Abstract: A disposable beverage container including a heat exchange unit which, when activated, releases a refrigerant and cools the beverage. The heat exchange unit contains the refrigerant and includes a valve for controllably releasing the same. The refrigerant is a mixture of at least one liquified petroleum gas having a pressure profile of 70 psi at 70.degree. F. and a halogen gas.

Abstract: A self-cooling container incorporating a heat exchange unit including a chamber for containing a quantity of a gas, the chamber including an external wall in contact with the beverage to be cooled, actuator means for actuating the heat exchange unit, a liner member disposed concentric and inside the wall of the chamber for facilitating flow of the gas throughout the heat exchange unit, and a means for exhausting the gas from the chamber. The actuator means includes a valve for controlling the release of the gas from the chamber having a valve stem which when reciprocated axially will open and close the valve to allow gas to discharge through the stem. The actuator means also includes a sealer having a plurality of tabs spaced around its outer periphery for preventing the heat exchange unit from coming out of the container. A support member is affixed to the base of the chamber for locking the heat exchange unit in position after it is inserted in the container.

Abstract: A portable heat exchange unit for cooling a medium including a vessel adapted to contain a discrete quantity of a compressed or liquefied gas wherein the vessel includes a wall arranged to be placed in contact with the medium to be cooled, a valve for operatively controlling the release of the gas from the vessel, a panel positioned adjacent and inside the wall of the vessel for operatively directing the gas into heat exchange contact with the wall of the vessel and arranged to release gas from the top of the panel, and a means for exhausting the gas from the vessel. The panel has ridges thereon and engages the wall so as to form a plurality of channels between the ridges and the wall.

Abstract: A portable, self contained heating or cooling apparatus for a beverage can is disclosed. A vortex tube is provided which supplies the needed heating or cooling effect to the beverage in the can.