Abstract: A vaporizing dispenser comprising a user-activatable chemical reaction heat source and a volatile compound inside a container such that convection currents from the activated heat source volatilize the volatile compound and carry it out of the container.

Abstract: A vaporizing dispenser comprising a user-activatable chemical reaction heat source and a volatile compound inside a container such that convection currents from the activated heat source volatilize the volatile compound and carry it out of the container.

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: 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: 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: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a container is disclosed that includes a vacuum chamber in communication with a vacuum source, the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and an internal pressure, a securing device adapted to secure an open end of the container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; and a heating member at least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the open end of the container.

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: 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.