Modular hydration and freezing plant for flexible refrigerant media
US5966962A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D13/067
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Apparatus for preparing packaging materials for use in shipment of heat sensitive materials, utilizes a hydration module, a freezing module, and a delivery module. Rolls of superabsorbent polymer based refrigerant media in the form of a continuous web of a selected length and width are maintained in dry storage. These may be cut to size along the web material which separates cells containing the super absorbent polymer or may be precut by the manufacturer into pads of desired sizes. The web or pad is advanced into the hydration module which comprises a dip tank or spray system to provide an adequate supply of hydrating fluid to the superabsorbent polymer. The absorbed fluid fills the cells of the web. The hydrated web is then conveyed into a freezing chamber having a temperature of -10 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower, where the fluid absorbed within the cells freezes. The frozen material then exits the freezing chamber. The small footprint of the modular system means that necessary handling, including cutting into a suitable size and shape, may be accomplished in the consumer's shipping area for placement around perishable materials in shipping containers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.