Abstract: A heat pack includes a housing, a first phase change material (PCM) that is contained in the housing, and a thermal storage buffer that is contained in the housing. The thermal storage buffer includes a second PCM. An initiator is in operative contact with the first PCM. Activation of the initiator causes crystallization of the first PCM, and the first PCM cooperates with the thermal storage buffer to provide heat at a predetermined temperature range upon crystallization of the first PCM.

Abstract: Exothermic reactions are used in self heating products, such as food, beverages, and clothing. Temperature peaks are important as heat can cause user injuries or increase pressures within the heating container to unsafe levels. Disclosed is a composition that modulates chemical reactions by control of the reaction initiation. Solid exothermic reactants, like calcium oxide and zeolite, are wetted with a combination of water and at least one surfactant, such as polyethylene glycol. The use of surfactants limits the initial rate of wetting, and also provides modulation of the reaction by changing phase. Optional addition of weak acids or acid salts modulated temperature and pH.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warming article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

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).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus which is self-contained, disposable, utilized for protecting the distal lens of endoscopes. The apparatus is sterile and is used as a holder or as an anti-fog solution applicator for the scope while protecting it from impact with a shock absorbent outer housing. A new method for protecting endoscopes by placing an inexpensive sterile protective cover over the distal lens of the endoscope which entails, placing the protector over the distal lens prior to medical procedure, protective cover is used intermittently and repeatedly during the medical procedure when the scope is not in use. Finally, at the end of the medical procedure the protective cover is placed over the distal lens and not removed until the scope reaches the area where it will be cleaned and sterilized. By protecting the scope prior to, during and after a medical procedure, endoscope repairs are reduced thereby saving hospitals money.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warning article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. The preferred embodiment comprises a pad for wrapping around an instrument, including a one or more substances operative to generate heat through an exothermic reaction; and an activation disc located around the periphery of the pad to provide for convenient user access. In the preferred embodiment, the activator is a mixture of water and sodium acetate, and the disc is made of perforated stainless steel. A housing contains the pad in sleeve form and an optional heat-conductive tube to receive the instrument around which the pad is wrapped. The pad may be partitioned.

Abstract: A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical, electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves as a self sealing container for the storage and application of anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in one example to act as an important and additional measure to prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the cool scope inside the warm body.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-cooling self-carbonating beverage container including a beverage container housing containing a liquid beverage, a coolant gas bottle inside said beverage container storing pressurized carbon dioxide, a tab located on an external portion of said beverage container housing and apparatus actuated by movement of said tab for opening said bottle to release said carbon dioxide into said liquid beverage.