FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus. In particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus for use in storing and transporting vaccines, perishable food items, packaged beverages or the like, and for the cooling or temperature control of equipment such as batteries, in the absence of a reliable supply of electricity. Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus and to a method.

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of the world's population does not have access to a consistent and reliable supply of mains electricity. The storage of vaccines, food items and beverages at appropriate temperatures is difficult in such areas where this absence of a constant and/or reliable supply of electrical power restricts the widespread use of conventional refrigeration equipment. Further, shipping these items while cooled and with minimal access to electricity poses additional complications.

The applicants have identified improved apparatus to facilitate packaging, transportation and efficiency in some applications. It is against this background that the present invention has been conceived. Other aims and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, claims and drawings.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/383,118 (Inventors: Tansley, et al.; filed on Jul. 9, 2010), titled “Refrigeration Apparatus,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/373,580 (inventors: Tansley, et al.; filed on Jan. 28, 2013), titled “Refrigeration Apparatus,” European Patent Application No. 1416879.3 (inventors: Tansley, et al.; filed Sep. 24, 2014), titled “Cooling Apparatus and Method,” and “Polyethylene Nanofibers with very High Thermal Conductivities” by A. Henry, et al. published in Nature Nanotechnology on Mar. 7, 2010 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if the patent application was specifically reprinted in this specification.

SUMMARY

Embodiments include a mobile refrigeration apparatus. The mobile refrigeration apparatus comprising a thermally conductive spherical shell contained within an insulated container and substantially full of water. Suspended in the center of the thermally conductive spherical shell is a cooling element that generates ice from the water contained within the thermally conductive shell. A thermally insulating cup is housed within the thermally conductive spherical shell and contains the cooling element. The thermally insulating cup is configured to always orient upright despite the orientation of the insulated container and enabled for the water contained within the thermally conductive shell to pass in and out of the thermally insulating cup.

Certain embodiments provide for orienting the thermally insulating cup by using a gimbal. Other embodiments make use of a thermally insulating cup rotatably mounted about a bar which rotatably mounts to the insulated container. Still other embodiments provide for use of a modified thermally insulating cup

