Temperature-stabilized storage systems configured for storage and stabilization of modular units

• US 8,887,944 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2011
• Issued: 11/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tokitae LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Tokitae LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Deane, Geoffrey F., Fowler, Lawrence Morgan, Gates, William, Hu, Jenny Ezu, Hyde, Roderick A., Jung, Edward K. Y., Kare, Jordin T., Kuiper, Mark K., Myhrvold, Nathan P., Pegram, Nathan, Peterson, Nels R., Tegreene, Clarence T., Vilhauer, Mike, Whitmer, Charles, Wood, Lowell L. Jr., Yildirim, Ozgur Emek
• Primary Examiner(s): Mathew, Fenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): KIRSCH, ANDREW THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US13/135,126
• Publication Number:
  US 20120000918A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,244 Days
• Field of Search: 220/592.2, 220/592.21, 220/592.26, 220/4.27, 220/560.12, 220/23.87, 220/23.88, 220/23.89, 220/212, 220/212.5, 206/499, 206/500, 624/572, 624/575, 624/571
• US Class Current: 220/592.26
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3802 rigid container in the form of a barrel or vat
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3806 formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3811 formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3813 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3818 formed with double walls, i.e. hollow
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3823 formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3825 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container with one or more containers located inside the external container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3834 the external tray being formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls

Abstract

Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a stored material module including a plurality of storage units configured for storage of one or more medicinal units, the stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit;

a storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the stored material module, wherein the storage stabilizer unit includes

at least two tubes of different internal diameters, the tubes positioned one inside the other, the tubes sized to slide relative to each other, and

an aperture along a partial length of each of the tubes, wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each other, the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tubes;

a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one storage stabilizer unit; and

a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

2. An apparatus, comprising:

a stored material module including a plurality of storage units configured for storage of one or more medicinal units, the stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit;

a storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the stored material module, wherein the storage stabilizer unit includes

an inner tube and at least one exterior tube of different internal diameters, the tubes positioned as at least one interior and at least one exterior tube relative to each other, the tubes sized to slide relative to each other,

an aperture along a partial length of the inner tube and each of the at least one exterior tube, wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each other, the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tubes, and

retaining units fixed to an internal surface of the inner tube at a region adjacent to the aperture in the inner tube, the retaining units including ends projecting through the apertures in each of the tubes;

a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one storage stabilizer unit; and

a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

3. An apparatus, comprising:

a stored material module including a plurality of storage units configured for storage of one or more medicinal units, the stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit;

a storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the stored material module, wherein the storage stabilizer unit includes

an exterior frame of a size and shape to substantially surround the stored material module, a surface of the exterior frame substantially conforming to a surface of the stored material module,

a plurality of apertures in the exterior frame,

one or more protrusions from the surface of the exterior frame at an edge facing the stored material module, the one or more protrusions corresponding to edge surfaces of apertures within a stored material module base;

a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one storage stabilizer unit; and

a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

4. An apparatus, comprising:

a stored material module including a plurality of storage units configured for storage of one or more medicinal units, the stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a storage structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container and including a surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of a stabilizer unit;

a storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with the surface of the stored material module;

a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with a surface of at least one of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the at least one storage stabilizer unit, wherein the stored material module cap includes

a first substantially hollow tube with one end fixed to a surface of the stored material module cap,

a second substantially hollow tube with a smaller diameter than the first tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with an exterior surface adjacent to the interior surface of the first tube, the surfaces configured to allow the second tube to slide within the first tube,

at least one aperture in the stored material module cap configured to accommodate one or more wires joining circuitry within the second tube to circuitry located exterior to the second tube; and

a central stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is of a size and shape to substantially fill a conduit in the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

5. A substantially thermally sealed storage container, comprising:

an outer assembly, including;

an outer wall substantially defining a substantially thermally sealed storage container, the outer wall substantially defining a single outer wall aperture;

an inner wall substantially defining a substantially thermally sealed storage region, the inner wall substantially defining a single inner wall aperture;

the inner wall and the outer wall separated by a distance and substantially defining a gap;

at least one section of ultra efficient insulation material disposed within the gap;

a connector forming a conduit connecting the single outer wall aperture with the single inner wall aperture; and

a single access aperture to the substantially thermally sealed storage region, wherein the single access aperture is defined by an end of the connector; and

an inner assembly within the substantially thermally sealed storage region, including;

a storage structure configured for receiving and storing a plurality of modules, wherein the plurality of modules includes both at least one heat sink module and at least one stored material module;

a stored material module including a plurality of storage units, the stored material module including a surface configured to reversibly mate with the storage structure within a substantially thermally sealed storage container;

at least one storage stabilizer unit configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module;

a stored material module cap configured to reversibly mate with at least one of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module and configured to reversibly mate with the at least one stabilizer unit; and

a central stabilizer unit operably connected to the stored material module cap, wherein the central stabilizer unit is positioned to substantially fill the conduit.

6. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the connector is a flexible connector.

7. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the gap comprises:

substantially evacuated space with a pressure less than or equal to 5×

10<sup>−

4</sup> torr.

8. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the at least one section of ultra efficient insulation material includes multilayer insulation material (“

MLI”

).

9. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the storage structure is affixed to an interior of the substantially thermally sealed storage region in a position substantially parallel to a diameter of the conduit.

10. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module are configured to store medicinal vials.

11. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of storage units within the stored material module are configured to store one or more prefilled medicinal syringes.

12. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the plurality of storage units comprise:

at least one tab on at least one edge of the storage units; and

at least one indentation on at least one opposing edge of the storage units, wherein the at least one tab on each of the storage units is reversibly mated with the at least one indentation on an adjacent storage unit.

13. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the plurality of storage units comprise:

at least one indentation configured to reversibly mate with an exterior surface of the at least one stabilizer unit.

14. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the plurality of storage units are arranged in a vertical stack within the stored material module.

15. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, comprising:

a stored material module base operably attached to the stored material module at an end of the stored material module distal to the stored material module cap, wherein the stored material base includes one or more apertures with edges configured to reversibly mate with an external surface of the storage stabilizer unit.

16. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the at least one stabilizer unit comprises:

at least two tubes of different internal diameters, the tubes positioned one inside the other, the tubes sized and positioned for their surfaces to slide relative to each other, and including an aperture along a partial length of each of the tubes, wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each other.

17. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the at least one stabilizer unit comprises:

at least two tubes of different internal diameters, the tubes positioned as at least one interior tube and at least one exterior tube relative to each other, the tubes sized and positioned for their surfaces to slide relative to each other;

an aperture along a partial length of each of the tubes, wherein the apertures form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each other; and

one or more retaining units fixed to an internal surface of the at least one inner tube at a region adjacent to the aperture in the inner tube, the retaining units including ends projecting through the apertures in each of the tubes.

18. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the storage stabilizer unit comprises:

an exterior frame of a size and shape to substantially surround the stored material module, an inner surface of the exterior frame substantially conforming to an outer surface of the stored material module;

a plurality of apertures in the exterior frame;

one or more protrusions from a surface of the exterior frame at a surface facing the stored material module, the protrusions corresponding to one or more edge surfaces of an aperture within a stored material unit.

19. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

at least one aperture with a surface configured to reversibly mate with the surface of a tab of a stored material unit.

20. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

a connection region, including a base and a rim, the surface of the connection region configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the central stabilizer unit.

21. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

a connection region, including an aperture; and

a circuitry connector within the aperture, the circuitry connector configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding circuitry connector on a surface of the central stabilizer unit.

22. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

at least one aperture configured to attach a fastener between the stored material module and the stored material module cap.

23. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

a first substantially hollow tube with one end fixed to a surface of the stored material module cap;

a second substantially hollow tube with a smaller diameter than the first tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with an exterior surface adjacent to an interior surface of the first tube, the surfaces configured to allow the second tube to slide within the first tube;

at least one aperture in the first tube and at least one aperture in the second tube, the apertures positioned to form a conduit when the tubes are in a specific position relative to each other;

a shaft configured to move in response to pressure from a surface of the central stabilizer unit;

a force transmission unit configured to transfer force from movement of the shaft to a rod;

an end of the rod of a size and shape to substantially fill the conduit formed from the at least one aperture in the first tube and the at least one aperture in the second tube when the tubes are in the specific position relative to each other.

24. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the stored material module cap comprises:

a first substantially hollow tube with one end fixed to a surface of the stored material module cap;

a second substantially hollow tube with a smaller diameter than the first tube, the second tube positioned within the first tube with an exterior surface adjacent to an interior surface of the first tube, the surfaces configured to allow the second tube to slide within the first tube;

at least one aperture in the stored material module cap configured to accommodate wires joining circuitry within the second tube to circuitry located exterior to the second tube.

25. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the central stabilizer unit comprises:

a base including at least one surface configured to reversibly mate with a surface of the stored material module cap.

26. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, wherein the central stabilizer unit comprises:

a fastener positioned to reversibly attach the central stabilizer unit to the stored material module cap; and

a mechanical release operably attached to the fastener, the release positioned for access from an exterior surface of the central stabilizer unit.

27. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, comprising:

a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit, the lid of a size and shape conforming with an outer surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container in a region adjacent to an exterior end of the conduit.

28. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, comprising:

a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit at a site distal to the stored material module cap;

a handle attached to the lid on a surface distal to the end of the central stabilizer unit;

a display unit integral to the lid;

an electronic system operably attached to the lid; and

a user input device operably attached to the electronic system.

29. The substantially thermally sealed storage container of claim 5, comprising:

a lid attached to an end of the central stabilizer unit, the lid of a size and shape conforming with an outer surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container in a region adjacent to an exterior end of the conduit;

an electromechanical switch operably attached to the lid, the electromechanical switch positioned on the surface of the lid adjacent to the outer surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container in the region adjacent to the exterior end of the conduit;

an electronic system operably attached to the electromechanical switch; and

an indicator operably attached to the lid.

30. A transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible connector, comprising:

a lid of a size and shape configured to substantially cover an external opening in an outer wall of a substantially thermally sealed storage container including a flexible connector, the lid including a surface configured to reversibly mate with an external surface of the substantially thermally sealed storage container adjacent to the external opening in the outer wall;

a central aperture in the lid;

a reversible fastening unit adjacent to the central aperture in the lid, the reversible fastening unit positioned to fasten a shaft within the central aperture in the lid;

a wall substantially defining a tubular structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a minimal diameter of the flexible connector of the substantially thermally sealed storage container, an end of the tubular structure operably attached to the lid;

an aperture in the wall, wherein the aperture includes an edge at a position on the tubular structure less than a maximum length of the flexible connector from the end of the tubular structure operably attached to the lid;

a positioning shaft with a diameter in cross-section less than a diameter in cross-section of the central aperture in the lid, the positioning shaft of a length greater than the thickness of the lid in combination with the length of the wall between the surface of the lid and the edge of the aperture in the wall;

an interior surface of the wall, the interior surface substantially defining an interior region;

a pivot unit operably attached to a terminal region of the positioning shaft and positioned within the interior region;

a support unit operably attached to the pivot unit, the support unit of a size and shape to fit within the interior region when the pivot unit is rotated in one direction, and to protrude through the aperture in the wall when the pivot unit is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the other direction;

an end region of a size and shape configured to reversibly mate with the interior surface of an aperture in a storage structure within the substantially thermally sealed storage container;

a base grip at the terminal end of the end region; and

a tensioning unit for the base grip, configured to maintain pressure on the base grip against an interior wall of the substantially thermally sealed storage container in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the lid.

31. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 30, wherein the lid comprises:

at least one aperture configured for a fastener to reversibly attach the lid to the outer wall of the substantially thermally sealed storage container.

32. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 30, wherein the pivot unit is configured to allow movement of the support unit approximately 90 degrees along a single axis.

33. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 30, wherein the positioning shaft is positioned within the aperture in the lid.

34. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 30, wherein the reversible fastening unit attaches to the positioning shaft with sufficient tension to maintain the flexible connector in a compressed position.

35. The transportation stabilizer unit of claim 30, wherein the base grip comprises:

a surface with a coefficient of friction greater than one with the surface of the interior wall at temperatures between approximately 2 degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade.

36. An apparatus, comprising:

a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible connector; and

a stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to the substantially thermally sealed storage container, the stabilizer unit including;

a lid of a size and shape configured to substantially cover an external opening in an outer wall of the substantially thermally sealed storage container, the lid including a surface configured to reversibly mate with an external surface of the outer wall adjacent to the external opening;

a central aperture in the lid;

a wall substantially defining a tubular structure with a diameter in cross-section less than a minimal diameter of the flexible connector of the substantially thermally sealed storage container, an end of the tubular structure operably attached to the lid;

an aperture in the wall, wherein the aperture includes an edge at a position on the tubular structure less than a maximum length of the flexible connector from the end of the tubular structure operably attached to the lid;

a positioning shaft with a diameter in cross-section less than a diameter in cross-section of the central aperture in the lid, the positioning shaft of a length greater than a thickness of the lid in combination with a length of the wall between the surface of the lid and an edge of the aperture in the wall;

a reversible fastening unit operably attached to the lid in a region adjacent to the aperture in the lid and positioned to operably attach to the positioning shaft;

an interior surface of the wall, the interior surface substantially defining an interior region;

a pivot unit operably attached to a terminal region of the positioning shaft and positioned within the interior region;

a support unit operably attached to the pivot unit, the support unit of a size and shape to fit within the interior region when the pivot unit is rotated in one direction, and to protrude through the aperture in the wall when the pivot unit is rotated in the other direction;

an end region of a size and shape configured to reversibly mate with an interior surface of an aperture in a storage structure within the substantially thermally sealed storage container;

a base grip at a terminal end of the end region, including a surface with a coefficient of friction greater than one with a surface of an interior wall of the container at temperatures between 2 degrees and 8 degrees Centigrade;

a tensioning unit for the base grip, configured to maintain pressure on the base grip against the interior wall of the container in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the lid.