Dewar Drying Device

Abstract

A method, system, apparatus, and / or device for drying a dewar. The dewar drying apparatus includes a heating element configured to generate heat to warm a payload region within the dewar. The dewar drying apparatus includes a controller coupled to the heating element and configured to determine or detect a temperature within the payload region of the dewar. The controller is configured to use the heating element to control the temperature within the payload region of the dewar and evaporate liquid or gas within the payload region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 936,099, entitled "DEWAR DRYING DEVICE," filed July 22, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0003] The present invention relates to a system, device or apparatus for a Dewar drying device for drying dry vapor transport vessels. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0005] In the shipping industry, certain types of contents and cargo require special attention. This need is evident when shipping biological samples and specimens. Businesses, hospitals, laboratories, and other research or consumer facilities need to transport biological materials that are highly susceptible to cellular degradation unless maintained at specific temperatures. This requires cryogenic shipping services to transport biological materials at extremely low temperatures (approximately -150 degrees Celsius). Transporting these temperature-controlled materials requires specialized equipment, such as dry vapor transport vessels, which are validated to maintain cryogenic temperatures for extended periods to prevent or avoid cellular degradation and loss. For example, dry vapor transport vessels are metal flasks with payload areas or wells that hold biological materials at cryogenic temperatures for extended periods, enabling their transport.

[0004]

[0006] When a dry vapor transport vessel is returned, its functionality must be verified and cleaned to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination before the next payload is shipped. Standard procedure requires that all liquid nitrogen (LN2) be removed from the interior of the dry vapor transport vessel so that it can be cleaned by returning it to ambient temperature. This is difficult because dry vapor transport vessels utilize effective absorbent materials that maintain the vessel at cryogenic temperatures for 10 days or more. Current methods involve inverting the dry vapor transport vessel for a minimum of 24 hours, which ensures that the LN2 within the vessel migrates to the opening of the dry vapor transport vessel, increasing the evaporation rate of the LN2. However, this increases the processing time of the dry vapor transport vessel and reduces the availability of the dry vapor transport vessel.

[0005]

[0007] Furthermore, inverting the dry vapor transport canister to remove the liquid nitrogen can cause moisture to accumulate within the absorbent material in the payload area of ​​the dry vapor transport canister. This moisture accumulation within the absorbent material is detrimental to the absorbent material's effectiveness, resulting in a reduction in the amount of liquid nitrogen that can be held within the absorbent material and a shortened hold time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006]

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a method, system, device, or apparatus for increasing the LN2 evaporation rate from a dry vapor transport container, reducing the amount of moisture retained in the absorbent material, improving the availability of the dry vapor transport container, and ensuring that all of the LN2 in the dry vapor transport container has evaporated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007]

[0009] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is embodied in a dewar dryer for a dewar. The dewar dryer includes a heating element. The heating element is configured to generate heat to warm a payload region within the dewar. The dewar dryer includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the heating element and configured to determine or detect a temperature within the payload region of the dewar. The controller is configured to use the heating element to control the temperature within the payload region of the dewar and evaporate liquid or gas within the payload region without damaging materials within the payload region.

[0008]

[0010] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: The controller may be configured to activate the heating element and use the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload region of the dewar and vaporize the liquid or gas. The controller may be configured to deactivate the heating element if the temperature within the payload region of the dewar is equal to or greater than a second threshold temperature. The controller may be configured to measure the time it takes for the temperature to decrease from the second threshold to the first threshold. The controller may be configured to determine that the payload region within the dewar is dry if the time is greater than a threshold amount.

[0009]

[0011] The dewar drying apparatus may include a housing. The housing may enclose a controller and an indicator. The indicator may be configured to provide a visual indication that the payload area within the dewar is dry. The controller may be configured to activate the indicator to provide a visual indication that the payload area is dry.

[0010]

[0012] The dewar drying apparatus may include a dewar cover. The dewar cover may be disposed at the bottom of the housing and may be configured to be disposed over an opening in the neck of the dewar. The dewar drying apparatus may include an elongated member. The elongated member may be coupled to the housing at a proximal end and to the heating element at a distal end. The elongated member may have a hollow tubular structure. The hollow tubular structure may enclose one or more wires that provide electrical energy from a power source to the heating element. The distal end of the elongated member may be disposed within the payload region of the dewar such that the heating element extends within the payload region.

[0011]

[0013] The dewar drying apparatus may include a thermocouple device. The thermocouple device may be configured to measure a temperature inside the payload region of the dewar. A controller may be coupled to the thermocouple device. The controller may be configured to determine or detect a temperature inside the payload region of the dewar using the thermocouple device.

[0012]

[0014] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a dewar drying system. The dewar drying system includes a first dewar having a first payload area and a second dewar having a second payload area. The dewar drying system includes a first dewar drying device having a first heating element. The first heating element is configured to generate heat to warm the first payload area of ​​the first dewar. The dewar drying system includes a second dewar drying device having a second heating element. The second heating element is configured to generate heat to warm the second payload area of ​​the second dewar. The dewar drying system includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the first dewar drying device and the second dewar drying device. The controller is configured to control a first temperature within the first payload area using the first heating element. The controller is configured to control a second temperature within the second payload area using the second heating element. This configuration may be increased to expand capacity to multiple dewars simultaneously.

[0013]

[0015] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a method for drying a dewar. The method includes determining or detecting, by a processor and using a sensor, a temperature inside a payload region of the dewar. The method includes determining, by the processor, that the temperature inside the payload region of the dewar is equal to or less than a first threshold. The method includes the processor using a power source to supply electrical energy to a heating element to increase the temperature inside the payload region. The method includes the processor using an indicator to indicate to a user that the dewar is dry.

[0014]

[0016] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a dewar drying system. The dewar drying system includes a dewar having a payload region configured to hold a liquid or gas at a temperature below ambient. The dewar drying system includes a dewar drying device. The dewar drying device includes a heating element configured to generate heat to warm the payload region within the dewar. The dewar drying device includes a sensor configured to detect a temperature within the payload region. The dewar drying device includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the heating element. The controller is configured to use the sensor to determine or detect a temperature within the payload region of the dewar and to use the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload region.

[0015]

[0017] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Components shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate important features of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a Dewar drying apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a Dewar drying apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1B shows an example of a schematic diagram of the drying apparatus of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 2 illustrates a dewar drying system including the dewar drying apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 2 illustrates the dewar drying apparatus of FIG. 1 heating the payload region of the dewar in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for drying a dewar using the dewar drying apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for determining whether a dewar is dry based on the temperature of the environment within the dewar using the dewar drying apparatus of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017]

[0025] Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus, and devices for a dewar drying apparatus. The dewar drying apparatus uses a controlled heat source located within the dewar to increase the evaporation rate of liquid nitrogen (LN2) or other liquids or gases within the dewar or other dry vapor transport vessel. The dewar drying apparatus ensures that all liquids or gases within the dewar's payload area are removed before the next shipment to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, by using a heat source to evaporate a liquid or gas, such as LN2, the dewar drying apparatus reduces the time to evaporate and dry the dewar compared to the conventional standard procedure of inverting the dewar to remove the liquid or gas contents within the dewar. In fact, using a heat source to evaporate the liquid or gas reduces evaporation time from approximately one day (or 24 hours) to less than approximately eight hours. This increases processing time and improves dewar availability.

[0018]

[0026] Other benefits and advantages of using a heat source to vaporize a liquid or gas include the ability to cover the dewar and keep it upright while the dewar dryer evaporates the liquid or gas. By keeping the dewar upright and covered, the dewar dryer prevents foreign objects from contaminating the payload area within the dewar. Additionally, because the dewar is not inverted, fewer drying racks are required, reducing the space required to dry the dewar. Additionally, the operator drying the dewar does not have to lift the dewar and invert it onto the drying rack, improving safety and minimizing hazards.

[0019]

[0027] Additionally, allowing the Dewar to remain upright prevents ambient air from being drawn into the Dewar, which can allow frost, condensation, humidity, or other water vapor to enter the Dewar and be absorbed by the absorbent, preventing the absorbent from absorbing LN2. As the absorbent absorbs water vapor, the voids and capillaries in the absorbent expand to hold the water vapor, causing the absorbent to lose its ability to absorb and retain LN2. Thus, by keeping the Dewar upright, the absorbent does not expand due to water vapor absorption, allowing the absorbent to later absorb more LN2 and maintain the overall cryogenic retention time of the Dewar.

[0020]

[0028] FIG. 1A shows a dewar drying apparatus (or "drying apparatus") 100. Drying apparatus 100 includes a drying platform 101 and processing circuitry 103. Drying apparatus 100 may include a housing 102 that encloses processing circuitry 103 and protects it from the environment. Housing 102 may be located on top of a dewar cover 112 of drying platform 101. Drying apparatus 100 may be used to evaporate any liquid or gas, such as liquid nitrogen (LN), remaining in a dry vapor transport container (or "shipping container"), such as a dewar, when the dry vapor transport container is returned to the sender for cleaning, sterilization, and / or preparation for subsequent shipment.

[0021]

[0029] The drying apparatus 100 may include one or more drying platforms 101. For example, the drying apparatus 100 may include a single drying platform 101 as shown in FIG. 1A, or may include multiple drying platforms 101, such as a first drying platform 101a and a second drying platform 101 as shown in FIG. 1B. The multiple drying platforms 101 may include any number of drying platforms, for example, 20 drying platforms. Each of the one or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled to a corresponding processing circuit 103, or all of the one or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled to a single processing circuit 103. The drying apparatus 100 may include any number of drying platforms 101 coupled to a central processing circuit 103. The one or more drying platforms 101 may be coupled via a wired or wireless connection.

[0022]

[0030] Drying apparatus 100 includes processing circuitry 103. Processing circuitry 103 may be contained within a housing 102 that protects processing circuitry 103 from the environment. Housing 102 may be coupled to drying platform 101 or may be separate and coupled to one or more drying platforms 101.

[0023]

[0031] Processing circuit 103 may include multiple components, such as processor 104, memory 106, and / or adjustable circuitry. If processing circuit 103 is separate from or coupled to one or more drying platforms 101, processing circuit 103 may include network access device 124, as shown in FIG. 1B, for example. Processing circuit 103 may include circuitry for one or more indicators 108a-108b, switch 120, and / or user interface 122.

[0024]

[0032] Processor 104 may be implemented as a single processor or as multiple processors. Processor 104 may be a microprocessor, data processor, microcontroller, or other controller and may be electrically coupled to some or all of the other components in processing circuit 103. Processor 104 may control one or more indicators 108a-108b, switch 120, and / or one or more sensors 114.

[0025]

[0033] The processor 104 may also control the supply of electrical energy from the power source 110 to the heating elements 118. For example, the processor 104 may control the amount of electrical energy supplied from the power source 110 to the heating elements 118, the activation or deactivation of the supply of electrical energy, and / or the frequency of the supply of electrical energy. The amount of electrical energy supplied may be approximately 500 W for each of the one or more drying platforms 101, or may be a different amount for each of the one or more drying platforms 101. For example, the processor 104 may supply a first amount of electrical energy to a first drying platform 101a and a second amount to a second drying platform 101b. The processor 104 may supply electrical energy to one or more drying platforms 101 simultaneously, in parallel, or sequentially. The drying apparatus 100 may rotate or cycle the supply of electrical energy between one or more drying platforms 101 so that the electrical load on the power source 110 is maintained and not increased during the supply of electrical energy to one or more drying platforms 101. The processor 104 may be coupled to a memory 106 .

[0026]

[0034] The memory 106 is coupled to the processor 104 and may store instructions executed by the processor 104. The memory 106 may include one or more of a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a USB storage device, or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 106 may be a non-transitory memory or data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, or other suitable data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions that can be loaded and executed by the processor 104.

[0027]

[0035] Network access device 124 may include a communication port or channel, such as one or more of a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) unit, a Wi-Fi unit, a Bluetooth® unit, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or reader, or a cellular network unit for accessing a cellular network (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.). Network access device 124 may send and receive data between processing circuit 103 and one or more drying platforms 101. For example, drying platform 101a and drying platform 101b may communicate and transmit temperature data to processing circuit 103 via network 126 and network access device 124, and in response, processing circuit 103 may control the amount of electrical energy supplied to each of drying platform 101a and / or drying platform 101b.

[0028]

[0036] Network access device 124 may send and receive data to and from one or more drying platforms 101 and processing circuitry 103 via network 126. Network 126 may be used to communicate between different components, such as between one or more drying platforms 101 and processing circuitry 103. Network 126 may be a wired or wireless connection and may be a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof that connects, couples, and / or communicates between different components of drying apparatus 100.

[0029]

[0037] All of these components may be located in a separate control box that also incorporates a programmable logic controller (PLC) capable of controlling multiple heating elements. Data from the heating process may also be stored and used to control individual heating elements. This data can be used to increase the efficiency of the system by reducing the drying process.

[0030]

[0038] Drying apparatus 100 may include or be coupled to a user interface 122. User interface 122 may include input / output devices that receive user input from user interface elements, buttons, dials, a microphone, a keyboard, switches such as switch 120, or a touchscreen. User interface 122 may provide output to an output device such as a display, a speaker, an indicator such as one or more indicators 108a-108b, which may be audio and / or visual indicators, an updateable Braille display, or other human machine interface (HMI). User interface 122 may retrieve one or more heater settings or recipes that may be used by the controller to control the heating elements to increase or decrease the temperature within the payload area.

[0031]

[0039] The user interface 122 may display sensor data such as the temperature or humidity within the payload area of ​​the transport container. The user interface 122 may display other data such as the amount of electrical energy being supplied or the frequency of the electrical energy being supplied within each of one or more transport containers. User input may activate the processing circuit 103 to supply electrical energy to the heating element 118.

[0032]

[0040] The user interface 122 may provide notifications to a user or other operator, such as an indication that the transport container is dry. The user interface 122 may display statistics calculated from the sensor data, such as an estimated time until the dry vapor transport container is dry and / or other statistics related to the evaporation of LN2 within the payload area. The user interface 122 may also display warnings, such as the need to shut off the supply of electrical energy.

[0033]

[0041] Drying apparatus 100 may include one or more indicators 108a-108b. One or more indicators 108a-108b may indicate the status of a dry vapor transport vessel, such as dewar 302. For example, indicator 108b may be on to indicate when heating element 118 is off or deactivated, as shown in FIG. 3A. Heating element 118 is turned off or deactivated when drying apparatus 100 turns off or blocks electrical energy, preventing electrical energy from being supplied to heating element 118. In another example, indicator 108a may be on to indicate when heating element 118 is on or activated, as shown in FIG. 3B. The heating element is on or activated when drying apparatus 100 turns on power source 110 or connects power source 110 to heating element 118 to provide or supply electrical energy to heating element 118.

[0034]

[0042] Drying apparatus 100 may use one or more indicators 108a-108b to indicate the status of the transport container, such as when dewar 302 is dry. Drying apparatus 100 may blink, flash, or otherwise use an on-off sequence to indicate various states of the transport container or the status of dryer apparatus 100. In some implementations, dryer apparatus 100 may use user interface 122 to indicate various states of the transport container and / or dryer apparatus 100. The indicator lights may be LED lights capable of displaying different colors. A red light may indicate that dryer apparatus 100 is operating and that it is unsafe to touch heating element 118. A green light may be used to indicate that dryer apparatus 100 has completed processing and that heating element 118 is safe to handle.

[0035]

[0043] Drying apparatus 100 may include switch 120. Switch 120 may be an on-off switch that allows power to turn on processing circuit 103 when in the on position and cuts off power, turning processing circuit 103 off, when in the off position. When processing circuit 103 is on, processing circuit 103 may connect power source 110, operate one or more sensors 114, and / or operate one or more indicators 108a-108b. When processing circuit 103 is off, power source 110 may be disconnected, one or more sensors 114 may be deactivated, and / or one or more indicators 108a-108b may be deactivated.

[0036]

[0044] The drying apparatus 100 may include a power supply 110. The power supply 110 may be an electrical socket or cable connected to an external power source, such as an electrical outlet, or may be a battery or other internal power source located within the housing 102 and / or coupled to one or more drying platforms 101. The power supply 110 provides electrical energy to the heating elements 118 to activate them and increase their temperature when they are placed within the payload area of ​​the transport container. The power supply 110 may provide approximately 500 W of electrical energy to each of the one or more heating elements 118 corresponding to one or more drying platforms 101. The power supplies 110 for one or more drying platforms 101 may be located within a single control box, which may include a shut-off switch that, when turned off, disables all of the heating elements 118. Additionally, when the power supply 110 for one or more drying platforms 101 is turned on, the power supply 110 may provide power to all of the one or more drying platforms 101. This allows a single power cable to be connected directly to an electrical outlet or an alternative power source.

[0037]

[0045] The drying apparatus 100 may include one or more drying platforms 101. The one or more drying platforms 101 may include a dewar cover 112, one or more sensors 114, a heating element 118, and one or more elongated members 116 between the one or more sensors 114 or heating element 118 and the dewar cover 112. The dewar cover 112 may be a circular, cylindrical, elliptical, or other polygonal planar surface having a circumference greater than the neck opening of the transport container so as to cover the neck opening of the transport container when positioned over the neck opening. The dewar cover 112 may cover the opening to prevent foreign objects from entering the payload area of ​​the transport container when the drying platform 101 is inserted over the transport container, for example, when the heating element 118 is positioned within the payload area to vaporize LN2 or otherwise dry the transport container.

[0038]

[0046] The one or more drying platforms 101 may include one or more sensors 114. The sensor 114 may be a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor may measure the amount of condensation within the payload area of ​​the transport container. The sensor 114 may be a thermocouple. A thermocouple is an electrical device composed of two dissimilar electrical conductors forming an electrical junction. A thermocouple generates a temperature-dependent voltage due to the thermoelectric effect, which can be interpreted to measure temperature. The one or more sensors 114 may include various other sensors, such as a scale that can measure the difference in weight of the transport container when it has liquid or gaseous contents inside and when it is dry, or an LN2 sensor that can measure the amount of LN2 within the payload area of ​​the transport container. Other sensors may include a sensor that recognizes when the heating element 118 can safely release heat based on one or more parameters, such as electrical contact, capacitance, or the amount of light surrounding the heating element 118. The sensor may provide an indication, such as one or more indicators, which may be audio or visual indicators, using the user interface 122 to indicate whether it is safe to remove the heating element 118 and / or to apply power using the heating element 118. For example, the drying apparatus 100 may emit an audible sound to alert the user when the sensor indicates that it is unsafe to remove the heating element 118, such as when power is being applied to the heating element 118.

[0039]

[0047] One or more drying platforms 101 may include heating elements 118. The heating elements 118 convert electrical energy into heat, such as by the process of Joule heating. For example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, an electrical current is fed through the heating elements and encounters resistance, causing the heating elements 118 to heat up and increase the temperature within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302.

[0040]

[0048] 3A and 3B show the arrangement of various components of the drying apparatus 100 within a dewar drying system 300, including a dewar 302 and the drying apparatus 100 disposed within the dewar 302. The dewar 302 remains upright while the drying apparatus 100 evaporates the liquid or gas contents within the dewar 302. This prevents ambient air containing water vapor or other moisture, such as condensation, from entering the dewar 302 and causing voids and / or capillary expansion in the absorbent material. This allows the absorbent material to maintain its ability to store or retain LN2 and cryogenically cool the environment within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302.

[0041]

[0049] Additionally, when dewar 302 is upright, it is more stable during the evaporation process, takes up less space in the drying area, and prevents damage to the vapor plug cap. Because dewar 302 is more stable and does not take up storage space, it is less likely to tip or tip over, and an increased number of dewars can be stored simultaneously in the storage area for drying.

[0042]

[0050] The dewar 302 or other dry vapor transport vessel may be a double-walled flask with an inner wall and an outer wall. The dewar 302 may create a vacuum between the inner and outer walls, allowing the space therebetween to be completely evacuated and insulating the stored material. The dewar 302 may have an opening with a neck 306 that leads to a payload region 304 formed from the inner wall, which may store, hold, or otherwise contain frozen biological materials, liquids, and / or gases, and may store materials at cryogenic temperatures.

[0043]

[0051] When the heating element 118 is positioned within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302 and electrical energy is supplied to the heating element 118, the heating element 118 emits heat or warmth 308 within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B . This increases the temperature within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302 and vaporizes any liquid or gas remaining within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302. If electrical energy is not supplied to the heating element 118, the ambient temperature within the payload region 304 may gradually cool and decrease.

[0044]

[0052] The one or more drying platforms 101 may include one or more elongated members 116. The elongated member 116 may be a hollow, elongated tubular structure or pipe having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end may be coupled or connected to the dewar cover 112, and the distal end may be coupled or connected to one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118. When the dewar cover 112 is placed over the opening of the neck 306 of the dewar 302, the one or more elongated members 116 enable the one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118 to be inserted into the payload region 304 of the dewar 302. The elongated members 116 coupled to the one or more sensors 114 may be spaced apart from another elongated member 116 coupled to the heating element 118 so that the one or more sensors 114 measure sensor data of the environment within the payload region 304 rather than heat emanating from the heating element 118.

[0045]

[0053] One or more elongated members 116 may extend from a central region of the dewar cover 112 such that one or more sensors 114 and / or heating elements 118 are centrally positioned within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302, thereby enabling uniform temperature measurement and / or heating of the internal environment of the payload region 304 of the dewar 302.

[0046]

[0054] The one or more dry platforms 101 may include a shroud 128. The shroud 128 may surround or circumferentially encircle the one or more elongated members 116, the one or more sensors 114, and / or the heating elements 118. The shroud 128 may surround or encircle the elongated members 116, the one or more sensors 114, and / or the heating elements 118 to prevent the components from contacting the walls of the payload region 304 of the dewar 302 and to prevent damage to the components. The shroud 128 may extend the entire length of the elongated members 116 and may surround or encircle the one or more sensors 114 and / or the heating elements 118 beyond the distal end of the one or more elongated members 116. The shroud 128 may be perforated so as not to interfere with the measurement of sensor data and / or heating of the environment within the payload region 304. In some implementations, the shroud may be in the form of a heat sink, such as aluminum fins positioned around the heating element 118 and extending the length of the heating element 118, or the shroud 128 may surround the entire drying apparatus 100 and act as a safety device to prevent a user from touching the heating element 118.

[0047]

[0055] 2 shows a schematic 200 of drying apparatus 100. Schematic 200 shows a cross-section of drying apparatus 100. Schematic 200 shows processing circuitry 103 within housing 102 and one or more wires 202 connecting processing circuitry 103 to heating element 118. One or more wires 202 provide electrical energy from power source 110 to heating element 118, which dissipates heat within payload region 304 of dewar 302. Processing circuitry 103 may be housed within one control box, or another separate control box may be used as a junction box to house one or more wires 202 and / or other connectors.

[0048]

[0056] 4 is a flow diagram of a process 400 for evaporating a liquid or gas, such as LN2, within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302. Process 400 may be performed by one or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as the processing circuit 103 of the drying apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, which are suitably programmed.

[0049]

[0057] A user, technician, or other operator may place 402 the drying apparatus 100 onto a transport container, such as a dewar 302, and within the payload area 304 of the dewar 302. The user, technician, or other operator may insert the heating element 118 into the dewar 302 and place the dewar cover 112 over the opening in the neck 306 of the dewar 302.

[0050]

[0058] Once drying apparatus 100 is positioned on dewar 302, drying apparatus 100 may measure, determine, or otherwise obtain (404) sensor data of the environment within payload area 304 of dewar 302. The sensor data may include the temperature within payload area 304 of dewar 302 and / or the amount of humidity or condensation within payload area 304 of dewar 302. The sensor data may also include other measured parameters, such as the weight of dewar 302 or the amount of LN2 within payload area 304 of dewar 302.

[0051]

[0059] Drying device 100 may use one or more sensors 114, such as a thermocouple or humidity sensor, to obtain sensor data. For example, drying device 100 may use a thermocouple to measure or determine the temperature within payload area 304 or a humidity sensor to measure or determine the amount of humidity or condensation within payload area 304.

[0052]

[0060] The one or more sensors 114 may be positioned and coupled to a distal end of the elongated member 116, opposite the dewar cover 112, which may be positioned and coupled to a proximal end of the elongated member 116. Other measured parameters, such as temperature, humidity or amount of condensation, or the weight of the dewar 302 or the amount of LN2 in the payload area 304, may be used to determine whether the payload area 304 of the dewar 302 is dry.

[0053]

[0061] The drying apparatus 100 determines (406) whether to activate the heating element 118 to increase the temperature within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302. The drying apparatus 100 activates the heating element 118 to vaporize the liquid or gas within the payload region 304. The drying apparatus 100 may determine whether to activate the heating element 118 based on sensor data. For example, if the sensor data indicates that the amount of humidity or condensation or LN2 remaining in the payload region 304 is greater than a threshold amount, this may indicate that the payload region 304 has liquid or gas contents within the payload region 304, such as LN2, that may need to be vaporized, and therefore the drying apparatus 100 may activate the heating element 118 to vaporize the liquid or gas contents. In another example, if the sensor data indicates that the temperature within the payload region 304 is at or below a threshold temperature, this may indicate that the payload region 304 has liquid or gas contents within the payload region 304, such as LN2, that may need to be vaporized. 5 further illustrates a process 500 for providing electrical energy to the heating element 118 based on the temperature within the payload region 304 of the dewar 302. In another example, if the weight of the dewar 302 is greater than the baseline weight, it may indicate that liquid or gas is present within the payload region 304 and that the dewar 302 is not dry.

[0054]

[0062] If the drying apparatus 100 determines that the heating element 118 should not be activated, the drying apparatus may continue to monitor or determine the sensor data (404), as described above. Otherwise, if the drying apparatus 100 determines that the heating element 118 should be activated, the drying apparatus 100 supplies electrical energy to the heating element 118 (408). The one or more user interfaces 122 may display the temperature and humidity of the payload area. Based on the information gathered from the sensor data, a program may be selected as a drying cycle from the one or more user interfaces. This program may be pre-programmed into the drying apparatus 100 and listed as a function of the drying cycle.

[0055]

[0063] Drying apparatus 100 uses power source 110 to supply and apply electrical energy to heating elements 118 via one or more wires 202 within one or more elongate members 116. Drying apparatus 100 may be turned on, activated, or otherwise enable electrical energy from power source 110 to be supplied to heating elements 118 via one or more wires 202. By supplying electrical energy to heating elements 118, heating elements 118 emit heat 308 into payload region 304 of dewar 302, as shown in FIG. 3B , for example. Thus, drying apparatus 100 warms or heats the environment within payload region 304, increasing the temperature of the environment within payload region 304.

[0056]

[0064] While heating element 118 heats the environment within payload area 304, drying apparatus 100 continues to monitor (410) the sensor data. Drying apparatus 100 re-determines, re-detects, and / or otherwise re-acquires the sensor data using one or more sensors 114. Drying apparatus 100 may continuously or periodically sample the sensor data and / or calculate an average or otherwise process the samples of sensor data to determine whether liquid or gas within payload area 304 has evaporated and dewar 302 has dried.

[0057]

[0065] The drying apparatus 100 determines whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether the liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated (412). The drying apparatus 100 may use the sensor data to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether the liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated. For example, the drying apparatus 100 may use temperature, an amount of humidity, an amount of condensation, weight, and / or a combination thereof to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry and / or whether the liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated. The drying apparatus 100 may compare the sensor data to one or more thresholds to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry. For example, if the sensor data indicates that the amount of humidity or the amount of condensation within the payload area 304 is greater than a threshold amount, this may indicate that the payload area 304 is not dry. In another example, the drying apparatus 100 may use temperature to determine whether the payload area 304 is dry. FIG. 5 further illustrates one implementation that uses temperature to determine if liquid or gas within the payload area 304 has evaporated and the dewar 302 is dry.

[0058]

[0066] If drying apparatus 100 determines that payload area 304 is not dry and that there is still liquid or gas within payload area 304, drying apparatus 100 may resupply electrical energy to heating element 118 to continue evaporating the liquid or gas as described above (408). If drying apparatus 100 determines that payload area 304 is dry and that the liquid or gas has evaporated, drying apparatus 100 may indicate to the user that dewar 302 is dry (414).

[0059]

[0067] Drying apparatus 100 may activate one or more indicators 108a-108b to indicate the status of dewar 302. For example, one indicator 108a may be used to indicate that heating element 118 is off and that dewar 302 is dry, and another indicator 108b may be used to indicate that heating element 118 remains on and that dewar 302 is not dry. One or more indicators 108a-108b may have different colors, such as green and / or red, or may flash, blink, or otherwise change state to indicate the status of dewar 302 and / or the status of heating element 118.

[0060]

[0068] In some implementations, drying apparatus 100 may provide a display via a remote computer, such as on user interface 122. The display may include other information regarding the status of heating element 118 and / or the condition of the environment within payload region 304 of dewar 302. Other information may include the amount or rate of evaporation, the current or average temperature, and / or the amount of liquid or gas remaining within payload region 304 of dewar 302.

[0061]

[0069] 5 is a flow diagram of a process 500 for using temperature data to determine whether liquid or gas in the payload area has evaporated and the dewar is dry. Process 500 may be performed by one or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as appropriately programmed processing circuit 103 of drying device 100 of FIG.

[0062]

[0070] Drying apparatus 100 may determine 502 the temperature within payload region 304 of dewar 302, as described above. The temperature may be averaged over time or may be an instantaneous temperature. Drying apparatus 100 may use the temperature to determine whether payload region 304 is dry.

[0063]

[0071] The drying device determines 504 whether the temperature is at or below a first threshold. The first threshold may be a minimum temperature, such as approximately 70°C to 75°C, that may represent a temperature that instructs the drying device 100 to activate the heating element 118 to warm or heat the payload area 304 and vaporize or continue to vaporize the liquid or gas within the payload area 304. The first threshold may be a temperature that indicates that the heat within the payload area 304 is becoming less effective or is no longer effective in promoting evaporation of the liquid or gas within the dewar 302.

[0064]

[0072] In some implementations, the first threshold may be user-configured, pre-configured, or determined, and / or set by a user or operator, or may be a default temperature set by factors during manufacturing or distribution. The first threshold may be retrieved from memory 106 and may be different for different types, kinds, or sizes of dewars. By being adjustable, the first threshold allows drying apparatus 100 to be used to dry different types, kinds, or sizes of dewars.

[0065]

[0073] If the drying apparatus 100 determines that the temperature is higher than the first threshold, this may indicate that heat within the payload area 304 is not dissipating and may continue to warm the temperature and evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area 304. The drying apparatus 100 may continue to determine and monitor the temperature within the payload area 304 of the dewar 302 if the temperature is higher than the first threshold (502). If the drying apparatus 100 determines that the temperature is equal to or lower than the first threshold, this may indicate that heat within the payload area 304 has dissipated. The drying apparatus needs to activate or reactivate the heating element 118 to further evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area 304. Therefore, the drying apparatus 100 provides electrical energy to the heating element 118 to activate the heating element 118 and warm the temperature within the payload area 304 of the dewar 302 and evaporate the liquid or gas within the payload area 304 of the dewar 302.

[0066]

[0074] If drying apparatus 100 determines that the temperature is equal to or less than the first threshold, drying apparatus 100 may supply (506) electrical energy to heating element 118 to heat, reheat, or otherwise increase the temperature within payload region 304 of dewar 302. Power source 110 supplies electrical energy to heating element 118 via one or more wires 202 within one or more elongate members 116. When power is supplied, heating element 118 warms or heats payload region 304 of dewar 302. This increases the temperature within payload region 304, causing any remaining liquid or gas within payload region 304 to evaporate.

[0067]

[0075] While heating element 118 heats the temperature within payload area 304, drying apparatus 100 continues to monitor, determine, or otherwise detect (508) the temperature within payload area 304. Drying apparatus 100 continues to monitor the temperature using a temperature sensor to prevent heating element 118 from overheating the environment within payload area 304 and / or damaging dewar 302. This prevents drying apparatus 100 from damaging dewar 302.

[0068]

[0076] The drying apparatus 100 determines (510) whether the temperature is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The drying apparatus 100 compares the temperature to the second threshold. The second threshold may be a threshold temperature representing the maximum temperature limit of the dewar 302. The maximum temperature limit of the dewar 302 before damage to the dewar 302 occurs may be approximately 80°C to 100°C. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. If the temperature in the payload area 304 exceeds the second threshold, damage to the dewar 302 may occur; therefore, the drying apparatus 100 may ensure that the temperature in the payload area 304 remains below the second threshold. Both threshold temperatures may be selected from one or more user interfaces 122. These temperatures may also be pre-programmed with each recipe selected from one or more user interfaces 122.

[0069]

[0077] If the temperature is below the second threshold, the drying apparatus 100 may continue to supply electrical energy to the heating element 118 as described above (506). The drying apparatus 100 continues to supply electrical energy to heat and / or increase the temperature within the payload area 304 to evaporate any liquid or gas within the payload area 304. Otherwise, if the temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the drying apparatus 100 deactivates the heating element 118 (512). The drying apparatus 100 deactivates the heating element 118 to prevent the temperature from rising above the second threshold and damaging the dewar 302.

[0070]

[0078] Drying apparatus 100 may turn off or disconnect power supply 110 to prevent electrical energy from being supplied to heating element 118 via one or more wires 202. When electrical energy is not being supplied, heating element 118 does not radiate or emit heat to warm the environment within payload region 304. This causes a decrease in temperature within payload region 304, which may be due to liquid or gas remaining within dewar 302.

[0071]

[0079] While the temperature in the payload area 304 decreases, the drying apparatus 100 continues to measure the temperature of the environment in the payload area 304. The drying apparatus 100 may use a timer, clock, or other device to measure the time it takes for the temperature to cool, decrease, or otherwise fall below a first threshold (514). Once the temperature cools, decreases, or otherwise falls below the first threshold, the drying apparatus 100 may re-activate the heating element 118 to warm, heat, or otherwise increase the temperature in the payload area 304.

[0072]

[0080] The drying apparatus 100 may use the measured time to estimate the amount of liquid or gas remaining in the payload area 304. The more liquid or gas remaining, the faster the temperature in the payload area 304 will decrease. As the amount of liquid or gas remaining decreases, the time it takes for the temperature in the payload area 304 to decrease from the second threshold to the first threshold will increase as some of the liquid or gas, such as LN2, evaporates.

[0073]

[0081] The drying apparatus 100 determines 516 whether the time is greater than or equal to a threshold amount. The threshold amount may indicate a time equivalent to when the temperature would drop to a first threshold without the assistance of liquid or gas within the payload area 304 to lower the temperature. This therefore indicates that there is no liquid or gas within the payload area 304 to assist in cooling the environment within the payload area 304.

[0074]

[0082] If the amount of time is less than the threshold amount, this may indicate that there is still liquid or gas in payload area 304, and therefore, the drying apparatus may resupply electrical energy to heating element 118 to reheat, rewarm, or otherwise increase the temperature in the environment of payload area 304 (506), as described above. Otherwise, if the time is equal to or greater than the threshold, this may indicate that there is no liquid or gas remaining to help reduce the temperature in the environment of payload area 304, and therefore, dewar 302 may be dry. Therefore, drying apparatus 100 may determine that dewar 302 is dry and may indicate to the user that drying apparatus 100 is dry (518), as described above.

[0075]

[0083] Exemplary embodiments of the method / system have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terms used throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. While minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those skilled in the art, what is intended to be limited within the scope of the patent granted hereto are all embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advances in technology provided herein, and that scope shall not be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A dewar drying apparatus for a dewar, comprising: a heating element configured to generate heat to warm a payload region within the dewar; and a controller coupled to the heating element, a controller configured to determine or sense a temperature within the payload region of the dewar and to control the temperature within the payload region of the dewar using the heating element to vaporize a liquid within the payload region; Equipped with To control the temperature within the payload region of the dewar, the controller activating the heating element; configured to use the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload region of the dewar and to vaporize the liquid when the temperature falls below a first threshold temperature; the controller is configured to deactivate the heating element when a temperature within the payload region of the dewar is equal to or greater than a second threshold temperature; the second threshold temperature is higher than the first threshold temperature; The controller measuring the time it takes for the temperature to decrease from the second threshold temperature to the first threshold temperature; and determining that the payload region within the dewar is dry if the time is greater than a threshold amount. Dewar drying apparatus.

2. further comprising a housing enclosing the controller and having an indicator configured to visually indicate when the payload area within the dewar has dried; 10. The dewar drying apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to activate the indicator to provide a visual indication that the payload area is dry.

3. A dewar cover disposed at the bottom of the housing and configured to be positioned over an opening in the neck of the dewar; an elongated member coupled at a proximal end to the housing and coupled at a distal end to the heating element, the elongated member having a hollow tubular structure surrounding one or more wires that supply electrical energy from a power source to the heating element, the distal end of the elongated member being positioned within the payload region of the Dewar such that the heating element extends within the payload region; 3. The dewar drying apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:

4. A thermocouple device configured to measure the temperature inside the payload area of ​​the dewar, wherein the controller is coupled to the thermocouple device and configured to use the thermocouple device to determine or detect the temperature inside the payload area of ​​the dewar.

10. The dewar drying apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

5. A method for drying a dewar, comprising: determining or detecting a temperature within a payload region of said dewar using a processor and a sensor; determining, by the processor, that the temperature within the payload region of the dewar is less than or equal to a first threshold; a processor using a power source to provide electrical energy to a heating element to increase the temperature within the payload region; a processor determining that the dewar is dry based on the time it takes for the temperature within the payload area to decrease from a second threshold higher than the first threshold to the first threshold; indicating, by the processor, using an indicator to indicate to a user that the dewar is dry; A method comprising:

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising stopping the supply of electrical energy to the heating element if the temperature inside the payload area is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

7. if the temperature is equal to or less than the first threshold, resupplying the electrical energy to the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload region; measuring the time from when the supply of electrical energy is stopped to when the supply of electrical energy is resumed; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

8. The method of claim 7, wherein indicating to the user that the dewar is dry is based on comparing the measured amount of time with a threshold amount of time.

9. The method of claim 5, further comprising positioning the heating element and the sensor within the payload region of the dewar before determining or detecting the temperature.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an amount of electrical energy to supply or a duration for supplying electrical energy based on the temperature; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein supplying the electrical energy to the heating element to increase the temperature within the payload area is based on the amount of electrical energy supplied or the duration for which the electrical energy is supplied.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein indicating to the user that the dewar is dry includes illuminating a visual indicator to indicate that the dewar is dry.

12. A system comprising: a dewar having a payload region configured to hold a liquid or gas at a temperature below ambient; a dewar drying device; The Dewar drying device a heating element configured to generate heat to warm a payload region within the dewar; and a sensor configured to detect a temperature inside the payload area; and a controller coupled to the sensor and the heating element, using the sensor to determine or detect a temperature within the payload region of the dewar; a controller configured to use the heating element to increase a temperature within the payload area; and Including, the controller determines that the dewar is dry based on the time it takes for the temperature within the payload area to decrease from a second threshold higher than the first threshold to the first threshold. Dewar drying system.

13. The dewar drying device, further comprising a power source configured to provide energy to the heating element to increase the temperature; the controller is configured to stop supplying energy when the temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

13. The dewar drying system of claim 12.

14. The dewar drying device having a user interface configured to receive user input indicating a heater setting; 13. The dewar drying system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the temperature based on the heater setting.

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