Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating oven (1) in particular with a gas and/or oil firing system. The heating oven comprises a combustion chamber (2) surrounded by heat storage elements, wherein respective first heat storage elements (3, 4; 27) are arranged at a first spacing parallel to respective walls (5, 6; 27) of the combustion chamber (2). Second heat storage elements (12, 14; 25) are arranged at a second spacing parallel to the respective outside of the first heat storage elements. The first spacing defines a first air channel (16, 17; 28) and the second spacing defines a second air channel (15, 18; 26) in each arrangement. The air in the first channel is heated by the walls of the combustion chamber, rises, cools down on the surrounding storage elements and sinks downwardly in the second air channel while giving up further energy to the heat storage elements. Thereafter, the cooled air again reaches the first air channel and the described flow cycle begins again in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a phase change material having a freezing/melting temperature from about 30° C. to about 90° C. The water heater include a source of water, a heating element for heating the water, a heat exchange unit which contains the material, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit, which tubes are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material so that heat stored in the material can be transferred to the water. The phase change material is preferably heated from the top down to accommodate the changes in volume during thermocycling.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a stored heat warming utensil. It includes a heat storage element having a bottom surface and a top surface, a an outer container, and a vessel for a liquid, most typically a cup. The outer container has an opening in its top and an interior surface with a flange member for supporting the heat storage element. The heat storage member is positioned within the outer container and supported on said flange member. The drink vessel is dimensioned to be received within the outer container and be supported on the heat storage element. The outer container can be a ceramic member. A heat source, such as a candle can be provide d to provide continuing heat to the heat storage element. The heat source is positioned within the heat source retaining section, and is shielded from the user by said outer container. The heat storage device is a soft metamorphic rock composed primarily of mineral talc. It is common known as soapstone and steatite.

Abstract: A heat retentive server that has an outer peripheral member, a central portion having a heat storage member susceptible to heating by induction, wherein the outer peripheral member does not contact the heat storage member. Preferably, the outer peripheral member is formed from polypropylene. The present invention also involves method of manufacture aspects of such a heat retentive server.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat pack A heat pack comprising a flexible container; a solution which is filled in the container and generates a heat while be crystalizing; a trigger which is disposed in the container to be in contact with the solution, for making the solution generate the heat, wherein the trigger is a single coil spring, and the coil spring has windings in close contact with each other or the coil spring has windings which are partially contacted with each other.

Abstract: A heat-reserving container for pizza comprising a disc case having a flat circular portion, with a resin-made heat reservoir stored therein is disclosed. The entire surface, of the pizza can be in contact with the flat portion of the heat-reserving container. Also disclosed is a furnace for the above-mentioned heat-reserving container for pizza comprising heating plates each having an interval capable of storing the heat-reserving container for pizza to form multi-layered racks, each heating plate having a heater accommodated therein whose temperature is controlled individually, which can be securely inserted into the furnace body and is heat-reserved as well as the defective movement of the limit switch can be prevented.

Abstract: An image fixing roller includes an exothermic phase transition layer which performs a plurality of phase transitions repeatedly from an amorphous state to a crystalline state. The exothermic phase transition layer may include a plurality of exothermic phase transition materials, or a plurality of exothermic phase transition component layers, each of which exothermic phase transition material or component layer has a different crystallization initiation temperature (Tci), a different exothermic peak temperature (Tcp) and a melting point temperature which is higher than that of a toner fixing temperature. An image fixing apparatus using the above-mentioned image fixing roller and a method of fixing toner images on an image receiving material, using the image fixing roller are proposed.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage composition is provided which is in the form of a gel. The composition includes a phase change material and silica particles, where the phase change material may comprise a linear alkyl hydrocarbon, water/urea, or water. The thermal energy storage composition has a high thermal conductivity, high thermal energy storage, and may be used in a variety of applications such as in thermal shipping containers and gel packs.

Abstract: A water heater which comprises a phase change material having a thermal energy capacity of at least about 25 cal/g and having a freezing/melting temperature from about 15.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.; a source of water, a heating element for heating the water; a heat exchange unit which contains phase change material; and a plurality of heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchange unit with the phase change material located between and around the heat exchange tubes which are in heat transfer relation to the phase change material and in fluid connection with the source of water so that the water heated by the heating element flows through the tubes, heats the phase change material and thereafter the heat stored in the phase change material can be transferred to water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A hot fluid dispenser comprises a first reservoir (1) for the fluid (usually water); at least one heating source (7, 8) operatively associated with the first reservoir 91); and at least a second reservoir (9) defining an interface with the first reservoir (1) and containing a melting material having a high latent heat of fusion. A plurality of heat pipes (10) is provided through said interface, in order to accelerate and homogenize the heat transfer between the two reservoirs.

Abstract: A one-piece, seamless food service base is insert molded from a heat and impact resistant plastic. The base is shaped to receive a standard serving plate and includes an integrally molded core. The core is made from a metal or other material that is susceptible to heating through induction heating. In one form, the core is a solid metal disk with strategically disposed bores for molding the base. In another from, the core is a hollow metal disk having a standard wax phase change core. Insulation may also be added above and/or below the core to improve heat transfer and to keep the bottom of the unit cool. In another form, the core is made of graphite and may even be mixed with ceramic to form a composite which may be used for the entire base, alleviating the need for insert molding a separate core and base.

Abstract: A heat retentive server adapted to the inductively heated comprises a central portion comprising a heat storage member comprising a material which is susceptible to being heated by induction; and an outer peripheral member connected to the central portion so that said outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially thermally insulated from each other. Preferably, the server is provided with heat insulation constructed and arranged with respect to the heat storage member so that heat is caused to primarily flow upwardly from the heat storage member. Also preferably, the outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially insulated from each other by means of a thermal break.

Abstract: A building product having thermal energy storage properties in the form of a cementitious hollow core building block having a hollow core or cores and having within the hollow core(s) a composite containing a phase change material. The composite may be a cementitious plug sized to fit the hollow core(s) and having a phase change material imbibed into the pores and matrix thereof or having polyolefin pellets containing a phase change material or silica particles containing a phase change material incorporated at the wet mix stage of formation of the cementitious plug. The composite may also be a polyolefin plug sized to fit hollow core(s) and having a phase change material contained within the matrix thereof. Finally the composite may be polyolefin pellets containing a phase change material or silica particles containing a phase change material packed in a container sized to fit the hollow core(s).

Abstract: A storage heater for storing heat and for heating a fluid, such as water, has an enclosure defining a chamber therein. The chamber has a lower portion and an upper portion with a heating element being disposed within the enclosure. A tube through which the fluid flows has an inlet and an outlet, both being disposed outside of the enclosure, and has a portion interconnecting the inlet and the outlet that passes through the enclosure. A densely packed bed of phase change material pellets is disposed within the enclosure and is surrounded by a viscous liquid, such as propylene glycol. The viscous liquid is in thermal communication with the heating element, the phase change material pellets, and the tube and transfers heat from the heating element to the pellets and from the pellets to the tube. The viscous fluid has a viscosity so that the frictional pressure drop of the fluid in contact with the phase change material pellets substantially reduces vertical thermal convection in the fluid.

Abstract: A two layer system for heat energy capture and storage with an upper or lower layer for heat extracting and the other layer for heat transfer. Either layer can function as a phase change material. Heat stored is conducted externally of the system and can be used directly in a converting system, i.e., heat to mechanical or electrical energy or transferred as heat for further applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latent store with a photosensitive storage medium and a regenerating agent. To this end, an organic storage substance with at least two stable stereoisomeric configurations is used, the first of which is photosensitive and can be converted into the second configuration by photoisomerisation with the release of energy, while the second configuration can be reconverted into the first by contact with a solar radiation absorbing, stereoselective regenerating agent with energy absorption.

Abstract: A thermally insulating jacket under reversible vacuum, having an inner wall, an outer wall and an hollow space between these walls. The hollow space is in fluid communication with an outer housing containing a reversible non-evaporable hydrogen getter loaded with hydrogen. The reversible hydrogen getter has a certain hydrogen equilibrium pressure. The hollow space contains a non-evaporable promoter getter having a certain hydrogen equilibrium pressure. These jackets can be employed with heat accumulators, batteries, cryogenic vessels, cryogenic pipes, catalytic silencers and solar panels.

Abstract: A one-piece, seamless food service base is insert molded from a heat and impact resistant plastic. The base is shaped to receive a standard serving plate and includes an integrally molded core. The core is made from a metal or other material that is characteristically susceptible to heating through induction heating. In one form, the core is a solid metal disk with strategically disposed bores for molding the base. In another form, the core is a hollow metal disk having a standard wax phase change core.

Abstract: A composite stand and oven unit adapted to act both as a supporting stand for a cup of coffee or other hot beverage, and as a miniature oven to warm a bagel or other food product normally eaten while drinking the beverage. The unit is formed by a thermally-insulated cylindrical container having an access door in its side wall to receive the food product and a top wall of high thermal conductivity functioning as a heat sink. When a food product at room temperature is placed within the container and a cup of hot beverage, whose temperature is elevated, is seated on the heat sink, thermal energy from the beverage is absorbed by the sink and rapidly transferred to the food product. As a consequence, the temperature of the hot beverage is somewhat lowered to an acceptable drinking level while that of the food product is raised to render the product more palatable.

Abstract: An improved container for transporting food and similar products is provided. The container employs one or more layers of a breathable material which is permeable to water vapor but repellent to liquid. By enclosing hot food in this container, moisture vapor from the food dissipates away from the food and avoids the soggy texture which often accompanies transported food. The container of the present invention has a wide range of possible applications, including everything from delivery of individual pizzas to large scale relocation of food for institutional purposes.

Abstract: A thawing device for frozen foods comprise a flexible bag-shaped body and a thermal transfer fluid hermetically filled in the bag-shaped body, wherein the thermal transfer fluid comprising a mixture of fine particles of hard carbon or graphitic carbon and water. The thawing device has a flexibility, hence it can closely contact the frozen foods even if the frozen foods have complicated shapes. Furthermore, it is possible to enhance the thawing efficiently by double folding the thawing device to wrap the frozen foods. Still furthermore, the thawing device has an excellent wettability, hence it can closely contact the frozen foods.

Abstract: In order to improve a heat storage device comprising a storage container which has an inner chamber for accommodating alkali and alkaline earth compounds, in particular alkali and alkaline earth halides, and their eutectics as storage medium such that mechanical stresses no longer occur and the behavior of the heat storage device is such that its capability for receiving and discharging energy may be calculated as far as possible, it is suggested that a substantially open-pored structure consisting of a material wettable by the storage medium be arranged in the inner chamber and that the structure be soaked with the storage medium.

Abstract: A thermal shield comprising first and second substantially flat flame resistant covering layers adapted to overlie each other. A thermal energy absorbing material is positioned between the respective layers in sandwich fashion. The thermal energy absorbing material may comprise a phase change material in bulk, micro or macro encapsulated and which may further be embedded within a base material to provide enhanced thermal protection.

Abstract: Free flowing, conformable powder-like mix of silica particles and a phase change material (p.c.m.) is disclosed. The silica particles have a critical size of about 7.times.10.sup.-3 to about 7.times.10.sup.-2 microns and the pcm must be added to the silica in an amount of 80 wt. % or less pcm per combined weight of silica and pcm. The powder-like mix can be used in tableware items, medical wraps, tree wraps, garmets, quilts and blankets, and in cementitious compositions of the type in which it is beneficial to use a pcm material. The silica-pcm mix can also be admixed with soil to provide a soil warming effect and placed about a tree, flower, or shrub.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus for use in refrigeration and air conditioning holdover systems is disclosed. The apparatus comprises thermal energy storage media encapsulated in a way that enables use of corrosive and/or aqueous thermal energy storage media in high efficiency refrigeration and air conditioning thermal storage systems; natural convection of a non-freezing, non-corrosive heat exchange fluid provides heat transfer between the encapsulated thermal energy storage media and the refrigeration/air conditioning circuit. Several possible embodiments of the encapsulated media and thermal coupling system that provide efficient heat transfer between the refrigeration circuit and the thermal energy storage media are described.

Abstract: A double loop heat storage space heating furnace has a housing with an upper heat storage section containing an electrically heated heat storage brick portion and a lower section containing an air-to-air heat exchanger having first and second air flow passages. The furnace has two separate flow courses. The first flow course uses a room air fan to circulate room air through the first passages of the heat exchanger. The second flow course has a recirculating fan in the lower housing section for recirculating air in a continuous closed loop through the heat storage brick portion to be heated and the second flow passages of the heat exchanger so that heat is delivered from the heated recirculated air and the room air in the heat exchanger. The upper housing section includes a cooling air space surrounding the heat storage brick portion through which the room air fan circulates a portion of the room air to maintain the furnace housing at a temperature similar to that of the room air.

Abstract: A new heat sink composition having relatively high volumetric heat capacity and relatively high density have been prepared. The compositions comprise a set of formulas including: a) 50-95% oxide of iron and 50-5% of a mixture of clay, an organic binder or an inorganic binder, where said mixture can contain any portion of clay, organic binder or inorganic binder in any proportions provided the mixture adheres to the 50-5% compositional range; b) 15-95% oxide of iron and 85-5% of clay; c) 15-85% oxide of iron, 10-2% of a transition metal oxide other than iron and 75-13% inorganic binder; and d) 50-80% oxide of iron, 15-5% of talc and 35-15% clay. The compositions show good dried and fired properties and can even be loaded and fired in-situ because they possess good dried crush strength.

Abstract: A steam generator for a convection oven through the oven chamber of which heated air is circulated by means of a fan along a flow path in which the steam generator is positioned, comprises a heat-storage unit having a stack of elongated horizontal supports for supporting ball-shaped heat-storage bodies and means for spreading water over the heat-storage unit. Each support includes a bottom wall having a plurality of polygonal apertures which form seats for respective ones of the heat-storage bodies. The apertures, the size of which is substantially smaller than the largest cross-section of the heat-storage bodies, form flow passages through which water from overlying supports is passed to the top portion of the heat-storage bodies of underlying supports.

Abstract: An improved food serving cart of the type having a compartment for holding multiple trays of prepared foods having both hot and cold food and/or beverage portions thereon, the improvement including a vertically disposed cold reservoir for holding replaceable cooling modules, and multiple food tray holding racks attached inside the cart in a vertical column horizontally adjacent to and in thermal communication with the vertically disposed cold reservoir such that a first portion of each of the horizontal racks is in close proximity to the cooling modules and constitutes a cold zone and a second portion of each of the horizontal racks in spatially separated from the vertical cold reservoir and constitutes a hot zone.

Abstract: A heat-retaining food service container includes an outer shell assembly, and an expandable inner container arrangement within which is disposed a mass of heat-fusible material. Attendant to heating of the heat-fusible material to an elevated temperature, the material undergoes a phase change and expansion. The expandable inner container arrangement accommodates such expansion of the fusible material, while avoiding any appreciable deformation of the outer shell assembly. The construction promotes efficient heat-transfer to food within the container.

Abstract: A solar concrete slab building specifically for a warm climate area including a motorized blower fan and duct means connecting solar wall collectors or cool ambient air to a unique pattern of mutliple air flow tubes embedded in the concrete slab and out an exhaust duct chase of thermal mass, provide means for preventing said air from contacting the interior of the building, thereby creating heat exchange type air flow paths within that heat or cool the thermal mass of the slab and chase. Hence, the occupant can direct off-time cycle temperature storage techniques to better moderate the interior heat in the warm season or the interior cold in the cold season.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of manufacturing a heat exchanger element. In a second aspect the invention concerns a heat exchanger element itself. In the third aspect the invention concerns a reservoir suitable for housing the heat exchanger element to form a heat exchanger. The element is manufactured by extruding polyethylene tubes and winding them into spiral coils. Each coil is located along the length of a rigid horizontal spacer bar in order to maintain even spacing of the coil. The element comprises a stack of coils which are not restrained against vertical movement. The element also comprises a cylindrical void through the center.

Abstract: An electric thermal storage heater with a heat storage brick assembly enclosed within an insulating sheath and an outer shell or housing; there is a space between the outer shell and the insulating sheath through which low temperature air is passed; the brick assembly has air flow openings therethrough into which the electric heating elements may be slipped during installation, and the openings communicate with entrance and exit passages which supply air to and through the brick assembly; air valving is provided to close and modulate the air flowing through the brick assembly and through the low temperature air path; the heating elements maintain the temperature of the bricks between 500.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F., depending upon the expected heating load; and air ducts and a fan move air from the storage heater to the duct system of a heat pump or similar forced air heating device.

Abstract: A thermally stabilized vessel for the serving of hot liquid foods that causes the liquid food's initial temperature be rapidly reduced to a temperature which is comfortable for consumption and maintains the temperature of the hot liquid food at an elevated level, which is comfortable for consumption, for an extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device capable of creating heat flow within an integral thermal block of the type used for heat storage. The device has a thermal conductivity coefficient higher than that of the block and a surface that is connected to the integral block in such a way as to permit thermal flow. This shapes the isotherms inside the block to extend virtually parallel to one another.

Abstract: An improved heat retaining foodservice system including a heat retaining food cover (10), food container (310) and underbase (210), each including a heat storage system comprised of a sealed chamber therewithin, said chamber containing a layer of non-metallic heat storing material, such as micro crystalline wax enclosed by a layer of film for keeping food warmer for longer periods of time. Preferably, the food cover, container and underbase are each constructed of high-temperature stable polymeric material which is transparent to microwave radiation to facilitate heating of the heat storing material by use of a microwave oven, as well as by a conventional convection or radiant heat type oven.

Abstract: A heat accumulator element comprises a container containing water sealed therein, the inside of the container being provided with a gas phase. Heat is directed at the outer surface of the container and accumulated in the liquid as sensible heat, and the volume change of the liquid caused by a change in the temperature is absorbed by the gas phase, so as to reach an accumulating temperature up to about 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A heat retentive server, in particular a server base, for maintaining food or beverage in a desired temperature range for a period of time includes a non-metallic upper shell and lower shell which sealingly form a cavity between their inwardly facing surfaces. A heat storage member including an encapsulated core of phase change material is disposed in the cavity. As the server base is heated, the phase change material melts and stores heat as heat of fusion. When the core later cools, it undergoes a phase change from the liquid state to the solid state an imparts the stored heat to the server base.

Abstract: A latent heat storage apparatus for obtaining sure latent heat from a latent heat storage material includes a plurality of small chambers for encasing at least the latent heat storage material. A capillary member is provided between the plurality of small chambers so that the contents of the plurality of chambers are coupled to each other. With this arrangement, the crystallization of the latent heat storage material in at least one small chamber is spread out into the other small chambers. In the case that the present invention is applied for a supercooling-prevention type heat storage apparatus, a supercooling-prevention material is encased in one of the small chambers. On the other hand, in the case that the present invention is applied for a supercooling type heat storage apparatus, one end portion of the capillary member is put out so that the latent heat storage material in the small chambers is crystallized by stimulation of the end portion thereof.

Abstract: Tubular containers, preferably corrugated, containing plural thermal storage medium compositions having different fusion temperatures are arrayed in zones or layers within a vessel through which liquid is circulated to exchange heat with the containers.

Abstract: First and second face members (12, 14) are secured to the opposite sides of a honeycomb core (16) to provide a structural wall (10). A phase change material (22) is provided within the cells (20) of the wall (10), so that the wall (10) also has the capability of storing thermal energy. The thermal wall (10) may be constructed in the form of a removable shelf (28) for a container (30). It may be constructed in the form of a fixed wall (60) of a container. Such a thermal wall (10) can be constructed to be in the form of a serving vessel, e.g. a dish (FIGS. 14 and 16), a cup (FIG. 13), or the like.

Abstract: A container (1) for foods and/or beverages is proposed, a body (5) of heat-storing material being attached thereto in contact with the underside thereof. The body (5) is releasably connected to the container (1), for example by way of magnets, and either supplies heat to the container (1) or withdraws heat from the container (1). The outer surfaces of the body (5) are covered by a removable lining (3) of insulating material.

Abstract: A heat accumulator (18) arranged in heat exchange relation with a heating system. The accumulator comprises a body of a material having a high heat capacitivity and a high melting point, for instance cast iron, ceramics material. The accumulator is arranged for being heated by electric energy (19) to a temperature considerably higher than the maximum temperature of the heating system. A conduit (22) containing heat transporting fluid in a liquid phase is arranged for communication with the water system for settling the heat accumulator in heat exchange relation with the water system of the heating system. In a preferred embodiment the conduit (22) is an open conduit in direct communication with the water system.

Abstract: A method of storing and controlling a release of latent heat of transition of a phase-change material is disclosed. The method comprises trapping a crystallite of the material between two solid objects and retaining it there under high pressure by applying a force to press the two solid objects tightly together. A crystallite of the material is exposed to a quantity of the material that is in a supercooled condition to nucleate the crystallization of the supercooled material.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer pad for positioning on an electrical coil of the heating element on a stove. The pad includes two embossed metal plates with a metal alloy body sandwiched in between the two plates. The center section of the pad defined by the alloy body closely corresponds to the area of the electrical coil. An annular extension around the body includes opposite circular recesses for reinforcement of the pad. The upwardly extending recess forms a drip ring to confine any inadvertent overflow from a pan on the pad. A depending skirt around the drip recess extends over the rim of the heating element and substantially closes the stove opening. A liquid metal alloy body is preferably INDALLOY, a tin and bismuth alloy combination that melts at 281.degree. F. with no appreciable expansion or contraction during phase change or temperature transition. Other alloys or materials with similar properties can be used as a substitute material for the body as long as the melting point is approximately 140.degree.

Abstract: A solar collector thermal power system 10 which includes thermal energy storage units (22) containing thermal energy storage canisters (28) with the associated heat enhancers and purifiers. A fluid is directed through the canisters to heat a phase change salt contained therein, which stored heat may later be utilized such as in a space station heat engine.

Abstract: A latent heat storage apparatus for obtaining a sure latent heat from a latent heat storage material includes a plurality of small chambers for encasing at least the latent heat storage material. A capillary member is provided between the plurality of small chambers so that the contents of the plurality of chambers are coupled to each other. With this arrangement, the crystallization of the latent heat storage material in at least one small chamber is spread out into the other small chambers. In the case that the present invention is applied for a supercooling-prevention type heat storage apparatus, a supercooling-prevention material is encased in one of the small chambers. On the other hand, in the case that the present invention is applied for a supercooling type heat storage apparatus, one end portion of the capillary member is put out so that the latent heat storage material in the small chambers is crystallized by stimulation of the end portion thereof.

Abstract: A thermal storage apparatus for use with space-based burst power supplies. Lithium hydride is encapsulated within spherical hollow capsules. Each capsule is made of a three layer hollow shell. The inner layer of each shell is molybdemum, the middle layer silicon carbide, and the outer layer molybedum. The lithium hydride occupies only about sixty percent of the interior volume of each capsule at ambient temperatures to allow for thermal expansion. The outer diameter of each capsule is 3 cm. The thickness of the layers is 0.1 mm for the inner and outer layer, and 0.3-0.5 mm for the middle layer. The capsules are arranged in a packed array for use in heat storage. A heat transfer working fluid, such as lithium, sodium or potassium, transfers heat to and from the packed array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal energy storage apparatus wherein a housing defines a chamber and wherein inlet and outlet means communicate with the chamber. A channelling means is positioned within the chamber for dividing the flow stream of a heat exchange fluid into a plurality of separate flow streams and for directing the heat exchange fluid to flow therethrough. Positioned within the channelling means is means for storing and releasing the thermal energy by heat transfer to and from the exchange fluid as the fluid passes in contacting relation with the thermal energy storing and releasing means as the fluid passes through the housing.