with the cooler vessel. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C is a schematic user interface for an electronic device for use with the cooler vessel. [Figure 21D] FIG. 21D is a schematic user interface for an electronic device for use with the cooler vessel. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cooler vessel. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the cooler vessel of FIG. 22A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] 1-8 show a container system 100 (e.g., a capsule container) that includes a cooling system 200. Optionally, container system 100 has a container receptacle 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 Figures 4, 7, and 8 are defined by rotating container 100 and cooling system 200 about axis Z to define the features thereof.

[0017] Container receptacle 120 may be a cooler with active temperature control provided by cooling system 200 to cool the contents of container receptacle 120 and / or maintain the contents of container 120 in a cooled or chilled state. Optionally, receptacle 120 may hold one or more (e.g., multiple) separate containers 150 therein (e.g., medication containers such as pen syringes, vials, cartridges (for pen syringes, etc.)). Optionally, one or more (e.g., multiple) separate containers 150 that may be inserted into container receptacle 120 may contain medications (e.g., epinephrine, insulin, vaccines, etc.).

[0018] The container receptacle 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. As shown in FIG. 4 , the container 120 has an inner wall 126A and a base wall 126B that together define an open chamber 126 capable of receiving and holding contents to be cooled (e.g., one or more vials, cartridges, pharmaceutical containers such as pen syringes, etc.). The container 120 can optionally have an intermediate wall 126C spaced about the inner wall 126A and the base wall 126B such that the intermediate wall 126C is at least partially disposed between the outer wall 121 and the inner wall 126A. The intermediate wall 126C is spaced apart from the inner wall 126A and the base wall 126B to define a gap G between the intermediate wall 126C and the inner and base walls 126A, 126B. The gap G may optionally be under a vacuum such that the inner wall 126A and the base 126B are vacuum insulated from the intermediate wall 126C and the outer wall 121 of the container 120.

[0019] Optionally, one or more of inner wall 126A, intermediate wall 126B, and outer wall 121 can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In one embodiment, inner wall 126A, base wall 126B, and intermediate wall 126C are made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In another embodiment, one or more portions of container 120 (e.g., outer wall 121, intermediate wall 126C, and / or inner wall 126A) can be made of plastic.

[0020] The container 120 has a cavity 127 between the base wall 126B and a bottom 275 of the container 120. The cavity 127 optionally accommodates one or more batteries 277 and a cooling system 20. 0, and one or more printed circuit boards (PCBA) 278 having circuitry for controlling the cooling system 200. In one embodiment, the cavity 127 may optionally house a power button or switch operable by a user through the bottom 275 of the container, as described further below. Optionally, the bottom 275 defines at least a portion of an end cap 279 attached to the exterior wall 121. Optionally, the end cap 279 is removable to access the electronics of the cavity 127 (e.g., to replace one or more batteries 277, to perform maintenance on the electronics, such as the PCBA 278). The power button or switch is accessible by a user (e.g., can be pressed to turn the cooling system 200 on, can be pressed to turn the cooling system 200 off, can be pressed to mate the cooling system 200 with a mobile electronic device, etc.). Optionally, the power switch may be located approximately in the center of the end cap 279 (e.g., so that it is aligned / extends along the longitudinal axis Z of the container 120).

[0021] 1-8 , cooling system 200 is optionally at least partially housed in lid L, which releasably closes opening 123 of container 120. In one embodiment, lid L may be releasably coupled to container 120 via one or more magnets on lid L and / or container 120. In other embodiments, lid L may be releasably coupled to container 120 via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., threaded connection, key-slot connection, press-fit connection, etc.).

[0022] In one embodiment, cooling system 200 may include a first heat sink (cold-side heat sink) 210 in thermal communication with one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) 220, such as Peltier elements, and may be in thermal communication with chamber 126 of container 120 (e.g., via contact with interior wall 126A, via conduction through the air in chamber 126, etc.). Optionally, cooling system 200 may include an insulating member (e.g., insulating material) disposed between first heat sink 210 and second heat sink 230.

[0023] 1-8 , the TEC 220 is selectively operated (e.g., by circuitry 278) to draw heat from a first heat sink (e.g., a cold-side heat sink) 210 and transfer it to a second heat sink (e.g., a hot-side heat sink) 230. The fan 280 is selectively operable to draw air into the lid L to dissipate heat from the second heat sink 230, thereby allowing the TEC 220 to draw additional heat from the first heat sink 210, thereby drawing heat from the chamber 126. During operation of the fan 280, an intake air flow F is drawn through one or more intake ports 203 (having one or more openings 203A) in the lid L and over the second heat sink 230 (the air flow removes heat from the second heat sink 230), and then an exhaust air flow F flows out one or more exhaust ports 205 (having one or more openings 205A) in the lid L.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4 , chamber 126 optionally receives and retains one or more (e.g., a plurality of) containers 150 (e.g., medication containers, e.g., pen injectors or pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.). First heat sink 210 can define one or more slots 211 that can receive and retain (e.g., resiliently receive and retain) one or more of the containers 150. Thus, during operation of cooling system 200, first heat sink 210 is cooled, thereby cooling one or more containers 150 coupled to heat sink 210. In one embodiment, first heat sink 210 can be made of aluminum. However, first heat sink 210 can also be formed from other suitable materials (e.g., metals with high thermal conductivity).

[0025] The electronics (e.g., PCBA 278, battery 277) are housed in the container 12 which engages with the lid L. The fan 280 and TEC 220 can electrically communicate with the fan 280 and TEC 220 within the lid F via one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical contact pads, pogo pins) 281 on the lid F (e.g., electrical contacts, contact pads, or pogo pins facing downward) that contact one or more electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins, electrical contact pads) 282 on the portion of the container 120, 120′ (e.g., electrical contacts, contact pads, or pogo pins facing upward). Advantageously, the electrical contacts 281, 282 facilitate coupling of the lid L to the container 120, 120′ in the correct orientation (alignment) to enable contact between the electrical contacts 282, 281 (e.g., to provide a timekeeping function). As shown in FIG. 3 , the one or more electrical contacts 282 can be a set of eight contacts 282 that interface with an equal number of electrical contacts 281 on the lid L. However, different numbers of electrical contacts 282, 281 are possible. Electrical leads can extend from PCBA 278 to electrical contacts 282 along the side of container 120 (e.g., between outer wall 121 and middle wall 126C). Thus, power can be provided from battery 277 to TEC 220 and / or fan 280, and circuitry (e.g., in or on PCBA 278) can control operation of TEC 220 and / or fan 280 via one or more of electrical contacts 281, 282 when lid L is coupled to container 120. As described further below, lid L can have one or more sensors, which can communicate with circuitry (e.g., in or on PCBA 278) via one or more of electrical contacts 281, 282.

[0026] FIGS. 7-8 schematically illustrate a container system 100 having a cooling system 200 and a container 120′. The cooling system 200 is similar to the cooling system 200 in the container 100 of FIGS. 1-7. Some features of the container 120′ are similar to those of the container 120 of FIGS. 1-7. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the container 120′ are the same as those used to identify corresponding components of the container 120 of FIGS. 1-7, except that an "'" has been added to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, it should be understood that the structure and description of the various components of the cooling system 200 and container 120 of FIGS. 1-7 also apply to the corresponding components of the cooling system 200 and container 120′ of FIGS. 7-8, except as described below.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 7-8 , the container 120′ includes a cylindrical chamber wall 126D′ that defines a chamber 126′ and is spaced inwardly of the inner wall 126A′ and the base wall 126B′ (e.g., toward the center of the chamber 126) to define a gap G2′ between the chamber wall 126D′ and the inner wall 126A′ and the base wall 126B′. Optionally, the gap G2′ is filled with a phase change material (PCM) 130′. In one embodiment, the phase change material 130′ can be a solid-fluid PCM. In another embodiment, the phase change material 130′ can be a solid-solid PCM. The PCM 130′ can advantageously passively absorb and release energy. Examples of possible PCM materials are water (which can transition to ice when cooled below freezing), organic PCMs (e.g., bio-based or paraffin- or carbohydrate- and lipid-derived), inorganic PCMs (e.g., salt hydrates), and inorganic eutectic materials. However, the PCM 130' can be any thermal mass capable of storing and releasing energy.

[0028] During operation, cooling system 200 may operate to cool heat sink 210, thereby cooling one or more containers 150 coupled to heat sink 210, and also to cool chamber 126′. Cooling system 200 may also optionally cool PCM 130′ (e.g., via chamber wall 126D′). In one embodiment, cooling system 200 optionally cools PCM 130′ via conduction (e.g., contact) between at least a portion of heat sink 210 and at least a portion of chamber wall 126D′ (e.g., near opening 123′ of receptacle 120′). In another embodiment, cooling system 200 optionally cools PCM 130′ via conduction with air within chamber 126′ between heat sink 210 and chamber wall 126D′.

[0029] Advantageously, the PCM 130' operates as a secondary (e.g., backup) cooling source for the chamber 126' and / or the containers 150' (e.g., medication containers, such as pen injectors, pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.) disposed therein. For example, if one or more of the air inlets 203 are partially (or completely) blocked (e.g., due to contact with a surface of a purse, backpack, or suitcase during travel; due to dust accumulation at the air inlet openings 203A) or if the cooling system 200 is not operating effectively due to a low charge on one or more batteries 277, the PCM 130' can keep the one or more containers 150 (e.g., pen injectors, pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.) cooled, for example, until the air inlets 203 are unblocked / unclogged or until the one or more batteries 277 are charged. Although the phase change material 130' is described in relation to the chamber 126' and the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, and 100L, those skilled in the art will recognize that the phase change material 130' may also be applied to all other embodiments discussed herein for the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126H, 126I, 126J, and 126K and the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, and 100L.

[0030] Container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L disclosed herein 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, remote servers) 600 via one or both of wired or wireless connections (e.g., 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n standards, etc.). Optionally, container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L can communicate with remote electronic devices 600 via apps (mobile application software) that are optionally downloaded (e.g., from the cloud) to remote electronic devices 600. The app may present one or more graphical user interface screens 610 that may display one or more data received by the remote electronic device 600 from the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L and / or information transmitted from the remote electronic device 600 to the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L. Optionally, a user may provide commands to the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L via one or more of the graphical user interface screens 610 of the remote electronic device 600.

[0031] In one variation, graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610 may present one or more temperature presets corresponding to one or more particular medications (e.g., epinephrine / adrenaline for allergic reactions, insulin, vaccines, etc.) GUI screen 610 may optionally allow cooling systems 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L to be turned on and off. The GUI screen 610 may optionally allow setting of a control temperature at which the first heat sink 210 of the vessel 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L and one or both of the chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L are cooled by the cooling system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L.

[0032] In another variation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610 may include a container A dashboard display of one or more parameters of the chambers 126, 126′, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126H, 1261, 126J, 126K, 126L (e.g., ambient temperature, temperature inside the chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126H, 1261, 126J, 126K, 126L, temperature of the first heat sink 210, temperature of the one or more batteries 277, etc.) may be presented. The GUI screen 610 may optionally present an indication (e.g., an indication) of the power supply remaining in the one or more batteries 277 (e.g., percentage of life remaining, time remaining until battery power is completely drained). Optionally, GUI screen 610 may also include information (e.g., an indication) of how many of the slots or receptacles 211 of first heat sink 20 are occupied (e.g., by containers 150, 150J). Optionally, GUI screen 610 may also include information about the contents of container 100 (e.g., type of medication, such as insulin, or medication for a disease, intended to treat hepatitis, etc.) and / or information about the individual to whom container 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L belongs (e.g., name, identification number, contact information).

[0033] In another variation, the GUI screen 610 may include one or more notifications provided to a user of the container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L disclosed herein, including an alert regarding available battery power, an alert regarding the effect of ambient temperature on the operation of the container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, an alert regarding the temperature of the first heat sink 210, an alert regarding the temperature of the chamber 126, 126′, 126E, 126F, 126G, 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L, an alert regarding low air flow through the intake vent 203 and / or the exhaust vent 205 indicating that they may be blocked / clogged. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an app can provide multiple GUI screens 610 to a user and allow the user to swipe between different screens.Optionally, as described further below, vessel system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K may include a first heat sink 210 and / or chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F, 126G, 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L, corresponding to the temperature history of chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F, 126G, 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L, generally the temperature of vessel 150, 150J. , 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L, the temperature of the containers 150, 150J from the temperature sensors of the containers 150, 150J, the power level history of the battery 277, the ambient temperature history, etc., can be communicated to one or more of: a) RFID tags on the container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, which can be read later (e.g., at the 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), e.g., wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH, or other RF communications); and c) a cloud (e.g., a cloud-based data storage system or server), e.g., wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH, or other RF communications). Such communication may occur periodically (e.g., hourly; continuously, in real time, etc.). When stored on an RFID tag or a remote electronic device or in the cloud, such information may be accessed via 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 system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L may communicate with the container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L the temperature history of the chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F, 126G, 126H, 126I, 126J, 126K, 126L, the temperature history of the first heat sink 210, the power of the battery 277, and the like. Information such as level history, ambient temperature history, etc. can be stored in memory (e.g., part of the electronics of container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L) and can be accessed by a user from container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via remote electronic device 600).

[0034] 1-9 , the body 120 of the container 100 can optionally have a visual display on the exterior surface 121 of the body 120. The visual display can optionally display one or more of the temperature of the chambers 126, 126′, the temperature of the first heat sink 210, the ambient temperature, the charge level or percentage of one or more batteries 277, and the time remaining until the batteries 277 need to be recharged, etc. The visual display can optionally include a user interface (e.g., a pressure-sensitive button, a capacitive touch button, etc.) for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) the preset temperature at which the cooling system 200 cools the chambers 126, 126′. Thus, operation of the container 100 (e.g., of the cooling system 200) can be selected via the visual display and the user interface on the surface of the container 100. Optionally, the visual display can include one or more hidden, illuminated LEDs. Optionally, the visual display can include an electronic ink (e-ink) display. In one variation, the container 100 may optionally include a hidden, illuminated LED 140 that may be selectively illuminated (e.g., to indicate one or more operational functions of the container 100, such as to indicate that the cooling system 200 is operating). The LED 140 may optionally be a multi-color LED selectively operable to indicate one or more operational states of the container 100 (e.g., green for normal operation and red for abnormal operation, such as low battery charge or insufficient cooling for the sensed ambient temperature). While the visual indication is described in connection with the container system 100, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is also applicable to all other embodiments described herein for the container systems 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, and 100L.

[0035] In operation, cooling system 200 can optionally be activated by pressing a power button. Optionally, cooling system 200 can additionally (or alternatively) be activated remotely (e.g., wirelessly) via a remote electronic device 600, such as a cell phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or the like, that communicates wirelessly with cooling system 200 (e.g., using a receiver or transceiver in circuitry 278). In yet another embodiment, cooling system 200 can automatically cool chamber 126, 126′ when lid L is coupled to receptacle 120, 120′ (e.g., upon receiving a signal from a pressure sensor, proximity sensor, load sensor, light sensor, etc., e.g., by circuitry in or on PCBA 278). Chamber 126, 126′ can be cooled to a predetermined and / or user-selected temperature or range of temperatures, or can be automatically cooled to a preset temperature corresponding to the contents of container 150 (e.g., insulin, epinephrine, vaccine, etc.). The user-selected temperature or temperature range may be selected via a user interface on the container 100 and / or via the remote electronic device 600 .

[0036] The circuit 278 optionally cools the side of one or more TEs 220 adjacent to the first heat sink 210, thereby providing thermal communication with the first heat sink 210 (e.g., The one or more TECs 220 are operated such that the one or more TECs 220 cool the first heat sink 210 and the side of the one or more TECs 220 adjacent the one or more second heat sinks 230 is heated. The TECs 220 thereby cool the first heat sink 210, thereby cooling the vessel 150 and / or chambers 126, 126′. The lid L may include one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) 155 operable to sense the temperature of the chamber 126, 126′. As best shown in FIG. 7 , the one or more sensors 155 may include a temperature sensor that extends through one or more of the protrusions of the first heat sink 210 and protrudes from the first heat sink 210 into the chamber 126, 126′ when the lid L is coupled to the container 120, 120′. The one or more sensors 155 may communicate information indicative of the sensed temperature to the circuit 278 via one or more electrical contacts 281, 282 when the lid L is coupled to the container 120, 120′. Circuitry (e.g., in or on PCBA 278) operates one or more of the TEC 220 and one or more fans 280 based at least in part on the sensed temperature information (from one or more sensors 155) to cool the first heat sink 210 and / or chamber 126, 126′ to a predetermined temperature (e.g., a preset temperature) and / or a user-selected temperature. The circuitry operates the one or more fans 280 to flow air (e.g., received via air inlet 203) over the one or more second heat sinks 230 to dissipate heat therefrom, thereby enabling the one or more second heat sinks 230 to draw more heat from the one or more TECs 220, thereby enabling the one or more TECs 220 to draw more heat from (i.e., cool) the first heat sink 210 and, optionally, the chamber 126, 126′. Once the aforementioned airflow has passed over one or more secondary heat sinks 230, it is exhausted through exhaust ports 205.

[0037] 2 , power base 300 can receive container 100 thereon and can provide power to the electronics of container 100, for example, to charge one or more batteries 277, or can directly power TEC 220 and / or fan 280. In one embodiment, power base 300 has an electrical cord that terminates in an electrical connector (wall plug, USB connector) that allows power base 300 to connect to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet for a power source such as a laptop or desktop computer, USB connector). In one embodiment, power base 300 transfers power to container 100 via inductive coupling. In another embodiment, power base 300 transfers power to container 100 via one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical contact pads, contact rings) on one or more of container 100 (e.g., on bottom 275 of container 100).

[0038] 6 illustrates that power base 300 can receive container 100 thereon and can provide power to the container's 100 electronics, for example, to charge one or more batteries 277, or can provide power directly to TEC 220 and / or fan 280. Power base 300' is similar to power base 300, except as described below. In one embodiment, power base 300' has an electrical cord that terminates in an electrical connector (for a car charger) that allows power base 300' to connect to a car charger. Advantageously, power base 300' is sized to fit into a car cup holder, allowing container 100 to be placed in the cup holder while on power base 300', and maintaining container 100 in a substantially stable, upright orientation.

[0039] In one variation, the container system 100 is powered using 12 VDC power (e.g., from one or more batteries 277 or power base 300'). In another variation, the container system 100 is powered using 120 VAC or 240 VAC power, for example, using power base 300. The circuitry 278 within the container 100 may include a surge protector to prevent damage to the electronics of the container 100 from power surges.

[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a device described herein (e.g., one or more container systems 100, 100 10 shows a block diagram of a communication system for (e.g., integrated with) one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., a level sensor, a volume sensor, a temperature sensor, e.g., sensor 155, a battery charge sensor, a biometric sensor, a load sensor, a global positioning system or GPS sensor, a radio frequency identification or RFID reader, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, circuit EM (e.g., on PCBA 278) can receive sensed information from one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., a level sensor, a volume sensor, a temperature sensor, e.g., sensor 155, a battery charge sensor, a biometric sensor, a load sensor, a global positioning system or GPS sensor, a radio frequency identification or RFID reader, etc.). The circuit EM may be housed in a container, such as container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K (e.g., the bottom of container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, 120L, the side of container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, 120L), or in the lid L of the container, as described above. The circuitry EM can receive information and / or send information (e.g., instructions) from one or more heating or cooling elements HC, such as TECs 220, 220E, 220F1, 220F2, 220G, 220L (e.g., turning off, turning on, varying the output, etc., to operate each of the heating or cooling elements in a heating mode and / or a cooling mode), and optionally one or more power storage devices PS (e.g., batteries 277, 277E, 277F, 277L, e.g., for charging the batteries or for managing the power supplied by the batteries to one or more heating or cooling elements 220, 220E, 220F1, 220F2, 220G, 220L).

[0041] Optionally, the circuit EM may include a wireless transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver for transmitting information, such as sending sensed temperature, location data, receiving information such as user commands, etc., from one or more of: a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., on the body of the container 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, 120L); b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch, desktop computer, remote server, etc.); c) a cloud CL (e.g., a cloud-based data storage system); or d) communicating via a wireless communication system such as WiFi and Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED (such as electronic device 600) may have a user interface UI2 (such as GUI 610) that can display information related to the operation of the container system and that can receive information (e.g., instructions) from a user (e.g., to adjust the operation of cooling systems 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L) and communicate said information to container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L.

[0042] During operation, the container system 100 can operate to maintain one or both of the first heat sink 210 and the chambers 126, 126' of the container 120, 120' at a preselected or user-selected temperature. The cooling system 200 can be configured to cool the first heat sink 210 and optionally the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L (e.g., when the temperature of the first heat sink 210 or the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L is higher than a preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is higher than a preselected temperature), or to cool the first heat sink 210 and optionally the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L (e.g., when the temperature of the first heat sink 210 or the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L is higher than a preselected temperature). One or more TECs 220 can be operated to heat first heat sink 210 and optionally chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L (e.g., when the temperature of first heat sink 210 or chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L is below a preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is below a preselected temperature). The preselected temperature may be tailored to the contents of the container (e.g., a particular medication, a particular vaccine, an insulin pen, an epinephrine pen or cartridge, etc.). The temperature control system can be adjusted and stored in the memory of the vessel 100, and depending on how the temperature control system operates, the cooling system 200 or heating system can operate the TEC 220 to approach a preselected or set point temperature.

[0043] Optionally, circuitry EM can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) information such as the temperature history of first heat sink 210, 210E1, 210E2, 210F1, 210F2, 210L and / or chambers 126, 126′ 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L to a remote location (e.g., a cloud-based data storage system, a remote computer, a remote server, a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop or desktop computer) and / or to the individual carrying the container (e.g., via their mobile phone, via a visual interface on the container, etc.) to provide a record that can be used to assess the effectiveness of the drug in the container and / or to generate an alert regarding the status of the drug in container 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L. Optionally, temperature control systems (e.g., cooling systems, heating systems) 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L automatically operate TECs 220, 220E, 220F1, 220F2, 220L to heat or cool first heat sinks 210, 210E1, 210E2, 210F1, 210F2, 210L, and optionally chambers 126, 126', 120E, 120F1, 210F2 of containers 120, 120', 120E, 120F, to approach a preselected temperature. In one embodiment, the cooling system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L can cool and maintain one or both of the chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F1, 126G1, 126L and the vessel 150 to 15°C or below, for example 10°C or below, and in some examples, about 5°C.

[0044] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1-Sn may include one or more air flow sensors in lid L that may monitor airflow through one or both of intake port 203 and exhaust port 205. If the one or more flow sensors detect that intake port 203 is clogged (e.g., with dust) due to reduced airflow, circuitry EM (e.g., on PCBA 278) may optionally reverse the operation of fans 280, 280E, 280F for one or more predetermined periods to draw air through exhaust port 205 and expel air through intake port 203 to clear (e.g., unclog, remove dust) intake port 203. In another embodiment, circuit EM may additionally or alternatively send an alert to a user (e.g., via a user interface on container 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L, or wirelessly via GUI 610 to a remote electronic device such as the user's cell phone) to inform the user of a potential blockage in intake 203 so that the user can inspect container 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L and instruct circuit EM (e.g., via an app on the user's cell phone) to perform a "cleaning" operation, for example, by operating fans 280, 280E, 280F as opposed to exhausting air through intake 203.

[0045] In one embodiment, one or more sensors S1-Sn may include one or more Global Positioning System (GPS)-based sensors for tracking the location of vessel system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, 100J, 100K, 100L. The location information may be communicated to a remote location (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a cloud-based data storage system, etc.) by a transmitter and / or transceiver associated with circuit EM, as described above.

[0046] In another variation, the circuitry 278 and one or more batteries 277 may be in a removable pack (e.g., a DeWalt battery pack) that is attached to the distal end 124 of the container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, with one or more contacts on the removable pack contacting one or more contacts on the distal end 124 of the container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, 120G. One or more contacts at the distal end 124 of the container 120, 120', 120E, 120F, 120G are electrically connected (via one or more wires or one or more intermediate components) to electrical connections at the proximal 122 of the container 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, or are electrically connected as described above, to supply power to the components of the cooling system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L.

[0047] 10A-10B illustrate a container system 100E (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200E. Container system 100E and cooling system 200E are similar to container system 100 and cooling system 200 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of container container 100E and cooling system 200E are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100 and cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1-8, except for the addition of an "E" to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, it should be understood that the structure and description of the various components of container system 100 and cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1-8 also apply to the corresponding components of container system 100E and cooling system 200E of FIGS. 10A-10B, except as described below.

[0048] Container system 100E differs from container system 100 in that opening 123E of receptacle 120E has an oval shape and open chamber 126E has an oval cross-section. Chamber 126E is sized to receive a pair of containers 150 (e.g., vials, cartridges (such as for pen injectors), pharmaceutical containers such as pen injectors) side-by-side therein. Container 100E has electrical contacts 282E that can interface with electrical contacts 28IE in lid F.

[0049] The lid F can have a pair of spaced apart plates 211E1, 211E2 that can hold a pair of containers (e.g., drug containers such as vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen syringes), and pen syringes) between them, such as in a slot between the plates 211E1, 211E2. The plates 211E1, 211E2 can be part of a first heat sink 210E in thermal communication with one or more TECs 220E, such as Peltier elements, and can be in thermal communication with the chamber 126E of the container 120E (when the lid L is attached to the container 120E). As shown in FIG. 10B , the plates 211E1, 211E2 can be interposed between the container 150 (a drug container such as a vial, cartridge (e.g., for pen syringes), and pen syringes) and the interior wall 126AE of the chamber 126E.

[0050] Chamber 126E can be approximately half the size of chamber 126 of container 120 (sized to hold up to four containers 150). The other half of container 100E can house one or more batteries 277E therein. Chamber 126E can be insulated (e.g., vacuum insulated) against outer wall 121E of container 120E.

[0051] 11A-11C illustrate a container system 100F (e.g., a capsule container) that includes a cooling system 200F. Container system 100F and cooling system 200F are similar to container system 100 and cooling system 200 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate the various components of container system 100F and cooling system 200F will be used to identify corresponding components of container system 100 and cooling system 200 of FIGS. 1-8, except that an "F" has been added to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, it should be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of the container system 100 and cooling system 200 of Figures 1-8 also apply to the corresponding components of the container receptacle 100F and cooling system 200F of Figures 11A-11C, except as described below.

[0052] Container system 100F differs from container system 100 in that receptacle 120F has two openings 123F1, 123F2 at the top of two separate, spaced-apart chambers 126F1, 126F2. Optionally, openings 123F1, 123F2 have a circular shape, and each of chambers 126F1, 126F2 has a circular cross-section. Each of chambers 126F1, 126F2 is sized to receive a container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (such as for a pen syringe), a pharmaceutical container such as a pen syringe) aligned therein. Container receptacle 100F has two separate groups of electrical contacts 282F1, 282F2 that can interface with electrical contacts 281F1, 281F2 in lid F.

[0053] The lid F can have a pair of spaced-apart heat sinks 210F1, 210F2, each dimensioned to resiliently retain one container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen syringe), a pharmaceutical container such as a pen syringe, etc.) within a slot defined by the heat sinks 210F1, 210F2. Each of the heat sinks 210F1, 210F2 can be in thermal communication with a separate TEC 220F1, 220F2, which in turn can optionally be in thermal communication with a separate second heat sink (not shown) within the lid L. As described in FIGS. 1-8, the cooling system 200F can include one or more fans 280F operable to draw air over the second heat sink (not shown) within the lid L. The chambers 126F1, 126F2 can be insulated (e.g., vacuum insulated) from each other and from the outer wall 121F of the container 100F.

[0054] Advantageously, heat sinks 210F1, 210F2 can operate independently of one another. Thus, in one embodiment, both heat sinks 210F1, 210F2 are operable to cool container 150 to approximately the same temperature (e.g., to about 5°C) when container 150 is in chambers 126F1, 126F2 and lid L is placed on container 120F to seal it. In another embodiment, both heat sinks 210F1, 210F2 are operable to cool container 150 to different temperatures when container 150 is in chambers 126F1, 126F2 and lid L is placed on container 120F to seal it. In another embodiment, for example, when a user is ready or nearly ready to consume the medication in container 100F, one of heat sinks 210F1 can be heated to heat its associated container 150 (e.g., to a predetermined consumption or administration temperature, e.g., to body temperature, to room temperature), while the other heat sink 210F2 cools its associated container 150 in the associated chamber 126F2. In yet another embodiment, both heat sinks 210F1, 210F2 operate to heat their associated containers 150 (e.g., to the same temperature, to different temperatures).

[0055] 12A-12C illustrate a container system 100G (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200G. Container system 100G and cooling system 200G are similar to container system 100F and cooling system 200F described above in connection with FIGS. 11A-11C. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of container system 100G and cooling system 200G are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100F and cooling system 200F of FIGS. 11A-11C, except that a "G" is added to the numeric identifier instead of an "F." Accordingly, the structure and description of the various components of container system 100F and cooling system 200F of FIGS. 11A-11C will be the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100F and cooling system 200F of FIGS. 12A-12C, except as described below. 12A shows only one chamber 126G1, but it is possible to have two chambers 126G1, 126G2 similar to chambers 126F1, 126F2 described above. Optionally, chambers 126G1, 126G2 are removable from container system 100G, as described further below.

[0056] Container system 100G differs from container system 100F in that heat sink 210G1 is a removable sleeve 210G1 that removably couples to container 150 (e.g., a medication container, such as a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a pen injector, etc.). Sleeve 210G1 can be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., a metal such as aluminum). Sleeve 210G1 can be removed from container receptacle 120G along with container 150 (e.g., for placement in a user's purse, backpack, work bag, etc. while commuting or traveling). Optionally, sleeve 210G1 can keep container 150 cooled for an extended period of time (e.g., about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 5 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 2 hours, etc.). When sleeve 210G1 is coupled with vessel 150 and inserted into chamber 126G1, sleeve 210G1 interfaces with cooling system 200G and can act as a heat transfer interface between cooling systems 200G (e.g., between one or more TECs 220G of cooling system 200G and vessel 150) to help cool and / or heat vessel 150. For example, when cooling system 200G is used to cool vessel 150, sleeve 210G1 can function as a heat sink to remove heat from (e.g., cool) vessel 150 attached to sleeve 210G1.

[0057] 12C, the sleeve 210G1 can have a top surface 210G2, an outer wall 210G3, and an inner wall 210G4, and at least a portion of the inner wall 210G4 can contact the container 150 when the sleeve 210G1 is coupled to the container 150. Optionally, the sleeve 210G1 can define a cavity (e.g., an annular cavity) 210G5 between the outer wall 210G3 and the inner wall 210G4. In one embodiment, the cavity 210G5 can contain a thermal mass material 130G. In one embodiment, the thermal mass material 130G is a phase change material (PCM) (e.g., a solid-solid PCM, a solid-fluid PCM) that can transition from an endothermic state to an exothermic state at a transition temperature. In another embodiment, cavity 210G5 is omitted and sleeve 210G1 instead has a wall extending between inner surface 210G4 and outer wall 210G3 that has a thermal surface capable of absorbing and releasing heat.

[0058] The sleeve 210G1 may optionally include a heater 210G6 (e.g., a flex heater) in thermal communication with the inner wall 210G4 (e.g., the heater 210G6 may be disposed on, embedded in, or disposed behind the inner wall 210G4 (e.g., disposed within the cavity 210G5). The sleeve 210G1 may have one or more electrical contacts 210G7 on its surface (e.g., on the top surface 210G2). The one or more electrical contacts 210G7 may be in electrical communication with the heater 210G6. In another embodiment, the sleeve 210G1 may exclude the heater 210G6 and the one or more electrical contacts 210G7.

[0059] In operation, while the sleeve 210G1 is coupled to the container 150 and inserted into the container receptacle 120G with the lid L in a closed position relative to the container receptacle 120G, the cooling system 200G can operate to cool one or both of the chamber 126G1 and the sleeve 210G1. For example, one or more TECs 220G of the cooling system 200G can cool a heat sink surface in contact with the top surface 210G2 of the sleeve 210G1, thereby also cooling the inner wall 210G4, the outer wall 210G3, and any heat sinks within the cavity 210G5. The sleeve 210G1 is disposed in thermal communication with an optional thermal mass 130G (e.g., a PCM). This allows the TEC 220G to cool the sleeve 210G1, thereby cooling the attached container 150, as well as charge the optional thermal mass 130G (e.g., a PCM). Optionally, if the sleeve 210G1 includes a heater 210G6, the controller of the system 200G can operate the heater 210G6 to heat the contents of the container 150 (e.g., to room temperature, to body temperature) before the container 150 is removed from the container receptacle 120G for use (e.g., to apply the contents of the container to a user, such as via a pen syringe). For example, the controller can provide power to the heater 210G6 via electrical contacts 210G7 that contact electrical contacts in the lid L when the lid L is in a closed position relative to the container receptacle 120G.

[0060] In one embodiment, once the cooling system 200G cools the sleeve 210G1 and its attached container 150, the user can optionally remove the sleeve 210G1 with the attached container 150 from the container receptacle 120G (e.g., for travel, commuting, etc.) as described above, and the charged thermal mass 130G can maintain the attached container 150 in a cooled state for an extended period of time as described above.

[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a chamber 126G1 in a container system 100G (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200G. As described above, the chamber 126G1 can receive a container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a pharmaceutical container such as a pen injector) attached to a sleeve 210G1. The chamber 126G1 can be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position within the container container 100G. As shown in FIG. 13, the chamber 126G1 can be spring-loaded within the container container 100G. A guide 430 can guide the movement of the chamber 126G1 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0062] In one embodiment, the chamber 126G1 can have an actuation mechanism 400, which can optionally include a spring 410 extending between a bottom of the chamber 126G1 and a cam 420. The spring 410 can be a compression spring. In one embodiment, the cam 240 can move between a first orientation that positions the chamber 126G1 in a retracted position and a second orientation that positions the chamber 126G2 in an extended position. Movement of the cam 240 to change its orientation can be actuated by depressing the sleeve 210G1 (e.g., on the top surface 210G2 of the sleeve 210G1). Movement of the chamber 126G1 to the extended position can facilitate removal of the container 150 (e.g., with the attached sleeve 210G1) from the chamber 126G1 (e.g., when ready for use by a user, as described above).

[0063] Optionally, with chamber 126G1 in the extended position and container 150 in chamber 126G1 and attached to sleeve 210G1, movement of lid L relative to container receptacle 120G to the closed position can urge chamber 126G1 into container receptacle 120G and activate movement of cam 420 to move chamber 126G1 to the retracted position. Although actuation mechanism 400 is described in connection with chamber 126G1 and container system 100G, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of actuation mechanism 400 described herein are applicable to all other embodiments described herein for container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G.

[0064] 14A-14B show another embodiment of a chamber 126G1 in a container system 100G (e.g., a capsule container) that includes a cooling system 200G. As described above, the chamber 126G1 accommodates a container 150 (e.g., a vial, The chamber 126G1 can receive a cartridge (such as for a pen injector), a medication container such as a pen injector, etc. The chamber 126G1 can be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position within the container container 120G. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the chamber 126G1 can be actuated between the retracted position and the extended position by an actuation mechanism 400'. The actuation mechanism 400' can optionally be housed within the container container 120G below the chamber 126G1 (e.g., between a bottom of the chamber 126G1 and a bottom of the container container 120G). A guide 430 can guide the movement of the chamber 126G1 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 14B , the actuation mechanism 400′ can include a linear actuator 410′ and a motor 420′ operable to drive the linear actuator 410′. The linear actuator 410′ can optionally include a coupling that couples to the output shaft of the motor 420′. The coupling 412′ is coupled to a ball screw 414′ that rotates when the motor 420′ rotates the coupling 412′. The ball screw 414′ rotates relative to a ball screw nut 416′, and when the motor 420′ rotates the coupling 412′, the ball screw nut 416′ moves along the ball screw 414′ (e.g., moving to the right in the figure when the coupling 412′ rotates in one direction, and moving to the left in the figure when the coupling 412′ rotates in the opposite direction). The ball screw nut 416′ can be attached to a rod such that the rod translates (at least partially within a bushing 419′) along the axis of the ball screw 414′ as the screw 414′ rotates. The end of the rod 418' engages the bottom of the chamber 126G1 to move the chamber 126G1 between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the container container 120G. However, in other embodiments, the actuation mechanism 400' may be any other suitable linear motion mechanism (e.g., instead of the electric motor 420', it may include a pneumatic or hydraulic system for translating the rod 418'). While the actuation mechanism 400' is described in connection with the chamber 126G1 and the container container 120G, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the actuation mechanism 400' described herein are also applicable to all other embodiments described herein for the container containers 100, 100E, 100F, 100G.

[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of chamber 126G1 in a container system 100G (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200G. As described above, chamber 126G1 can receive a container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a pharmaceutical container such as a pen injector, etc.) attached to a sleeve 210G1. Chamber 126G1 can be actuated between a retracted position and an extended position within the container receptacle 120G. As shown in FIG. 15, chamber 126G1 can be actuated between the retracted position and the extended position by an actuation mechanism 400″. Actuation mechanism 400″ can optionally be housed within lid L. Although not shown, a guide (similar to guide 430) can guide movement of chamber 126G1 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0067] 15, the actuation mechanism 400'' can include a magnet 420''. In one embodiment, the magnet 420'' can be an electromagnet. In operation, the electromagnet 420'' can operate to draw the sleeve 210G1 (e.g., the top surface 210G2 of the sleeve 210G1) into contact with a heat sink surface and / or one or more TECs 220G, placing the sleeve 210G1 (and thus the vessel 150 coupled to the sleeve 210G1) in thermal communication with the one or more TECs 220G, which can operate to cool the sleeve 210G1 and / or the vessel 150 and / or the chamber 126G1. The electromagnet 420'' can displace the sleeve 210G1 (and the vessel 150 attached thereto) from the heat sink and / or one or more TECs 220G, thereby thermally separating the vessel 150 and the sleeve 210G1 from the TECs 220G. The electromagnet 420'' can be turned off or deactivated to activate the electromagnet 420''. The electromagnet 420'' can be turned off or disengaged, for example, when a user desires to remove the container 150 and sleeve 210G1 from the container container 120G (e.g., for storage in a separate compartment of a purse, backpack, travel bag, etc. while commuting or traveling). Although the actuation mechanism 400'' is described in connection with the chamber 126G1 and the container container 120G, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the actuation mechanism 400'' described herein are also applicable to all other embodiments of the container containers 100, 100E, 100F, 100G described herein.

[0068] In another embodiment, the container system 100, 100E, 100F, 100G can have a chamber 126, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1 that can be completely removed from the container receptacle 120, 120E, 120F, 120F, such as for travel or commuting, where the chamber can hold the volume 150 therein (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (such as for use in a pen injector), a pen injector, etc.) until the container 150 is ready for use (e.g., provide a travel pack).

[0069] 16A-16C illustrate a container system 100H (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200H. Container system 100H and cooling system 200H are similar to container system 100G and cooling system 200G described above in connection with FIGS. 12A-12C. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H are identical to those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100G and cooling system 200G of FIGS. 12A-12C, except that an "H" has been added to the numeric identifier instead of a "G." Accordingly, it should be understood that the structure and description of the various components of container system 100G and cooling system 200G of FIGS. 12A-12C also apply to the corresponding components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H of FIGS. 16A-16C, except as described below.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 16 , the container system 100H includes a container container 120H and a lid L. The lid L can include a cooling system 200G. The container container 120H can optionally include one or more chambers 126H extending to one or more corresponding openings 123H. While FIG. 16 illustrates the container container 120H with six chambers 126H, one skilled in the art will recognize that the container container 120H can have more or fewer chambers 126H than shown in FIG. 16 . The chambers 126H of the container container 120H can removably hold corresponding capsules 210H therein. In one embodiment, the container container 120H can have the same or similar structure as shown and described above for the container containers 120, 120E, 120F, and 120G. Optionally, the container container 120H can have a cavity between the chamber 126H and the exterior surface of the container container 120H that is vacuum insulated. In another embodiment, the container container 120H can forego vacuum insulation and instead have a void or cavity between the chamber 126H and the exterior surface of the container container 120H that is filled with air. In yet another embodiment, the container container 120H can have a void or cavity between the chamber 126H and the exterior surface of the container container 120H that contains insulating material.

[0071] 16, capsule 210H has a container portion 210H1 and a lid portion 210H2 that together can enclose a container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a medication container such as a pen injector, etc.). The lid portion 210H2 can move between a closed position (e.g., adjacent to) the container portion 210H1 and an open position (e.g., spaced apart) from the container portion 210H1. In the closed position, the lid portion 210H2 can be moved away from the container portion 210H1 (e.g., the lid portion 210H2 and / or the container portion 210H2) to inhibit (e.g., prevent) the container 150 from accidentally falling out of the capsule 210H. 210H1)。 210H1) by one or more magnetic surfaces.

[0072] 16A shows one embodiment of capsule 210H, where container portion 210H1 and lid portion 210H2 have an outer surface 210H3 and an inner surface 210H4 that defines a cavity 210H8 for receiving container 150. Container portion 210H1 and lid portion 210H2 may also have one or more radially spaced intermediate walls 210H6 between inner surface 210H4 and outer surface 210H3 that define a first cavity 210H5 between inner wall 210H4 and intermediate wall 210H6, and a second cavity 210H9 between intermediate wall 210H6 and outer surface 210H3. Optionally, second cavity 210H5 may be vacuum insulated (i.e., second cavity 210H5 may be subjected to a vacuum or negative pressure). Optionally, the first cavity 210H5 can contain a thermal mass material 130H. In one implementation, the thermal mass material 130H is a phase change material PCM (e.g., a solid-solid PCM, a solid-fluid PCM) that can transition from an endothermic state to an exothermic state at a transitional temperature. In another implementation, the cavity 210H5 is omitted, and instead the capsule 210H has a wall extending between the inner surface 210H4 and the intermediate wall 210H6 that can absorb and release heat.

[0073] 16A, the capsule 210H has thermally conductive junctions 210H7 at one or both ends of the capsule 210H. The thermally conductive junctions 210H7 can be made of metal, but can also be made of other thermally conductive materials. In one embodiment, the thermally conductive junctions 210H7 are made of copper. The thermally conductive junctions 210H can extend from the outer surface 210H3 to the inner surface 210H4 through the first and second cavities 210H5, 210H9 to be in thermal contact with the thermal mass material 130H.

[0074] In operation, when container 150 (e.g., a medication container such as a vial, a cartridge (such as for a pen injector), a pen injector, etc.) is inserted into capsule 210H (e.g., into container portion 210H1 and lid portion 210H2) and then inserted into chamber 126H, and lid L is closed onto container receptacle 120H, thermally conductive junction 210H7 is placed in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with a hot-side heat sink (e.g., similar to heat sink 210 of FIG. 4) of cooling system 200G, which is itself in thermal communication with one or more TECs (e.g., similar to TEC 220 of FIG. 4), which operate to remove heat (e.g., cool) from the cold-side heat sink, which in turn removes heat (e.g., cools) from thermally conductive junction 210H7. The thermally conductive junctions 210H7 then remove heat from the cavity 210H8, thereby cooling the container 150, and from the thermal mass material 130H in the cavity 210H5, thereby charging the thermal mass material 130H. In one embodiment, the cold-side heat sink is in thermal contact with one of the thermally conductive junctions 210H7. In another embodiment, the cold-side heat sink is in thermal contact with both of the thermally conductive junctions 210H7. For example, the cold-side heat sink in the lid L can be in thermal contact with the thermally conductive junctions 210H7 at one end of the capsule 210H and with the interior wall of the chamber 126H, which itself is in contact with the thermally conductive junctions 210H7 at the opposite end of the capsule 210H.

[0075] The capsules 210H can be removed from the container receptacle 120H along with the containers 150 (e.g., one at a time, two at a time, etc.) (e.g., for placement in a user's purse, backpack, work bag, etc.) while commuting or traveling. Optionally, the capsules 210H can maintain the containers 150 in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., about 1 hour to about 15 hours, about 14 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 2 hours, etc.). The capsules 210H can maintain the containers 150 at a temperature of about 2°C to 8°C. When the capsule 210H receives or houses the containers 150 and is then inserted into the chamber 126H of the container receptacle 120H, the capsule 210H interfaces with the cooling system 200H and transfers power between the cooling system 200H (e.g., one or more TECs 22 of the cooling system 200H). The cooling system 200H may act as a heat transfer interface between the cooling system 200H and the container 150 to help cool and / or heat the container 150. For example, when the cooling system 200H is used to cool the container 150, the capsule 210H may act as a heat sink to remove heat from (e.g., cool) the container 150 disposed within the capsule 210H.

[0076] In one embodiment, the cooling system 200H receives power via a power cord PC that can be connected to a wall outlet. However, the power cord PC can have other suitable connectors that allow the cooling system 200H to receive power from a power source other than a wall outlet. Power can be supplied to the cooling system 200H in the lid from the container receptacle 120H connected to the power cord PC via one or more electrical contacts on the edge and lid L of the container receptacle 120H (e.g., similar to electrical contact 282 described above in connection with FIG. 3 ). In another embodiment, the power cord PC is omitted, and the container receptacle 120H can include one or more batteries (such as battery 277 in FIG. 4 ) that provide power to the cooling system 200H when the lid L is placed over the container receptacle 120H (e.g., via electrical contacts such as contact 282 in FIG. 3 ).

[0077] 16B-16C illustrate another embodiment of capsule 210H' for use with container system 100H' and cooling system 200H'. Capsule 210H', container system 100H', and cooling system 200H' are similar to capsule 210H, container system 100H, and cooling system 200H described above in connection with FIGS. 16-16A. Accordingly, the reference numbers used to designate the various components of capsule 210H, container system 100H, and cooling system 200H are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of capsule 210H', container system 100H', and cooling system 200H' in FIGS. 16B-16C, except that " " has been added to the numeric identifiers. Therefore, it should be understood that the structures and descriptions of the various components of capsule 210H, container system 100H, and cooling system 200H in Figures 16-16A also apply to the corresponding components of capsule 210H', container system 100H', and cooling system 200H' in Figures 16B-16C, except as described below.

[0078] The capsule 210H' differs from the capsule 210H in that the thermally conductive junction 210H7 is omitted. The capsule 210H' includes a movable mass 162H disposed within a cavity 210H9' between an intermediate wall 210H6' and an outer wall 210H3'. The movable mass 162H may optionally be a magnet. In another embodiment, the movable mass 162H may be a metal block. The movable mass 162H may optionally be movably coupled to the intermediate wall 210H6' by a flexible thermally conductive element 164H that acts as a thermal bridge between the movable mass 162H and the thermal mass material 130H'. In one embodiment, the flexible thermally conductive element 164H may be made of copper. However, the flexible thermally conductive element 164H may be made of other suitable thermally conductive materials. The flexible thermally conductive element 164H may be a leaf spring or similar resilient member with one end attached to the intermediate wall 210H6′ and the other end attached to the movable mass 162H. The movable mass 162H may optionally be movable within the second cavity 210H9′ (e.g., a vacuum-insulated cavity) between a first position in contact with the intermediate wall 210H6′ and a second position in contact with the outer wall 210H3′ of the capsule 210H′.

[0079] The vessel container 120H' may include one or more magnets 160H adjacent to the walls of the chamber 126H'. In one embodiment, the one or more magnets 160H are permanent magnets. In another embodiment, the one or more magnets 160H are electromagnets. The one or more magnets 160H may be coupled to a cold-side heat sink of the cooling system 200H' (e.g., a vessel wall, such as a wall of the chamber 126H', that contacts the cold-side heat sink when the lid L is placed on the vessel container 120H'). The container 120H' can be in thermal communication with the heat exchanger 120H' (through a wall or surface of the container 120H').

[0080] In operation, when the container 150 (e.g., a medication container such as a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen syringe), a pen syringe, etc.) is inserted into the capsule 210H' (e.g., into the container portion 210HG and the lid portion 210H2') and then into the chamber 126H' and the lid L is closed on the container receptacle 120H', one or more magnets 160H within the container receptacle 120H' draw the movable mass 162H into contact with the outer wall 210H3' of the capsule 210H'. Cooling system 200H' draws heat from thermal mass material 130H' via flexible thermally conductive element 164H and from cavity 210H8' of capsule 210H' by virtue of the contact points between movable mass 162H, outer wall 210H3', and magnet 160H (e.g., via operation of one or more TECs to draw heat from a cold-side heat sink that itself draws heat from the surface of a component within vessel enclosure 120H' in thermal communication with magnet 160H). As heat is drawn from and charges thermal mass material 130H', it also draws heat from cavity 210H8' via inner wall 210H4'. Thus, magnet 160H and movable mass 162H (e.g., magnet, metal component) operate to form a thermal bridge through cavity 210H9' (e.g., vacuum-insulated cavity) to thermal mass material 130H'.

[0081] The capsules 210H' can be removed (e.g., one at a time, two at a time, etc.) from the container 150 and the container receptacle 120H' (e.g., by the user while commuting or traveling). (For placement in a wallet, backpack, work bag, etc.). Optionally, capsule 210H' can maintain container 150 in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., about 1 hour to about 15 hours, about 14 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 2 hours, etc.). Capsule 210H' can maintain container 150 at a temperature of about 2°C to 8°C.

[0082] The capsules 210H, 210H′ may optionally have a wireless transmitter and / or transceiver and a power source (e.g., a battery) disposed therein (e.g., disposed within the cavities 210H9, 210H9′) and may have a temperature sensor in communication with the cavities 210H8, 210H8′ (e.g., in thermal contact with the interior walls 210H4, 210H4′). The wireless transmitter and / or transceiver may optionally enable connection between the capsules 210H, 210H′ and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone), for example, via an app on the electronic device, and may transmit sensed temperature information to the electronic device for tracking the internal temperature of the capsules 210H′, 210H. Optionally, the transmitter and / or transceiver may transmit a warning signal, such as a notification via an app, to the electronic device (e.g., a visual warning, an audible warning) if the sensed temperature exceeds a temperature range of the medication in the container 150 (e.g., a predetermined temperature range, a preselected temperature limit). When the capsule 210H, 210H′ is inserted into the chamber 126H, 126H′ of the container receptacle 120H, 120H′, the transmitter and / or transceiver can also wirelessly transmit temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor to an electronic device. Optionally, the battery within the capsule 210H, 210H′ can be recharged (e.g., via inductive power transfer or via electrical contacts) while within the container receptacle 120H, 120H′. In addition to maintaining the container 150 (and the medication within the container 150) at or below a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 2-8°C) for an extended period of time (e.g., up to 14 hours, up to 10 hours, up to 5 hours, up to 3 hours, etc.), the capsule 210H, 210H′ can protect the container 150 therein from damage (e.g., breakage, leakage) if the capsule 210H, 210H′ is dropped.

[0083] 17-17B show a container system 100I (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200I. The container system 100I and the cooling system 200I are similar to the container system 100H and the cooling system 200H described above in connection with FIGS. 16-16A. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of container system 100I and cooling system 200I are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H of FIGS. 16-16A, except that an "I" is added to the numeric identifier instead of an "H." Accordingly, it should be understood that the structure and description of the various components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H of FIGS. 16-16A also apply to the corresponding components of container system 100I and cooling system 200I of FIGS. 17-17B, except as described below.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 17 , container system 100I includes a container container 120I and a lid L. Lid L can include a cooling system 200I. Container container 120I can optionally include one or more chambers 126I extending to one or more corresponding openings 123I, with each chamber 126I dimensioned to receive and hold a container 150 (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (such as for a pen injector), a pharmaceutical container such as a pen injector, etc.). While FIG. 17 shows container container 120I with six chambers 126I, one skilled in the art will recognize that container container 120I can have more or fewer chambers 126I than shown in FIG. 17 . Optionally, the container receptacle 120I may have a chamber 126I2 extending to the opening 123I2, which may be sized to receive a capsule 210I which may itself hold one or more (e.g., one, two, etc.) containers 150 (e.g., vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen injectors), drug containers such as pen injectors), as further described below.

[0085] In one embodiment, the container container 120I can have the same or similar structure as shown and described above for the container containers 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, and 120H. Optionally, the container container 120I can have a void between the chamber 126I and the exterior surface of the container container 120I that is vacuum insulated. In another embodiment, the container container 120I can forego vacuum insulation and instead have a void or void between the chamber 126I and the exterior surface of the container container 120I that is filled with air. In yet another embodiment, the container container 120I can have a void or void between the chamber 126I and the exterior surface of the container container 120I that includes an insulating material.

[0086] 17A-17B show one embodiment of a capsule 210I having a container portion 210I1 and a lid portion 210I2 (attached via a hinge 11I) that can together enclose one or more containers 150 (e.g., two containers 150 in FIG. 17A). The hinge 211I allows the lid portion 210I2 to move relative to the container portion 210I1 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lid portion 210I2 can optionally be held relative to the container portion 210I1 (e.g., by one or more magnetic surfaces of the lid portion 210I2 and / or the container portion 210I1) to inhibit (e.g., prevent) the containers 150 from inadvertently falling out of the capsule 10I.

[0087] The container portion 210I1 and the lid portion 210I2 have an outer surface 210I3 and an inner surface 210I4 that define a cavity 210I8 that receives the container 150. The container portion 210I1 and the lid portion 210I2 may also have a radially intermediate wall 210I6 between the inner surface 210I4 and the outer surface 210I3 that defines a first cavity 210I5 between the inner wall 210I4 and the intermediate wall 210I6 and a second cavity 210I9 between the intermediate wall 210I6 and the outer surface 210I3. Optionally, the second cavity 210I5 may be vacuum insulated (i.e., the second cavity 210I5 may be subjected to a vacuum or negative pressure). Optionally, the first cavity 210I5 may contain a thermal mass material 130I. In one embodiment, the thermal mass material 130I is a phase change material (PCM) (e.g., a solid-solid PCM, a solid-fluid PCM) that can transition from an endothermic state to an exothermic state at a transition temperature. In another embodiment, cavity 210I5 is omitted, and instead capsule 210I has a wall extending between inner surface 210I4 and intermediate wall 210I6 that is capable of absorbing and releasing heat.

[0088] In operation, a container 150 (e.g., a medication container, such as a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a pen injector, or the like) is inserted into capsule 210I (e.g., into container portion 210I1), which in turn is inserted into chamber 126I, and lid L is closed onto container receptacle 120I. Lid portion 210I2 can be in an open position relative to container portion 210I1 (see FIGS. 17, 17A), such that thermal mass material 130I within cavity 210I5 can itself be connected to one or more TECs (e.g., the TECs in FIG. 4). 4) of cooling system 200I, which is in thermal communication with one or more TECs (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact), and the one or more TECs are operated to remove heat (e.g., cool) from the cold-side heat sink, which in turn removes heat (e.g., cools) from thermal mass material 130I and cavity 210I8 within capsule 210I, as well as any container 150 of capsule 210I.

[0089] Capsule 210I can be removed from container receptacle 120I along with one or more containers 150 (e.g., one at a time, two at a time, etc.) (e.g., for placement in a user's purse, backpack, work bag, etc. while commuting or traveling). Optionally, capsule 210I can maintain containers 150 in a cooled state for an extended period of time (e.g., about 1 hour to about 15 hours, about 14 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 2 hours, etc.). Capsule 210I can maintain containers 150 at a temperature of about 2°C to 8°C.

[0090] Capsule 210I may optionally have a wireless transmitter and / or transceiver and a power source (e.g., a battery) disposed therein (e.g., disposed within cavity 210I9) and may have a temperature sensor in communication with cavity 210I8 (e.g., in thermal contact with interior wall 210I4). The wireless transmitter and / or transceiver may optionally enable connection between capsule 210I and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone), for example, via an app on the electronic device, and may transmit sensed temperature information to the electronic device for tracking the internal temperature of capsule 210I. Optionally, the transmitter and / or transceiver may transmit a warning signal, such as a notification via an app, to the electronic device (e.g., a visual warning, an audible warning) if the sensed temperature exceeds a temperature range of the medication in container 150 (e.g., a predetermined temperature range, a preselected temperature limit). When capsule 210I is inserted into chamber 126I of container receptacle 120I, transmitter and / or transceiver can also wirelessly transmit temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor to an electronic device. Optionally, a battery within capsule 210I can be recharged (e.g., via inductive power transfer or via electrical contacts) while within container receptacle 120I. In addition to maintaining container 150 (and the medication within container 150) at or below a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 2-8°C) for an extended period of time (e.g., up to 14 hours, up to 10 hours, up to 5 hours, up to 3 hours, etc.), capsule 210I can protect container 150 therein from damage (e.g., breakage, leakage) if capsule 210I is dropped.

[0091] In one embodiment, the cooling system 200I receives power via a power cord PC that can be connected to a wall outlet. However, the power cord PC can have other suitable connectors that allow the cooling system 200I to receive power from a power source other than a wall outlet. Power can be supplied to the cooling system 200I in the lid from the container receptacle 120I to which the power cord PC is connected via one or more electrical contacts on the rim and lid L of the container receptacle 120I (e.g., similar to electrical contact 282 described above in connection with FIG. 3). In another embodiment, the power cord PC is omitted, and the container receptacle 120I is , the lid L may have one or more batteries (such as battery 277 in FIG. 4) that power the cooling system 200I (e.g., via electrical contacts such as contact 282 in FIG. 3) when the container lid L is placed on the container receptacle 120I.

[0092] 18-18B illustrate a container system 100J (e.g., a cartridge container) including a cooling system 200J. Container system 100J and cooling system 200J are similar to container system 100H and cooling system 200H described above in connection with FIGS. 16-16A. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of container system 100J and cooling system 200J are the same as those used to identify the corresponding components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H of FIGS. 16-16A, except that a "J" has been added to the numeric identifier instead of an "H." Accordingly, it should be understood that the structure and description of the various components of container system 100H and cooling system 200H of FIGS. 16-16A also apply to the corresponding components of container system 100J and cooling system 200J of FIGS. 18-18B, except as described below.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 18 , container system 100J includes container container 120J and lid L. Lid L can include cooling system 200J. Container container 120J can optionally include one or more chambers 126J extending to one or more corresponding openings 123J, each chamber 126J being dimensioned to receive and hold a container 150J (e.g., a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a medication container such as a pen injector, etc.). In FIG. 16 , container 150J is a cartridge that can be separately inserted into an injection device (e.g., a pen injector) 170J (see FIG. 18B ), as described further below. Container container 120J differs from container container 120H in that opening 123J and chambers 126J are sized to receive container 150J, which is a cartridge. While FIG. 18 shows a container container 120J having six chambers 126J, each dimensioned to removably receive a container 150J (e.g., a cartridge), one skilled in the art will recognize that the container container 120J can have more or fewer chambers 126J than shown in FIG. 18.

[0094] In one embodiment, the container container 120J can have the same or similar structure as shown and described above for the container containers 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, and 120I, and can maintain the container 150 in a cooled state at a temperature of approximately 2°C to 8°C. Optionally, the container container 120J can have a void between the chamber 126J and the exterior surface of the container container 120J that is vacuum insulated. In another embodiment, the container container 120J can forego vacuum insulation and instead have a void or void between the chamber 126J and the exterior surface of the container container 120J that is filled with air. In yet another embodiment, the container container 120J can have a void or void between the chamber 126J and the exterior surface of the container container 120J that includes an insulating material.

[0095] FIG. 18A illustrates one embodiment of a container 150J (e.g., a cartridge, a pen syringe) that can optionally contain medication (e.g., epinephrine, insulin, a vaccine, etc.), where the container 150J can have a temperature sensor 152J and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or chip 154J, where the temperature sensor 152J is in communication with (e.g., electrically connected to) the RFID chip 154J. The RFID chip 154J can store temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor 152J. Advantageously, the temperature sensor 152J can track the temperature of the container 150J from when it leaves a distribution center to when it arrives at a person's (consumer's) home and when it needs to be administered. The temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor 152J is stored in the RFID chip 154J, thereby tracking the temperature of the container 150J from when it leaves a distribution center to when it arrives at a person's (consumer's) home and when it needs to be administered. The temperature history of the container 150J can be tracked. In one embodiment, the container receptacle 120J can have an optional RFID reader that can read the RFID chip 154J when the container 150J is inserted into the chamber 126J of the container receptacle 120J, capturing the temperature history stored in the RFID chip 154J. Optionally, the container system 100J can notify the user (e.g., via one or both of a graphical user interface of the container receptacle 120J and an app on an electronic device paired with the container system 100J) that the medication in the container 150J (e.g., cartridge) can be delivered (e.g., that the temperature history read from the RFID chip 154J indicates that the medication in the container 150J has been maintained within a predetermined temperature range, and therefore, the medication is believed to be effective for delivery).

[0096] 18B illustrates an injection device 170J (e.g., an automatic injection device) into which a container 150J can be inserted prior to use (e.g., before applying the automatic injection device to a user to deliver the medication in the container 150J, such as through a needle of the injection device 170J). When the container 150J (e.g., a cartridge) is removed from the container receptacle 120J and placed into the injection device 170J, an optional RFID reader in the injection device 170J can read the RFID chip 154J and send an alert to the user (e.g., via one or both of the graphical user interface of the injection device 170J and an app on an electronic device paired with the injection device 170J) that the medication may be delivered (e.g., the temperature history read from the RFID chip 154J indicates that the medication in the container 150J is maintained within a predetermined temperature range, and thus the medication is deemed valid for delivery).

[0097] In operation, when container 150J (e.g., a drug container such as a vial, a cartridge (e.g., for a pen injector), a pen injector, etc.) is inserted into chamber 126J and lid L is closed onto container receptacle 120J, container 150J is optionally placed in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact, direct contact) with a low-temperature heat sink (e.g., similar to heat sink 210 in FIG. 4) of cooling system 200J, which is itself in thermal communication with one or more TECs (e.g., similar to TEC 220 in FIG. 4), and the one or more TECs operate to remove heat (e.g., cool) from the low-temperature heat sink, which in turn removes heat (e.g., cools) from container 150J within container receptacle 120J.

[0098] Optionally, container 150J can have a wireless transmitter and / or transceiver and a power source (e.g., a battery) disposed therein. The wireless transmitter and / or transceiver can optionally enable connection between container 150J and an electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone), for example, via an app on the electronic device, and can transmit sensed temperature information (from temperature sensor 152J) to the electronic device for tracking the internal temperature of container 150J (e.g., in addition to or instead of tracking the sensed temperature history of container 150J via RFID chip 154J). Optionally, the transmitter and / or transceiver can send a warning signal, such as a notification via an app, to the electronic device (e.g., a visual warning, an audible warning) if the sensed temperature exceeds a temperature range (e.g., a predetermined temperature range, a preselected temperature limit) of the medication in container 150J. The transmitter and / or transceiver may also wirelessly transmit sensed temperature data sensed by the temperature sensor 152J to an electronic device when the container 150J is inserted into the chamber 126J of the container receptacle 120J. Optionally, a battery within the container 150J may be recharged (e.g., via inductive power transfer or via electrical contacts) when within the container receptacle 120J.

[0099] In one embodiment, the cooling system 200J is an electrical system that can be plugged into a wall outlet. The cooling system 200J receives power via a power cord PC. However, the power cord PC may have other suitable connectors that allow the cooling system 200J to receive power from a power source other than a wall outlet. Power may be supplied to the cooling system 200J within the lid from the container receptacle 120J connected to the power cord PC via one or more electrical contacts on the edge and lid L of the container receptacle 120J (e.g., similar to electrical contact 282 described above in connection with FIG. 3 ). In another embodiment, the power cord PC is omitted, and the container receptacle 120J may have one or more batteries (such as battery 277 in FIG. 4 ) that supply power to the cooling system 200J when the lid L is placed over the container receptacle 120J (e.g., via electrical contacts such as contact 282 in FIG. 3 ).

[0100] 19A illustrates a container system 100K (e.g., a pharmaceutical cooling container) including a cooling system 200K. Container system 100K has a generally box-like shape, but in other embodiments, can have a generally cylindrical or tubular shape, similar to container systems 100, 100E, 100F, 100G, 100H, 100I, and 100J. In one embodiment, cooling system 200K can be within lid L of container system 100K and can be similar to (e.g., have the same or similar components as) cooling systems 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, and 200J. In another embodiment, the cooling system can be located within a portion of container container 120K (e.g., the bottom of container container 120K).

[0101] As shown in FIG. 19A , container system 100K can include a display screen 180K. While FIG. 19A shows display screen 180K on lid F, it can alternatively (or additionally) be integrated into side 122K of container receptacle 120K. Display screen 180K can be an electronic ink or E-ink display (e.g., an electrophoretic ink display). In another embodiment, display screen 180K can be a digital display (e.g., a liquid crystal display or FCD, light emitting diode or FED, etc.). Optionally, display screen 180K can display label 182K (e.g., a shipping label having one or more of a sender's address, a recipient's address, a MaxiCode machine-readable symbol, a QR code, a routing code, a barcode, and a tracking number). Container system 100K can also include a user interface 184K. In FIG. 19A , user interface 184K is a button on lid F. In another embodiment, In one embodiment, user interface 184K is located on side 122K of container receptacle 120K. In one embodiment, user interface 184K is a depressible button. In another embodiment, user interface 184K is a capacitance sensor (e.g., a touch sensor). In another embodiment, user interface 184K is a sliding switch (e.g., a slide lever). In another embodiment, user interface 184K is a rotatable dial. Advantageously, actuation of user interface 184K can change the information shown on display 180K, such as the form of a shipping label shown on E-ink display 180K. For example, actuation of user interface 184K can switch text associated with the sender and recipient, allowing the recipient to return container system 100K to the sender after they are finished using it.

[0102] FIG. 19B shows a block diagram of electronics 500 of container system 100K. Electronics 500 can include circuitry EM′ (e.g., including one or more processors on a printed circuit board). Circuitry EM′ communicates with one or more batteries PS′, display screen 180K, and user interface 184K. Optionally, memory module 185K communicates with circuitry EM′. In one embodiment, memory module 185K can optionally be located on the same printed circuit board as other components of circuitry EM′. Circuitry EM′ optionally controls the information displayed on display screen 180K. Information (e.g., sender address, recipient address, etc.) is input to circuitry EM′ via input module 186K. '. The input module 186K can receive such information wirelessly (e.g., via radio frequency or RF communication, via infrared or IR communication, via WiFi 802.11, via BLUETOOTH, etc.), such as using a wand (e.g., a radio frequency or RF wand waving over the container system 100K, such as on the display screen 180K, the wand connected to a computer system containing the shipping information). Once received by the input module 186K, the information (e.g., shipping information on a shipping label displayed on the display screen 180K) can be stored electronically in the memory module 185K. Advantageously, one or more batteries PS' can power the electronics 500, and thus the display screen 180K, for multiple uses of the container 100K (e.g., up to 1000 times during the shipping of the container system 100K).

[0103] 20A shows a block diagram of one method 700A for shipping container system 100K. In step 710, one or more containers, such as containers 150, 150J (e.g., vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen injectors), pen injectors, vaccines, medications, e.g., insulin, epinephrine, etc., medication containers), are placed in container receptacle 120K of container system 100K, such as at a distribution facility for containers 150, 150J. In step 720, once all containers 150, 150J have been loaded into container receptacle 120K, lid L is closed over container receptacle 120K. Optionally, lid L is locked to container receptacle 120K (e.g., via a magnetically activated lock including an electromagnet that activates when the lid is closed, which can be turned off with a code, such as a digital code). In step 730, information (e.g., shipping label information) is communicated to container system 100K. For example, as described above, a radio frequency (RF) wand can be waved over container system 100K (e.g., over lid L) to transfer shipping information to input module 186K of container system 100K's electronics 500. In step 740, container system 100K is shipped to the recipient (e.g., displayed on shipping label 182K on display screen 180K).

[0104] FIG. 20B shows a block diagram of a method 700B for returning a container 100K. In step 750, after receiving the container system 100K, the lid L can be opened on the container receptacle 120K. Optionally, before opening the lid L, the lid L is unlocked on the container receptacle 100K (e.g., using a code, such as a digital code, provided to the recipient by the shipper). In step 760, one or more containers 150, 150J are removed from the container receptacle 120K. In step 770, the lid L is closed on the container receptacle 120K. In step 780, a user interface 184K (e.g., a button) is actuated to toggle the sender and recipient information on the display screen 180 back and forth, advantageously allowing the container system 100K to be returned to the original sender and used again without having to re-enter shipping information on the display screen 180K. Display screen 180K and label 182K advantageously facilitate shipping of container system 100K without having to print any separate labels for container system 100K. Additionally, display screen 180K and user interface 184K advantageously facilitate returning container system 100K to the sender (e.g., without having to re-enter shipping information or print any labels), and container system 100K can be reused to again ship containers 150, 150J (e.g., vials, cartridges (such as for syringe pens), syringe pens, vaccines, medications, such as insulin, epinephrine, and other medication containers), to the same or a different recipient, etc. Reusing container system 100K for delivery of perishable materials (e.g., medications) advantageously reduces shipping costs by enabling reuse of container container 120K (e.g., compared to commonly used cardboard containers that are disposed of after a single use).

[0105] 21A-21D illustrate different screens of a graphical user interface (GUI) for use with a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a cell phone, tablet computer, etc.). The GUI advantageously allows a user to interface with cooling system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L to provide control settings (e.g., presetting temperatures for different medications in containers 150, 150J), provide scheduling information (e.g., for medication consumption in containers 150, 150J), and provide alerts (e.g., cooling system battery life, temperature of containers 150, 150J). The GUI can provide additional information not shown in the screens of FIGS. 21A-21D. Via the GUI, a user can communicate with cooling system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L when the contents of container 150, 150J are ready for consumption, and system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L can optionally heat one of containers 150, 150J to a predetermined temperature (e.g., body temperature, room temperature) and optionally alert the user (via the GUI) when the contents (e.g., medication) are ready for consumption to notify the user. Optionally, if the container receptacle 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, 120L includes multiple containers 150, 150J, a user can communicate with the system 200, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L via the GUI to prepare (e.g., heat) one of the containers (e.g., relative to body temperature) while the remaining containers 150, 150J in the container receptacle 100 remain cooled.Optionally, once container 150, 150J is primed (e.g., heated), in addition to notifying the user that the contents (e.g., medication) within container 150, 150J are ready for consumption, it may also actuate chambers 126, 126′, 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L to an extended position (e.g., via one of the linear actuation mechanisms disclosed herein), such that the user When the lids are removed from the container receptacles 120, 120E, 120F, 120G, 120H, 120I, 120J, 120K, 120L, the user can easily identify which of the containers 150, 150J are ready for consumption (e.g., which are heated to room temperature or body temperature), while the remaining chambers 126, 126', 126E, 126F1, 126F2, 126G1, 126L remain in the retracted position.

[0106] 22A-22B illustrate a container system 100L (e.g., a capsule container) including a cooling system 200L. Some of the features of the container system 100L and the cooling system 200L are similar to the features of the container systems 100-100K and the cooling systems 200-200K of FIGS. 1-19A. Accordingly, the reference numerals used to designate various components of the container system 100L and the cooling system 200K are the same as those used to identify corresponding components of the container systems 100-100K and the cooling systems 200-200K of FIGS. 1-19A, except with the addition of an "L" to the numeric identifier. Accordingly, the structure and description of various features of the container systems 100-100K and the cooling systems 200-200K in FIGS. 1-19A, and how they operate and are controlled, are understood to apply to corresponding features of the container system 100L and the cooling system 200L of FIGS. 22A-22B, except as described below.

[0107] Container system 100L has an optionally cylindrical container receptacle 120L. Container receptacle 120L may be a cooler with active temperature control provided by cooling system 200L to cool the contents of container receptacle 120L and / or maintain the contents of receptacle 120L in a cooled or chilled state. Optionally, receptacle 120L may hold one or more (e.g., multiple) separate containers 150 therein (e.g., drug containers such as pen syringes, vials, cartridges (e.g., for pen syringes), etc.). Optionally, one or more (eg, multiple) separate containers 150 that can be inserted into container receptacle 120L can contain medications (eg, epinephrine, insulin, vaccines, etc.).

[0108] The container receptacle 120L has an outer wall 121L extending between a proximal end 122L having an opening and a distal end 124L having a base 125L. The opening is selectively closed by a lid L removably attached to the proximal end 122L, and the container 120L has an inner wall 126AL and a base wall 126BL that together define an open chamber 126L capable of receiving and holding contents to be cooled (e.g., one or more vials, cartridges, pharmaceutical containers such as pen syringes, etc.). The container 120L may optionally have an intermediate wall 126CL spaced about the inner wall 126AL and the base wall 126BL such that the intermediate wall 126CL is at least partially disposed between the outer wall 121L and the inner wall 126AL. The intermediate wall 126CL is spaced apart from the inner wall 126AL and the base wall 126B so as to define a gap between the intermediate wall 126CL and the inner and base walls 126AL, 126BL. The gap may optionally be under a vacuum so that the inner wall 126AL and the base 126BL are vacuum insulated from the intermediate wall 126CL and the outer wall 121L of the container 120L.

[0109] Optionally, one or more of inner wall 126AL, intermediate wall 126BL, and outer wall 121L can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In one embodiment, inner wall 126AL, base wall 126BL, and intermediate wall 126CL are made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In another embodiment, one or more portions of container 120L (e.g., outer wall 121L, intermediate wall 126CL, and / or inner wall 126AL) can be made of plastic.

[0110] The container 120L has a cavity 127L between the base wall 126BL of the container 120L and the base 125L. The cavity 127L can optionally house electronics, such as, for example, one or more batteries 277L and one or more printed circuit boards (PCBAs) comprising circuitry for controlling the operation of the cooling system 200L. In one embodiment, the cavity 127L can optionally house a power button or switch operable by a user through the bottom of the container 200L. Optionally, at least a portion of the base 125L (e.g., a cap on the base 125L) is removable to access the electronics within the cavity 127L (e.g., to replace one or more batteries 277L, to perform maintenance on the electronics, such as the PCBA). The power button or switch is accessible by a user (e.g., can be pressed to turn the cooling system 200L on, can be pressed to turn the cooling system 200L off, can be pressed to pair the cooling system 200L with a mobile electronic device, etc.). Optionally, the power switch may be located approximately in the center of the base 125L.

[0111] The cooling system 200L is optionally at least partially housed in the container 120L. In one embodiment, the cooling system 200L can include a first heat sink (cold-side heat sink) 210L in thermal communication with one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) 220L, such as Peltier elements, and can be in thermal communication with the chamber 126L of the container 120L (e.g., via contact with the interior wall 126AL, via conduction through the air in the chamber 126L, etc.). A portion of the first heat sink 210L outside the container 120L is in communication with a portion of the first heat sink 210L inside the container 120L via a portion (e.g., a bridge portion) of the first heat sink 210L interconnecting the portions of the first heat sink 210L outside and inside the container 120L.

[0112] One or more TECs 220L are selectively operable (e.g., by circuitry) to draw heat from a first heat sink (e.g., a cold-side heat sink) 210L and transfer it to a second heat sink (a hot-side heat sink) 230L. A fan 280L is selectively operable to draw air into the container 120L (e.g., into a channel FP of the container 120L) to dissipate heat from the second heat sink 230L, thereby enabling the TEC 220L to draw more heat from the first heat sink 210L, thereby drawing heat from the chamber 126L. During operation of the fan 280L, the intake air flow Fi is drawn through one or more intake ports 203L (having one or more openings) in the container 120L and onto the second heat sink 230L (the air flow removes heat from the second heat sink 230L), and then the exhaust air flow Fo flows out through one or more exhaust ports 205L (having one or more openings) of the container 120L.

[0113] Chamber 126L optionally receives and holds one or more (e.g., multiple) containers 150 (e.g., medication containers, e.g., pen injectors or pen injector cartridges, vials, etc.). In one embodiment, first heat sink 210L may be made of aluminum. However, first heat sink 210L may also be formed from other suitable materials (e.g., metals with high thermal conductivity).

[0114] Electronics (e.g., PCBA, battery 277L) can be in electrical communication with fan 280L and TEC 220L. Thus, battery 277L can provide power to TEC 220L and / or fan 280L, and circuitry (e.g., in or on PCBA) can control the operation of TEC 220L and / or fan 280L.

[0115] Container 100L can optionally have a visual indicia on the exterior surface 121L of receptacle 120L (e.g., on lid L). The visual indicia can optionally be located within chamber 126L. The visual display may display one or more of the following: the temperature within the vessel 100L, the temperature of the first heat sink 210L, the ambient temperature, the charge level or percentage of the one or more batteries 277L, and the time remaining until the batteries 277L need to be recharged. The visual display may optionally include a user interface (e.g., a pressure-sensitive button, a capacitive touch button, etc.) for adjusting (increasing or decreasing) the preset temperature at which the cooling system 200L cools the chamber 126L. Thus, operation of the vessel 100L (e.g., of the cooling system 200L) may be selected via the visual display and the user interface on the surface of the vessel 100L. Optionally, the visual display may include one or more hidden, illuminated LEDs. Optionally, the visual display may include an electrophoretic or electronic ink (e-ink) display. In one variation, the vessel 100L may optionally include hidden, illuminated LEDs that can be selectively illuminated (e.g., to indicate one or more operational functions of the vessel 100L, such as to indicate that the cooling system 200L is operating). The LED may optionally be a multi-color LED selectively operable to indicate one or more operating conditions of the container 100L (e.g., green for normal operation, red for abnormal operation such as low battery charge or insufficient cooling for the detected ambient temperature).

[0116] In operation, the cooling system 200L can optionally be activated by pressing a power button. Optionally, the cooling system 200L can additionally (or alternatively) be activated remotely (e.g., wirelessly) via a remote electronic device, such as a cell phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or the like, that communicates wirelessly with the cooling system 200L (e.g., using a receiver or transceiver in the circuit). In yet another embodiment, the cooling system 200L can automatically cool the chamber 126L when the lid L is in the closed position on the container 120L. The chamber 126L can be cooled at predetermined and / or user-initiated times. Cooling can be to a selected temperature or temperature range, or can be automatically cooled to a preset temperature corresponding to the contents of container 150 (e.g., insulin, epinephrine, vaccine, etc.). The user-selected temperature or temperature range can be selected via a user interface on container 100L and / or via a remote electronic device.

[0117] In one variation, the container system 100L is powered using 12 VDC power (e.g., from one or more batteries 277L or a power base in which the container 120L is disposed). In another variation, the container system 100L is powered using 120 VAC or 240 VAC power, for example, using a power base. The circuitry within the container 100L may include a surge protector to prevent damage to the electronics of the container 100L from power surges. The container system 100L is advantageously easy to assemble and use. For example, the inclusion of the cooling system 200 in the container 120L makes it easier (e.g., because it is lighter or more compact) for users with limited hand joint mobility (e.g., users suffering from arthritis) to open the lid L and remove the container 150 (e.g., vaccine, insulin, medical container) from the chamber 126L. The lid L may optionally be insulated (eg made from a hollow plastic body filled with foam insulation such as low density Styrofoam).

[0118] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, 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 pharmaceutical containers, they are also applicable to non-pharmaceutical containers (e.g., portable food coolers, water coolers / bottles, etc.), and it is understood that the present invention extends to such containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications in 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 and 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.

[0119] A feature, material, characteristic, or grouping described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described here or elsewhere in this specification, to the extent not inconsistent therewith. All features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any disclosed method or process, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection is not limited to the details of the above embodiments. Protection extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0120] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, 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 claimed as a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0121] Furthermore, while operations may be shown in the figures or described herein in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order or sequence shown, or all operations required to achieve desired results. Other operations not shown or described 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. Furthermore, 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 implementations should not be construed 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.

[0122] 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, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or performed 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.

[0123] Conditional terms such as "can," "could," "might," and "may," unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context as used, are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments are included, but that other embodiments do not include particular features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional terms Generally, features, elements, and / or steps may be required in some way in one or more embodiments. These features, elements, and / or steps may be included in any particular embodiment, regardless of whether they are required or whether one or more embodiments require user input or not. It is intended to imply that the term "processing" necessarily includes logic for determining whether a process is to be executed or should be executed in an embodiment.

[0124] Unless otherwise noted, conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood apart from the context in which it is generally used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not intended to generally imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0125] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially," etc., refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that is close to a stated value, amount, or characteristic that performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" can also contemplate an amount that is 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" contemplate a value, amount, or characteristic that has a tolerance of 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees or less.

[0126] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments here or elsewhere herein, but is defined by the claims, as presented here or elsewhere herein, or as presented in the future. The terms of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terms employed in the claims and not limited to the examples set forth herein, and should be interpreted broadly throughout prosecution, and these examples should be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. 1. A portable cooler container capable of housing one or more pen syringes, comprising: a container container having an outer wall extending between a proximal end having an opening and a distal end having a base, the opening being selectively closed by a lid, the container container having a chamber sized to receive one or more pen-type syringes, the chamber wall being spaced inwardly from an inner peripheral wall, and a gap formed between the chamber wall and the inner peripheral wall being filled with a phase change material; 1. A temperature control system comprising: one or more thermoelectric elements configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber via a first heat sink in thermal communication with one side of the one or more thermoelectric elements and in thermal communication with the phase change material; one or more 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; a temperature control system having Equipped with The one or more thermoelectric elements are operable to heat or cool the phase change material.

2. further comprising a second heat sink in thermal communication with the other side of the one or more thermoelectric elements. The container of claim 1.

3. one or more fans operable to take in air through one or more air inlets, direct the air over the second heat sink so that heat is dissipated, and exhaust the air through one or more air outlets; 3. The container of claim 2.

4. further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense one or more parameters of the chamber and communicate the sensed parameters to the circuitry; The container of claim 1.

5. at least one of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature within the chamber and communicate the sensed temperature to the circuitry, the circuitry being configured to communicate the sensed temperature to a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device; 5. The container of claim 4.

6. the chamber includes two spaced apart chambers, each chamber sized to accommodate one pen-type injector; The container of claim 1.

7. the temperature control system is configured to independently control the temperatures of the two spaced apart chambers; 7. The container of claim 6.

8. the temperature control system is operable via a user-operable power button or switch on the container; The container of claim 1.

9. The predetermined temperature or temperature range is a temperature or temperature range selected by a user. The container of claim 1.

10. the user-selected temperature or temperature range is selected via a user interface on the container; 10. The container of claim 9.

11. the circuitry and one or more storage elements are disposed within a cavity below the chamber, the circuitry being configured to transmit one or more warning signals; The container of claim 1.

12. a power base configured to receive the portable container thereon and to supply power to the one or more thermoelectric elements or the one or more electric storage elements via an inductive coupling; The container of claim 1.

13. a visual indicator comprising one or more lights on the exterior surface of the container; The container of claim 1.

14. the chamber wall is cylindrical; The container of claim 1.

15. the circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device, the circuitry being configured to receive temperature presets for different medications in the one or more pen injectors from the remote electronic device, and to communicate to the remote electronic device one or more alert signals including a medication readiness notification, ambient temperature information, chamber temperature information, a charge level of the one or more power storage elements, and dosing schedule information; The container of claim 1.

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