阅读说明：本技术 温度可控制的便携式即时冷却系统 (Temperature-controllable portable instant cooling system ) 是由 M·霍尔兹旺格 X·H·H·刘 H·胡 H·霍尔兹旺格 M·G·维拉迪 R·赛勒 J·霍 于 2019-05-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：独立和自备式冷却系统,使用放置在绝缘的或非绝缘的器皿中的压缩的液体和/或气体的CO-2容器,该器皿包含垂直放置在竖直位置或倒置位置的容器。然后将液体和/或气体CO-2冷却剂释放到毛细管系统或流量计量系统中,以允许CO-2进入第二主体,可在该第二主体中利用CO-2冷却剂特性。第二主体例如包括板、衬垫、用于人的肌肉的点治疗垫或冷却器。温度由包括电子控制装置的计量CO-2释放系统控制,该电子控制装置在超过预定阈值时发送警报。本发明的计量CO-2释放系统可以由电子或恒温阀触发,或者可以手动触发或由电子电磁阀触发。(Self-contained and self-contained cooling system using compressed liquid and/or gaseous CO placed in insulated or non-insulated vessels 2 A container comprising a container vertically disposed in an upright position or an inverted position. Then adding liquid and/or gas CO 2 Releasing coolant into capillary system or flow metering system to allow CO 2 Into a second body in which CO can be utilized 2 Coolant properties. Second main body exampleSuch as a point therapy pad or cooler for a human muscle, including a plate, pad. Temperature measurement of CO by including electronic control means 2 Releasing the system control, the electronic control means sending an alarm when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. Metering of CO in accordance with the invention 2 The release system may be triggered by an electronic or thermostatic valve, or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid valve.)

1. A cooling system, comprising:

a. at least one CO₂A container in which CO is contained₂；

b. A plate having a plate top surface and a plate bottom surface connected by a plate vertical wall surrounding a perimeter of the plate;

c. a distance between the plate top surface and the plate bottom surface is sufficiently large to hold a plurality of tubes having a plurality of capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held with a respective one of the plurality of tubes;

d. manifold block, the CO₂A container is connected to the manifold block by a flexible discharge line that connects the CO through a manifold block aperture in the manifold block₂Connecting the containers;

e. a solenoid valve located on the manifold block and controlling the slave CO₂CO of container entering the manifold block₂The amount of (c);

f. the manifold block is in fluid communication with the plurality of capillaries; and is

g. The CO is₂Is transported to the plurality of capillaries, and cooling is transferred by conduction to an object placed on the top surface of the flat plate.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising: each respective one of the plurality of capillaries has an outer body surrounding an opening extending from the first end opening of the respective capillary to the second end opening of the respective capillary.

3. The cooling system of claim 2, further comprising: each of the outer bodies of each respective one of the plurality of capillaries is bent at an angle adjacent each respective first opening for fluid connection with the manifold block.

4. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising: the solenoid valve is an electronic solenoid valve.

5. The cooling system of claim 4, further comprising:

a. the manifold block comprises the electronic solenoid valve, a pre-tightening spring, a shaft, a plunger, a lever hinge pin and an actuating rod;

b. the plunger return spring maintains the plunger at the CO when the electronic solenoid valve is closed₂On the orifice of the container to prevent CO₂Flow through the electronic solenoid valve; and

c. when the solenoid valve is energized, a magnetic field is generated, actuating the actuation rod and thereby raising the plunger and causing CO to rise₂Flows through the electronic solenoid valve.

6. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising: the CO is₂Selected from the group consisting of liquids and gases.

7. A cooling system, comprising:

a. at least one vessel holding a cooling gas selected from propane, CO₂Methane, butane, nitrous oxide, R-22, 134b, and 421A;

b. each of the respective cooling gases is converted to a liquid at pressures up to and including 3000psi, which liquid expands and changes phase when released to ambient conditions;

c. a retaining member selected from the group consisting of a flat plate having a flat plate top surface and a flat plate bottom surface connected by flat plate vertical walls around a flat plate perimeter, a flexible mat having a mat top surface and a mat bottom surface connected by mat vertical walls around a flat plate perimeter, and a mat having a mat vertical wall around a perimeter of the flexible mat, and a mat having a top surface, a bottom mat having a bottom surface, and vertical walls around a perimeter of the top and bottom mats;

d. a respective distance between the plate top surface and the plate bottom surface is sufficiently large to hold a plurality of tubes having a plurality of capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held within a respective one of the plurality of tubes;

e. a respective distance between the pad top surface and the pad bottom surface is sufficiently large to retain a plurality of conduits having a plurality of capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being retained within a respective one of the plurality of conduits;

f. a respective distance between the top pad and the bottom pad is large enough to hold a plurality of tubes having a plurality of capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held within a respective one of the plurality of tubes;

g. a manifold block to which the at least one container holding cooling gas is connected by a flexible discharge line connecting the at least one container holding cooling gas through a manifold block aperture in the manifold block;

h. a flow metering system selected from the group consisting of solenoid valves and flow metering valves located on said manifold block and controlling the amount of each respective one of said cooling gases converted into said liquid entering said manifold block from said at least one container holding a cooling gas;

i. the manifold block is in fluid communication with each of the respective plurality of capillaries; and is

j. Each respective cooling gas is converted to the liquid that is delivered to each respective plurality of capillaries and that transfers cooling by conduction to a respective object placed on the top surface of the plate, an object wrapped between the top and bottom surfaces of the pad, and an object placed on the top pad, respectively.

8. The cooling system of claim 7, further comprising: each respective one of the plurality of capillaries has an outer body surrounding an opening extending from the first end opening of the respective capillary to the second end opening of the respective capillary.

9. The cooling system of claim 8, further comprising: each of the outer bodies of each respective one of the plurality of capillaries is bent at an angle adjacent each respective first opening for fluid connection with the manifold block.

10. The cooling system of claim 7, further comprising: the solenoid valve is an electronic solenoid valve.

11. The cooling system of claim 10, further comprising:

a. the manifold block comprises the electronic solenoid valve, a pre-tightening spring, a shaft, a plunger, a lever hinge pin and an actuating rod;

b. the plunger return spring maintains the plunger at the CO when the electronic solenoid valve is closed₂On the orifice of the container to prevent CO₂Flow through the electronic solenoid valve; and

c. when the solenoid valve is energized, a magnetic field is generated, actuating the actuation rod and thereby raising the plunger and causing CO to rise₂Flows through the electronic solenoid valve.

12. A cooling system, comprising:

a. at least one vessel holding a cooling gas selected from propane, CO₂Methane, butane, nitrous oxide, R-22, 134b, and 421A;

b. each of the respective cooling gases is converted to a liquid at pressures up to and including 3000psi, which liquid expands and changes phase when released to ambient conditions;

c. a holding member;

d. a manifold block to which the at least one container holding cooling gas is connected by a flexible discharge line connecting the at least one container holding cooling gas through a manifold block aperture in the manifold block;

e. a flow metering system selected from the group consisting of solenoid valves and flow metering valves located on said manifold block and controlling the amount of each respective one of said cooling gases converted into said liquid entering said manifold block from said at least one container holding a cooling gas;

f. the manifold block is in fluid communication with each respective one of the plurality of capillaries; and is

g. Each respective cooling gas is converted to the liquid, which is delivered to each respective one of the plurality of capillaries and cooled by conductive transfer, respectively.

13. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising: each respective one of the plurality of capillaries has an outer body surrounding an opening extending from the first end opening of the respective capillary to the second end opening of the respective capillary.

14. The cooling system of claim 13, further comprising: each of the outer bodies of each respective one of the plurality of capillaries is bent at an angle adjacent each respective first opening for fluid connection with the manifold block.

15. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising: the solenoid valve is an electronic solenoid valve.

16. The cooling system of claim 15, further comprising:

a. the manifold block comprises the electronic solenoid valve, a pre-tightening spring, a shaft, a plunger, a lever hinge pin and an actuating rod;

b. the plunger return spring maintains the plunger at the CO when the electronic solenoid valve is closed₂On the orifice of the container to prevent CO₂Flow through the electronic solenoid valve; and

c. when the solenoid valve is energized, a magnetic field is generated, actuating the actuation rod and thereby raising the plunger and causing CO to rise₂Flows through the electronic solenoid valve.

17. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising:

a. the holding member is a flat plate having a flat plate top surface and a flat plate bottom surface connected by a flat plate vertical wall surrounding a periphery of the flat plate;

b. a respective distance between the plate top surface and the plate bottom surface is sufficiently large to hold a plurality of tubes having a plurality of the capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held within a respective one of the plurality of tubes; and is

c. The each respective cooling gas is converted to the liquid, the liquid is delivered to each respective capillary of the plurality of capillaries, and cooling is transferred by conduction to a respective object placed on the top surface of the flat plate.

18. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising:

a. the retention feature is a flexible mat having a mat top surface and a mat bottom surface connected by a mat vertical wall around a perimeter of the flexible mat;

b. a respective distance between the pad top surface and the pad bottom surface is sufficiently large to hold a plurality of conduits having a plurality of the capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held within a respective one of the plurality of conduits; and is

c. The each respective cooling gas is converted to the liquid, the liquid is delivered to each respective plurality of capillaries, and cooling is transferred by conduction to an object wrapped between the pad top surface and the pad bottom surface.

19. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising:

a. the retention feature is a pad having a top pad with a top surface and a bottom pad with a bottom surface, and vertical walls surrounding the perimeter of the top pad and the bottom pad;

b. a respective distance between the top pad and the bottom pad is large enough to hold a plurality of tubes having a plurality of capillaries, a respective one of each of the plurality of capillaries being held within a respective one of the plurality of tubes; and is

c. The each respective cooling gas is converted to the liquid, the liquid is delivered to each respective plurality of capillaries, and cooling is transferred by conduction to an object placed on the top pad.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of providing cooling temperatures to portable devices such as insulated or non-insulated freezers or coolers. These various items are intended for portable use where the product will be carried by an individual to a location without electrical connections and without conventional methods for refrigerating items such as food, beverages, medical supplies, blood, organs, temperature sensitive chemicals and drugs, any game resulting from fishing or hunting activities, or any other perishable item that requires a period of time required for refrigeration, cooling or freezing.

Background

Cold in the absence of ice or available electricityMethods of cooling articles are known in the prior art, but none of the prior art has found use of liquid and/or gaseous CO₂Apparatus and method for maintaining a controlled temperature as a refrigerant. Accordingly, there is a significant need for improved apparatus and methods for maintaining an object in a cool or even frozen state based on the object and its requirements for temperature control and the length of time the object must be in a cooler or frozen state.

The following prior art is the closest prior art that the inventors have located and is the closest prior art known to the inventors to be relevant to the inventors' invention.

U.S. patent 4096707 to Taylor, PORTABLE REFRIGERATION MACHINE, on 27.6. 1.1978.

This patent discloses a portable refrigerator that includes a vertically oriented pressure vessel containing carbon dioxide in a gaseous, liquid and/or solid state. The heat exchanger is secured to the lower exterior of the vessel and an outer shell surrounds the vessel to leave an annulus between the outer wall of the vessel and the inner wall of the shell. An air pressure operated fan is disposed below the heat exchanger and connected to be rotated by being operated by air pressure from the container. The fan draws air through the appropriate lower inlet, through the openings of the heat exchanger and the annulus outlet, thereby cooling and circulating the air within the compartment in which the portable refrigerator is located. The device utilizes an air pressure operated fan to maintain temperature and dissipate heat to provide space for cool air.

This patent discloses fan technology for use as a coolant, which is quite different from the present invention.

U.S. patent 4195491 to "DRY ICE REFRIGERATOR" by Roncaglione, 4.1. 2.1980.

This patent discloses an apparatus for converting a conventional insulated picnic cooler or the like into a refrigerator and includes a small container for dry ice that may be disposed within the cooler. A rectangular frame insertable into the interior of the cooler includes a pair of refrigerant coils disposed adjacent opposite side walls of the cooler. One end of each coil is connected to a dry ice container. The other end of the coil is connected to a manually adjustable valve having a blowout section that is pressurized to relieve excess pressure. The valve is disposed outside the container. The gas flowing through the valve from the coil passes into the atmosphere through an indicator having a fluid in a transparent window so that bubbles generated as the gas passes through can be seen, and the valve can be manually adjusted to control the flow of gas and thus the sublimation rate of the dry ice and the temperature within the cooler.

This device utilizes a valve-controlled release to perform the function of maintaining temperature, but suffers from a number of drawbacks, including the inability to monitor and maintain a specific temperature, and the inability to operate remotely. Therefore, the disclosure in this patent is different from the present invention.

"CO" granted to Franklin, Jr on 9, 20 months in 3.1989₂SNOW cool WITH SNOW spin BOTTOM (WITH BOTTOM of SNOW flake CO)₂Snow coolers) "us patent 4404818.

This patent discloses a vertically elongated hollow housing including opposed generally parallel side and end walls and closed at its top by a top wall. CO2₂The snow-forming structure is disposed in an upper portion of the interior of the housing, while the bottom wall structure encloses a lower portion of the housing. The bottom wall structure includes an elongated horizontally disposed inverted V-shaped wedge extending between the end walls of the housing in an acute, tapered configuration for separating a lower portion of the volume of snow disposed within the housing above the wedge, forcing the lower portion of the volume of snow into a full surface-to-surface heat transfer relationship with the inner surfaces of the lower portions of the housing sidewalls horizontally aligned with and opposed to the wedge as the volume of snow sublimes. In addition, the side walls of the housing include vertically extending corrugations that function to at least substantially double the exposed inner and outer surface areas of the side walls. The corrugations themselves are trapezoidal in cross-section, thereby ensuring a certain amount of CO disposed within the housing₂Substantially full surface-to-surface contact between the lower portion of the snow and the inner surface of the corrugated side wall of the shell.

Within the disclosure in that patentCapacity to utilize CO₂Snow is produced and it is not a device intended to refrigerate items at controlled temperatures.

Us patent 7386995 of "DEVICE FOR PRODUCING DRY ICE AND PRESSURE release fire therof f (apparatus FOR making dry ice and PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE THEREOF)" issued to Gomes et al on 17.6. 4.2008.

This patent discloses an apparatus for producing a solidified mass of carbon dioxide comprising first and second housing portions which are removably connected together. The first housing portion and the second housing portion form an internal molded chamber adapted to receive liquid carbon dioxide at a pressure at which the liquid carbon dioxide expands to produce a mixture of solid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide. The pressure relief device includes a biasing member for biasing the first and second housing portions together. The biasing member allows relative movement between the first housing section and the second housing section when the internal pressure from the gaseous carbon dioxide exceeds a predetermined amount. With this arrangement, relative movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion releases gaseous carbon dioxide from the interior mold cavity, thereby reducing the internal pressure. The device only mixes liquid CO₂For the production of dry ice, which can be used for refrigerating items and which is not a device intended to keep items at a controlled temperature.

U.S. Pat. No. 20120138848 of Leavitt et al, "Cooling AGENT FOR Cold PACKS AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS," 5.2012, 6, 7/month.

This patent discloses a safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling composition comprising a solid particulate compound that undergoes an endothermic process when mixed with water, such that the resulting mixture can be used to cool surfaces, liquids and solids. The composition always comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of potassium-containing endothermic compounds; one or more compounds selected from the group of nitrogen-containing endothermic compounds; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate, such that the compound or mixture of compounds in the group constitutes at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

The method disclosed in this patent utilizes a mixture of several compounds to cool any given surface, solid or liquid. The present invention does not require a complex process using several compounds, which in itself may cause many errors and problems.

Us patent 6925834 to Fuchs at 9, 13, 6.2003 of "PORTABLE COOLER with ice lid with coolant" is incorporated into the study ICE SHEET HAVING REFRIGERANT CUBES.

This patent discloses a portable cooler having one or more ice covers that include a built-in refrigerant cube. The cooler includes an outer fabric shell and one or more sets of spaced apart refrigerant cubes encapsulated in plastic to form ice covers attached to the inner walls of the cooler. The walls of the cooler may also include one or more layers of thermal insulation. The ice cover provides a pleasant appearance inside the cooler, implying a cooling effect. The ice cover can be retained along the walls of the cooler by sewing slits along the passages passing between the refrigerant cubes, by retaining the ice cover in a pocket formed by a side wall liner, or by being secured within a cavity defined by the outer walls of the cooler and the plastic insert that encases the cooler.

The device utilizes an ice cover and the need to replace the ice cover as needed and maintains temperature by means of an insulated ice cover. The present invention does not use an ice cover and the present disclosure is completely different from the present invention.

"CO 21 er" is a product identified on the Internet. However, the research and investigation of the product by the inventor does not find any relevant patent. The product is specially used as CO₂The storage tank is designed as an enclosed cooler. CO used in "Co 2ler₂The system uses only one tank and is not a device intended to refrigerate items at a controlled temperature.

There is no prior art method of preventing or stopping a freezing of an item or freezing of an area.

None of the prior art methods or systems prevent the formation of dry ice while allowing CO₂Thereby preventing dry ice.

None of the prior art is capable of controlling or adjusting the temperature of an item or area to limit cooling or maintain a predetermined temperature and prevent temperature drop using prior art methods or systems to prevent freezing of items or areas that are intended to be reduced or refrigerated.

Similar to the present invention, CO is introduced in portable refrigeration₂The use as a refrigerant has previously been limited to the use of "dry ice". Dry ice has several disadvantages, including: 1) from liquid CO₂The medium production of dry ice is relatively inefficient and large amounts of CO are wasted in the process₂(ii) a 2) Dry ice has a temperature that is too low to be in direct contact with many items requiring refrigeration temperatures, 3) dry ice must be kept in an insulated container when sublimed at room temperature, which reduces the effective cooling capacity of the dry ice over time, and 4) dry ice may pose a safety hazard because its inherent temperature at atmospheric pressure can almost immediately cause frostbite.

There is an urgent need to utilize CO in various applications₂An improved apparatus and method for use as a coolant.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is a self-contained and self-contained cooling system using compressed liquid and/or gaseous CO₂A container, located in an insulated or non-insulated vessel, and consisting of specially designed units, wherein the container is placed upright in an upright or inverted position. Then adding liquid and/or gas CO₂Releasing coolant into capillaries embedded in heat transfer plates or heat exchangers, thereby utilizing CO₂Coolant properties.

Temperature measurement of CO by including electronic control means₂Releasing the system control, the electronic control means being operable remotely and/or via a touch screen and sending an alarm when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Metering of CO in accordance with the invention₂The release system may be constituted by an electronic or thermostatic valveThe triggering can also be manually triggered or triggered by an electronic solenoid valve. The cooling system of the present invention further comprises a check valve when CO is removed or replaced separately₂The check valve being adapted to prevent liquid and/or gaseous CO from entering the container₂And (4) escaping.

The invention comprises the use of compressed liquid and/or gaseous CO₂Self-contained cooling systems as coolants to refrigerate, cool or freeze items within portable insulated or uninsulated vessels. The invention enables the provision of controlled, stable and constant liquid and/or gaseous CO₂To maintain the desired temperature of the items to be refrigerated, cooled or frozen.

The present invention relates to the field of providing a cooling source from cooling to cold to freezing to a desired temperature depending on the product desired to be kept cold in a cooler or ice bin.

The invention relates to the use of refillable CO₂The tank is used as a field of refrigerant to provide a constant and controlled cooling temperature for various items without the need for electricity and without having a built-in cooling unit within the container.

The following terms: a) canister, b) gas cylinder, c) filter cartridge, and d) storage tank are used interchangeably throughout to denote refillable CO₂The container of (1).

The following terms: a) release valve, b) control valve and c) dispensing valve are used interchangeably throughout to indicate a release means that allows for the CO addition of liquid and/or gas₂Controlled distribution into the cooling system of the present invention.

It has been found that the present invention provides for the use of liquid CO₂The following advantages, including: 1) liquid CO₂Storable under standard environmental conditions; 2) the cooling capacity does not decrease with the increase of the storage time; 3) liquid CO without residue after exhaustion of cooling capacity₂(ii) a 4) The temperature can be varied continuously from ambient temperature to below-40 ° F, for example, to keep ice cream frozen or to keep organs at a constant temperature for transplant transport; 5) the coolant can be easily replaced without removing material from the container volume; 6) CO2₂Vessel and CO₂Refilling of containersHas become very popular (e.g., in the beverage and paintball industries), 7) CO₂Not wet and not prone to overflow in pressurized containers.

The cooling system of the present invention comprises: a) at least one liquid and/or gas container; b) a gas or liquid held within the at least one liquid and/or gas container; c) a holding member having a body with at least an upper surface and a bottom surface; d) the retaining member encloses a flow metering system; e) a manifold block; f) a check valve between the manifold block and the at least one liquid and/or gas container connected to the flow metering system to release liquid and/or gas to the holding component; and g) a control valve.

The cooling system of the invention, defined in more detail, comprises at least one liquid and/or gas container; and a) a gas or liquid held within the at least one liquid and/or gas container; b) the container valve is located adjacent the at least one liquid and/or gas container and the frame; c) the frame has at least one opening; d) a container valve sized to fit into the at least one opening in the frame; e) a manifold block; f) a check valve between the manifold block and the at least one liquid and/or gas container connected to the flow metering system to release liquid and/or gas to the holding component; and g) a control valve; h) thereby, the frame holds the at least one liquid and/or gas container to remain stable during movement.

The cooling system of the present invention, defined in more detail, comprises: a) at least one liquid and/or gas container; b) a gas or liquid held within the at least one liquid and/or gas container; c) a holding member having a body with at least an upper surface and a bottom surface; d) the retaining member encloses a flow metering system; e) a manifold block; f) a check valve between the manifold block and the at least one liquid and/or gas container connected to the flow metering system to release liquid and/or gas to the holding component; g) a control valve; and h) the holder is located on at least one horizontal surface or at least one vertical surface.

The hybrid cooler of the present invention, defined in more detail, comprises: a hybrid cooler, comprising: a) an electronic coordinating device; b) a power source connected to a body having an electrical cooling system with a closeable lid surrounding an interior chamber within the electrical cooling system; c) a control switch directly connected to the power source and the electronic coordinating device; d) at least one liquid and/or gas container; e) a gas or liquid held within the at least one liquid and/or gas container; f) a holding member holding the at least one liquid and/or gas container on the body; g) a flow metering system; h) a manifold block; i) a check valve between the manifold block and at least one liquid and/or gas container, the check valve being connected to the flow metering system to release liquid and/or gas; and j) a control valve; k) wherein the electronic coordinating device senses that the power source operating the electronic cooling system has reached a desired level and will shut down the electronic cooling system and activate and turn on the liquid or gas cooling system of the present invention.

Liquid and/or gaseous CO₂The container is in the present invention positioned vertically in an upright or inverted position.

When CO is present₂With the vessel in an upright position, the control valve of the present invention is of a suitable length to enable access to the CO₂A siphon at the bottom of the container. Siphon tube for admitting liquid CO₂From CO₂The bottom of the container flows to the top and then exits through the control or release valve of the present invention.

When CO is present₂With the container in the inverted position, liquid or gaseous CO due to gravity₂From CO₂The container flows out and is discharged through the control or release valve of the present invention.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a specially designed manifold block, CO₂The container is placed on the manifold block, and the manifold block allows refrigerant to flow from the CO₂The container enters the cooling system of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling system comprising a heat transfer plate (also referred to as heat exchanger) and liquid and/or gaseous CO through capillaries embedded in said heat exchanger₂Distributed so as to be separated from the liquid and/or gasCO₂Energy transfer to the contents of the vessel, which may or may not be insulated, is maximized to maintain the contents of the vessel at a desired temperature.

It is a further object of the invention to provide one or more capillaries for transporting liquid and/or gaseous CO along heat transfer plates of the cooling system of the invention₂. Capillary allowing the release of liquid and/or gaseous CO₂To maintain or reduce the temperature of the container being cooled by the cooling system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for CO₂Metered CO released₂Controlled release system capable of controlling liquid and/or gaseous CO within the cooling system of the present invention₂Is released.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a relief valve (also referred to as a control valve) as a metering CO₂Part of a controlled release system that can be controlled or actuated manually, electromechanically, electronically or thermostatically to release liquid and/or CO₂From CO₂The container is released into the cooling system of the present invention. The control valve of the present invention is specifically designed to allow optimal amounts of liquid and/or gaseous CO to be achieved by calibrating the control valve₂Flow to prevent freezing, clogging and clogging of the capillary tube. Without the control valve of the present invention in the cooling system of the present invention, the capillary tube of the present invention may become plugged, clogged, or frozen, thereby not allowing proper release of liquid and/or gaseous CO₂. The cooling system of the present invention is designed to provide a stable and constant supply of liquid and/or gaseous CO to an insulated or non-insulated portable device (i.e., an ice chest, cooler, lunch box), a stationary device (i.e., a refrigerator, ice chest), a compartment (i.e., a trunk or storage bin located in an automobile or autonomous vehicle), an aircraft, a small unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), a motorcycle, a scooter, or a bicycle₂And (4) streaming.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a process having multiple COs₂Cooling system of the vessel, the CO₂The container has a configuration including a check valve. Check valve for vessel manifold block and connecting CO₂Between the connections of the containers. When moving aloneThis eliminates liquid and/or gaseous CO when the tank is removed or replaced₂And (4) escaping. Compressed CO₂The container is placed in a vertical upright or inverted position in the specially designed cooling system of the present invention to retain CO when liquid and/or gas is discharged from the container₂CO in the vessel₂Liquid and gas balance.

It has been found according to the invention that when CO is present₂With the vessel in the upright position, the control valve of the invention has a siphon of suitable length, which is able to reach the CO₂The bottom of the container. Siphon tube for CO liquid₂From CO₂The bottom of the vessel flows to the top and then exits through the control valve of the present invention.

It has further been found according to the present invention that when CO is present₂When the container is in the inverted position, the liquid descends due to gravity and the liquid CO₂From CO₂The bottom of the vessel flows to the top and is then discharged through the control valve of the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of metering CO₂A control release system that is electronically monitored, controlled and operated using a touch screen or remotely using a smartphone application or any other electronic device. Metering of CO in accordance with the invention₂Controlled release system based on type of release valve and CO₂The number of containers has different configurations.

It is another important object of the present invention to provide a cooling system that also includes an electronic control unit powered by a battery, solar panel or +12V outlet in the vehicle that can monitor and control temperature, control algorithms and meter CO₂A controlled release system. These components may be attached to or enclosed within, or placed in, any kind and size of insulated or non-insulated vessel to minimize heat transfer to the environment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that incorporates an electronic control strategy that uses encrypted data to avoid spoofing, hacking, interference, jamming devices, jamming or data tampering. To encrypt the transmitted data, a Message Authentication Code (MAC) method will be used. Since active control (electronic) is the most accurate, flexible and easy to operate, it is foreseen that this is a preferred embodiment. Data transmitted from the active controller of the cooling system of the present invention to a smartphone or tablet or server via WiFi, bluetooth and radio frequencies, or any other type of device, will be encrypted to avoid spoofing, intrusions, interference, jamming devices, jamming or tampering with the data.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cooling system that can be transported, stored and moved to a location without electrical connections, power service outages (e.g., mains outages) or conventional methods for refrigeration, chilling or freezing.

The inventors have jointly conceived the invention of cooling systems, and they have sought to provide an optimal cooling system using liquid and/or gaseous CO₂Providing cooling temperature to insulated and non-insulated vessels, containers, compartments, enclosed areas, using any type and size of CO₂The presently claimed cooling system for a container located on, in or near an area where it is necessary or desirable to reduce or maintain a specified or required temperature.

Many additional features, devices and methods of the invention are described in the paragraphs that follow.

The design is specific to the use of chillers and may be designed for any type of system that requires refrigeration. The present invention need not be any specially manufactured cooler as it is self-contained and can be specifically designed.

The present invention includes a specially designed adiabatic cooler that incorporates the cooling system and electronic control of the present invention to monitor and control temperature.

The present invention includes additional accessories that may be placed in a chiller to produce ice over a specifically designed ice-making system for a period of 1 to 10 minutes. By introducing liquid and/or gaseous CO₂The mechanism delivered to a specially designed ice-making system may be connected directly to the capillary assembly. Specifically designed ice making accessories include: a) in connection with the present inventionA connection assembly of the main unit, b) an ice tray attached to the bottom cold air distribution plate by fasteners, c) a receiving tray containing water or other liquid in which the cold air is dispersed; d) a separator filled with water or other liquid. The panel assemblies are secured together by ice grid floor fasteners.

The present invention includes a cooling system for individual beverage containers, such as cans/bottles or individual containers, that need to be cooled or maintained at a chilled temperature or frozen. The cooling system of the invention has a housing of circular design which is closed except for the top of the cooling unit, allowing beverage containers to be placed therein. The cooling unit has the control system of the present invention utilizing manual, electromechanical, electronic or thermostatic valves, depending on and depending on the type of beverage that is intended to be cooled or desired to be cooled.

The invention also comprises a portable cooling system equipped with wheels that are easy to transport and can be easily connected to the refrigerator through suitable connectors designed in cooperation with the refrigerator manufacturer or through capillary tubes of the refrigerator door cushions, in order to deliver CO when the power supply is interrupted₂Delivered as refrigerant into the refrigerator. CO2₂The tank is in an upright position, with a siphon of suitable length, able to reach the CO₂The bottom of the container. Siphon tube for CO liquid₂From CO₂The bottom of the container flows to the top and then exits through the control or release valve of the present invention. It is contemplated that the cooling system of the present invention is specifically designed to be connected and attached to a refrigerator system to minimize or eliminate the amount of heat transfer from the refrigerator to the external environment.

The present invention also includes a system designed for transporting cargo that requires the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV, also known as "drones") to transport cargo that requires controlled cooling, such as medical, pharmaceutical, food, and any other small cooled or frozen items. It is envisaged that the cooling system of the present invention is specifically designed to be connected and attached to a particular drone according to its mechanical elements.

The present disclosure focuses on the overall system and electronic control strategy. Because of monitoring and controlling and others by means of smartphone communicationThe electronic control system of the sensing option is the most accurate, flexible and easy to operate, so it can be envisaged as a preferred embodiment. Other options are envisaged, e.g. in combination with manual, electromechanical or thermostated CO₂A release mechanism.

The invention may be stand alone or embedded in specially designed insulated coolers, and may be used for refrigeration, cooling or freezing individual bottles, cans or containers, insulated or non-insulated portable devices (e.g. freezers, coolers, lunch boxes), stationary devices (i.e. refrigerators, freezers), vehicle compartments (i.e. trunks or other storage cabinets of trucks, cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles or autonomous vehicles), compartments of aircraft or small containers transported by unmanned planes.

Other novel features and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Referring specifically to the drawings, for purposes of illustration only and not limitation, there is shown:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the cooling apparatus of the present invention utilizing a single CO₂A gas cylinder screwed into a single manifold block, which in turn is connected to a valve, which in turn is connected to a capillary tube, which valve is manually operated (first variant);

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1, showing the cross-sectional components shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the components of FIG. 1, showing a single CO in a stand-alone state₂Manifolds and other components;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first variation of the invention in which the valve is manually operated;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a manifold block;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a capillary assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the manual valve;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a manual valve;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second variation of the invention in which the relief valve is electronically operated;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the electronic release valve;

FIG. 5B is another cross-sectional top view of the electronic release valve;

FIG. 5C shows an electronic display in which the temperature of the exterior, interior, and upper surface of the heat exchanger is visualized and controlled;

fig. 5D is a block diagram of the electronic control device;

FIG. 5E shows a flow chart of a software program running on the electronic control device hardware;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a third variation of the invention in which the relief valve is thermostatically operated;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a thermostatic valve;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the thermostatic valve;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fourth variation of the invention in which the relief valve is activated by an electronic solenoid valve;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a manifold block including an electronic solenoid valve;

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the electronic solenoid valve;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of a manifold block including an electronic solenoid valve;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system of a fourth variation of the present invention having three COs₂A canister and a manually operated release valve;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 showing the cross-sectional components shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is an inner member of a fourth variation shown in FIG. 8 with the top plate removed;

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of a fluid communication assembly of a fourth variation of the cooling system of the present invention;

FIG. 8D is a schematic view of a top plate covering the heat exchanger;

FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of the 1/8' cross-sectional fitting;

FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of the check valve;

FIG. 8G is an exploded view of the male compression fitting of the check valve;

FIG. 8H is an exploded view of the female compression fitting of the check valve;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system of a fifth modified invention, which has a configuration with three COs₂A canister and an electronically operated release valve;

fig. 9A is a diagram of the bottom of the cooling system of the invention in a fifth modification;

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the inner member of the fifth variation shown in FIG. 9 with the top plate removed;

FIG. 9C is an exploded view of a fluid communication assembly of a fifth variation of the cooling system of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a cooling system of a sixth modified invention, which has a configuration with three COs₂A tank and a thermostatically operated release valve;

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of a fluid communication assembly of a sixth variation of the cooling system of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a seventh variation of the cooling system of the present invention including a fitting for making ice in the time range of 1 minute to a maximum of 10 minutes;

FIG. 11A is an exploded view of the fluid communication assembly of the ice-making assist mechanism;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a block for an ice grid design;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a heat exchanger used in the ice making assist mechanism;

fig. 11D is a perspective view of a water receiving tray for the ice-making assisting mechanism;

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of a water diverter for the ice-making assist mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a representation of the cooling system of the present invention communicating with a smartphone device via Wifi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency communication;

FIG. 13 is a representation of the cooling system of the present invention communicating with a smartphone device via Wifi, Bluetooth or radio frequency communications using an encryption algorithm;

FIG. 14 is a representative embodiment of the use of the cooling system of the present invention to refrigerate a unit;

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of the cooling system of the present invention in a portable single container for beverages, such as cans or bottles, concentrated breast milk or other beverages, food items or items that require cooling or maintenance at a controlled temperature;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the application of the cooling system of the present invention to items that require refrigeration, cooling or freezing and that require transportation using a small unmanned aerial vehicle (also known as a drone);

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the cooling system of the present invention embedded in a chiller that includes an electronic unit controller;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a spot cooling system of the present invention used with a rigid or flexible flat plate;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a spot cooling system of the present invention for use with a body part or muscle;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the spot cooling system of the present invention for use with a chair cushion;

FIG. 21 is a graph of three COs₂An exploded view of the tank connected to the manifold block in different connection types, including threaded, wing valve, and screw connections;

FIG. 22 is a CO connected to the manifold block in FIG. 21₂A cross-sectional view of the tank illustrating the wing valve connection;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the cooling system of the present invention used inside a truck trailer;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the cooling system of the present invention used in a vehicle interior;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the cooling system of the present invention, showing how the cooling system is secured and stabilized inside the container;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a flow metering valve for use in a flow metering device that maintains a constant flow of fluid through a given system;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a liquid or gas flowing through an orifice;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a capillary tube for use in the present invention; and is

FIG. 29 is a schematic of a hybrid cooler showing two cooling systems for the cooler, one having a conventional power supply and the other having a gas/liquid reservoir according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

While specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of but a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as further defined in the appended claims.

Broadly, the present invention is an apparatus and method for maintaining items such as beverages, foods and other items requiring refrigeration at cool, cold or frozen temperatures as needed for the items to be preserved for extended periods of time.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, utilization of a single CO is shown₂Embodiments of the cooling system of the present invention of a cartridge. As system 10, a single CO is shown₂A cartridge 20. CO2₂The cartridge 20 has an outer peripheral wall 22 and a top wall 24, the outer peripheral wall 22 and the top wall 24 surrounding a first internal chamber 26, the first internal chamber 26 containing CO under pressure₂28. The bottom of the barrel 20 is connected by a curved circumferential wall 27 to a tube member 23 having a thread 29 thereon. Also shown is a block manifold 30 having a top 32 with internal threads 34 leading to a second internal chamber 36 for the top 32. The second interior chamber 36 is filled with secondary CO₂Tube 29 of cartridge 20 extends and terminates around an L-shaped tube 38 (shown in phantom) of a manual valve 40. The valve is in turn in fluid communication with a capillary unit 50, the capillary unit 50 having a capillary tube 52 in fluid communication with the tube 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is also shown with CO₂Exploded view of system 100 of cartridges 120, manifold block 130 by having a cavity to allow CO₂The pass through feature 149 is connected to the manual valve 140. The capillary 150 allows CO by having an internal cavity₂Connected to the manual valve 140 by a threaded member 159.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of manifold block 130 having manifold internal cavity 132 taken from manifold block 135, manifold internal cavity 132 having internal wall 131The chamber 132 is fixed to the block by a first circumferential wall 136 and is connected to a cavity 137 by a second internal chamber 133, forming an L-shaped tube that allows CO₂Valve 140 of fig. 2 is directed from refillable reservoir or cartridge 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of a capillary unit 250 is shown in which a tube element 251 is connected to a tube having a hollow opening 252 to allow CO₂28 and has mating male and female threads 244, and a female threaded fitting 254 threaded through a connector fitting 253 into the male and female threads 244.

Fig. 4 and 4A show an exploded view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a manual valve 340, the manual valve 340 having a stem 342 entering a body 347 with a top side 341, an O-ring 343 and two threaded cavities 344 (inlet) and 346 (outlet), respectively, for connecting the valve from one side to the manifold block 130 of fig. 2 and from the other side to the function of the capillary unit 250 of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 5, 5A, 5B and 5C, a second variation of the cooling system of the present invention is shown, utilizing a single CO as shown in fig. 1 and 1A operated by an electronic valve 540 and an electronic control 560₂And (4) a barrel. The electronic valve 540 is located between the manifold block 530 having the same technical features as described in fig. 1B and 2A and the capillary unit 550 as shown in fig. 3. The block 543 serves as a connector junction between the manifold block 530 and the capillary unit 550. The electronic control 560 evaluates the temperature of the chiller and its surroundings and electronically opens the electronic valve 540 to release liquid CO through the capillary tube 550₂28 until a set threshold temperature inside the cooler is reached. The electronic control unit is specially designed with a display 561 which displays three controlled temperatures (outside the cooler, inside the cooler, and on the top surface of the heat exchanger) and two configuration buttons 562. A schematic of the electronic control is set forth in fig. 5D. FIGS. 5A and 5B show two different cross-sectional views of electronic valves 540A and 540B having valve bodies 541A and 541B, respectively, the valve bodies 541A and 541B having valve stems 544A and 544B, valve plungers 542A, 542B, 542C, two disks, CO₂Conductive openings 545A and 545B therethrough.

Fig. 5D shows a schematic diagram of the electronic control device. The control device has 9 subsystems in its electronics. Each system is specifically tailored to work with every other system in the network to provide maximum interoperability. The main system is MCU 568, which interprets all inputs and determines outputs based on these factors.

And then the output system. These consist of a display 561, a valve (via a boost converter) 540, a bluetooth radio 564, and an indicator light 566. Display 561 is responsible for outputting all information to the user, except for that provided by indicator light 566; however, there may be redundancy between the information conveyed. CO in the valve control system₂Thereby regulating the temperature. The bluetooth radio 564 provides a means of communication between companion applications and also serves as an input. Indicator light 566 is responsible for providing the most important information to the user.

Associated with the output system is the input system. These output systems include a touch screen 562, a digital temperature sensor 565, and a bluetooth radio 564. The touch screen 562 provides all input to the device except for content provided by companion applications, which may overlap. Digital temperature sensor 565 is responsible for sensing temperature, and is digital to provide greater accuracy and precision. The bluetooth radio 564 serves as a means of communication between the companion application and the frosttime unit. It is also used as an output.

In addition to those systems described above, the electronic control device also has two systems required for full operation. These are the memory system 567 and the boost converter 563. Storage system 567 stores all data collected by the electronic control device for later retrieval, which may be considered as input and output to MCU 568, but should not be directly accessible by a user. Because of their electrical differences, a boost converter 563 is required to couple MCU 568 and valve system 540 together.

Fig. 5E is a representation of an electronic control device software flow diagram. Once the user switches the power switch to the "ON" position 5001, the electronic control of the cooling system of the present invention begins its startup routine, labeled 5000. The routine proceeds as follows. First, the touch screen/display module 5002 is powered on and initialized. Then, the temperature sensor 5003 is initialized.

After all sensors and hardware have been initialized, the temperature is displayed 5004 to the display and the control unit software enters its main operating routine 5005. The routine conditionally executes a subroutine according to the measurement performed and a preset timer. It is responsible for changing the valve from an open state to a closed state based on data from the temperature sensor to regulate the temperature and to detect and process inputs from the touch screen and display data thereto.

The first condition 5006 of the check is whether the displayed temperature has been updated within the last 15 seconds. If not, the temperature on the display screen is updated 5007 and saved to log file 5008. Next, regardless of the previous conditions, the control electronics software checks to see if the touch screen 5009 has been pressed. If so, it specifically checks if the valve button 5011 has been pressed. If so, the automatic mode 5012 will be disabled and the position of the valve will be switched from the current state to the opposite state (open to close 5013A, closed to open 1313B).

If the valve button 5014 is not pressed, but the touch screen touch 5009 is still detected, the auto mode 5015 is enabled. In this mode, the device will open and close the valve to maintain the set temperature, further description of which will be made below in the additional description of the main routine.

If none of the above touch screen events occurred, but there is still a touch, the control software will check if the touch is in the sliding temperature adjustment interface 5016. If so, the graphical slider is adjusted to represent the set temperature 5017 and the new set point 5018 is displayed. It does this by changing its rightmost endpoint to a touch point.

If none of the valves, auto mode or slider has been touched, the control software of the cooling system of the present invention performs a last check 5019 to see if the button of its unit has been touched. If so, the units are switched from Fahrenheit to Centigrade, or from Centigrade to Fahrenheit, based on the initial units pressed 5020. Finally, in the case of a touch, upon selection of all buttons, the internal touch register will contain information about where the occurred touch was reset, ready for the next touch event 5021.

After checking 5009 the touch screen for input, the control software of the cooling system of the invention checks if the automatic mode 5010 is enabled and if so displays 5022 the current state of the valve back to the display, indicating open valve 5023A by green light and closed valve 5023B by red light.

The bluetooth connection 5024 is then checked. If so, the temperature of the valve is sent 5025 to the application and the temperature of the device is set 5026 to maintain.

Next, the device checks the temperature. If the temperature is above the user selected set point plus a small preset dead band value 5027 to reduce unnecessary cycling of the valve, then valve 5028 is opened. Next, the device checks if the temperature is below the setpoint minus a small preset deadband value 5029. In this case, the valve of the device is set to a closed, closed position 5030.

Finally, the device performs another check 5031 for any bluetooth commands received. If a command is received, then 5032 is executed.

The main operation procedure is ended up to this point; 5033 is repeated until the power switch is switched to the "off" position.

Referring to fig. 6, 6A and 6B, a third variation of the present invention utilizing a thermostatic poppet valve 640 is shown. Thermostatic poppet valve 640 is specially designed and allows for liquid or gaseous CO₂28 from CO screwed onto manifold block 630₂The cartridge 620 flows to a capillary tube 650 that is connected to a thermostatic poppet valve 640 by a connector 652.

Fig. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of a thermostatic poppet valve 640 in a closed position. The body of the valve 640A has a head 641 capped with a wax or polymer. As the temperature increases, the polymer or wax expands and pushes the plunger 642 downward, allowing flow from the inlet to the outlet 649 of the tube interface 645. The spring 648 applies a force to the plunger to prevent the plunger from unsealing when the unit is not under pressure, which is referred to as preload. The pressure relief holes 643 prevent the formation of too much stress caused by too much pressure in the cell in the event of abnormal extreme pressure. Set screw 646 is used in conjunction with set screw hole 651 to retain the spring and allow fluid to pass through. Parts 644A, 644B, and 644C are sealing O-rings. Part 641A is a lock nut for placing thermostatic poppet valve 640 at the correct depth. Part 640A is the body of thermostatic poppet valve 640, which may also be considered a manifold.

Fig. 6B shows an exploded view of a thermostatic poppet 640 having a body 640A with a thermostatic actuator 641 and connected to a manifold block by a set of screws 647A and 647B. On the opposite side of the body 646 are set screws with holes to hold the spring 648 and allow fluid to pass.

Referring to fig. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C, a fourth variant of the invention is shown, which uses a solenoid valve included in the manifold block, which replaces the operation of the release valve in the previous six variants and allows the liquid or gaseous CO₂Directly from the canister to the capillary assembly. FIG. 7 shows an inverted CO having the same cross-sectional view as in FIG. 1A and operated by an electronic solenoid valve 731₂Exploded view of canister 720, electronic solenoid valve 731 CO tolerant₂Flowing to capillary assembly 750, the electronic solenoid valve 731 should be understood to be the same element as detailed in fig. 3. When electronic solenoid valve 731 is actuated, it presses on lever lines 734 and 735, shown in FIG. 7A, and opens valve 720 to allow CO₂And (4) flowing. In this variant, the valve is electromechanically controlled by a current through the solenoid valve.

Fig. 7A shows an exploded view of manifold 730, manifold 730 including solenoid valve 731, preloaded spring 737, shaft 732, plunger 733, lever hinge pin 734, and actuation rod 735.

When normally closed, plunger return spring 737 holds plunger 733 against CO₂The orifice of the canister, thereby preventing flow through the valve. When the solenoid is energized, a magnetic field is generated that actuates the lever, which in turn raises the plunger and allows fluid to flow through the valve.

Fig. 7B is an exploded view of an electronic solenoid valve comprised of a primary coil 740, a plunger 733, an O-ring 736, and a wire 737.

FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the manifold 730, the manifold 730 having an outer wall 741CO₂Tank receiver 732 and CO₂Chamber 733, solenoid threads 734, shaft cavity 745, lever hinge pin hole 737, and fluid communication outlet 739, which fluid communication outlet 739 communicates with capillary assembly 750 shown in fig. 7.

Multiple solenoid valves may be placed together on the manifold to reproduce three COs₂The tank is in an upside down configuration.

A more common embodiment of the invention is to use multiple inverted COs₂A gas cylinder. For example, a preferred embodiment is to have three COs₂A gas cylinder. Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the cooling system of the present invention is shown with multiple inverted COs₂A container, in this case three CO₂A container. This embodiment is numbered in the series 800 and represents a fifth variation of the invention.

FIG. 8A is an inverted CO₂A cross-sectional view of one of the containers 820A to show details of the components. Specifically, cylinder 820A has an outer wall 822A and a top 824A, top 824A enclosing a gas mixture containing CO under pressure₂828A, and an interior chamber 826A. Similarly, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 1A, the CO is inverted₂The bottom of the cartridge 820A contains a tube 823A surrounded by threads 829A. It will be understood that although the other two inverted COs are not shown₂The cylinders are in cross-section, but they have the same internal construction. Internal CO₂Gas cylinder 820B has an outer wall 822B and a top 824B surrounding a gas containing CO under pressure₂The internal chamber of (a). Similarly, CO₂The vessel 820C has an outer wall 822C and a top 824C, the top 824C enclosing a container containing CO under pressure₂The internal chamber of (a). Three CO₂Barrels 824A, 824B, and 824C are operated by manual valve 840, and they are threaded into manifold block 830, which is connected to heat exchanger 870. It should be understood that although the sectional views of the manual valves are not shown, they have the same configuration as shown in fig. 4 and 4A. A schematic of the heat exchanger is shown in FIG. 8B and with three COs in FIG. 8C₂An exploded view of the valve system of an embodiment of a gas cylinder.

In FIGS. 8B and 8C, there are shown three COs, respectively, operated by manual valve 840₂Gas cylinders 820A, 820B and820C without the top plate shown in fig. 8D and numbered with the 881 series. In FIG. 8, a manifold block 830 is also shown, the purpose of which is to couple the three COs described above₂The cylinder is connected to a fluid communication system consisting of a manual valve 840, three check valves 890A, 890B and 890C, each mounted in an 1/8 inch cross mount 881, and a capillary tube 850 for the purpose of drawing liquid or gas CO₂To a heat exchanger 870.

In fig. 8C, an exploded view of the fluid communication system described above is shown, comprising three check valves 890A, 890B and 890C, five connecting elements 880A, 880B, 880C, 881 and 892, two connecting pipes 891A and 891B and an element 852 directly connected to a capillary tube 850 embedded in a heat exchanger 870.

In fig. 8D, a top plate 871 is shown, which is coupled to the main embodiment by screws at points 871B, 871C, 871D, and 871E and by two slots numbered 871F and 871G. The bore 871H is specifically designed to receive a manual valve 840, as shown in FIG. 8.

Fig. 8E shows a cross-sectional view of an 1/8 inch cross-mount with four female threaded fittings 881A, 881B, 881C, and 881D, with all other elements of the fluid communication system connected therein.

Fig. 8F shows a cross-sectional view of one check valve 890A. It will be appreciated that while the cross-sectional views of check valves 890B and 890C are not shown, they have the same configuration as shown in fig. 8D. Body 890AA has an inlet 890AF, liquid or gaseous CO₂Through the inlet 890AF, through the spring 890AB and out the outlet 890 AC. Globe valve in 890AD stops CO if canister 820 is disconnected from manifold 830₂In the opposite direction.

Referring to fig. 8G and 8H, exploded views of the outer and inner connection fittings are shown, respectively. One of two identical outer compression fittings 880A is shown in fig. 8G, the other being 880C, which connects check valve 890A through inner compression fitting 880B to tube 891A in communication with the cross-mount of fig. 8E, as shown in the exploded view of fig. 8H. Both the outer and inner compression fittings have connections 880AB, 880AC, 880AD in fig. 8G and 880BA, 880BB and 880BC in fig. 8H, respectively, which are selected to fit perfectly with the check valve at one end and with the cross mount at the opposite end without any leakage.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C, a sixth variation of the cooling system of the present invention is shown, wherein a complete embodiment utilizes a system having three COs₂The electronic valve of the inverted cartridge configuration operates. This variation includes an electronic control as shown in fig. 5D having a sensor that evaluates the temperature of the cooler and its surroundings to determine what the temperature is and to determine the required cooling or freezing temperature needs to be reached. After the electronic control performs the analysis, the electronic control electrically opens the electronic valve 940 to release liquid CO through the capillary tubes 950 in the heat exchanger plate 970₂Until a set threshold temperature inside the cooler is reached. The configuration includes a plurality of inverted COs in a manifold block 930 secured to a heat transfer plate 970₂Cartridge and, via manifold block 930, CO₂The cartridges are connected to check valves 990A, 990B, 990C controlled by electronic valve 940, which in turn is controlled by electronic control device 960. Once the electronic control determines the cooling or freezing temperature required for a particular application, it will send a signal to the electronic control valve 940 to open to allow CO from the interior chambers of the cartridges 920A, 920B, and 920C₂Flows through check valves 990A, 990B, 990C and into capillary 950 where it is distributed to a cooling position. The heat transfer plate 970 facilitates the transfer of cooling from the capillary tube to the area to be cooled or frozen. This is in fact the basic principle of the invention and other variants using different components achieve the same result, but different components can be used for different applications.

FIG. 9A is a schematic with three COs₂A bottom view of heat exchanger 970 in variations of cartridges 920A, 920B, and 920C. Items 970A and 970B secure heat exchanger plate 970 to manifold block 930.

Fig. 9B and 9C show perspective and exploded views, respectively, of a fluid communication assembly in a sixth variation of an embodiment of the present invention. The fluid communication system has the same description as fig. 8A, the only difference being that the valve represents the now electronic valve 940. The connector member 943 serves as a junction between the manifold block 930 and the capillary unit 950.

FIGS. 10 and 10A are a top perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a fluid communication assembly of a sixth variation of the invention, containing the same components as the sixth variation of the invention described in detail in FIGS. 9, 9B and 9C, with the only difference being that rather than having the electronic control 940 determine how much CO needs to be released₂To achieve the desired temperature, but is replaced by a thermostatic valve 1940 connected to the fluid communication assembly by connector parts 1942, 1943, and 1944. All parts are numbered with the same number plus an additional 1000. For example, instead of 920A for each cylinder, these cylinders are now 1920A, etc. A polymer or wax based thermostatic actuator 1945 is connected to the poppet 1940, the poppet 1940 releasing CO when the valve is at a predetermined temperature₂Through capillary tubes 1950 and into heat exchanger plate 1970. Wax-based or polymer thermostatic valves operate at a predetermined temperature. Wax-based or polymer thermostatic valves operate by exploiting the thermal expansion of wax. As the wax or polymer begins to melt, the wax or polymer expands and opens the valve. As the system begins to cool, the wax or polymer solidifies and the valve is closed. The temperature at which the wax or polymer begins to melt depends on its formulation and is selected according to its desired operating temperature. Gas enters through check valve bodies 1990A, 1990B and 1990C and then flows through 1/8 inch copper tubes 1991A and 1991B. The gas then enters an 1/8 inch NPT connector with internal threads on all three inlets 1942 and 1944, and enters a 1/8 inch NPT 90 degree fitting, the threaded side being external threads and the other threaded side being internal threads 1941, with a thermostatic poppet 1940 attached to the internal threads 1941. The gas then enters the capillary assembly 1952 and finally exits the capillary 1950. To connect the copper tubes, inner compression fittings 1980A and 1980C, and outer compression fittings 1980B and 1980D are used. To connect the T-connectors together, an 1/8 inch NPT interface 1943 was used, which was externally threaded on both sides.

Referring to FIG. 11, it is shown that the attachment to CO may be₂Design assembly of ice cube tray of manifold. This is a seventh modification of the cooling system of the present invention. In FIG. 11The mechanism shown allows for freezing in 1 to 10 minutes. The exploded view of fig. 11 highlights the components and subassemblies of the unit. CO2₂Enters the inlet hose 7950 and is pushed through the female quick disconnect coupling 7951 and the male quick disconnect coupling 7952 into the ice grid block 7953, which ice grid block 7953 is attached to the bottom cold distribution plate 7770 by ice grid block fasteners 7954A and 7954B. Then, CO₂Enters the capillary tube assembly 7500 and exits the capillary tube 7501 into the bottom cold distribution plate 7770. Then, the cold air is dispersed through the water storage tray 7760 and enters the water separator 7780 filled with water. The plate assemblies are secured together by ice grid floor fasteners 7772.

Fig. 11A shows an exploded view of capillary assembly 7500. CO2₂Into a capillary female fitting 7504 and then into a capillary 7501. To hold the capillary in place, a capillary flare fitting 7503 is used, and a capillary male fitting 7502 is used to compression flare and secure it in place.

FIG. 11B shows a cross section 7900 of a block for an ice grid design. The gas enters the 1/8 inch NPT female fitting 7558 and then exits the 10-32 female threads for capillary attachment 7559. The capillary assembly cannot be installed without cutting the socket to attach the capillary assembly 7955 to reduce overall length. Ice cube housing 7956 is attached by ice cube bolt holes 7957A and 7957B.

Fig. 11C shows an overall view of a cold distribution plate 7770. The gas enters through the cold distribution plate capillary inlet holes 7774 and flows through the cold distribution plate gas flow passages 7776. The gas then exits through outlet orifice 7775. To attach the blocks, two threaded block fastener holes 7773A, 7773B are included to attach the drip pan 760, and items 7771A, 7771B, 7771C, and 7771D are included. Then, the cold water is dispersed through the water storage tray 7760. For purposes of this notation, the top of the cold distributor plate is 7777.

Fig. 11D shows an overall view of the water containing tray 7760. When the cold distribution plate 7770 of fig. 11C is cooling, the first thing to cool is the water containment tray bottom 7762. When cold is transferred through the receiving tray, the water receiving tray front 7761 and the water receiving tray side 7763 are also cooled.

Fig. 11E shows a water knockout vessel 7780. As the water containment tray cools, the diverter mating side of the water containment tray 7782 cools first, then the diverter side of the separated water 7783 cools, and finally the diverter top 7781 cools. The entire freezing process takes 1 to 10 minutes in total.

Referring to fig. 12, there is shown a representation of data communication between a smartphone 2004 and an electronic control device 2060, the electronic control device 2060 controlling a cooling system 2020 of the present invention via WiFi 2001, bluetooth 2002 or radio frequency 2003 transmissions. The communication is handled by the control software as shown in fig. 5E.

Referring to fig. 13, there is shown a representation of a data encryption method 3000 between a smartphone 3001 and an electronic control device 3160 controlling a cooling system 3020 of the present invention. To encrypt the transmitted data, a Message Authentication Code (MAC) method will be used, using the same keys 3107 and 3108. The application includes encryption software to encrypt 3102 the data for transmission over the air using the transmission method described in figure 12. Electronic control software running on the electronic control 3160 will receive the encrypted data 3104 and decrypt them 3105 using the MAC algorithm and operate the control unit 3020 of the present invention using the received data.

Fig. 14 shows the application of the cooling system of the invention to a refrigerator unit 4001 which can be used in the event of a power interruption of the main power supply. Liquid or gaseous CO₂The container 4020 (which may be a 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 75 pound portable cylinder of compressed/liquefied gas) is placed in an upright position on a commercially available conveyor equipped with wheels 4002. CO in liquid or gaseous state₂Released through siphon 4005, flows into a release valve 4040, which may be electronic or manual or a thermostat, and through another capillary tube 4050, which is connected to the refrigerator unit through hole 4004 in refrigerator gasket 4003. CO if manual valves are used₂Is the same as described in fig. 1 and 2; CO if electronic valves are used₂The release mechanism of (a) is the same as described in fig. 5; if a thermostatic valve is used, CO₂The release mechanism of (a) is the same as described in figure 6.

In fig. 15 is shown the application of the cooling system of the invention for refrigerating, cooling or freezing individual objects 6001, using a vial of liquid or gaseous CO₂6020, i.e., 12g disposable metal can (soda fountain cartridge), and a coolant chamber 6002 with a capillary tube 6050 wrapped around the cooling chamber 6002. Small gas bottle 6020 is fixed to manifold block 6030 and carries liquid or gaseous CO₂Release to a release valve 6040 which may be electronic, manual or thermostatic. CO if manual valves are used₂Is the same as described in fig. 1 and 2; CO if electronic valves are used₂The release mechanism of (a) is the same as described in fig. 5; if a thermostatic valve is used, CO₂The release mechanism of (a) is the same as described in fig. 6; CO if an electronic solenoid valve is used₂The release mechanism of (a) is the same as described in figure 7.

In fig. 16, the application of the cooling system of the invention to a refrigeration unit carried by a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV, also known as "drone") 7021 is shown. The cooling system 7020 of the present invention has a small CO₂A cartridge, 12g disposable metal can (soda fountain cartridge) 7020, similar to that described in fig. 15. The cooling system of the present invention is protected in an insulating or non-insulating box that is screwed to a base 7002 attached to the drone.

Referring to FIG. 17, a schematic diagram of a cooler 8000 is shown, in which the cooling unit of the present invention is embedded. The cooler has a top upper cover 8102 and a top lower cover 8104 with an insulating material 8103 therebetween. The same insulating material 8103 is placed between the inner and outer side walls 8106, 8108 and between the bottom outer and inner walls 8112, 8110. On one of the side walls an electronic control device 8160 is placed. The electronic control unit is connected 8109 in a wired manner to the cooling unit 8100 according to the invention, which cooling unit 8100 has 3 inverted COs₂A canister 8120, capillary tube 8150, heat exchanger 8170, and manifold block 8130, threaded into the CO₂And (7) a tank. Also shown is an inner wall 8180 which has the function of acting as a divider between the cooling unit of the present invention and the beverage and food compartments.

As disclosed in the parent applicationVariations of the embodiments discussed. In the previous figures, CO₂The container is the source of the refrigerant. Although CO is also shown in the following figures starting from FIG. 18₂A container, but it is intended that the present invention include a variety of other gases to provide cooling. Intended to replace CO₂Other gases that are cooled are: any gas that can be compressed into a liquid at pressures up to 3000psi (including 3000psi) will expand and change phase when released to ambient conditions. Examples are selected from propane, CO₂Methane, butane, nitrous oxide, and refrigerants such as R-22, 134B, and 410A.

Referring to FIG. 18, a flat panel CO is shown₂A cooling system 9001, designed to provide remote refrigeration of food products located on a flat plate 9012, which may be flexible or rigid. The number of specific uses should not be limited by the present disclosure, but rather the present disclosure is intended to illustrate examples of how embodiments of the flat plate cooling system 9001 may be used. Figure 18 shows a plate 9012 having a plate top surface 9014 and a plate bottom surface 9016, the plate top surface 9014 and the plate bottom surface 9016 being connected by a plate vertical wall around the entire perimeter of the plate 9012. The distance between the plate top surface 9014 and the plate bottom surface 9016 is large enough to accommodate tubes or capillaries (e.g., capillaries 11000 shown in fig. 28) in the conduits 9026A, 9026B, and 9026C. The number and size of the capillaries 9024 contained in the conduits 9026A, 9026B, and 9026C and the conduits 9026A, 9026B, and 9026C may be different to correspond to the desired plate size. FIG. 18 also shows CO₂A container 9050 connected to the manifold block 9028 by a flexible drain line 9040 which is connected through a manifold block bore 9032 in the manifold block 9028. Solenoid valve 9044 controls slave CO₂CO from the container 9050 into the manifold block 9028₂The amount of (c). Details of the solenoid valve 9044 of this embodiment and its control manifold block 9028 and CO₂The operation of the flow between the vessels 9050 is the same as that previously disclosed in fig. 7 and 7A. The flexible rigid or flat panel disclosed in fig. 18 can be used for buffets and picnics while serving. The entire system consists of a plate as shown in fig. 18, where the opened container items are placed on a plate 9012 and conducted throughThe cooling is performed in a manner to reduce the risk of pathogens in the food when the food is delivered.

Referring to FIG. 19, muscle fatigue CO is shown₂Cooling system 9201, which reduces muscle fatigue/injury by direct application of reusable self-adhesive pad 9210. Pad 9210 is generally flexible to allow for improved application to the user's skin. Flexible pad 9210 has a pad top surface 9214 and a pad bottom surface 9216, the pad top surface 9214 and the pad bottom surface 9216 being connected by a pad vertical wall that surrounds the entire perimeter of pad 9212. The distance between pad top surface 9214 and pad bottom surface 9216 is large enough to accommodate a tube or capillary 9224 between pad top surface 9214 and pad bottom surface 9216. The capillaries 9224 can have different numbers and sizes to correspond to the desired size and thickness of the pad 9210.

FIG. 19 further illustrates CO connecting to the pad manifold 9228₂A container 9250, the pad manifold 9228 connecting the tubes together via a flexible drain line 9240. Control valve 9244 controls CO entering capillary 9224₂The amount of (c). It is within the scope of this embodiment for the control valve to be operated by solenoid operation or mechanical operation as previously disclosed in this disclosure.

The flexible pad disclosed in fig. 19 may have a variety of shapes and contours to match or closely match a particular muscle group of a user. The flexible pad of fig. 19 can cool down a desired muscle group or area on the user's body. Other uses include, but are not limited to, first response to heat stroke/physical failure, and methods of preventing brain damage and reducing fever in patients with severe head injury.

Referring to fig. 20, a spot cooling liner system 9401 is shown having a top liner 9406 and a bottom liner 9408. The top 9406 and bottom 9408 liners each have a top surface and a bottom surface that surround and enclose the CO-containing material₂Capillary tube of (CO)₂Has passed through flexible line 9240 from CO through control valve 9444₂The container 9450 is released and controlled by the control valve 9444. Similarly, the top liner 9406 and the bottom liner 9408 each have vertical walls (9410T and 9410B) that surround and enclose an interior region (not shown) containing capillaries. FIG. 20 disclosesCO (carbon monoxide)₂A cooling system that functions as a cooled seating system to provide cooling to the seat through the control valve and flexible hose. The valve may be actuated based on a desired seat temperature determined by an operator.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22, there is shown a method for converting CO₂The container is attached to an alternative connection means of the manifold block. Previous to CO₂Descriptions of the components and functions of the container and manifold block are incorporated by reference. FIG. 21 shows three COs₂Exploded views of containers (9500A, 9500B, and 9500C) in an inverted position over respective valve housings (9510A, 9510B, and 9510) and over respective manifold blocks (9512A, 9512B, and 9512C). CO is shown above the threaded valve 9510A₂Container 9500A, threaded valve 9510A for CO convenience₂Container 9500A is connected to manifold block 9512A. In CO₂CO is shown above the container valve 9510B₂Vessel 9500B, CO₂Container valve 9510B facilitates CO₂Container 9500B is connected to manifold block 9512B (and is better shown in fig. 22). In CO₂CO is shown above the container valve 9510C₂Container 9500C, CO₂Container valve 9510C facilitates CO₂Container 9500C is connected to manifold block 9512C. The A series (9500A, 9510A and 9512A) in FIG. 21 are CO₂A threaded connection between the container and the manifold block. The B series (9500B, 951OB and 9512B) in FIG. 21 are in CO₂A wing valve connection between the vessel and the manifold block. The C series (9500C, 9510C and 9512C) in FIG. 21 are CO₂A screw connection between the container and the manifold block. The screw connection creates suction or additional compression when the valve is closed.

Further, wing valves 9514B and 9514C are shown in fig. 21 on top of manifold blocks 9512B and 9512C, respectively. It will be appreciated that the presently shown wing valves have male portions extending from the manifold blocks and extending upwardly, but the wing valve portions may alternatively be designed such that the wing valve male portions 9514B and 9514C fit into female cut-outs located at the top of each respective manifold block. Similarly, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to design the wing valves as part of the tank or integrally connected to the tank.

Referring to FIG. 22, CO is shown₂Container 9500B and correspondingCross-sections of the wing valves and manifold blocks. FIG. 22 also shows a wing shaped concave opening 9518B in the valve housing 9510B. The female opening 9518B is designed to receive the male wing valve portion 9514B. In operation, the valve will open and close based on the wing valve portion (male or female) being rotated 90 degrees (also referred to as a quarter turn). Other commonly known for promoting CO₂From CO₂It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for the valve to be released from the container to be, for example, but not limited to, a ball valve, butterfly valve, ceramic disk valve, flapper valve, check valve or one-way valve, throttle valve, diaphragm valve, gate valve, shut-off valve, knife valve, needle valve, pinch valve, piston valve, plug valve, poppet valve, slide valve, thermostatic expansion valve, pressure relief valve, sample valve, and safety valve. Similarly, the current function of one or more capillaries may be replaced by a flow metering device or flow metering system (discussed further in fig. 25). Also, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to implement a valve that uses thermal expansion and contraction of the material to operate the opening and closing of the valve. As the temperature rises, the actuating material expands, opening the valve to provide cooling. When the material and object/space are cooled to the desired temperature, the actuating material contracts to close the valve. Such embodiments are not limited to paraffin operated mixing valves.

Referring to fig. 23, a cooling system for a truck or track trailer 9600 is shown. CO2₂The connection between the reservoir 9620 and the dispersion or capillary (not shown but within the wall) is consistent with the disclosure shown previously. In this embodiment, the capillaries are arranged inside vertical walls (9610A, 9610B, 9610C, and 9610D) and horizontal walls (9612A and 9612B) or portions thereof to form an enclosed cooling volume. Typically, for this embodiment, the enclosed cooling volume will be greater than 1 cubic foot.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a vehicle 20000 incorporating a box cooling system 9700 with CO in accordance with the present disclosure₂A container (not shown), a release valve (not shown), and a capillary tube along a wall or portion of a wall (not shown). The box cooling system 9700 is not limited by size, shape, or location within the vehicle, but is shown by way of example only. Cooling system 9700 can have any size or shape to fit and secure within a vehicle or to be securedFixed on the vehicle or fixed outside the vehicle. Comprising CO₂A cooling system is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention, the CO₂The cooling system is designed to provide individual cooling to an individual in accordance with the disclosed cooling system. In addition, CO may be introduced₂Into a dispensing device which can achieve a venturi effect to induce ambient air and CO₂To provide convective cooling to the operator. Operation may then be based on the temperature measurement device causing the system to shut down. Typically, the cooling volume of this embodiment will be less than one hundred (100) cubic feet.

Referring to FIG. 25, the CO is shown₂CO above container valve 9910₂Exploded view of container 9950 with CO above T-shaped slot 9902₂The container valve 9910 is located on the upper portion of the Y-shaped frame 9916. The T-slot and Y-frame 9916 may be of any size or shape, but are illustrated here only to show how the CO is to be mixed₂The container is secured to the interior of a cooling system, such as the box-shaped cooling system 9700 in fig. 24. The Y-frame also has frame attachment openings 9920 for receiving rods or other similar securing features to secure the Y-frame inside a container such as the box cooling system 9700. During operation, CO₂The container 9950 is located over the T-shaped slot 9902 and the CO₂The container valve 9910 fits within one of the openings (9918A, 9918B, 9918C and 9918D) in the internal T-shaped slot 9902, and CO₂The valve handle 9911 of the container valve 9910 may be rotated 90 degrees (one quarter turn) to open or close the valve and allow CO, respectively₂Flowing or stopping CO₂And (4) flowing.

Referring to fig. 26, a flow metering valve 9800 to be used in a flow metering device is shown, the flow metering valve 9800 maintaining a constant flow of fluid through a given system by mechanical or electromechanical principles. Devices and their principles include, but are not limited to, capillaries and pores. The flow is limited by the pressure drop due to the reduction of the openings or the length of the tube. A flow meter valve is a device in which flow is varied and controlled by the position of the valve stem 9802. When actuated, the surface area of the flow path decreases or increases, thereby allowing the fluid medium to pass. These types of valves include, but are not limited to, needle valves, ball valves, or shut-off valves.

Referring to fig. 27, a schematic diagram of flow 10000 through orifice or opening 10012 is shown. The schematic of the flow through the orifice 10012 is characterized by having a first chamber 10002, the first chamber 10002 containing a fluid or gas 10010 on one side, the fluid or gas 10010 being directed through the orifice opening 10014 and the orifice outlet 10016 to the second chamber 10004.

Referring to fig. 28, a capillary tube 11000 is shown having an outer body 11002 surrounding an opening 11004 extending from a first end opening 11010 to a second end opening 11012. However, this is typical of a capillary tube according to the present invention, however, the shape and size of the capillary tube shown in fig. 28 are shown as an example only. The shape and size of the capillary tube may vary depending on the intended use. For example, the capillary tubes used in the truck trailer in fig. 23 may be much larger than the capillary tubes used in the box cooling system 9700 in fig. 24.

Referring to fig. 29, a hybrid cooler 12000 is shown in which the cooling system of the present invention is used in conjunction with an electric cooler. The hybrid cooler 12000 is equipped with an electronic coordination device 12400, which electronic coordination device 12400 coordinates when the cooling system and the electronic cooler of the present invention are to be operated. First, an electric cooler will be used to cool the contents of the tank, and when the power to the electric cooler reaches a certain level or limit, the electronic coordination unit 12400 will turn off the power and turn on the cooling system of the present invention, thereby cooling the contents of the tank with the liquid or gaseous coolant of the present invention. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention to use both the system of the present invention and the electric cooler, but primarily the system of the present invention will be used in place of the electric cooler when appropriate. Hybrid cooler 12000 has a bottom body portion 12004 surrounding an interior chamber 12200. The hybrid cooler 12000 also has a closable lid 12002. The function of the hybrid cooler 12000 is consistent with the present disclosure, including the liquid/gas tank 12500, which may be right side up and/or relief valve up or reverse. Fig. 29 shows a liquid/gas tank 12500 with a relief valve facing upward and a connecting line 12240 connecting the liquid/gas tank 12500 to a flow metering system 12340 to release liquid/gas to an interior chamber 12200.

For example, the manual or automatic control switch 12850 turns on the cooling system of the present invention when current from the power source 12008 powering the electric cooler is interrupted (e.g., mains power outage) or reduced when the vehicle engine is off or when determined by the operator or by the electronics to optimize energy consumption and prevent discharge of the vehicle battery. It is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention that the hybrid cooler utilize a power source for a transportation or recreational vehicle, including, but not limited to: gasoline, fuel, diesel, electric, hybrid and automotive vehicles, trucks, tracked trailers, boats, where the algorithm automatically turns on the cooling system of the present invention when a predetermined threshold of vehicle battery charge is exceeded or a predetermined period of time is exceeded. Accordingly, the present invention is a cooler having both an electrical cooling system in its walls and the cooling system of the present invention comprising a gas/liquid tank as identified in this disclosure.

The cooling system of the present invention defined for hybrid cooler 12000 may be turned off by a manual switch or by electronic communication, or automatically turned on based on an algorithm.

CO removal₂In addition, the present container includes any gas that can be compressed into a liquid at pressures up to 3000psi (including 3000psi), which will expand and change phase upon release to ambient conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to: propane, CO₂Methane, butane, nitrous oxide, refrigerants such as R-22, 134B, 410A.

It is, of course, not intended to be limited to any particular form or arrangement, or to any particular embodiment or any particular use disclosed herein, since various changes in detail or relation may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention as shown and described, wherein the apparatus or method shown is for illustration and disclosure of operative embodiments only, and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which the invention may be embodied or operated.