Abstract: Chemical heating using a first reactant, a second reactant and a complexing agent adapted to complex reversibly with the first reactant and, thereby moderate the reaction between the first and second reactants. The heating formula is particularly well suited for heaters that are used to heat materials having relatively high viscosities.

Abstract: A container (101), suitable for the inclusion of at least one product therein, which comprises an integral, activatable, heating (or cooling) system for the product, which container includes a lining, the lining and container defining at least three mutually segregatable zones, these being i) one or more zones in which product may be contained; ii) a zone (116) in which a first kind of chemical reactant may be contained and iii) a zone (115) in which a second kind of chemical reactant may be contained, the container including a rotatable activator (107), for example, an activation knob, located at the exterior of the container, and, rotatably mounted within the container, and operative by rotation of the activator, means for terminating the segregation of ii) and iii) wherein the upper of ii) and iii) is not located so as to impede in service, heat transference from the reactant mass to i) (or vice versa) container suitable for the inclusion of at least one product therein, which comprises an integral, activa

Abstract: A system and method for protecting self-heating containers that include single-use chemical heaters during overtemperature occasions includes the automatic release into the heater of a suppressant composition in response to a design temperature being achieved. For protection against extreme temperature excursions, the system and method include generating steam to absorb heat and venting that steam.

Abstract: Portable refrigeration devices including methods for preparing heat sink materials for use in such devices, and the heat sink materials prepared in this way. The methods relate to the encapsulation of such materials, and the maximization of heat transfer efficiency to heat sink materials in such refrigeration devices.

Abstract: Portable refrigeration devices (1) including methods for preparing sorbents (30) for use in such devices, and the sorbents (30) prepared in this way. The methods relate to the substantially complete degassing for the maximization of receiving refrigerant vapor from the evaporator chamber (10) of such refrigeration devices (1), and the maximization of heat transfer to heat sink materials (40) in such refrigeration devices (1).

Abstract: Portable refrigeration devices (1) including methods for preparing evaporator chambers (10) for use in such devices, and the evaporator chambers (10) prepared in this way. The methods relate to the dispersion of refrigerant for the maximization of efficiency of vaporization of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator chamber (10) of such refrigeration devices (1).

Abstract: A disposable heating device is disclosed that includes a container having a first zone, a second zone and a third zone. A fuel is contained within the first zone and an oxidizing agent contained within the second zone. A first frangible separator disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The first frangible separator is manually operable to provide communication between the first zone and the second zone thereby defining a reaction zone. A second frangible separator is responsive to an exothermic chemical reaction within the reaction chamber. The second frangible separator is operable to provide communication between the reaction chamber and the third zone. Communication between the first zone and the second zone allows mixing of the fuel and the oxidizing agent to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction and an environmental parameter associated with the exothermic chemical reaction operates the second frangible separator.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging methods and materials are claimed. The materials are fusible and can form a part of a heat seal closure for non-rigid and semi-rigid packages. The methods are suitable for packages containing materials generally, and are well suited for those containing granular materials.

Abstract: A self-contained device for heating/dispensing or cooling/dispensing material is described. The device includes at least one heat- or cold-generating element and at least one container for containing material to be heated or cooled. The device can further be equipped with gussets or similar features to allow free-standing.

Abstract: A disposable flow-through refrigeration system includes an evaporator chamber containing a refrigerant, which, during system operation, evaporates to form a vapor; an evacuated absorber chamber including sorbent for receiving the vapor, a heat sink material in thermal contact with the sorbent, and a means for preventing vapor flow from evaporator to absorber until operation of the refrigeration system. The system also includes a primary volume of dispensable product and a product reservoir in fluid communication with each other. The system includes a dispensing means configured to enable controlled withdrawal of a secondary volume of product contained in the reservoir which includes a flow path from the primary volume to the dispensing means. At least one wall of the flow path is in thermal contact with an outer surface of the evaporator chamber during operation of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-heating, disposable liquid heating pack utilizing an exothermic chemical reaction. Moderation of the reaction is provided by the use of a gelling agent, which also gives structural rigidity to the heating pack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold pack which utilizes the negative heat of solution of a material dissolving in a liquid. The cold pack further includes a gelling agent, which is activatable to form a gel. The gel provides a number of benefits, including better distribution of cold, increased cold persistence in the cold pack, and a more complete utilization of the ingredients of the cold pack than possible with prior art devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-heating, disposable heating pack utilizing an exothermic chemical reaction. Self-moderation of the heat pack is provided through the use of a preformed reversibly stiffenable gel that alters the rate of exothermic chemical reactions. A vaporizable solvent is used to adjust the gel stiffness. The heat pack can be used in heat transfer or ambient temperature conditions which differ from those anticipated as design conditions.