CN110582679A

CN110582679A - Portable cooling device with temperature control

Info

Publication number: CN110582679A
Application number: CN201880029439.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 周峯立; 菲利普·A·威克霍夫; 劳伦斯·摩根·福勒; 刘翔; 彼得·K·迈尔-拉克斯胡贝尔; 内尔斯·R·彼得森; 伊万·波列修克; 拉尔夫·W·施密特; 克拉伦斯·T·特格林; 小洛厄尔·L·伍德; 莱纳·M·沃瑞兹; 大卫·J·耶格尔
Original assignee: Tuoqitai Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tuoqitai Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-24
Filing date: 2018-03-07
Publication date: 2019-12-17
Also published as: EP3601910A4; SG11201908140WA; ZA201906961B; EP3601910A1; TW201839336A; WO2018175110A1; KR20190124327A

Abstract

A transport storage container including a controlled evaporative cooling system is described herein. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a storage zone, an evaporation zone adjacent the storage zone, a drying zone adjacent an exterior of the container, and an insulating zone between the evaporation zone and the drying zone. A vapor conduit with an attached vapor control unit has a first end within the evaporation zone and a second end within the drying zone. In some embodiments, the control evaporative cooling system is positioned in a radial configuration within the portable container.

Description

Portable cooling device with temperature control

All subject matter of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Disclosure of Invention

A portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system may include: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls; a first insulating wall sealed to a first insulating bottom, the first insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the outer storage container wall and the outer surface of the outer storage container bottom; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

A component of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system may include: a storage container having an internal evaporation zone, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within a vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall; and a vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit; and a drying vessel having an insulated region, the drying vessel comprising: a first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a dry zone; and an orifice in the drying vessel sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit.

A method of manufacturing a portable container for use with an integrated control evaporative cooling system may include the steps of: positioning a storage container having an internal evaporation zone, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall; and a vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit, comprising within a drying vessel having an insulated region: a first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall positioned adjacent to and sealed to an outer surface of the second insulated wall to form a dry zone, the dry zone wall positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container; and an orifice in the dryer vessel, the orifice being sized, shaped and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit; sealing the second end of the vapor conduit to the aperture in the drying vessel by a gas impermeable seal; and evacuating an interior of a space within the container defined by the evaporation zone, an interior of the vapor conduit, and an interior of the drying zone.

The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system during assembly shown in cross-section.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a method of assembly of a set of portable container sections.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of components of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar or identical components, unless context dictates otherwise. The features of the drawings are presented for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

The portable containers described herein include a controlled evaporative cooling system integral with the container. The portable container includes an evaporative cooling system that is calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range over a period of time (in days or weeks). Portable containers with integrated evaporative cooling systems may, for example, be suitable for use with medicaments such as vaccines, where the storage temperature must be maintained within a temperature range above 0 ℃ (to prevent the stored material from freezing) but below the maximum temperature required for the particular medicament (e.g., 8 ℃, 10 ℃ or 15 ℃). For example, in an embodiment, a portable container with an integrated evaporative cooling system may be calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area within an approved temperature range for vaccine storage (e.g., between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃) for the time required to perform an abduction medical procedure in a remote area where the ambient temperature varies within a range between 25 ℃ and 43 ℃ (e.g., 5 days).

In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least one day (e.g., at least 24 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 2 days (e.g., at least 48 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 3 days (e.g., at least 72 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 4 days (e.g., at least 96 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 5 days (e.g., at least 120 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 6 days (e.g., at least 144 hours). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range for at least 7 days (e.g., at least 168 hours). In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling system is calibrated to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range between 0 ℃ and 10 ℃. In some embodiments, the evaporative cooling system is calibrated to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃. Portable containers with integrated evaporative cooling systems may, for example, be suitable for use with medicaments such as vaccines, where the storage temperature must be maintained within a temperature range above 0 ℃ (to prevent the stored material from freezing) but below the maximum temperature required for the particular medicament (e.g., 8 ℃, 10 ℃ or 15 ℃). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the interior storage region of the container within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the external ambient temperature has an expected high point of 25 ℃. In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the interior storage region of the container within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the external ambient temperature has an expected high point of 37 ℃. In some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system calibrated and controlled to maintain the interior storage region of the container within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the external ambient temperature has an expected high point of 43 ℃.

Portable containers, such as those described herein, that include a controlled evaporative cooling system do not require ice or other phase change material to maintain an internal storage area of the container, and thus may be configured to operate under a range of conditions. In some embodiments, the portable container does not require external power to operate the integrated control evaporative cooling system. In some embodiments, the portable container requires very little power to operate and control the rate of evaporative cooling, such as less power requirements than the power requirements of a standard refrigeration unit. For example, the portable container may include an electrically operated valve or electrical switching system. In some embodiments, the portable container includes a battery. Portable containers including a controlled evaporative cooling system, such as those described herein, may be stored at ambient temperature for extended periods of time and then activated or activated when needed to provide controlled cooling to the internal storage area of the portable container. For example, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system is sized and shaped to be easily carried throughout the day as part of a medical abduction activity and to accommodate the expected number of vaccine vial doses to be used by a vaccinator during a routine session of the abduction activity. For example, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system is sized and shaped to be easily carried throughout the day as part of a medical abduction activity and to accommodate the expected number of vaccine and medication doses to be used by medical personnel during the medical abduction activity's schedule. The size and shape of the exterior of the portable container including the controlled evaporative cooling system may facilitate transportation, such as by an individual. The size and shape of the internal storage area of a portable container maintained within a predetermined temperature range using a controlled evaporative cooling system may be adapted to one or more anticipated use cases. For example, in some embodiments, the internal storage area has a size and shape configured to store medications that are administered by a medical abduction actor during an average day. For example, in some embodiments, the internal storage area has a size and shape configured to store a vaccine administered by a medical abduction actor during an average day. For example, in some embodiments, the internal storage region has a volume of between 1 liter and 5 liters. For example, in some embodiments, the internal storage region has a volume of between 1 liter and 3 liters. For example, in some embodiments, the internal storage region has a volume of between 2 liters and 5 liters.

The portable containers described herein are configured and manufactured to be portable, such as to be held by a person for a period of hours or days. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 10 kg. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including an evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 9 kg. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 8 kg. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including an evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 7 kg. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 6 kg. For example, in some embodiments, a portable container including a controlled evaporative cooling system has a total mass of less than 5 kg.

The portable containers described herein are configured to minimize mass while maintaining functionality. For example, some embodiments of the portable containers described herein include an inner wall positioned and configured to minimize mass. A portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system is configured with a radial design to maximize the cooling effect of the evaporation zone around the central storage zone while minimizing the quality of insulation and effectively utilizing the surface area outside the portable container to dissipate heat from the exothermic reaction in the drying zone.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a storage container wall sealed to a storage container bottom, the storage container wall and the storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an evaporation zone wall sealed to an evaporation zone bottom, the evaporation zone wall positioned adjacent an exterior of the storage container wall and the evaporation zone bottom positioned adjacent an exterior of the storage container bottom, a top edge of the evaporation zone wall sealed to the exterior of the storage container wall at a location below a top edge of the storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the evaporation zone wall and the evaporation zone bottom and the storage container wall and the storage container bottom; an insulating wall positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the evaporation zone wall and the storage container wall, a top portion of the insulating wall being sealed to the outer surface of the storage container wall at a location above the evaporation zone wall to form an insulating zone outside the storage container and outside the evaporation zone that is vapor tight; a dry zone wall positioned adjacent and sealed to an outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone, the dry zone wall positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed insulation zone; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

FIG. 1 illustrates an external perspective view of a portable container 100 having an integrated control evaporative cooling system, according to an embodiment. The view shown in fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portable container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior of the portable container 100 is substantially cylindrical (see, e.g., fig. 2), and fig. 1 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view through the interior centerline. The portable container 100 with integrated controlled evaporative cooling system shown in fig. 1 includes a central storage area 110 that is accessible through a single aperture 105 in the top of the container. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the central storage area 110 is substantially cylindrical, and each of the layers or zones of the container outside the central storage area is correspondingly cylindrical. In some embodiments, the storage container having an access port is cylindrical, wherein the open top region forms the access port. In some embodiments, a storage container having an access port includes a rounded edge, wherein the open top region forms the access port.

Portable containers with integrated control evaporative cooling systems are configured with a radial design: the central storage zone is outside the core, the evaporation zone is outside the storage zone, the insulation zone is outside the evaporation zone, and the drying zone is outside the insulation zone. A portable container with an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes internal structures that are radially designed relative to each other. For example, in a horizontal cross-section, the walls forming each zone form successively sized rings of each zone around the central storage zone, and correspondingly successively sized circumferential and surface areas. The outer wall of the drying zone forms the exterior of the portable container, thereby maximizing the outer surface area of the drying zone relative to other zones of the container, and maximizing the surface area available for heat radiation to and from the drying zone. Correspondingly, the evaporation zone surrounds the central storage zone and thus maximizes the surface area available for cooling the central storage zone by the integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of the container.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes a plurality of access ports, e.g., access ports sized, shaped, and positioned for insertion and removal of a particular size and shape of material into a storage area. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes a single access port. In some embodiments, the portable container includes an access port sized and shaped to allow a human hand to access the interior of the storage container. The portable container 100 with integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes a storage container wall 115 sealed to a storage container bottom 117, the storage container wall 115 and storage container bottom 117 positioned to form a storage container with the access aperture 105 at the top of the storage region 110 of the storage container. The storage vessel wall 115 is sealed to the storage vessel bottom 117 by a gas impermeable seal.

The portable container 100 shown in fig. 1 includes an evaporation zone wall 125 sealed to an evaporation zone bottom 127. The evaporation zone wall 125 is sealed to the evaporation zone bottom 127 by a gas impermeable seal. The evaporation zone wall 125 is positioned adjacent the exterior of the storage vessel wall 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporation zone wall 125 is positioned adjacent the exterior of the storage vessel wall 115 such that the planes of the walls are substantially parallel. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, an evaporation edge wall 129 is positioned between the evaporation zone wall 125 and the storage container wall 115, the evaporation edge wall 129 being sealed to each of the adjacent walls. In some embodiments, the evaporation zone walls are positioned adjacent the exterior of the storage container wall such that the planes of the walls are angled with respect to each other while maintaining a gap between adjacent surfaces of the walls. The vapor zone wall 125 is sealed to the exterior of the storage vessel wall 115 by a gas impermeable seal. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment in which the evaporation zone bottom 127 is positioned adjacent the exterior of the storage container bottom 117 such that the planes of the bottoms are substantially parallel. Fig. 1 also shows that the evaporation edge wall 129, which forms the top edge of the evaporation zone wall 125, is sealed to the exterior of the storage vessel wall 115 at a location below the top edge of the storage vessel wall 115. The evaporation zone wall 125 sealed to the evaporation zone bottom 127 and the storage vessel wall 115 and storage vessel bottom 117 form a vapor-sealed boundary of the evaporation zone 120 between the evaporation zone wall 125 and the evaporation zone bottom 127 and the storage vessel wall 115 and the storage vessel bottom 117. As shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, the evaporation zone wall 125 and the evaporation zone bottom 127 are of a size, shape, and location that forms a gap between the evaporation zone wall 125 and the evaporation zone bottom 127 and the surfaces of the storage container wall 115 and the storage container bottom 117. In some embodiments, the evaporation zone wall is formed as a cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, the evaporation zone wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

An evaporative liquid 123 is positioned within the evaporation zone 120. The evaporation zone comprises a partial pressure of gas less than the ambient gas pressure and an evaporation liquid. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed evaporation zone comprises: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

As used herein, an "evaporative liquid" is a liquid that has evaporative properties at the expected temperature and gas pressure of the interior region of the evaporative region during use of a portable container having an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporation zone comprises a partial pressure of gas of about 5% of the atmospheric pressure outside the portable container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporation zone comprises water. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporation zone comprises a partial pressure of gas that is about 10% of the atmospheric pressure outside the portable container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporation zone comprises methanol. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporation zone comprises a partial pressure of gas that is about 15% of the atmospheric pressure outside the portable container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporation zone comprises ammonia. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporative liquid may include additional additives to promote or reduce the evaporative potential of the evaporative liquid.

In some embodiments, the evaporation zone comprises a wick structure, such as a mesh or three-dimensional porous structure, wherein the size and shape of the pores allow wicking of the evaporative liquid throughout the structure. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporation zone comprises a metal mesh, wherein the size of the pores is adapted to the evaporation liquid in question. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporation zone comprises a felt material, wherein the size of the holes is adapted to the evaporation liquid in question. The wick structure may be positioned and/or attached to one or more of the inner surfaces of the walls forming the evaporation zone.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the insulating wall 135 is positioned adjacent to the outer surfaces of the vaporization zone wall 125 and the storage vessel wall 115. The top of the insulating wall 135 is sealed to the outer surface of the storage container wall 125 at a location above the evaporation zone wall 125 to form a vapor sealed insulating zone 130 outside the storage zone 110 and the evaporation zone 120. In some embodiments, the top edge of the insulating wall is sealed directly to the surface of the storage container wall at a location above the evaporation zone wall. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the top wall 132 is positioned between the insulating wall 135 and the storage container wall 115, with the top wall 132 sealed to both walls to form the top edge of the storage container. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each plane of the storage vessel wall 115, the evaporation zone wall 125, and the insulating wall 135 are substantially parallel to one another. The insulating bottom 137 is sealed to the lower edge of the insulating wall 135. In some embodiments, the insulating wall is sealed to the insulating bottom, and the insulating bottom is positioned adjacent an exterior of the bottom of the evaporation zone. In some embodiments, the bottom of the insulating wall is sealed to the outer surface of the evaporation zone wall at a location adjacent the bottom of the evaporation zone.

The space between the walls and the bottom forms an insulating region 130 surrounding the storage region 110 and the evaporation region 120. Depending on the embodiment, the thickness of the insulating region (e.g., the space between points a and B in fig. 1) is sufficient to provide the insulation required for the intended use of the portable container. The thickness of the insulating region varies depending on factors including: the type of insulation located within the insulated area, the intended use of the portable container, the evaporative liquid used, and the desiccant used. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer of about 2 watts across its thickness (e.g., the space between points a and B in fig. 1) under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating region has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 0.5 watts to 2.5 watts, under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 1.5 watts to 5.5 watts, under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 0.5 watts to 6 watts, under expected use conditions. See Fizeau (Fesmire) "Standardization in Low temperature insulation System Testing and Performance Data", physical energy Source, 67: 1089-. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone comprises a substantially evacuated space forming an insulating layer between the evaporation zone and the drying zone. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone comprises a space forming a layer of insulation between the evaporation zone and the drying zone, wherein the gas pressure is less than 10 ^-3And (4) supporting. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone comprises a space forming a layer of insulation between the evaporation zone and the drying zone, wherein the gas pressure is less than 10 ^-5And (4) supporting. For example, in some embodiments, in addition to substantially evacuating the space, the thermally insulating region includes at least one reflective layer. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone pack Including aerogels. Since portable containers are designed to be carried by an individual for hours or days, the insulation chosen should be of sufficiently low weight to maintain the portability of the container.

The portable container 100 with integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in fig. 1 includes a dry zone wall 165 positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the insulated wall 135 and sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall 135 to form a vapor-sealed dry zone 160. The dry zone wall is positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container. In some embodiments, the dry zone wall surrounds the outer surface of the insulating wall around the exterior of the side wall of the portable container. In some embodiments, the dry zone wall surrounds the outer surface of the insulating wall around the exterior of the side wall and bottom of the portable container. In some embodiments, the drying zone wall is sealed to the drying zone bottom, and the drying zone bottom is positioned adjacent an exterior of the insulated bottom to form a drying zone adjacent the insulated wall and the insulated bottom. During use, the gas-tight drying zone comprises a drying material. When the controlled cooling function of the portable container is operated, the drying material within the gas-tight drying zone undergoes an exothermic reaction. Allowing the surface area of the outer dry zone wall to encompass the entire portable container maximizes the space available for radiant cooling of the dry zone of the vapor seal during exothermic reactions.

The desiccant material is made of at least one material having desiccant properties or the ability to remove liquid from the liquid vapor in the surrounding space. The unit of drying material may for example operate by absorbing or adsorbing water from water vapour in the surrounding space. The selected unit or units of dry material will depend on the particular embodiment, and in particular the volume required for the dry material to absorb a sufficient amount of liquid over an estimated time period required to operate a particular evaporative cooling unit integral with a particular vessel. In some embodiments, the selected dry material unit will be a solid material under normal operating conditions. The one or more dry material units may comprise a non-dry material, such as a bonding material, a scaffold material, or a support material. The one or more dry material units may comprise two or more types of dry material. Portable cooling unit as described herein is intended to be used with steam Chilling is used together for days or weeks, and in any given embodiment, sufficient dry material and corresponding evaporate are included during those periods. For more information on liquid-dry material pairs, see: saha et al "use CaCl ₂New Generation Cooling Device (A New Generation Cooling Device Employing CaCl) for silica gel Water System ₂In-silica Gel-Water System) ", International journal of Heat and Mass transfer, 52: 516-. The selection of the drying material or materials used in a particular embodiment will also depend on the target cooling temperature range in a particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the dry material may include calcium carbonate. For example, in some embodiments, the dry material may include lithium chloride. For example, in some embodiments, the dry material may include liquid ammonia. For example, in some embodiments, the dry material may include a zeolite. For example, in some embodiments, the dry material may include silica. More information about the dried material can be found in: "Experimental studies on the Kinetics of adsorption of Water Vapor by selective absorbents, Silica Gel and Alumina Under Typical Operating Conditions of adsorption Heat Pumps (Experimental Study on the Kinetics of adsorption of Water Vapor by selective absorbents, Silica Gel and Alumina)," journal of Heat and Mass transfer ", 46: 273-; concd-Petit (Conde-Petit) "aqueous solution of lithium chloride and calcium chloride: -performance Formulations for air conditioning Equipment Design (Aqueous solutions of lithium and Calcium Chlorides: -Property Formulations for Use in air conditioning Equipment Design), "M Congde Engineering (M.Conde Engineering), (2009); "zeolite/refrigerator", bin news bulletin, engineering information (bin information, projektinfo) 16/10; "handbook of calcium chloride: properties, Forms, Storage and Handling guidelines (Calcium Chloride Handbook: A Guide to Properties, Forms, Storage and Handling), "Dow chemical company (8 months 2003); "Calcium Chloride, Guide to Physical Properties", Western chemical company, Table number 173-01791-0809 P&M; and Restuccia (leisika) et al, "selective water-absorbing agent for solid adsorption cooling device: experimental Results and modeling (Selective Water resource for Solid Sound devices in Chiller: Experimental Results and modeling), International journal of refrigeration 27:284-293 (2004), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the dried material is considered non-toxic according to conventional treatment precautions. The choice of drying material also depends on any exothermic characteristics of the material in order to maintain the thermal characteristics of the entire portable cooling unit as desired in a particular embodiment.

The portable container 100 with integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in fig. 1 includes a vapor conduit 150 with a first end 157 positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporative region 120 and a second end 153 positioned within the vapor-sealed dry region 160. The first end 157 of the vapor conduit 150 has an orifice 141 located within the vapor-tight evaporation zone 120. The second end 153 of the vapor conduit 150 has an orifice 159 located within the vapor-tight drying zone 160. There is a vapor control unit 140 attached to a vapor conduit 150. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the vapor control unit 140 is positioned at the first end 157 of the vapor conduit 150 such that the vapor control unit 140 is positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit comprises a hollow structure. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit comprises a tubular structure. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit has a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone, wherein a central portion of the vapor conduit traverses an interior of the insulation zone. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit has a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone, wherein a central portion of the vapor conduit traverses around the exterior of the insulated zone (see, e.g., fig. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, the vapor conduit has a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone, wherein a central portion of the vapor conduit traverses a portion of the interior of the storage zone and traverses the interior of the insulation zone.

As used herein, "vapor conduit" refers to a conduit configured for moving a gas comprising an evaporative liquid in vapor form through the conduit. A vapor conduit including a vapor control unit is configured to control a flow of vapor between the internal drying zone and the internal evaporation zone. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit is configured as a tubular structure that traverses between adjacent cells. The size, shape and location of the vapor conduit will depend on factors including: the size of the container, the desired temperature range of the container, the level of reversible control of vapor movement within the vapor conduit, and the physical properties of the drying material and evaporative liquid used in a particular embodiment. The evaporation rate will depend on the configuration and use of the embodiment. Some embodiments include a sensor within the vapor control unit that is operatively connected to the controller by a wired connection. The sensor may comprise, for example, a temperature or pressure sensor. Some embodiments include a plurality of temperature sensors. The sensor may be attached to the wall or bottom of the storage vessel, and/or to the wall or bottom of the drying zone, for example within the vapor conduit.

For example, in some embodiments, the target temperature range for the storage area is between 0 ℃ and 10 ℃, and the portable container with the integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes about 1 liter of liquid water as the evaporative liquid and a corresponding volume of dry material including calcium chloride to absorb greater than 1 liter of water. See "calcium chloride handbook" published by DOW Chemical Company (DOW Chemical Company) on 8 months 2003: properties, Forms, Storage and Handling guidelines (The Calcium Chloride Handbook, AGuide to Properties, Forms, Storage and Handling), which are incorporated herein by reference. As an example, for an embodiment of a portable container with an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system with water as the evaporative liquid and calcium chloride as the dry material, where the portable container starts with a substantially evacuated vapor conduit (i.e., pressure less than or equal to 300 mtorr), it is estimated that if the valve is in the fully open position, about 1 gram of water will evaporate per hour. Thus, in the case of an external ambient temperature of about 25 ℃, 1 liter of water and 1.5kg of calcium chloride can maintain the evaporative cooling unit at between about 6 ℃ and 9 ℃ for about one month. By way of example, for some embodiments of portable containers having water as the evaporative and calcium chloride as the drying material, wherein the internal gas containment zones included within the evaporation zone, vapor conduit and drying zone begin with a substantially evacuated interior (i.e., a pressure less than or equal to 300 mtorr), it is estimated that about 2 to 5 grams of water will evaporate per hour if the valve is in the fully open position.

A portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes an interior space in which gases, vapors and liquids can be reversibly moved between a drying zone and an evaporation zone in a controlled manner through a vapor conduit to produce an appropriate cooling effect within a storage zone of the container. Within the portable container, the drying zone, the evaporation zone, and the vapor conduit are sealed together with a continuous vapor-sealed interior region. The flow of gas, vapor and liquid through the continuous vapor-sealed interior region is controlled by a vapor control unit. The continuous vapor-sealed interior region includes a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure adjacent an exterior of the portable container. The gas pressure used in the examples depends on factors including: the evaporant and desiccant used in the examples, the cooling temperature required, and the materials used to make the portable container.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment in which the vapor control unit 140 is attached to a vapor conduit 150. In some embodiments, the vapor control unit comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve. In some embodiments, the vapor control unit comprises: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the vapor control unit 140 is attached to the first end 157 of the vapor conduit 150. The vapor control unit 140 includes a valve 147 of a type, size, shape, and position to reversibly prevent the flow of gas between the interior of the evaporation zone 120 and the interior of the vapor conduit 150. The valve 147 is positioned adjacent an orifice 141 in the vapor control unit 140 that provides a conduit between the evaporation zone 120 and the interior of the vapor control unit 140.

A valve within the vapor conduit is configured to reversibly control the flow of gas comprising vapor through the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the vapor control unit includes a valve configured to limit the transfer of gas between the first end of the vapor conduit and the second end of the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the valve comprises at least one movable valve, wherein at least a first position substantially closes the at least one movable valve for vapor flow through the at least one movable valve, and a second position substantially opens the at least one movable valve for vapor flow through the at least one movable valve. Some embodiments include a movable valve, wherein at least a first position substantially closes vapor flow through the vapor control unit, at least a second position substantially allows flow of vapor through the vapor control unit to a maximum allowed by a diameter of the vapor control unit, and at least a third position restricts vapor flow through the vapor control unit. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a mechanical valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a gate valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a rotary valve, such as a butterfly valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a ball valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a piston valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a ball valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a plurality of valves operating in cooperation with one another. In some embodiments, the valve comprises an electronically controlled valve. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a mechanically controlled valve.

The selection of a valve in a given embodiment depends on, for example, cost, weight, sealing characteristics of a type of valve, an estimated failure rate of a type of valve, durability of a type of valve under expected use conditions, and power consumption requirements of a type of valve. The choice of valve in a given embodiment also depends on the level of restriction to gas flow (including vapor flow) through a particular type of valve when the valve is in the fully open position. Some embodiments include an on-off valve positioned and oriented to block gas flow through the vapor conduit for an extended period of time (e.g., during storage of the device) and then allow gas flow in response to an input from a user (e.g., pressing a button). The on-off valve may be a manual valve having two possible states (open and closed). Some embodiments include a vapor control unit having a mechanical valve, such as a valve operatively connected to a mechanical thermostat (such as a bimetallic coil). Some embodiments include a vapor control unit having an electronically controlled valve.

Some embodiments include a controller having a vapor control unit. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a controller 143 positioned adjacent to a valve 147. A controller is operatively connected to the valve. The valve is operatively connected to the controller and is configured to be responsive to the controller. The valve may comprise an electronically controlled valve. The controller may be configured to respond to the one or more sensors by acting to change the position of the valve. For example, the controller may be configured to respond in a particular manner depending on the temperature detected by one or more sensors. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a reading from the temperature sensor above a threshold temperature value by the controller acting to cause the valve to open. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a temperature reading from the temperature sensor that is below a threshold temperature value by acting to cause the valve to close. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a temperature within a temperature range by acting to cause the valve to partially open. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a temperature within the temperature range by acting to cause the valve to partially close. For example, the controller may be configured to respond in a particular manner depending on the gas pressure within the vapor control unit detected by one or more sensors. The gas pressure may for example be related to the evaporation rate of the evaporating liquid.

Depending on the embodiment, different types of controllers may be utilized. For example, the controller may be an electronic controller. In some embodiments, the controller is an electronic controller that accepts data from a plurality of temperature sensors and initiates valve action after determining an average temperature from the accepted data. The electronic controller may include logic and/or circuitry configured to create a bounded or threshold system around a particular range of values from one or more temperature sensors, such as a bounded system around a range of 3 ℃ to 7 ℃, in response to data from one or more sensors. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is a "bang-bang" controller operably attached to the valve and configured to respond to a temperature sensor comprising a thermocouple. The electronic controller may include logic and/or circuitry configured to create a feedback system around a particular range of values from the one or more sensors in response to data from the one or more sensors, such as a feedback system around a range of 2 ℃ to 8 ℃. In some embodiments, the battery is attached to the electronic controller. In some embodiments, an external power source (such as a solar panel affixed to the exterior of the container) is attached to the electronic controller. In some embodiments, the controller is an electronic controller that accepts data from a plurality of temperature sensors and initiates valve action after determining an average temperature from the accepted data. In some embodiments, the controller is a mechanical controller. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is attached to a Bourdon (Bourdon) tube operably connected to the valve and configured to respond to changes in vapor pressure associated with the temperature differential. Embodiments that include a mechanical controller may also include a connector that forms an operative connection between the controller and the valve as a mechanical connector. For example, the mechanical connector may be a connector configured to transmit physical pressure between the controller and the valve, such as through operation of one or more levers or gears.

During use of the container, the temperature sensor may transmit data to the controller via the electrical wire. The controller is configured to operatively control the vapor control unit in response to the received data. In embodiments including an electronic controller, the electronic controller receives data from one or more temperature sensors and/or gas pressure sensors and determines whether the detected values are outside or within a predetermined range. Depending on the determination, the electronic controller may actuate the valve to open or close to restore the temperature or pressure to a predetermined range of values. For example, in some embodiments, if the electronic temperature sensor sends a signal including temperature data at 9 ℃, the controller will determine that the received temperature data is outside of a predetermined range of 3 ℃ to 7 ℃. In response to the determination, the controller will send a signal to a motor attached to a valve within the vapor control unit, the signal being of a type that activates the motor to open the valve. As another example, in some embodiments, if the electronic temperature sensor sends a signal that includes temperature data at 1 ℃, the controller will determine that the received temperature data is outside of a predetermined range of 3 ℃ to 7 ℃. In response to the determination, the controller will send a signal to a motor attached to a valve within the vapor control unit, the signal being of the type that activates the motor to close the valve.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller may accept a plurality of gas pressure data points from one or more gas pressure sensors and calculate a gas pressure result, such as an average gas pressure or a mean gas pressure, from the accepted data. The electronic controller may then determine whether the gas pressure result is outside or within a predetermined gas pressure range for the particular portable cooling unit. For example, a gas pressure outside a certain predetermined range may indicate excessive evaporation of the evaporative liquid, resulting in excessive evaporative cooling of a particular portable cooling unit. For example, a gas pressure outside a certain predetermined range may indicate a lack of absorption or adsorption by the dry material, thereby indicating that the dry material needs to be renewed or replaced. For the embodiments, the gas pressure range is relative to the internal dimensions of the evaporative cooling unit, the conduit, the vapor control unit, and the drying zone. In an embodiment, the gas pressure range is also relative to the type of evaporating liquid, the type of drying material and the predetermined temperature range for cooling. See: "Experimental Study on the kinetics of adsorption of Water Vapor by Selective Water absorbents, Silica Gel and alumina under typical operating conditions of adsorption heat pumps" (Experimental Study on the kinetics of Water Vapor Generator pressures on Selective Water absorbents, Silica Gel and solutions) The Under type Operating Conditions of seismic Heat Pumps) "journal of Heat and Mass transfer International, 46: 273-" 281 (2004); the "Vacuum Principles of Physics" of the Principles of the Vacuum (introductions to the Principles of Vacuum Physics "by Marquardt, the society of CERN accelerators (1999); quart grandbal (Kozubal) et al, "desiccant enhanced evaporative air conditioning (DEVap): evaluation of new concept of Ultra Efficient Air Conditioning (Desicant Enhanced Evaporative Air-Conditioning (DEVap): Evaluation of a New concept in Ultra Efficient Air Conditioning), "NREL technical report NREL/TP-5500-; concd-Petit (Conde-Petit) "aqueous solution of lithium chloride and calcium chloride: -performance Formulations for Air Conditioning Equipment Design (Aqueous Solutions of lithium and Calcium Chlorides: -Property Formulations for Use in Air Conditioning Equipment Design), "M Conrady engineering (M.CondeEngineering), (2009); "Zeolite/refrigerator", BINE News bulletin, engineering information (BINEInformationsident, projektinfo) 16/10; "handbook of calcium chloride: properties, Forms, Storage and handling guidelines (Calcium Chloride Handbook: A Guide to Properties, Forms, Storage and handling), "Dow chemical company (8 months 2003); "introduction of zeolite technology into refrigeration systems: layman's report (Introduction of Zeolite Technology in conversion Systems: Layman' sReport), "Dometic project LIFE04 ENV/LU/000829; the "Physical and operating conditions" of Lizk (Rezk) and Edahach (Al-Dadah) on the Performance of Silica Gel/Water Adsorption chillers (Physical and operating conditions Effects on Silica Gel/Water Adsorption Chiller Performance ", energy of application, 89: 142-; saha et al "use CaCl ₂New Generation Cooling Device (A New Generation Cooling Device Employing CaCl) for silica gel-Water System ₂In-silica Gel-Water System) ", International journal of Heat and Mass transfer, 52: 516-; "introduction of Zeolite Molecular Sieves (An introduction to Zeolite Molecular Sieves)", UOP company manual 0702a 2.5; and "Vacuum and Pressure Systems Handbook", manufactured by GastManual, Inc., each of which is incorporated by reference. Can be derived from radix Emamectin (GEA Wiegand) A formula for calculating the pressure loss in a vacuum line with water vapor was obtained, a copy of which was made available on the company's website (http:// product. GEA-Wiegand. de/GEA/GEACategory/139/index. en. html) on day 13 of 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.

Although the connection between the controller 143 and the valve 147 within the vapor control unit 140 is not shown in fig. 1, there is an operable connection between the controller 143 and the valve 147. In some embodiments, the controller is a mechanical controller, such as a bimetallic coil. For example, in some embodiments, the operable connection includes a connector configured to transmit physical pressure, such as a rod or gear. In some embodiments, the controller is an electronic controller. For example, in some embodiments, the operable connection includes a connector configured for electronic transmission, such as by a wired or wireless connection, such as by IR or short wavelength radio transmission (e.g., bluetooth).

In some embodiments, the vapor control unit is connected to a visual indicator on the exterior of the portable container of information from the controller. For example, in some embodiments, the vapor control unit includes a controller connected to an external dial configured to indicate a temperature reading from the sensor. For example, some embodiments include an external lamp connected to a controller that turns the lamp on and off in conjunction with sending a control signal to a valve within the vapor control unit. For example, some embodiments include a light connected to a controller, wherein the controller turns the light on and off in response to data from a pressure sensor attached to the controller. For example, the controller may include circuitry that activates the light to turn on when the information from the pressure sensor indicates that the pressure inside the evaporative cooling system is within a preset range (e.g., to indicate to a user that the internal gas pressure is within a preset acceptable operating range and therefore operational, or to indicate to a user that the internal gas pressure is outside of a preset acceptable operating range and therefore requires maintenance).

Some embodiments include a display unit operably attached to the vapor conduit, such as directly to a sensor within the vapor conduit. The display unit may include, for example, a lamp, a screen display, an electronic ink display, or the like attached to the exterior of the portable container. The display unit may, for example, be operatively connected to the controller and configured to receive signals from the controller indicative of conditions about the interior of the portable container. For example, in embodiments that include a light as the display unit, the controller may be configured to transmit to the light to activate the light to turn on when data received from the temperature sensor indicates that the internal temperature of the storage area within the portable container is within a preset temperature range. For example, in embodiments that include a screen display, the controller may be configured to transmit data regarding the condition of the portable container to the screen display, such as the most recent internal temperature reading or the position of the valve. Some embodiments include user input devices such as buttons, touch sensors, or keypads. The user input device may be operatively attached to the controller. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a particular user input transmitted by the user input device by opening a valve within the vapor conduit. For example, the controller may be configured to respond to a particular user input transmitted by the user input device by initiating display of the most recent temperature data on an attached screen display.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes an on-off or cut-off switch positioned and configured to allow a user of the portable container to turn the integrated control evaporative cooling system on and off as desired. For example, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system may include: a shutoff valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch. For example, a kill switch may be available in some embodiments where the portable container is intended to be stored for a longer period of time between uses, such as months or years). A user may store a portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system for a period of time, such as weeks, months, or years, with the vapor conduit closed by the shutoff valve to disconnect the controlled evaporative cooling system within the container. When a user needs the container, the user can switch on the integrated control evaporative system by using the on-off switch, so that the off valve is opened and the control evaporative cooling system in the container is restarted. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, there is a binary switch 151 attached to a shutoff valve 155 on the vapor conduit 150, the binary switch 151 being positioned adjacent the exterior of the portable container at a location accessible to a user of the portable container. In some embodiments, the on-off switch comprises a mechanical screw affixed to a valve positioned to reversibly block gas and vapor flow through the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the on-off switch comprises a reversibly depressible push button switch attached to a valve positioned to reversibly block gas and vapor flow through the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the shut-off valve is connected to an electronic on-off switch.

FIG. 2 illustrates an external view of an embodiment of a portable container 100 including an integrated control evaporative cooling system. The portable container 100 is substantially cylindrical. The embodiment of the portable container 100 shown in fig. 2 includes a dry zone wall 165 positioned to form the outer surface of the portable container 100. The insulated bottom 137 forms the underside of the portable container 100. The insulated wall 135 protrudes above the dry zone wall 165, the insulated wall 135 also forming the outer surface of the portable container 100. The outer edge 220 is seen joining the insulating wall 135 with the dry zone wall 165. The portable container 100 includes a top edge 132 between the outer insulating wall 135 and the inner storage container wall 115. The storage area 110 is centrally located within the portable container 100, with the sides of the storage area 110 being formed by the inner storage container walls 115. A binary on-off switch 151 is positioned on the top edge 132 of the portable container 100.

The portable container 100 shown in fig. 2 is shown with a lid 200. The lid 200 includes a bottom surface 210 sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the top surface of the body of the portable container and cover the aperture 105 in the body of the portable container. In some embodiments, the lid includes insulation sufficient to reduce heat transfer into the storage region in combination with the insulation of the insulated region of the storage container. In some embodiments, the lid may include a bottom-facing protrusion sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a top edge of an access aperture in the storage container, and an adjacent ridge section to reversibly mate with a top of a wall of the storage container. The lid 200 includes a top surface 230. A display unit 240 is attached to the top surface 230 of the cover 200. The display unit may for example be wirelessly connected to a controller within the portable container, wherein the controller is connected to the temperature sensor. The display unit may, for example, be configured to display information, such as temperature readings from a sensor affixed to the storage area. In some embodiments, the display unit includes a user interface, such as a touch screen, and is configured to send control signals to the controller. For example, a display unit including a touch screen may be configured to send "on" and "off signals to the controller.

In some embodiments, the portable container includes a handle sized and shaped to improve portability for a user of the container. In some embodiments, the portable container includes external features that improve durability, such as a shock absorber or a rim cover.

FIG. 3 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a portable container 100 including an integrated control evaporative cooling system. The embodiment includes a storage vessel wall 115 sealed to a storage vessel bottom 117, forming sides and a bottom of a storage region 110 having a top access port 105. The evaporation zone wall 125 and bottom 127 are correspondingly positioned to form a gas-and vapor-tight evaporation zone 120 adjacent the outside of the storage container on the face of the storage container wall 115 and storage container bottom 117 opposite the storage zone 110. Evaporative liquid 123 is located in an evaporation zone that may also include wick structure to maximize contact of evaporative liquid 123 with the surface area of reservoir wall 115.

In the embodiment of fig. 3, the insulated wall 135 and the insulated bottom 137 are positioned adjacent to the storage container wall 115 and the storage container bottom 117, and the evaporation zone wall 125 and the evaporation zone bottom 127. The evaporation zone wall 125 and the evaporation zone bottom 127 are sealed to each other and to the top edge of the storage vessel wall 115 by gas-impermeable and vapor-impermeable seals to form a gas-tight insulating zone 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating region 130 comprises a substantially evacuated space having a size, internal gas pressure, and thickness that substantially insulate the storage region 110 during the intended use of the portable container 100.

The embodiment of the portable container 100 shown in fig. 3 that includes an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes a desiccant wall 165 positioned adjacent the outer surface of the insulated wall 135. The drying wall 165 is positioned to form an exterior surface of the portable container 100, wherein the surface area is sufficient to radiate the expected heat of the exothermic chemical reaction of the drying material within the drying zone 160 during the intended use of the container 100. The drying zone 130 is a gas-and vapor-tight zone within the container 100 that is adjacent to the exterior of the container 100 and is positioned to allow maximum heat loss from the drying zone 160 and the drying material within it.

Fig. 3 also shows that the portable container 100 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system includes a vapor conduit 150 with a first end 157 positioned within the evaporation zone 120 and a second end 159 positioned within the drying zone 160. The interior of the vapor conduit 150, the interior of the evaporation zone 120, and the interior of the drying zone 160 are sealed to one another by gas impermeable seals to form a continuous vapor sealed interior region within the container. The vapor conduit 150 includes a single orifice 141 at a first end 157 that is located within the evaporation zone 120. The vapor conduit 150 includes a single orifice 159 at the second end 153 located within the drying zone 160. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 3, the vapor conduit 150 comprises an intermediate section located within the insulated zone 130, however the interior of the vapor conduit 150 and the interior of the insulated zone 130 are separated from each other by the gas impermeable wall of the vapor conduit 150.

The vapor conduit 150 includes a vapor control unit 140 centrally located along the length of the vapor conduit 150. Vapor control unit 140 includes a valve 147 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through vapor conduit 150 and to progressively control gas flow through vapor conduit 150 by opening and closing in response to signals received from controller 143. In the illustrated embodiment, a temperature sensor 300 is affixed to the storage vessel wall 115, the temperature sensor 300 being operatively connected to the controller 143. The controller may, for example, include circuitry configured to send a signal to a valve within the vapor control unit in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor. For example, the controller may be configured to send a signal to the valve for full or partial opening in response to receiving a signal from the temperature sensor that is above a preset value. For example, the controller may be configured to send a signal to the valve for full or partial closing in response to receiving a signal from the temperature sensor that is below a preset value. In some embodiments, the controller is operatively attached to the valve and/or the one or more sensors by a wired connection. In some embodiments, the controller is operably attached to the valve and/or one or more sensors through a wireless connection.

The temperature sensor 300 is attached to the storage vessel wall 115 at a location where the temperature of the storage region 110 is evaluated. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is affixed to the storage container wall at a location within the evaporation zone and adjacent to the storage zone. Some embodiments include a pressure sensor located in one or more of the evaporation zone, the vapor conduit, and/or the drying zone, the pressure sensor being operably connected to a controller within the vapor control unit.

Some embodiments include the sensor as a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may comprise, for example, a mechanical temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may comprise, for example, an electronic temperature sensor. For example, some embodiments include a sensor that is a temperature sensor, including one or more of: a thermocouple, a bimetallic temperature sensor, an infrared thermometer, a resistance thermometer, or a silicon bandgap temperature sensor.

Some embodiments include the sensor as a gas pressure sensor. The gas pressure sensor may comprise, for example, a mechanical gas pressure sensor, such as a bourdon tube. The gas pressure sensor may comprise an expansion valve with a capillary tube. The gas pressure sensor may comprise, for example, an electronic gas pressure sensor. For example, some embodiments include the sensor as a vacuum sensor. For example, the interior of the vapor conduit may be substantially evacuated prior to use of the container, or at a low gas pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, and then the vacuum is reduced during evaporation from the evaporative liquid. Thus, the data from the vacuum sensor may be indicative of the evaporation rate or the total evaporation level of the evaporated liquid within the container. In some embodiments, the gas pressure sensor may comprise a piezoresistive strain gauge, a capacitive gas pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic gas pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor comprises a capacitive pressure sensor.

Some embodiments include: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element. For example, in some cases, a portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system may be stored in a location where the ambient temperature is below the intended use of the storage area, and the storage container walls and/or bottom would need to be heated to the appropriate minimum temperature prior to use. For example, the portable containers may be stored in an unheated storage building during winter (e.g., ambient temperatures of-5 ℃ to-10 ℃), while the containers may be calibrated so that the storage area is at 2 ℃ to 8 ℃.

Some embodiments include an internal refill system comprising: a temperature sensor affixed to the portable container; a heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element. In some embodiments, the controller may also be attached to the vapor control unit. As discussed further herein, the portable container is designed to be refillable, such as by heating the desiccant within the drying zone to release the evaporative liquid in vapor form back to the evaporation zone through a vapor conduit. This heating should be to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, depending on the desiccant and evaporative used in the embodiment. In some embodiments, there is an external refill device, as further described herein. In some embodiments, there is an internal refill system that includes a temperature sensor, a heating element located within or near the vapor-tight drying zone, and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element. The controller may, for example, include circuitry that activates a predetermined sequence of events when refilling is warranted. The controller may be attached to and responsive to a user interface, such as a touch screen or switch, to activate the refill event sequence. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry to initiate a refill sequence in response to a signal from the user interface. The refill sequence may include, for example, the controller sending an activation signal to the heating element and receiving a signal with temperature information from the temperature sensor. The controller may also send a further activation or deactivation signal to the heating element in response to temperature data received from the temperature sensor. The controller may further send a signal to the user interface, such as a signal to turn on a warning light or the type displayed on the user interface.

Some embodiments include a set of portable container sections for assembly, comprising: a storage container having an integrated evaporative cooler, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container having an access aperture positioned at an upper region of the inner storage container; an outer storage container positioned with an access aperture at an upper region of the inner storage container, the outer storage container sealed to the inner storage container at a location adjacent the access aperture to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the inner and outer storage containers; and an evaporation section of a vapor conduit, the evaporation section comprising a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned at an upper region of the storage container, the second end having an aperture outside the storage container; a drying section comprising: an insulating unit having an inner surface sized and shaped to mate with an outer surface of the storage container and sized and shaped to extend beyond the access aperture of the storage container; a dry zone wall surrounding the insulated unit, the dry zone wall sealed to an exterior of the insulated unit by a gas impermeable seal to form a dry zone exterior of the insulated unit; and a drying section of a vapor conduit, the drying section comprising a first end positioned within the drying section and a second end positioned at an upper region of the drying section, the second end having an aperture outside the drying section; and a central vapor conduit section comprising: a first end sized and shaped to mate with and seal against the second end of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit; a second end sized and shaped to mate with and seal with the second end of the dry section of the vapor conduit; and a connector section of the central vapor conduit between the first end of the central vapor conduit and the second end of the central vapor conduit, the connector section sized and shaped to position the first end to mate and seal with the second end of the evaporation section and to position the second end to mate and seal with the second end of the drying section; wherein the vapor conduit includes an attached vapor control unit, and wherein the evaporation section, the drying section, and the central vapor conduit section are each sized and shaped to fit together into a continuous vapor-sealed interior region of an integrated portable container including a control-integrated, controlled evaporative cooling system.

FIG. 4 depicts aspects of a set of portable container sections for assembly. The set of portable container sections is depicted in cross-section to illustrate internal aspects of the set of portable container sections. Once assembled, the set of portable container sections forms a portable container 100 that includes an integrated control evaporative cooling system, such as those described herein.

In a central region of the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 4, the storage container 400 with integrated evaporative cooler comprises an inner storage container 405 with an access aperture 105 positioned at an upper region of the inner storage container 405. The internal storage container 405 substantially forms the exterior of the storage region 110. The storage container with integrated evaporative cooler 400 also includes an outer storage container 407 with an access port located at an upper region of the inner storage container 405. Some embodiments include a single access port in both the inner and outer storage containers. Some embodiments include an access port sized and shaped to allow a human hand to access the interior of the inner storage container. The outer storage container 407 is sealed to the inner storage container 405 at a location adjacent the access port 105 to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 between the inner storage container 405 and the outer storage container 407. Some embodiments include a gas impermeable seal between the inner storage container and the outer storage container. Some embodiments include a vapor-sealed gap between the inner storage container and the outer storage container. An evaporative liquid 123 is positioned within the vapor-tight evaporative region 120. In some embodiments, the evaporation zone comprises: the evaporation liquid and the core structure used for the evaporation liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure once the container is assembled. Also positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 is an evaporation section 423 of the vapor conduit, the evaporation section 423 including a first end located within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 and a second end located at an upper region of the storage vessel, the second end having an aperture 429 outside of the storage vessel 400. Some embodiments include a gas impermeable seal between the second end of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit and the storage vessel.

In some embodiments, the storage container with the integrated evaporative cooler is cylindrical with an open top region forming an access port. See, for example, fig. 2. In some embodiments, the storage container with an integrated evaporative cooler comprises a cylindrical structure. In some embodiments, a storage container with an integrated evaporative cooler includes a structure with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 comprises: the solution was evaporated. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 comprises: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the vapor control unit 140 is attached to a first end of an evaporation section 423 of the vapor conduit located within the evaporation zone 120 of the vapor seal. The vapor control unit 140 has an orifice 141 that opens into the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120, and a valve 147 positioned adjacent the orifice 141. The valve 147 is sized, shaped, of the type and position to reversibly block the flow of gas through the orifice 141. Controller 143 is operatively connected to valve 147. The evaporation zone of storage vessel 400 includes a vapor-sealed gap between inner storage vessel 405 and outer storage vessel 407, wherein vapor control unit 140 and the first end of evaporation section 423 are located within the gap. A gas impermeable seal surrounds the end of the vapor conduit traversing the evaporation section 423 of the wall of the storage vessel 400.

The embodiment shown in fig. 4 includes a drying section 410 that includes an insulated unit having an inner surface 415 sized and shaped to mate with an outer surface of the storage container 400 and sized and shaped to extend beyond the access aperture 105 of the storage container 400. The insulating unit includes an outer wall 135 and a bottom 137 and an inner wall having an inner surface 415 sized and shaped to mate with an outer surface of the storage container 400. The walls and the bottom are sealed to each other at their respective edges by a gas impermeable seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a top edge 132 is included in the seal between the top edge of the outer wall 135 and the top edge of the inner wall. The outer wall 135 and the gap between the bottom 137 and the inner wall form a vapor-sealed insulating region 130. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed insulation zone comprises insulation having thermal properties sufficient to reduce heat transfer between the evaporation zone and the drying zone for a particular use condition. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer of about 2 watts across its thickness under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulating region has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 0.5 watts to 2.5 watts, under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 1.5 watts to 5.5 watts, under expected use conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation zone has an expected heat transfer across its thickness in the range of 0.5 watts to 6 watts, under expected use conditions. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed insulating region of the insulating unit comprises a substantially evacuated space. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region of the insulating unit comprises less than 10 ^-3Torr gas pressure. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region of the insulating unit comprises less than 10 ^-5Torr gas pressure.

As shown in fig. 4, the drying section 410 includes: a dry zone wall 165 surrounding the insulated unit, the dry zone wall 165 being sealed to the exterior of the insulated unit by a vapor impermeable seal to form a dry zone 160 exterior to the insulated unit; and a drying section 427 of the vapor conduit comprising a first end located within the drying zone 130 and a second end located in an upper region of the drying zone 130, the second end having an aperture outside the drying zone 130. In some embodiments, the drying section completely surrounds the outer circumference of the insulating wall 135 in order to disperse the heat generated by the exothermic reaction of the drying material within the drying zone during use of the storage container.

The embodiment shown in fig. 4 further comprises a central vapor conduit connector section 420 comprising: a first end sized and shaped to mate and seal with a second end of the evaporation section 423 of the vapor conduit; a second end sized and shaped to mate and seal with a second end of the vapor conduit's dry section 427; and a connector section 420 located between a first end of the central vapor conduit and a second end of the central vapor conduit, the connector section being sized and shaped to position the first end to mate and seal with the second end of the evaporation section 423 and to position the second end to mate and seal with the second end of the drying section 427. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the central vapor conduit connector section 420 is sized and shaped to connect the drying section 427 with the evaporation section 423. When a set of portable container vapor pods for assembly are sealed to one another in final assembly, the vapor conduit includes an attached vapor control unit, and the evaporation section 423, the drying section 427, and the central vapor conduit section 420 are each sized and shaped to fit together into the continuous vapor sealed interior region of the integrated portable container to form a controlled integrated control evaporative cooling system. The assembled storage container includes conditioned cooling of the storage region to maintain the storage region within a predetermined temperature range during use of the container. See, for example, fig. 5.

In some embodiments, the vapor control unit is positioned within the evaporation zone of the container and is operably attached to the evaporation section of the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the vapor control unit is operably attached to the central vapor conduit connector section. Some embodiments also include valve controls and shut-off valves, for example, operatively connected to the central vapor conduit connector section, positioned for easy access by a user. Some embodiments include a central vapor conduit connector section comprising: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve. Some embodiments include a central vapor conduit connector section comprising: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

In some embodiments, a set of portable container sections for assembly includes a lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with an edge of the portable container adjacent the access aperture. The lid may include insulation sufficient to maintain the storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range during use in conjunction with the insulation within the insulated section. In some embodiments, the portable container includes a display that may be affixed to an outer surface of the lid.

In some embodiments, a set of portable container sections for assembly comprises: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element. For example, the controller may be preset to send an activation signal to the heating element after receiving data from the temperature sensor indicating that the storage area of the storage container has fallen below the use range of the container. For example, the container may be stored in a location where the ambient temperature is lower than the use case of the assembled portable container.

In some embodiments, a set of portable container sections for assembly includes an internal refill system comprising: a temperature sensor affixed to the drying section; a heating element affixed to the drying section; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element. In some embodiments, the controller is attached to the vapor control unit. In some embodiments, the controller is attached to the user interface. The controller may, for example, include circuitry configured to initiate and maintain a preset refill sequence in response to a signal received from the user interface. The controller may, for example, include circuitry configured to initiate a signal to the user interface in response to a signal received from the heating element (e.g., a "caution: burn" warning).

A method of assembly for a set of portable container sections (such as those described above) includes: positioning a storage container within a drying section, the storage container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system and an evaporation section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the storage container, the drying section comprising an internal insulated unit and an external drying zone and a drying section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the drying section such that an exterior surface of the storage container is located within the insulated unit and the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit are aligned with one another; positioning a central vapor conduit section having a first end and a second end adjacent to the evaporation section and the drying section such that the first end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the second end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit; sealing the first end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit by a gas impermeable seal; sealing the second end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the dry section of the vapor conduit by a gas impermeable seal; and substantially evacuating the continuous vapor-sealed interior region within the storage vessel, the drying section, and the connected vapor conduit section.

For example, fig. 4 shows a set of portable container sections assembled into place in a cross-sectional view. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage container 400 is fitted into the drying section 410 as shown by the double arrow. The outer surface of the storage container 400 is in contact with the inner surface 415 of the inner wall of the drying section 410. The top edge 132 of the wall adjacent the insulating region 130 is above the top edge of the storage container 400 and the top of the aperture 105 in the storage container 400. The central vapor conduit connector section 420 is located above the top edge 132 of the wall of the insulating zone 130 of the drying section 410. Respective ends of central vapor conduit connector section 420 are positioned adjacent to the exposed end of the evaporation section of vapor conduit 423 and the dry section of vapor conduit 427. A drying material is present in the drying zone 160. An evaporative liquid is present in the evaporative zone 120. During assembly, the segments will fit into each other and seal properly. Also during assembly, the interior of the continuous vapor-sealed interior region within the evaporation zone, the drying zone and the connected vapor conduit section of the storage container is evacuated to the partial pressure of gas in the continuous vapor-sealed interior region as required for the particular evaporative/desiccant combination and use case of the container.

In some embodiments, positioning the storage container comprises: the storage container is positioned entirely within the drying section. In some embodiments, positioning the storage container comprises: the storage container is positioned such that a storage area of the storage container is at the center, wherein the storage container surrounds the storage area, the insulation unit surrounds the storage container, and the drying area surrounds an outside of the storage container.

In some embodiments, positioning the central vapor conduit section comprises: positioning a central vapor conduit section across an external top surface of a storage vessel and a drying section And (5) kneading. In some embodiments, substantially evacuating the continuous vapor-sealed interior region within the storage container, the drying section, and the connected vapor conduit section comprises: evacuating the interior space to less than 10 deg.f ^-3Torr gas pressure. As discussed further herein, evaporative cooling systems operate most efficiently when the internal gas pressure of the interior space of the cooling system is lower than the ambient gas pressure by an amount that depends on the particular embodiment, including the desiccant and evaporative liquid used.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: adding evaporative liquid to the integrated evaporative cooler prior to sealing the first end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: adding desiccant to the outer desiccant zone prior to sealing the second end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the desiccant section of the vapor conduit. For example, the evaporant and desiccant selected to work together for a particular use condition may be placed in respective zones of the storage container prior to reducing the gas pressure within the continuous vapor-sealed interior zone.

FIG. 5 shows a set of portable container sections in a cross-sectional view such as that shown in FIG. 4, where the set of portable container sections have been positioned as desired to fit and seal together for use. A gas-impermeable and vapor-impermeable seal 510 is located at the junction between the first end of the central vapor conduit 420 to the aperture of the vaporization section 423 of the vapor conduit. A gas-impermeable and vapor-impermeable seal 500 is located at the junction between the second end of the central vapor conduit 420 to the aperture of the dry section 427 of the vapor conduit. The interior of the drying section 160, the interior of the drying section 427 of the vapor conduit, the interior of the central vapor conduit 420, the interior of the evaporation section 423 of the vapor conduit, the interior of the vapor control unit 140, and the interior of the evaporation section 120 form a continuous interior space within the storage vessel. The continuous interior space within the storage container is evacuated to a pressure suitable for the conditions of use, the desiccant used and the evaporative liquid used during the manufacturing process.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in cross-section of a set of portable container sections that have been assembled into a functional portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system as described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system includes a temperature sensor 300 affixed to a sidewall of the inner container 405. In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned adjacent to an interior face of the storage region, as shown in fig. 6. In some embodiments, the sensor is affixed to a face of the inner container within the evaporation zone. The sensor is operably attached to a controller within the vapor control unit. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor is operatively connected to the controller by a wired connection. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor is operatively connected to the controller by a wireless connection.

FIG. 7 illustrates aspects of a method of assembling a set of portable container sections. Block 700 illustrates a method of assembling a set of portable container sections. Block 710 depicts positioning a storage container within a drying section, the storage container including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system and an evaporation section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the storage container, the drying section including an interior insulated unit and an exterior drying zone and a drying section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the drying section such that an exterior surface of the storage container is located within the insulated unit and the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit are aligned with one another. Block 720 shows positioning a central vapor conduit section having a first end and a second end adjacent to the evaporation section and the drying section such that the first end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the second end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit. Block 730 shows sealing the first end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit by a gas impermeable seal. Block 740 depicts sealing the second end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the dry section of the vapor conduit through a gas impermeable seal. Block 750 illustrates substantially evacuating the continuous vapor-sealed interior region within the storage container, the drying section, and the connected vapor conduit section.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: an insulated storage compartment comprising: at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of an interior of a storage container having an access aperture; at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of an exterior of the storage container, wherein the exterior is positioned adjacent to the interior and a gap exists between the exterior and the interior; a seal between the at least one wall forming the side and the bottom of the interior and the at least one wall forming the side and the bottom of the exterior, the seal forming a gas impermeable gap between the walls; and a lid sized and shaped to fit the insulated storage compartment, the insulated storage compartment comprising: at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of the lid, the side and bottom sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the interior of the storage container at a location adjacent to the access aperture; at least one wall forming a top of the lid, the top of the lid affixed to the side of the lid; an evaporation compartment positioned within the lid at a location adjacent the bottom of the lid, the evaporation compartment comprising an interior evaporation zone, the evaporation compartment comprising an aperture at a location distal from the bottom of the lid; a drying compartment within the lid at a location adjacent the top of the lid, the drying compartment comprising an interior drying zone, the drying compartment comprising an aperture at the top location distal from the lid; and a vapor conduit affixed at a first end to the aperture in the evaporation compartment and affixed at a second end to the aperture in the drying compartment, the combination of the vapor conduit, the evaporation zone, and the drying zone and the vapor conduit forming a vapor-sealed and liquid-sealed zone within the lid.

FIG. 8 illustrates aspects of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system. The portable container shown in fig. 8 is depicted in cross-section to illustrate internal features. The portable container 100 comprises an insulated storage compartment 800, wherein the insulated storage compartment 800 comprises walls 803 forming sides and a bottom of the interior 110 of the storage container with the access aperture 105. The interior 110 forms a storage region with insulation to minimize heat transfer to the exterior of the container and to maintain the interior temperature of the storage region within a predetermined range. The insulated storage compartment 800 also includes walls 807 that form the sides and bottom of the exterior of the storage container 800. The outer wall 807 of the storage container 800 is positioned adjacent to the inner wall 803 in a substantially parallel orientation. There is a gap between the outer wall 807 and the inner wall 803. The top edge 132 is sealed to the inner wall 803 at a first edge and to the outer wall 807 at a second edge. Between one wall 803 forming the inner side and bottom and the wall 807 forming the outer side and bottom there is a gas impermeable seal forming a gas impermeable gap between the walls. A gas-tight insulating zone 130 is included in the gap between the inner wall 803 and the outer wall 807. The insulating region 130 has insulating properties sufficient, in combination with the lid 200, to maintain the storage region 110 within a predetermined temperature range during an intended use case.

In some embodiments, the insulated storage compartment includes a single access aperture at the top of the storage compartment. For example, the insulated storage compartment 800 shown in fig. 8 includes a single access aperture 105 located at the top of the storage compartment. In some embodiments, the insulated storage compartment includes an access aperture sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container. For example, the access port may be sized and shaped to allow a person's hand to reach into the storage area and remove a medication container, such as a vaccine vial. In some embodiments, the insulated storage compartment comprises a cylindrical structure with an open top region forming an access aperture. For example, the insulated storage compartment may comprise an inner wall and an outer wall, both of which are cylindrical and have corresponding proportions to form a cylindrical structure with an open top region forming an access aperture. In some embodiments, the insulated storage compartment comprises a structure having a rounded edge and an open top region forming an access aperture. For example, the insulated storage compartment may be manufactured as a rectangular structure with rounded edges. The rounded edges may, for example, improve the portability of the container to a user. In some embodiments, the insulated storage compartment comprises a structure sized and shaped to carry a single abduction activity medication. For example, the insulated storage compartment may comprise a storage region (such as a 2L storage volume) having a size and shape suitable to carry sufficient medication, and the insulating properties in the insulated region are sufficient to maintain the storage region within a predetermined temperature range (such as 2 ℃ to 8 ℃) for a desired length (such as 48 hours) of abduction at a desired ambient temperature (such as 35 ℃ to 45 ℃).

Some embodiments include a gas-impermeable gap between walls of the insulated storage container, the gas-impermeable gap comprising a substantially evacuated space. Some embodiments include a gas-impermeable gap between walls of the insulated storage container, the gas-impermeable gap including a gas pressure below 10 ^-3A space of the bracket. Some embodiments include a gas-impermeable gap between walls of the insulated storage container, the gas-impermeable gap including a gas pressure below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

The embodiment shown in fig. 8 also includes a lid 200 that is sized and shaped to mate with the insulated storage compartment 800. The lid 200 includes walls 210 that form the sides and bottom of the lid 200 that are sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the interior of the storage container at a location adjacent the access port 105. In fig. 8, the space between the wall 210 of the cover and the side of the inner wall 803 is shown for illustrative purposes, however, ideally, this space between the wall 210 and the inner wall 803 would be the smallest space for reducing heat leakage. Some embodiments may include an insulating material, such as a gasket, in the space between wall 210 and inner wall 803. The lid 200 also includes walls 230 that form the top of the lid, which is affixed to the sides of the lid 200. The lid 200 includes an evaporation compartment 120 located within the lid 200. An evaporation compartment is oriented within the lid 200 at a location adjacent the bottom of the lid 200, the evaporation compartment including an interior evaporation zone 120, the evaporation compartment including an orifice 815 at a location remote from the bottom of the lid 200. The evaporation compartment is oriented within the lid 200 at a location adjacent to the storage region 110. In some embodiments, the cover comprises an evaporation compartment comprising: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 8, the lid 200 includes a drying compartment within the lid 200 at a location adjacent the top of the lid 200 that includes an interior drying region 160. The drying compartment within the lid also includes an aperture 825 at a location remote from the top of the lid 200. In some embodiments, the drying compartment within the lid is positioned to maximize thermal radiation generated by an exothermic reaction of the drying material within the lid to a region adjacent the top surface of the lid. In some embodiments, the cover includes a radiating structure, such as a heat sink or fan, positioned on the cover at a location outside of the drying compartment within the cover. In some embodiments, the drying compartment comprising the interior drying zone comprises a drying material.

The embodiment shown in fig. 8 includes a vapor conduit affixed at a first end to an aperture 815 in the evaporation compartment and affixed at a second end to an aperture 825 in the drying compartment, the combination of the vapor conduit, evaporation zone 120, and drying zone 160 with the vapor conduit forming a gas-tight and liquid-tight zone within the lid 200. In some embodiments, the substantially evacuated space 820 is included in a gas-tight region surrounding the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit includes a vapor control unit 140. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit includes a valve 147 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller 143 operably attached to the valve. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit includes a temperature sensor 300; a valve 147 sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller 143 operably attached to the valve.

In some embodiments, the cap further comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch. For example, the valve may be a binary on/off valve, and the switch may be positioned to reversibly cause the valve to open and close under the control of a user of the container. In some embodiments, the cover further comprises a display unit. For example, the display unit may include information regarding the use of the container, the internal temperature, and/or the state of a valve within the vapor conduit. The display unit may be operatively attached to the controller.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit, and the heating element. For example, the controller may be preset to send an activation or "on" signal to the heating element in response to receiving data from the temperature sensor at a temperature below the minimum temperature. For example, the controller may be preset to send a deactivation or "off" signal to the heating element in response to receiving data from the temperature sensor at a temperature above a minimum temperature.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system further includes an internal refill system comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element attached to the drying compartment within the lid; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element. In some embodiments, the controller is connected to a vapor control unit. In some embodiments, the controller is connected to the user interface. The controller may include circuitry having predetermined control routines for refilling a particular portable container.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: at least one storage container wall configured to form a storage container having an access aperture; at least one insulating wall positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container wall and affixed thereto to form a vapor sealed insulating region outside the storage region; at least one dry zone wall positioned adjacent an outer surface of the at least one insulated wall and sealed to the outer surface of the at least one insulated wall to form a vapor sealed dry zone at least partially surrounding an exterior of the portable container; a lid for said portable container, said lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with an inner surface of said at least one storage container wall, said lid comprising an internal vapor-sealed evaporation compartment, said lid comprising a bendable section positioned and configured to allow reversible access to said storage container; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone, the vapor conduit including a bendable section aligned with the bendable section of the lid; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

Fig. 9 illustrates aspects of a portable container 100 including an integrated control evaporative cooling system. The embodiment shown in fig. 9 is shown in cross-section to illustrate the internal features of the portable container. The portable container 100 includes a storage container wall 115 configured to form a storage container having an access aperture 105. The portable container 100 includes an insulated wall 135 positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the storage container wall 115 and affixed thereto to form a vapor-sealed insulated region 130 outside the storage region 110. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a single access port 105 located at the top of the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container includes an access port sized and shaped to allow a human hand to access the interior of the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container comprises a cylindrical structure with an open top region forming the access aperture 105. In some embodiments, the storage container Including structures having rounded edges and open top regions forming access ports 105. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a structure sized and shaped to carry a medicament for one expansion activity. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region comprises a substantially evacuated space. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region comprises a gas pressure of less than 10 ^-1A space of the bracket. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region comprises a gas pressure of less than 10 ^-3A space of the bracket. In some embodiments, the vapor sealed insulating region comprises a gas pressure of less than 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

The embodiment shown in fig. 9 includes a dry zone wall 165 positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the insulated wall 135 and sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall 135 to form a vapor-sealed dry zone 160 at least partially surrounding the exterior of the portable container 100. In some embodiments, the dry zone wall forms a vapor-tight dry zone around the outer vertical side of the portable container. In some embodiments, the dry zone wall forms a vapor-sealed dry zone around the exterior of the portable container.

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment comprising a lid 200 for the portable container 100 sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the inner surface of the storage container wall 115. The lid 200 includes an internal vapor-sealed evaporation compartment 120. The lid includes a bendable section 900 positioned and configured to allow reversible access to the storage region 110 of the portable container 100. In some embodiments, the interior vapor-sealed evaporation compartment of the lid is positioned adjacent to the storage area of the container when the lid is in the closed position. For example, the evaporative compartment of the lid may be positioned to allow maximum evaporative cooling of the storage area within the portable container. For example, the evaporation compartment of the lid may be positioned such that the underside of the lid adjacent the evaporation compartment of the lid is adjacent the storage area of the portable container. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the bottom 210 surface of the lid 200 is positioned adjacent to the storage area 110 within the container 100.

In some embodiments, the internal vapor-sealed evaporation compartment of the lid comprises: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the evaporative compartment 120 within the cover 200 includes the evaporative liquid 120 and a space above the top of the evaporative liquid 120. The evaporative liquid may be dispersed within the wick structure within the evaporative compartment, thereby increasing contact of the evaporative liquid with the reservoir walls.

As shown in fig. 9, some embodiments of the portable container 100 include a vapor conduit 150 with a first end 157 positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 and a second end 153 positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone 160. The vapor conduit 150 includes a bendable section 900 aligned with the bendable section 900 of the lid 200. Vapor control unit 140 is attached to vapor conduit 150. In some embodiments, the vapor conduit comprises a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure outside the portable container. In some embodiments, vapor control unit 140 includes a valve 147 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through vapor conduit 150, and a controller 143 operably attached to valve 147. In some embodiments, vapor control unit 140 comprises: a temperature sensor 300 attached to the storage container 100; a valve 147 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit 150 in a continuous manner; and a controller 143 operatively attached to the valve 147. Some embodiments include: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch. In some embodiments, the display unit is attached to the cover.

The evaporative cooling system within the portable container may be refilled, repaired or upgraded to allow the portable container and its integrated control evaporative cooling system to be reused multiple times. For example, in some embodiments, the portable container includes an evaporative cooling system that is manufactured with the goal of refilling the integrated control evaporative cooling system at least 100 times (e.g., cycles). For example, in some embodiments, the portable container includes an integrated control evaporative cooling system that is manufactured with the goal of refilling the evaporative cooling system at least 150 times (e.g., cycles). For example, in some embodiments, the portable container includes an integrated control evaporative cooling system that is manufactured with the goal of refilling the evaporative cooling system at least 200 times (e.g., cycles). In some embodiments, the portable container includes an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system designed to be used for at least one day per average month and refillable for at least 5 years. In some embodiments, the portable container includes an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system designed to be used for at least one day per average month and refillable for at least 10 years.

Over time, a portion of the mass of evaporative liquid initially present in the evaporation zone will be transferred to the interior of the drying zone as the vapor moves through the vapor conduit. Thus, portable containers will periodically require refilling of the evaporative liquid from the drying zone through a vapor conduit in order to maintain the functionality of the container. Since the interior of the evaporation zone, the vapor conduit and the drying zone are continuous zones that are gas-tight and liquid-tight, the evaporative liquid can be returned to the evaporation zone as a vapor for refilling the system. Some embodiments include an integrated internal refill system. Some embodiments rely on external heat, such as from an external refill device, to refill the portable container.

It is contemplated that the refill system may operate many times in life use of the portable container without the need to replace the desiccant or evaporative liquid. For example, assuming that a portable container needs to be refilled every month and is put into service for 10 years, the container will include desiccant and evaporative liquid in the container's configuration that is expected to be refillable for repeated use at least 120 times (10 years, 12 times per year). For example, assuming that a portable container needs to be refilled every two weeks and put into service for 5 years, the container will include desiccant and evaporative liquid in the configuration of the container that is expected to be refillable for repeated use at least 130 times (5 years, 26 times per year). In some embodiments, the portable container is configured to be refilled at least 200 times over the years of use of the container without the need to replace the desiccant or evaporative liquid.

In some embodiments, a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a frame sized and shaped to secure a portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system; at least one heating unit positioned adjacent an exterior of the portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system; at least one fan affixed to the frame, the fan oriented to direct air against an interior surface of the portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan, the controller capable of sending control signals to both the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan.

In some embodiments, the refill device is integral with a portable container that includes an integrated control evaporative cooling system. For example, in some embodiments, the refill device comprises: a heating element located within the interior of the drying zone, the heating element positioned to supply thermal energy to the interior of the drying zone; and a controller connected to the heating element. For example, the heating element located within the interior of the drying zone may be an electrical heating element. For example, in some embodiments, the refill device comprises: a heating element affixed to an outer surface of a wall of a drying zone of a portable container; and a controller connected to the heating element. For example, the heating element affixed to the outer surface of the wall of the drying zone may be an electrical heating element embedded within a thin film coating (such as a ceramic thin film surrounding the electrical heating element) affixed to the exterior of the wall.

The controller of the refill device activates the refill cycle of the system based on factors predetermined for the particular embodiment, including ambient temperature, the temperature of the evaporative liquid currently present in the evaporation zone, and input from the user. During refilling, the controller of the refill device initiates heating of the at least one heating unit. The heating unit is activated to a predetermined temperature for a preset period of time. The time and temperature settings of the heating unit depend on the embodiment, such as the type of desiccant and evaporative present in the container, and the size and shape of the drying, vapor conduit, and evaporation zones of the container. For example, in some embodiments, the heating unit is maintained at 300 ℃ for at least 30 minutes during the refill cycle. For example, in some embodiments, the heating unit is maintained at 250 ℃ for at least 60 minutes during the refill cycle. For example, in some embodiments, the heating unit is maintained at a temperature range between 250 ℃ and 300 ℃ for a predetermined period of time during the refill cycle. During the time that the heating unit is hotter, evaporative liquid associated with the desiccant in the drying zone is converted to vapor. The vapor travels through the vapor conduit and condenses within the relatively cool internal vapor region of the vessel. After switching off the heating unit, the drying zone may be cooled down, for example by radiant cooling, and the refilling cycle is completed. In some embodiments, the desiccant wall comprises a one-way purge valve configured to open if gas pressure within the drying zone exceeds a threshold level.

Fig. 10 illustrates aspects of a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system shown in cross-section to depict internal features of the device. The refill device 1000 includes a frame 1060 which in the illustration has secured a portable container 100 including an integral control evaporative cooling system in place within the refill device. The portable container 100 is retained in an inverted position from its normal use position. For example, the access port 105 is located at the underside of the portable container 100, and the first end 157 of the vapor conduit is located above the central storage area 110. The evaporation zone 120 is separated from the central storage zone 110 by a wall 115. During use of the integrated control evaporative cooling system of portable container 100, the volume of evaporative liquid 123 located within evaporation zone 120 has decreased such that the interior of evaporation zone 120 includes a substantial empty volume of space with a reduced gas pressure relative to ambient conditions adjacent the exterior of the device. The interior of the evaporation zone 120 includes less evaporative liquid 123 than when the integrally controlled evaporative cooling system of the portable container 100 is completely "filled" or configured for maximum operation (see, e.g., fig. 1, 3, and 4-6). The evaporative liquid 123 remaining in the evaporation zone 120 has fallen to the lower portion of the evaporation zone 120. The portable container 100 includes an insulated region 130 surrounding the evaporation region 120. The drying zone 160 is positioned along the outside of the side of the portable container 100 such that the outer wall 165 of the drying zone 160 forms the outer wall of the portable container 100.

In some embodiments, a refill device comprises: at least one insulated wall positioned outside the at least one heating unit; at least one aperture at a top end of the refill unit, the at least one aperture positioned to allow air to flow to a bottom region of the fixed portable container; and at least one aperture at a bottom end of the refill unit, the at least one aperture positioned to allow air to flow to a top region of the fixed portable container. The refill device 1000 shown in fig. 10 for a portable container 100 including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes insulation 1040 surrounding a frame 1060. The aperture 1010 is located within the upper face of the refill device 1000, the aperture 1010 being located adjacent to the surface of the insulated region 130 of the portable container 100. The apertures are positioned to allow air flow around the surface of the portable container 100 (depicted as dashed lines in fig. 10). Some embodiments include at least one sealing gasket positioned between a surface of the frame and a surface of the fixed portable container. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the sealing gasket 1045 minimizes the flow of gas around the sides of the refill device 1000 through the orifice 1010.

The refill device 1000 includes a heating unit 1005 positioned adjacent the exterior of the portable container 100. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the heating unit 1005 is positioned adjacent to the outer wall 165 of the drying zone 160 of the portable container 100. In some embodiments, the heating unit is positioned directly adjacent to the exterior of the drying zone, e.g., such that the heating unit is in physical contact with the outer surface of the portable container. In some embodiments, the heating unit is positioned adjacent an exterior of the drying zone, wherein there is a gap between the exterior of the heating unit and the exterior of the portable container, the gap forming a cavity within the refill device. For example, the heating chamber may be formed in a cavity between a surface of the heating unit, a surface of the portable container and the interior of the refill device. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the heating unit 1005 is separated from the outer wall 165 of the portable container 100 by a gap 1015.

In some embodiments, the heating element comprises: a radiant heating element; a cavity positioned between the heating element and a wall of a fixed portable container; and a fan within the cavity, the fan positioned to move air to the wall of the stationary portable container. For example, fig. 10 depicts a refill device 1000 having a radiant heating element 1005. The radiant heating element may comprise, for example, an electrical heating element. The cavity 1015 is positioned between the heating element 1005 and the outer wall 165 of the stationary portable container 100. A fan 1035 is affixed to the frame 1060 of the refill device, the fan 1035 being positioned to move air (e.g., depicted by the dashed arrow in fig. 10) within the cavity 1015 to the wall 165 of the stationary portable container 100. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises an induction heating element which is placed adjacent to where the surface of the portable container is expected to be when the refill unit is in use.

Some embodiments include a fan positioned to increase air flow within the storage area of the stationary portable container. For example, the embodiment shown in fig. 10 includes a fan 1020 attached to a wall 1030 that forms a hollow tube secured to a frame 1060. The wall 1030 forms a hollow tube structure having an aperture 1045 at an outer edge of the refill device 1000. The hollow tubular structure interior space 1025 formed by the wall 1030 is sized, shaped and positioned to direct a flow of air (shown in phantom in fig. 10) through the associated fan 1020 into the interior storage region 110 of the portable container 100 secured to the refill device 1000.

The embodiment shown in fig. 10 includes a controller 1070 that is operatively connected to the heating unit 1005 and the fan 1035. The controller is configured and attached to both the heating unit and the fan such that the controller is capable of sending control signals to both the heating unit and the fan. The controller may be connected to the fan and the heating unit by a wired connector. The controller may be connected to the fan and the heating unit by a wireless connection. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry configured to turn on and off the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan on a preset schedule.

Some embodiments of the refill device include a temperature sensor located within the frame, the temperature sensor being operatively attached to the controller. For example, the embodiment shown in fig. 10 includes a temperature sensor 1075 attached to the frame 1060. A temperature sensor 1075 is positioned adjacent to the cavity 1015. The temperature sensor 1075 is directly connected to the controller 1070. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry configured to turn on and off the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan in response to signals received from the temperature sensor. For example, the controller may include circuitry to turn off the heating unit after receiving a signal from the temperature sensor indicating that a predetermined temperature has been reached. The predetermined temperature may be set relative to a predetermined temperature for refilling a specifically designed portable container. For example, some embodiments of the portable container may be refilled with the wall outside the desiccant exposed to a temperature in a range between 250 ℃ and 300 ℃.

Some embodiments of the refill device include a display unit. For example, the refill device may include an external indicator that the device is hot to provide a caution to the user. For example, the refill device may include a display unit that displays red light when a temperature sensor of the refill device is above a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100 ℃). For example, the refill device may include a display unit that displays a textual or numerical indicator, such as a temperature reading or warning (e.g., "caution, hot"). Some embodiments of the refill device include a user interface. For example, the refill device may include an on-off switch. For example, the refill device may include an interface configured to accept a temperature and time range from a user to direct the operation of the heating unit through the controller.

The embodiment shown in fig. 10 also includes a bracket 1050 attached to the frame 1060. The standoffs 1050 are positioned and oriented to enhance air flow around the bottom of the refill device, including at the apertures 1045 of the interior space 1025 of the hollow tube structure formed by the wall 1030. The support 1050 includes a series of air flow openings 1053 around the exterior of the support 1050. The stand 1050 is raised with feet 1057 that help stabilize the refill device 1000 and also provide space to allow air flow around the lower surface of the refill device 1000.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a refill device 1000. The illustrated embodiment includes three pairs of inner walls 1100 and outer walls 1110. Each of these pairs of walls spans about one third of the circumference of the exterior of the refill device. In the view of fig. 11, three pairs of inner walls 1100 and outer walls 1110 are each attached to the frame 1060 by hinges 1120 to allow the pairs of inner walls 1100 and outer walls 1110 to fold outwardly. When the paired inner and outer walls 1100, 1110 are folded away from the center of the refill device 1000 by the action of the hinge 1120, the refill device 1000 opens sufficiently so that the portable container 100 can be positioned within the refill device 1000. When the portable container 100 is placed against the frame 1060, the pair of inner and outer walls 1100, 1110 fold back into a position parallel to the outer wall 165 of the portable container 100 and the refill apparatus 1000 is in place for use.

Fig. 12 depicts an external view of the refill device 1000. The illustration depicts a side view of the refill device 1000. The refill device 1000 includes a bracket 1050 having a plurality of apertures 1053. The stand includes feet 1057 to stabilize the refill device 1000 and increase air flow around the bottom of the refill device 1000. The refill device 1000 also includes an external vent 1200 covered by a louvered door. The external vent 1200 may be positioned to open as needed, for example, to increase the flow of air into the interior cavity or region of the refill device 1000, for example, during cooling after the portable container is heated.

In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls; a first insulating wall sealed to a first insulating bottom, the first insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the outer storage container wall and the outer surface of the outer storage container bottom; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram depicting a portable container 100 including an integrated control evaporative cooling system. The portable container 100 includes an inner storage container wall 1300 sealed to an inner storage container bottom 1305, the inner storage container wall 1300 and the inner storage container bottom 1305 being positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture 105. The resulting storage container includes a storage area 110 centrally located within the portable container 100. Portable container 100 also includes an outer storage container wall 1310 sealed to outer storage container bottom 1315, outer storage container wall 1310 being positioned adjacent inner storage container wall 1300, and outer storage container bottom 1315 being positioned adjacent inner storage container bottom 1305. The edges of outer storage container wall 1310 are sealed to inner storage container wall 1300 to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 between outer storage container wall 1310 and outer storage container bottom 1315 and inner storage container wall 1300 and inner storage container bottom 1305. In some embodiments, the seal of the portable container is formed from a gas impermeable seal. Although "walls" are discussed herein, some embodiments include multiple panels or frames that make up the entire wall of the portable container. The seal between the outer storage container wall 1310 and the inner storage container wall 1300 may include a flange or bridge member to span the space between the walls. For example, fig. 13 depicts a flange 1380 that bridges the top edge of the gap between the outer storage container wall 1310 and the inner storage container wall 1300 to form a seal between the walls. The seal may be a vacuum seal.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 13, the storage container includes a single access port located at the top of the storage container. In some embodiments, the access port is sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container. In some embodiments, the portable container and corresponding component walls are formed as a cylindrical structure.

In some embodiments, a container includes a vapor-sealed evaporation zone, the vapor-sealed evaporation zone comprising: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporative liquid is water and the wick structure is a fleece or foam material having surface properties and pore sizes sufficient to wick water through the vapor-sealed evaporative region adjacent the inner wall and base. In some embodiments, the core is made of a cotton material. In some embodiments, the core is made of a fiberglass material. The wick may be sized smaller than the interior of the vapor-tight evaporation zone, with space for fluid and gas flow around the wick. There may also be a gap in the core adjacent the first end of the vapor conduit located within the evaporation zone of the vapor seal, the gap being sized and shaped to allow gas to flow to the first end of the vapor conduit. In some embodiments, the vapor-sealed evaporation zone is substantially isothermal. There is a vapor-tight junction 1370 around the area of the vapor conduit 150, the vapor conduit 150 crossing the bottom of the vapor-tight evaporation zone 120.

FIG. 13 further depicts that the portable container 100 includes a first insulated wall 1320 sealed to a first insulated bottom 1325 that is sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent to the outer surfaces of the outer storage container wall 1310 and the outer storage container bottom 1315. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a gap 1370 between the first insulating wall 1320 and the outer surface of the outer storage container wall 1310. The portable container 100 includes a second insulated wall 1330 sealed to a second insulated bottom 1335 that is sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulated wall 1320. The second insulating wall 1330 is sealed to the first insulating wall 1320 to form an insulating region 130 between the first and second insulating walls 1320, 1330 and the first and second insulating bottoms 1325, 1335.

The insulating zone may comprise insulation suitable for the intended use of the container, for example in view of qualities such as temperature distribution, robustness, cost, weight and size. In some embodiments, the insulating region comprises a substantially evacuated space. In some embodiments, the thermally insulating region comprises: a heat reflective film; and a substantially evacuated space. For example, the thermally reflective film may comprise a metallic film. In some embodiments, the insulating region comprises a gas pressure of less than 10 ^-1Space of support, gas pressure lower than 10 ^-3Space of torr, or gas pressure, below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

The portable container 100 includes a dry zone wall 1340 sealed to the dry zone bottom 1345, the dry zone wall being sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall 1330 and the second insulated bottom 1335 to form an outer surface of the portable container 100. In some embodiments, the dry zone wall surrounds an outer surface of the second insulated wall. The dry zone wall 1340 is sealed to the outer surface of the insulating wall 1330 to form the vapor-sealed dry zone 160. In some embodiments, the seal between the dry zone wall 1340 and the insulating wall 1330 comprises a flange or bridge. For example, the embodiment shown in fig. 13 includes a flange 1385 attached to the top edge of the dry zone wall 1340 on a first side and to the outer surface of the insulating wall 1330 on a second side. The seal may be a vacuum seal. The drying zone 160 includes a drying material.

The portable container shown in fig. 13 includes a vapor conduit 150 with a first end 1360 positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone 120 and a second end 1365 positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone 160. The middle portion of the vapor conduit 150 traverses a region external to the other components of the container 100. A shut-off valve 1350 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block the flow of gas through the vapor conduit 150 is operably attached to the vapor conduit 150. A switch 1355 is operably attached to the shutoff valve 1350, the switch 1355 being positioned to cause the valve 1350 to fully open and fully close in response to external action on the switch 1355. For example, in some embodiments, the shut-off valve is an on/off or binary valve. For example, in some embodiments, the shut-off valve is a ball valve. For example, in some embodiments, the switch is a magnetic switch controlled by an external magnet. For example, in some embodiments, the switch is a mechanical switch.

The portable container 100 includes a vapor control unit 140 attached to a vapor conduit 150. The vapor control unit 140 is shown attached to a first end 1360 of the vapor conduit 150. The vapor control unit 140 is positioned substantially centrally within the evaporation zone 120. Some embodiments include a temperature sensor 143 within the vapor control unit 140, and a valve 147 sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit 150 in a continuous manner. For example, the vapor control unit may include a mechanical thermostat affixed to a valve that reversibly opens and closes to reversibly increase and decrease gas flow through the vapor conduit.

In some embodiments, the components of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system include: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within a vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall; and a vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit; and a drying vessel having an insulated region, the drying vessel comprising: a first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a dry zone; and an orifice in the drying vessel sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit.

Fig. 14 depicts components of a portable container. The first member 1400 includes: inner storage container wall 1300 sealed to inner storage container bottom 1305, inner storage container wall 1300 and inner storage container bottom 1305 being positioned to form a storage container having access aperture 105. The first component 1400 further includes an outer storage container wall 1310 sealed to the outer storage container bottom 1315, the outer storage container wall 1310 being positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall 1300, and the outer storage container bottom 1315 being positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom 1305. The edges of the outer storage container wall 1310 are sealed to the inner storage container wall 1300 to form an evaporation zone 120 between the outer storage container wall 1310 and the outer storage container bottom 1315 and the inner storage container wall 1300 and the inner storage container bottom 1305. The vapor conduit 150 includes a first end 1360 positioned within the evaporation zone 120, and a second end 1365 positioned outside of the evaporation zone 120 adjacent the outer storage container wall 1310. The vapor control unit 140 is attached to the first end 1360 of the vapor conduit 150.

Fig. 14 also includes a second part 1410 of the portable container. The second member 1410 includes a drying container having an insulation region, the drying container including: a first insulating wall 1320 sealed to a first insulating bottom 1325, the first insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the storage container 1400 with minimal space between the containers 1400, 1410. The second component further includes a second insulating wall 1330 sealed to a second insulating bottom 1335, the second insulating wall 1330 sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall 1320, the second insulating wall 1330 sealed to the first insulating wall 1320 to form an insulating region 130 between the first and second insulating walls 1320, 1330 and the first and second insulating bottoms 1325, 1335. A dry zone wall 1340 is sealed to the dry zone bottom 1345, the dry zone wall being sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the outer surface of the second insulated wall 1330 and the second insulated bottom 1335 to form an outer surface of the portable container. A dry zone wall 1340 sealed to the outer surface of the insulating wall 1330 forms the dry zone 160. The second member 1410 also includes an orifice 1420 in the drying vessel, the orifice 1420 being sized, shaped and positioned to mate with the exterior of the second end 1365 of the vapor conduit 150. The second member 1420 further includes a flange that is sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end 1365 of the vapor conduit 150. The aperture 1420 may be affixed to the exterior of the second end 1365 of the vapor conduit 150 by a vacuum seal.

For example, the first and second members 1400, 1410 may be positioned such that the outer storage container wall 1310 and the outer storage container bottom 1315 are positioned adjacent the first insulating wall 1320 and the bottom 1325. The second end 1365 of the vapor conduit 150 is positioned within the aperture 1420 in the desiccant container of the second component (see, e.g., the downward arrow in fig. 14). The second end 1365 of the vapor conduit 150 is sealed to the aperture 1420 by a gas impermeable seal. For example, if the component is made of metal, the second end may be welded to the orifice or a flange included in the orifice by a suitable technique to create a gas impermeable seal. In some embodiments, a vacuum seal is formed. The desiccant and liquid may be added to the interior prior to forming the seal. A reduced vapor pressure suitable for the embodiment may be generated within the interior region prior to forming the seal. Some embodiments include vacuum connection points to connect gas pumps and internally generate a reduced vapor pressure prior to reforming the gas impermeable seal.

Aspects of the subject matter described herein are listed in the following numbered clauses:

1. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a storage container wall sealed to a storage container bottom, the storage container wall and the storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an evaporation zone wall sealed to an evaporation zone bottom, the evaporation zone wall positioned adjacent an exterior of the storage container wall and the evaporation zone bottom positioned adjacent an exterior of the storage container bottom, a top edge of the evaporation zone wall sealed to the exterior of the storage container wall at a location below a top edge of the storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the evaporation zone wall and the evaporation zone bottom and the storage container wall and the storage container bottom; an insulating wall positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the evaporation zone wall and the storage container wall, a top portion of the insulating wall being sealed to the outer surface of the storage container wall at a location above the evaporation zone wall to form an insulating zone outside the storage container and outside the evaporation zone that is vapor tight; a dry zone wall positioned adjacent and sealed to an outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone, the dry zone wall positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

2. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1, wherein the storage container wall is sealed to the storage container bottom by a gas impermeable seal.

3. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1, wherein the storage container having the access port comprises: a single access port at the top of the storage container.

4. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1, wherein the storage container having the access port comprises: an access port sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container.

5. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the storage container having the access port is cylindrical with an open top region forming the access port.

6. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1, wherein the storage container having the access port includes a rounded edge with an open top region forming the access port.

7. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the storage container with integrated control evaporative cooler includes an internal structure in a radial configuration.

8. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the evaporation zone walls are sealed to the evaporation zone bottom by a gas impermeable seal.

9. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the evaporative zone wall is sealed to the exterior of the storage container wall by a gas impermeable seal.

10. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the evaporation zone walls and the evaporation zone bottom are of a size, shape and location to form a gap between the evaporation zone walls and the evaporation zone bottom and the surfaces of the storage container walls and the storage container bottom.

11. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, wherein the vapor-tight evaporative region includes: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

12. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the evaporation zone wall is formed as a cylindrical structure.

13. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the evaporation zone wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

14. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the insulated wall is sealed to an insulated bottom and the insulated bottom is positioned adjacent an exterior of the evaporation zone bottom.

15. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the bottom of the insulating wall is sealed to the outer surface of the evaporation zone wall at a location adjacent the bottom of the evaporation zone.

16. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the vapor-sealed insulated zone comprises a substantially evacuated space.

17. Such as The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated controlled evaporative cooling system, wherein the vapor-sealed, insulated zone includes a gas pressure below 10 f ^-1A space of the bracket.

18. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor sealed insulated zone includes a gas pressure below 10 f ^-3A space of the bracket.

19. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor sealed insulated zone includes a gas pressure below 10 f ^-5A space of the bracket.

20. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the dry zone wall surrounds the outer surface of the insulating wall.

21. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 1 wherein the dry zone wall is sealed to a dry zone bottom and the dry zone bottom is positioned adjacent an exterior of an insulated bottom to form a dry zone adjacent the insulated wall and the insulated bottom.

22. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor-tight drying zone includes a desiccant material.

23. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor conduit comprises a hollow structure.

24. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor conduit comprises a tubular structure.

25. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor control unit includes: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

26. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

27. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system wherein the drying zone, the evaporation zone and the vapor conduit are sealed together with a continuous vapor sealed interior region.

28. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 27, wherein the continuous vapor-sealed interior region includes a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure adjacent the exterior of the portable container.

29. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, further comprising: a lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a rim of the portable container adjacent the access aperture.

30. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, further comprising: a shutoff valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

31. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, further comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

32. The portable container of paragraph 1 including the integrated control evaporative cooling system, further comprising: a temperature sensor affixed to the portable container; a heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

33. In some embodiments, a set of portable container sections for assembly comprises: a storage container having an integrated controlled evaporative cooler, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container having an access aperture positioned at an upper region of the inner storage container; an outer storage container positioned with an access aperture at an upper region of the inner storage container, the outer storage container sealed to the inner storage container at a location adjacent the access aperture to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the inner and outer storage containers; and an evaporation section of a vapor conduit, the evaporation section comprising a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned at an upper region of the storage container, the second end having an aperture outside the storage container; a drying section comprising: an insulating unit having an inner surface sized and shaped to mate with an outer surface of the storage container and sized and shaped to extend beyond the access aperture of the storage container; a dry zone wall surrounding the insulated unit, the dry zone wall sealed to an exterior of the insulated unit by a gas impermeable seal to form a dry zone exterior of the insulated unit; and a drying section of a vapor conduit, the drying section comprising a first end positioned within the drying zone and a second end positioned at an upper region of the drying zone, the second end having an aperture outside the drying zone; and a central vapor conduit section comprising: a first end sized and shaped to mate with and seal against the second end of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit; a second end sized and shaped to mate with and seal with the second end of the dry section of the vapor conduit; and a connector section of the central vapor conduit between the first end of the central vapor conduit and the second end of the central vapor conduit, the connector section sized and shaped to position the first end to mate and seal with the second end of the evaporation section and to position the second end to mate and seal with the second end of the drying section; wherein the vapor conduit includes an attached vapor control unit, and wherein the evaporation section, the drying section, and the central vapor conduit section are each sized and shaped to fit together into a continuous vapor-sealed interior region of an integrated portable container including a control-integrated, controlled evaporative cooling system.

34. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated controlled evaporative cooler comprises a gas impermeable seal between the inner storage container and the outer storage container.

35. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated control evaporative cooler includes a gas impermeable seal between the second end of the evaporative section of the vapor conduit and the storage container.

36. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated controlled evaporative cooler includes a single access port at the top of the storage container.

37. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated control evaporative cooler includes an access aperture sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container.

38. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated control evaporative cooler is cylindrical with an open top region forming an access port.

39. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33 wherein the storage container with integrated controlled evaporative cooler comprises a cylindrical structure.

40. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33 wherein the storage container with integrated controlled evaporative cooler comprises a structure with rounded edges.

41. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the storage container with integrated control evaporative cooler comprises an internal structure in a radial configuration.

42. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the evaporation zone comprises a vapor sealed gap between the inner storage container and the outer storage container.

43. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33 wherein the evaporation zone comprises an evaporation liquid; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

44. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the drying section comprises an insulating unit comprising a vapor sealed insulating zone comprising a substantially evacuated space.

45. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the drying section comprises an insulated unit comprising a gas pressure below 10 ^-1The tray vapor seals the insulating region.

46. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the drying section comprises an insulated unit comprising a gas pressure below 10 ^-3The tray vapor seals the insulating region.

47. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the drying section comprises an insulated unit comprising a gas pressure below 10 ^-5The tray vapor seals the insulating region.

48. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33 wherein the dry section comprises a dry material.

49. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the central vapor conduit section comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

50. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, wherein the central vapor conduit section comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

51. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, further comprising: a lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a rim of the portable container adjacent the access aperture.

52. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33, further comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

53. The set of portable container sections for assembly of paragraph 33 further comprising an internal refill system comprising: a temperature sensor affixed to the drying section; a heating element affixed to the drying section; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

54. In some embodiments, a method of assembly for a set of portable container sections comprises: positioning a storage container within a drying section, the storage container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system and an evaporation section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the storage container, the drying section comprising an internal insulated unit and an external drying zone and a drying section of a vapor conduit having an aperture external to the drying section such that an exterior surface of the storage container is located within the insulated unit and the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit are aligned with one another; positioning a central vapor conduit section having a first end and a second end adjacent to the evaporation section and the drying section such that the first end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit and the second end of the central vapor conduit is connected to the aperture of the drying section of the vapor conduit; sealing the first end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the vaporization section of the vapor conduit by a gas impermeable seal; sealing the second end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the dry section of the vapor conduit by a gas impermeable seal; and substantially evacuating the continuous vapor-sealed interior region within the storage vessel, the drying section, and the connected vapor conduit section.

55. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54, wherein positioning the storage container comprises positioning the storage container entirely within the drying section.

56. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54, wherein positioning the storage container comprises positioning the storage container such that a storage area of the storage container is at a center, wherein the storage container surrounds the storage area, the insulating unit surrounds the storage container, and the dry zone surrounds an exterior of the storage container.

57. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54, wherein positioning the central vapor conduit section includes positioning the central vapor conduit section across an exterior top surface of the storage container and the drying section.

58. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54 wherein substantially evacuating the continuous vapor-sealed interior region includes evacuating the interior space to less than 10 f ^-3Torr gas pressure.

59. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54, further comprising: adding evaporative liquid to the integrated evaporative cooler prior to sealing the first end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the evaporation section of the vapor conduit.

60. The method of assembling a set of portable container sections of paragraph 54, further comprising: adding desiccant to the outer desiccant zone prior to sealing the second end of the central vapor conduit to the aperture of the desiccant section of the vapor conduit.

61. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: an insulated storage compartment comprising: at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of an interior of a storage container having an access aperture; at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of an exterior of the storage container, wherein the exterior is positioned adjacent to the interior and a gap exists between the exterior and the interior; a seal between the at least one wall forming the side and the bottom of the interior and the at least one wall forming the side and the bottom of the exterior, the seal forming a gas impermeable gap between the walls; and a lid sized and shaped to fit the insulated storage compartment, the insulated storage compartment comprising: at least one wall forming a side and a bottom of the lid, the side and bottom sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the interior of the storage container at a location adjacent to the access aperture; at least one wall forming a top of the lid, the top of the lid affixed to the side of the lid; an evaporation compartment positioned within the lid at a location adjacent the bottom of the lid, the evaporation compartment comprising an interior evaporation zone, the evaporation compartment comprising an aperture at a location distal from the bottom of the lid; a drying compartment within the lid at a location adjacent the top of the lid, the drying compartment comprising an interior drying zone, the drying compartment comprising an aperture at a location distal from the top of the lid; and a vapor conduit affixed at a first end to the aperture in the evaporation compartment and affixed at a second end to the aperture in the drying compartment, the vapor conduit including a vapor control unit, the vapor conduit, the evaporation zone, and the combination of the drying zone and the vapor conduit forming a vapor-sealed and liquid-sealed zone within the lid.

62. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the insulated storage compartment includes a single access aperture at the top of the storage container.

63. The portable container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the insulated storage compartment comprises the access aperture sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container.

64. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the insulated storage compartment comprises a cylindrical structure with an open top region forming the access aperture.

65. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the insulated storage compartment includes a structure having a rounded edge and an open top region forming the access aperture.

66. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the insulated storage compartment includes a structure sized and shaped to carry a single abduction activity medication.

67. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the gas impermeable gap between the walls of the insulated storage container comprises a substantially evacuated space.

68. The portable container of paragraph 61 including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the gas impermeable gap between the walls of the insulated storage container includes a gas pressure below 10 ^-1A space of the bracket.

69. The portable container of paragraph 61 including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the gas impermeable gap between the walls of the insulated storage container includes a gas pressure below 10 ^-3A space of the bracket.

70. The portable container of paragraph 61 including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the gas impermeable gap between the walls of the insulated storage container includes a gas pressure below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

71. The portable container of paragraph 61 including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the evaporative compartment within the lid includes: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

72. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61 wherein the drying compartment within the lid includes a drying material.

73. The portable container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, wherein the vapor conduit within the lid comprises a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly impede gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

74. The portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, wherein the vapor conduit within the lid comprises a temperature sensor; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

75. The portable container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, wherein the vapor conduit within the lid comprises a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly impede gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

76. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, wherein the lid further comprises a display unit.

77. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, further comprising a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit, and the heating element.

78. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 61, further comprising an internal refill system comprising a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element attached to the drying compartment within the lid; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

79. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: at least one storage container wall configured to form a storage container having an access aperture; at least one insulating wall positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container wall and affixed thereto to form a vapor sealed insulating region outside the storage region; at least one dry zone wall positioned adjacent an outer surface of the at least one insulated wall and sealed to the outer surface of the at least one insulated wall to form a vapor sealed dry zone at least partially surrounding an exterior of the portable container; a lid for said portable container, said lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with an inner surface of said at least one storage container wall, said lid comprising an internal vapor-sealed evaporation compartment, said lid comprising a bendable section positioned and configured to allow reversible access to said storage container; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone, the vapor conduit including a bendable section aligned with the bendable section of the lid; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

80. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the storage container includes a single access port at the top of the storage container.

81. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the storage container includes the access port sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container.

82. The portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the storage container comprises a cylindrical structure with an open top region forming the access aperture.

83. The portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the storage container includes a structure having a rounded edge and an open top region forming the access port.

84. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the storage container includes a structure sized and shaped to carry a single abduction activity medication.

85. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79 wherein the vapor sealed insulated zone comprises a substantially evacuated space.

86. The portable container of paragraph 79 comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system, wherein the vapor sealed insulated zone comprises Gas pressure below 10 ^-3A space of the bracket.

87. The portable container of paragraph 79 comprising an integral controlled evaporative cooling system wherein the vapor sealed insulated zone comprises a gas pressure below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

88. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the vapor-tight drying zone includes a desiccant material.

89. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the vapor-tight drying zone surrounds the exterior of the portable container.

90. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the internal vapor-sealed evaporative compartment within the lid is positioned adjacent the storage area of the container when the lid is in the closed position.

91. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the internal vapor-sealed evaporative compartment within the lid includes: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

92. The portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the vapor conduit includes a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

93. The portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block the flow of gas through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

94. The portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

95. The portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the lid further comprises a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block the flow of gas through the vapor conduit; and a binary switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

96. The portable container comprising the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, wherein the lid further comprises a display unit.

97. The portable container including the integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, further comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

98. The portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 79, further comprising an internal refill system comprising a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

99. In some embodiments, a refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system includes: a frame sized and shaped to secure a portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system; at least one heating unit positioned adjacent an exterior of the portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system; at least one fan affixed to the frame, the fan oriented to direct air against an interior surface of the portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan, the controller capable of sending control signals to both the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan.

100. The refill device for a portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the frame comprises: at least one insulated wall positioned outside the at least one heating unit; at least one aperture at a top end of the refill unit, the at least one aperture positioned to allow air to flow to a bottom region of the fixed portable container; and at least one aperture at a bottom end of the refill unit, the at least one aperture positioned to allow air to flow to a top region of the fixed portable container.

101. The refill apparatus for a portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the frame comprises at least one sealing gasket positioned between a surface of the frame and a surface of a stationary portable container.

102. The refill apparatus for a portable container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one heating unit comprises: a radiant heating element; a cavity positioned between the heating element and a wall of a fixed portable container; and a fan within the cavity, the fan positioned to move air to the wall of the stationary portable container.

103. The refill apparatus for a portable container comprising an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one heating unit comprises: an induction heating element placed adjacent to where a surface of a portable container is expected to be when the refill unit is in use.

104. The refill device for a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one fan comprises a fan positioned to increase air flow within the storage area of the stationary portable container.

105. The refill apparatus for a portable container comprising an integral controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises circuitry configured to turn the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan on and off on a preset schedule.

106. The refill device for a portable container comprising an integrally controlled evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, further comprising a temperature sensor positioned within the frame, the temperature sensor being operatively attached to the controller.

107. The refill apparatus for a portable container comprising an integrated control evaporative cooling system of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises circuitry configured to turn the at least one heating unit and the at least one fan on and off in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor.

108. The refill device for a portable container comprising an integrally controlled evaporative cooling system as described in paragraph 99, further comprising a display unit.

109. The refill device for a portable container comprising an integrally controlled evaporative cooling system as described in paragraph 99, further comprising a user interface.

110. A portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system, comprising: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls; a first insulating wall sealed to a first insulating bottom, the first insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the outer storage container wall and the outer surface of the outer storage container bottom; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

111. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container wall is sealed to the storage container bottom by a gas impermeable seal.

112. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access port comprises a single access port at the top of the storage container.

113. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access port includes an access port sized and shaped to allow human hand access to the interior of the storage container.

114. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access port is cylindrical with an open top region forming the access port.

115. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access port comprises a rounded edge with an open top region having the access port formed therein.

116. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access aperture comprises an internal structure in a radial configuration.

117. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access aperture, wherein the inner storage container wall is sealed to the inner storage container bottom by a gas impermeable seal.

118. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access aperture, wherein the outer storage container wall is sealed to the outer storage container bottom by a gas impermeable seal.

119. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the storage container having the access aperture, wherein the outer storage container wall is sealed to the inner storage container wall by a gas impermeable seal.

120. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor-tight evaporation zone comprises: evaporating the solution; a wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and a gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

121. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor-tight evaporation zone is substantially isothermal.

122. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor-tight evaporation zone comprises: a vapor-sealed junction around a region of the vapor conduit that traverses a wall or bottom of an evaporation zone of the vapor seal.

123. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the first insulating wall is formed as a cylindrical structure.

124. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the first insulating wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

125. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the outer storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom are positioned adjacent an exterior of the first insulated wall and the first insulated bottom.

126. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said insulating region comprises: a substantially evacuated space.

127. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said insulating region comprises: a heat reflective film; and a substantially evacuated space.

128. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said insulating region comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-1A space of the bracket.

129. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said insulating region comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-3A space of the bracket.

130. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said insulating region comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

131. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the first insulated wall surrounds an outer surface of the outer storage wall.

132. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the dry zone wall surrounds the outer surface of the second insulated wall.

133. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor-tight drying zone comprises: the material is dried.

134. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor-tight drying zone comprises: a vapor-sealed junction around a region of the vapor conduit that traverses a wall or bottom of the vapor-sealed drying zone.

135. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said vapor conduit comprises: and (3) a hollow structure.

136. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said vapor conduit comprises: a tubular structure.

137. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said vapor control unit comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

138. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein said vapor control unit comprises: a thermostat; and a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit, the valve operably attached to the thermostat.

139. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor control unit is attached to the first end of the vapor conduit.

140. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the vapor control unit is centrally located within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone.

141. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the portable container is formed as a cylindrical structure.

142. The portable container of paragraph 110, comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

143. The portable container of paragraph 110 wherein the drying zone, the evaporation zone and the vapor conduit are sealed together with a continuous vapor sealed interior region.

144. The portable container of paragraph 143, wherein the continuous vapor sealed interior region comprises a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure adjacent an exterior of the portable container.

145. The portable container of paragraph 110, further comprising: a lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a rim of the portable container adjacent the access aperture.

146. The portable container of paragraph 110, further comprising: a shutoff valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

147. The portable container of paragraph 110, further comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

148. The portable container of paragraph 110, further comprising an internal refill system having: a temperature sensor affixed to the portable container; a heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

149. The portable container of paragraph 110, further comprising: a binary valve operably attached to the vapor conduit; and an externally operable switch operatively attached to the binary valve.

150. The components of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system include: a storage container having an internal evaporation zone, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within a vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall; and a vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit; and a drying vessel having an insulated region, the drying vessel comprising: a first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a dry zone; and an orifice in the drying vessel sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit.

151. The component of paragraph 150, wherein said evaporation zone comprises: a wick structure for evaporating a liquid.

152. The component of paragraph 150, wherein said first insulating wall is formed as a cylindrical structure.

153. The component of paragraph 150, wherein said first insulating wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

154. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the outer storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom are positioned adjacent an exterior of the first insulating wall and the first insulating bottom.

155. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the thermal isolation zone comprises: a substantially evacuated space.

156. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the thermal isolation zone comprises: a heat reflective film; and a substantially evacuated space.

157. The component of paragraph 150 wherein the septum The hot zone comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-1A space of the bracket.

158. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the thermal isolation zone comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-3A space of the bracket.

159. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the thermal isolation zone comprises: gas pressure below 10 ^-5A space of the bracket.

160. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the first insulating wall surrounds an outer surface of the outer storage wall.

161. The component of paragraph 150 wherein said dry zone wall surrounds said outer surface of said second insulating wall.

162. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the drying zone comprises: the material is dried.

163. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the vapor conduit comprises: and (3) a hollow structure.

164. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the vapor conduit comprises: a tubular structure.

165. The component of paragraph 150, wherein said vapor control unit comprises: a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

166. The component of paragraph 150, wherein said vapor control unit comprises: a thermostat; and a valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit, the valve operably attached to the thermostat.

167. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the vapor control unit is attached to the first end of the vapor conduit.

168. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the vapor control unit is centrally located within the evaporation zone.

169. The container of paragraph 150 wherein the portable container is formed as a cylindrical structure.

170. The component of paragraph 150, comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and a controller operably attached to the valve.

171. The component of paragraph 150 wherein the drying zone, the evaporation zone and the vapor conduit are sized and shaped to permit sealing with a continuous vapor-sealed interior region.

172. The component of paragraph 150, wherein the continuous vapor sealed interior region comprises a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure adjacent the exterior of the portable container.

173. The component of paragraph 150, comprising: a lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a rim of the portable container adjacent the access aperture.

174. The component of paragraph 150, comprising: a shutoff valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and a switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

175. The component of paragraph 150, comprising: a temperature sensor attached to the storage container; a heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

176. A component as paragraph 150 recites, further comprising an internal refill system having: a temperature sensor affixed to the portable container; a heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

177. The component of paragraph 150, comprising: a binary valve operably attached to the vapor conduit; and an externally operable switch operatively attached to the binary valve.

178. A method of manufacturing a portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system, comprising: positioning a storage container having an internal evaporation zone, the storage container comprising: an inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture; an outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms; a vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall; and a vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit, comprising within a drying vessel having an insulated region: a first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers; a second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms; a dry zone wall positioned adjacent to and sealed to an outer surface of the second insulated wall to form a dry zone, the dry zone wall positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container; and an orifice in the dryer vessel, the orifice being sized, shaped and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit; sealing the second end of the vapor conduit to the aperture in the drying vessel by a gas impermeable seal; and evacuating an interior of a space within the container defined by the evaporation zone, an interior of the vapor conduit, and an interior of the drying zone.

In some embodiments described herein, logic and similar embodiments may include computer programs or other control structures. For example, electronic circuitry may have one or more current paths configured and arranged to implement the various functions described herein. In some embodiments, one or more media may be configured to carry device-detectable embodiments when such media holds or transmits device-detectable instructions operable to be performed as described herein. For example, in some variations, implementations may include updating or modifying existing software or firmware, or gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as by performing the reception or transmission of one or more instructions regarding one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variations, implementations may include dedicated hardware, software, firmware components, and/or general components that execute or otherwise invoke the dedicated components.

The subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital manner, or some combination thereof. In a general sense, some aspects described herein may be implemented individually and/or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof, and may be viewed as being comprised of various types of "circuitry". Thus, as used herein, "circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program that performs, at least in part, the processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that performs, at least in part, the processes and/or devices described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., a form of memory (e.g., random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, etc.)), and/or circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.).

Alternatively or additionally, various embodiments may include executing dedicated sequences of instructions, or invoking circuitry to enable, trigger, coordinate, request, or otherwise cause substantially any one of the functional operations described herein to occur one or more times. In some variations, the operations or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as a sequence of executable instructions. For example, in some contexts, implementations may be provided in whole or in part by source code (such as C + +) or other code sequences. In other embodiments, source code or other code implementations using commercially available and/or state of the art techniques may be compiled/implemented/translated/converted into a high-level description language (e.g., initially implementing the techniques described in the C or C + + programming language, and thereafter converting the programming language implementations into logically synthesizable language implementations, hardware description language implementations, hardware design simulation implementations, and/or other such similar expression patterns). For example, some or all of the logical expressions (e.g., computer programming language implementations) may be represented as Verilog-type hardware descriptions (e.g., in Hardware Description Language (HDL) and/or very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language (VHDL)) or other circuitry models, which may then be used to create a physical implementation with hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit).

In a general sense, the various aspects of the embodiments described herein can be implemented individually and/or collectively by various types of electromechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components, such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof, limited only to the scope of patentable subject matter according to 35 u.s.c.101; and a wide range of components that may apply mechanical force or motion, such as rigid bodies, springs or torsion bodies, hydraulic devices, electromagnetic actuation devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Thus, as used herein, an "electromechanical system" includes, but is not limited to: circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), etc.); circuitry having at least one discrete circuit; circuitry having at least one integrated circuit; circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit; circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured with a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured with a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and/or apparatuses described herein, or a microprocessor configured with a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and/or apparatuses described herein); circuitry forming a memory device, e.g., a form of memory (e.g., random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, etc.); circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.); and/or any non-electrical system similar to the circuitry described above, such as optical or other like (e.g., graphene-based circuitry). Examples of electromechanical systems include, but are not limited to, various consumer electronics systems, medical devices, and other systems, such as motorized transportation systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and/or communication/computing systems.

At least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein may be integrated into a data processing system. Data processing systems generally include one or more of the following: a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, a processor such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor, a computing entity such as an operating system, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or a control system including a feedback loop and a control motor (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; a control motor for moving and/or adjusting a component and/or quantity). The data processing system may be implemented using suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

The prior art has evolved to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of the system; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is often a design choice representing a trade-off between cost and efficiency (but not always, as it may become important in some cases to choose either hardware or software). There are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the hardware and/or firmware may be primarily selected as the vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a primary software implementation; alternatively, and still alternatively, an implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware in one or more machines, compositions of matter, and articles of manufacture, limited only to patentable subject matter according to 35 USC 101. Thus, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other techniques described herein may be implemented, any of which is not inherently superior to others, as any vehicle to be utilized is a choice depending on the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the particular concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as "configured for," "configured by … …," "configurable for," "operable/operative to," "adapted/adaptable," "capable," "adaptable/suitable to," or the like. Such terms (e.g., "configured to") generally encompass components in an active state and/or components in an inactive state and/or components in an armed state unless the context requires otherwise.

The components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them described herein are used as examples to clarify the concepts, and various modifications to the configurations are also contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent a more general class of such examples. In general, use of any particular example is intended to represent a class of such examples and should not be taken to limit the particular components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects included therein.

While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to Without limitation, the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "includes, but is not limited to," etc.). If a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" or "one or more" to introduce claim elements. However, the use of such phrases Should not be construed as To the extent that a claim recitation introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Additionally, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended as a "system having at least one of A, B and C" that would include, but not be limited to, systems having only a, only B, only C, having a and B, having a and C, having B and C, and/or having A, B and C, etc. In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended as a "system having at least one of A, B and C" that would include, but is not limited to, systems having a, having B only, having C only, having a and B, having a and C, having B and C, and/or having A, B and C, etc. Typically, whether in the specification Also in the claims and in the drawings, disjunctive words and/or phrases that present two or more alternative terms should be understood to include one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "a or B" will typically be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

With respect to the appended claims, where the recited operations may generally be performed in any order. Further, while the various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than illustrated, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preliminary, supplemental, simultaneous, inverse, or other different orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Moreover, adjectives such as "responsive to," "related to … …," or other past tense are generally not intended to exclude such variations unless the context dictates otherwise.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent they do not conflict herewith.

While a number of different aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable container including an integrated controlled evaporative cooling system, comprising:

An inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture;

An outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form a vapor-sealed evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls;

A first insulating wall sealed to a first insulating bottom, the first insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the outer storage container wall and the outer surface of the outer storage container bottom;

A second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms;

A dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a vapor-sealed dry zone;

A vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned within the vapor-sealed drying zone; and

A vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit.

2. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the storage container having the access port comprises:

A single access port at the top of the storage container.

3. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said storage container having said access aperture is cylindrical with an open top region forming said access aperture.

4. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said storage container having said access port comprises a rounded edge with an open top region forming said access port.

5. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said storage container having said access aperture comprises an internal structure in a radial configuration.

6. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor-tight evaporation zone comprises:

Evaporating the solution;

A wick structure for the evaporative liquid; and

A gas pressure less than ambient gas pressure.

7. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said vapor-tight evaporation zone is substantially isothermal.

8. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor-tight evaporation zone comprises:

A vapor-sealed junction around a region of the vapor conduit that traverses a wall or bottom of an evaporation zone of the vapor seal.

9. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said first insulating wall is formed as a cylindrical structure.

10. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said first insulating wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

11. The portable container of claim 1 wherein the outer storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom are positioned adjacent an exterior of the first insulated wall and the first insulated bottom.

12. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said first insulated wall surrounds an outer surface of said outer storage wall.

13. The portable container of claim 1 wherein said dry zone wall surrounds said outer surface of said second insulated wall.

14. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor-sealed drying zone comprises:

The material is dried.

15. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor-sealed drying zone comprises:

A vapor-sealed junction around a region of the vapor conduit that traverses a wall or bottom of the vapor-sealed drying zone.

16. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor control unit comprises:

A valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and

A controller operably attached to the valve.

17. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the vapor control unit comprises:

A thermostat; and

A valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit, the valve operably attached to the thermostat.

18. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the portable container forms a cylindrical structure.

19. The portable container of claim 1, comprising:

A temperature sensor attached to the storage container;

A valve sized, shaped and positioned to reversibly block gas flow through the vapor conduit in a continuous manner; and

A controller operably attached to the valve.

20. The portable container of claim 1, further comprising:

A shutoff valve sized, shaped, and positioned to reversibly completely block gas flow through the vapor conduit; and

A switch operably attached to the valve, the switch positioned such that the valve is fully open and fully closed in response to an external action on the switch.

21. The portable container of claim 1, further comprising:

A temperature sensor attached to the storage container;

A heating element positioned adjacent to the storage container wall or the storage container bottom; and

A controller connected to the temperature sensor, the vapor control unit, and the heating element.

22. The portable container of claim 1, further comprising: an internal refill system, the internal refill system comprising:

A temperature sensor affixed to the portable container;

A heating element located within or proximate to the vapor-sealed drying zone; and

A controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

23. The portable container of claim 1, further comprising:

A binary valve operably attached to the vapor conduit; and

An externally operable switch operatively attached to the binary valve.

24. A component of a portable container including an integrated control evaporative cooling system, comprising:

A storage vessel having an internal evaporation zone, the storage vessel comprising;

An inner storage container wall sealed to an inner storage container bottom, the inner storage container wall and the inner storage container bottom positioned to form a storage container having an access aperture,

An outer storage container wall sealed to an outer storage container bottom, the outer storage container wall positioned adjacent the inner storage container wall and the outer storage container bottom positioned adjacent the inner storage container bottom, an edge of the outer storage container wall sealed to the inner storage container wall to form an evaporation zone between the outer and outer storage container walls and bottoms and the inner and inner storage container walls and bottoms,

A vapor conduit with a first end positioned within the vapor-sealed evaporation zone and a second end positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall, an

A vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit; and

A drying vessel having an insulated region, the drying vessel comprising;

A first insulated wall sealed to a first insulated bottom, the first insulated wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the storage container with minimal space between the containers,

A second insulating wall sealed to a second insulating bottom, the second insulating wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall sealed to the first insulating wall to form an insulating zone between the first and second insulating walls and the first and second insulating bottoms,

A dry zone wall sealed to a dry zone bottom, the dry zone wall sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent an outer surface of the second insulated wall and the second insulated bottom to form an outer surface of the portable container, the dry zone wall sealed to the outer surface of the insulated wall to form a dry zone, an

An aperture in the drying vessel sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit.

25. The component of a portable container of claim 24, wherein the evaporation zone comprises:

A wick structure for evaporating a liquid.

26. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said first insulating wall is formed as a structure having rounded edges.

27. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said outer storage container wall and said outer storage container bottom are positioned adjacent an exterior of said first insulated wall and said first insulated bottom.

28. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said insulating region comprises:

A substantially evacuated space.

29. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said dry zone wall surrounds said outer surface of said second insulated wall.

30. The portable container assembly of claim 24 wherein said drying zone comprises:

The material is dried.

31. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said vapor conduit comprises:

And (3) a hollow structure.

32. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said vapor conduit comprises:

A tubular structure.

33. The component of a portable container of claim 24, wherein said vapor control unit comprises:

A thermostat; and

34. The component of a portable container of claim 24, wherein the vapor control unit is attached to the first end of the vapor conduit.

35. The component of a portable container of claim 24, wherein the vapor control unit is centrally located within the evaporation zone.

36. The portable container assembly of claim 24 comprising:

A temperature sensor attached to the storage container;

A controller operably attached to the valve.

37. The component of a portable container of claim 24 wherein said drying zone, said evaporation zone and said vapor conduit are sized and shaped to permit sealing with a continuous vapor-sealed interior region.

38. The portable container assembly of claim 37 wherein said continuous vapor-sealed interior region comprises a gas pressure less than an ambient gas pressure adjacent an exterior of said portable container.

39. The portable container assembly of claim 24, further comprising:

A lid sized and shaped to reversibly mate with a rim of the portable container adjacent the access aperture.

40. The portable container assembly of claim 24, further comprising:

A temperature sensor attached to the storage container;

41. The component of a portable container of claim 24, further comprising an internal refill system comprising:

A temperature sensor affixed to the portable container;

A controller connected to the temperature sensor and the heating element.

42. The portable container assembly of claim 24, further comprising:

A binary valve operably attached to the vapor conduit; and

An externally operable switch operatively attached to the binary valve.

43. A method of manufacturing a portable container for use with an integrated control evaporative cooling system, comprising:

Positioning a storage container having an internal evaporation zone, the storage container comprising;

A vapor conduit, wherein a first end is positioned within the evaporation zone and a second end is positioned outside of the evaporation zone adjacent the outer storage container wall, an

A vapor control unit attached to the first end of the vapor conduit,

Within a drying vessel having an insulated region, comprising;

A dry zone wall positioned adjacent to and sealed to an outer surface of the second insulated wall to form a dry zone, the dry zone wall positioned to form an outer surface of the portable container, an

An orifice in the drying vessel sized, shaped, and positioned to mate with an exterior of the second end of the vapor conduit;

Sealing the second end of the vapor conduit to the aperture in the drying vessel by a gas impermeable seal; and

Evacuating an interior of a space within the container defined by the evaporation zone, an interior of the vapor conduit, and an interior of the drying zone.