Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage container which contains an enclosed pressurized liquid cooling agent whereby when the container is opened the pressurized liquid cooling agents immediately acts to cool the contents of the container.

Abstract: A coiled tube insert is provided to cool a beverage within a beverage container by releasing a pressurized liquid refrigerant from the coiled tube to an evaporator to chill the beverage within the container.

Abstract: A chemical refrigeration system utilizes the endothermic reaction of chemicals such as potassium chloride dissolved in water to refrigerate the water. To achieve a large drop in water temperature, plural stages of endothermic reactions are utilized in a plurality of chillers to chill the water in increments. Heat exchangers are also provided in recirculation paths of the chillers to increase efficiency. The system will operate successfully in the zero gravity conditions of outer space.

Abstract: A food and drink warming container comprises an openable container body for receiving a drink or food containing at least a liquid substance, a metallic can housed within the body and filled with quick lime and water which is sealed in a bag, and a cover member attached to the metallic can and having a communication port for communicating the interior of the metallic can to the exterior of the body. The water is brought into contact with the quick lime when the body is broken through the communication port, thereby allowing a hydration reaction of the quick lime to take place for generating heat and thereby warming the drink or food to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a portable refrigerating unit to be used for chilling beverages, the same having an outer shell insulated on the inside and an inner shell for holding a beverage container in close fitting relationship therewith. The inner shell is fabricated of a highly thermoconductive material, such as aluminum. The close fitting relationship with the beverage container allows an efficient conductive heat transfer when the outer surface of the inner shell is subjected to an evaporating refrigerant gas directed thereon by an evaporator tube that is mounted between the outer and inner shells. Refrigerant gas is supplied to the evaporator tube by a disposable pressurized refrigerant gas container. An ejector is provided for ejecting the beverage container after chilling.

Abstract: A self-cooling container for beverages is provided and contains a capsule having pressurized liquified coolant within. The capsule is placed within the container so that a conduit will extend from the capsule to a bent obstructed end having a semi-cut portion. When the bent end is removed the coolant will exit the conduit into the ambient air causing the beverage to cool.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and preserving perishable test samples, comprising: a pair of substantially flat leaf members foldably connected to one another; membranes disposed on each of the leaf members over a substantial portion thereof, forming reservoirs; a latent refrigerant disposed in the reservoir; and, at least one strip for gripping and holding the leaf members together to surround and cushion the test sample, and hold the test sample in heat exchanging relationship with the reservoirs, whereby upon activation of the latent refrigerant the test samples may be safely transported and preserved in a chilled environment. The leaf members and the membranes may be flat except for portions corresponding in shape to the test samples, the portions forming a pocket for receiving a test sample. The pocket may be formed by a holding strap disposed over one of the reservoirs. The leaf members may alternatively bear a clip member for holding the test sample.

Abstract: A disposable device for utilizing an exothermic or endothermic reaction for heating or cooling drinks and foodstuffs, substantially comprising a single piece metal container, having two rooms and being enveloped within a protective insulating plastic covering, the reactants being contained in separated sectors and closed by diaphragms, which are heat-sealed and impermeable to outer agents, the covering being provided with a locking system for locking therein the metal container and with a device, so-called outer breaker, which is manually controlled for starting the exothermic or endothermic reaction by mixing a solid reactant with a liquid one.

Abstract: An integral, multi-compartment, disposable packaging means, made from flexible sheet material, such packaging means providing for indirect heat exchange between compartments and selective discharge of one compartment independent of a remaining compartment. A first compartment is adapted to receive and store a packaged product; walls for a second compartment are formed integrally with the first compartment establishing a sealed space for effecting indirect heat exchange between the two compartments; a reactive material capable of sustaining an endothermic or an exothermic reaction when mixed with an activating agent is held in one of such compartments. Structural means are provided enabling additives to be made independently to the two compartments and for optimum and more uniform heat transfer.

Abstract: A three-compartment, instant hot or cold, reusable cold pack for transferring heat to or from an object. A first compartment contains a predetermined amount of a solvent comprised primarily of water. A second compartment contains a predetermined amount of a solute capable of essentially completely dissolving in the solvent. A third compartment contains a gelling agent capable of gelling with the solvent and solute solution and producing a gel that is relatively soft and moldable when frozen.

Abstract: Air-conditioning is carried out using a "hydrogen heat pump" driven by waste heat. The hydrogen heat pump includes at least two and preferably four units, wherein hydrogen passes between low-temperature and high-temperature porous metal hydride compacts, each unit having a pair of heat exchangers associated therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering atmospheric moisture utilizing a wind driven electrical generator for powering a mechanical refrigeration system for condensing atmospheric moisture. A housing is provided forming an atmospheric duct with a turbine mounted therein and drivingly connected to the electrical generator. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator positioned in the atmospheric duct whereon water vapor is condensed. In the practice of the method for recovering atmospheric moisture, electrical current is generated from wind and powers the refrigeration system which includes the evaporator. Atmospheric moisture is condensed on the evaporator and collected.

Abstract: In a method and means (cooling pack) for cooling injured parts or areas of a human or animal body, xylite (C.sub.5 H.sub.12 O.sub.5) is used as the cold means. The xylite is dissolved in crystalline form in an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid and brought into direct or indirect contact with the part or area of the body to be cooled. The xylite may preferably be accommodated in a flexible container to which the solvent fluid can be supplied directly or from a container joined thereto.

Abstract: A container constructed to cool the contents of the container by releasing a refrigerant from a pressure vessel within the container to chill the contents of the container by an endothermic expansion process of the refrigerant as a gas to the outside of the container. The pressure vessel within the container is conically formed at one end of the container as an integral part of the end wall structure of the container. The refrigerant gas is released by breaking a frangible end off a valve.

Abstract: A power system is provided that uses the latent heat of fusion of water to raise the potential energy of a working fluid to a level that upon release generates power, preferably electrical power. The system is self-sustaining except for the energy that is supplied in water entering the system. The inlet water can be at any temperature within its liquid range under atmospheric or super atmospheric pressure, can advantageously contain the sensible waste heat typical of effluent from fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, can be relatively pure or be contaminated as with sewage or be the medium of a colloidal suspension, or consist of marine or other saline waters. In every case, purification of the water by freezing, for example, desalination, is accomplished without additional power consumption.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for desalinizing water. Salt water in an evaporation zone is provided with heat of vaporization by a heat pump which transfers heat to the water from a thermal sink. The evaporation zone is maintained at subatmospheric pressure so that the salt water boils at a temperature at least about 10 degrees above the ambient dew point. The pressure in the evaporation zone is maintained at a low level by a vacuum pump and by condensing the vapor in a condensation zone from which fresh water is collected. The heat of condensation is dissipated into a "cold" sink if available or by a heat dissipating means such as an evaporative cooling apparatus. Energy efficiency results from the ability of the heat pump or pumps in the system to operate at a high coefficient of performance.

Abstract: An integrated system for storing thermal energy, for space heating and cong and for power conversion is described which utilizes the reversible thermal decomposition characteristics of two hydrides having different decomposition pressures at the same temperature for energy storage and space conditioning and the expansion of high-pressure hydrogen for power conversion. The system consists of a plurality of reaction vessels, at least one containing each of the different hydrides, three loops of circulating heat transfer fluid which can be selectively coupled to the vessels for supplying the heat of decomposition from any appropriate source of thermal energy from the outside ambient environment or from the spaces to be cooled and for removing the heat of reaction to the outside ambient environment or to the spaces to be heated, and a hydrogen loop for directing the flow of hydrogen gas between the vessels.

Abstract: The formation of large crystals during the cooling and crystallization of Glauber's salt is prevented by the addition of ferric ions to the system.

Abstract: A method of cooling a fluid medium in a heat exchanger by means of an endothermic heat of solution of crystals which are in contact with a heat exchanger in the base of a closed column where the solvent dissolves the crystals whereby to form a saturated solution which cools the heat exchanger, and applying heat to the saturated solution in an upper part of the column to vaporize the solvent and pass it to a condenser, the resulting super saturation causing recrystallization with the crystals sinking to the base of the column, the solvent condensate passing back to the base of the column to continue the endothermic solution of the crystals.

Abstract: Thermal energy, especially solar heat, is converted into chemical energy by being used for the endothermic dissociation of a compound which is exothermically recombinable to release at least a substantial part of that energy at a time and/or location at which the original heat source is not readily available. One or more of the dissociation products are transported to the point of utilization, preferably after interim storage, and are there recombined with one another and/or with locally available reactants to restore the original compound which is then returned, again preferably after interim storage, to the dissociation site for a repetition of the process. The exothermic reaction at the recombination site may be used to decompose a locally available compound, e.g. water, for the purpose of liberating one of its constituents, e.g. hydrogen.

Abstract: Moving bed hydride heat pumps and pressure pumps are described in which a hydride-forming material is transported between two or more reactor vessels. Each vessel can be maintained at a predetermined temperature, and thus, the hydride-forming material may be heated or cooled by moving it into an appropriately heated or cooled reactor vessel. In this way thermal cycling of reactor vessels is reduced or eliminated. Both continuously operating and moving batch hydride pumping systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of low temperature energy storage and utilization is disclosed which can be used in conjunction with low temperature heat sources such as solar energy flat plate collectors. Input heat energy is utilized to sustain the endothermic dissociation of ammonium carbamate produced from a reaction between urea and water. The energy is retained in the form of the higher energy containing dissociation products ammonia and carbon dioxide. The dissociation products are separated by liquifying and draining off the ammonia and are held under pressure. The stored heat is extracted in the form of output heat energy for an end use by reversing the dissociation reaction and combining the ammonia and carbon dioxide to form ammonium carbamate which becomes urea and water and is recirculated as a slurry. Closed-loop, fluid-medium heat exchange systems can be used both in the input and output sides of the energy system. The entire system operates at temperatures of less than 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for providing refrigeration, heating and air conditioning which use metallic hydrides for thermal energy storage and upgrading.

Abstract: The process accumulates heat from a relatively low temperature source to support an endothermic chemical reaction, partially separates the products of the reaction from the reactants, and then releases the accumulated heat in the reverse exothermic chemical reaction at a higher temperature simultaneously restoring the original chemical composition. The forward and reverse chemical reactions are slow enough to prevent substantial reaction during the separation and transfer of the chemicals, but they may be speeded by catalysts within the reaction chambers. The chemicals are separated by standard procedures such as sorption-desorption, distillation, freezing and melting, precipitation, extraction, centrifugation, and reactions with other materials.

Abstract: A method for the storage and retrieval of thermal energy is disclosed, which in a two phase, two component system is able to utilize both the sensible heat of water (always one of the components) and the heat of fusion of the second component (a salt which forms a hydrate). The system to be employed must be graphically definable in a phase diagram including a liquidus, the compositional range of the system being selected so as to lie within the compositional range of the liquidus along which the system is to operate during both the heating and cooling cycles.

Abstract: A package comprising a tube of flexible material having a first and second end, a first ultrasonic seal extending transversely across the tube and closing said first end, a second ultrasonic seal extending transversely across the tube and closing said second end, a chamber formed by said tube and end seals for containing contents, a hollow stem extending through and supported by the second seal with an inner end inside the chamber and an outer end outside the chamber, and a removable seal closing the outer end of the stem, said stem seal being removable when it is desired to dispense the contents from the package.

Abstract: An energy conversion, conveyance and utilisation system, particularly for providing process heat in industrial plants, which makes use of a source of heat such as a nuclear reactor to dissociate sulfur trioxide according to the reaction:2SO.sub.3 .revreaction.2SO.sub.2 + O.sub.2,the dissociation products being conveyed through a pipeline to a remote utilization station where the heat of recombination is utilized, the resulting sulfur trioxide being returned through the pipeline to the reactor site. The pipeline incorporates separate pipes in which the sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide are conducted in liquefied form, surrounded by a duct in which the gaseous oxygen flows.

Abstract: A particulate composition producing an endothermic reaction when mixed with water, and a cold pack containing such a composition, and water isolated therefrom until the intended time of use. The composition consists essentially of, in parts by weight, about 65 to about 130 parts urea, about 35 to about 80 parts hydrated sodium acetate (Na C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2 .multidot.3H.sub.2 O), about 18 to about 40 parts potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, about 18 to about 30 parts ammonium chloride, and about 6 to about 10 parts quar gum. A cold pack comprises an outer sealed, flexible, impermeable enclosure containing the composition, and an inner sealed, flexible, impermeable, easily ruptured enclosure containing about 85 to about 140 parts by weight water. The pack reaches and maintains a temperature of about -7.degree. C for up to 30 minutes, and is moldable to conform to the surfaces being cooled.

Abstract: A heat pack is made by enclosing supercoolable aqueous sodium acetate solution together with a metallic activator strip in a sealed, flexible container. The activator strip is a flexible metal strip having one or more fissures or slits extending therethrough.To prepare the heat pack for activation, its contents are first heated to a temperature above the melting point of sodium acetate to completely melt it. Thereafter, the sodium acetate solution is supercooled. Activation or crystallization of the sodium acetate (with evolution of heat) is produced by bending the activator strip.

Abstract: A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved-sawtooth contoured surface covered with a metallized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery. The solar energy absorber is preferably a fluid-transporting pipe. Efficient utilization leading to high temperatures from the reflected solar energy is obtained by cylindrical shaped secondary reflectors that direct off-angle energy to the absorber pipe. To obtain higher temperature levels, refocusing secondary reflectors, that cause a series of discrete spots of highly concentrated solar energy to fall on the fluid-transporting pipe, are utilized. A seriatim arrangement of cylindrical secondary reflector stages and spot-forming reflector stages produces a high temperature solar energy collection system of greater efficiency.

Abstract: A low temperature energy carrying apparatus and method adapted for central cooling which comprises a hydrate circulating system for a liquid hydrate agent and hydrate crystals incorporated with a conventionally designed water circulating system. In the hydrate circulating system, the hydrate crystals are feed to the users side together with cooled water and decomposed therein into hydrate agent and cooled water absorbing the latent heat of decomposition. Therefore, the temperature of the cooled water during transport thereof to the users side is stabilized and in addition to the sensible heat of the cooled water the latent heat of the hydrate crystals can be utilized in the users side, thereby improving cooling effect in the users side. Also, the hydrate circulating system is adapted to use a hydrate agent in the liquid phase area which allows the operation of the system to be stabilized.

Abstract: A disposable cold pack for cooling and storing a sample of freshly drawn blood at 28.degree. to 40.degree. F. for 45 minutes has an outer flexible insulation layer and a pair of sealed flexible plastic envelopes. In one embodiment, the envelopes are arranged one within the other and the outer one secured to the insulation, the inner envelope being filled with water and frangible, the outer one containing ammonium nitrate in a ratio to water from 1.24:1 to 1.26:1 by weight, and a closure for securing the pack in folded position around the sample container. In another embodiment the envelopes are arranged side by side with a connecting passageway between them releasably sealed in closed condition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the use of hydrides to exhaust heat from one temperature source and deliver the thermal energy extracted for use at a higher temperature, thereby acting as a heat pump. For this purpose there are employed a pair of hydridable metal compounds having different characteristics working together in a closed pressure system employing a high temperature source to upgrade the heat supplied from a low temperature source.

Abstract: One embodiment of a low to high temperature energy conversion system includes a decomposition chamber in which ammonia (NH.sub.3) is decomposed into hydrogen and nitrogen by absorbing heat of decomposition from a low temperature, e.g., 300.degree. C energy source. The separated hydrogen and nitrogen are then supplied to a recombination chamber wherein they recombine to produce ammonia. The recombination process is associated with a significant increase in temperature, used to increase the temperature of a fluid to temperatures on the order of 500.degree. C.

Abstract: Heat transfer and thus temperature control of an environment is achieved by a method and apparatus which comprises withdrawing hydrogen from a first hydride reaction system in a two phase equilibrium at a certain temperature and pressure thereby causing a decomposition of a portion of the hydride, adding heat to the reaction system to compensate for the loss of heat caused by the endothermic hydride decomposition reaction, transferring the withdrawn hydrogen to a second hydride reaction system in a two phase equilibrium at a higher temperature and pressure thereby causing a formation of hydride and release of heat, and removing the heat created by the exothermic hydride formation reaction.

Abstract: A cooling system for air conditioning of buildings which comprises creating a cold medium by dissolving a salt in water, said salt being characterized by forming an endothermic solution, passing air through or over said cold solution to cool the air before introduction into said building, after the potential cooling effect is exhausted the salt is recovered by evaporation of the water from the solution with hot air, said hot air being at least partly heated by solar energy.

Abstract: A heat transfer package characterized by a shell-like container within which a receptacle is nested and to which said receptacle is integrally connected. The shell-like container features an upstanding self-stabilizing outer wall section provided with air escape holes and so constructed to enable the wall section to be axially compressed yet having the property to retain its vertical stability on compression. Heat transfer means are included within said outer shell in a separated relation to the material within said receptacle and so arranged to be activated by an axial compression of said outer shell. On an axial compression of said shell, not only is there produced an activation of the heat transfer medium embodied therein but the wall section is collapsed into itself in a locked position while the package is resting on its base.

Abstract: A refrigerating package is disclosed which comprises a multicompartment gussetted design in which the gusset is formed of a folded in or pleated section, with liquid being placed therein. The gussetted compartment is folded into another compartment and is sealed, the other compartment receiving a refrigerating chemical, the opening of the other compartment being sealed after the refrigerating chemicals are loaded therein. By direct application of pressure to the gussetted compartment, a rupture takes place allowing the liquid container therein to mix with the refrigerating chemical thus producing an endothermic or exothermic reaction, as desired.

Abstract: A cold pack device comprising an anhydrous salt, salt hydrate and a water miscible organic liquid, wherein said components are contained in a package such that they are separated until activation is desired and upon activation the components are mixed and an endothermic reaction occurs resulting in a lowering of the temperature of the mixture to a therapeutic range and maintaining said temperature for a substantial time duration.

Abstract: A foodstuff container capable of heating or cooling food or beverage contained therein having three compartments to accommodate food or beverage, an exothermal or endothermal reaction agent, and a reaction-inducing agent respectively, a needle member to open a way for the thermal reaction agent and the reaction-inducing agent to mix with so as to cause a thermal reaction for heating or cooling the contained food or beverage, and a bottom cover having at its center a plurality of pleats radiating therefrom, said pleats affording some elasticity and flexibility to said bottom cover, said bottom cover also projecting outward at its center so that said bottom cover can bounce back inwardly at the center upon pushing by a finger from the outside so that the bottom cover pushes the needle existing between the compartments accommodating the exothermal or endothermal reaction agent and the reaction-inducing agent respectively, so that the two agents mix to produce thermal reaction as the result.

Abstract: At a heat source, such as a nuclear reactor, phosgene is reacted to form a mixture of carbon monoxide and chlorine. This mixture of gases is cooled by heat exchange with incoming cold phosgene and is pumped through a first pipeline at ambient temperature to an energy use area. At the energy use end of the first pipeline the gas mixture is heated in the presence of a catalyst, such as activated charcoal. The CO and Cl.sub.2 react exothermically to form COCl.sub.2 (phosgene) with the liberation of 26 keal per mol of phosgene formed. The heat evolved from this reaction is released across a heat exchanger for the boiling of water and superheating of the resultant steam to a temperature in the 400.degree.-500.degree.C range for use as process heat or the generation of electricity. The phosgene produced is cooled and then returned to the heat source end via a second pipeline for repetition of the closed loop process described.

Abstract: At a heat source, such as a nuclear reactor, methane and carbon dioxide are reacted (at about 800.degree.-900.degree.C) to form a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This mixture of gases is cooled by heat exchange with incoming cold CH.sub.4 and CO.sub.2 and is then pumped through a first pipeline at ambient temperature to an energy use area. At the energy use end of the first pipeline the gas mixture is heated (to about 350.degree.-500.degree.C) in the presence of steam and a catalyst. The CO and H.sub.2 react exothermically to form CH.sub.4 and CO.sub.2. The heat evolved from this reaction is released across a heat exchanger for use as process heat or for conversion to electricity. Water is condensed and separated from the mixture of gaseous reactants and the dried, cooled CH.sub.4 /CO.sub.2 mixture is returned to the heat source end via a second pipeline for repetition of the closed loop process described.

Abstract: A portable heat transfer unit in the form of a chemical package includes at least two chemical heat transfer materials separated by a chemical buffer material. In their dry state and in their separated condition the chemical heat transfer materials will remain inactive. The introduction of an activating fluid will cause the respective materials to individually and jointly react and interact to produce an extended heat transfer effect.

Abstract: In a thermal pack, one which may be provided with ingredients for making it either a cold pack or a hot pack, three bags are provided for the container of the pack, two of said bags being of the same size and comprising the exterior and proximate interior liners of the pack, while another bag of lesser dimensions forms the inner liner of said pack, and is disposed within the two larger bags. The inner bag is designed for holding a quantity of water, while the interior liner of the two outer bags is provided for holding a quantity of chemical means for use in varying the temmperature of the desired type pack. Rupturing of the inner bag through manual pressure allows water to react with the chemical means for creating either the cold or hot temperature, as needed.