Cryoball

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and device for a cryogenic storage system for storing and / or transporting a liquid or gas at temperatures below ambient temperature. The cryogenic storage system has a housing assembly. The cryogenic storage system has a dewar disposed within the housing assembly. The housing assembly may be configured to provide little to no friction between the dewar and the housing assembly. The housing assembly may be configured for shock absorption and / or vibration damping of the dewar during transport of the cryogenic storage system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 730,506, entitled "CRYOSPHERE," filed December 30, 2019. U.S. Application No. 16 / 730,506 is a continuation-in-part of, claims priority to, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 15 / 865,589, entitled "CRYOSPHERE," filed January 9, 2018, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This specification relates to a system, device or apparatus for storing, transporting and / or delivering liquids or gases at low temperatures below ambient temperature. [Background technology]

[0003] Laboratory technicians, scientists, medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, and other technicians may utilize liquids or gases for temperature control to store and transport items at cryogenic temperatures to various facilities such as hospitals, laboratories, and / or research facilities. During transportation of the items, the items are kept at cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, technicians and / or technicians store the items in dewars, which are used to keep the items refrigerated or cryogenic. Dewars may take several different forms, including open buckets, flasks, and / or self-pressurized tanks. Dewars may be double-walled metal or glass flasks with a vacuum between the walls. This provides insulation between the walls.

[0004] The technician or specialist may fill the dewar with the goods, as well as the liquid or gas, and pack the dewar using shipping materials. The technician or specialist then provides the package containing the dewar to the shipper, and the contents are transported to the final destination to be unpacked. However, because the liquid or gas will slowly boil, the dewar may have an opening at the top designed to allow the gas to escape. Also, the dewar may tip or roll over during shipping, causing liquid or gas to spill out of the dewar. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, a system, device or apparatus is needed to protect the liquid or gas within the dewar from evaporation and spillage during transport. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is embodied in a cryogenic storage system. The cryogenic storage system ("storage system") stores and / or transports a liquid or gas. The storage system has a housing assembly configured to receive a dewar. The storage system has a dewar disposed within the housing assembly. The housing assembly is configured to impart little to no friction to an exterior surface of the dewar as the dewar rotates during transportation of the storage system. The housing assembly is configured for shock absorption and / or vibration damping of the dewar during transportation of the storage system.

[0007] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: The housing assembly may include an outer dome. The outer dome may include a plurality of ball elements disposed therein. The dewar may be disposed over the plurality of ball elements and may contact the ball elements only during transportation of the storage system. The outer dome may be disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The first housing and the second housing may each be coupled to a padding component. The padding component may be configured for shock absorption and / or vibration damping.

[0008] The housing assembly may include various components configured for shock absorption and / or vibration damping. The housing assembly may include a padding component, a net assembly, a net and spring assembly, a support tube assembly including a support tube containing nitrogen gas, etc.

[0009] The housing assembly may include various components configured to provide little to no friction between the components and the spherical dewar. The housing assembly may include pad assemblies, ball bearings, transfer rollers, ball transfer devices, ball elements, etc.

[0010] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. The components shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary cold storage system, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a spherical dewar disposed within an enclosure, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 3]1 shows a spherical dewar rotating within a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows an open spherical dewar that allows for the insertion of liquid or gas, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cold storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows different orientations of liquid or gas within the payload region according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B illustrates different orientations of liquid or gas within the payload region according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C illustrates different orientations of liquid or gas within the payload region according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is an exemplary steam plug for the cold storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8A] 2 is an exemplary corrugated neck tube of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 2 shows a corrugated neck tube connected to a dewar of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is an exemplary ball transport device of the cold storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 illustrates a housing assembly of the cryogenic storage system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a method of assembling a cryogenic storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus, and devices for transporting and storing liquids or gases, such as liquid nitrogen. The systems, apparatus, or devices may be cryogenic storage systems that store and transport liquids. Particular embodiments of the subject matter described herein may be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages:

[0013] The cryogenic storage system may have a housing, which is made from a polymeric material so that it can withstand low temperatures. That is, the polymeric material is resistant to brittleness and is not susceptible to shattering at low temperatures. The housing may hold or suspend a dewar containing liquid or gas. Additionally, the housing surrounds the dewar to protect it from impacts. The housing freely suspends or holds the dewar, which allows the dewar to rotate and / or move freely within the housing without affecting the inside of the housing. Additionally, the dewar may be spherical and has passive stability. That is, the dewar has a center of gravity located directly opposite the opening and a center of mass at or near the bottom of the dewar near the center of gravity, so that when tilted, it remains or returns to an upright or vertical position. By being free to rotate within the housing and having passive stability, the dewar will remain upright regardless of the orientation of the housing to prevent leakage. Additionally, by keeping the dewar upright and stable, the cryogenic storage system reduces the amount of evaporation of liquid within the dewar. For example, the cryogenic storage system reduces the rate of nitrogen evaporation within the dewar, extending the life of the dewar during transport.

[0014] Other benefits and advantages include improved physical access to the opening of the dewar for inserting and / or removing liquids or gases since the housing has multiple sides that provide access to the dewar. Additionally, the dewar may include electronic devices that communicate and monitor the temperature inside the dewar and includes connection devices that reduce the amount of friction between the housing and the dewar as the dewar rotates freely.

[0015] FIG 1 shows a perspective view of a cryogenic storage system 100, and FIG 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cryogenic storage system 100, according to various embodiments. The cryogenic storage system ("storage system") 100 includes a housing 102, a dewar 104, such as a double-walled flask, and a vapor plug 106. The housing 102 is three-dimensional (3D) and may be shaped as a cube. The housing 102 can be shaped as any type of three-dimensional object, such as a cube, tetrahedron, dodecahedron, or octahedron, and may be made from a polymeric material so that the housing 102 does not shatter at low temperatures.

[0016] The housing 102 has multiple sides 108 or faces. The sides 108 form a closed housing that surrounds or encloses the dewar 104. The sides 108 may be flat or lattice-like surfaces that connect to other sides to form the housing 102 and surround the dewar 104. The dewar 104 is inserted or placed into a cavity of the housing 102 such that the dewar 104 resides within the housing 102. The multiple sides 108 may snap together using one or more fasteners. The multiple sides 108 may snap together at one or more corners 112, for example. In some implementations, the housing may be formed from multiple modular parts. The multiple modular parts may be connected and / or fastened together to form the housing 102. The multiple sides may have one or more housing openings 110. The one or more housing openings 110 may be circular and / or formed in the same shape as the dewar opening. One or more housing openings 110 provide access to the dewar 104 as it rotates within the housing 102. Thus, the openings 402 in the dewar 104 are accessible regardless of the orientation of the housing 102.

[0017] For example, the housing 102 is shaped as a cube and has six sides 108. Each side is connected to at least another side at a corner 112. On each side is a housing opening 110. The housing opening allows access to the steam plug 106 and the dewar opening when the dewar opening is aligned with the housing opening 110 on the side of the housing 102. Thus, as the dewar rotates within the housing cavity, the one or more housing openings 110 provide access to the steam plug 106 and the dewar opening when the one or more housing openings 110 align with the dewar opening.

[0018] The housing 102 may have an internal skeleton 114 and an external skeleton 116. The external skeleton 116 protects the dewar 104 from collisions, vibrations, and / or shocks. For example, the external skeleton 116 separates the dewar 104 from other objects, such as other boxes or the sides of a truck, when the housing 102 is shipped or stored. The internal skeleton 114 forms a cavity within the housing 102 in which the dewar 104 is disposed. The dewar 104 may be suspended, disposed, or otherwise positioned within the cavity of the internal skeleton 114 such that the dewar 104 can rotate within the cavity.

[0019] The storage system 100 may include a ball transfer device 900 connected between the housing 102 and the dewar 104. The ball transfer device 900 facilitates movement of the dewar 104 relative to the housing 102. The ball transfer device 900 may be positioned on an interior phalange or wing 202 between the housing 102 and the dewar 104 to provide a frictionless or nearly frictionless surface. The ball transfer device 900 minimizes or eliminates friction between the dewar 104 and the housing 102, thereby allowing the dewar 104 to move or rotate freely within the housing 102. FIG. 9 further illustrates the structure of the ball transfer device 900.

[0020] Storage system 100 includes a dewar 104. Dewar 104 may be a double-walled flask or may be shaped as a sphere or any other polyhedron. Dewar 104 may be centrally located within a central cavity of housing 102 and may be free to rotate and / or move within the central cavity. Dewar 104 may rotate three-dimensionally in directions 302, 304, or in any other direction about a central vertical axis 306, as shown, for example, in FIG.

[0021] The dewar 104 has an inner wall 504, an outer wall 502, and an opening 402. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage system 100 may have a plug, such as a steam plug 106, that may be inserted into the opening 402 to seal or partially seal the dewar 104 while allowing some gas to escape. The opening 402 leads to a cavity or payload area 506 within the dewar 104. FIG. 5 shows the payload area 506 in a cross-sectional view of the dewar 104. The dewar 104 may create a vacuum between the inner wall 504 and the outer wall 502 to hold or store liquids or gases below ambient temperature. The dewar 104 may have a pump-out port 412. The pump-out port 412 may be used to create a vacuum between the inner wall 504 and the outer wall 502 of the dewar 104, which may completely evacuate the space between the inner wall 504 and the outer wall 502.

[0022] The dewar 104 has an inner wall 504 and an outer wall 502 with a vacuum between the inner wall 504 and the outer wall 502. The outer wall 502 has an opening 402 that allows liquid or gas to be inserted or placed into a payload region 506. The opening 402 may be positioned opposite a center of gravity or mass 512 of the dewar 104 such that the opening 402 remains upright when the dewar 104 is passively stabilized. The opening 402 allows gas to escape from the payload region 506 of the dewar 104 and relieves gas expansion within the dewar 104.

[0023] The inner wall 504 forms and / or surrounds a payload region 506 within the dewar 104. The payload region 506 may be a cylindrical cavity within the dewar 104 extending vertically from a top 508 to a bottom 510 of the dewar 104. The payload region 506 holds or stores a liquid or gas that is below ambient temperature. An absorbent material 606 may be provided at the bottom or surrounding the payload region 506. The absorbent material 606 may maintain a temperature within the payload region 506 below ambient temperature.

[0024] The dewar 104 has a top 508 and a bottom 510. The top 508 is where the opening 402 is located and remains upright due to passive stabilization of the dewar 104. The bottom 510 includes a center of gravity or mass 512. Because the center of gravity or mass 512 is located within the bottom 510 of the dewar 104, the dewar 104 is stabilized about the center of gravity or mass 512, which causes the dewar 104 to remain upright. By stabilizing the dewar 104 about the center of gravity or mass 512 regardless of the orientation of the housing 102, the storage system 100 reduces the amount and / or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas and / or the evaporation rate of the absorbent material, e.g., nitrogen, is reduced. The amount and / or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas and / or absorbent material is based on the amount of cross-sectional area 604a-c of the liquid or gas 602, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. Additionally, by providing passive stabilization, the dewar 104 can be enclosed in a housing 102 of any shape allowing the shipper to use any shape for the housing 102 that best fits the available space or empty volume within the shipping container, thus increasing the amount of shipping density within the shipping container.

[0025] FIG. 6A shows a liquid or gas 602 and absorbent material 606 in the payload region 506 of the dewar 104 when the dewar 104 is upright. The absorbent material 606 may be positioned in or around the bottom of the payload region 506 of the dewar 104. When the dewar 104 is upright, as the payload region 506 is upright or vertical, the cross-sectional area 604a of the liquid or gas 602 has a diameter D. When the payload region 506 is angled or tilted, for example as shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, the liquid or gas 602 has a cross-sectional area 604b-c of D+ΔD, respectively, which is greater than the cross-sectional area 602a, D, when the payload region 506 is upright or vertical. When the payload region 506 is tilted or angled, the shape of the cross-sectional area 604a transitions from a circular shape due to the cylindrical nature of the payload region 506 to an elliptical shape for the cross-sectional areas 604b-c. The size of the elliptical cross-sectional area 604b-c increases as the angle increases. The increased cross-sectional area 602b-c results in an increased rate and / or amount of evaporation of the liquid or gas 602 and / or an increased rate or amount of burning of the absorbent material 606. The increased cross-sectional area 604b-c exposes more of the liquid or gas 602 to the hotter medium, causing a faster burning rate of the absorbent material 606 to cool the liquid or gas 602. Additionally, when the payload area 506 is tilted, the liquid and / or gas may spill or escape from the opening 402 of the dewar 104. Additionally, the spilling of the liquid or gas 602 and / or the increased cross-sectional area 602b-c creates a partial vacuum, drawing in hot air further increasing the average temperature and causing a faster burning rate of the absorbent material 606 cooling the liquid or gas 602.

[0026] Because the dewar 104 in the storage system 100 has passive stabilization that maintains the dewar 104 in an upright position regardless of the orientation of the housing 102, the payload area 506 within the dewar 104 maintains or returns to an upright position when the dewar 104 is tilted, rotated, and / or otherwise angled. Thus, by maintaining the dewar 104 in an upright position and / or passively adjusting the dewar 104 such that the dewar 104 returns to or maintains an upright and / or vertical position, the storage system 100 reduces the amount and / or rate of evaporation of the liquid or gas 602 and reduces the burn rate of the absorbent material 606. Additionally, by reducing the burn rate of the absorbent material 606, which may be nitrogen, the dynamic retention time of the dewar 104 is increased. The dynamic retention time is the time that the dewar 104 maintains an internal temperature below -150°C during transport.

[0027] The storage system 100 includes a steam plug 106. FIGS. 4 and 7 show the steam plug 106. The steam plug 106 may have a handle portion 408 and a neck 410. The handle portion 408 may have a handle or grip that allows a user to twist the steam plug 106 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to insert at least a portion of the neck 410 into the opening 402. The steam plug 106 may be removable; that is, the steam plug 106 may be inserted into the opening 402 of the dewar 104 to close or partially close the dewar 104 and prevent access to the payload area 506. The handle portion 408 and / or the neck 410 may be made from a non-conductive material, such as a polymer or a material like fiberglass.

[0028] The steam plug 106 may be rotated or twisted clockwise and / or counterclockwise, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the steam plug 106 may be rotated clockwise when inserted into the opening 402 to secure the steam plug 106 within the opening 402 and rotated counterclockwise to remove the steam plug 106 from the opening 402 to insert liquid or gas into the payload region 506. In another example, the steam plug 106 may be rotated counterclockwise when inserted into the opening 402 to secure the steam plug 106 within the opening 402 and rotated clockwise to remove the steam plug 106 from the opening 402. The steam plug 106 may be inserted into the opening 402 such that a gap remains to allow gas to escape to prevent pressure buildup as liquid in the payload region 506 evaporates.

[0029] 7, the steam plug 106 may have a locking device 704. The locking device 704 may be positioned on the neck of the steam plug 106. The locking device 704 may be one or more magnets that interlock with one or more other magnets in the upper interior portion of the payload area 506 of the dewar 104. The magnets may have opposite polarities so that when the steam plug 106 is turned at a particular position in the dewar 104, the magnets lock the steam plug in the dewar 104. Conversely, when the steam plug 106 is rotated about its axis to another position, the opposite polarity of the magnets may push the steam plug out of the dewar 104.

[0030] The locking device 704 locks the steam plug 106 when it is inserted into the payload region 506. Because there may be a gap between the steam plug 106 and the interior portion of the payload region 506 of the dewar 104, the locking device 704 locks the steam plug 106 in place with the dewar 104 to prevent the steam plug 106 from falling out if the dewar 104 is oriented in a different direction or rotated. The gap between the steam plug 106 and the dewar 104 allows gas to escape due to expansion of gas or evaporation of liquid in the payload region 506, preventing pressure from building up in the payload region 506.

[0031] The storage system 100 may include an electronic thermocouple 702 that may be positioned, embedded, or included in the neck 410 of the steam plug 106 or connected to the neck 410. The electronic thermocouple 702 may be an electronic device or sensor that measures and monitors the temperature within the dewar 104. The electronic thermocouple 702 may wirelessly transmit and / or communicate with another electronic device, such as a smart data logger, using a wireless protocol. The electronic thermocouple 702 may communicate to the smart data logger to provide the temperature and / or may receive instructions from the smart data logger to monitor the temperature. The smart data logger may display the temperature or communicate the temperature to a user or another electronic platform. This allows for real-time monitoring of the temperature within the dewar 104 by other individuals.

[0032] The storage system 100 may include an electronic orientation sensor 706 that may be located, embedded, or included in or connected to the neck 510 of the vapor plug 106. The electronic orientation sensor 706 may be an electronic device or sensor that measures the orientation within the dewar 104, such as a gyroscope. The electronic orientation sensor 706 may wirelessly transmit and / or communicate with another electronic device, such as a smart data logger, using a wireless protocol. The electronic orientation sensor 706 may communicate and provide orientation data and / or angular velocity data to the smart data logger and / or may receive instructions from the smart data logger to monitor the orientation. The smart data logger may display the orientation or communicate the orientation to a user or another electronic platform. This allows for real-time monitoring of the orientation of the dewar 104 by other individuals.

[0033] The storage system 100 may include a corrugated neck tube 800, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B. The corrugated neck tube 800 may be thin-walled. The corrugated neck tube 800 connects the inner wall 504 to the outer wall 502 of the dewar 104. The corrugated neck tube 800 reduces the overall height of the neck tube, but maintains the same overall length of the path for conducting heat as a straight neck tube. The corrugated neck tube 800 may have a serpentine path 802 that provides heat conduction. By reducing the height of the neck tube, but keeping the same overall path length as a straight neck tube, the corrugated neck tube 800 reduces the overall size of the dewar 104. Additionally, by keeping the same overall path length for heat conduction as a straight neck tube, the corrugated neck tube 800 reduces the amount of heat conducted to the dewar 104. Thus, the corrugated neck tube 800 provides the same heat conduction with a shorter neck tube (e.g., shorter overall height or size) than a straight neck tube of similar overall path length. For example, the height of the corrugated neck tube 800 may be 2 to 3 inches long, but the total path length for heat conduction may be 6 inches long because the total path length for heat conduction may be a serpentine path along the thin walled corrugated neck tube.

[0034] Storage system 100 includes a ball transport device 900, as shown, for example, in Figure 9. Ball transport device 900 may be connected to housing 102 at inner phalanges or wings 202. Ball transport device 900 provides a coupling between housing 102 and dewar 104 and may allow dewar 104 to rotate freely within the cavity of housing 102.

[0035] The ball transport device 900 may have a head 902 and a body 904. The head 902 and the body 904 may be shaped as a cylinder. The diameter of the head 902 may be greater than the diameter of the body 904. The ball transport device 900 may be inserted into a hole or opening in the internal phalange or wing 202. For example, the body 904 may be inserted into the opening and the head 902 may form a seal around the opening in the internal phalange or wing 202. The head 902 and the body 904 may have an opening and a cavity in which the ball bearing 906 and the spring 908 reside.

[0036] The ball transfer device 900 may have a ball bearing 906, a cup 910, and a spring 908 that seats or rests within a cavity of the ball transfer device 900. The ball bearing 906 may have a top and a bottom. The top of the ball bearing 906 may protrude from the head 902 of the ball transfer device 900. When the dewar 104 is seated within the cavity of the housing 102, the protruding top of the ball bearing 906 contacts the dewar 104. The ball bearing 906 minimizes friction between the housing 102 and the dewar 104, allowing the dewar 104 to rotate or move freely within the housing 102. The ball bearing 906 provides a frictionless or low friction surface. The bottom of the ball bearing 906, which is within the cavity of the body 904, may rest in a cup 910 that engages the spring 908.

[0037] The cup 910 provides an interface between the bottom of the ball bearing 906 and the spring 908, so that when a force is applied to the top of the ball bearing 906, the bottom of the ball bearing 906 pushes against the cup 910, which exerts a downward force on the spring 908, causing it to contract. This allows the dewar 104 to rotate freely within the housing 102, which can absorb shock and vibration during storage and / or transportation. As the dewar 104 pushes against the ball bearing 906, the spring 908 contracts further while the ball bearing 906 moves further into the cavity of the body 904. This allows the dewar 104 to push against each other instead of remaining rigid, absorbing the shock or vibration. Once the event causing the shock or vibration has passed, the spring 908 returns or expands to its original state, keeping the dewar 104 positioned within the cavity of the housing 102. Additionally, one or more ball bearings 906 allow the dewar 104 to be rotated or angled such that the dewar 104 remains passively stabilized and upright regardless of the orientation of the housing 102.

[0038] The spring 908 may contract when a downward force is applied to the ball bearing 906, such as when the dewar 104 exerts an outward force on the ball bearing 906 due to an impact or vibration to the housing 102. For example, when the housing 102 moves, shifts, or falls, a vibration force is exerted on the housing 102. If the dewar 104 moves or shifts in response to the vibration force, the dewar 104 may exert an outward force on the ball transport device 900, and instead of violently contacting the housing 102, the dewar 104 exerts a force on the ball bearing 906, which retracts into the cavity of the body 904, causing the spring 908 to contract and absorb the force.

[0039] 10, a storage system 1000 according to various embodiments is shown. The storage system 1000 includes a dewar 104 and a housing assembly 1002. The housing assembly 1002 includes a first support ring 1010 and a second support ring 1020. The first support ring 1010 may be disposed opposite the second support ring 1020. The first support ring 1010 and the second support ring 1020 may include the same shape (e.g., raceways, etc.). Each support ring 1010, 1020 includes a plurality of ball transport devices 1030. Each ball transport device of the plurality of ball transport devices 1030 may conform to the ball transport device 900 of FIG. 9. In various embodiments, the ball transport device 1030 may include ball bearings, etc.

[0040] The housing assembly 1002 may further include a first end plate 1040 and a second end plate 1050. The first end plate 1040 is disposed opposite the second end plate 1050. The first support ring 1010 is coupled to the first end plate 1040 and the second support ring 1020 is coupled to the second end plate 1050 by any method known in the art, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. Each end plate 1040, 1050 may be flat. Each support ring 1010, 1020 may include a surface that is inclined at an angle relative to an adjacent surface of each end plate 1040, 1050. For example, an inner surface of the first support ring 1010 may be disposed at an acute angle relative to a surface of the first support ring distal to the dewar 104. The multiple ball transport devices 1030 may be disposed around the inclined surface. In various embodiments, the ball transport device 1030 may contact the dewar at a point that is substantially tangential to the exterior surface of the dewar 104. "Substantially tangential" as referred to herein is + / - 15 degrees tangential.

[0041] The housing assembly 1002 may further include a plurality of springs 1060. A first plurality of springs of the plurality of springs 1060 may be disposed between the first end plate 1040 and the first support ring 1010, and a second plurality of springs of the plurality of springs 1060 may be disposed between the second end plate 1050 and the second support ring 1020. The plurality of springs 1060 may be configured for shock absorption during transportation of the storage system 1000.

[0042] The housing assembly 1002 may further include a plurality of rods 1070 disposed between the first end plate 1040 and the second end plate 1050. Each rod of the plurality of rods 1070 may be coupled to the first end plate 1040 and the second end plate 1050 by any method known in the art, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. The plurality of rods 1070 may be configured to secure the dewar 104 between the first support ring 1010 and the second support ring 1020 by ensuring that the dewar 104 contacts each ball transport device of the plurality of ball transport devices 1030.

[0043] The housing assembly 1002 may be configured to protect the dewar 104 from external forces during transport of the storage system 1000. For example, the ball transport device 1030 may provide a nearly frictionless contact with the dewar so that it can rotate freely within the housing assembly 1002. A number of springs 1060 may provide shock absorption when an external force is applied to the housing assembly.

[0044] 11, a housing assembly 1102 is shown according to various embodiments. The housing assembly 1102 comprises a first support tube 1110 and a second support tube 1120. The first support tube 1110 may be disposed on an opposite side of the second support tube 1120. In various embodiments, the first support tube 1110 and the second support tube 1120 may comprise or be made of polyester, nylon, vinyl, or the like. The first support tube 1110 and the second support tube 1120 may be filled with a gas or liquid. The gas or liquid may be configured to maintain the same volume with temperature changes (i.e., the gas or liquid may not shrink or expand in response to temperature changes). In various embodiments, the first support tube 1110 and the second support tube 1120 may be filled with nitrogen gas.

[0045] The housing assembly 1102 further includes a plurality of pad assemblies 1130. Each pad in the plurality of pad assemblies 1130 may include a padding component and a pad housing. For example, the pad assembly 1132 of the plurality of pad assemblies 1130 includes a padding component 1133 and a pad housing 1135. The padding component 1133 may include a plate, or the like. The padding component 1133 may be made of a flexible material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a thermoplastic polymer, or the like. The pad housing 1135 may include a receptacle configured to receive the padding component 1133. The padding component 1133 may be configured to be removably coupled to the pad housing 1135 by any method known in the art, such as a press fit, fasteners, adhesive, or the like.

[0046] The housing assembly 1102 further comprises a first housing 1140 and a second housing 1150. The first housing 1140 may be disposed on an opposite side of the second housing 1150. The first housing 1140 and the second housing 1150 may be configured to receive a respective support tube. For example, the first support tube 1110 is coupled to the first housing 1140 by any method known in the art, such as press fit, fasteners, adhesives, etc. The first support tube 1110 is contained within the first housing 1140. The first housing 1140 may secure the first support tube in place. In various embodiments, each housing may comprise a radially outer ring, a radially inner ring, and a number of flanges. For example, the second housing 1150 comprises a radially outer ring 1152, a radially inner ring 1154, and a number of flanges 1156. Each flange of the plurality of flanges 1156 may extend radially inward from the radially inner ring 1154. The plurality of flanges 1156 may be disposed substantially equidistantly around the radially inner ring 1154. Each flange in the plurality of flanges 1156 may be configured to hingeably couple to a respective pad assembly in the plurality of pad assemblies 1130.

[0047] The multiple pad assemblies 1130 may be configured to receive the dewar 104 (as shown in FIG. 10). The dewar 104 may be configured to contact only the pads of the respective pad assemblies. Each pad in the multiple pad assemblies 1130 may act as a substantially frictionless surface for the dewar to rotate around. The first support tube 1110 and the second support tube 1120 may be configured to absorb shock from external forces during transportation of the storage system including the housing assembly 1102 and the dewar 104. The first housing 1140 and the second housing 1150 may be configured to couple to a housing, such as the housing 102 (from FIG. 1). In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1102 may be lighter than the housing assembly 1002. In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1102 may provide greater shock absorption than the housing assembly 1002.

[0048] 12, a portion of a housing assembly 1202 is shown, according to various embodiments. The housing assembly 1202 includes a first housing 1210. The first housing 1210 may be shaped, such as a spherical crown. The housing assembly further includes a plurality of transport rollers 1230 disposed about an inner surface of the first housing 1210. The plurality of transport rollers 1230 are suspended by a net assembly 1240 within the first housing 1210.

[0049] In various embodiments, the net assembly 1240 comprises a plurality of cables 1242. The plurality of cables 1242 are coupled to the plurality of transfer rollers 1230 and configured to suspend the plurality of transfer rollers such that the plurality of transfer rollers 1230 do not contact the first housing during transport of the corresponding storage system. The plurality of cables 1242 may be elastic cables, steel cables, or the like. The housing assembly 1202 further comprises a plurality of springs 1250. Each spring in the plurality of springs 1250 is coupled to a respective transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers 1230. In various embodiments, two or more springs of the plurality of springs 1250 may be coupled to a respective transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers 1230. In various embodiments, the transfer rollers in the plurality of transfer rollers 1230 may be coupled without springs and / or fully suspended by the plurality of cables 1242 in the net assembly.

[0050] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1202 may further include a second housing. The second housing may follow the first housing 1210. The second housing may be disposed opposite the first housing 1210. The housing assembly 1202 may be configured to receive the dewar 104 (as shown in FIG. 1). The housing assembly 1202 may be configured to suspend the dewar away from the first housing 1210 and the second housing during transport of the respective storage systems.

[0051] In various embodiments, each transfer roller in the plurality of transfer rollers 1230 includes a housing and a ball bearing. For example, transfer roller 1232 includes a housing 1234 and a bearing 1236. Bearing 1236 is disposed within housing 1234. Bearing 1236 projects outwardly from housing 1234. Bearing 1236 may provide a substantially frictionless outer surface. Bearing 1236 may be configured to allow a dewar (e.g., dewar 104 from FIG. 1) to rotate freely within housing assembly 1202 during transport of the respective storage system.

[0052] 13, a portion of a housing assembly 1302 is shown, according to various embodiments. The housing assembly 1302 includes a housing 1310. The housing 1310 may include a box shape, or the like. The housing 1310 may define a recess 1312, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a ball and cap recess, or the like. The housing assembly 1302 further includes a padding component 1340 disposed within the recess 1312. The padding component 1340 may include a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. The housing assembly 1302 further includes a plurality of ball transport devices 1330 disposed about an inner surface of the padding component 1340. Each ball transport device in the plurality of ball transport devices 1330 may include a ball transport device 900 (from FIG. 9).

[0053] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1302 is configured for dual shock absorption during transport of the dewar. For example, when an external force is applied to the housing assembly 1302, the plurality of ball transport devices 1330 may absorb a portion of the shock via the springs of each ball transport device in the plurality of ball transport devices 1330. Similarly, when the springs are compressed, the dewar may contact the padding component 1340, which may absorb a portion of the shock from the external force.

[0054] In various embodiments, each ball transport device in the plurality of ball transport devices 1330 may be disposed within, coupled to, and / or coupled to the padding component 1340 and / or housing 1310. Each ball transport device in the plurality of ball transport devices 1330 may protrude outwardly from an inner surface 1342 of the padding component 1340. Under normal transport conditions, a dewar (e.g., dewar 104) may only contact the plurality of ball transport devices 1330. When subjected to an external force, the dewar (e.g., dewar 104) may contact a portion of the padding component 1340 and / or the plurality of ball transport devices 1330.

[0055] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1302 may further include a fastener 1350 coupled to a side of the housing 1310. The fastener 1350 may be any fastener known in the art, such as a latch. The fastener 1350 may be configured to engage with a mating fastener of an adjacent housing. In various embodiments, the adjacent housing is according to the housing 1310. The housing assembly 1302 may include a first housing (e.g., the housing 1310) and a second housing (e.g., the housing 1310). The first housing and the second housing may be configured to completely encapsulate a dewar (e.g., the dewar 104 from FIG. 1) as part of a storage system according to various embodiments.

[0056] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1302 may further include a fastener receptacle 1352. The fastener receptacle 1352 may be configured to secure to a respective fastener (e.g., fastener 1350) of a mating housing (e.g., housing 1310). The fastener 1350 and fastener receptacle 1352 may ensure that the housing assembly 1302 completely encloses a respective dewar (e.g., dewar 104).

[0057] 14, a portion of a housing assembly 1402 is shown, according to various embodiments. The housing assembly 1402 comprises a housing 1410. The housing 1410 may include a box shape, or the like. The housing 1410 may define a recess 1412, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a sphere and cap recess, or the like. The housing assembly 1402 further comprises a padding component 1440 disposed within the recess 1412. The padding component 1440 may comprise a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. The housing assembly 1402 further comprises a plurality of ball elements 1430 disposed about an inner surface of the padding component 1440. Each ball element within the plurality of ball elements 1430 may be embedded in the padding component 1440. Each ball element within the plurality of ball elements 1430 may be configured to rotate freely within the padding component 1440.

[0058] Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1430 may protrude outwardly from an inner surface 1442 of the padding component 1340. Under normal transfer conditions, a dewar (e.g., dewar 104) may only contact the plurality of ball elements 1430. Upon being subjected to an external force, a dewar (e.g., dewar 104) may contact the padding component 1440 and / or a portion of the plurality of ball elements 1430 (i.e., each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1430 may be configured to deform the padding component 1440).

[0059] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1402 may further comprise a fastener 1450 coupled to a side of the housing 1410. The fastener 1450 may be any fastener known in the art, such as a latch. The fastener 1450 may be configured to engage with a mating fastener of an adjacent housing. In various embodiments, the adjacent housing is according to the housing 1410. The housing assembly 1402 may comprise a first housing (e.g., the housing 1410) and a second housing (e.g., the housing 1410). The first housing and the second housing may be configured to completely encapsulate a dewar (e.g., the dewar 104 from FIG. 1) as part of a storage system according to various embodiments.

[0060] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1402 may further include a fastener receptacle 1452. The fastener receptacle 1452 may be configured to secure to a respective fastener (e.g., fastener 1450) of a mating housing (e.g., housing 1410). The fastener 1450 and fastener receptacle 1452 may ensure that the housing assembly 1302 completely encloses a respective dewar (e.g., dewar 104).

[0061] 15, a portion of a storage system 1500 and a portion of a housing assembly 1602 are shown, according to various embodiments. The storage system 1500 includes a dewar 104 disposed within an outer dome 1510. The storage system 1500 may further include a plurality of ball elements 1530 disposed between the outer dome 1510 and the dewar 104. In various embodiments, the outer dome 1510 includes a first dome portion 1512 and a second dome portion 1514. The first dome portion 1512 may be coupled to the second dome portion 1514 by any method known in the art, such as fasteners, hinges, and the like. The first dome portion 1512 may further include an opening 1516 disposed through an exterior surface of the first dome portion 1512. The first dome portion 1512 and the second dome portion 1514 may include a substantially hemispherical shape, and the like. The dewar 104 may be configured to rotate freely within the outer dome 1510 during transport of the storage system 1500. The outer dome 1510 may be made of any material known in the art, such as metal, plastic, etc. The outer dome 1510 may define a substantially spherical cavity configured to receive the dewar 104 therein.

[0062] In various embodiments, the plurality of ball elements 1530 may be configured to contact at least one-third of the surface area of ​​the exterior of the dewar 104. For example, the second dome portion 1514 of the outer dome 1510 may be filled with the plurality of ball elements 1530, ensuring that at least one-third of the surface area of ​​the exterior of the dewar 104 is in contact with the plurality of ball elements. In various embodiments, the storage system 1500 may be configured to ensure that the exterior of the dewar 104 is only in contact with the plurality of ball elements 1530 during transportation of the storage system 1500. Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1530 may be made of any material known in the art, such as plastic, metal, etc. In various embodiments, each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1530 is made of plastic.

[0063] Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1530 may provide a substantially frictionless outer surface. Each bearing in the plurality of ball elements 1530 may be configured to allow the dewar 104 to rotate freely within the outer dome 1510 of the housing assembly 1602 during transport of the respective storage system.

[0064] 16, a portion of a storage system 1500 is shown, according to various embodiments. The storage system 1500 may further include a housing assembly 1602. The housing assembly 1602 may include a housing 1610. The housing 1610 may include any shape known in the art, such as a box, a hexagon, etc. The housing 1410 may include a box shape, etc. The housing 1610 may define a recess 1612, such as a substantially hemispherical recess, a sphere and cap recess, etc. The housing assembly 1602 may further include a padding component 1640 disposed within the recess 1612. The padding component 1640 may include a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, etc. The padding component 1640 may include a gasket, etc. The housing assembly 1602 may further include a portion of the outer dome 1510 (e.g., the first dome portion 1512 or the second dome portion 1514). A portion of the outer dome 1510 may be disposed in the recess 1612 and / or may contact the padding component 1640. After the portion of the outer dome 1510 is disposed in the recess 1612, a number of ball elements 1530 (from FIG. 15 ) may be disposed on the portion of the outer dome 1510.

[0065] In various embodiments, the padding component 1640 may include an opening 1642 disposed proximate the distal surface 1614 of the housing 1610. A "distal surface" as described herein is a surface distal to the center of the storage system 1500, according to various embodiments. Thus, the padding component 1640 may be configured to receive a portion of the outer dome 1510 and / or secure the outer dome 1510 in place, such as via a press fit. The padding component 1640 may be coupled to the housing 1610 by any method known in the art, such as by adhesive.

[0066] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1602 may further include a second padding component 1650 disposed proximate the distal face 1614 of the housing 1610. The second padding component 1650 may be configured to provide additional shock support in the event that the outer dome 1510 bottoms out during transport of the storage system 1500.

[0067] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1602 may include a first housing (e.g., housing 1610) and a second housing (e.g., housing 1610). The first housing and second housing may be configured to be coupled together by any method known in the art, such as with fasteners and fastener receptacles, such as described for housing assembly 1302 from FIG.

[0068] 17, there is shown a portion of a storage system 1700, according to various embodiments. For ease of illustration, the outer dome 1710 is shown as transparent. The storage system 1700 includes a housing assembly 1702 and a dewar 104. The housing assembly 1702 includes a housing 1810, an outer dome 1710, and a plurality of ball elements 1730.

[0069] In various embodiments, the outer dome 1710 includes a first dome portion 1712 and a second dome portion 1714. The first dome portion 1712 may be coupled to the second dome portion 1714 by any method known in the art, such as fasteners, hinges, etc. For example, the first dome portion 1712 may include a first flange 1713 and the second dome portion 1714 may include a second flange 1715. The first flange 1713 and the second flange 1715 may be disposed adjacent one another. The first flange 1713 may be coupled to the second flange 1715 by any method known in the art, such as fasteners (e.g., fastener 1717). The first dome portion 1712 and the second dome portion 1714 may each include a substantially hemispherical shape, etc. The first dome portion 1712 may further include an opening 1516 disposed through an exterior surface of the first dome portion 1512. The dewar 104 may be configured to rotate freely within the outer dome 1510 during transport of the storage system 1700. The outer dome 1710 may be made of any material known in the art, such as metal, plastic, etc.

[0070] In various embodiments, the plurality of ball elements 1730 may be configured to contact at least one-third of the surface area of ​​the exterior surface of the dewar 104. For example, the second dome portion 1714 of the outer dome 1710 may be filled with the plurality of ball elements 1730, ensuring that at least one-third of the surface area of ​​the exterior surface of the dewar 104 is in contact with the plurality of ball elements. In various embodiments, the storage system 1700 may be configured to ensure that the exterior surface of the dewar 104 is in contact only with the plurality of ball elements 1530 during transport of the storage system 1500. Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1730 may be made of any material known in the art, such as plastic, metal, etc. In various embodiments, each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1730 is made of plastic.

[0071] Each ball element in the plurality of ball elements 1730 may provide a substantially frictionless outer surface. Each bearing in the plurality of ball elements 1730 may be configured to allow the dewar 104 to rotate freely within the outer dome 1710 of the housing assembly 1702 during transport of the storage system 1700.

[0072] In various embodiments, the housing assembly 1702 further comprises a plurality of padding components 1740. The plurality of padding components 1740 may be disposed about the outer dome 1710. In various embodiments, each padding component of the plurality of padding components 1740 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to an exterior surface of the outer dome 1710. Each padding component of the plurality of padding components 1740 may comprise a first padding portion and a second padding portion. For example, the padding component 1745 comprises a first padding portion 1746 and a second padding portion 1748. The first padding portion 1746 may be coupled to an inner surface of the housing 1810 by any method known in the art, such as adhesives, fasteners, etc. The second padding portion 1748 may be coupled to the first padding portion 1746 by any method known in the art, such as adhesives, fasteners, etc. The second padding portion 1748 may be configured to contact an exterior surface and / or flange of the outer dome 1710 of the housing assembly 1702 during transportation of the storage system 1700.

[0073] In various embodiments, the first padding portion 1746 may be more rigid than the second padding portion 1748. The first padding portion 1746 may be configured for vibration damping during transport of the storage system 1700. The second padding portion 1748 may be configured for shock absorption from external forces during transport of the storage system 1700. In various embodiments, the first padding portion 1746 and the second padding portion 1748 are made of a flexible material, such as foam, rubber, or the like. In various embodiments, the first padding portion is made of a urethane polymer (e.g., a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer). In various embodiments, the second padding portion 1748 is made of a polyethylene polymer.

[0074] Although described in terms of various embodiments, any feature from a given embodiment may be utilized in an alternative embodiment and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 18, a method 1900 of assembling a storage system is shown, according to various embodiments. The method includes disposing a plurality of ball elements in a first portion of an outer dome (step 1902). The first portion of the outer dome may be substantially hemispherical. The plurality of ball elements may fill at least two-thirds of a surface area of ​​the first portion of the outer dome. The method further includes disposing a spherical dewar within the first portion of the outer dome (step 1904). A radially outer surface of the spherical dewar may be in contact only with the plurality of ball elements. The method further includes coupling a second portion of the outer dome to the first portion of the outer dome (step 1906). The second portion of the outer dome may be substantially hemispherical. The second portion of the outer dome may include an opening disposed distal to the first portion of the outer dome. The spherical dewar may be configured to freely rotate within the outer dome of the plurality of ball elements.

[0076] The method may further include disposing the outer dome on the first housing (step 1908). The first housing may be coupled to the padding component. In various embodiments, the first housing may conform to housing 1610, housing 1810, etc. The method may further include coupling a second housing to the first housing (step 1910). The second housing may conform to housing 1610, housing 1810, etc. The first housing and the second housing may completely encapsulate the outer dome. The outer dome and the plurality of ball bearing elements may be configured to enable the spherical dewar to experience little or no friction during transport of the storage system. The first housing and the second housing may be configured to provide shock absorption and / or vibration damping of the spherical dewar during transport of the storage system.

[0077] Exemplary embodiments of the method / system have been disclosed in an exemplary manner. Therefore, the terms used throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings of this specification are well known to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that what is intended to be limited within the scope of the patent granted herein are all such embodiments that are within the scope of reasonable progress, and the technology contributed hereto is not limited in scope unless the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents are considered.

Claims

1. 1. An enclosure assembly for a cryogenic storage system, comprising: A first housing; a first padding component coupled to the first housing; a second housing disposed opposite the first housing and configured to couple to the first housing; a second padding component coupled to the first housing; and Equipped with the first housing and the second housing are configured to receive a dewar therein; the dewar is formed as a sphere and has a center of gravity or mass within a bottom of the dewar that passively stabilizes the dewar when the dewar is tilted, angled, or rotated within the housing assembly; the first padding component and the second padding component are configured for shock absorption and / or vibration damping; the dewar is configured to contact a portion of the first padding component and a portion of the second padding component when subjected to an external force; an outer dome configured to be completely enclosed within the first housing and the second housing; the first padding component is a gasket, the first housing includes a recess, and the gasket is disposed in the recess; Housing assembly.

2. The first padding component includes an opening disposed proximate a distal end of the first housing, and the outer dome is configured to be press-fit into the opening; The housing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the first housing is a surface of the first housing that is distal from a center of the cryogenic storage system.

3. The housing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of padding components, the plurality of padding components including the first padding component and the second padding component, the plurality of padding components arranged around the outer dome.

4. The first housing and the second housing each include a radially inner ring and a radially outer ring, and the housing assembly includes: a first support tube coupled to the first housing between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring of the first housing, the first support tube being filled with nitrogen gas; a second support tube coupled to the second housing between the radially outer ring and the radially inner ring of the first housing, the second support tube being filled with nitrogen gas; a first plurality of pad assemblies disposed about the radially inner ring of the first housing, each pad assembly of the first plurality of pad assemblies including the first padding component; a second plurality of pad assemblies disposed about the radially inner ring of the second housing, each pad assembly of the second plurality of pad assemblies including the second padding component; The housing assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:

5. A housing assembly as described in claim 4, wherein each pad assembly of the first plurality of pad assemblies and the second plurality of pad assemblies includes a pad housing coupled to a radially inner ring of the first housing or the second housing, respectively.

6. A first plurality of ball transport devices disposed about a first radially inner surface of the first padding component; a second plurality of ball transport devices disposed about a second radially inner surface of the second padding component; and Further equipped with each ball transport device of the first plurality of ball transport devices and the second plurality of ball transport devices comprises a spring, a cup, and a ball bearing; The springs are coupled to each of the housings and to the cup; the ball bearing is disposed within the cup; the ball bearing is configured to contact the dewar; The housing assembly of claim 1 .

7. A dewar having a radially outer surface; a housing assembly configured to house the dewar, the housing assembly including an outer dome with a spherical cavity and a radially inner surface; the dewar is formed as a sphere and has a center of gravity or mass within a bottom of the dewar that passively stabilizes the dewar when the dewar is tilted, angled, or rotated within the housing assembly; the housing assembly further comprising a housing and a padding component, the padding component being disposed between the housing and the outer dome; the padding component is configured for shock absorption and / or vibration dampening; the dewar is configured to contact a portion of the padding component when subjected to an external force; Cryogenic storage systems.

8. The cryogenic storage system of claim 7, wherein the padding component is a gasket disposed in a recess in the housing.

9. The cryogenic storage system of claim 7, wherein the dewar is a spherical dewar that rotates in three dimensions.

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