Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57 and should be considered a part of this specification.
The invention is directed to a portable cooler (e.g., for medicine such as insulin, vaccines, epinephrine, medicine injectors, cartridges, biological fluids, etc.), and more particularly to a portable cooler with active temperature control.
Certain medicine needs to be maintained at a certain temperature or temperature range to be effective (e.g., to maintain potency). Once potency of medicine (e.g., a vaccine) is lost, it cannot be restored, rendering the medicine ineffective and/or unusable. However, maintaining the cold chain (e.g., a record of the medicine's temperature history as it travels through various distribution channels) can be difficult. Additionally, where medicine is transported to remote locations for delivery (e.g., rural, mountainous, sparsely populated areas without road access), maintaining the medicine in the required temperature range may be difficult, especially when travelling through harsh (e.g., desert) climates. Existing medicine transport coolers are passive and inadequate for proper cold chain control (e.g., when used in extreme weather, such as in desert climates, tropical or subtropical climates, etc.).
Accordingly, there is a need for improved portable cooler designs (e.g., for transporting medicine, such as vaccines, insulin, epinephrine, vials, cartridges, injector pens, etc.) that can maintain the contents of the cooler at a desired temperature or temperature range. Additionally, there is a need for an improved portable cooler design with improved cold chain control and record keeping of the temperature history of the contents (e.g., medicine, such as vaccines) of the cooler (e.g., during transport to remote locations).
In accordance with one aspect, a portable cooler container with active temperature control system is provided. The active temperature control system is operated to heat or cool a chamber of a vessel to approach a temperature set point suitable for a medication stored in the cooler container.
In accordance with another aspect, a portable cooler is provided that includes a temperature control system operable (e.g., automatically) to maintain the chamber of the cooler at a desired temperature or temperature range for a prolonged period of time. Optionally, the portable cooler is sized to house one or more liquid containers (e.g., medicine vials, cartridges or containers, such as a vaccine vials or insulin vials/cartridges, medicine injectors). Optionally, the portable cooler automatically logs (e.g., stores on a memory of the cooler) and/or communicates data on one or more sensed parameters (e.g., of the temperature of the chamber) to a remote electronic device (e.g., remote computer, mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, remote server, etc.). Optionally, the portable cooler can automatically log and/or transmit the data to the remote electronic device (e.g., automatically in real time, periodically at set intervals, etc.).
In accordance with another aspect, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The container comprises a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more volumes of perishable liquid, the chamber defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body. The container also comprises a temperature control system comprising one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and circuitry configured to control an operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.
Optionally, the container can include one or more batteries configured to provide power to one or both of the circuitry and the one or more thermoelectric elements.
Optionally, the circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system and/or a remote electronic device.
Optionally, the container includes a first heat sink in communication with the chamber, the first sink being selectively thermally coupled to the one or more thermoelectric elements.
Optionally, the container includes a second heat sink in communication with the one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs), such that the one or more TECs are disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink.
Optionally, the second heat sink is in thermal communication with a fan operable to draw heat from the second heat sink.
In one implementation, such as where the ambient temperature is above the predetermined temperature or temperature range, the temperature control system is operable to draw heat from the chamber via the first heat sink, which transfers said heat to the one or more TECs, which transfer said heat to the second heat sink, where the optional fan dissipates heat from the second heat sink.
In another implementation, such as where the ambient temperature is below the predetermined temperature or temperature range, the temperature control system is operable to add heat to the chamber via the first heat sink, which transfers said heat from the one or more TECs.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container comprises a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more containers (e.g., of medicine). The portable cooler container also comprises a lid removably coupleable to the container body to access the chamber, and a temperature control system. The temperature control system comprises one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, one or more batteries and circuitry configured to control an operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. A display screen is disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid, the display screen configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container using electronic ink.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container comprises a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more containers (e.g., of medicine), the chamber defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body. A lid is removably coupleable to the container body to access the chamber. The portable cooler container also comprises a temperature control system. The temperature control system comprises one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans, one or both of the thermoelectric elements and fans configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, one or more batteries and circuitry configured to control an operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a portable cooler container with active temperature control is provided. The portable cooler container comprises a container body having a chamber configured to receive and hold one or more volumes of perishable liquid, the chamber defined by a base and an inner peripheral wall of the container body, and a lid movably coupled to the container body by one or more hinges. The portable cooler container also comprises a temperature control system that comprises one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber, and one or more power storage elements. The temperature control system also comprises circuitry configured to control an operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber to a predetermined temperature or temperature range, the circuitry further configured to wirelessly communicate with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device. An electronic display screen is disposed on one or both of the container body and the lid, the display screen configured to selectively display shipping information for the portable cooler container.
The container vessel 120 is optionally a cooler with active temperature control provided by the cooling system 200 to cool the contents of the container vessel 120 and/or maintain the contents of the vessel 120 in a cooled or chilled state. Optionally, the vessel 120 can hold therein one or more (e.g., a plurality of) separate containers (e.g., vials, cartridges, packages, injectors, etc.). Optionally, the one or more (e.g., plurality of) separate containers that can be inserted into the container vessel 120 are medicine containers (e.g., vaccine vials, insulin cartridges, injectors, etc.).
The container vessel 120 has an outer wall 121 that extends between a proximal end 122 that has an opening 123 and a distal end 124 having a base 125. The opening 123 is selectively closed by a lid L removably attached to the proximal end 122. The vessel 120 has an inner wall 126A and a base wall 126B that defines an open chamber 126 that can receive and hold contents to be cooled therein (e.g., one or more volumes of liquid, such as one or more vials, cartridges, packages, injectors, etc.). Optionally, the vessel 120 can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In another implementation, the vessel 120 can be made of plastic. In one implementation, the vessel 120 has a cavity 128 (e.g., annular cavity or chamber) between the inner wall 126A and the outer wall 121. Optionally, the cavity 128 can be under vacuum. In another implementation, the cavity 128 can be filled with air but not be under vacuum. In still another implementation, the cavity 128 can be filled with a thermally insulative material (e.g., foam). In another implementation, the vessel 120 can exclude a cavity so that the vessel 120 is solid between the inner wall 126A and the outer wall 121.
With continued reference to
The cooling system 200 optionally includes a cold side heat sink 210 that faces the chamber 126, one or more thermoelectric elements (TECs) 220 (such as one or more Peltier elements) that selectively contacts the cold side heat sink 210, a hot side heat sink 230 in contact with the thermoelectric element 220 and disposed on an opposite side of the TEC 220 from the cold side heat sink 210, an insulator member 240 disposed between the cold side heat sink 210 and the hot side heat sink 230, one or more distal magnets 250 proximate a surface of the insulator 240, one or more proximal magnets 260 and one or more electromagnets 270 disposed axially between the distal magnets 250 and the proximal magnets 260. The proximal magnets 260 have an opposite polarity than the distal magnets 250. The electromagnets 270 are disposed about and connected to the hot side heat sink 230, which as noted above is attached to the TEC 220. The cooling system 200 also optionally includes a fan 280 in communication with the hot side heat sink 230 and one or more sealing gaskets 290 disposed between the cold side heat sink 210 and the hot side heat sink 230 and circumferentially about the TEC 220.
As discussed further below, circuitry and one or more batteries are optionally disposed in or on the vessel 120. For example, in one implementation, circuitry, sensors and/or batteries are disposed in a cavity in the distal end 124 of the vessel body 120, such as below the base wall 126B of the vessel 120, and can communicate with electrical contacts on the proximal end 122 of the vessel 120 that can contact corresponding electrical contacts (e.g., pogo pins, contact rings) on the lid L. In another implementation, the lid L can be connected to the proximal end 122 of the vessel 120 via a hinge, and electrical wires can extend through the hinge between the circuitry disposed in the distal end 124 of the vessel 120 and the fan 280 and TEC 220 in the lid L. Further discussion of the electronics in the cooling system 200 is provided further below. In another implementation, the circuitry and one or more batteries can be in a removable pack (e.g., DeWalt battery pack) that attaches to the distal end 124 of the vessel 120, where one or more contacts in the removable pack contact one or more contacts on the distal end 124 of the vessel 120. The one or more contacts on the distal end 124 of the vessel 120 are electrically connected (via one or more wires or one or more intermediate components) with the electrical connections on the proximal 122 of the vessel 120, or via the hinge, as discussed above, to provide power to the components of the cooling system 200.
In operation, the one or more electromagnets 270 are operated to have a polarity that is opposite that of the one or more distal magnets 250 and/or the same as the polarity of the one or more proximal magnets 260, causing the electromagnets 270 to move toward and contact the distal magnets 250, thereby causing the TEC 220 to contact the cold side heat sink 210 (see
The TEC 220B can optionally be selectively slid into alignment between the cold side heat sink 210B and the hot side heat sink 230B, such that operation of the TEC 220B draws heat from the chamber 126 via the cold side heat sink 210B and transfers it to the hot side heat sink 230B. The fan 280B is optionally operated to further dissipate heat from the hot side heat sink 230B, allowing it to draw more heat from the chamber 126 via the TEC 220B. Optionally, one or more springs 212B (e.g., coil springs) resiliently couple the cold side heat sink 210B with the insulator 240B to maintain an efficient thermal connection between the cold side heat sink 210B and the TEC 220 when aligned together.
The TEC 220B can optionally be selectively slid out of alignment between the cold side heat sink 210B and the hot side heat sink 230B to thereby disallow heat transfer through the TEC 220B (e.g., once the desired temperature in the chamber 126 has been achieved). Optionally, the TEC 220B is slid into a cavity 242B in the insulator 240B.
The TEC 220B can be slid into and out or alignment between the cold side heat sink 210B and the hot side heat sink 230B with a number of suitable mechanisms. In one implementation, an electric motor can drive a gear in contact with a gear rack (e.g., rack and pinion), where the TEC 220B can be attached to the rack that linearly moved via rotation of the gear by the electric motor. In another implementation, a solenoid motor can be attached to TEC 220B to effect the linear movement of the TEC 220B. In still another implementation a pneumatic or electromechanical system can actuate movement of a piston attached to the TEC 220B to effect the linear movement of the TEC 220B.
The cooling system 200B′ differs from the cooling system 200B in that the TEC 220B′ is tapered or wedge shaped. An actuator 20A (e.g., electric motor) is coupled to the TEC 220B′ via a driver 20B. The actuator 20A is selectively actuatable to move the TEC 220B′ into and out of engagement (e.g., into and out of contact) with the hot side heat sink 230B′ and the cold side heat sink 210B′ to allow for heat transfer therebetween. Optionally, the hot side heat sink 230B′ and/or the cold side heat sink 210B′ can have a tapered surface that thermally communicates with (e.g., operatively contacts) one or more tapered surfaces (e.g., wedge shaped surfaces) of the TEC 220B′ when the TEC 220B′ is moved into thermal communication (e.g., into contact) with the hot side heat sink 230B′ and the cold side heat sink 210B′.
The cooling system 200C differs from the cooling system 200B in that the TEC 220C is in a fixed position adjacent the hot side heat sink 230C. The insulator member 240C has one or more thermal conductors 244C embedded therein, and the insulator member 240C can be selectively rotated about an axis (e.g., an axis offset from the axis Z of the vessel 120) to align at least one of the thermal conductors 244C with the TEC 220C and the cold side heat sink 210C to allow heat transfer between the chamber 126 and the hot side heat sink 230C. The insulator member 240C can also be selectively rotated to move the one or more thermal conductors 244C out of alignment with the TEC 220C so that instead an insulating portion 246C is interposed between the TEC 220C and the cold side heat sink 210C, thereby inhibiting (e.g., preventing) heat transfer between the TEC 220C and the cold side heat sink 210C to prolong the cooled state in the chamber 126. With reference to
The cooling system 200D differs from the cooling system 200C in the mechanism for rotating the insulator member 240D. In particular, the insulator member 240D has one or more thermal conductors 244D embedded therein, and the insulator member 240D can be selectively rotated about an axis (e.g., an axis offset from the axis Z of the vessel 120) to align at least one of the thermal conductors 244D with the TEC 220D and the cold side heat sink 210D to allow heat transfer between the chamber 126 and the hot side heat sink 230D. The insulator member 240D can also be selectively rotated to move the one or more thermal conductors 244D out of alignment with the TEC 220D so that instead an insulating portion 246D is interposed between the TEC 220D and the cold side heat sink 210D, thereby inhibiting (e.g., preventing) heat transfer between the TEC 220D and the cold side heat sink 210D to prolong the cooled state in the chamber 126. With reference to
An assembly A including the hot side heat sink 230E, fan 280E, TEC 220E and an insulator segment 244E can optionally be selectively slid relative to the vessel 120 to bring the TEC 220E into alignment (e.g., contact) between the cold side heat sink 210E and the hot side heat sink 230E, such that operation of the TEC 220E draws heat from the chamber 126 via the cold side heat sink 210E and transfers it to the hot side heat sink 230E. The fan 280E is optionally operated to further dissipate heat from the hot side heat sink 230E, allowing it to draw more heat from the chamber 126 via the TEC 220E. Optionally, one or more springs 212E (e.g., coil springs) resiliently couple the cold side heat sink 210E with the insulator 240E to maintain an efficient thermal connection between the cold side heat sink 210E and the TEC 220E when aligned together.
The assembly A can optionally be selectively slid to move the TEC 200E out of alignment (e.g., contact) between the cold side heat sink 210E and the hot side heat sink 230E. This causes the insulator segment 244E to instead be placed in alignment (e.g., contact) between the cold side heat sink 210E and the hot side heat sink 230E, which disallows heat transfer through the TEC 220E (e.g., once the desired temperature in the chamber 126 has been achieved).
The assembly A can be slid with a number of suitable mechanisms. In one implementation, an electric motor can drive a gear in contact with a gear rack (e.g., rack and pinion), where the assembly A can be attached to the rack that linearly moves via rotation of the gear by the electric motor. In another implementation, a solenoid motor and be attached to assembly A to effect the linear movement of the assembly A. In still another implementation a pneumatic or electromechanical system can actuate movement of a piston attached to the assembly A to effect the linear movement of the assembly A.
As shown in
When the one or more expandable bladders 250F are in a collapsed state (see
When the one or more expandable bladders 250F are in an expanded state (see
In one implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250F form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250F with a gas to move the bladders 250F to the expanded state and selectively empties the one or more expandable bladders 250F to move the bladders 250F to the collapsed state.
In another implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250F form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a liquid reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250F with a liquid to move the bladders 250F to the expanded state and selectively empties the one or more expandable bladders 250F to move the bladders 250F to the collapsed state.
The cooling system 200G differs from the cooling system 200F in the position of the one or more springs 212G and the one or more expandable bladders 250G. As shown in
When the one or more expandable bladders 250G are in a collapsed state (see
When the one or more expandable bladders 250G are in an expanded state (see
In one implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250G form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250G with a gas to move the bladders 250G to the expanded state and selectively empties the one or more expandable bladders 250G to move the bladders 250G to the collapsed state.
In another implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250G form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a liquid reservoir) that selectively fills the bladders 250G with a liquid to move the bladders 250G to the expanded state and selectively empties the one or more expandable bladders 250G to move the bladders 250G to the collapsed state.
The cooling system 200H differs from the cooling system 200F in that one or more expandable bladders 255H are included instead of the one or more springs 212F to provide a force in a direction opposite to the force exerted by the one or more expandable bladders 250H. As shown in
When the one or more expandable bladders 250H are in a collapsed state (see
When the one or more expandable bladders 250H are in an expanded state (see
In one implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250H, 255H form part of a pneumatic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a gas reservoir) that selectively fills and empties the bladders 250H, 255H with a gas to move them between an expanded and a collapsed state.
In one implementation, the one or more expandable bladders 250H, 255H form part of a hydraulic system (e.g., having a pump, one or more valves, and/or a liquid reservoir) that selectively fills and empties the bladders 250H, 255H with a liquid to move them between an expanded and a collapsed state.
The cooling system 200I differs from the cooling system 200G in that the one or more rotatable cams 250I are used instead of one or more expandable bladders 250G. As shown in
In a cooling state (see
When the one or more rotatable cams 250I are moved to the deployed state (see
The cooling system 200J differs from the cooling system 200I in the location of the one or more springs 212J and the one or more cams 250J. As shown in
When the one or more rotatable cams 250J are in a retracted state (see
When the one or more rotatable cams 250J are moved to the deployed state (see
With reference to
The cooling system 200K includes a hot side heat sink 230K in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element (TEC) (e.g., Peltier element) 220K, so that the heat sink 230K can draw heat away from the TEC 220K. Optionally, a fan 280K can be in thermal communication with the hot side heat sink 230K and be selectively operable to further dissipate heat from the hot side heat sink 230K, thereby allowing the heat sink 230K to further draw heat from the TEC 230K.
The TEC 230K is in thermal communication with a cold side heat sink 210K, which is in turn in thermal communication with the chamber 126 in the vessel 120. The cold side heat sink 210K optionally includes a flow path 214K that extends from an opening 132K in the lid L′ adjacent the chamber 126 to an opening 134K in the lid L′ adjacent the chamber 126. In one implementation, the opening 132K is optionally located generally at a center of the lid L′, as shown in
In operation, air in the chamber 126 enters the flow path 214K via the opening 132K and flows through the flow path 214K so that it passes through the portion of the flow path 214K that is proximate the TEC 220K, where the TEC 220K is selectively operated to cool (e.g., reduce the temperature of) the air flow passing therein. The cooled airflow continues to flow through the flow path 214K and exits the flow path 214K at opening 134K where it enters the chamber 126. Optionally, the fan 216K is operable to draw (e.g., cause or facilitate) the flow of air through the flow path 214K.
Though
The container system 100K′ is optionally a self-chilled container (e.g. self-chilled water container, such as a water bottle). The cooling system 200K′ differs from the cooling system 200K in that a liquid is used as a cooling medium that is circulated through the body of the vessel 120. A conduit 134K′ can deliver chilled liquid to the body of the vessel 120, and a conduit 132K′ can remove a warm liquid from the body of the vessel 120. In the body of the vessel 120, the chilled liquid can absorb energy from one or more walls of the vessel 120 (e.g., one or more walls that define the chamber 126) of a liquid in the chamber 126, and the heated liquid can exit the body of the vessel 120 via conduit 132K′. In this manner, one or more surfaces of the body of the vessel 120 (e.g., of the chamber 126) are maintained in the cooled state. Though not shown, the conduits 132K′, 134K′ connect to a cooling system, such as one having a TEC 220K in contact with a hot side heat sink 230K, as described above for container system 100K.
With reference to
In operation, when the cooling system 200L is operated in a cooling stage, the pump 216L is selectively operable to pump the conductive fluid 217L into the cavity 214L (e.g., to fill the cavity 214L), thereby allowing heat transfer between the cold side heat sink 210L and the TEC 220L (e.g., allowing the TEC 220L to be operated to draw heat from the cold side heat sink 210L and transfer it to the hot side heat sink 230L). Optionally, the fan 280L is selectively operable to dissipate heat from the hot side heat sink 230L, thereby allowing the TEC 220L to draw further heat from the chamber 126 via the cold side heat sink 210L and the conductive fluid 217L.
With reference to
The cooling system 200L′ differs from the cooling system 200L in that a heat pipe 132L′ is used to connect the hot side heat sink 230L′ to the cold side heat sink 210L′. The heat pipe 132L′ can be selectively turned on and off. Optionally, the heat pipe 132L′ can include a phase change material (PCM). Optionally, the heat pipe 132L′ can be turned off by removing the working fluid from inside the heat pipe 132L′, and turned on by inserting or injecting the working fluid in the heat pipe 132L′. For example, the TEC 210L, when in operation, can freeze the liquid in the heat pipe 132L′, to thereby provide a thermal break within the heat pipe 132L′, disconnecting the chamber of the vessel 120 from the TEC 220L′ that is operated to cool the chamber. When the TEC 210L is not in operation, the liquid in the heat pipe 132L′ can flow along the length of the heat pipe 132L′. For example, the fluid can flow within the heat pipe 132L′ into thermal contact with a cold side of the TEC 220L′, which can cool the liquid, the liquid can then flow to the hot side of the heat pipe 132L′ and draw heat away from the chamber of the vessel 120 which heats such liquid, and the heated liquid can then again flow to the opposite end of the heat pipe 132L′ where the TEC 220L′ can again remove heat from it to cool the liquid before it again flows back to the other end of the heat pipe 132L′ to draw more heat from the chamber.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The insulator member 246M can be moved between the position in the cooling state (see
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The insulator members 246N, 247N can be moved between the position in the cooling state (see
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The insulator members 246P, 247P can be moved between the position in the cooling state (see
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The expandable member 246Q is optionally disposed or house in a cavity or chamber 242Q defined in the insulator member 240Q. Optionally, the expandable member 246Q is part of a pneumatic system and filled with a gas (e.g., air) to move it into the expanded state. In another implementation, the expandable member 246Q is part of a hydraulic system and filled with a liquid (e.g., water) to move it into the expanded state.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The insulator element 246R can be moved between the position in the cooling state (see
As shown in
With reference to
The gap 128′ can optionally be filled with an insulative material (e.g., foam). In another implementation, the gap 128′ can be under vacuum. In still another implementation, the gap 128′ can be filled with a gas (e.g., air). Optionally, the inner wall 126A′ can be made of metal. Optionally, the outer wall 121′ can be made of plastic. In another implementation, the outer wall 121′ and the inner wall 126A′ are optionally made of the same material.
With continued reference to
The optional batteries 277′ provide power to one or more of the circuitry, one of more fans 280′, one or more TECs 220′, and one or more sensors (described further below). Optionally, at least a portion of the body 120′ (e.g., a portion of the base 125′) of the container 100′ is removable to access the one or more optional batteries 277′. Optionally, the one or more optional batteries 277′ can be provided in a removable battery pack, which can readily be removed and replaced from the container 100′. Optionally, the container 100′ can include an integrated adaptor and/or retractable cable to allow connection of the container 100′ to a power source (e.g., wall outlet, vehicle power connector) to one or both of power the cooling system 200′ directly and charge the one or more optional batteries 277′.
With reference to
With reference to
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With reference to
With reference to
The container system 100′ can have a housing with one of a plurality of colors. Such different color housings can optionally be used with different types of contents (e.g., medicines, biological fluids), allowing a user to readily identify the contents of the container 100′ by its housing color. Optionally, such different colors can aid users in distinguishing different containers 100′ in their possession/use without having to open the containers 100′ to check their contents.
With reference to
In one implementation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610A can provide one or more temperature presets corresponding to one or more particular medications (e.g., epinephrine/adrenaline for allergic reactions, insulin, vaccines, etc.). The GUI screen 610A can optionally allow the turning on and off of the cooling system 200′. The GUI screen 610A can optionally allow the setting of the control temperature to which the chamber 126′ in the container 100′ is cooled by the cooling system 200′.
In another implementation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610B can provide a dashboard display of one or more parameters of the container 100′ (e.g., ambient temperature, internal temperature in the chamber 126′, temperature of the heat sink 230′, temperature of the battery 277, etc.). The GUI screen 610B can optionally provide an indication (e.g., display) of power supply left in the one or more batteries 277 (e.g., % of life left, time remaining before battery power drains completely). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B can also include information (e.g., a display) of how many of the receptacles 510 in the tray 500 are occupied (e.g., by containers 520). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B can also include information on the contents of the container 100′ (e.g., medication type or disease medication is meant to treat), information on the destination for the container 100′ and/or information (e.g., name, identification no.) for the individual assigned to the container 100′.
In another implementation, the GUI screen 610C can include a list of notifications provided to the user of the container 100′, including alerts on battery power available, alerts on ambient temperature effect on operation of container 100′, alerts on a temperature of a heat sink of the container 100′, alert on temperature of the chamber 126, 126′, 126V, alert on low air flow through the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V and/or exhaust vent 205′, 205″, 205V indicating they may be blocked/clogged, etc. One of skill in the art will recognize that the app can provide the plurality of GUI screens 610A, 610B, 610C to the user, allowing the user to swipe between the different screens.
Optionally, as discussed further below, the container 100′ can communicate information, such as temperature history of the chamber 126′ and/or first heat sink 210 that generally corresponds to a temperature of the containers 520, 520V (e.g., medicine containers, vials, cartridges, injectors), power level history of the batteries 277, ambient temperature history, etc. to the cloud (e.g., on a periodic basis, such as every hour; on a continuous basis in real time, etc.) to one or more of a) an RFID tag on the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100V that can later be read (e.g., at the delivery location), b) to a remote electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop computer or desktop computer), including wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, or other RF communication), and c) to the cloud (e.g., to a cloud-based data storage system or server) including wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi 802.11, BLUETOOTH®, or other RF communication). Such communication can occur on a periodic basis (e.g., every hour; on a continuous basis in real time, etc.). Once stored on the RFID tag or remote electronic device or cloud, such information can be accessed via one or more remote electronic devices (e.g., via a dashboard on a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100V can store in a memory (e.g., part of the electronics in the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100V) information, such as temperature history of the chamber 126, 126′, 126V, temperature history of the first heat sink 210, 210B-210V, power level history of the batteries 277, ambient temperature history, etc., which can be accessed from the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100V by the user via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via the remote electronic device 600).
With reference to
With reference to
The container 100′ can optionally be powered in a variety of ways. In one implementation, the container system 100′ is powered using 12 VDC power (e.g., from one or more batteries 277′). In another implementation, the container system 100′ is powered using 120 VAC or 240 VAC power. In another implementation, the cooling system 200′ can be powered via solar power. For example, the container 100′ can be removably connected to one or more solar panels so that electricity generated by the solar panels is transferred to the container 100′, where circuitry of the container 100′ optionally charges the one or more batteries 277 with the solar power. In another implementation, the solar power from said one or more solar panels directly operates the cooling system 200′ (e.g., where batteries 277 are excluded from the container 100′). The circuitry in the container 100′ can include a surge protector to inhibit damage to the electronics in the container 100′ from a power surge.
In operation, the cooling system 200′ can optionally be actuated by pressing the power button 290. Optionally, the cooling system 200′ can additionally (or alternatively) be actuated remotely (e.g., wirelessly) via a remote electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc. that wirelessly communicates with the cooling system 200′ (e.g., with a receiver or transceiver of the circuitry). The chamber 126′ can be cooled to a predetermined and/or a user selected temperature or temperature range. The user selected temperature or temperature range can be selected via a user interface on the container 100′ and/or via the remote electronic device.
The circuitry optionally operates the one or more TECs 220′ so that the side of the one or more TECs 220′ adjacent the inner wall 126A′ is cooled and so that the side of the one or more TECs 220′ adjacent the one or more heat sinks 230′ is heated. The TECs 220′ thereby cool the inner wall 126A′ and thereby cools the chamber 126′ and the contents (e.g., tray 500 with containers (e.g., vials) 520 therein). Though not shown in the drawings, one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) are in thermal communication with the inner wall 126A′ and/or the chamber 126′ and communicate information to the circuitry indicative of the sensed temperature. The circuitry operates one or more of the TECs 220′ and one or more fans 280′ based at least in part on the sensed temperature information to cool the chamber 126′ to the predetermined temperature and/or user selected temperature. The circuitry operates the one or more fans 280′ to flow air (e.g., received via the intake vents 203′) over the one or more heat sinks 230′ to dissipate heat therefrom, thereby allowing the one or more heat sinks 230′ to draw more heat from the one or more TECs 220′, which in turn allows the one or more TECs 220′ to draw more heat from (i.e., cool) the inner wall 126A′ to thereby further cool the chamber 126′. Said air flow, once it passes over the one or more heat sinks 230′, is exhausted from the body 120′ via the exhaust vents 205′.
With reference to
The container 100″ can optionally include a display similar to the display 140′ described above for the container 100′ (e.g., that displays one or more of the temperature in the chamber 126″, the ambient temperature, a charge level or percentage for the one or more batteries 277″, and amount of time left before recharging of the batteries 277″ is needed). The container 100″ can optionally include a hidden-til-lit LED 142″ (see
With reference to
With reference to
In one implementation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610A″ can provide one or more temperature presets corresponding to one or more particular medications (e.g., insulin). The GUI 610A″ can optionally allow the turning on and off of the cooling system 200″. The GUI 610A″ can optionally allow the setting of the control temperature to which the chamber 126″ in the container 100″ is cooled by the cooling system 200″.
In another implementation, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen 610B″ can provide a dashboard display of one or more parameters of the container 100″ (e.g., ambient temperature, internal temperature in the chamber 126″, etc.). The GUI screen 610B″ can optionally provide an indication (e.g., display) of power supply left in the one or more batteries 277″ (e.g., % of life left, time remaining before battery power drains completely). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B″ can also include information (e.g., a display) of how many of the receptacles 510″ in the tray 500″ are occupied (e.g., by containers 520″). Optionally, the GUI screen 610B″ can also include information on the contents of the container 100′ (e.g., medication type or disease medication is meant to treat), information on the physician (e.g., name of doctor and contact phone no) and/or information (e.g., name, date of birth, medical record no.) for the individual assigned to the container 100″.
In another implementation, the GUI screen 610C″ can include a list of notifications provided to the user of the container 100″, including alerts on battery power available, alerts on ambient temperature effect on operation of container 100″, etc. One of skill in the art will recognize that the app can provide the plurality of GUI screens 610A″, 610B″, 610C″ to the user, allowing the user to swipe between the different screens. Optionally, as discussed further below, the container 100″ can communicate information, such as temperature history of the chamber 126″, power level history of the batteries 277″, ambient temperature history, etc. to the cloud (e.g., on a periodic basis, such as every hour; on a continuous basis in real time, etc.).
In some implementations, the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X can include one or both of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader and a barcode reader. For example, the RFID reader and/or barcode reader can be disposed proximate (e.g., around) a rim of the chamber 126, 126′, 126″ to that it can read content units (e.g., vials, containers) placed into or removed from the chamber 126, 126′, 126″. The RFID reader or barcode reader can communicate data to the circuitry in the container system, which as discussed above, can optionally store such data in a memory or the container system and/or communicate such data to a separate or remote computing system, such as a remote computer server (e.g., accessible by a doctor treating the patient with the medication in the container), a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. Such communication can optionally be in one or both of a wired manner (via a connector on the container body) or wireless manner (via a transmitter or transceiver of the container in communication with the circuitry of the container). Each of the contents placed in the chamber of the container (e.g., each medicine unit, such as each vial or container) optionally has an RFID tag or barcode that is read by the RFID reader or barcode reader as it is placed in and/or removed from the chamber of the container, thereby allowing the tracking of the contents of the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X. Optionally, the container system (e.g., the RFID reader, barcode reader and/or circuitry) of the container system, send a notification (e.g., to a remote computer server, to one or more computing systems, to a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop computer or desktop computer) every time a medicine unit (e.g., vial, container) is placed into and/or removed from the chamber of the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X.
In some implementations, the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X can additionally or alternatively (to the RFID reader and/or barcode reader) include a proximity sensor, for example in the chamber 126, 126′, 126″ to advantageously track one or both of the insertion of and removal of content units (e.g., medicine units such as vials, containers, pills, etc.) from the container system. Such a proximity sensor can communication with the circuitry of the container and advantageously facilitate tracking, for example, of the user taking medication in the container, or the frequency with which the user takes the medication. Optionally, operation of the proximity sensor can be triggered by a signal indicating the lid L, L′, L″ has been opened. The proximity sensor can communicate data to the circuitry in the container system, which as discussed above, can optionally store such data in a memory or the container system and/or communicate such data to a separate or remote computing system, such as a remote computer server (e.g., accessible by a doctor treating the patient with the medication in the container), a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. Such communication can optionally be in one or both of a wired manner (via a connector on the container body) or wireless manner (via a transmitter or transceiver of the container in communication with the circuitry of the container).
In some implementations, the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X can additionally or alternatively (to the RFID reader and/or barcode reader) include a weight sensor, for example in the chamber 126, 126′, 126″ to advantageously track the removal of content units (e.g. medicine units such as vials, containers, pills, etc.) from the container system. Such a weight sensor can communicate with the circuitry of the container and advantageously facilitate tracking, for example, of the user taking medication in the container, or the frequency with which the user takes the medication. Optionally, operation of the weight sensor can be triggered by a signal indicating the lid L, L′, L″ has been opened. The weight sensor can communicate data to the circuitry in the container system, which as discussed above, can optionally store such data in a memory or the container system and/or communicate such data to a separate or remote computing system, such as a remote computer server (e.g., accessible by a doctor treating the patient with the medication in the container), a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. Such communication can optionally be in one or both of a wired manner (via a connector on the container body) or wireless manner (via a transmitter or transceiver of the container in communication with the circuitry of the container).
With reference to
With continued reference to
As shown in
The bottom plate 272V can be spaced from a bottom 275V of the vessel 120V to define a cavity 127V therebetween. The cavity 127V can optionally house one or more batteries 277V, a printed circuit board (PCBA) 278V and at least partially house a power button or switch 290V. Optionally, the bottom 275V defines at least a portion of an end cap 279V attached to the outer wall 121V. Optionally, the end cap 279V is removable to access the electronics in the cavity 127V (e.g., to replace the one or more batteries 277V, perform maintenance on the electronics, such as the PCBA 278V, etc.). The power button or switch 290V is accessible by a user (e.g., can be pressed to turn on the cooling system 200V, pressed to turn off the cooling system 200V, pressed to pair the cooling system 200V with a mobile electronic device, etc.). As shown in
The electronics (e.g., PCBA 278V, batteries 277V) can electrically communicate with the fans 280V, 216V and TEC 220V in the lid L′″ via one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical contact pads, Pogo pins) in the lid L′″ that contact one or more electrical contacts (e.g., Pogo pins, electrical contact pads) in the portion of the vessel 120V that engages the lid L′″, such as in a similar manner to that described above for
Optionally, the circuitry EM can include a wireless transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver to communicate with (e.g., transmit information, such as sensed temperature and/or position data, to and receive information, such as user instructions, from one or more of: a) a user interface UI1 on the unit (e.g., on the body of the vessel 120), b) an electronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch, a desktop computer, remote server), c) via the cloud CL, or d) via a wireless communication system such as WiFi and/or Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED can have a user interface UI2, that can display information associated with the operation of the container system (such as the interfaces disclosed above, see
In operation, the container system can operate to maintain the chamber 126 of the vessel 120 at a preselected temperature or a user selected temperature. The cooling system can operate the one or more TECs to cool the chamber 126 (e.g., if the temperature of the chamber is above the preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is above the preselected temperature) or to heat the chamber 126 (e.g., if the temperature of the chamber 126 is below the preselected temperature, such as when the ambient temperature is below the preselected temperature). The preselected temperature may be tailored to the contents of the container (e.g., a specific medication, a specific vaccine), and can be stored in a memory of the container, and the cooling system or heating system, depending on how the temperature control system is operated, can operate the TEC to approach the preselected or set point temperature.
Optionally, the circuitry EM can communicate (e.g., wirelessly) information to a remote location (e.g., cloud-based data storage system, remote computer, remote server, mobile electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet computer or laptop or desktop computer) and/or to the individual carrying the container (e.g., via their mobile phone, via a visual interface on the container, etc.), such as a temperature history of the chamber 126 to provide a record that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of the medication in the container and/or alerts on the status of the medication in the container. Optionally, the temperature control system (e.g., cooling system, heating system) automatically operates the TEC to heat or cool the chamber 126 of the vessel 120 to approach the preselected temperature. In one implementation, the cooling system 200, 200′, 200″, 200B-200X can cool and maintain one or both of the chamber 126, 126′, 126V and the containers 520, 520V at or below 15 degrees Celsius, such as at or below 10 degrees Celsius, in some examples at approximately 5 degrees Celsius.
In one implementation, the one or more sensors S1-Sn can include one more air flow sensors in the lid L that can monitor airflow through one or both of the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V and exhaust vent 205′, 205″, 205V. If said one or more flow sensors senses that the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V is becoming clogged (e.g., with dust) due to a decrease in air flow, the circuitry EM (e.g., on the PCBA 278V) can optionally reverse the operation of the fan 280, 280′, 280B-280P, 280V for one or more predetermined periods of time to draw air through the exhaust vent 205′, 205″, 205V and exhaust air through the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V to clear (e.g., unclog, remove the dust from) the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V. In another implementation, the circuitry EM can additionally or alternatively send an alert to the user (e.g., via a user interface on the container 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X, wirelessly to a remote electronic device such as the user's mobile phone via GUI 610A-610C, 610A′-610C′) to inform the user of the potential clogging of the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V, so that the user can inspect the container 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X and can instruct the circuitry EM (e.g., via an app on the user's mobile phone) to run an “cleaning” operation, for example, by running the fan 280, 280′, 280B-280P, 280V in reverse to exhaust air through the intake vent 203′, 203″, 203V.
In one implementation, the one or more sensors S1-Sn can include one more Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors for tracking the location of the container system 100, 100′, 100″, 100B-100X. The location information can be communicated, as discussed above, by a transmitter and/or transceiver associated with the circuitry EM to a remote location (e.g., a mobile electronic device, a cloud-based data storage system, etc.).
As shown in
In embodiments of the present invention, a portable cooler container with active temperature control, may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:
Clause 1. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising:
Clause 2. The portable cooler container any preceding clause, further comprising a button or touch screen actuatable by a user to automatically switch sender and recipient information on the display screen to facilitate return of the portable cooler container to a sender.
Clause 3. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, wherein the body comprises an outer peripheral wall and a bottom portion attached to the outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall being spaced relative to the outer peripheral wall to define a gap between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, the base spaced apart from the bottom portion to define a cavity between the base and the bottom portion, the one or more batteries and circuitry at least partially disposed in the cavity.
Clause 4. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more thermoelectric elements are housed in the lid, the temperature control system further comprising a first heat sink unit in thermal communication with one side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, a second heat sink unit in thermal communication with an opposite side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, and one or more fans, wherein the one or more fans, first heat sink unit and second heat sink unit are at least partially housed in the lid, the first heat sink configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber.
Clause 5. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense the one or more parameters of the chamber or temperature control system and to communicate the sensed information to the circuitry.
Clause 6. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature in the chamber and to communicate the sensed temperature to the circuitry, the circuitry configured to communicate the sensed temperature data to the cloud-based data storage system or remote electronic device.
Clause 7. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, further comprising one or more electrical contacts on a rim of the container body configured to contact one or more electrical contacts on the lid when the lid is coupled to the container body so that the circuitry controls the operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans when the lid is coupled to the container body.
Clause 8. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, wherein the gap is under vacuum.
Clause 9. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, further comprising a removable tray configured to removably receive the containers of medicine therein and to releasably lock the containers in the tray to inhibit dislodgement of the medicine containers from the tray during shipping of the portable cooler container.
Clause 10. The portable cooler container of any preceding clause, further comprising means for thermally disconnecting the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to inhibit heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber.
Clause 11. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising:
Clause 12. The portable container of clause 11, wherein the body comprises an outer peripheral wall and a bottom portion attached to the outer peripheral wall, the inner peripheral wall being spaced relative to the outer peripheral wall to define a gap between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, the base spaced apart from the bottom portion to define a cavity between the base and the bottom portion, the one or more batteries and circuitry at least partially disposed in the cavity.
Clause 13. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-12, wherein the one or more thermoelectric elements are housed in the lid, the temperature control system further comprising a first heat sink unit in thermal communication with one side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, a second heat sink unit in thermal communication with an opposite side of the one or more thermoelectric elements, wherein the one or more fans, first heat sink unit and second heat sink unit are at least partially housed in the lid, the first heat sink configured to heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber.
Clause 14. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-13, further comprising one or more sensors, at least one of the one or more sensors is a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature in the chamber and to communicate the sensed temperature to the circuitry.
Clause 15. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the circuitry further comprises a transmitter configured to transmit one or both of temperature and position information for the portable cooler container to one or more of a memory of the portable cooler container, a radiofrequency identification tag of the portable cooler containers, a cloud-based data storage system, and a remote electronic device.
Clause 16. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-15, further comprising a display on one or both of the container body and the lid, the display configured to display information indicative of a temperature of the chamber.
Clause 17. The container of any of clauses 11-16, further comprising one or more electrical contacts on a rim of the container body configured to contact one or more electrical contacts on the lid when the lid is coupled to the container body, the circuitry being housed in the container body and the one or more thermoelectric elements being housed in the lid, the electrical contacts facilitating control of the operation of the one or more thermoelectric elements and one or more fans by the circuitry when the lid is coupled to the container body.
Clause 18. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-17, wherein the gap is under vacuum.
Clause 19. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 11-18, further comprising means for thermally disconnecting the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to inhibit heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber.
Clause 20. A portable cooler container with active temperature control, comprising:
Clause 21. The portable cooler container of clause 20, wherein the electronic display screen is an electrophoretic display screen.
Clause 22. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 20-21, further comprising a button or touch screen actuatable by a user to automatically switch sender and recipient information on the display screen to facilitate return of the portable cooler container to a sender.
Clause 23. The portable cooler container of any of clauses 20-22, further comprising means for thermally disconnecting the one or more thermoelectric elements from the chamber to inhibit heat transfer between the one or more thermoelectric elements and the chamber.
While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. For example, though the features disclosed herein are in described for medicine containers, the features are applicable to containers that are not medicine containers (e.g., portable coolers for food, etc.) and the invention is understood to extend to such other containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.
Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.
The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.
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Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20200333057 A1 | Oct 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62694584 | Jul 2018 | US | |
62673596 | May 2018 | US | |
62660013 | Apr 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16389483 | Apr 2019 | US |
Child | 16889005 | US |