System and method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item

• US 20050029149A1
• Filed: 06/21/2002
• Published: 02/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Visible Assets Incorporated (NOV, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Visible Assets Incorporated (NOV, Inc.)
• Inventors: Stevens, John, Leung, Grant
• Application Number:
  US10/481,423
• Publication Number:
  US 20050029149A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/524.800
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/0406 Rigid containers in preformed flexible containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/2023 in a flexible container B65D81/2038 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3816 formed of foam material
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

A system and method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item includes an insulated package having a substantially rigid container for containing the item, and a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container, and an insulated drop box having a first transceiver, for storing the insulated package.

Claims

1. An insulated package, comprising:

a substantially rigid container for containing a temperature-sensitive item; and

a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container.

2. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein a vacuum is formed between said container and said outer shell.

3. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein said container comprises a polystyrene box, and wherein said outer shell comprises a polyethylene bag.

4. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein said insulated package more than doubles a time it takes to increase a surface temperature of said item from −

25°

C. to −

1°

C.

5. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein said insulated package prevents an increase in a surface temperature of said item from −

25°

C. to −

1°

C. for about 20 hours.

6. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell comprises a reflective coating formed on one of an inside surface and outside surface of the outer shell.

17. The system according to claim 4, further comprising:

a transport vehicle comprising;

a computer system comprising a fourth transceiver for wirelessly communicating with said electronic tag; and

a loop antenna connected to said fourth transceiver.

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising:

a global positioning system for navigating said transport vehicle to a destination.

21. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein said substantially rigid container comprises one of polystyrene, polyethene and polypropylene.

22. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of a wall of said substantially rigid container is in a range of ½

and ¾

inches.

23. The insulated package according to claim 1, wherein a pressure inside said package is substantially less than 760 torr.

7. A system for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item comprising:

an insulated package, comprising;

a substantially rigid container for containing said item; and

a vacuum-sealed outer shell surrounding said container; and

an insulated drop box comprising a first transceiver, for storing said insulated package.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising:

an electronic tag associated with said insulated package, said tag comprising a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with said first transceiver.

9. The system according to claim 7, further comprising:

an access card, comprising a third transceiver, for wirelessly communicating with said first transceiver to access said drop box.

10. The system according to claim 7, further comprising:

a dock to serve as a base for said drop box.

11. The system according to claim 8, further comprising:

a transport container for transporting said package, wherein said electronic tag is affixed on said transport container.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said transport container comprises an insulated transport container.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein said electronic tag is affixed on said insulated package.

14. The system according to claim 10, further comprising:

a lock mechanism for securing said drop box to said dock.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein said insulated transport container and said insulated drop box are interchangeable.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein said drop box further comprises a signaling device and wherein said second transceiver wirelessly communicates with said first transceiver causing said signaling device to be activated when said package is within a predetermined distance of said drop box.

19. The system according to claim 10, wherein said dock comprises a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature inside said drop box, and

wherein said drop box comprises a port for connecting to said temperature control unit.

20. A method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item comprising:

packaging said item in an insulative vacuum-sealed package;

associating said package with an electronic tag;

transporting said package to a destination having a temperature-controlled drop box; and

depositing said package in said drop box.

24. A programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method for packaging and delivering a temperature-sensitive item, said method comprising:

packaging said item in an insulative vacuum-sealed package;

associating said package with an electronic tag;

transporting said package to a destination having a temperature-controlled drop box; and

depositing said package in said drop box.