Abstract: Disclosed is a device for simultaneously heating and cooling adjacent food portions. A first module defining a first hollow chamber is formed into a substantially planar surface for supporting the food portion to be cooled. The first chamber contains a vaporizable substance in equilibrium with vapor. A second module defining a second hollow chamber is likwise formed into a substantially planar surface for supporting the food portion to be heated. The second chamber contains a sorbent and is evacuated. The chambers are fluidly interconnected by a conduit having a normally closed valve to prevent egress of vapor from the first chamber. In use, the valve is open, allowing vapor from the first chamber to flow into the evacuated second chamber. The resulting drop in pressure allows the vaporizable substance in the first chamber to change phase into vapor, thereby cooling the first chamber and its associated food portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained, rapid cooling device that retains heat produced from the cooling process and can be stored for indefinite periods without loosing its cooling potential. A liquid in a first chamber undergoes a change of phase into vapor, which cools the first chamber. A sorbent in a second chamber is in fluid communication with the vapor and removes the vapor from the first chamber. The cooling process is facilitated by lining the interior surface of the first chamber with a wicking material to retain the largest possible contact between the liquid and the first chamber as the level of the liquid lowers during the vaporization process. A phase separator prevents unvaporized liquid from passing into the second chamber. The device is self-contained because a material in contact with the sorbent removes the heat from the sorbent to prevent the reduction in the cooling effect produced by the first chamber.

Abstract: A coiled tube insert is provided to cool a beverage within a beverage container by releasing a pressurized liquid refrigerant from the coiled tube to an evaporator to chill the beverage within the container.