Abstract: Improved heaters and self-heating packages that function without application of external energy. Heat is generated by contact of a heat-producing composition, such as calcium oxide, and an activating solution which is typically water. The heater contains multi-compartments containing heat-producing composition and activating solution. The heater is activated by application of hand pressure to rupture a frangible seal which allows the heater components to mix. The heater compartments are at least in part formed from flexible walls. The self-heating package has one or more products or product containers in thermal contact with one or more heaters. In preferred packaging embodiments, the heating package has one or more product containers or pouches in thermal contact with one or more heaters. In a specific embodiment, the product container is integrally formed with the heater. Preferred self-heating packages are constructed entirely of flexible packaging materials.

Abstract: A portable heat source that may be used to warm food, beverage or other supplies. The heater contains a heat-producing composition that is a solid that may be stored for long periods of time, and activated by addition of water or an aqueous solution. Heat-producing compositions contain an acidic anhydride, an acidic salt, a basic anhydride or a basic salt. Preferred heat-producing compositions contain a mixture of an acidic anhydride or salt together with a basic anhydride or salt, such that addition of water to both acidic and basic anhydrides produces heat as well as acid and base respectively; subsequent reaction of the acid and base produces additional heat, as well as a safe, neutral product that is easily disposed. The invention further consists of means and methods for regulating the rate of heat production in heaters by the addition of inert additives to heat-producing compositions and the application of processing methods that regulate access of water to heat-producing compounds.

Abstract: This invention is a portable heat source that may be used to warm food, beverage or other supplies. The heater material is a solid that may be stored for long periods of time, and activated by addition of water or an aqueous solution. The heater consists of an acidic anhydride or salt together with a basic anhydride or salt, such that addition of water to both acidic and basic anhydrides produces heat as well as acid and base respectively; subsequent reaction of the acid and base produces additional heat, as well as a safe, neutral product that is easily disposed. The invention further consists of means to regulate the rate of heat production by the use of additives and processing methods, so that heat is produced at a rate compatible with the rate at which the food or other materials can absorb the heat. The invention further consists of devices incorporating the materials to be heated in an advantageous arrangement with the heater composition.

Abstract: A plurality of temperature conditioning units are divided into groups with the groups being sequentially and repetitively, one after the other, enabled for a first preset number of timing intervals and then disabled for a second preset number of timing intervals. The sum of the first and second preset number of timing intervals is equal to the total number of groups so that at any given time, but on a rotating basis, the first preset number of groups of units is enabled and the second preset number is disabled. A setback feature which can be overriden by a thermostatic control is provided for off hours. An alarm system provides warning of abnormal operation of any one of the units as detected by excessive cycling.