Temperature regulation apparatus and method
OwnerRobert E. Whewell, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A temperature regulation apparatus includes a dry ice module that encloses dry ice so that the module's outside surface is not hazardous to touch. Insulation, breathable material, or a combination of insulating and breathable materials, allows dry ice sublimation at a sufficiently slow rate within the attached dry ice module to control the ambient temperature in the area to be cooled. The dry ice module can be attached in a location that maximizes the dry ice cooling properties, typically at or near the top of the area to be cooled. Since sublimated carbon dioxide is heavier than normal air, it falls to the bottom of the area to be cooled and builds up. The venting placement in the dry ice module is based upon the make up of the dry ice module and the breathable materials inside of it.
Claims20
An apparatus for maintaining a controlled range of temperature for extended periods of time, comprising a temperature regulation module comprising:
- (a) an inner envelope for receiving a temperature regulating element producing a temperature regulating gas, the inner envelope comprising a breathable thermal insulating material;
- and
- (b) a flexible outer envelope enclosing the inner envelope comprising a non-breathable thermal insulating material and having at least one opening for venting of the temperature regulating gas produced by the temperature regulating element.
A kit for maintaining a controlled range of temperature for extended periods of time, comprising:
- (a) a container for containing an item therein to be maintained in a controlled range of temperature;
- and
- (b) a first temperature regulation module positioned within the container and comprising:
- (i) an inner layer for receiving a temperature altering vehicle that produces a temperature altering gas, the inner layer comprising a breathable thermal insulating material,
- (ii) a middle layer enclosing the inner layer comprising a breathable thermal insulating material, and
- (iii) an outer layer enclosing the middle layer comprising a non-breathable thermal insulating material and having at least one opening for venting the cooling gas into an enclosed structure.
A method for maintaining a controlled range of temperature for extended periods of time, comprising:
- (a) providing a container having a base, at least one sidewall and a lid;
- (b) providing an item to be maintained in a controlled range of temperature;
- (c) providing a temperature regulation module comprising:
- (i) an inner layer for receiving a temperature altering vehicle that produces a temperature altering gas, the inner layer comprising a breathable thermal insulating material, and
- (ii) an outer layer enclosing the inner layer comprising a non-breathable thermal insulating material and having at least one opening for venting the cooling gas into an enclosed structure;
- (d) positioning the item and module in the container;
- and
- (e) providing a platform positioned between the module and the item.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.