HK1238129B - Temperature-controlled medicinal storage devices - Google Patents

Description

Temperature-controlled drug storage equipment

All subject matter of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, a medicinal storage container includes, but is not limited to: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an air-tight barrier around an interior desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a heating element positioned within the interior desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an air-tight and liquid-tight barrier around an interior evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; and a compressor comprising a first end and a a steam conduit at a second end, the steam conduit being attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit being attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

In one aspect, a medicinal storage container includes, but is not limited to: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; a freezer unit comprising one or more walls, the freezer unit being coupled to the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit; thermally contacting the at least one evaporator coil unit within the evaporation region; a steam conduit comprising a first end and a second end, the steam conduit being attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit being attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding the drug storage region, the drug storage region comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

In one aspect, a medicinal storage container includes, but is not limited to: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; a steam line comprising a first end and a second end, the steam line extending between the first and second ends. The second end is attached to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, the steam pipe is attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam pipe forms an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit, which is attached to the steam pipe, and the steam control unit is operably attached to the controller; a thermal control unit attached to the steam pipe, and the thermal control unit is operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit, which includes one or more outer walls surrounding the drug storage area, and the drug storage area includes at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

In addition to the foregoing, further aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure set forth herein. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a drug storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar components, unless the context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

The use of the same symbols in different drawings generally indicates similar or identical items, unless context dictates otherwise.

The medicinal storage container described herein includes a controlled evaporative cooling system integrated with a compressor-based cooling system. The medicinal storage container includes an evaporative cooling system that is calibrated and controlled to maintain the internal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range over a period of time measured in days or weeks, even when there is no power to operate the compressor-based system. During use of the medicinal storage container, the temperature within the medicinal storage area is maintained within the temperature range over an extended period of time (e.g., weeks or months). The medicinal storage container includes a compressor-based cooling system for a liquid that operates in series with the evaporative cooling system as an auxiliary system in the evaporative cooling system. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is calibrated to maintain the internal medicinal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is calibrated to maintain the internal medicinal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is calibrated to maintain the internal medicinal storage area of the container within a predetermined temperature range between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius. The pharmaceutical storage container can be suitable, for example, for storing pharmaceutical agents, such as vaccines, where the storage temperature must be maintained within a temperature range above 0 degrees Celsius to prevent the stored material from freezing, but must also be below a critical threshold (e.g., 10 degrees Celsius) to maintain the biological activity of the pharmaceutical agent. The pharmaceutical storage container as described herein requires minimal power (e.g., less than the power requirement of a standard refrigeration unit) to operate and control the rate of evaporative cooling. The pharmaceutical storage container can be recharged, repaired, or renewed to allow the storage container to be reused over a period of time.

Various embodiments are configured for use in different environmental conditions, including those with expected temperature variations. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is designed for use in environments where the electrical energy supply is intermittent or uncertain at least some of the time. For example, some medicinal storage containers are designed for use in environments where electricity is only available for an average of 2 hours per day, with some days having more available power and some days having no power available. For example, some medicinal storage containers are designed for use in environments where electricity is only available for an average of 4 hours per day, with some days having more available power and some days having no power available. For example, some medicinal storage containers are designed for use in environments where electricity is only available for an average of 6 hours per week, with some days having more available power and some days having no power available. Some embodiments of the medicinal storage container do not require daily operation of an external power source to maintain the internal temperature of the medicinal storage area within a preset temperature range. Some embodiments of the medicinal storage container do not require weekly operation of an external power source to maintain the internal temperature of the medicinal storage area within a preset temperature range. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is passive and does not require external power. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is manually operated and does not require external power (e.g., powered by a hand crank or similar manual mechanism).

In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage area of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius for at least 7 days in the absence of power when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container is continuously approximately 43 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage area of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius for at least 7 days in the absence of power when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container fluctuates (e.g., during a day/night cycle) within a range of between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 43 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage area of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius for at least 14 days in the absence of power when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container is continuously approximately 43 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage region of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius for at least 14 days in the absence of power, when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container (e.g., during a day/night cycle) fluctuates within a range of between about 30 degrees Celsius and about 43 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage region of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius indefinitely, when power is available for no more than 2 hours per day for several months or years, when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container is continuously at about 43 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to maintain the medicinal storage region of the container within a temperature range of between 0 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius indefinitely, when power is available for no more than 2 hours per day for several months or years, when the ambient temperature external to the medicinal storage container (e.g., during a day/night cycle) fluctuates within a range of between about 30 degrees Celsius and about 43 degrees Celsius.

Typically, a medication storage container has a size, weight, and shape for use in a medical clinic or health station, and is configured to stably store medications (e.g., vaccines and heat-labile medications) at the clinic or health station. Medicinal storage containers (such as those described herein) can be removable. In some embodiments, the medication storage container is portable and can be carried by an individual for an extended period of time, such as throughout a day of travel. In some embodiments, the medication storage container is removable, but is not necessarily configured to be easily carried by a single person. Some embodiments of the medication storage container, for example, have a mass range of between approximately 8 kilograms (kg) and approximately 15 kilograms. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 8 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 9 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 10 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 11 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 12 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 13 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medication storage container is approximately 14 kg. For example, in some embodiments, the mass of the medicinal storage container is about 15 kg. Some embodiments of the medicinal storage container are, for example, within a mass range of about 16 kilograms (kg) and about 25 kilograms. Some embodiments of the medicinal storage container are, for example, within a mass range of about 26 kilograms (kg) and about 50 kilograms.

In some embodiments, a medical storage container, such as the ones described herein, is approximately the size and shape of a standard open-top refrigerator or freezer used in a medical setting. For example, in some embodiments, the medical storage container is approximately 1 square meter. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the medical storage container on each side is approximately 1 meter or less. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 10 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 15 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 20 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 25 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 30 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 35 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 40 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 45 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 50 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 55 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medical storage container is approximately 60 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 65 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 70 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 75 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 80 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 85 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 90 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 95 liters. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage container is approximately 100 liters.

In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes: a desiccant unit including one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an interior desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including an aperture; a heating element positioned within the interior desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit including one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an interior evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including an aperture; a compressor system including at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; and a steam line. comprising a first end and a second end, the steam conduit being attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit being attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit being attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

For illustrative purposes, items shown in the figures herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG1 shows various aspects of a medicinal storage container 100. To illustrate the internal features of the medicinal storage container 100, the schematic diagram of FIG1 is depicted as a side view of a basic cross-section. The medicinal storage container 100 shown includes a medicinal storage unit on the far left side of the view in FIG1. The medicinal storage unit includes an outer wall 151 surrounding a medicinal storage area 150. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage unit includes one or more walls adjacent to the medicinal storage area, the one or more walls being manufactured to be thermally conductive at the expected temperature of the medicinal storage area. In some embodiments, the outer wall is made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or copper. In some embodiments, the outer wall is made of a rigid plastic material. The outer wall 151 may include an access aperture.

The drug storage unit includes at least one temperature sensor operably connected to a controller of the drug storage container. The temperature sensor can, for example, be positioned and configured to detect the temperature of a space within the drug storage unit that is intended for use with one or more pharmaceutical products (e.g., vaccines or biologics). For example, as shown in FIG1 , in some embodiments, the drug storage unit includes at least one temperature sensor 159, which is connected to the controller 170 via a wire connector 157. The temperature sensor can include, for example, an electronic temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can include, for example, a chemical temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can include, for example, a mechanical temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can include, for example, a bimetallic-based temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can include, for example, a thermocouple. The temperature sensor can include, for example, a low-energy temperature sensor, such as a Thermodo device (Robocat, Copenhagen, Denmark). Some embodiments include wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the drug storage unit is positioned and configured to detect the temperature within a space having a drug storage area. Some embodiments include wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the drug storage unit is positioned and configured to detect the temperature of an outer wall of the drug storage area. In some embodiments, at least one temperature sensor is fixed within the drug storage area. In some embodiments, at least one temperature sensor is affixed to an outer wall of the drug storage area, for example, at a location where heat is expected to be conducted through the outer wall. In some embodiments, at least one temperature sensor is affixed to a recess or depression in the outer wall of the drug storage area, the recess or depression being positioned within the interior space of the drug storage area.

In some embodiments, the drug storage unit of a drug storage container includes a lid that reversibly fits into an access hole in the outer wall. In some embodiments, the drug storage unit of a drug storage container includes a hinged lid positioned in the outer wall adjacent to the top area of the drug storage area, the hinged lid being configured to allow a user to access the drug storage area. For example, in the view shown in FIG1 , the drug storage unit includes a reversibly fixed lid 155 attached to the drug storage container 100 using hinge 153. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the hinged lid can be configured to be opened upward by the user. FIG1 depicts the opening and closing directions of the lid 155 using bidirectional arrows. In some embodiments, the drug storage unit of a drug storage container includes an internal shelf or rack configured to accommodate one or more medications during storage. For example, the drug storage unit of a drug storage container may include one or more shelves of a certain size and shape to store auxiliary packaging for one or more injectable vaccines prior to use by a medical professional (e.g., a vaccinator). The shelf or rack can be fixed to the outer wall of the drug storage unit. The shelf or racks can be positioned relative to the access door by a reversibly fixed cover. Some embodiments include additional inventory or tracking components, such as a barcode scanner or RFID tag reader. Some embodiments include a light, such as an LED, positioned to illuminate the interior of the drug storage unit.

In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container may be in the range of about 1 liter (L) to about 5.0 L. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container may be in the range of about 5 L to about 10.0 L. In some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container may be in the range of about 1.5 L to about 4.0 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 1.5 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 2.0 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 2.5 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 3.0 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 3.5 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 4.0 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 5.0 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the medicinal storage unit is about 7.5 L. For example, in some embodiments, the total internal volume of the drug storage unit is approximately 10.0 L.

In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the medicinal storage container 100 includes a cooling unit positioned between the medicinal storage unit and the desiccant unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling unit includes a first sidewall positioned adjacent to the medicinal storage unit and a second sidewall positioned adjacent to the desiccant unit. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the cooling unit is positioned approximately in the center of the medicinal storage container 100. Some embodiments include multiple cooling units. For example, some embodiments include two cooling units positioned adjacent to opposing sidewalls of a single medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container. For example, some embodiments include four cooling units, each positioned adjacent to one of the four sidewalls of the substantially rectangular medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container. For example, some embodiments include two cooling units, each positioned adjacent to a different medicinal storage unit of the medicinal storage container.

In some embodiments, a cooling unit for a medicinal storage container includes: an upper region positioned adjacent to an aperture in an outer wall; a lower region positioned below the upper region; and a evaporative liquid substantially within the lower region. In some embodiments, the cooling unit for a medicinal storage container includes at least one evaporative liquid within an internal evaporative region of the evaporative cooling unit. As used herein, an "evaporative liquid" is a liquid that has evaporative properties at the expected temperature and gas pressure of the internal region of the evaporative unit during use of the medicinal storage container. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporative region of the evaporative unit comprises a local gas pressure of approximately 5% of the atmospheric pressure outside the medicinal storage container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporative region comprises water. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporative region of the evaporative unit comprises a local gas pressure of approximately 10% of the atmospheric pressure outside the medicinal storage container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporative region comprises methanol. For example, in some embodiments, the internal evaporative region of the evaporative unit comprises a local gas pressure of approximately 15% of the atmospheric pressure outside the medicinal storage container, and the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporative region comprises ammonia. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporative liquid may include an additional agent to promote or reduce the evaporation potential of the evaporative liquid. The volume of vaporized liquid used in one embodiment can depend on a variety of factors, including: the type of vaporized liquid, the temperature range of the medication storage area during use of the container, the expected temperature of the evaporator coil unit, the type, location, and amount of insulation used in the container, the type of desiccant used, the expected external power available during use of the container, and the expected ambient temperature during use of the container. In some embodiments, the total volume of vaporized liquid used can be approximately 90% of the total volume of the internal evaporation area of the evaporation unit. In some embodiments, the total volume of vaporized liquid used can be approximately 85% of the total volume of the internal evaporation area of the evaporation unit. In some embodiments, the total volume of vaporized liquid used can be approximately 80% of the total volume of the internal evaporation area of the evaporation unit.

In some embodiments, the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container is positioned adjacent to two or more sides of the medicinal storage area. For example, in some embodiments, the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container is configured to be positioned adjacent to two sides of the medicinal storage area. For example, in some embodiments, the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container is configured to be positioned adjacent to three sides of the medicinal storage area. For example, in some embodiments, the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container is configured to be positioned adjacent to four sides of the medicinal storage area. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage area includes one or more walls configured to have a substantially circular exterior, and the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container includes an outer surface positioned and configured to reversibly mate with the substantially circular exterior.

In some embodiments, the cooling unit of the medicinal storage container includes a liquid retention unit connected to at least one surface adjacent to the internal evaporation region. In some embodiments, the liquid retention unit is connected to the inner surface of the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the liquid retention unit is connected to at least one surface adjacent to the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. The liquid retention unit can be configured to minimize the movement of a small amount of evaporated liquid (e.g., droplets) within the internal evaporation region and into the steam conduit during transportation or movement of the medicinal storage container. For example, the liquid retention unit can include a mesh or screen with holes of appropriate size to substantially inhibit the passage of droplets. The liquid retention unit should allow gas and liquid vapor to flow freely through the liquid retention unit while inhibiting larger amounts of liquid, such as droplets or small droplets.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the medicinal storage container 100 includes a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls 115 that are sealed together to form an air-tight and liquid-tight barrier around the interior evaporation region 110, the one or more outer walls 115 including an aperture 133. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aperture 133 is located within the top side of the cooling unit outer wall 115. The aperture 133 is secured to the first end 180 of the vapor conduit 130 with a liquid-tight and airtight seal.

As shown in FIG1 , the steam conduit 130 of the medicinal storage container 100 has a first end 180 and a second end 185 , with each end of the steam conduit 130 connected to the evaporation unit 110 and the desiccant unit 120 at a position adjacent to the top edge of each of the evaporation unit 110 and the desiccant unit 120, respectively. As used herein, a "conduit" refers to a structure having a hollow interior and at least two holes at a distal end, such as a pipe, tube, or groove. In some embodiments, the interior hollow portion of the conduit has a substantially circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the interior hollow portion of the conduit has a substantially rectangular, oval, or irregularly shaped cross-section. In some embodiments, the exterior of the conduit is box-shaped or rectangular, while the continuous space within it forms a partially hollow interior. As used herein, a "steam conduit" refers to a conduit configured for the movement of gas (including evaporated liquid in the form of vapor) through the conduit. In some embodiments, the steam conduit 130, the evaporation unit 110, and the desiccant unit 120 are made from separate components and then connected together with an airtight seal. In some embodiments, the steam conduit 130, evaporation unit 110, and desiccant unit 120 are substantially fabricated as a single unit, for example, from blow-molded plastic or metal. For example, one or more components may be made of polycarbonate plastic. For example, one or more components may be made of aluminum or stainless steel. Although the steam control unit 140 is visible in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , in some embodiments, the steam control unit 140 is completely internal to the steam conduit 130 and is not visible from outside the medicinal storage container 100.

The steam control unit is located at the junction between the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit. Some embodiments include the steam control unit within the internal dimensions of the steam conduit. In some embodiments, the steam control unit is completely inside the steam conduit. In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes one or more components outside the steam conduit. The steam control unit includes a valve area and a control area. The control area is connected to the controller, for example, using a wire connector. The steam control unit is positioned and configured to reversibly inhibit steam from passing through the steam conduit. The steam control unit can be configured to reversibly prevent steam from passing through the steam conduit in response to a signal received from the controller.

In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes at least one valve configured to control the movement of gas through an internal passage of the steam conduit between an internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and an internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the at least one valve being configured to operate in response to a signal received from the controller. The steam control unit may include a valve that is a mechanical valve, such as a butterfly valve. The steam control unit may be mechanically operated. The steam control unit may include a motor configured to operate the valve. In some embodiments, the valve is a butterfly valve that is directly physically connected to a control region of the steam control unit. The steam control unit operates in response to a signal sent by the controller, such as via a wired connector connected between the steam control unit and the controller. The valve is positioned and dimensioned to include at least two positions: a substantially open position within the valve region and a substantially closed position. When the valve is in the substantially open position, the size of the valve within the valve region of the steam control unit allows gas (including steam) to flow freely between a first end and a second end of the steam conduit to balance the gas pressure between the first end and the second end of the steam conduit. When the valve is in the substantially closed position, the size and shape of the valve substantially block the flow of gas between the first end and the second end of the steam conduit. In some embodiments, the valve of the steam control unit is directly connected to the motor. For example, in some embodiments, the motor is a servo motor. For example, in some embodiments, the motor is a stepper motor. The motor is directly connected to the valve and causes the valve to open and close when it receives a signal from the controller. The motor can be directly connected to the controller via a wire connector. In some embodiments, the valve includes one or more intermediate positions that partially block the flow of gas through the valve between the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit, but do not completely block the flow of gas. For example, the valve can have a "half flow" position or a position that reduces the flow of gas through the valve and thereby reduces the flow of gas between the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit relative to the fully open position by approximately half. For example, the valve can have a "quarter flow" position or a position that reduces the flow of gas through the valve and thereby reduces the flow of gas to approximately one-quarter of the flow of gas between the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit relative to the fully open position.

In some embodiments, the drug storage container includes an optional transmitter unit. For example, the control area of the steam control unit may include a transmitter unit, which includes an antenna and a circuit configured to send a signal from the antenna. The circuit configured to send a signal from the antenna can be responsive to the controller, for example, the circuit configured to send a signal from the antenna can send a signal based on data received from the controller (for example, based on one or more data points of data from a sensor, information about the activity of the motor, or the result of a calculation performed by the controller). In some embodiments, the controller may include a transmitter unit. The transmitter unit may be, for example, a Bluetooth™ unit. The transmitter unit may be, for example, an IR transmitter.

In some embodiments, a steam control unit includes a valve region comprising a valve and a movable unit. The movable unit is physically attached to the valve and configured to apply a physical force against the valve in response to a stimulus. For example, in some embodiments, the movable unit is a crank mechanism attached to the valve. For example, in some embodiments, the movable unit comprises a valve cap and a valve stem connected to the interior of the valve, the interior of the valve comprising a disc and a physical seat for the disc. For example, in some embodiments, the valve comprises a physically deformable region of a pipe, and the movable unit comprises at least two physical elements positioned to press against opposing outer surfaces of the physically deformable region of the pipe in response to a signal from a controller. For example, in some embodiments, the valve region comprises a valve comprising a physically deformable region of the pipe and a movable unit comprising a reversible clamp on the exterior of the valve, wherein the movable unit is operably attached to the controller. In some embodiments, the movable unit comprises a motor. In some embodiments, the movable unit is entirely within the steam control unit. In some embodiments, the movable unit comprises one or more elements external to the steam control unit. In some embodiments, the movable unit comprises one or more passively operated elements, such as a bimetallic element that changes configuration in response to temperature.

In some embodiments, the drug storage container includes one or more insulating sections surrounding the cooling unit and the drug storage unit. For example, FIG1 depicts a drug storage container 100 having an insulator 113 surrounding the cooling unit and the drug storage unit. The insulator may include, for example, foam insulation. The insulator may include, for example, one or more vacuum insulation panels (VIP panels). The insulator may include, for example, one or more panels comprising an inner layer of multi-layer insulation (MLI) surrounded by a vacuum space. The insulator may include, for example, a fiberglass-based insulating material. The insulator may include, for example, a ceramic insulating material. The type and amount of the insulator may be selected based on factors including the expected temperature range of the drug storage area, the expected ambient temperature range of the container, and the amount of external power used by the container.

The medicinal storage container includes at least one evaporator coil unit. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit is positioned adjacent to an outer wall of the container. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit is located within the container in an area of the vacuum space adjacent to an internal evaporation region within the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit is located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the evaporator coil unit is positioned substantially centrally within the internal evaporation region 110 of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit is positioned adjacent to an outer wall of the cooling unit adjacent to the desiccant unit. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit is substantially located at the center of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent to an outer wall of the cooling unit adjacent to the medicinal storage unit.

In some embodiments, the cooling unit includes one or more thermally conductive elements secured to the at least one evaporator coil unit. For example, the one or more thermally conductive elements may be positioned within the interior evaporation region. For example, the cooling unit may include one or more thermal fins and/or thermal flanges secured to the evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporation region, the one or more thermal fins and/or thermal flanges being positioned and configured to transfer thermal energy between the interior of the cooling unit and the evaporator coil unit. For example, the cooling unit may include one or more thermal fins and/or thermal flanges secured to the evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporation region, the one or more thermal fins and/or thermal flanges being positioned and configured to transfer thermal energy between the liquid held within the interior of the cooling unit and the evaporator coil unit. The thermally conductive elements may be made of a thermally conductive metal, such as aluminum or copper.

FIG1 also depicts an embodiment of the illustrated medicinal storage container 100 including a compressor system 160 comprising at least one evaporator coil unit 190 positioned within the interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit, the compressor system 160 being operably connected to a controller 170. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the evaporator coil unit 190 is substantially located in the center of the interior evaporative region 110. In some embodiments, the evaporator coil unit is substantially located outside the interior evaporative region. Although the interior evaporative region 110 is sealed to be airtight and liquidtight, the evaporator coil unit 190 within the interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit is connected to the remainder of the compressor system 160 using a wire that traverses the lower wall 115 of the cooling unit. The compressor system is operably connected to the controller. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the compressor system 160 is operably connected to the controller 170 using a wire connector 165. 1 shows compressor system 160 operably connected to controller 170 using a wire connector 165 that traverses the lower wall 115 of interior evaporative region 110, some embodiments include one or more wires that traverse the side walls or top wall. The traversing wires may include seals adjacent to the wall to form an air-tight and liquid-tight seal around the interior evaporative region.

In some embodiments, the compressor system comprises a single-stage vapor compression system. In some embodiments, the compressor system comprises an evaporator coil unit positioned within an internal evaporation region, the evaporator coil unit being connected to a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve in a closed-loop system, wherein the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve are positioned in an adjacent area outside the internal evaporation region of the medicinal storage container. In some embodiments, the portion of the compressor system located in the adjacent area outside the internal evaporation region of the medicinal storage container is within the base of the medicinal storage container. In some embodiments, the compressor system comprises: at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the internal evaporation region of a cooling unit; a compressor unit; a condenser unit; and a metering device, wherein the compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the metering device are positioned outside the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. The metering device may comprise, for example, an expansion valve. The metering device may comprise, for example, a capillary metering device.

FIG1 illustrates an embodiment in which an evaporator coil unit 190 is positioned within the interior evaporation region 110 of a cooling unit, with a refrigerant tube traversing the lower wall of the interior evaporation region 110 of the cooling unit to connect the evaporator coil unit 190 to the remainder of a compressor system 160 positioned adjacent to the cooling unit. The location where the refrigerant tube traverses the wall of the interior evaporation region of the cooling unit is sealed with an airtight and liquidtight seal to retain the evaporating liquid within the interior evaporation region of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the compressor system includes a switch configured to turn the compressor system on and off in response to a signal received from a controller.

In some embodiments, the cooling unit includes one or more temperature sensors within the internal evaporative region, operably attached to the controller. The one or more temperature sensors can be attached to the controller, for example, using a wired connector. FIG1 shows a temperature sensor 119 located within the internal evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit, which is attached to the controller 170 using a wired connector. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, an electronic temperature sensor. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, a chemical temperature sensor. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, a mechanical temperature sensor. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, a bimetallic-based temperature sensor. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, a thermocouple. The one or more temperature sensors can include, for example, a low-energy temperature sensor, such as a Thermodo device (Robocat, Copenhagen, Denmark). The one or more temperature sensors within the internal evaporative region can be positioned and configured to detect the temperature of the evaporating liquid at a location within the internal evaporative region. The one or more temperature sensors within the internal evaporative region can be positioned and configured to detect the temperature of the space at a location within the internal evaporative region (e.g., above the level of the evaporating liquid). The one or more temperature sensors within the internal evaporative region can be configured to periodically (e.g., every second, every 5 seconds, or every 10 seconds) transmit a signal regarding the detected temperature. One or more temperature sensors within the interior evaporative region may be configured to transmit a signal regarding a detected temperature in response to receiving a query signal from the controller.

The medicinal storage container includes a controller positioned and configured to regulate the functions of other components of the medicinal storage container. The controller may include an electronic controller. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller is a "bang-bang" controller. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller is a bounded system controller. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller is a threshold system controller. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller is a feedback system controller. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic controller is a PID controller. The controller may include memory, such as electronic memory. In some embodiments, the controller may include a lookup table, such as a lookup table including ranges of acceptable parameters (e.g., temperature and pressure) for cells within the container. In some embodiments, the controller may include calculated parameters, such as expected heat leakage from the medicinal storage area relative to the external temperature of the container for a particular embodiment. The controller is operably attached to the compressor system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the medicinal storage container 100 includes a controller 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 170 is connected to the compressor system 160 using a wired connector 165. In some embodiments, the controller is connected to the compressor system using a wireless connector. The controller is connected to an energy source. In some embodiments, the controller is connected to a power source. For example, in some embodiments, the controller is connected to a mains power source, a generator, a solar panel, or other power source. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the controller 170 is attached to a wire connector 175, which can be connected to a mains power source, such as through a wall socket.

The controller may include circuitry configured to perform specific operations and processes. For example, the controller may include circuitry configured to receive data from an attached sensor and determine whether the data is within a preset range, wherein the controller sends a signal to a motor to cause the valve of the vapor control unit to open or close depending on whether the data is above or below the preset range. For example, in some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry that receives data from a temperature sensor, compares the data to a preset temperature range, and if the data from the temperature sensor indicates a detected temperature above the preset range, the controller sends a signal to the motor to initiate valve opening. For example, in some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry that receives data from a temperature sensor, compares the data to a preset temperature range, and if the data from the temperature sensor indicates a detected temperature within the preset range, the controller does not send a signal to the motor. For example, in some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry that receives data from a temperature sensor, compares the data to a preset temperature range, and if the data from the temperature sensor indicates a detected temperature below the preset range, the controller sends a signal to the motor to initiate valve closing. In some embodiments, the preset temperature range for data from a temperature sensor within the medication storage area is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the preset temperature range is between 3 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the preset temperature range is between -2 degrees Celsius and +2 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the preset temperature range is between -3 degrees Celsius and -7 degrees Celsius.

In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry that calculates the error value between data received from a sensor and a predetermined target value. This calculation can include data received over time, i.e., multiple data points from a single sensor. This calculation can include data received from multiple sensors. In response to the calculated error value, the controller can calculate a predicted future error value. The circuitry then calculates a combined error value. If the calculated combination of past, present, and future error values exceeds a preset set point, the circuitry then initiates a signal to the motor to change the opening of the valve. For example, some embodiments of the steam control unit have a preset set point of 5 degrees Celsius. In such an embodiment, if the calculated combination of past, present, and future error values (e.g., 8 degrees Celsius) is above the preset set point, the controller will send a signal to the motor that is used to activate the motor to open the attached valve. Similarly, in such an embodiment, if the calculated combination of past, present, and future error values (e.g., 2 degrees Celsius) is below the preset set point, the controller will send a signal to the motor that is used to activate the motor to close the attached valve.

In some embodiments, a controller is operably connected to one or more temperature sensors, a steam control unit, and a heating element within the internal desiccant region. The controller is configured to receive signals from components (e.g., temperature sensors) and send signals to the components. For example, in response to a signal indicating an elevated temperature within the medication storage region, the controller can send a signal to the steam control unit, the type of signal that will cause the steam control unit to open a valve in a conduit to increase evaporative cooling within the evaporative cooling region and, accordingly, reduce the temperature within the medication storage region. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , controller 170 is operably connected to temperature sensor 159 positioned within medication storage region 150 using wire connector 157. Controller 170 is also operably connected to steam control unit 140 using wire connector 145. Similarly, controller 170 is operably connected to heating element 127 within desiccant region 120 using wire connectors. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry configured to control the operation of the heating element in response to signals received from at least one temperature sensor within the medication storage region. In some embodiments, the controller is operably attached to the heating element and at least one temperature sensor using wire connectors.

In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a thermal insulator surrounding the medicinal storage unit and the cooling unit. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the medicinal storage container 100 includes a thermal insulator 113 surrounding the outward-facing outer wall 151 of the medicinal storage unit and the outward-facing outer wall 115 of the cooling unit. This thermal insulator can also be positioned against the outward-facing outer wall of the cooling unit near the desiccant unit. Some embodiments also include a thermal insulator between the medicinal storage unit, the cooling unit, and the desiccant unit of the medicinal storage container between the outer surfaces of the facing outer walls. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a thermal insulator 117 is located between the opposing surfaces of the outer wall 151 of the medicinal storage unit and the outer wall 115 of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the thermal insulator includes a plastic-based foam material. In some embodiments, the thermal insulator includes one or more vacuum insulation panels (VIP panels). In some embodiments, the exterior of the desiccant unit does not include additional insulation to allow heat to diffuse from this area of the container, for example, during absorption.

In some embodiments, one or more heat transfer units are positioned within a thermal insulator positioned between opposing surfaces of an outer wall of the drug storage unit adjacent to an outer wall of the cooling unit. For example, the heat transfer unit can include one or more thermosiphons, one or more heat pipes, or one or more vapor chambers positioned and configured to facilitate heat transfer from the interior of the drug storage container to the interior of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, for example, a heat pipe can be positioned within a thermal insulator positioned between opposing surfaces of an outer wall of the drug storage unit adjacent to an outer wall of the cooling unit and configured to transfer heat from the interior of the drug storage container to the interior of the cooling unit. The heat transfer unit can, for example, be positioned and configured to transfer thermal energy or heat from the interior of the drug storage container to the interior of the cooling unit.

In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a base unit positioned below the medicinal storage container, the base unit including one or more walls that substantially surround at least one area of the compressor system and the controller. For example, FIG1 illustrates a medicinal storage container 100 including a base unit 105. The base can be, for example, a frame or a closed box-like structure made of metal or plastic. The base can, for example, be of sufficient height to position the top of the medicinal storage container for access by a user, such as a medical professional.

The medicinal storage container includes a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier surrounding an internal desiccant region. In some embodiments, the outer walls comprise a conductive material, such as a thermally conductive metal. The outer walls include a hole that is sealed to the end of a steam conduit with a vapor-tight and liquid-tight seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the medicinal storage container 100 includes a desiccant unit 120. The desiccant unit includes a steam-tight chamber that includes an internal desiccant region that is in vapor contact with the internal region of the steam conduit. The desiccant unit 120 shown in FIG1 is attached to the second end 185 of the steam conduit 130. The desiccant unit includes a heating element positioned within the internal desiccant region. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the desiccant unit 120 includes a substantially planar heating element 127 along a wall distal to the internal evaporation region 110 of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the heating element is an electric heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element is in a coiled configuration. Some embodiments include one or more heat transfer elements, such as one or more heat conductive fins or flanges, secured to the heating element, which are positioned to distribute heat from the heating element within the desiccant unit. In some embodiments, the heating element is positioned and configured to evenly distribute the heat to the desiccant material within the desiccant unit. In some embodiments, the heating element is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the desiccant unit. In some embodiments, the heating element is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the wall of the desiccant unit. In some embodiments, the heating element is located outside the wall of the desiccant unit, and the heating element is positioned and configured to heat the desiccant material within the desiccant unit by conduction and/or convection.

In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises one or more units of desiccant material within the internal desiccant region. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the internal desiccant region that is less than atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the internal desiccant region that is less than 1 Torr. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the internal desiccant region that is less than 0.1 Torr. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises an open-cell metal foam within the internal desiccant region, the open-cell metal foam being positioned to distribute gas within the internal desiccant region. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit comprises one or more tubes positioned within the internal desiccant region, the one or more tubes being positioned to distribute gas within the internal desiccant region.

Some embodiments include an insulator positioned adjacent to one or more exterior surfaces of the desiccant unit. In one embodiment, the insulator may include, for example, a smaller insulating capacity than the insulation surrounding the storage area. Some embodiments include an insulating unit positioned adjacent to one or more exterior surfaces of the desiccant unit. Some embodiments include a removable insulating unit positioned adjacent to one or more exterior surfaces of the desiccant unit. For example, the removable insulating unit may include a mechanical system to change the configuration of the insulator positioned adjacent to one or more exterior surfaces of the desiccant unit. For example, the removable insulating unit may include a sliding panel that is configured to move over time to cover relatively more or relatively less of the exterior surface of the desiccant unit. Some embodiments include a removable insulating unit that is configured to be wrapped around the exterior of the desiccant unit by a user and then removed.

In some embodiments, the desiccant unit includes a one-way valve unit configured to allow gas having a pressure exceeding a preset limit to be vented outwardly from the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit. For example, the desiccant unit may include a blow-out valve configured to open if the gas pressure within the desiccant unit exceeds a predetermined maximum level. The one-way valve unit may, for example, be a safety feature of the container.

The medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit having a first end and a second end, wherein the steam conduit is attached to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the desiccant unit at the first end and to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the evaporative cooling unit at the second end, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit. The medicinal storage container also includes a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to a controller. For example, FIG1 shows a steam conduit 130 having a nonlinear tubular structure. The steam conduit 130 includes a first end 180 that is sealed to the aperture 133 in the internal evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit. The steam conduit 130 includes a second end 185 that is sealed to the aperture 135 in the well of the desiccant unit 120. The steam conduit 130 shown in FIG1 is configured to include a substantially vertical second end 185 that is fixed to a region of the first end 180 that is positioned approximately 45 degrees from the vertical second end 185. The steam pipe 130 includes a steam control unit 140 secured to the steam pipe 130 near the junction of a substantially vertical second end 185 and a first end 180 positioned approximately 45 degrees from the vertical second end 185. The steam control unit 140 is connected to the controller 170 using a wire connector 145.

In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit comprising a substantially tubular structure having a length and diameter sufficient to inhibit heat transfer between at least one outer wall of the desiccant unit and at least one outer wall of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit configured to minimize heat transfer between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit. For example, the steam conduit can be elongated and/or angled to minimize heat transfer between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit comprising one or more heat-conducting elements secured to an outer surface of the steam conduit. For example, the steam conduit can include one or more heat-conducting fins made of a thermally conductive material secured to an outer surface of the steam conduit. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit comprising: an air-impermeable wall of the steam conduit; an air-impermeable seal between a first end of the steam conduit and the desiccant unit; and an air-impermeable seal between a second end of the steam conduit and the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a steam conduit comprising an externally breakable seal extending through an interior passage of the steam conduit, the seal configured to prevent gas from flowing through the interior passage of the steam conduit. For example, the steam conduit can include an airtight membrane fabricated as a brittle seal that blocks the inner diameter of the steam conduit, the seal being breakable by an external force, such as a sharp tap on the exterior of the steam conduit adjacent the inner seal. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes: a first temperature sensor positioned within the steam conduit near a first end, the first temperature sensor being operably attached to a controller; and a second temperature sensor positioned within the steam conduit near the second end, the second temperature sensor being operably attached to the controller.

The steam conduit includes a steam control unit secured to the steam conduit and a controller. In some embodiments, the steam control unit is entirely within the steam conduit and is not visible from the outside. In some embodiments, the steam control unit is integral to the steam conduit. The steam control unit controllably increases and decreases the internal dimensions of a conduit within the steam control unit, thereby varying the flow of steam through the steam control unit and, therefore, between a first end of the steam conduit and a second end of the steam conduit. See: "Calculating Pipe Sizes & Pressure Drops in Vacuum Systems," Section 9 - Technical Reference, Rietschle Thomas Company, incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes at least one valve configured to control the flow of gas through an internal passageway of the steam conduit between an internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and an internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the at least one valve being configured to operate in response to a signal received from the controller. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes an accelerometer connected to the controller, the accelerometer being configured to send a signal to close the valve within the steam control unit when the container is flipped or tilted on its side.

In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes a sensor positioned to sense one or more conditions within the interior of the steam pipe. In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the steam control unit includes a vacuum sensor. Depending on the embodiment, the sensor may include, for example, an electronic temperature sensor, a chemical temperature sensor, or a mechanical temperature sensor. The sensor may include, for example, a low-energy temperature sensor, such as a Thermodo device (Robocat, Copenhagen, Denmark). Depending on the embodiment, the sensor may include, for example, an electronic gas pressure sensor or a mechanical gas pressure sensor. The sensor for measuring gas pressure may include a Bourdon tube. The sensor for measuring gas pressure may include a diaphragm-based gas pressure sensor. The sensor for measuring temperature may include, for example, a thermocouple. The sensor may include a combination sensor of gas pressure, gas composition, and temperature. For example, the sensor may include a NODE device (Variable Technologies, Chattanooga, TN). In some embodiments, the sensor may include a power source, such as a battery. In some embodiments, the sensor is connected to the controller and receives power from the controller, for example, via a wire connector.

Some embodiments include a sensor that is a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may include, for example, a mechanical temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may include, for example, an electronic temperature sensor. For example, some embodiments include a sensor that is a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor including one or more of a thermocouple, a bimetallic temperature sensor, an infrared thermometer, a resistance thermometer, or a silicon bandgap temperature sensor.

Some embodiments include sensors that are gas pressure sensors. The gas pressure sensor may include, for example, a mechanical gas pressure sensor, such as a Bourdon tube. The gas pressure sensor may include an expansion valve having a capillary tube. The gas pressure sensor may include, for example, an electronic gas pressure sensor. For example, some embodiments include sensors that are vacuum sensors. For example, before using the container, the interior of the steam pipe may be substantially evacuated, or at a low gas pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, and then the vacuum is reduced during evaporation of the evaporating liquid. Thus, data from the vacuum sensor may indicate the evaporation rate or the total evaporation level of the evaporating liquid within the container. In some embodiments, the gas pressure sensor may include a piezoresistive strain gauge, a capacitive gas pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic gas pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor includes a capacitive pressure sensor.

The steam conduit comprising a steam control unit is configured to control the flow of steam between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the evaporative cooling unit. As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the steam conduit is configured as a tubular structure that crosses between adjacent units. The steam conduit is constructed to allow sufficient gas (including evaporated steam) to move to the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit when the maximum evaporative cooling of the container is required. Therefore, the size, shape and arrangement of the steam conduit will depend on factors including the size of the container, the temperature range required for the container, the reversible control level of steam movement in the steam conduit, and the physical properties of the desiccant material and the liquid used in the specific embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the target temperature range of the storage area is between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius, and the drug storage container includes approximately 1 liter of liquid water and a corresponding volume of desiccant material including calcium chloride to absorb more than 1 liter of water. See "The Calcium Chloride Handbook, A Guide to Properties, Forms, Storage and Handling," DOW Chemical Company, dated August 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, for some embodiments of a medicinal storage container having water as the evaporating liquid and calcium chloride as the desiccant material, wherein the portable cooling unit starts with a substantially vacuum interior (i.e., a pressure of less than or equal to 300 mTorr), it is estimated that when the valve is in the fully open position, approximately 1 gram of water will evaporate per hour. Therefore, when the external ambient temperature is approximately 25 degrees Celsius, 1 liter of water and 1.5 kg of calcium chloride can keep the evaporative cooling unit between approximately 6 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius for approximately one month. For example, for some embodiments of a medicinal storage container having water as the evaporating liquid and calcium chloride as the desiccant material, wherein the portable cooling unit starts with a substantially vacuum interior (i.e., a pressure of less than or equal to 300 mTorr), it is estimated that when the valve is in the fully open position, approximately 2-5 grams of water will evaporate per hour. The evaporation rate will depend on the configuration and use of the embodiment. Some embodiments include a sensor within the vapor control unit, which is operably connected to the controller via a wired connector. The sensor can include, for example, a temperature or pressure sensor. Some embodiments include multiple temperature sensors.

During use of the container, a temperature sensor positioned within the medication storage area can transmit data to a controller via a wire. The controller is configured to operatively control the vapor control unit in response to the received data. In embodiments including an electronic controller, the electronic controller receives data from one or more temperature sensors affixed to the medication storage area and determines whether the detected value is within or outside a predetermined range. Based on this determination, the electronic controller can activate the valve to open or close to return the temperature or pressure to the predetermined range. For example, in some embodiments, if the electronic temperature sensor transmits a signal containing temperature data of 9 degrees Celsius, the controller will determine that the received temperature data is outside the predetermined range of 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. In response to this determination, the controller will send a signal to a motor connected to a valve within the vapor control unit that activates the motor to open the valve. As another example, in some embodiments, if the electronic temperature sensor transmits a signal containing temperature data of 1 degree Celsius, the controller will determine that the received temperature data is outside the predetermined range of 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. In response to this determination, the controller will send a signal to a motor connected to a valve within the vapor control unit that activates the motor to close the valve.

However, depending on the embodiment, different types of connections between the controller, the temperature sensor, and the valve within the steam control unit are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the steam control unit includes a thermocouple configured to exert physical pressure on a mechanical controller that transmits the physical pressure to a control element of the valve to cause the valve to open or close. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor includes an electronic temperature sensor that transmits data about the temperature detected over time to the electronic controller via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., by IR transmission or short wavelength radio transmission (e.g., Bluetooth)).

FIG2 illustrates an embodiment of a medicinal storage container, showing various aspects of the container in use. The embodiment shown in FIG2 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG1 . In the view shown in FIG2 , the evaporation region 110 includes an evaporating liquid 200 located in a lower portion of the evaporation region 110. The evaporating liquid 200 has a top surface 203 within the evaporation region 110 of the medicinal storage container 100. A space 240 exists above the top surface 203 of the evaporating liquid 200. The space 240 is positioned to allow gas and vapor to flow freely from the space 240 above the evaporating liquid 200 through the first end 180 of the conduit 130.

FIG2 also depicts a desiccant material 250 located within the desiccant unit 120. The unit of desiccant material 250 is made of at least one material having desiccant properties or the ability to remove liquid from liquid vapor in the surrounding space. The unit of desiccant material can, for example, operate by absorbing or adsorbing water from water vapor in the surrounding space. The one or more desiccant material units selected will depend on the specific embodiment, in particular the volume of the desiccant material required to absorb the sufficient amount of liquid within the estimated time period required to operate the specific evaporative cooling unit integrated with the specific container. In some embodiments, the selected desiccant material unit will be a solid material under normal operating conditions. One or more desiccant material units may include non-desiccant materials, such as adhesive materials, bracket materials, or support materials. One or more desiccant material units may include two or more types of desiccant materials. The medicinal storage container described herein is intended to be used with evaporative cooling for several days or weeks, and in any given embodiment includes enough desiccant material and corresponding evaporative liquid for those time periods. For more information on liquid-desiccant material pairs, see: Saha et al., “A New Generation Cooling Device Employing CaCl2-in-silica Gel-water System,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 52:516-524 (2009), which is incorporated herein by reference. The selection of one or more desiccant materials used in a particular embodiment will also depend on the target cooling temperature range in the particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the desiccant material may include calcium carbonate. For example, in some embodiments, the desiccant material may include lithium chloride. For example, in some embodiments, the desiccant material may include liquid ammonia. For example, in some embodiments, the desiccant material may include zeolite. For example, in some embodiments, the desiccant material may include silicon dioxide. More information about desiccant materials can be found in the following: Dawoud and Aristov, “Experimental Study on the Kinetics of Water Vapor Sorption on Selective Water Sorbents, Silica Gel and Alumina Under Typical Operating Conditions of Sorption Heat Pumps,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 46:273-281 (2004); Conde-Petit, “Aqueous Solutions of Lithium and Calcium Chlorides:—Property Formulations for Use in Air Conditioning Equipment Design,” M. Conde Engineering, (2009); “Zeolite/Water Refrigerators,” BINE Informationsdienst, projektinfo 16/10; “Calcium Chloride Handbook: A Guide to Properties, Forms, Storage and Handling,” Dow Chemical Company, (August, 2003); “Calcium Chloride, A Guide to Physical Properties,” Occidental Chemical Corporation, Form No. 173-01791-0809 P&M; and Restuccia et al., "Selective WaterSorbent for Solid Sorption Chiller: Experimental Results and Modelling," International Journal of Refrigeration 27: 284-293 (2004), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the desiccant material is considered non-toxic under conventional handling precautions. The choice of desiccant material also depends on any exothermic properties of the material in order to maintain the desired thermal properties of the entire pharmaceutical storage container in a particular embodiment.

During use, the medicinal storage container has different operating modes, depending on conditions including the availability of external power. When a reliable power source (e.g., stable utility power or an operational solar power source) is available, the controller can fully operate the evaporator coil to maintain a stable temperature range within the medicinal storage area of the container. For example, information sent to the controller from at least one temperature sensor within the medicinal storage area can be the basis for the controller to send a signal to turn the compressor system on or off as needed to maintain the appropriate temperature of the evaporating liquid. The evaporating liquid can act as a thermal ballast to maintain the temperature within the medicinal storage area within a preset range with a minimum temperature flux. In some embodiments, the evaporator coil unit is configured to freeze the evaporating liquid to maintain the appropriate temperature within the medicinal storage area. In some embodiments, the evaporator coil unit is configured to cool the evaporating liquid to maintain the appropriate temperature within the medicinal storage area. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a battery configured to store some power reserve, for example, sufficient to operate the controller in the event that there is insufficient power to operate the compressor system.

At some point, it is expected that the power source for the medication storage container will no longer be available. For example, due to an emergency or capacity shortage, the municipal power system may be inoperable, or solar power may be unavailable at night. The thermal mass of the evaporating liquid will maintain the temperature within the medication storage area for a period of time, depending on factors including the mass of the evaporating liquid, its thermal properties, the insulation parameters of the medication storage container, the temperature range of the storage area, and the ambient temperature of the container. When power to operate the compressor system is unavailable, the controller will continue operation based on reserve power, such as provided by a battery. When the temperature sensor sends a signal to the controller indicating that the medication storage area needs to be cooled to maintain the medication storage area within the appropriate temperature range, the controller can then open a valve within the vapor control unit to increase evaporation of the evaporating liquid and the passage of vapor from the evaporating liquid to the desiccant. This will result in cooling of the evaporating liquid, which will then continue to serve as thermal ballast for the medication storage area within the appropriate temperature range.

Over time, when steam moves through the steam line, a portion of the mass of the evaporated liquid initially present in the cooling unit will be transferred to the inside of the desiccant unit. Therefore, the container will periodically need to be recharged with evaporated liquid from the desiccant unit through the steam line to maintain the functionality of the container. Since the inside of the cooling unit, the steam line, and the desiccant unit are continuous areas that are gas-tight and liquid-tight, the evaporated liquid can return to the cooling unit as steam to recharge the system. In some embodiments, the controller includes a circuit for operating the recharge cycle of the container. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to accept input from the user to start the recharge cycle, for example, by a button or similar user input device that is operably connected to the controller.

The controller activates the system's recharge cycle based on factors predetermined for a particular embodiment, including the availability of external power, ambient temperature, the temperature of the evaporative liquid currently present in the cooling unit, the temperature within the medication storage area, and, in some embodiments, user input. During the recharge period, the controller activates heating of a heating element located within the desiccant unit's internal desiccant area. The heater is activated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The timing and temperature settings of the heating element depend on the embodiment, such as the type of desiccant and evaporative liquid present in the container, and the size and shape of the desiccant unit and its internal desiccant area. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element is maintained at 300 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes during the recharge cycle. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element is maintained at 250 degrees Celsius for at least 60 minutes during the recharge cycle. During the time the heating element is hot, the evaporative liquid associated with the desiccant in the desiccant unit is converted into vapor. The vapor travels through a vapor conduit and condenses within the relatively cool internal evaporative area of the cooling unit. After the heating element is turned off, the desiccant unit can be cooled, for example, by radiative cooling, and the recharge cycle is complete. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to only initiate a refill cycle when the compressor system is operating to ensure that the evaporated liquid will condense within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to initiate a refill cycle only when the ambient temperature to the container is below a predetermined threshold level to ensure sufficient radiant heating for the cooling process. In some embodiments, the desiccant unit includes a one-way vent valve that is configured to open if the gas pressure within the desiccant unit exceeds a threshold level.

In the case of not replacing desiccant or evaporative liquid, it is expected that the refill system can operate multiple times during the entire service life of the container. For example, assuming that the medicinal storage container will have a monthly refill and is used in operation for 10 years, the container will include in the construction of the container an expected refill to reuse at least 120 times (12 times per year for 10 years) of desiccant and evaporative liquid. For example, assuming that the medicinal storage container will have a biweekly refill and is used in operation for 5 years, the container will include in the construction of the container an expected refill to reuse at least 130 times (26 times per year for 5 years) of desiccant and evaporative liquid. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container is configured to be refilled at least 200 times during the multi-year use of the container without replacing desiccant or evaporative liquid.

The medicinal storage container is configured to operate efficiently in conditions of low and/or intermittent power availability. The medicinal storage container is configured to operate efficiently using a compressor-based cooling system when power is available. When power is unavailable, the evaporative liquid can be used as a thermal ballast to maintain cooling of the medicinal storage area. When the evaporative liquid heats above a predetermined temperature, it can be recooled through evaporative cooling in the absence of external power. Furthermore, when external power is available and conditions warrant, the container can recharge the evaporative cooling system as needed.

FIG3 illustrates aspects of a medicinal storage container 100. The embodiment shown in FIG3 includes a medicinal storage unit comprising an outer wall 151 surrounding a medicinal storage region 150, the medicinal storage region 150 including a temperature sensor 159 operably connected to a controller 170 using a wired connector 157. The medicinal storage container 100 shown in FIG3 also includes a cooling unit comprising outer walls 115 sealed together to form an air- and liquid-tight barrier around an interior evaporation region 110, the outer walls including apertures 133. The medicinal storage container 100 includes a desiccant unit comprising outer walls 320 sealed together to form an air- and liquid-tight barrier around an interior desiccant region 120, the outer walls including apertures 135. Medicinal storage container 100 includes a steam conduit 130 having a first end 180 and a second end 185. Steam conduit 130 is attached at second end 185 to the outer surface of outer wall 320 surrounding aperture 135 of the desiccant unit. Steam conduit 130 is attached at first end 180 to the outer surface of outer wall 115 surrounding aperture 133 of the evaporative cooling unit. Steam conduit 130 forms an internal, airtight passage between the interior desiccant region 120 of the desiccant unit and the interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit. Medicinal storage container 100 also includes a heating element 127 positioned within the interior desiccant region 120 and a controller 170 operably attached to heating element 127. The illustrated embodiment includes a compressor system 160 including an evaporator coil unit 190 positioned within the interior evaporator region 110 of the cooling unit. Compressor system 160 is operably connected to controller 170.

Some embodiments include at least one liquid level sensor positioned within the internal evaporative region of the evaporative cooling unit, the liquid level sensor being positioned and configured to detect the evaporative liquid level within the internal evaporative region. For example, in some embodiments, the liquid level sensor is positioned and configured to detect the surface of the evaporative liquid (e.g., surface 203 shown in FIG. 2 ). For example, in some embodiments, the liquid level sensor is positioned and configured to detect that the evaporative liquid level is at least as high as a specific position, such as a predetermined minimum position to ensure that sufficient evaporative liquid is present to maintain the thermal properties of the evaporative cooling unit. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the internal evaporative region 110 surrounds the liquid level sensor 310. In some embodiments, the liquid level sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container includes a gap between the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the cooling unit. The embodiment shown in FIG3 includes a gap 300 between an outer wall 320 of the desiccant unit and an adjacent outer wall 115 of the evaporative cooling unit. The gap can be configured, for example, as an empty space between the evaporative cooling unit and adjacent sides of the desiccant unit, the gap having a sufficient size and shape to promote radiative cooling of the desiccant unit while minimizing heat transfer to the evaporative cooling unit. In the embodiment shown in FIG3, both the evaporative cooling unit and the desiccant unit are secured to the base 105 of the medicinal storage container 100 at the lower surfaces of the units.

In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container comprises: a gap between the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit; and a fan fixed to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit, the size, shape and position of the fan causing air to circulate within the gap. In some embodiments, the fan is a passively controlled fan configured to operate when the temperature in the gap reaches a preset temperature. In some embodiments, the fan is configured to operate whenever a heating element within the desiccant unit is operated. Some embodiments include multiple fans positioned within and/or around the gap, the fans being oriented and configured to increase the air flow within the gap.

For example, FIG3 shows an embodiment including a gap 300 between a side wall of the desiccant unit and an adjacent side wall of the evaporative cooling unit. The medicinal storage container 100 shown in FIG3 also includes a fan 305 positioned at the top edge of the gap 300, which is configured to circulate air within the gap 300. In some embodiments, the operation of the fan positioned adjacent to the gap is controlled by a controller. In some embodiments, the operation of the fan positioned adjacent to the gap is controlled by a controller in response to information from a temperature sensor located inside the desiccant unit. In the embodiment shown, the fan 305 is connected to the controller 170 using a wired connector. In the embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 129 is also connected to the controller 170 via a wired connector.

Some embodiments include a device wherein there is at least one temperature sensor positioned within the first end of the steam conduit and at least one temperature sensor positioned within the second end of the steam conduit. The temperature sensors located within the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit can be operably attached to a controller. The temperature sensors located within the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit can be configured to transmit sensor data to the controller using a wired or wireless connection. The controller can be configured to operate the steam control unit, for example, to adjust the open and closed state of a valve within the steam control unit, in response to sensor data from the temperature sensors located within the first end of the steam conduit and the second end of the steam conduit, as well as sensor data from the temperature sensor located within the drug storage area of the container.

FIG4 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a medicinal storage container 100. The illustrated embodiment includes a first temperature sensor 410 positioned within the first end 180 of the steam conduit 130 and a second temperature sensor 400 positioned within the second end 185 of the steam conduit 130. Both the first temperature sensor 410 and the second temperature sensor 400 are attached to the controller 170 using a wire connector 145. The container 100 also includes a gap 300 located between the outer wall of the desiccant unit and the adjacent outer wall of the evaporative cooling unit. A fan 305 is located within the gap.

Some embodiments include a steam pipe having multiple heat-conducting elements affixed to an outer surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , for example, first end 180 of steam pipe 130 includes multiple heat-conducting elements 420, which are heat fins attached to the outer surface of the pipe. Some embodiments include heat-conducting elements that are heat fins attached to the inner surface of the pipe, with the fins positioned within the interior volume of the pipe. The heat-conducting elements are configured and positioned to increase heat radiation from the steam pipe, for example, to promote condensation of evaporative liquid on the inner surface of the evaporation pipe.

Some embodiments are configured for use with one or more evaporative liquids in a frozen state. For example, when external power is available, the compressor system can be configured to operate the refrigerator coil within the evaporative cooling unit to a temperature below the freezing point of the particular evaporative liquid used with the container. When external power is unavailable or insufficient, or to maintain the interior of the medication storage area at a temperature below the freezing point of the evaporative liquid, the frozen evaporative liquid can be used as thermal ballast.

FIG5 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of a medication storage container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 includes a medication storage area 150 having a temperature sensor 159 located within the storage area. The temperature sensor 159 is connected to a controller 170 using a wired connector 157. The container 100 includes a liquid level sensor 310 located within the interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit. The liquid level sensor 310 is positioned proximate to a wall of the cooling unit adjacent to the medication storage area 150. The liquid level sensor is configured to transmit information regarding a detected liquid level to the controller 170 using a wired connector 315. The interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit also includes an evaporative coil unit 190 positioned proximate to a wall of the cooling unit adjacent to the desiccant unit, which is opposite the wall of the cooling unit adjacent to the medication storage area 150. Two temperature sensors 510 and 520 are located within the interior evaporative region 110 of the cooling unit, with one temperature sensor 510 positioned proximate to an upper region of the liquid level sensor 310 and one temperature sensor 520 positioned proximate to a lower region of the liquid level sensor 310. Temperature sensors 510, 520 located adjacent level sensor 310 are configured to send temperature sensor data to controller 170 using wire connector 530. Vessel 100 may optionally include a third temperature sensor 500 located adjacent hole 133 in the outer wall of the cooling unit secured to first end 180 of steam conduit 130.

FIG6 illustrates aspects of a medicinal storage container 100, similar to the medicinal storage container shown in FIG5 , during a stage of its lifecycle. At the stage shown, external power is available, and the compressor system 160 is operating to cool the evaporation coil unit 190 within the cooling unit's internal evaporation region 110 to a temperature below the freezing point of the evaporation liquid. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporation liquid is water, and the evaporation coil unit may cool the water to below 0 degrees Celsius. In the embodiment and stage shown in FIG6 , the evaporation liquid 200 includes a frozen portion adjacent to the evaporation coil unit 190 and a liquid portion adjacent to the liquid level sensor 310. The liquid portion of the evaporation liquid 200 has a liquid surface 203 within the cooling unit's internal evaporation region 110. The frozen portion of the evaporation liquid 200 has a surface 600 located within the cooling unit's internal evaporation region 110 at a location between the evaporation coil unit 190 and the temperature sensors 510, 520 located adjacent to the liquid level sensor 190.

In embodiments and use cases similar to those shown in FIG6 , the compressor system can operate when sufficient external power is available. The compressor system can cool the evaporative liquid within the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit to a temperature below the freezing point of the evaporative liquid via the evaporator coil unit. Over time, some of the evaporative liquid will freeze (e.g., as shown in FIG6 ). If the external power source ends or is interrupted, the cooled and frozen evaporative liquid can serve as a thermal ballast for continued cooling of the medication storage area. If the external power source continues for a sufficient period of time, a temperature sensor within the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit will provide information to the controller indicating that the internal evaporative region is nearly filled with frozen evaporative liquid. Similarly, in some embodiments, the liquid level sensor can be configured to send information to the controller when the liquid begins to freeze and the liquid level sensor no longer operates as expected for free-flowing liquid. In response to this information, the controller can send a signal to the compressor system to stop or reduce operation of the evaporator coil unit. Subsequently, in response to new information received from one or more temperature sensors or liquid level sensors, the controller can send a signal to the compressor system to resume or increase operation of the evaporator coil unit at a later time.

In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes: a desiccant unit including one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit including one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including apertures; a compressor system including at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; a freezer unit including one or more walls that are attached to the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit. the steam conduit being attached to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the desiccant unit and being attached to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the evaporative cooling unit at the second end, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

FIG7 illustrates an embodiment of a medicinal storage container 100. In some embodiments, the medicinal storage container 100 includes a desiccant unit comprising outer walls 320 that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier around the interior desiccant region 120, the outer walls 320 including apertures 135. The embodiment shown in FIG7 includes a heating element 127 positioned within the interior desiccant region 120. The heating element 127 is attached to a controller 170 of the medicinal storage container 100 using a wired connector. FIG7 also depicts an embodiment of the medicinal storage container 100 that includes a cooling unit comprising outer walls 115 that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around the interior evaporative region 240, the outer walls 115 including apertures 133. The illustrated embodiment includes a compressor system 160 comprising an evaporator coil unit 190 positioned within the interior evaporative region 240 of the cooling unit, the compressor system 160 being operably connected to a controller 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator coil unit 190 is positioned distally of the cooling unit's outer wall 115 adjacent to the medication storage region 150 of the container 100. The illustrated embodiment also includes a freezer unit 700, which includes an outer wall 740 and is in thermal contact with the evaporator coil unit 190 located within the cooling unit's interior evaporative region 240. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the medicinal storage container 100, which includes a steam conduit 130, comprising a first end 180 and a second end 185. The steam conduit 130 is attached at the second end 185 to the outer surface of the outer wall surrounding the aperture 135 of the desiccant unit. The steam conduit 130 is attached at the first end 180 to the outer surface of the outer wall 115 surrounding the aperture 133 of the evaporative cooling unit. The steam conduit 130 forms an internal, airtight passage between the desiccant unit's interior desiccant region 120 and the cooling unit's interior evaporative region 240. In the illustrated embodiment, a vapor control unit 140 is attached to the steam conduit 130 and is also attached to the controller 170 using a wire connector 145. The illustrated embodiment includes a drug storage unit comprising an outer wall 151 surrounding a drug storage area 150 including a temperature sensor 159 operably connected to a controller 170 .

FIG7 illustrates an embodiment of a medicinal storage container 100, which includes a freezer unit 700 positioned adjacent to an evaporator coil unit 190 within the interior evaporation region 240 of the cooling unit. As shown in FIG7 , in some embodiments, the freezer unit 700 includes one or more walls 740 sized, shaped, and positioned to hold one or more ice packs 730 in place. Depending on the embodiment, the freezer unit walls are sized, shaped, and positioned to secure one or more WHO-approved standard ice packs within the freezer unit. In some embodiments, the freezer unit walls are made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., a thermally conductive metal). In some embodiments, the freezer unit walls are made of aluminum or copper. In some embodiments, the freezer unit includes: an aperture sized, shaped, and positioned to provide user access to materials within the freezer unit; and a cover reversibly secured to the aperture. For example, the cover may include an insulating cover positioned and configured to reduce heat leakage from the freezer unit when in place, but allowing the user to reversibly remove the cover to remove or replace one or more freezer packs from the freezer unit as needed. Some embodiments include a temperature sensor operably attached to the controller. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a medicinal storage container 100 including a freezer unit 700 having a temperature sensor 710 positioned to detect the temperature within the freezer unit 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 710 is connected to the controller 170 using a wire connector 720. The controller is configured to receive information, such as temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

In some embodiments, the freezer unit of the medicinal storage container includes a thermally conductive wall having a first side positioned adjacent to the interior freezer region and a second side positioned in thermal contact with the outer surface of the at least one evaporator coil unit. For example, FIG7 shows a freezer unit 700 including a wall 740 made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum). The freezer unit wall 740, which is located on the left side of the freezer unit 700 in the view shown in FIG7 , has a first side positioned adjacent to the interior freezer region (e.g., the right side relative to the view of FIG7 ) and a second side positioned in thermal contact with the outer surface of the evaporator coil unit 190 (e.g., the left side relative to the view of FIG7 ). In some embodiments, the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the wall, as shown in FIG7 .

Some embodiments of a medicinal storage container include: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an interior desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including an aperture; a heating element positioned within the interior desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an interior evaporative region, the one or more outer walls including an aperture; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; a steam conduit comprising a first end and a second end, the steam conduit being positioned between the first and second ends. The second end is attached to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, the steam pipe is attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam pipe forms an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit, which is attached to the steam pipe, and the steam control unit is operably attached to the controller; a thermal control unit attached to the steam pipe, and the thermal control unit is operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit, which includes one or more outer walls surrounding the drug storage area, and the drug storage area includes at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

For example, FIG8 shows a medicinal storage container 100 including a desiccant unit comprising outer walls 320 that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier around the interior desiccant region 120, the outer walls 320 including apertures 135. The embodiment shown in FIG8 also includes a heating element 127 positioned within the interior desiccant region 120 and a controller 170 operably attached to the heating element 127 using a wire connector. The embodiment includes a cooling unit comprising outer walls 115 that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around the interior evaporative region 240, the outer walls 115 including apertures 133. The illustrated embodiment also includes a compressor system 160 that includes an evaporator coil unit 190 positioned within the interior evaporative region 240 of the cooling unit, the compressor system 160 operably connected to the controller 170 using a wire connector 165. The illustrated embodiment includes a steam conduit 130 including a first end 180 and a second end 185, the steam conduit 130 being attached at the second end 185 to the outer surface of one or more outer walls 320 surrounding the aperture 135 of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit 130 being attached at the first end 180 to the outer surface of the outer wall 115 surrounding the aperture 133 of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit 130 forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant region 120 of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative region 240 of the cooling unit, and a steam control unit 140 attached to the steam conduit 130, the steam control unit 140 being operably attached to the controller 170 using a wire connector 145. The embodiment illustrated in FIG8 includes a medication storage unit including an outer wall 151 surrounding a medication storage area 150, the medication storage area 150 including a temperature sensor 159 operably connected to the controller 170 using a wire connector 157.

The illustrated embodiment also includes a thermal control unit 800 attached to the steam line 130. The illustrated thermal control unit 800 is attached to the exterior of the steam line 130 adjacent to the first end 180. The thermal control unit 800 is operably attached to the controller 170 using a wire connector 145. In some embodiments, the thermal control device includes a Peltier device having a cooling surface adjacent to the exterior surface of the steam line. For example, the Peltier device can be configured and positioned on the steam line at a location calculated to sufficiently cool the interior surface of the steam line to encourage condensate from the evaporating liquid to form in the steam line and return to the interior of the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit via gravity flow. In some embodiments, the thermal control device includes an evaporator coil unit in thermal contact with the steam line, the evaporator coil unit being attached to the compressor system. For example, the evaporator coil unit can be a different evaporator coil than the evaporator coil within the cooling unit and can be independently controlled by the controller. For example, the evaporator coil unit can be a parallel evaporator coil to the evaporator coil unit within the cooling unit. For example, the evaporator coil unit can be configured and positioned at a location on the steam line calculated to sufficiently cool the interior surface of the steam line to encourage condensate from the evaporated liquid to form in the steam line and return to the interior of the internal evaporation area of the cooling unit via gravity flow. The thermal control unit can be turned on and off by the controller, for example, in response to information from a temperature sensor located within or adjacent to the steam line. The thermal control unit can be turned on and off by the controller, for example, in conjunction with turning on the heating element for a recharge cycle.

The art has advanced to the point where there is little distinction between hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification), and/or firmware implementations of various aspects of a system, and the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is often (but not always, as the choice between hardware and software may become important in certain circumstances) a design choice that represents a trade-off between cost and efficiency. There are various tools (e.g., hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification), and/or firmware) that can implement the processes and/or systems and/or other techniques described herein, and the preferred tool will vary depending on the circumstances in which the processes and/or systems and/or other techniques are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may choose a tool that is primarily hardware and/or firmware; alternatively, if flexibility is important, the implementer may choose a primarily software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification) implementation; or, again alternatively, the implementer may choose some combination of hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification), and/or firmware. Thus, there are several possible tools by which the processes and/or devices and/or other techniques described herein may be implemented, none of which is inherently superior to another, as any tool to be used is dependent upon the environment in which the tool will be deployed and the implementer's specific concerns, such as speed, flexibility, or predictability (any of which may vary). The optical aspects of the implementation will typically employ optically oriented hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as hardware specifications), and/or firmware.

In some embodiments described herein, logic and similar implementations may include computer programs or other control structures. For example, an electronic circuit may have one or more current paths constructed and arranged to implement various functions as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more media may be configured to carry device-detectable implementations when such media holds or sends device-detectable instructions operable to perform as described herein. In some variations, for example, an implementation may include updating or modifying existing software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification) or firmware or gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as by executing one or more instructions to receive or transmit one or more operations described herein. In some variations, an implementation may include dedicated hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program used as a hardware specification), firmware components, and/or general components that execute or otherwise call dedicated components. Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances of the tangible transmission media described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by transmitting at different times through distributed media.

Implementation may include executing a dedicated instruction sequence or calling a circuit to enable, trigger, coordinate, request or otherwise cause one or more occurrences of any functional operation described herein of the virtual. In some variations, the operations or other logical descriptions herein may be represented as source code and compiled or otherwise called as an executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, implementation may be provided in whole or in part by source code (such as C++) or other code sequences. In other implementations, using commercially available technology and/or the technology of the art, source code or other code implementations may be compiled/implemented/translated/converted into a high-level descriptor language (e.g., initially implementing the described technology in C or C++ programming languages, and thereafter converting the programming language implementation into a logic synthesizable language implementation, a hardware description language implementation, a hardware design simulation implementation and/or other similar one or more expression modes). For example, some or all of a logical expression (e.g., a computer programming language implementation) may be represented as a Verilog-type hardware description or other circuit model (e.g., by a hardware description language (HDL) and/or a very high-speed integrated circuit hardware descriptor language VHDL), which may then be used to create a physical implementation with hardware (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit).

Some parts of the subject matter described herein can be implemented via application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in whole or in part in an integrated circuit as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), firmware, or any combination thereof. In addition, the information generated by the subject matter described herein can be distributed in various forms, and the illustrative embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used to actually perform the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable media (such as floppy disks), hard drives, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), digital tapes, computer memories, etc.; and transmission media, such as digital and/or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links (e.g., transmitters, receivers, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.), etc.).

The various embodiments described herein may be implemented individually and/or collectively by various types of electromechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components (e.g., hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program serving as hardware specifications), firmware, and/or substantially any combination thereof) and a wide range of various components that can impart mechanical force or motion (e.g., rigid bodies, springs or torsions, hydraulic devices, electromagnetic actuation devices, and/or substantially any combination thereof). Thus, as used herein, an "electromechanical system" includes, but is not limited to, circuits operatively coupled to transducers (e.g., actuators, motors, piezoelectric crystals, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), etc.), circuits having at least one discrete circuit, circuits having at least one integrated circuit, circuits having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, circuits forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein), circuits forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of memory (e.g., random access, flash memory, read-only, etc.)), circuits forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereof, such as an optical or other analog (e.g., a graphene-based circuit). Examples of electromechanical systems include, but are not limited to, various consumer electronics systems, medical devices, and/or communication systems/computing systems.

The various aspects described herein, which may be implemented individually and/or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program serving as hardware specifications), firmware, and/or any combination thereof, may be considered to be comprised of various types of "circuits." Thus, as used herein, "circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, circuitry having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., a form of memory (e.g., random access, flash memory, read-only, etc.)), and/or circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.). The subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital manner, or some combination thereof.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates the different parts that are contained in different other parts or are connected with different other parts.Should be understood that the architecture described in this way is merely exemplary, and in fact many other architectures that realize the same function can be implemented.In the sense of conception, any arrangement of the parts that realize the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is realized.Therefore, any two components that are combined to realize a specific function herein can be considered to be "associated" with each other so that the desired function is realized, and have nothing to do with architecture or intermediate components.Similarly, any two parts that are associated in this way can also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to realize the desired function, and any two parts that can be associated in this way can also be considered to be "operably coupled" to realize the desired function.The specific example of operable coupling includes but is not limited to: physically pairable and/or physically interactive components, and/or wirelessly interactive and/or wirelessly interactive components, and/or logically interactive and/or logically interactive components.

All of the above-mentioned U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications cited in this specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

Aspects of the subject matter described in this document are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

1. In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container comprises: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls comprising an aperture; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls comprising an aperture; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system operably connected to the controller; a steam line, It includes a first end and a second end, wherein the steam conduit is attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, and the steam conduit is attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit including one or more outer walls surrounding the drug storage area, the drug storage area including at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

2. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more units of desiccant material within the interior desiccant region.

3. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a vapor-tight chamber including an interior desiccant region in vapor contact with an interior region of the steam conduit.

4. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit includes a one-way valve unit configured to allow gas having a pressure exceeding a preset limit to be discharged outwardly from the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit.

5. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region that is less than atmospheric pressure.

6. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 1 Torr.

7. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 0.1 Torr.

8. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises an open-cell metal foam within the interior desiccant region, the open-cell metal foam positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

9. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more conduits positioned within the interior desiccant region, the one or more conduits positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

10. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit comprise a conductive material.

11. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the heating element located within the internal desiccant region comprises an electric heating element.

12. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the heating element within the internal desiccant region comprises a heating element in a coiled configuration.

13. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the heating element within the internal desiccant region comprises one or more heat-conductive elements secured to the heating element.

14. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller comprises an electronic controller.

15. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller comprises a memory.

16. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller includes circuitry configured to control operation of the heating element in response to a signal received from the at least one temperature sensor within the medicinal storage area.

17. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller comprises a lookup table.

18. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller is operably attached to the heating element and the at least one temperature sensor using wire connectors.

19. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller is operably attached to the compressor system.

20. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the controller is operably attached to a power source.

21. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises: an upper region positioned adjacent to the hole in the outer wall; a lower region located below the upper region; and a vaporized liquid substantially within the lower region.

22. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises at least one evaporative liquid within the interior evaporative region of the evaporative cooling unit.

23. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid retention unit coupled to at least one surface adjacent the interior evaporative region.

24. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more heat-conducting elements secured to the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporative region.

25. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more temperature sensors within the interior evaporative region, the one or more temperature sensors operably attached to the controller.

26. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid level sensor located within the interior evaporative region.

27. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent the exterior wall of the cooling unit adjacent the desiccant unit.

28. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is located substantially in the center of the cooling unit.

29. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent the exterior wall of the cooling unit adjacent the medicinal storage unit.

30. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the compressor system comprises: at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit; a compressor unit; a condenser unit; and an expansion valve; wherein the compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the expansion valve are positioned outside the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit.

31. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the compressor system comprises a switch configured to open and close the compressor system in response to a signal received from the controller.

32. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit comprises a substantially tubular structure having a length and diameter sufficient to inhibit heat conduction between the at least one outer wall of the desiccant unit and the at least one outer wall of the cooling unit.

33. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit is configured to minimize conduction of thermal energy between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit.

34. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit comprises: one or more heat-conductive elements secured to an exterior surface of the steam conduit.

35. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit comprises: an airtight wall of the steam conduit; an airtight seal between the first end of the steam conduit and the desiccant unit; and an airtight seal between the second end of the steam conduit and the cooling unit.

36. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit includes an externally breakable seal across the interior passage of the steam conduit, the seal configured to prevent gas from flowing through the interior passage of the steam conduit.

37. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the steam conduit comprises: a first temperature sensor positioned adjacent the first end within the steam conduit, the first temperature sensor operably connected to the controller; and a second temperature sensor positioned adjacent the second end within the steam conduit, the second temperature sensor operably attached to the controller.

38. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the vapor control unit comprises at least one valve configured to control the movement of gas through the internal passage of the vapor conduit between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the at least one valve being configured to operate in response to a signal received from the controller.

39. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a temperature sensor.

40. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a pressure sensor.

41. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes one or more walls adjacent to the medicinal storage region, the one or more walls being made thermally conductive at an expected temperature of the medicinal storage region.

42. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes a hinged lid positioned in the outer wall adjacent a top region of the medicinal storage area, the hinged lid configured to enable a user to access the medicinal storage area.

43. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is positioned to detect a temperature within the medicinal storage region.

44. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is an electronic temperature sensor.

45. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, further comprising one or more insulating segments surrounding the cooling unit and the medicinal storage unit.

46. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, further comprising a base unit positioned below the medicinal storage container, the base unit comprising one or more walls substantially surrounding at least one region of the compressor system and the controller.

47. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, further comprising a gap between an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit.

48. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 1, further comprising a gap between the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit; and a fan fixed to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit, the fan being sized, shaped, and positioned to circulate air within the gap.

49. In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container comprises: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls comprising apertures; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls comprising apertures; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system being operably connected to the controller; a freezer unit comprising one or more walls, the freezer unit being coupled to the freezer located within the cooling unit. thermally contacting the at least one evaporator coil unit within the internal evaporative region; a steam conduit comprising a first end and a second end, the steam conduit being attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit being attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the aperture of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding the drug storage region, the drug storage region comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

50. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more units of desiccant material within the interior desiccant region.

51. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a vapor-tight chamber including an interior desiccant region in vapor contact with an interior region of the steam conduit.

52. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit includes a one-way valve unit configured to allow gas having a pressure exceeding a preset limit to be discharged outwardly from the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit.

53. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region that is less than atmospheric pressure.

54. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 1 Torr.

55. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 0.1 Torr.

56. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises an open-cell metal foam within the interior desiccant region, the open-cell metal foam positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

57. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more conduits positioned within the interior desiccant region, the one or more conduits positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

58. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit comprise a conductive material.

59. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the heating element within the internal desiccant region comprises an electric heating element.

60. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the heating element within the interior desiccant region comprises a heating element in a coiled configuration.

61. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the heating element within the internal desiccant region comprises one or more thermally conductive elements secured to the heating element.

62. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller comprises an electronic controller.

63. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller comprises a memory.

64. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller comprises circuitry configured to control operation of the heating element in response to a signal received from the at least one temperature sensor within the medicinal storage area.

65. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller comprises a lookup table.

66. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller is operably attached to the heating element and the at least one temperature sensor using wire connectors.

67. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller is operably attached to the compressor system.

68. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the controller is operably attached to a power source.

69. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises: an upper region positioned adjacent to the hole in the outer wall; a lower region located below the upper region; and an evaporative liquid substantially within the lower region.

70. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises at least one evaporative liquid within the interior evaporative region of the evaporative cooling unit.

71. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid retention unit coupled to at least one surface adjacent the interior evaporative region.

72. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more heat-conducting elements secured to the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporative region.

73. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more temperature sensors within the interior evaporative region, the one or more temperature sensors operably attached to the controller.

74. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid level sensor located within the interior evaporative region.

75. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent to one or more walls of the freezer unit.

76. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the compressor system comprises: at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit; a compressor unit; a condenser unit; and an expansion valve; wherein the compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the expansion valve are located outside the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit.

77. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the compressor system comprises a switch configured to open and close the compressor system in response to a signal received from the controller.

78. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the freezer unit comprises one or more walls sized, shaped, and positioned to hold one or more ice packs in place.

79. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the freezer unit comprises: an aperture sized, shaped, and positioned for user access to materials within the freezer unit; and a cover reversibly securable to the aperture.

80. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the freezer unit includes a temperature sensor operably attached to the controller.

81. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the freezer unit comprises a thermally conductive wall having a first side positioned adjacent the interior freezer region and a second side positioned in thermal contact with an exterior surface of the at least one evaporator coil unit.

82. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit comprises a substantially tubular structure having a length and diameter sufficient to inhibit thermal contact between the at least one outer wall of the desiccant unit and the at least one outer wall of the cooling unit.

83. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit is configured to minimize conduction of thermal energy between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit.

84. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit c comprises one or more heat-conducting elements secured to an outer surface of the steam conduit.

85. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit comprises: an airtight wall of the steam conduit; an airtight seal between the first end of the steam conduit and the desiccant unit; and an airtight seal between the second end of the steam conduit and the cooling unit.

86. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit comprises an externally breakable seal across the interior passage of the steam conduit, the seal configured to prevent gas from flowing through the interior passage of the steam conduit.

87. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the steam conduit comprises: a first temperature sensor positioned adjacent the first end within the steam conduit, the first temperature sensor being operably attached to the controller; and a second temperature sensor positioned adjacent the second end within the steam conduit, the second temperature sensor being operably attached to the controller.

88. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the vapor control unit comprises at least one valve configured to control the movement of gas through the internal passage of the vapor conduit between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the at least one valve being configured to operate in response to a signal received from the controller.

89. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a temperature sensor.

90. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a pressure sensor.

91. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes one or more walls adjacent to the medicinal storage region, the one or more walls being made thermally conductive at an expected temperature of the medicinal storage region.

92. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes a hinged lid positioned in the outer wall adjacent a top region of the medicinal storage area, the hinged lid configured to enable a user to access the medicinal storage area.

93. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is positioned to detect a temperature within the medicinal storage region.

94. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is an electronic temperature sensor.

95. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, further comprising one or more insulation segments surrounding the cooling unit, the medicinal storage unit, and the freezer unit.

96. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, further comprising a base unit positioned below the medicinal storage container, the base unit comprising one or more walls substantially surrounding at least one region of the compressor system and the controller.

97. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, further comprising a gap between an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit.

98. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 49, further comprising: a gap between the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit; and a fan fixed to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit, the fan being sized, shaped, and positioned to circulate air within the gap.

99. In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container comprises: a desiccant unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight barrier around an inner desiccant region, the one or more outer walls comprising an aperture; a heating element positioned within the inner desiccant region; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit comprising one or more outer walls, the one or more outer walls being sealed together to form an airtight and liquidtight barrier around an inner evaporative region, the one or more outer walls comprising an aperture; a compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the inner evaporative region of the cooling unit, the compressor system being operably connected to the controller; a steam line comprising a first end and a second end, the steam line Attached at the second end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the desiccant unit, the steam conduit is attached at the first end to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls surrounding the hole of the evaporative cooling unit, the steam conduit forming an internal airtight passage between the internal desiccant area of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporative area of the cooling unit; a steam control unit attached to the steam conduit, the steam control unit being operably attached to the controller; a thermal control unit attached to the steam conduit, the thermal control unit being operably attached to the controller; and a drug storage unit comprising one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area comprising at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.

100. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more units of desiccant material within the interior desiccant region.

101. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a vapor-tight chamber including an interior desiccant region in vapor contact with an interior region of the steam conduit.

102. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit includes a one-way valve unit configured to allow gas having a pressure exceeding a preset limit to be discharged outwardly from the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit.

103. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region that is less than atmospheric pressure.

104. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 1 Torr.

105. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises a gas pressure within the interior desiccant region of less than 0.1 Torr.

106. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises an open-cell metal foam within the interior desiccant region, the open-cell metal foam positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

107. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the desiccant unit comprises one or more conduits positioned within the interior desiccant region, the one or more conduits positioned to distribute gas within the interior desiccant region.

108. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit comprise a conductive material.

109. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the heating element located within the internal desiccant region comprises an electric heating element.

110. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the heating element within the interior desiccant region comprises a heating element in a coiled configuration.

111. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the heating element within the internal desiccant region comprises one or more thermally conductive elements secured to the heating element.

112. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises an electronic controller.

113. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises a memory.

114. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises circuitry configured to control operation of the heating element in response to a signal received from the at least one temperature sensor within the medicinal storage area.

115. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller comprises a lookup table.

116. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller is operably attached to the heating element and the at least one temperature sensor using wire connectors.

117. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller is operably attached to the compressor system.

118. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the controller is operably attached to a power source.

119. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises: an upper region positioned adjacent to the hole in the outer wall; a lower region located below the upper region; and an evaporative liquid substantially located within the lower region.

120. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises at least one evaporative liquid within the interior evaporative region of the evaporative cooling unit.

121. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid retention unit coupled to at least one surface adjacent the interior evaporative region.

122. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more heat-conducting elements secured to the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporative region.

123. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises one or more temperature sensors within the interior evaporative region, the one or more temperature sensors operably attached to the controller.

124. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the cooling unit comprises a liquid level sensor located within the interior evaporative region.

125. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent the exterior wall of the cooling unit proximate the desiccant unit.

126. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit located within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is located substantially in the center of the cooling unit.

127. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit positioned within the interior evaporative region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent the exterior wall of the cooling unit proximate the medicinal storage unit.

128. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the compressor system comprises: at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit; a compressor unit; a condenser unit; and an expansion valve; wherein the compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the expansion valve are located outside the internal evaporative region of the cooling unit.

129. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the compressor system comprises a switch configured to open and close the compressor system in response to a signal received from the controller.

130. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit comprises a substantially tubular structure having a length and diameter sufficient to inhibit heat conduction between the at least one outer wall of the desiccant unit and the at least one outer wall of the cooling unit.

131. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit is configured to minimize conduction of thermal energy between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit.

132. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit comprises one or more heat-conductive elements secured to an exterior surface of the steam conduit.

133. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit comprises: an airtight wall of the steam conduit; an airtight seal between the first end of the steam conduit and the desiccant unit; and an airtight seal between the second end of the steam conduit and the cooling unit.

134. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit includes an externally breakable seal across the interior passage of the steam conduit, the seal configured to prevent gas from flowing through the interior passage of the steam conduit.

135. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the steam conduit comprises: a first temperature sensor positioned adjacent the first end within the steam conduit, the first temperature sensor being operably attached to the controller; and a second temperature sensor positioned adjacent the second end within the steam conduit, the second temperature sensor being operably attached to the controller.

136. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the vapor control unit includes at least one valve configured to control the movement of gas through the internal passage of the vapor conduit between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the at least one valve being configured to operate in response to a signal received from the controller.

137. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a temperature sensor.

138. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the vapor control unit comprises a pressure sensor.

139. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the thermal control unit comprises a Peltier device positioned with a cooling surface adjacent to an exterior surface of the steam conduit.

140. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the thermal control unit comprises an evaporator coil unit in thermal contact with the steam line, the evaporator coil unit being attached to the compressor system.

141. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes one or more walls adjacent to the medicinal storage region, the one or more walls being made thermally conductive at an expected temperature of the medicinal storage region.

142. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the medicinal storage unit includes a hinged lid positioned in the outer wall adjacent to a top region of the medicinal storage area, the hinged lid configured to enable a user to access the medicinal storage area.

143. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is positioned to detect a temperature within the medicinal storage region.

144. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, wherein the at least one temperature sensor of the medicinal storage unit is an electronic temperature sensor.

145. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, further comprising one or more insulating segments surrounding the cooling unit and the medicinal storage unit.

146. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, further comprising a base unit positioned below the medicinal storage container, the base unit comprising one or more walls substantially surrounding at least one region of the compressor system and the controller.

147. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, further comprising a gap between an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and an outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit.

148. Some embodiments include the medicinal storage container of paragraph 99, further comprising: a gap between the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the cooling unit; and a fan fixed to the outer surface of the one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit, the fan being sized, shaped, and positioned to circulate air within the gap.

While various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (42)

1. A drug storage container, comprising: A desiccant unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier surrounding an internal desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including pores; Heating element located within the internal desiccant area; A controller that can be operatively attached to the heating element; A cooling unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquid-impermeable barrier surrounding an internal evaporation region. The one or more outer walls include holes. The cooling unit includes an upper region located adjacent to the holes in the outer walls, a lower region located below the upper region, and wherein, in use, the evaporating liquid is substantially located within the lower region. A compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the compressor system being operatively connected to the controller; A steam pipe includes a first end and a second end, the steam pipe being attached at the first end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the desiccant unit, the steam pipe being attached at the second end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the cooling unit, the steam pipe forming an internal airtight channel between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. A steam control unit attached to the steam pipe, the steam control unit being operatively attached to the controller; and A drug storage unit includes one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area including at least one temperature sensor operatively connectable to the controller. 2. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the desiccant unit comprises: The gas pressure within the internal desiccant region is less than atmospheric pressure. 3. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid holding unit is connected to at least one surface adjacent to the internal evaporation region. 4. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises: One or more temperature sensors are located within the internal evaporation zone and are operatively attached to the controller. 5. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid level sensor located within the internal evaporation area. 6. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit located in the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit is positioned adjacent to the outer wall of the cooling unit near the desiccant unit. 7. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one evaporator coil unit located in the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit is substantially located at the center of the cooling unit. 8. The drug storage container of claim 1, wherein the compressor system comprises: A switch configured to turn the compressor system on and off in response to a signal received from the controller. 9. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the steam pipe comprises: The airtight wall of the steam pipe; An airtight seal between the first end of the steam pipe and the desiccant unit; and An airtight seal between the second end of the steam pipe and the cooling unit. 10. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the steam pipe comprises: An externally destructible seal passes through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe, the seal being configured to prevent gas from flowing through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe. 11. The drug storage container according to claim 1, wherein the steam pipe comprises: A first temperature sensor, located adjacent to its first end within the steam pipe, is operatively attached to the controller; and A second temperature sensor is located adjacent to the second end within the steam pipe, and the second temperature sensor is operatively attached to the controller. 12. The drug storage container according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more insulating sections surrounding the cooling unit and the drug storage unit. 13. The drug storage container according to claim 1, further comprising: The gap between the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the cooling unit. 14. A drug storage container, comprising: A desiccant unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier surrounding an internal desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including pores; Heating element located within the internal desiccant area; A controller that can be operatively attached to the heating element; A cooling unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquid-impermeable barrier surrounding an internal evaporation region, the one or more outer walls including pores; A compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the compressor system being operatively connected to the controller; A freezer unit comprising one or more walls, the freezer unit being in thermal contact with at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit; A steam pipe includes a first end and a second end, the steam pipe being attached at the second end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the desiccant unit, the steam pipe being attached at the first end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the cooling unit, the steam pipe forming an internal airtight channel between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. A steam control unit attached to the steam pipe, the steam control unit being operatively attached to the controller; and A drug storage unit includes one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area including at least one temperature sensor operatively connectable to the controller. 15. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the desiccant unit comprises: The gas pressure within the internal desiccant region is less than atmospheric pressure. 16. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the cooling unit comprises: The upper region is located adjacent to the hole in the outer wall; The lower region is located below the upper region; and The evaporated liquid is basically located in the lower region. 17. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid holding unit is connected to at least one surface adjacent to the internal evaporation region. 18. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the cooling unit comprises: One or more temperature sensors are located within the internal evaporation zone and are operatively attached to the controller. 19. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid level sensor located within the internal evaporation area. 20. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the compressor system comprises: At least one evaporator coil unit is located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit; Compressor unit; Condenser unit; and Expansion valve; The compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the expansion valve are located outside the internal evaporation zone of the cooling unit. 21. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the compressor system comprises: A switch configured to turn the compressor system on and off in response to a signal received from the controller. 22. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the freezer unit comprises: A temperature sensor that can be operatively attached to the controller. 23. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the freezer unit comprises: A heat-conducting wall having a first side positioned adjacent to the internal freezer region and a second side positioned in thermal contact with the outer surface of the at least one evaporator coil unit. 24. The drug storage container of claim 14, wherein the steam conduit comprises: The airtight wall of the steam pipe; An airtight seal between the first end of the steam pipe and the desiccant unit; and An airtight seal between the second end of the steam pipe and the cooling unit. 25. The drug storage container according to claim 14, wherein the steam conduit comprises: An externally destructible seal passes through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe, the seal being configured to prevent gas from flowing through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe. 26. The drug storage container according to claim 14, wherein the steam pipe comprises: A first temperature sensor, located adjacent to its first end within the steam pipe, is operatively attached to the controller; and A second temperature sensor is located adjacent to the second end within the steam pipe, and the second temperature sensor is operatively attached to the controller. 27. The drug storage container according to claim 14, further comprising: One or more insulating sections surrounding the cooling unit, the drug storage unit, and the freezer unit. 28. The drug storage container according to claim 14, further comprising: The gap between the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the cooling unit. 29. A drug storage container, comprising: A desiccant unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight barrier surrounding an internal desiccant region, the one or more outer walls including pores; Heating element located within the internal desiccant area; A controller that can be operatively attached to the heating element; A cooling unit includes one or more outer walls that are sealed together to form an airtight and liquid-impermeable barrier surrounding an internal evaporation region, the one or more outer walls including pores; A compressor system comprising at least one evaporator coil unit located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit, the compressor system being operatively connected to the controller; A steam pipe includes a first end and a second end, the steam pipe being attached at the second end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the desiccant unit, the steam pipe being attached at the first end to the outer surface of one or more outer walls surrounding the orifice of the cooling unit, the steam pipe forming an internal airtight channel between the internal desiccant region of the desiccant unit and the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit. A steam control unit is attached to the steam pipe, and the steam control unit is operatively attached to the controller; A thermal control unit attached to the steam pipe, the thermal control unit being operatively attached to the controller; and A drug storage unit includes one or more outer walls surrounding a drug storage area, the drug storage area including at least one temperature sensor operatively connectable to the controller. 30. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the desiccant unit comprises: The gas pressure within the internal desiccant region is less than atmospheric pressure. 31. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the cooling unit comprises: The upper region is located adjacent to the hole in the outer wall; The lower region is located below the upper region; and The evaporated liquid is basically located in the lower region. 32. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid holding unit is connected to at least one surface adjacent to the internal evaporation region. 33. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the cooling unit comprises: One or more temperature sensors are located within the internal evaporation zone and are operatively attached to the controller. 34. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the cooling unit comprises: A liquid level sensor located within the internal evaporation area. 35. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the compressor system comprises: At least one evaporator coil unit is located within the internal evaporation region of the cooling unit; Compressor unit; Condenser unit; and Expansion valve; The compressor unit, the condenser unit, and the expansion valve are located outside the internal evaporation zone of the cooling unit. 36. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the compressor system comprises: A switch configured to turn the compressor system on and off in response to a signal received from the controller. 37. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the steam pipe comprises: The airtight wall of the steam pipe; An airtight seal between the first end of the steam pipe and the desiccant unit; and An airtight seal between the second end of the steam pipe and the cooling unit. 38. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the steam conduit comprises: An externally destructible seal passes through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe, the seal being configured to prevent gas from flowing through the internal airtight passage of the steam pipe. 39. The drug storage container according to claim 29, wherein the steam pipe comprises: A first temperature sensor, located adjacent to its first end within the steam pipe, is operatively attached to the controller; and A second temperature sensor is located adjacent to the second end within the steam pipe, and the second temperature sensor is operatively attached to the controller. 40. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the thermal control unit comprises: A Peltier device, which is positioned to have a cooling surface adjacent to the outer surface of the steam pipe. 41. The drug storage container of claim 29, wherein the thermal control unit comprises: An evaporator coil unit that is in thermal contact with the steam pipe is attached to the compressor system. 42. The drug storage container according to claim 29, further comprising: The gap between the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the desiccant unit and the outer surface of one or more outer walls of the cooling unit.