System and method for charging insulated containers with cryogenic liquids
US5950437A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/16
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An insulated container that is open on top and contains phase change material travels along a conveyor. The container initially stops under an infrared sensor whereat its initial interior temperature is determined. A microprocessor uses the temperature data to determine the amount of cryogenic liquid that must be added to the container so that its phase change material will be frozen to a predetermined temperature. A cryogenic liquid dispenser charges the container with an amount of cryogenic liquid determined by the microprocessor. The cryogenic liquid dispenser includes a phase separator which depressurizes cryogenic fluid received from a bulk storage tank. Once the container is charged, it may be loaded with perishables, examples of which include food, blood or chemicals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.