Crystallization Of Supercooled Liquid Patents (Class 126/263.03)
  • Patent number: 10871311
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device includes a housing for enclosing the electronic device and a removable heating device that may be placed in or on the housing for warming the electronic device without electricity from the electronic device. The removable heating device includes a pouch enclosing a supersaturated solution and a metal disk. The super saturated solution in the pouch undergoes an exothermic reaction when the disk is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Oliver Coulter
  • Patent number: 10386122
    Abstract: A nucleation device for changing a phase of a heat storage material from a liquid state to a solid state includes a plurality of substrates in close contact with each other in the heat storage material, and a pressing part that presses a portion of the plurality of substrates so as to elicit a change in the state of close contact of the plurality of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: KITAGAWA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Nishida, Hiroto Yoshino, Teruaki Yuoka
  • Patent number: 10359237
    Abstract: A heat storage material composition, at least containing at least one organic compound selected from ethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and acetic acid, sodium acetate, and water, wherein a content of the water is 72.4 to 100 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the sodium acetate; an auxiliary heat source and a heat supply method, using the heat storage material composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimura, Masami Ikeda, Toshiaki Nakamura, Yoshikazu Tsuzuki, Tatsuya Minami
  • Patent number: 10098382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoke-free cigarette with a thermal unit for the autarkical generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is contained, wherein the thermal unit comprises a crystallizable medium which releases heat during its crystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Olig AG
    Inventor: Marcel Köller
  • Patent number: 9758710
    Abstract: A heat storage material composition contains a sugar alcohol and a stabilizer that allows the sugar alcohol to maintain a liquid state and a supercooled state. The stabilizer is one selected from (i) a salt that has a solubility of 9 g or more in 100 mL of 20° C. water and gives a monovalent anion, (ii) a polymer prepared by using the salt as a monomer, and (iii) a polymer having a molecular weight of 7,000 or more and 4,000,000 or less prepared by using, as a monomer, an alcohol having a solubility of 9 g or more in 100 mL of 20° C. water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motohiro Suzuki, Hironobu Machida, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Kentaro Shii, Izumi Hirasawa, So Morioka
  • Patent number: 9028537
    Abstract: A heat pack for warming the heel of an infant with a front panel and a rear panel wherein the rear panel is adapted for placement on the infant's heel and has an outer layer formed of a nonwoven material which may be wetted. A band is provided for attaching the heat pack to the infant's heel. Heat from the heat pack effectively drives water applied to the nonwoven material into the infant's heel where it is then trapped in the skin under the heat pack. By thus moisturizing and softening the skin, a puncture necessary for taking a blood sample is eased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Dale E. Walters
  • Patent number: 8443793
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes an elongated flexible envelope (4) comprising two sheets (6), (8) that are attached to each other along permanent side seams (10), (12) and along a permanent bottom seam (14) and a moisture-activated chemical heater (16) disposed inside envelope (4), wherein envelope (4) is folded over on itself and secured by temporary side seams (18), (20) and a permanent top seam (22) to form a continuous moisture barrier surrounding the moisture activated chemical heater (16) and wherein heater (2) may be opened for use by removing top seam (22) and unfolding envelope (4) by unpeeling temporary seals (18), (20) to provide unfolded envelope (4), wherein sheets (6) and (8) remain sealed along permanent seams (10), (12) and (14), but wherein envelope (4) now has an open top end (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Innophos, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Payen, Michael Wadlinger, Joseph Mitchell, Robert Finn, George Carl Harmsen, Dennis L. Myers
  • Patent number: 8431387
    Abstract: Exothermic and/or endothermic chemical reactions in combination with phase change materials can produce output temperature(s) within strict tolerances without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment to generate and maintain an output temperature. Similarly, an exothermic phase change material, which generates heat as a consequence of crystallizing a supercooled liquid, can generate heat at a constant temperature, without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment, as a consequence of the liquid form of the exothermic phase change material being in equilibrium with the solid form of the exothermic phase change material. Numerous biological and chemical processes and/or diagnostic devices require a constant temperature or temperatures for set periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Program for Appropriate Technology In Health
    Inventors: Paul Donald LaBarre, Jay Lewis Gerlach, Bernhard Hans Weigl, Gonzalo Jose Domingo-Villegas
  • Patent number: 8387612
    Abstract: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh Damani, Ron L. Hale, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Dennis W. Solas, Soonho Song, Pravin Soni, Curtis Tom, Kirshnamohan Sharma
  • Publication number: 20130008428
    Abstract: A container cap or lid or insert for use in heating food and beverage containers having an independent heating chamber in which are utilized a trigger capable of initiating crystallization of a super-cooled salt solution comprising: a thin metallic strip which is bendable with snap displacement having a centrally located crystallization strike zone consisting of an orifice with a saw-toothed patterned inner diameter; a simple actuation means for initiating the heating process upon contact with the strike zone; and a structure for holding the trigger in position. The independent heating chamber can be made to be a permanent fixture of the cap or lid or may be a removable insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: David D. Leavitt, John R. Bergida
  • Patent number: 7942145
    Abstract: A rechargeable, self-heating food container includes an inner chamber with a supersaturated salt solution and trigger means for initiating crystallization of the supersaturated salt solution. A rechargeable element for heating food includes a cylinder containing a supersaturated salt solution sealingly insertable into a food container, with a trigger in fluid contact with the supersaturated salt solution. A method of heating a food container includes providing a food container with an internal chamber, a supersaturated salt solution contained in the internal chamber, and a trigger to initiate crystal nucleation within the supersaturated salt solution in an exothermic reaction; and recharging by heating the food container until the salt crystals melt, and cooling the salt solution to a supersaturated state. A portable recharger for a rechargeable heating element includes an insulated sleeve with electric resistive heating element pluggable into an automobile or conventional ac outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Travis Palena, Morris Torseth, Mark E. Beatty
  • Patent number: 7708009
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a reusable personal heating system including a sealed container filled with a supercooled supersaturated solution and an activator located in a fixed position within the container which triggers an exothermic crystallization process when depressed. The removable and reusable personal heating system fits into a garment worn under other clothing and is easily activated through other clothing. The present invention provides a personal heating system that allows the wearer to participate in outdoor activities in cold conditions while permitting ease of mobility and range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth Randall Collins
  • Patent number: 6878157
    Abstract: A trigger to activate a supercooled aqueous salt solution wherein the solution is encased in a flexible container to form a heat pack, the trigger made of dry or partially dry particles adhering to a support so that when the trigger is manipulated, allowing the dry or partially dry particles to be released and contact the supercooled salt solution, crystallization is initiated and heat is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew Walters
  • Publication number: 20040112366
    Abstract: A portable, self-heating thermal cushion for use in conjunction with a seating surface to provide a heated and thermally insulated seating region of sufficient size to extend underneath the buttocks of the user, the cushion being in the form of a composite laminated structure comprising a backsheet, a topsheet and an intermediate layer of a heat generating material, said intermediate layer being in thermal contact with the seating region of the cushion so as to provide a heating region generally coextensive with the seating region for warming the buttocks of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Addison, Graeme D. Cruickshank
  • Publication number: 20040065314
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the warming of materials. In an embodiment, the heat for warming the materials is provided by an activatable heating substance, such as a supercooled salt solution. In an embodiment, an apparatus maintains fluid at a preselected temperature for prolonged durations. In an embodiment, an apparatus may be sterilized for deployment in a sterile surgical field. In an embodiment, an apparatus may be reused. In an embodiment, an apparatus is adapted for easy pouring of contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: James H. Layer, Kenneth Solovay, Thomas P. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6537309
    Abstract: The invention discloses a reusable heat pack comprising a soft sealed plastic bag containing a mixture of supercooled supersaturated recrystalizable solution of inorganic substance, alcohol, chemical compound additives, and means to trigger recrystallization of supercooled supersaturated recrystalizable solution of inorganic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Chattrapal Sharma, Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Chandra Kant, Ajit Kumar Sarkar
  • Publication number: 20020020407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mujlti-compartment pack for colling or heating products. The pack includes a first compartment with a solid matter or a liquid and a second compartment with a liquid wherein the first and second compartment are separated by a removable wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: William Carl Wohland, Rene Thomas Rivero
  • Publication number: 20020017291
    Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A closure (30) closes the external cavity (20). When the heating mechanism is operated to mix the chemicals and cause an exothermic reaction, vapor, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The vapor is constrained to flow to the exterior of the closure (30) through grooves (62) therein. A sleeve (60) is arranged around the container (10) contiguous to the closure (30) such that the exiting vapor is constrained to flow between the sleeve (30) and the can (10). By this means, a user of the can is protected from coming into contact with the hot steam and air and the heat in the vapor generated can enhance the heating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew J. Searle, Robert N. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6318359
    Abstract: A heat pack containing a super-cooled aqueous solution is provided comprising a flexible container having at least two compartments separated by a rupturable seal housing an aqueous solution in one compartment and having the other compartment remain empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: George Schmidt, Jeffrey Thomas Whitely
  • Patent number: 6309598
    Abstract: An electrochemical heating pad includes a corrugated sheet having alternating peaks and valleys defining channels of elongated compartments having sidewalls between the peaks and valleys. A dry mixture operable to be wetted and activated with an electrolyte to generate heat through electrochemical reactions is disposed in at least some of and preferably all of the elongated compartments. The channels are covered with a base sheet on or a porous sheet to form the compartments. The corrugated sheet is preferably made from cardboard and the porous sheet is made from non-woven polypropelene. One dry mixture of the invention includes Magnesium in a range of 80% to 95% by weight, Iron in a range of 3% to 6% by weight, and Calcium Nitrate in a range of 1% to 2% by weight. Another mixture includes about 83.5% Magnesium by weight, about 4.0% Iron by weight, about 11.0% salt by weight, and about 1.5% Calcium Nitrate by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas J. Tully
  • Patent number: 6283116
    Abstract: A triggering element for a portable heat pack having a sealed bag capable of transferring heat and a sodium acetate solution that generate a crystallization heat contained in said sealed bag. The triggering element comprises a thin, flexible strip of stainless steel; the strip having an oval shape with the length and a center portion formed in a bowl-shaped configuration with one surface depressed inward to form a concave shape surface and the convex surface opposite side with a protruded surface, and the depth of the center portion depressed inward. The strip has an the outer annular portion and a plurality of slits cut through said center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Yong Sung Yang
  • Patent number: 6247469
    Abstract: A warmer for a sporting element used for striking another element, the sporting element to be warmed including a sidewall having a predetermined shape enclosing a space, the warmer including an inner layer of thermally conductive material defining a cavity having a shape adapted for receiving at least a substantial portion of the sporting element with the inner layer in intimate relation therewith; an outer layer of thermal insulating material at least substantially containing the inner layer; and an intermediate layer comprising at least one microwave heatable element or substance disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. According to another aspect of the invention, the warmer can include a heatable element placeable within a hollow portion or cavity of a sporting element, the heatable element being heatable by placement in the warmer, or in a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Tony Michael Guard
  • Patent number: 6178963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat pack A heat pack comprising a flexible container; a solution which is filled in the container and generates a heat while be crystalizing; a trigger which is disposed in the container to be in contact with the solution, for making the solution generate the heat, wherein the trigger is a single coil spring, and the coil spring has windings in close contact with each other or the coil spring has windings which are partially contacted with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Chang-Pyoung Baik