Portable cryogenic cooling container

Abstract

A portable cryogenic cooling container is provided. A cooling unit is disposed in the payload chamber. The cooling unit has a container filled with a cooling material (e.g., liquid nitrogen), the container adapted to be closed by a lid. One or more openings in the cooling unit are operable to allow a cooling gas (e.g., gaseous nitrogen) to be evacuated without increasing pressure within the cooler.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to portable refrigeration, and more particularly to portable cryogenic refrigeration containers for transporting temperature sensitive goods (e.g., medicines, vaccines). [Background technology]

[0002] Portable coolers are used to store products in a chilled state. Cryogenic cooling containers are used to store products in a cryogenic state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cryogenic cooling container is provided with a payload chamber for one or more temperature sensitive or perishable items (e.g., medicines, vaccines). A cooling unit is disposed within the payload chamber. The cooling unit includes a container filled with a cooling material (e.g., liquid nitrogen) and closed with a lid. One or more openings in the cooling unit are operable to vent a cooling gas (e.g., gaseous nitrogen) without building up pressure within the cooler.

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portable cryogenic cooling container is provided. The container includes a vessel and a cryogenic dewar vessel within the vessel. The cryogenic dewar vessel includes an inner vessel having one or more openings in a wall defining a payload chamber, and an absorbent material disposed within the inner vessel. The cryogenic dewar vessel is vacuum insulated from the vessel. The container further includes a lid operable to close the vessel. The lid includes a top lid portion and an elongated lid portion extending from the top lid portion. The elongated lid portion is configured to extend into the vessel and abut the cryogenic dewar vessel when the top lid portion is abutting the vessel. The elongated lid portion has a vent channel in communication with the opening in the top lid portion. The container further includes one or more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within the payload chamber, circuitry in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and configured to wirelessly communicate with remote electronics, and a visual display configured to selectively display information on one or more screens. Additionally, the container includes a button or touch screen that is manually operable by a user to cause circuitry electrically connected to the visual display to change a screen displayed on the visual display. The cryogenic Dewar vessel is configured to receive and absorb liquid nitrogen into an absorbent material to cool the payload chamber.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cryogenic cooling container is provided. The container includes a vessel and a cryogenic dewar vessel within the vessel. The cryogenic dewar vessel includes an inner vessel having one or more openings in a wall defining a payload chamber, and an absorbent material disposed within the inner vessel. The container further includes a lid operable to close the vessel. The lid includes a top lid portion and an elongated lid portion extending from the top lid portion. The elongated lid portion is configured to extend into the vessel and abut the cryogenic dewar vessel when the top lid portion is abutting the vessel. The elongated lid portion has a vent channel in communication with the opening in the top lid portion. The container further includes one or more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within the payload chamber, circuitry in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device, and a visual display configured to selectively display information on one or more screens. The container further includes a button or touch screen manually operable by a user to cause circuitry electrically connected to the visual display to change a screen displayed on the visual display. The cryogenic Dewar vessel is configured to receive and absorb liquid nitrogen into an absorbent material to cool the payload chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable cryogenic cooling container. [Diagram 2] 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portable cryogenic cooling container of FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the portable cryogenic cooling container of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a partial top view of a vessel of the portable cryogenic cooling container of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating communication between the cooling container and a remote electronic device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows example images that may be displayed on the visual display of a portable cryogenic cooling container. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows example images that may be displayed on the visual display of a portable cryogenic cooling container. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows example images that may be displayed on the visual display of a portable cryogenic cooling container. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows example images that may be displayed on a visual display of a portable cryogenic cooling container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] 1-5 show a portable cryogenic cooling container 100 ("cooling container"). The cooling container 100 includes a container 10 and a lid 40. The container 10 may optionally include indicia (e.g., an arrow) on its exterior to identify the top of the container to inform a user in which orientation (e.g., upside down) to place the cooling container 100. In one embodiment, the lid 40 is movably attached to the container 10 (e.g., by a hinge between the lid 40 and the container 10). In another embodiment, the lid 40 is removably attached to the container 10 (e.g., such that the lid 40 can be completely detached from the container 10). The cooling container 100 includes one or more (e.g., a pair of) handles 30 having a handle opening 31 on the container 10. The handle opening 31 communicates with a handle opening 32 on the lid 40. The cooling container 100 includes a visual display 188 (e.g., a digital display, an electronic display, an electrophoretic display) in communication with circuitry EM, as described further below. The electronics, including visual display 188 and circuitry EM, may be powered by one or more power storage elements PS (e.g., batteries, cells). Optionally, visual display 188 displays a shipping label (e.g., an electronic shipping label), as described further below. Cooling container 100 optionally includes a user interface 184 (e.g., a depressible button, a touch-sensitive button, a capacitive sensing button). A user can manually manipulate user interface 184 to automatically change sender and recipient information (e.g., sender and recipient address information) on the shipping label, as described further below.

[0008] 2, the lid 40 has an elongated (e.g., tubular) portion 42 extending from an upper portion 41 of the lid 40. The elongated portion 42 extends into the container 10 when the upper portion 41 is adjacent to the top end of the container 10. The elongated portion 42 may be filled with cork material. The cooling container 100 includes a locking mechanism 50 (e.g., a bayonet locking mechanism, a key / slot locking mechanism) for locking the lid 40 to the container 10 (e.g., inhibiting or preventing inadvertent decoupling of the lid 40 and container 10).

[0009] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the container 10 is a multi-walled container 10. The multi-walled container 10 has a payload chamber 12 defined by an inner container 13 having one or more openings 14, and a second container 18 (e.g., a cryogenic dewar) centrally disposed about the inner container 13 and having an inner wall 16 and an outer wall 19 spaced apart from the inner wall 16. The inner container 13 is connected to the inner wall 16 by a flange 17. An absorbent material 15 is disposed between the inner wall 16 and the inner container 13. An outer wall 22 is centrally disposed about the second container 18 (e.g., a cryogenic dewar) and spaced apart from the second container 18. An insulation material 20 is disposed between the outer wall 19 and the outer wall 22 of the second container 18. In one example, the insulation material 20 is EPS foam (e.g., expanded polystyrene). However, the insulation material 20 may be any other suitable insulation material. The outer wall 22 is formed of an impact resistant material (e.g., plastic). A peripheral wall 23 extends between the top of the inner wall 16 and the top of the outer wall 19 (e.g., to provide a sealed container, such as a vacuum insulated space, between the inner wall 16 and the outer wall 19). A long portion 42 of the lid 40 extends into a second vessel 18 (e.g., a cryogenic dewar), such as the peripheral wall 23, and contacts the flange 17 (e.g., to seal the payload chamber 12). The long portion 42 may have a vent channel 43 extending therethrough (e.g., through a cork material in the long portion 42 to an opening 44 (e.g., one or more openings) in the top 41 of the lid 40).

[0010] 4, one or more power storage elements PS are removably disposed within a container 10. The one or more power storage elements PS are removable for recharging or replacement.

[0011] In use, liquid nitrogen is poured into the double-walled insulated Dewar vessel (e.g., second vessel 18, such as through chamber 12) and absorbed into the absorbent material 15 along the inner wall 16 of second vessel 18. The amount absorbed is based on the ambient temperature profile (e.g., during transport) and the transport time required for the cooling container 100. After the absorbent material 15 is saturated, the excess liquid nitrogen is drained from vessel 10 (e.g., chamber 12) and the payload chamber 12 is left "dry". A payload (e.g., vaccine, pharmaceutical) can be introduced into the payload chamber 12 and vessel 10 can be sealed with lid 40 (e.g., payload chamber 12 can be sealed with elongated section 42). A vent 43 in elongated section 42 allows the gaseous nitrogen to escape without creating pressure buildup.

[0012] 5 is a block diagram of a control system for (e.g., integrated into) an apparatus described herein (e.g., cooling container 100). In the illustrated embodiment, circuitry EM (e.g., control circuitry, microcontroller unit MCU, one or more computer processors, etc.) can receive detected information from one or more sensors S1-SN (e.g., level sensors, volume sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, orientation sensors such as gyroscopes, acceleration sensors, battery charge sensors, biometric sensors, load / weight sensors, Global Positioning System or GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) sensors, Radio Frequency Identification or RFID (RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION) readers, etc.).

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one temperature sensor Sn (e.g., Sn1, Sn2 and / or Sn3) is provided in the container 10 or the lid 40 and exposed to the payload chamber 12 to detect the temperature therein. In another embodiment, additionally or alternatively, at least one temperature sensor Sn, Ta is provided in the container 10 or the lid 40 and exposed to the exterior of the cooling container 100 to measure the ambient temperature. In one embodiment, an RFID reader in the container 10 or the lid 40 reads the RFID tags of the components (e.g., medicines, vials, vaccine doses) disposed in the payload chamber 12. The RFID reader can optionally log when a payload content is inserted into the payload chamber 12, and additionally or alternatively, the RFID reader optionally logs when each of one or more payload contents is removed from the payload chamber 12 to track their location relative to the container 10 and transmits this information to the circuit EM (e.g., the memory of the circuit EM). The circuit EM can optionally wirelessly communicate said information to a remote electronic device (eg, a computer server, a tablet computer, a smartphone) or to a cloud CL.

[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1-Sn include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor optionally detects an ambient pressure, which is indicative of the altitude of the cooling container 100. Optionally, the pressure sensor communicates the detected pressure information to the circuit EM. The circuit EM can optionally store or log data from the pressure sensor and / or operate one or more components of the cooling system 200 as described above based at least in part on the detected pressure information from the pressure sensor (e.g., indicative of a temperature within the payload chamber 12 to maintain the payload chamber 12 at a desired temperature or temperature range). Such a pressure sensor advantageously enables the cooling system 200 to be operable to maintain the payload chamber 12 at a desired temperature or temperature range when the cooling container 100 is being transported (e.g., at high altitude locations) on an airplane, truck, or the like.

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1-Sn include an accelerometer. The accelerometer optionally senses movement (e.g., sudden movement) of the cooling container 100. Optionally, the accelerometer is in communication with a circuit EM, which optionally stores or logs data from the accelerometer. Such an accelerometer advantageously senses a fall or impact, for example, if the cooling container 100 is dropped (e.g., from an unsafe height) or is impacted during transportation, for example, in an airplane, truck, or the like. In one embodiment, the accelerometer provides sensed orientation information of the cooling container 100 to the circuit EM. The circuit EM optionally wirelessly communicates the information to a remote electronic device (e.g., a computer server, a tablet computer, a smartphone) or to the cloud CL. In another embodiment, a separate orientation sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) senses the orientation of the cooling container 100 and communicates the sensed orientation information to the circuit EM. The circuit EM optionally stores or logs data from the orientation sensor.

[0016] The circuit EM may be housed or mounted on the container 10 or the lid 40. Optionally, the circuit EM may include a wireless transmitter, receiver and / or transceiver to communicate (e.g., send information such as sensed temperature data and / or location data and receive information such as user instructions from) one or more of: a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., a visual display 188 on the body 10 of the container 10); or b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an electronic watch, a desktop computer, a remote server, a cloud server); c) the cloud CL; or d) a wireless communication system such as WiFi, a broadband network and / or Bluetooth BT. For example, the circuit EM can have a cellular radio antenna or a cellular radio (e.g., LTE cellular radio, LTE-M cellular radio) through which it can wirelessly communicate information (e.g., GPS location, sensed temperature in the payload chamber 12, ambient temperature, etc.) (e.g., to a cloud CL, a remote electronic device such as a smartphone). The user can then track the location of the cooling container 100 (e.g., via a website or smartphone app). Additionally or alternatively, the circuit EM can report data detected by one or more sensors S1-Sn (e.g., sensed ambient temperature, sensed temperature in the payload chamber 12, sensed pressure, sensed humidity outside the payload chamber 12, sensed humidity in the payload chamber 12), e.g., wirelessly, to a remote electronic device or the cloud CL (e.g., send a report to a pharmacy or medical facility with logged temperature, pressure and / or humidity information of the contents of the cooling container 100 during its transit to the pharmacy or medical facility). The electronic device ED can have a user interface UI2 that can display information regarding the operation of the cooling container 100 and can receive information (e.g., instructions) from a user and communicate the information to the cooling container 100.

[0017] During operation, the refrigeration container 100 may operate to maintain the payload chamber 12 of the refrigeration container 100 at a predetermined temperature and / or within a predetermined temperature range.

[0018] Optionally, the circuitry EM of the refrigerated container 100 communicates (e.g., wirelessly) 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, tablet computer, laptop, desktop computer, etc.) and / or to an individual carrying the container (e.g., via a mobile phone, via a visual interface on the container, etc.) information such as the temperature history of the payload chamber 12 to provide a usable record (e.g., to evaluate the efficacy of a drug in the container, to evaluate whether the contents in the payload chamber 12 have been exposed to an undesirable temperature and become unusable, etc.) and / or alerts regarding the status of the payload chamber 12 and / or the status of the contents in the payload chamber 12.

[0019] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors S1-Sn of the cooling container 100 comprise one or more Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors for tracking the location of the cooling container 100. The location information can be communicated to a remote location (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a cloud-based data storage system, etc.) by a transmitter (e.g., a cellular radio antenna or cellular radio such as an LTE cellular radio) and / or a transceiver associated with the circuit EM, as described above. In one embodiment, the GPS location is communicated by the circuit EM at regular intervals (e.g., every minute, every five minutes, every ten minutes, every fifteen minutes, etc.) (e.g., automatically rather than in response to a query or request). In another embodiment, the GPS location is communicated by the circuit EM upon receiving a request or query from a user or the like (e.g., via an app or website that allows the user to track the location of the cooling container 100).

[0020] As discussed above, the cooling container 100 includes a visual display 188 (e.g., an electrophoretic display). Optionally, the visual display 188 can display a shipping label (e.g., an electronic shipping label). The cooling container 100 optionally includes a user interface 184 (e.g., a depressible button, a touch-sensitive button, a capacitive sensing button) that allows a user to automatically change sender and recipient information (e.g., sender and recipient address information) on a shipping label, for example, by manually manipulating the user interface. The visual display 188 can display one or more screens or images I1-I4 (see FIGS. 6-9). In one implementation, the visual display 188 cycles through the various screens or images I1-I4 as the user interface 184 is actuated (e.g., if the user interface 184 is a depressible button or a capacitive sensing button, the screen displayed on the visual display 188 changes each time the button is pressed or touched). One of the screens or images may be, for example, a home screen I1 as shown in FIG. 6. Another screen or image I2 may be a shipping label as shown in FIG. 7. Yet another screen or image I3 shows the geographic path (e.g., itinerary log) of the container 100 during shipment as shown in FIG. 8. Yet another screen or image I4 shows the temperature history of the container 100 over a period of time (e.g., shipping route) as shown in FIG. 9. The temperature history may be displayed as a graph showing the temperature within the payload chamber 12 during that period. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature log may be displayed as a graph showing the ambient temperature history experienced by the container 100 during that period.

[0021] The cooling container 100 has a visual display 188 (e.g., on a side, a top surface of the cooling container 100). The visual display 188 can optionally be an electronic ink or E-ink display (e.g., an electrophoretic ink display). In another embodiment, the visual display 188 can be a digital display (e.g., a liquid crystal display or LCD, a light emitting diode or LED, etc.). Optionally, the visual display 188 can display a label (e.g., a shipping label having one or more of a sender address, a recipient address, a Maxi Code machine readable symbol, a QR code, a routing code, a bar code, and a tracking number), and can optionally additionally or alternatively display other information (e.g., temperature history information, information about the contents of the cooling container 100). Optionally, the user interface 184 can be a button (e.g., a "return to home" button or a "return to sender" button). In one embodiment, the user interface 184 is a depressible button. In another embodiment, the user interface 184 is a capacitive sensor (e.g., a touch sensor, a touch switch). In another embodiment, the user interface 184 is a slide switch (e.g., a slide lever). In another embodiment, the user interface 184 is a rotatable dial. In yet another embodiment, the user interface 184 is a touch screen portion (e.g., separate from the visual display 188 or incorporated as part of the visual display 188). Advantageously, activation of the user interface 184 automatically changes the information displayed on the visual display 188, such as the form of a shipping label displayed on the visual display 188 (e.g., an electrophoretic or E-ink display). For example, activation of the user interface 184 can automatically switch text related to the sender and recipient (e.g., the sender's mailing address and the recipient's mailing address) and can cause the recipient to return the cooling container 100 to the sender when the recipient is finished with the cooling container 100.Additionally or alternatively, activation of user interface 184 causes circuitry EM within refrigeration container 100 to assign a shipping label (e.g., a new shipping label) to refrigeration container 100 and simultaneously automatically send a signal to a shipping company (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) informing the shipping company that the refrigeration is ready for pick-up and shipping, as described above.

[0022] Advantageously, the cooling container 100 can be reused multiple times (e.g., 500, 1000, 1500, 20000 times), providing a sustainable cooling container for the delivery of perishable materials (e.g., medicines, vaccines). Additionally, the cooling container 100 is easy to use, streamlining the shipping process. For example, the user interface 184 (e.g., a button) allows for easy return of the container without printing a new shipping label and without separately contacting the carrier for pickup, thereby improving the productivity of the personnel handling the package. The cooling container 100 can be stacked, for example, six cooling containers 100, allowing users to stack and unload without using a ladder. Advantageously, the cooling container can maintain the payload chamber 12 (e.g., payload such as medicines or vaccines) at a temperature below -150 degrees Celsius when in a vertical orientation for at least 10 days. Additionally, the cooling container 100 can advantageously be filled with the absorbent material 15 in less than three hours. The refrigeration container 100 may be approximately 30 inches tall and approximately 20 inches in diameter. Advantageously, in one embodiment, the user may press the user interface 184 and the visual display 188 may provide an indication (e.g., a thumbs up, a graph of temperature versus time during the sender's transport - from when the lid 40 is attached to the container 10 until it is removed therefrom, etc.) that the temperature within the payload chamber 12 is at or below the requested temperature (e.g., below -150 degrees Celsius) throughout the transport of the refrigeration container 100. Alternatively, the visual display 188 may indicate (when the user presses the user interface 184) whether the temperature within the payload chamber 12 is at or outside the requested temperature or temperature range at any time during the transport.

[0023] Additional Embodiments In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable cryogenic cooling container may comply with any of the following provisions: Clause 1: A portable cryogenic cooling container comprising: A container; a cryogenic dewar vessel within the vessel, the cryogenic dewar vessel including an inner vessel having one or more openings in a wall defining a payload chamber, and an absorbent material disposed within the inner vessel; a lid operable to close the vessel, the lid having a top lid portion and an elongated lid portion extending from the top lid portion, the elongated lid portion configured to extend into the vessel and abut the cryogenic Dewar vessel when the top lid portion is abutting the vessel, the elongated lid portion having a vent channel in communication with an opening in the top lid portion; one or more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within the payload chamber; a circuit in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device; a visual display configured to selectively display information on one or more screens; a button or touch screen manually operable by a user to cause a circuit electrically connected to the visual display to change the screen displayed on the visual display; Equipped with 13. The portable cryogenic cooling container of claim 12, wherein the cryogenic Dewar vessel is configured to receive and absorb liquid nitrogen into the absorbent material to cool the payload chamber. Clause 2: The refrigerated container of clause 1, wherein the one or more screens include one or more of a home screen, a screen displaying a shipping label, a screen displaying the geographic route of the refrigerated container, and a screen displaying the temperature history of the refrigerated container over a period of time. Clause 3: A cooling container as described in Clause 2, characterized in that the screen displaying the temperature history of the cooling container over a period of time includes a temperature history of the detected temperature in the payload chamber and a temperature history of the ambient temperature experienced by the cooling container over a period of time. Clause 4: A cooling container as described in any of clauses 1 to 3, characterized in that the visual display is operable to cycle through the one or more screens via actuation of the buttons or touch screen. Clause 5: A cooling container as described in any of clauses 1 to 4, characterized in that the button or touch screen is manually operable by a user to cause a circuit electrically connected to the visual display to do one or both of the following: a) automatically switch sender and recipient information on a shipping label displayed on the visual display to facilitate returning the portable cryogenic cooling container to the sender, and b) automatically wirelessly transmit a signal to the shipper to inform the shipper that the portable cryogenic cooling container is ready for pickup. Clause 6: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising one or more power storage elements removably disposed in the container. Clause 7: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, characterized in that the circuit comprises a cellular radio antenna. Clause 8: A cooling container described in any of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising one or more handles provided on the container and having a handle opening, the handle opening communicating with a handle opening provided in the lid. Clause 9: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising an insulating material disposed between the vessel and the cryogenic Dewar vessel. Clause 10: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, characterized in that the vessel comprises an impact resistant material. Clause 11: A cooling container described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, characterized in that the visual display is an electrophoretic display. Clause 12: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to detect an ambient temperature and communicate with the circuit. Clause 13: A cooling container as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12, characterized in that the cryogenic Dewar vessel is insulated with respect to the vessel. Clause 14: A cooling container as described in clause 13, characterized in that the cryogenic Dewar vessel is vacuum insulated relative to the vessel.

[0024] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the 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. 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 following claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, the scope of the present invention is defined solely by reference to the appended claims.

[0025] It is understood that features, materials, properties or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example are applicable to other aspects, embodiments or examples described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, except where incompatible. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the following claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all steps of the methods or processes so disclosed, 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 foregoing embodiments. Protection extends to any novel or novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including the following claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel or novel combination of steps of the methods or processes so disclosed.

[0026] Moreover, 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. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, in some cases one or more features can be excluded from a claimed combination and the combination can be claimed as a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0027] Furthermore, the operations depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order need not be performed in the particular order shown, or in the sequential order, to achieve the desired results, nor should all of the operations be performed. Other operations not shown or described can be incorporated into the illustrated methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between the operations described. Furthermore, operations can be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the steps actually performed in the illustrated and / or disclosed process may differ from those illustrated. In some embodiments, some of the steps described above may be omitted and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the components and systems described may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged in multiple products.

[0028] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or implemented in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0029] Conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context in which it is used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps and other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without user input or prompting, whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in or performed in any particular embodiment.

[0030] Conjunctions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are understood in conjunction with the context as being commonly used to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise noted.

[0031] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially," refers 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 "about," "approximately," "generally," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of a stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that deviates from perfect parallelism by 15 degrees or less, 10 degrees or less, 5 degrees or less, 3 degrees or less, 1 degree or less, or 0.1 degrees or less.

[0032] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere herein, but may be defined by the claims presented in this section or elsewhere herein, or presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims, and is not to be limited to the examples described in this specification or during the practice of this application, which examples are to be interpreted as non-exclusive.

[0033] Of course, the foregoing description is directed to specific features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not have all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects described above. Thus, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while numerous variations of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and uses that are within the scope of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It is intended that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another to form various aspects of the discussed devices.

Claims

1. 1. A portable cryogenic cooling container comprising: A container; a cryogenic Dewar vessel within the vessel, the cryogenic Dewar vessel including an inner vessel having one or more openings in a wall defining a payload chamber and an absorbent material disposed within the inner vessel, the cryogenic Dewar vessel being vacuum insulated from the vessel; a lid operable to close the vessel, the lid having a top lid portion and an elongated lid portion extending from the top lid portion, the elongated lid portion configured to extend into the vessel and abut the cryogenic Dewar vessel when the top lid portion is abutting the vessel, the elongated lid portion having a vent channel in communication with an opening in the top lid portion; one or more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within the payload chamber; a circuit in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device; a visual display configured to selectively display information on one or more screens; a button or touch screen manually operable by a user to cause a circuit electrically connected to the visual display to change the screen displayed on the visual display; Equipped with 13. The portable cryogenic cooling container of claim 12, wherein the cryogenic Dewar vessel is configured to receive and absorb liquid nitrogen into the absorbent material to cool the payload chamber.

2. 2. The refrigeration container of claim 1, wherein the one or more screens include one or more of a home screen, a screen displaying a shipping label, a screen displaying a geographic route of the refrigeration container, and a screen displaying a temperature history of the refrigeration container over a period of time.

3. 3. The cooling container of claim 2, wherein the screen displaying the temperature history of the cooling container over a period of time includes a temperature history of a detected temperature within the payload chamber and a temperature history of an ambient temperature experienced by the cooling container over a period of time.

4. 10. The cooling container of claim 1, wherein the visual display is operable to cycle through the one or more screens via activation of the buttons or touch screen.

5. The button or touch screen is manually operable by a user and includes a circuit electrically connected to the visual display, a) automatically switching sender and recipient information on a shipping label displayed on said visual display to facilitate returning said portable cryogenic cooling container to a sender; and b) automatically wirelessly transmitting a signal to a shipper to inform the shipper that the portable cryogenic cooling container is ready for pickup; 2. The cooling container according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The cooling container of claim 1 , further comprising one or more power storage elements removably disposed in the vessel.

7. 2. The cooling container of claim 1, wherein the circuit comprises a cellular radio antenna.

8. one or more handles disposed on the container and having a handle opening; 2. The refrigeration container of claim 1, wherein the handle opening communicates with a handle opening in the lid.

9. 10. The cooling container of claim 1, further comprising insulation disposed between said vessel and said cryogenic Dewar vessel.

10. The cooling container of claim 1 , wherein the vessel comprises an impact resistant material.

11. The cooling container of claim 1 , wherein the visual display is an electrophoretic display.

12. 10. The cooling container of claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to detect an ambient temperature and in communication with the circuit.

13. 1. A portable cryogenic cooling container comprising: A container; a cryogenic dewar vessel within the vessel, the cryogenic dewar vessel including an inner vessel having one or more openings in a wall defining a payload chamber, and an absorbent material disposed within the inner vessel; a lid operable to close the vessel, the lid having a top lid portion and an elongated lid portion extending from the top lid portion, the elongated lid portion configured to extend into the vessel and abut the cryogenic Dewar vessel when the top lid portion is abutting the vessel, the elongated lid portion having a vent channel in communication with an opening in the top lid portion; one or more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature within the payload chamber; a circuit in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote electronic device; a visual display configured to selectively display information on one or more screens; a button or touch screen manually operable by a user to cause a circuit electrically connected to the visual display to change the screen displayed on the visual display; Equipped with 13. The portable cryogenic cooling container of claim 12, wherein the cryogenic Dewar vessel is configured to receive and absorb liquid nitrogen into the absorbent material to cool the payload chamber.

14. 14. The refrigeration container of claim 13, wherein the one or more screens include one or more of a home screen, a screen displaying a shipping label, a screen displaying a geographic route of the refrigeration container, and a screen displaying a temperature history of the refrigeration container over a period of time.

15. 15. The cooling container of claim 14, wherein the screen displaying the temperature history of the cooling container over a period of time includes a temperature history of a detected temperature within the payload chamber and a temperature history of an ambient temperature experienced by the cooling container over a period of time.

16. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, wherein the visual display is operable to cycle through the one or more screens via activation of the buttons or touch screen.

17. The button or touch screen is manually operable by a user and includes a circuit electrically connected to the visual display, a) automatically switching sender and recipient information on a shipping label displayed on said visual display to facilitate returning said portable cryogenic cooling container to a sender; and b) automatically wirelessly transmitting a signal to a shipper to inform the shipper that the portable cryogenic cooling container is ready for pickup; 14. The cooling container of claim 13, further comprising:

18. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, further comprising one or more power storage elements removably disposed in the vessel.

19. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, wherein the circuit comprises a cellular radio antenna.

20. one or more handles disposed on the container and having a handle opening; 14. The refrigeration container of claim 13, wherein the handle opening communicates with a handle opening in the lid.

21. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, further comprising insulation disposed between the vessel and the cryogenic Dewar vessel.

22. The cooling container of claim 13 , wherein the vessel comprises an impact resistant material.

23. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, wherein the visual display is an electrophoretic display.

24. 14. The refrigeration container of claim 13, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to detect an ambient temperature and in communication with the circuit.

25. 14. The cooling container of claim 13, wherein the cryogenic Dewar vessel is insulated relative to the vessel.

26. 26. The cooling container of claim 25, wherein the cryogenic Dewar vessel is vacuum insulated relative to the vessel.

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