Heating of refrigerated goods container

Abstract

Apparatus for heating a refrigerated container comprising a source of a compressed gas and a vessel in thermal communication with the interior of the container and containing an absorbent material for the gas, control means being provided to allow gas to flow from the source to the vessel to be adsorbed by the adsorbent material therein when heating of the container is desired.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for heating a refrigerated container comprising a source of a compressed gas and a vessel in thermal communication with the interior of the container and containing an adsorbent material for the gas, control means being provided to allow gas to flow from the source to the vessel to be adsorbed by the adsorbent material therein when heating of the container is desired.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity in direct thermal contact with the adsorbent material.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel is configured so as to have a high surface area relative to its volume.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the vessel comprises a thin, flat panel forming a substantial part of the interior ceiling, floor and/or wall(s) of the container.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the vessel comprises internal structural reinforcing members.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the members are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity in direct thermal contact with the adsorbent material.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the gas comprises carbon dioxide and the adsorbent material comprises activated carbon.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the compressed gas source comprises a storage tank or cylinder located externally of the container, heat exchange means being provided between the storage tank or vessel and ambient air.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the control means comprises a thermostatic valve responsive to the temperature within the container to allow or to prevent a flow of gas from the source to the vessel.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising means to vent gas from the vessel to atmosphere and/or into the container.