US20120285180A1 - Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof - Google Patents
Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20120285180A1 US20120285180A1 US13/556,067 US201213556067A US2012285180A1 US 20120285180 A1 US20120285180 A1 US 20120285180A1 US 201213556067 A US201213556067 A US 201213556067A US 2012285180 A1 US2012285180 A1 US 2012285180A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cooler
- portable medicine
- medicine
- vial
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
Definitions
- An outer casing consists of a sleeve of insulating material which may be a pliable foam.
- the container is inserted into the case, with the case providing additional temperature protection and protection from shock and other trauma.
- Pockets or other storage areas may be included on the outside of the case for storing accessories, such as syringes, alcohol wipes and swabs.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,099 is directed to a container for storing and transporting vessels containing a composition susceptible to physicochemical alteration upon changes in temperature above or below a specified temperature range.
- the container includes a first housing having a vessel holder, and a heat sink disposed within the first housing.
- a second housing encloses the first housing, the second housing preferably includes a metallic material and is of a double-walled construction.
Abstract
A portable medicine cooler is provided herein. In one embodiment, the portable medicine cooler includes: (1) a self-cooling and receiving structure including a thermoelectric cooler, a vial receiver and a heat sink, wherein the thermoelectric cooler thermally couples the vial receiver to the heat sink, (2) a battery configured to provide power to the thermoelectric cooler and (3) a thermoelectric cooler controller configured to employ the battery to control moving heat between the vial receiver and the heat sink based on an external temperature representing a temperature outside of the portable medicine cooler and an internal temperature representing a temperature of the vial receiver.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/240,978 filed on Sep. 29, 2008 entitled PORTABLE MEDICINE COOLER HAVING AN ELECTRONIC COOLING CONTROLLER AND MEDICINE EFFICACY INDICATION CIRCUITRY AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF, which claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/981,876, filed by Wilkinson, et al., on Oct. 23, 2007, commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention is directed, in general, to medicine storage containers and, more specifically, to a portable medicine cooler having electronic cooling control and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof.
- Certain physical conditions or ailments, such as diabetes or allergies, require regular applications of medication. In addition, certain counteractive agents may be required to be available should emergency situations arise. For example, a person who is allergic to wasp stings should have access to medication in case of a wasp sting. In addition, regular and repeated applications of medication may be required, either taken orally or through injection. Many persons with diabetes take insulin by injection to control blood sugar level. Other physical conditions may also require the repeated application or availability of medication either on a life long or temporary basis.
- Many medications, however, are subject to rapid degradation of properties as a result of temperature and other environmental conditions. Other medications may be sensitive to light and still others may be sensitive to a combination of light and temperature. Further, many types of medication, particularly those taken by injection, are stored in glass bottles or vials which are subject to breakage if dropped or otherwise traumatized.
- As a result, the mobility of those people requiring a constant availability of medication is severely restricted. For example, for one allergic to insect bites, medication must be administered within minutes and sometimes seconds after an insect bite to prevent severe complications, or even death. Likewise, a diabetic must remain near a source of insulin to receive regular injections or an emergency injection should blood sugar level dictate. Therefore, it is desired to provide a means of storing medication such as wasp sting syrum and insulin along with means for administering it in a protective carrying case so that people who require medication may travel about with a supply of such medication.
- However, insulin for example, like many other medications, must be kept cold, preferably at approximately 35° Fahrenheit, to maintain its effectiveness. Therefore, people who wish to travel about in warm temperatures require some means of transporting insulin in a temperature controlled environment to maintain it at a desired temperature.
- In addition, insulin manufacturers warn against freezing insulin. Therefore, it is desired to provide a way to transport insulin in cold weather that prevents it from reaching the freezing point. Thus, a portable medicine protector is desired to keep cool temperatures in and cold temperatures out.
- The prior art evidences a substantially number of efforts to provide a portable medicine protector for insulin and other medicines. U.S. Pat. No. 3,148,515 is directed to medicine chests or kits and has particular reference to portable kits containing a temporary supply of insulin and hypodermic injection equipment for use by diabetics while traveling.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,998 is directed to a diabetic travel kit formed by an insulated container having a cavity in which is received a cooling medium container having an annular cooling medium chamber surrounding a top opening compartment. An insulated lid closes the cavity. Top opening pockets may be formed in the peripheral walls of the insulated container, and the lid closes the pockets when the lid is in place closing the cavity.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,158 is directed to a portable, flexible, refrigerating pouch for carrying and storing insulin needed by diabetics to prevent it from deterioration is disclosed. The pouch comprises an insulating layer and a liner whose structure provides separate compartments for a refrigerating agent, a vial of insulin and a syringe.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,133 is directed to a temperature-controlled chamber comprises a portable, insulated housing with an internal cavity shaped to receive a container of temperature-sensitive material therein. A thermoelectric element, or heat pump, has one face in heat-transfer relation with the housing cavity, and the other face connected with a heat exchanger having an exterior portion exposed to the atmosphere. A source of electric power is coupled to the thermoelectric element through a thermostat control which energizes the thermoelectric element in response to temperature fluctuations in the housing cavity. The thermostat control includes switching means to reverse the polarity of the power supplied to the thermoelectric element as a function of whether the sensed temperature in the housing cavity is too high or too low, to alternatively heat or cool the housing cavity as required to maintain the cavity at a generally constant temperature.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,793 is directed to a diabetic traveling case is compact enough to be pocket-sized. The pocket-sized case is equipped to carry at least one bottle of insulin, as well as a refrigerant which maintains the insulin at a suitably low temperature to avoid spoiling.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,364 is directed to a portable medicine protector for maintaining the temperature of medicine stored therein from rising above a threshold temperature and for preventing the temperature of medicine stored therein from falling below a second threshold temperature consisting of a hollow walled container having a cavity formed therein. The container is filled with a suitable liquid which may be frozen in an ordinary household freezer environment. A depression or cavity is formed in the container for receiving medicine, such as bottles of liquid medicine. The bottom and sides of the cavity include a plurality of ribbed members to prevent direct contact between a medicine bottle and the side walls of the container. By preventing point contact of the medicine with the side walls of the container, freezing of the medicine is inhibited and in most cases prevented. An outer casing consists of a sleeve of insulating material which may be a pliable foam. The container is inserted into the case, with the case providing additional temperature protection and protection from shock and other trauma. Pockets or other storage areas may be included on the outside of the case for storing accessories, such as syringes, alcohol wipes and swabs.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,223 is directed to a personal manually portable thermoelectric-cooling medicine kit, particularly for insulin. The medicine in the kit is cooled by a Peltier heat pump. The vials of medicine inside the kit are tilted to maximize heat transfer efficiency when the kit is either upright or laid flat. A cap is provided to shield an insulin vial from ultraviolet radiation while the case is open and the person is preparing for an injection. The kit includes components which are Velcro-attached to the lining of the kit.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,032 is directed to a personal manually portable thermoelectric-cooling medicine kit, particularly for insulin. The medicine in the kit is cooled by a Peltier heat pump. The vials of medicine inside the kit are tilted to maximize heat transfer efficiency when the kit is either upright or laid flat. A cap is provided to shield an insulin vial from ultraviolet radiation while the case is open and the person is preparing for an injection. The kit includes components which are Velcro-attached to the lining of the kit.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,314 is directed to an injectable medication carrying case which includes a top panel, a bottom panel opposing the top panel, two opposing side panels, two opposing end panels, and a thermally-insulating divider panel. The top panel, bottom panel, side panels and end panels can be joined together in standard fashion at respective edges of the carrying case. The divider panel partitions the body portion of the case into two distinct thermally-insulated sides. In this arrangement, the patient is able to selectively store his injectable medication supplies in a unitary carrying case, as opposed to a plurality of carrying cases.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,968 is directed to a portable cold pack for cold storage and transporting of medicinal vials placed on a holder. The cold pack has a hollow, thin-walled housing and a base having a socket depression therein for receiving the holder. The housing and the base define an interior storage space around the holder. The hollow walls of the housing contain therein refreezable liquid for providing cooling energy. The socket depression orients the holder in the storage space in a close relationship to the interior surface of the hollow, thin-walled housing so as to efficiently cool the medicine within the vials. A closure assembly allows repeated access to the holder within the storage space.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,099 is directed to a container for storing and transporting vessels containing a composition susceptible to physicochemical alteration upon changes in temperature above or below a specified temperature range. The container includes a first housing having a vessel holder, and a heat sink disposed within the first housing. A second housing encloses the first housing, the second housing preferably includes a metallic material and is of a double-walled construction.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,133 is directed to a temperature control medicine carrying case having an insulated housing, a plurality of interior compartments, an interior pouch, a cooling mechanism and a fastening mechanism, e.g., a zipper closure. The interior surface of the insulated housing includes two separate portions that are separated along a central axis. The interior pouch is located on a first portion of the interior surface of the insulated housing. The interior pouch is adapted to receive the cooling mechanism. At least one of the interior compartments is located on the exterior surface of the interior pouch and is adapted to receive a container of medicine. A plurality of interior compartments is located on the second portion of the interior surface. These compartments are adapted to receive medical devices that are used for administration of the medicine.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,570 is directed to a traveling bag for carrying temperature-sensitive medications such as insulin which includes a sensor monitoring the interior temperature and an exterior display showing the measured temperature. In one embodiment the bag interior includes a compartment for storing medication, an assembly for securely holding three insulin pens, and a compartment for holding a container of freezing material. A second embodiment of the bag omits the freezing material compartment.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,814 is directed to a portable insulin and accessory kit for diabetics that is a case made of polymeric or waterproof material having an inside portion divided in three equal sections, each section securing and storing insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe, alcohol cloths or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles. The kit is foldable and provides hook and loop fasteners for a secure closure. In addition, a polymeric, portable insulin storage box is provided having a hingedly attached cover attached to a bottom portion having divided sections for the storage of insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe, alcohol cloths or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,650 is directed to a container for storing and transporting vessels containing a liquid composition susceptible to physico-chemical alteration upon changes in temperature above or below a specified temperature. It comprises an enclosure having a lower portion, a top portion and a side portion between the lower and top portions thereby defining an inner space. A lower portion of the enclosure contains a first heat sink within a base, comprising a thermal energy absorbing substance. A vial holder in the inner space holds one or more of the vessels in the inner space above the first heat sink and substantially spaced from an insulated insert inside of the enclosure. An insulating gas is contained in the inner space. A temperature indicator in the inner space indicates when the inner space has been subjected to temperatures below a predetermined level.
- U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/0016895 is directed to a travel case for transporting insulin is provided with an outer bottle with an outer bottle cap, an inner bottle with an inner bottle cap, fins, and a means to thermally insulate the outer bottle. The inner bottle is located within the outer bottle. The fins are attached to and protrude radially from the inner bottle, thus acting to keep the inner bottle centrally located within and relative to the outer bottle, as well as to keep the inner bottle in a substantially upright position within the outer bottle. The inner bottle is adapted to receive one or more bottles of insulin. In use, ice is added to the outer bottle between the fins, the ice acting as a heat sink to keep the insulin bottles cold within the inner bottle.
- U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2005/0081558 is directed to a portable container including: a box member, a Stirling cooler as a temperature controlling unit for refrigerating the inside of the box member, an operation unit for controlling the Stirling cooler, and handles for supporting the box member by grasping. Cutouts are formed between an upper surface of the box member and both side surfaces thereof, the operation unit is provided on one of the cutouts, and the handles are provided outwardly relative to the cutouts respectively.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,513 is directed to a portable thermally-controlled container system includes an outer case providing a first inner chamber and configured to have an open position and a closed position, when in the open position the outer case is configured to receive items into the first inner chamber and when in the closed position the outer case is configured to inhibit heat transfer between the first inner chamber and a region external to the outer case, and an inner case configured to fit in the chamber provided by the outer case, the inner case including a first thermally-reflective layer and a first insulation layer disposed inwardly of the first thermally-reflective layer, the inner case providing a second inner chamber disposed inwardly of the first insulation layer.
- In general, the particular portable medicine coolers described above are substantially limited in terms of the length of time they can cool, the accuracy and sophistication with which they can monitor, control and report temperature and by extension indicate potential issues with medicinal efficacy, their portability or their flexibility. What is needed in the art is a superior portable medicine cooler and an accompanying method of operating such a cooler.
- To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, one aspect of the invention provides a portable medicine cooler. In one embodiment, the portable medicine cooler includes: (1) a self-cooling and receiving structure including a thermoelectric cooler, a vial receiver and a heat sink, wherein the thermoelectric cooler thermally couples the vial receiver to the heat sink, (2) a battery configured to provide power to the thermoelectric cooler and (3) a thermoelectric cooler controller configured to employ the battery to control moving heat between the vial receiver and the heat sink based on an external temperature representing a temperature outside of the portable medicine cooler and an internal temperature representing a temperature of the vial receiver.
- Another aspect of the invention provides another embodiment of a portable medicine cooler. In this embodiment, the portable medicine cooler includes: (1) a shell having a door configured to provide access to a cavity within the shell for containing a medicine to be cooled, (2) a self-cooling and receiving structure located within the shell and including a thermoelectric cooler interposing a vial receiver and a heat sink with a hollow core, wherein the thermoelectric cooler connects the heat sink to the vial receiver, (3) an internal temperature sensor configured to provide an internal temperature within the shell, (4) an external temperature sensor configured to provide an external temperature of a temperature outside of the shell, (5) a battery located within the shell and configured to provide power to the thermoelectric cooler and (6) a processor configured to dynamically regulate, based on both of the external temperature and the internal temperature, a cooling temperature associated with the vial receiver by directing delivery of the power to the thermoelectric cooler to control movement of heat between the vial receiver and the heat sink.
- The foregoing has outlined certain aspects and embodiments of the invention so that those skilled in the pertinent art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional aspects and embodiments will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the pertinent art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed aspects and embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. Those skilled in the pertinent art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the invention.
- For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a portable medicine cooler having electronic cooling control constructed according to the principles of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a left-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4A is a rear-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4B is a front-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5A is a top-side plan view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5B is a bottom-side plan view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cooling and receiver structure for the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a left-side elevational view of one embodiment of a cooling and receiver structure for the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry constructed according to the principles of the invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating a portable medicine cooler having electronic cooling control carried out according to the principles of the invention. - Disclosed herein are various embodiments of portable medicine cooler. The disclosed embodiments have some elements in common, namely a heat sink (a body of any shape that receives and dissipates heat), a battery (of any conventional or later-developed type), a TEC (also called a Peltier device) and an electronic cooling controller (which may take the form of a separate integrated circuit, or IC, chips mounted on a printed-circuit board PCB).
- The portable medicine cooler is a solid-state, thermally regulated cooling system designed originally for insulin or other medicinal storage for maintaining and monitoring the temperature of medicine supplies to increase the likelihood of their continued potency. The portable medicine cooler may assume many different embodiments. In a first embodiment, the portable medicine cooler is small and accepts a single medicine vial. The first embodiment portable medicine cooler is highly portable, generally pocketable, tolerates a reasonable range of temperatures and is suitable for use during a given day. In a second embodiment, the portable medicine cooler is somewhat larger and accepts two medicine vials. The second embodiment portable medicine cooler is stowable in a briefcase or laptop computer bag, tolerates a wider range of temperatures and is suitable for use overnight. In a third embodiment, the portable medicine cooler approximates the size of a small toaster and holds several medicine vials. The third embodiment portable medicine cooler is packable in a small suitcase, tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is suitable for use over several days, such as a weekend. The second embodiment will now be described, with the understanding that the first and third embodiments are constructed using the same principles.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of aportable medicine cooler 100 having electronic cooling control constructed according to the principles of the invention. Theportable medicine cooler 100 has ashell 110 which may be opaque and molded, high-impact plastic or formed of another suitable material. Theshell 110 has adoor 120 that may pivot or slide relative to the remainder of theshell 110 to reveal a cavity for containing the medicine to be cooled. Alatch 130 may be provided to secure thedoor 120 in its closed position. Agrille 140 may reside in an opening formed in a side of theshell 110. Thegrille 140 allows air to pass into a portion of the shell in which a heat sink (not shown inFIG. 1 ) is located. Thegrille 140 may be formed of high-impact plastic, metal or of another suitable material. Thegrille 140 may be a separate piece as shown or integral with theshell 110. Afurther grille 150 may be located in one or both of the ends of theshell 110. Thefurther grille 150 also allows air to pass into the portion of the shell in which the heat sink is located. Thefurther grille 150 may be formed of high-impact plastic, metal or of another suitable material. Thefurther grille 150 may be a separate piece or integral with theshell 110 as shown. - A liquid-crystal display (LCD) 160 is located on one side of the
shell 110. As will be described later, theLCD 160 may be used to communicate information about theportable medicine cooler 100 and/or the medicine contained therein to a user. The user may use one ormore buttons 170 located on one side of theshell 110 to change the operation of theportable medicine cooler 110, the contents of theLCD 160 or any other purpose as the electronic cooling controller may provide.FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 that shows many of the elements shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a left-side elevational view of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 . LikeFIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 shows many of the elements shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 3 also shows aport 310, which may be a Type B Universal Serial Bus (USB) receptacle. Theport 310 may, of course, be of any other conventional or later-discovered type. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
port 310 is employed to receive a cable of a plug-in recharger, allowing the recharger to recharge one or more batteries (not shown) within theshell 110 of theportable medicine cooler 100. In another embodiment, theport 310 is employed to receive a cable that allows data to be transferred to or from the electronic cooling controller (not shown) that is within theshell 110 of theportable medicine cooler 100. The data may be used to load parameters or software into theportable medicine cooler 100 that together control its operation or extract from theportable medicine cooler 100 historical information (e.g., logs) regarding its operation for external analysis or reporting. -
FIGS. 4A , 4B, 5A and 5B present rear-side elevational, front-side elevational, top-side plan and bottom-side plan views of the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 4B shows the illustrated embodiment of thegrille 140 more thoroughly, whileFIG. 5A shows the illustrated embodiment of thelatch 130.FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively show top and bottom ends of a generallycylindrical heat sink 510 viewed through slots in thefurther grille 150. Screws or bolts (shown but unreferenced) may be employed to mount theheat sink 510 and other internal components of theportable medicine cooler 100 within theshell 110. In one embodiment, theheat sink 510, being generally cylindrical, is configured to receive one or more batteries in a hollow core thereof. Batteries often have a slightly higher capacity at higher operating temperatures. Locating batteries in the hollow core of theheat sink 510 serves to extend battery life when the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 is cooling. - The
heat sink 510 is part of an overall cooling and receiving structure, one embodiment of which is shown inFIG. 6 and will now be described.FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cooling and receiver structure for the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 . As stated above, the illustrated embodiment of theportable medicine cooler 100 is configured to receive and store two vials of medicine. “Vials” is a generic term defined to include generally elongated packages including tubes, ampules, cartridges and pens, such as Novodisk insulin pens, Lilly insulin pens or Lantus insulin pens or cartridge systems. Accordingly,FIG. 6 shows the generallycylindrical heat sink 510 as having a plurality of unreferenced fins radiating outwardly. Though not necessary to the illustrated embodiment, the fins increase the overall surface area of theheat sink 510 and thereby its capacity to dissipate heat. - A
TEC 610 is located in thermal communication with theheat sink 510. Those skilled in the pertinent art understand that a TEC acts as a heat pump in response to an electrical current applied via terminals thereof (not shown) and pumps heat from one of its sides to the other based on the magnitude and direction of the current. A general discussion of TECs is outside of the scope of this disclosure. However, a particular TEC suitable for use in the context of the embodiment ofFIG. 6 is commercially available from the Melcor division of Laird Technologies of Trenton, N.J. - A
vial receiver 620 is associated, and may be in thermal communication, with theTEC 610. Thevial receiver 620 is configured to receive one or more medicine vials. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6 , thevial receiver 620 is configured to receive twomedicine vials vial receiver 620 ofFIG. 6 is configured to be in substantial thermal communication with thevials medicine vials vial receiver 620 may be a simple container asFIG. 6 shows or may incorporate an ejection structure that includes a spring-loaded J-slot. As those skilled in the pertinent art understand, a spring-loaded J-slot is actuated by the insertion of an object (e.g., vial) by retracting to and remaining in a retracted position. If the object is subsequently pressed, the spring-loaded J-slot initially retracts somewhat and then extends to and remains in an extended position which urges and ejects the object such that it protrudes. In the context ofFIG. 6 , the vial (630 or 640) whichever the user intended) would protrude for easier removal from theportable medicine cooler 100 ofFIG. 1 . - The thermal operation of the cooling and receiver structure is straightforward. Under control of the
TEC 610, heat is moved between thevial receiver 620 and theheat sink 510. Most often, it is expected that theTEC 610 moves heat from thevial receiver 620 to theheat sink 510. In this way, heat is moved into or out of themedicine vials TEC 610 may move heat from theheat sink 510 to thevial receiver 620 to warm any vials in thevial receiver 620. The invention encompasses either or both directions of heat flow. -
FIG. 7 is a left-side elevational view of one embodiment of a cooling and receiver structure for the portable medicine cooler ofFIG. 1 . Among other things,FIG. 7 shows in greater detail one way in which theTEC 610 may be mechanically coupled to thevial receiver 620. Those skilled in the pertinent art will understand, however, that the cooling and receiving structure may assume many different alternative forms and configurations and that the particular embodiment ofFIGS. 6 and 7 provide but one example. -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of electronic cooling controller and medicineefficacy indication circuitry 800 constructed according to the principles of the invention. At the core of the electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry are a processor andmemory 805. The processor andmemory 805 may be of any type, speed and capacity suitable for a particular embodiment. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8 , the processor is a general-purpose complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) microprocessor. The type, speed and capacity of the processor andmemory 805 are such that their power consumption is low, but their capability is sufficient to perform the tasks that the electronic cooling controller and medicineefficacy indication circuitry 800 is to perform. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 includes anexternal temperature sensor 810. Theexternal temperature sensor 810 is coupled to the processor andmemory 805 and configured to provide a signal indicating the temperature outside the portable medicine cooler. The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicineefficacy indication circuitry 800 also includes aninternal temperature sensor 815. Theinternal temperature sensor 815 is coupled to the processor andmemory 805 and configured to provide a signal indicating the temperature of one or more of the medicine vials. Certain embodiments of the electronic cooling controller and medicineefficacy indication circuitry 800 may include one or more other temperature sensors in addition to or in lieu of theexternal temperature sensor 810 and theinternal temperature sensor 815. The processor andmemory 805 are configured to use one or both of theexternal temperature sensor 810 and theinternal temperature sensor 815 and perhaps other temperature sensors to control theTEC 610 ofFIG. 6 . - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 includes adoor sensor 820. Thedoor sensor 820 is coupled to the processor andmemory 805 and configured to provide a signal indicating whether or not thedoor 120 ofFIG. 1 is open or closed. The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicineefficacy indication circuitry 800 also includes one ormore vial sensors 825. The one ormore vial sensors 825 are coupled to the processor andmemory 805 and configured to provide one or more corresponding signals indicating whether or not vials are contained in thevial receiver 620 ofFIG. 6 . The processor andmemory 805 are configured to use thedoor sensor 820 to indicate to a user when the door is open, and cooling is being lost. The processor andmemory 805 are configured to use thevial sensors 825 to indicate whether vials are contained in the portable medicine cooler without requiring the user to open the door and lose cooling. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 includes aTEC controller 830. TheTEC controller 830 responds to commands by the processor andmemory 805 to direct current to theTEC 610 ofFIG. 6 . The illustrated embodiment of the TEC controller can adjust both the magnitude and direction of the current. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 may include one or more of colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 835. In the illustrated embodiment, four LEDs are used: green, yellow, red and blue. The LED indicators illuminate for a few seconds upon opening thedoor 160 ofFIG. 1 and are used to indicate the general (approximate) efficacy of the medicine contained in the portable medicine cooler. Table 1, below, shows lifetimes of certain commercially available insulin products. -
TABLE 1 Lifetimes of Certain Insulin Products Unopened Unopened Room Opened Refrigerated Temp (59° F.- (36° F.- (36° F.-46° F.) 86° F.) 86° F.) Lilly Humalog Until Exp. Date Max 28 days Max 28 days and regular (Usually 18 vials months) Humalog Mix Until Exp. Date Max 28 days Max 10 days pens (Usually 18 (fast/slow) months) Insulin Pump Until Exp. Date N/A 48 hours Reservoir (Usually 18 months) LANTUS vials Until Exp. Date Max 28 days Max 28 days (Usually 18 months) LANTUS Until Exp. Date Max 28 days pens and (Usually 18 Must be 59° F.- Solostar months) 86° F. - Efficacies are based on lifetimes and storage conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, the processor and
memory 805 activates the green LED when refrigeration has remained in proper temperature specification since the last completed charge cycle. The processor andmemory 805 activates the yellow LED when refrigeration has been at a reduced capacity predetermined such that the medications contained in the medicine vials might be at a reduced efficacy. The processor andmemory 805 activates the red LED when refrigeration has not been maintained such that the medications contained in the medicine vials are likely to be ineffective or harmful. The processor andmemory 805 activates the blue LED to indicate battery life. For example, the blue LED may remain on when the battery is at 80% or more of its capacity; the blue LED may blink slowly (e.g., <1 Hz) when the battery is between 30% and 80% of its capacity; and the blue LED may blink quickly (e.g., >2 Hz) when the battery is between 1% and 30% of its capacity. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 may include anLCD 840, such as theLCD 160 ofFIG. 1 . TheLCD 840 may be used in addition to or in lieu of thecolored LEDs 835 to indicate operating conditions or other indicia to a user. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 may include analarm 845, such as a piezoelectric transducer. Thealarm 845 may be used in addition to or in lieu of thecolored LEDs 835, theLCD 840 or both to indicate operating conditions or other indicia to a user or issue warnings requiring the user's attention. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 may include apower manager 850. In general, thepower manager 850 is tasked with monitoring abattery 855, managing its charge if it is a chargeable battery and managing its discharge if thebattery 855 is subject to memory effects. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery 855 may be one of the following commercially available models: a CR123A primary non-rechargeable Li-Ion cell, 3V, 1300 mAh; a RCR123A rechargeable Li-Ion cell, 3V, 750 mAh; a RCR123A rechargeable Li-Ion cell, 3.6V, 880 mAh; or an 18650 rechargeable Li-Ion cell, 3.7V, 2200 mAh. - The illustrated embodiment of the electronic cooling controller and medicine
efficacy indication circuitry 800 may include aserial interface 860. Theserial interface 860 may be a Type B (“mini”) USB interface. Theserial interface 860 may be used to charge thebattery 855, provide primary power to the portable medicine cooler or for data (e.g., logs or software) transfer to or from the portable medicine cooler. In an alternative embodiment, another type of interface may be used to charge thebatter 855 or provide primary power to the portable medicine cooler. In yet another embodiment, another type of data interface may be employed to transfer data into or out of the portable medicine cooler. Those skilled in the pertinent art will understand that any combination or permutation of power or data interface falls within the broad scope of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operating a portable medicine cooler having electronic cooling control carried out according to the principles of the invention. The method begins in astart step 910. In astep 920, a latch may be slid and a door may be slid to place at least one medicine vial containing medicine to be cooled in a cavity in a shell, the shell having a grille. In astep 930, power is provided to a TEC in a cooling and receiver structure, the cooling and receiver structure coupled to the shell and also including a heat sink and a vial receiver straddling the TEC. In astep 940, the power is controlled with electronic cooling control and medicine efficacy indication circuitry coupled to the cooling and receiving structure and including a processor. In astep 950, providing power to green, yellow and red LEDs based on an estimated medicine efficacy. In astep 960, an indication is made to a user when the door is open or whether a vial is contained in the portable medicine cooler. In astep 970, a serial interface is employed to charge the battery, provide primary power to the portable medicine cooler, transfer data to or from the portable medicine cooler or perform multiple of these functions. The method ends in anend step 980. - Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A portable medicine cooler, comprising:
a self-cooling and receiving structure including a thermoelectric cooler, a vial receiver and a heat sink, wherein said thermoelectric cooler thermally couples said vial receiver to said heat sink;
a battery configured to provide power to said thermoelectric cooler; and
a thermoelectric cooler controller configured to employ said battery to control moving heat between said vial receiver and said heat sink based on an external temperature representing a temperature outside of said portable medicine cooler and an internal temperature representing a temperature of said vial receiver.
2. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 wherein said thermoelectric cooler controller is configured to adjust a magnitude and a direction of current to said thermoelectric cooler to control said moving heat between said vial receiver and said heat sink based on said external temperature and said internal temperature.
3. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 further comprising a processor and memory configured to generate commands to direct operation of said thermoelectric cooler controller.
4. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor and memory is configured to determine efficacy of medicine vials stored in said vial receiver.
5. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor and memory is configured to indicate presence of a medicine vial in said vial receiver.
6. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 further comprising a power manager configured to monitor capacity of said battery.
7. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 further comprising an indicator configured to provide an indication of a condition of said portable medicine cooler.
8. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 7 wherein said condition is selected from the group consisting of:
an open door,
a battery capacity, and
an efficacy of a medicine vial.
9. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 further comprising a vial sensor configured to indicate the presence of a medicine vial in said vial receiver.
10. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 further comprising a door configured to allow access to said vial receiver and a door sensor configured to indicate when said door is open.
11. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor and memory is configured to employ said thermoelectric cooler controller to dynamically regulate a temperature of said vial receiver.
12. A portable medicine cooler, comprising:
a shell having a door configured to provide access to a cavity within said shell for containing a medicine to be cooled;
a self-cooling and receiving structure located within said shell and including a thermoelectric cooler interposing a vial receiver and a heat sink with a hollow core, wherein said thermoelectric cooler connects said heat sink to said vial receiver;
an internal temperature sensor configured to provide an internal temperature within said shell;
an external temperature sensor configured to provide an external temperature of a temperature outside of said shell;
a battery located within said shell and configured to provide power to said thermoelectric cooler; and
a processor configured to dynamically regulate, based on both of said external temperature and said internal temperature, a cooling temperature associated with said vial receiver by directing delivery of said power to said thermoelectric cooler to control movement of heat between said vial receiver and said heat sink.
13. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 further comprising an indicator selected from the group consisting of at least one light-emitting diode and a liquid-crystal display and configured to provide an indication of an operation of said portable medicine cooler.
14. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 wherein said battery is located within said hollow core.
15. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 wherein said processor is configured to determine efficacy of medicine stored in said vial receiver.
16. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 further comprising a visual indicator to indicate conditions of said portable medicine cooler.
17. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 further comprising a door configured to allow access to said vial receiver and a door sensor configured to indicate when said door is open.
18. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 further comprising a vial sensor configured to indicate whether a vial is contained within said vial sensor.
19. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 further comprising an alarm configured to issue a warning indicating a condition of said portable medicine cooler.
20. The portable medicine cooler as recited in claim 12 wherein said portable medicine cooler is sized to fit entirely within a briefcase.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/556,067 US20120285180A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2012-07-23 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US98187607P | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | |
US12/240,978 US8225616B2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2008-09-29 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
US13/556,067 US20120285180A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2012-07-23 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US12/240,978 Continuation US8225616B2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2008-09-29 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
Publications (1)
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US20120285180A1 true US20120285180A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
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US13/556,067 Abandoned US20120285180A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2012-07-23 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
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US12/240,978 Expired - Fee Related US8225616B2 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2008-09-29 | Portable medicine cooler having an electronic cooling controller and medicine efficacy indication circuitry and method of operation thereof |
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US8225616B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 |
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