| 摘要 |
<p>Apparatus for preparing packaging materials for use in shipment of heat sensitive materials, utilizes a hydration module (11), a freezing module (40), and a delivery module (45). Rolls of superabsorbent polymer-based refrigerant media (117) in the form of a continuous web of a selected length and width are maintained in dry storage. These may be cut to size along the web material which separates cells containing the superabsorbent polymer. The web or pad is advanced into the hydration module (11) which comprises a dip tank (17) or spray system (26) to provide an adequate supply of hydrating fluid to the superabsorbent polymer. The hydrated web is then conveyed through a freezing chamber (40) having a temperature of -10° Fahrenheit, or lower, where the fluid absorbed within the cells freezes. The small footprint of the modular system means that necessary handling, including cutting into a suitable size and shape, may be accomplished in the consumer's shipping area for placement around perishable materials in shipping containers.</p> |
