Abstract: A self-heating container assembly has a housing with a first portion and a second portion, each having a cylindrical cross-section. The first portion and the second portion are mated together in a manner that permits the first portion to rotate about a common axis relative to the second portion. A ring gear (or partial ring gear) is on or attached to the first portion and rotates with the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion. A rotatable cutting element is supported by a support connected to the second portion of the housing. There is a pinion gear on the rotatable cutting element. The pinion gear is coupled to the ring gear. A reactant container containing a reactant is adjacent to the rotatable cutting element, such that rotation thereof cuts into the reactant container.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a product includes a storage compartment for a product to be heated and a heater module physically and thermally coupled to the storage compartment. The heater module has a housing that defines a reaction chamber. A rigid barrier is inside the reaction chamber and defines first and second portions thereof. A first reactant is inside the reaction chamber, and a flexible bag (with a second reactant) is in the first portion of the first chemical reactant. The first and second reactants react exothermically upon contact. A piercing element can pierce the flexible bag. After piercing, the a fluid path and one or more fluid channels carry the second reactant to a section of the first portion of the reaction chamber away from where the flexible bag is located.

Abstract: An improved flameless, non-electric chafing dish and an improved flameless non-electric heat source for use in connection therewith is provided. The chafing dish assembly includes a support frame for supporting the chafing dish on a serving surface, a lower (water) pan positioned on the support frame and having a bottom and one or more side walls, a food pan configured to nest inside the lower pan and having a bottom and one or more side walls, and an air-activated exothermic warming device positioned between the lower pan and the food pan. The warming device comprises a mixture of materials including iron which produce heat from the exothermic oxidation of iron when exposed to air. A support device configured for positioning between the air-activated exothermic warming device and the lower (water) pan is also provided. The support device is configured to permit airflow to the warming device and to elevate the warming device into direct contact with the food pan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-heating pouch for heating consumables and method of manufacture thereof. The self-heating pouch includes a flexible housing and a sealable cap. The flexible housing includes an internal pouch, an external pouch, and at least one frangible button. The internal pouch includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the internal pouch is configured to enclose the consumables. The external pouch is attached internally to the outer surface of the internal pouch. The at least one frangible button is included between the external pouch and the internal pouch. The at least one frangible button is configured to release a liquid to react with a heating agent and initiate heating of the consumables. The sealable cap is attached to top of the flexible housing and configured to dispense the consumables.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a thermal treatment to a product, such as food, is described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes lime and water contained separately within a sealed reaction vessel. The reaction vessel includes a flexible wall portion that is adjacent to a perforator that can puncture a membrane separating the lime and water. In one embodiment, the perforator is separate from and fee-floating within the water. In another embodiment, the reaction vessel is substantially surrounded by the product. The reaction vessel is hermetically sealed against underpressure or overpressure, permitting use with pressurized food. The reaction vessel can be incorporated into a variety of containers and the reaction vessel and container can be sterilized for packaging food.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for packaging a first fluid and a second fluid, the second fluid being separated from the first, wherein the package comprises a first part for packaging a first fluid and a second part for packaging a second fluid, wherein the first part and the second part are designed to move from a first position, wherein the first part and the second part are separated, to a second position which makes it possible to mix the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (I), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an intemal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.

Abstract: Self-heating apparatus and methodology for customizing a time-temperature profile thereof. The layered apparatus includes at least a layer of phase change material and a layer of air- or oxygen-activated material. When the air- or oxygen-activated material is activated, heat is released rapidly and is absorbed by the phase change material. The phase change material then releases the absorbed heat over a long period of time. Time-temperature profiles can be adjusted based on type, amount, and configuration of phase change and air-activated materials used. The apparatus and methodology allows rapid heat-up of times of a few minutes and lasts several hours at near constant tunable temperatures.

Abstract: Mechanically bistable thermal devices and methods of utilizing the same. The mechanically bistable thermal devices include a mechanically bistable element and a thermal element. The mechanically bistable element is configured to be selectively transitioned between a straight conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an elongate shape, and a wrapped conformation, in which the mechanically bistable element defines an arcuate shape and is configured to at least partially encircle an encircled form. The thermal element is configured to exchange thermal energy with the encircled form when in thermal contact with the encircled form and includes a thermal material that includes a fluid and/or a granular solid. The methods include activating the thermal element and transitioning the mechanically bistable element from the straight conformation to the wrapped conformation to at least partially encircle the encircled form with the mechanically bistable device.

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: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. A centering element can be used to facilitate alignment of the barrier portions.

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.

Abstract: A modular heating system and method is presented that automatically shuts down the chemical reaction within a heater if the heat generated by the reaction is excessive. Heaters are designed to generate sufficient heat to warm food or drink in an adjacent container. If the container is empty, or if the heater is dislodged from the container, the heat generated by the heater will become dangerously high. When excessive heat is generated by the reaction in the heater, systems and methods of the present invention respond by terminating the reaction before all of the reaction mixture has reacted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pouch convenient to heat or cool contents. The pouch includes: a contents-accommodating section which can accommodate contents; a temperature controller which includes a temperature control agent arranged in a temperature control space provided at least one between front and back sides with respect to the contents-accommodating section, and a liquid reactant entrance arranged to be lower than an upper end of the contents-accommodating section and through which a liquid reactant for exothermically or endothermically reacting with the temperature control agent is put into the temperature control space; and a sealing portion which seals up the liquid reactant entrance so that the liquid reactant entrance can be opened when force of not less than a certain magnitude is applied.

Abstract: A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline).

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier. In certain embodiments, the heating chamber can be a can with prepackaged comestible substance therein.

Abstract: A heating device comprises a heating chamber defining an interior space for receiving and storing a substance to be heated, a heater for use as a source of heat which includes a reaction chamber, a solid state reaction composition disposed within the reaction chamber such that it is physically isolated from and in thermal communication with the interior space of the heating chamber, an activation mechanism in communication with the composition disposed within the reaction chamber, and wherein the reaction composition is inert until the activation mechanism is actuated. Activation mechanism comprises an actuator having a user interface portion and an actuation portion, and the actuation portion carries a reaction initiation material that, when assembled with the heater, is capable of initiating a chemical reaction in the chemical composition when the actuation portion is actuated by a user.

Abstract: Instant self-heating containers include a combinable reactant and activator used to generate an exothermic reaction for heating contents of the container. One instant self-heating container includes a target container, a pierceable activator container and a reaction chamber. Piercing the activator container causes activator to combine with the reactant and cause an exothermic reaction that heats the target container. The container may be used as depilatory wax dispenser. Another instant self-heating container includes an outer housing containing a contents pouch and a reactant, and capped by a lid having an activator chamber. Rupturing the activator chamber allows activator to combine with the reactant in an exothermic reaction to heat the contents pouch. Another instant self-heating container includes a flexible outer tube containing contents to be heated, a flexible reaction vessel, and a frangible activator vessel.

Abstract: The flexible container (1) with incorporated internal thermal exchange is shaped like an envelope or bag cascade multipocket inside. It is an administrator, portable disposable dispenser of a consumer and/or necessity product to be heated or cooled, exploiting endothermic or exothermic reactions generated by breaking by pressure of the bag (3) of the reactive liquid (31). The peculiarity of this execution is that the reaction chamber (2) is fully immersed into the consumer product (6) and is provided with a valve (10) controlling a possible pressure generated by the chemical reaction, the reaction bags (3, 4) inside developing the concept “bag in bag” or “bag in bag in bag”.

Abstract: A container for housing and producing a liquid comestible product and in situ heating or cooling thereof is constructed for rotation of the lid to release a comestible powder into water. Rotation of the base causes a chemical reaction to be initiated for heating or cooling the comestible powder/water blend.

Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.

Abstract: A heated food sachet (10), sealed on all sides, that may be filled with one or more condiments or other edible substances (11), that contains a heat pack (12), which may be filled with a supercooled solution (13) and that contains a trigger (14). This trigger comprises two parts. First, the trigger may be one or more breakable hollow capsules (FIG. 3) or one or more air pockets (FIG. 4) that may be attached or unattached to the heat pack. Secondly, the inner part of the capsule or air pocket may contain crystals or any other substance (15) that will start the solidification process of the supercooled solution when coming into contact with each other. The heat emitted by the reaction warms the condiments or other edible substances contained in the sachet.

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.

Abstract: A heating device (1) is described for a container (7) of a liquid pharmaceutical product having a viscosity of 50-500 cP at 4° C. and contained within a glass container. The device (1) comprises a substantially rigid, thin-walled housing (2) defining an openable chamber for receiving the container (7), a heat source (6) in the chamber comprising a hermetically sealed package containing a super-cooled metal salt fluid or liquid and an actuator (14) for activating the super-cooled metal salt to produce heat, wherein the ratio of the volume of the metal salt to the intended volume of the product is no more than 1:1.

Abstract: Disclosed is various embodiments of a self-heating or self-cooling container with a number of improved features in overcoming the problems associated with existing containers, including, but not limited to, an improved breaking device designed to maximize the mixture and reaction between different reactants, an insulating lip to prevent heat loss in the heating process, a simple and efficient design of the container, and enhancements in manufacturing and assembling a self-heating or self-cooling container.

Abstract: A method for making a two component device where the two components are in separate containers with one container inside the other. The method includes placing a first container between the top and bottom of a second container in a die that draws a vacuum between the top and bottom of the second container when they are sealed to form the container. The vacuum preferably ranges from about 8 to about 13 psi. The two components are selected to react to achieve a result, such as the generation of heat.

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: The present invention is a package for selectively heating or cooling a food product of the package utilizing a temperature-changing pack disposed within an inner container. The temperature-changing pack is formed in a manner which prevents the inadvertent or premature mixing of the chemical reagents to initiate the heating or cooling reaction. Further, the temperature-changing pack is positioned within the inner container at a location where the food product comes into contact with the pack on multiple sides to maximize the heat transfer between pack and the food product. The inner container can be positioned within a reusable outer sleeve that insulates the inner container to further maximize the heat transfer between the pack and the food product.

Abstract: A self-heating, self-hydrating pouch to simultaneously heat and hydrate a prepackaged, partially or completely dehydrated food or beverage product that is stored in the pouch. The pouch comprises multiple layers of material that prevent the transmission of water and gasses thereby preventing deterioration of the prepackaged food or beverage product. The pouch includes a membrane filter structure and flameless, exothermic reaction agents. The user adds potable or non-potable water to the pouch. When the water contacts the exothermic reaction agents, an exothermic reaction occurs which heats the water above 200° F. The membrane filter structure filters the heated water to remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals and by-products of the exothermic reaction. The filtered, heated water contacts the partially or completely dehydrated food product or dehydrated beverage product and simultaneously heats and hydrates the food or beverage product.

Abstract: A self-heating container having a container body with an internal beverage section and a thermic cavity. A liquid reactant is positioned in a first section of the thermic cavity and a solid reactant is positioned in a second section of the thermic cavity. The solid reactant may be an amount of CaO ranging from about 80 to 99 percent by weight combined with a wax based inhibitor ranging from about 1 to 20 percent by weight. The wax based inhibitor has a melting point ranging from above 100° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: The heat source 1 comprises a bag 10 and a heat-generating composition 20 containing aluminum powder and calcium oxide powder, packed in the bag 10. The bag 10 is formed by a packing material made of a base material of nonwoven fabric of which one surface is coated with a watertight layer. The packing material being punctured with a plurality of pinholes and has a water permeable rate of 45 to 310 milliliter/min/1 cm2 measured when head of water is 27 cm. The heat source 1 can satisfy preferable temperature conditions including rate of water temperature rise, risen temperature of the water, duration of the risen temperature of water, rate of vapor temperature rise, risen temperature of the vapor and duration of the risen temperature of vapor under conditions in which a heating device is conventionally used. Accordingly, a heat source capable of causing a rapid and stable heat-generating reaction and a heating device using the heat source can be provided.

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 heater device that includes an outer container formed from a vapor impervious material and holds a quantity of heat generating material. A second container is positioned inside the outer container and hold an activation material. A seal on the second container is adapted to be opened to transfer the activation material into contact with the heat generating material to generate heat. The device is useful in heating food such as military field rations.

Abstract: A self-heating container having a container body with an internal beverage section and a thermic cavity. A liquid reactant is positioned in a first section of the thermic cavity and a solid reactant is positioned in a second section of the thermic cavity. The solid reactant may be an amount of CaO ranging from about 80 to 99 percent by weight combined with a wax based inhibitor ranging from about 1 to 20 percent by weight. The wax based inhibitor has a melting point ranging from above 100° C. to about 120° C.

Abstract: A self-heating, self-hydrating pouch to simultaneously heat and hydrate a prepackaged, partially or completely dehydrated food or beverage product that is stored in the pouch. The pouch comprises multiple layers of material that prevent the transmission of water and gasses thereby preventing deterioration of the prepackaged food or beverage product. The pouch includes a membrane filter structure and flameless, exothermic reaction agents. The user adds potable or non-potable water to the pouch. When the water contacts the exothermic reaction agents, an exothermic reaction occurs which heats the water above 200° F. The membrane filter structure filters the heated water to remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals and by-products of the exothermic reaction. The filtered, heated water contacts the partially or completely dehydrated food product or dehydrated beverage product and simultaneously heats and hydrates the food or beverage product.

Abstract: A portable temperature changing apparatus for containers includes a cylindrical annular moisture-proof pouch divided into a first compartment filled with a liquid and a second separate compartment holding a solid material capable of producing an endothermic or exothermic reaction upon mixing with the liquid. The seal separating the two separate compartments can be ruptured partially, when desired, enabling communication of the liquid with the solid to activate the temperature altering reaction. A flexible foam insulating layer surrounds the exterior of the annular cylindrical pouch providing insulation, damage protection, and labeling.

Abstract: A compressed air filtering cartridge includes a housing and a filter in the housing, the filter having a thermal vent. In one embodiment the filter includes a wall portion having a first condition when below a predetermined temperature range in which the wall portion blocks flow of air between opposite sides of the wall portion. The wall portion has a second condition when above the predetermined temperature range in which the wall portion does not block flow of air between opposite sides of the wall portion. The cartridge may be part of a compressed air system, between a compressor and an air dryer.

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: A heat-producing agglomerate contains particles of an acidic component selected from acid anhydrides, acid salts, and mixtures thereof, or a basic component selected from bases, basic anhydrides, basic salts, and mixtures thereof, or a mixture of such acidic and basic components. The heat producing agglomerate provides high heat output at a controllable rate of heat generation, minimizes safety and environmental risks, and is useful as a heat-producing component in self-heating packaging.

Abstract: A tray for selectably heating or cooling the contents of the tray comprises a container body having a material chamber for containing said contents. The tray is specifically configured to heat of cool solid, semi-solid or viscous materials. The container body is generally flat wherein the width of the container body is greater than its height. The container body has a first compartment for housing a thermic module and a second compartment for containing the contents to be heated or cooled. Within the thermic module, an internal exothermic (or, alternatively, endothermic) chemical reaction is initiated to heat (or cool) the contents when a user actuates the thermic module. The thermic module comprises two reactant chambers separated by a breakable barrier, an actuator, and a piercing member movable between a retracted position and an extended position in response to a force placed on a portion of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mujlti-compartment pack for colling or heating products. The pack includes a first compartment with a solid matter or a liquid and a second compartment with a liquid wherein the first and second compartment are separated by a removable wall.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator (10) for distributing a substance onto a target surface is disclosed having a first side (24) having a first internal surface (32) and a first external surface (31); a second side (26) having a second internal surface (34) and a second external surface (33); an internal cavity (29) between the first and second internal surfaces that is externally accessible, and a temperature changing element. The flexible film pouch (30) contains a product located proximately to the first side (24).

Abstract: A thermic module for a self-heating container. The container includes a bottom end with a cavity having internal walls formed therein for receiving the thermic module. The thermic module will be comprised of a first cup having plastic walls and containing a first chemical reactant. The module will also include a second cup containing a second chemical reactant and a dividing wall positioned between the first and second cups such that the first and second chemical reactants cannot mix. An end cap will be positioned below the second cup and will retain the second chemical reactant within the second cup. An actuator for puncturing the dividing wall will be positioned between the end cap and the dividing wall. Finally, the walls of the first cup are formed of a plastic of sufficient thinness and having a sufficiently low Vicat Softening Point such that the plastic walls will expand into contact with the internal walls of the container cavity upon mixing of the first and second chemical reactants.

Abstract: A thermic module for a self-heating container. The container includes a bottom end with a cavity having internal walls formed therein for receiving the thermic module. The thermic module will be comprised of a first cup having plastic walls and containing a first chemical reactant. The module will also include a second cup containing a second chemical reactant and a dividing wall positioned between the first and second cups such that the first and second chemical reactants cannot mix. An end cap will be positioned below the second cup and will retain the second chemical reactant within the second cup. An actuator for puncturing the dividing wall will be positioned between the end cap and the dividing wall. Finally, the walls of the first cup are formed of a plastic of sufficient thinness and having a sufficiently low Vicat Softening Point such that the plastic walls will expand into contact with the internal walls of the container cavity upon mixing of the first and second chemical reactants.

Abstract: A steam generator device has a first and a second chamber, and walls mutually isolating the two chambers. Reagents which react together to generate steam when in mutual contact are mutually separated by a barrier, and disposed in the first chamber. An opening member forms a first opening between the chambers and a second opening through the barrier. Hence the reagents come into contact via said second opening, the reagents react thereby generating steam, and the steam flows through the first opening into the second chamber.

Abstract: A disposable container which has the ability to independently cool or heat a liquid beverage or food product by way of an endothermic or exothermic reaction. The container is disposable and has a double walled configuration to create a chamber therebetween. Within the chamber is a chemical compound which when activated provides the desired reaction upon the contents within the container. Thus, there is no requirement that this device must be subjected to external refrigeration or heat.

Abstract: A method for making a disposable package for an agent, typically water, activatable substance includes providing a planar support member of a moisture and air barrier material, mounting on the support member a sheet at least in part translucent, sealing all but one edge of the sheet to the support member to provide a pocket fixed to the support member, placing the agent activatable substance in the pocket so as to occupy only a portion of the pocket, folding the support member and pocket upon themselves, and releasably sealing overlying portions of the support member together along all but a folded edge of the support member, to enclose the agent activatable substance, whereby to provide a package which is openable by separating the overlying portions to expose the pocket for introduction of the agent into the pocket to activate the agent activatable substance therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reaction vessel constructed of a flexible material including at least two reactant chambers containing two isolated reactants. The reactant chambers and reactants are separated by a frangible seal which opens under pressure, allowing the reactants to mix and react. The reaction produces a desired reactive effect on the environment surrounding the reaction vessel and any articles in that environment. A package in combination with a reaction vessel can be used to cause a reactive effect on an article within the package. The reactive effect can include a temperature change of the article or foaming a material to coat the article.

Abstract: A heat transfer array is presented which includes one or more pouch flexors that press down on a fluid product containing pouch and facilitate heat exchange by mixing the pouch contents while the exterior of the pouch is contacted by a heat exchange medium. The pouch flexors are arranged in an array of three wheels, and the pouches are subjected to a number of wheel arrays in order to exchange heat from the pouch contents. The pouch flexors are stationary and a conveyor belt moves the pouch product under the wheel arrays.

Abstract: A thermic module for a self-heating container. The container includes a bottom end with a cavity having internal walls formed therein for receiving the thermic module. The thermic module will be comprised of a first cup having plastic walls and containing a first chemical reactant. The module will also include a second cup containing a second chemical reactant and a dividing wall positioned between the first and second cups such that the first and second chemical reactants cannot mix. An end cap will be positioned below the second cup and will retain the second chemical reactant within the second cup. An actuator for puncturing the dividing wall will be positioned between the end cap and the dividing wall. Finally, the walls of the first cup are formed of a plastic of sufficient thinness and having a sufficiently low Vicat Softening Point such that the plastic walls will expand into contact with the internal walls of the container cavity upon mixing of the first and second chemical reactants.