(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization Y,
`In lernational Bureau
`
`
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`13 November 2008 (13.11.2008)
`
`(51)
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`(25)
`(26)
`(30)
`
`(71)
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`(72)
`(75)
`
`International Patent Classification:
`364G [/22 (2006.01)
`B651) 8I/38 (2006.01)
`B64G 3/00 (2006.01)
`International Application Number:
`PCT/US2008/062716
`
`5 May 2008 (05.05.2008)
`English
`English
`
`International Filing Date:
`Filing Language:
`Publication Language:
`Priority Data:
`US
`4 May 2007 (04.05.2007)
`60/916,207
`US
`17 May 2007 (17.05.2007)
`60/938,622
`US
`21 May 2007 (21.05.2007)
`60/939,167
`Applicant (for all designated States except US): EN-
`TROPY SOLUTIONS, INC. [US/US], 9827 Valley View
`Road, Minneapolis, MN 55344—3527 (US).
`Inventors; and
`Inventors/Applicants (for US only): WILLIAMS,
`Preston, Noel [US/US]; 9827 Valley View Road, Min—
`neapolis, MN 55344—3527 (US). COUSINEAU HI,
`
`(74)
`
`(31)
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`
`WO 2008/137883 A1
`
`Henry, Adolph [US/US]; 9827 Valley View Road, Min—
`neapolis, MN 55344—3527 (US). HILLMAN, Arnold,
`Charles [US/US]; 9827 Valley View Road, Minneapolis,
`IVIN 5534473527 (US). KRAMER, Christian, Peter
`[US/US]; 9827 Valley View Road, Minneapolis, MN
`55344—3527 (US). LEGAS, David, Nicholas [US/US];
`9827 Valley View Road, Minneapolis, MN 55344—3527
`(US).
`
`Agents: KLOS, John, F. et a1.; Fulbright & Jaworski
`L.L.P., 2100 Ids Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapo—
`lis, MN 55402—21 12 (US).
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA,
`CH, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE,
`EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, HR, HU, ID,
`IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MI), ME, MG, MK, MN,
`MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PG, PH,
`PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, SV,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: PACKAGE HAVING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS AND METHOD OF USE IN TRANSPORT OF TEMPERA—
`TURE SENSITIVE PAYLOAD
`
`(57) Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transport pack—
`age which efficiently maintains payload temperature within a predeter—
`mined temperature range during delivery through regions having am—
`bient temperatures outside the desired range. The transport package is
`used for transporting temperature sensitive materials and thermally pro—
`tecting the materials from cold and hot ambient temperatures in a man—
`ner that does not require a power source or other mechanical devices.
`Aspects of the invention relate to a temperature maintaining packaging
`system having an outer container, thermal insulation materials and two
`or more different phase change materials.
`
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`SY, TJ, TWI, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN,
`ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI,
`FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MT, NL,
`NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG,
`CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for even;
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`Published:
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), — with international search report
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`PCT/US2008/062716
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`PACKAGE HAVING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS AND METHOD OF USE IN
`
`TRANSPORT OF TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE PAYLOAD
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from provisional US.
`
`Patent Applications No. 60/916,207 filed May 4, 2007, No. 60/938,622 filed May 17, 2007, and No.
`
`60/939,167 filed May 21, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a transport package for a temperature
`
`sensitive payload and a method of use within hostile environments having temperatures outside a
`
`desired temperature range for payload protection.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003]
`
`Shipping containers for transporting temperature sensitive payloads typically
`
`include insulation materials, such as foam peanuts, expanded foams, etc. Various other containers
`
`have employed phase change materials to protect the payload from hotter or colder ambient
`
`temperatures during shipping. There is an urgent need for an environmentally friendly or “green”
`
`container and method of use for maintaining the payload temperature within a narrow band and
`
`which can operate without an electrical power source.
`
`[0004] Many packages and methods are currently employed to ship temperature
`
`sensitive products. Often, these packages and methods require specified thermal preparation. For
`
`example, known methods of temperature sensitive material product recovery require on site thermal
`
`preparation, or just in time delivery of properly thermally prepared packaging. Methods also exist in
`
`which a mechanical device is activated, such as a device that evaporates water into a vacuum and
`
`uses the latent heat of vaporization to chill and maintain the temperature of a payload. Such systems
`
`are complex and expensive. A passive shipping package with no moving parts is particularly
`
`needed.
`
`[0005] Temperature sensitive materials such as vaccines are sent to remote locations
`
`for use. Often unused materials are wasted for lack of adequate temperature control equipment at
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`the remote location. As the temperature sensitive materials may initially be in usable condition, a
`
`method to recover remotely located temperature sensitive materials is urgently needed.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] A transport package is described herein which efficiently maintains payload
`
`temperature within a predetermined temperature range during delivery through regions having
`
`ambient temperatures outside the desired range. The transport package is used for transporting
`
`temperature sensitive materials and thermally protecting the materials from cold and hot ambient
`
`temperatures in a manner that does not require a power source or other mechanical devices.
`
`[0007] Aspects of the invention relate to a temperature maintaining packaging system
`
`having an outer container, thermal insulation materials and two or more different phase change
`
`materials. Methods of using such packages within hostile environments are disclosed.
`
`[0008] Aspects of the present invention also include a package having at least two
`
`different phase change materials, with one or more phase change material being thermally
`
`conditioned prior to insertion into the container. In some examples of the invention, one or more of
`
`the other phase change materials act as a thermal buffer to maintain the payload temperature within
`
`a desired temperature range. Prior to package assembly, a phase change material may be cooled or
`
`heated to temperatures outside the desired temperature range. With proper selection of the phase
`
`change materials, the package can maintain the payload temperature within the desired temperature
`
`range throughout the delivery process. Methods of assembling a container and methods of using
`
`such a container are also disclosed herein.
`
`[0009] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages
`
`of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be
`
`better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter
`
`which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in
`
`the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for
`
`modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.
`
`It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart
`
`from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features
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`which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of
`
`operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following
`
`description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
`
`understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and
`
`description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now
`
`made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
`
`[0011]
`
`FIGURE 1 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of a package
`
`utilizing a phase change material combination in accordance with the present invention.
`
`[0012]
`
`FIGURE 2 is a perspective illustration of a second embodiment of a package
`
`utilizing a phase change material combination in accordance with the present invention.
`
`[0013] FIGURE 3 is a temperature vs. time diagram showing heat transfer to and from
`
`a package in accordance with the present invention during a delivery period.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0014] A phase change material is a substance with a high heat of fusion which,
`
`melting and solidifying at certain temperatures, is capable of storing or releasing large amounts of
`
`energy. Initially, solid-liquid phase change materials perform like conventional heat storage
`
`materials; their temperature rises as they absorb heat. Unlike conventional heat storage materials,
`
`however, when phase change materials reach a phase change temperature, i.e., melting point, they
`
`absorb large amounts of heat without a significant rise in temperature. When the ambient
`
`temperature around a liquid material falls, the phase change material cools and solidifies, releasing
`
`its stored latent heat. Certain phase change materials store 5 to 14 times more heat per unit volume
`
`than conventional heat storage materials such as iron, masonry, or rock.
`
`[0015] Phase change materials can be broadly grouped into two categories: “Organic
`
`Compounds”, including but not limited to propylene and/or ethylene glycols and “Salt-based
`
`Products”, including but not limited to Glauber’s salt. The most commonly used phase change
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`materials are salt hydrides, fatty acids and esters, and various paraffins, such as octadecane. Certain
`
`ionic liquids have also been identified as promising phase change materials.
`
`[0016] One embodiment of the present invention provides an efficient method of
`
`packaging realizing a reduction in the use of higher—priced phase change materials. Desirably, the
`
`packaging includes water-based phase change materials, which are among the least expensive phase
`
`change materials in current use. Water has a transition temperature close to 0 degrees C. Water-
`
`based phase change materials are often not suitable for certain temperature sensitive products.
`
`Other, generally more expensive, phase change materials may be necessary to avoid thermal damage
`
`to the temperature sensitive product. For example, red blood cells are temperature sensitive and
`
`should not be subjected to temperatures below 1 degree C. The temperature of sub-cooled water—
`
`based phase change materials may be significantly lower. As a result, if water based phase change
`
`materials are employed, sufficient insulation is typically needed between the temperature sensitive
`
`payload and the water based phase change material.
`
`[0017] Embodiments of the present invention employ a second phase change material
`
`to act as a thermal buffer between a water based phase change material and the temperature sensitive
`
`payload.
`
`In one example, the second phase change material solidifies while protecting the payload
`
`from the temperature of the colder or hotter water based phase change material. In one example, the
`
`second phase change material is initially in solid form and then used as a heat sink to protect the
`
`payload from heat.
`
`[0018]
`
`In another embodiment the thermally conditioned phase change material is
`
`heated to a temperature above the desired range of protection for the payload.
`
`In such an
`
`embodiment, the second phase change material again acts as a thermal buffer so as to maintain the
`
`payload temperature within the desired range. As a result, it is envisioned that embodiments of the
`
`present invention will be utilized to protect a payload against ambient temperatures that are hotter or
`
`colder than the payload’s desired temperature range.
`
`[0019] Embodiments of the present invention may also protect the payload from
`
`ambient temperatures that are both colder and hotter than the desired payload protection temperature
`
`range. If the ambient temperature is colder than the desired protection temperature range during one
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`period of the package delivery, some period of time may be necessary in order to precondition the
`
`liquid phase change materials.
`
`[0020] The present invention also promotes efficient packaging methods for thermally
`
`acclimating phase change materials. For example, a water based phase change material can be
`
`placed into the package directly from the freezer or other suitable preparation device. For example,
`
`the phase change material can be stored in solid or liquid form and then, along with the temperature
`
`sensitive payload, be packaged without having to wait for the phase change material to arrive at a
`
`desired packaging temperature.
`
`[0021] The present invention is also directed to a package and method for encasing a
`
`payload cavity with phase change materials and insulation. In one example, a water based phase
`
`change material is combined with another phase change material to provide thermal protection for
`
`the payload. By properly selecting the phase change materials, a package can be configured to
`
`provide maximum thermal protection for a temperature sensitive product during delivery.
`
`Employing a combination of solid and liquid phase change materials in the container can provide
`
`protection from both hotter and colder ambient temperatures during delivery, and a beneficial
`
`reduction in the amount of phase change materials can result.
`
`[0022] With reference to FIGURE 1, there is shown an exploded perspective View of a
`
`package 10 for shipping a temperature sensitive payload 12. As depicted, package 10 is prepared for
`
`transport by inserting the components and payload 12 into the outer container 14. The components
`
`of package 10 include insulation contained within or defined by an insulation panel 16 and phase
`
`change material contained within separated panels 18. Six phase change material panels 18 and six
`
`insulation panels 16 are employed in the package 10 of FIGURE 1. The temperature sensitive
`
`payload 12 is received within a payload cavity, defined generally as the interior volume contained
`
`within the walls of panels 18.
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, container 14 assumes a generally cubic
`
`form.
`
`In other embodiments, container 14 may assume alternative forms, including but not limited
`
`to cylinders, etc. Container 14 may be corrugated paper or corrugated plastic or other suitable
`
`material.
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`[0023]
`
`Insulation panels 16 can include vacuum insulation panels and/or foams and
`
`fiber—based materials. A combination of different insulation materials may be used to form the panel
`
`16.
`
`[0024] While panels 16, 18 are shown in rectangular form, each panel can assume a
`
`variety of different shapes and forms in alternative embodiments of the invention. For example,
`
`panels 16, 18 may be defined as open cylinders with one panel being inserted into the other in a
`
`nesting manner.
`
`In other examples, panels l6, 18 may be shaped in relation or allowed to conform
`
`to the payload 12. Panels 16 may be defined by plastic and/or metal shells for containing phase
`
`change material therewithin. Phase change material panels 18 may assume different shapes or forms
`
`in alternative embodiments. Examples of phase change material panels 18 can include HDPE
`
`containers, form fill and seal films, or any other suitable containers sized to be inserted into the
`
`package 10.
`
`[0025]
`
`Selection of the phase change materials may include consideration of multiple
`
`factors including, but not limited to, the desired protected temperature range, anticipated ambient
`
`temperatures during shipment, thermal properties of the different phase change materials, thermal
`
`properties of the container and/or insulation panels, and thermal properties of the temperature
`
`sensitive product being shipped. The design and sizing of containers for the phase change material
`
`panels and the insulation panels would vary depending on these factors as well.
`
`[0026]
`
`FIGURE 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
`
`In this
`
`example, package 10 includes a pair of phase change material panels 18, 20 placed above and below
`
`payload 12. The payload cavity is thus defined between the four walls of insulation panels 16 and
`
`two inside walls of phase change material panel 18.
`
`In this embodiment, the primary heat transfer
`
`occurs through the top and bottom portions of package 10.
`
`[0027] An exemplary package 10 in accordance with the present invention includes
`
`phase change materials in different layers relative to the payload. Prior to shipment one or both of
`
`the phase change materials can be preconditioned into liquid or solid form. Depending on the
`
`anticipated ambient temperature profile during transport of package 10, an effective combination of
`
`solid and liquid phase change materials can be selected. If additional protection is needed, auxiliary
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`phase change materials in solid, liquid, or solid and liquid phase can be added to augment the
`
`thermal capabilities of the package 10.
`
`[0028]
`
`In another embodiment, the payload cavity may initially contain a phase
`
`change material form that is thermally prepared to be solid, liquid, or solid and liquid based on
`
`anticipated ambient temperatures during delivery and the protection requirements of the payload.
`
`In
`
`yet another embodiment the functions of container 14 and phase change panel 18 may be combined
`
`into an integrated structure. In such an example, the container 14 and phase change panel 18 would
`
`together he thermally conditioned prior to package 10 assembly. Similarly, the insulation panels 16
`
`and one or more of the phase change material panels 18, 20 may be combined into one or more
`
`structures.
`
`[0029] One embodiment of the present invention includes an outer container into
`
`which one or more insulation panels and multiple different phase change material panels are
`
`inserted. A payload cavity within the container is sized to receive a temperature sensitive product.
`
`In one example, a water based phase change material is combined with another phase change
`
`material. The two phase change materials cooperate to provide thermal protection for the
`
`temperature sensitive product even, for example, if the water-based phase change material is sub-
`
`cooled. For example, a package 10 for shipping blood products may include a first water based
`
`phase change material and a second phase change material which is liquid near 4 degrees C. A
`
`method of shipping such package 10 would include cooling the water-based phase change material
`
`below zero degree C prior to insertion into package 10.
`
`[0030] . The temperature sensitive payload can be wrapped, encased, or placed adjacent
`
`a phase change material and together covered with another phase change material. During shipping,
`
`one of the phase change materials may initially solidify the other phase change material without
`
`thermal damage to the payload.
`
`[0031] Other embodiments of the present invention include two or more different
`
`phase change materials. In one embodiment, a water-based phase change material is utilized along
`
`with a non—water—based phase change material. In another embodiment, a phase change material
`
`panel protects a temperature sensitive payload against thermal damage from a colder or hotter water-
`
`based phase change material. Depending on the desired temperature range, a variety of different
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`phase change materials may be utilized to keep a temperature sensitive product warm or cold during
`
`shipment through an environment having substantially different temperatures than desired.
`
`[0032] While the embodiments of FIGURE 2 illustrates a water-based phase change
`
`material separated from the temperature sensitive payload by an intermediate phase change material,
`
`in other embodiments of the present invention a water-based phase change material is positioned
`
`between an outer phase change material and the temperature sensitive product.
`
`[0033] FIGURE 3 depicts a change of payload temperature during a hypothetical
`
`delivery process of a package 10 in a hostile environment. During the delivery process the ambient
`
`temperature, shown as line AT, changes to be outside the desired product protection range.
`
`In this
`
`example, package 10 maintains the payload temperature, shown as line PT, within the desired
`
`temperature range for product protection, defined between temperatures, T1 and T2. During a time
`
`period between t1 and t2, the ambient temperature of package 10 is higher than the desired range.
`
`During such period a solid phase change material panel absorbs heat without a substantial increase
`
`in the payload temperature. Similarly, during a time period between t3 and t4, with the ambient
`
`temperature lower than the desired range, the phase change material panel would transfer heat to the
`
`payload.
`
`[0034] The invention further relates to a method for shipping temperature sensitive
`
`products from a first location to one or more remote locations including: preparing at a first location
`
`a container having insulation materials and phase change materials; receiving the container at a
`
`second location; thermally conditioning and replacing at least one of the phase change materials of
`
`the package; and inserting a temperature sensitive product into a payload cavity prior to shipment
`
`from the remote location to yet another location. The phase change materials may initially include
`
`two different phase change materials.
`
`[0035] Other examples of the invention provide a method for transporting a
`
`temperature sensitive product including: receiving a container including multiple phase change
`
`materials and insulation, the phase change materials being thermally preconditioned prior to and/or
`
`during delivery; thermally conditioning one of the phase change materials to a temperature outside
`
`of a desired temperature range for protection of the thermally sensitive product; and placing the
`
`temperature sensitive product into the payload cavity prior to shipping the container to another site.
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`In a preferred form, one of the phase change materials is utilized to buffer the temperature of the
`
`temperature sensitive product during shipment. As a result, the temperature sensitive product can be
`
`protected against thermal damage caused by a phase change material having a temperature outside
`
`of the desired temperature range for product protection.
`
`[0036] The present invention is also directed to a transport method where the payload
`
`cavity is initially filled with a phase change material prior to transport to a remote location and the
`
`payload cavity is cleared prior to delivery from the remote location.
`
`In one example, some or all of
`
`the phase change material is removed from the payload cavity at a remote location. A temperature
`
`sensitive product is then placed into the payload cavity and the container is resealed and delivered to
`
`another location. Such an example provides a method for recovering temperature sensitive material
`
`from a remote site that does not have adequate thermal control equipment. For example, a remote
`
`site may have a small refrigerator but not a freezer. When the package arrives at such a remote
`
`location, a flu vaccine clinic for example, some amount of the phase change material is removed
`
`from the container and the temperature sensitive material is placed into the container for shipping to
`
`another location.
`
`[0037] Another embodiment of a package of the present invention provides phase
`
`change materials in different states on different sides of the payload. For example, a phase change
`
`material panel 18 in solid form is placed on one side of the payload and phase change material
`
`panels 20 are placed on the other sides of the payload. In other examples, two sides can be in solid
`
`form while four sides are in liquid form, three sides can be in solid form while three sides are in
`
`liquid form, four sides can be in solid form while two sides are in liquid form, and five sides can be
`
`in solid form while one side is in liquid form. The panels 18, 20 on each side of the configuration
`
`can be made into two or more panels placed together to make many other combinations of panels
`
`possible. Depending on the anticipated ambient temperature profile, the most effective combination
`
`of solid and liquid phase change material can be selected. If additional protection is needed and
`
`space is available within the payload cavity, auxiliary phase change material in solid, liquid, or solid
`
`and liquid phase can be added to augment the encasement phase change materials.
`
`[0038] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in
`
`detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein
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`Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`
`Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular
`
`embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and
`
`steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art Will readily appreciate from
`
`the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,
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`means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the
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`same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described
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`herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are
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`intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of
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`matter, means, methods, or steps.
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`WO 2008/137883
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`PCT/US2008/062716
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`CLAIMS
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`What is claimed is:
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`l. A package for transporting a temperature sensitive payload comprising:
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`a container defining an interior volume;
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`a thermal insulation within the interior volume; and
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`a plurality of different phase change materials within the interior volume, with at least
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`one of the phase change materials acting as a thermal buffer to protect a temperature sensitive
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`payload against thermal damage from another of the phase change materials having a temperature
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`outside of a predetermined temperature range for payload protection.
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`2. The package of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of different phase change
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`materials are contained within discrete containers.
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`3. The package of claim 1 wherein the payload is substantially surrounded by one of the
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`plurality of phase change materials.
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`4. The package of claim 1 wherein the payload is substantially surrounded by two of the
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`plurality of phase change materials.
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`5. A method of using the package of claim 1 comprising:
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`preconditioning some of the plurality of phase change material into solid form; and
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`preconditioning a different some of the plurality of phase material into liquid form.
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`6. The method of claim 5 wherein some of said plurality of phase change material
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`changes phase from liquid to solid above a lower protection temperature and other of said plurality
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`of different phase change material changes from solid to liquid below a higher protection
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`temperature, said lower and higher protection temperatures defining the temperature range for
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`payload protection.
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`7. The method of claim 5 wherein preconditioning of the plurality of phase change
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`materials is based on an estimated temperature range during package transport.
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`8. A method for shipping a temperature sensitive payload within an insulated container
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`comprising:
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`thermally conditioning one of a plurality of phase change materials to a temperature
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`outside a desired temperature range for protection of a payload within the container; and
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`inserting said one of a plurality of phase change materials into the container, with at
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`least another one of the plurality of phase change materials being positioned within the container to
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`buffer a heat flow, said buffering tending to maintain a payload temperature within the desired
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`temperature range.
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`9. The method of claim 8 wherein said conditioning includes obtaining an estimate of
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`temperatures through which the container will pass during transport, and conditioning at least one of
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`the plurality of phase change temperatures based on said estimate.
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`10. The method of claim 8 wherein the payload is substantially surrounded by one of
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`the plurality of phase change materials.
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`11. The method of claim 8 wherein the payload is substantially surrounded by at least
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`two of the plurality of phase change materials.
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`12. A package for transporting a temperature sensitive payload comprising:
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`insulation placed within a container interior;
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`a plurality of phase change materials within the container interior; and
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`a payload section sized to receive a temperature sensitive payload, said payload section
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`being defined upon removal of at least some of the plurality of phase change materials from the
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`container upon delivery to a remote location.
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`13. The package of claim 12 wherein the payload section is defined within one of the
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`plurality of phase change materials.
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`14. The package of claim 12 wherein the payload section is enclosed by at least two of
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`the phase change materials.
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`15. The package of claim 12 wherein the insulation and the plurality of phase change
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`materials are provided in separate containers.
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`16. The package of claim 12 wherein only some of the phase change materials are
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`water-based.
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`17. A package transport method comprising:
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`sending a container to a remote site, said container having phase change materials
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`and insulation, with some of the phase change materials being removed at the remote site to define a
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`payload section for a temperature sensitive payload, said container being adapted for reuse during
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`transport of the payload from the remote site to another location.
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`18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
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`preconditioning the phase change materials to be in solid, liquid or solid and liquid
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`form.
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`19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:
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`preconditioning the phase change material based on an anticipated temperature range
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`during transport of the container.
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`20. A package transport meth