Envirotainer’s Releye container range is granted seven patents
20 / 09 / 2022
Source: Envirotainer
Envirotainer’s Releye temperature-controlled airfreight container range has been granted seven patents by the Swedish Patent Authority, with a further two pending.
These patents recognise the technical innovation in the development of Releye, which comes in large RLP and RAP sizes, said Envirotainer, the sale of which was announced in June.
Among the patents is Releye frost protection. Accumulation of ice in a temperature-controlled unit can reduce efficiency or even lead to failure, causing temperature deviations and the loss of vital pharmaceuticals, explained the company.
The frost protection reduces humidity in the container and therefore any potential for ice on the cooling system.
A design allowing air flow in walls was also granted a patent. This distributes cooling evenly throughout the container, providing an even climate without hot or cold spots that could damage highly sensitive pharmaceuticals.
It also means pallets can be loaded against walls without restricting airflow. This maximises the volume of pharmaceuticals a container can carry.
Other patented features include cargo straps, automated test cycles, base plate fastenings, modular design, recessed temperature sensors, trend-controlled cooling and air curtains which run when container doors open.
The last two of these innovations are awaiting patents.
With Swedish patents granted or pending, the same innovations have been submitted to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which aids applicants in seeking protection internationally.
Dan Matttson, head of technical product management at Envirotainer, said: “When we launched the Releye range, we raised the bar in cold chain transportation to new heights of control, monitoring and autonomy.
“The patents officially recognise our innovation and illustrate the technical lengths we’ll go to when striving to keep temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals safe while transporting them efficiently, sustainably and effectively.
“Envirotainer has a long history of being the marketing leader in the cold chain solution industry. These patents underline the excellence that comes as standard with our solutions.”
Virgin Atlantic Cargo recently approved the use of Envirotainer’s Releye RLP and RAP containers on its aircraft, while Lufthansa Cargo recently began offering Releye RAP containers.
The first commercial shipment using the Releye RAP container was competed in March.
Lufthansa Cargo now offers Envirotainer’s Releye RAP air cargo container
