초록 ▼

A portable heat source that may be used to warm food, beverage or other supplies. The heater contains a heat-producing composition that is a solid that may be stored for long periods of time, and activated by addition of water or an aqueous solution. Heat-producing compositions contain an acidic anh

A portable heat source that may be used to warm food, beverage or other supplies. The heater contains a heat-producing composition that is a solid that may be stored for long periods of time, and activated by addition of water or an aqueous solution. Heat-producing compositions contain an acidic anhydride, an acidic salt, a basic anhydride or a basic salt. Preferred heat-producing compositions contain a mixture of an acidic anhydride or salt together with a basic anhydride or salt, such that addition of water to both acidic and basic anhydrides produces heat as well as acid and base respectively; subsequent reaction of the acid and base produces additional heat, as well as a safe, neutral product that is easily disposed. The invention further consists of means and methods for regulating the rate of heat production in heaters by the addition of inert additives to heat-producing compositions and the application of processing methods that regulate access of water to heat-producing compounds. Addition of inert materials and shaping, agglomerating, pelleting and like processing of heat-producing materials are applied to produced heat at a rate compatible with the rate at which the food or other materials can absorb the heat. The invention further consists of devices incorporating the materials to be heated in an advantageous arrangement with the heater composition.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method for regulating the rate at which heat is generated on activation of a heat-producing composition comprising mixtures selected from the group consisting of a mixture of an acidic anhydride with a basic anhydride, a mixture of an acidic anhydride with a basic salt, a mixtu

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method for regulating the rate at which heat is generated on activation of a heat-producing composition comprising mixtures selected from the group consisting of a mixture of an acidic anhydride with a basic anhydride, a mixture of an acidic anhydride with a basic salt, a mixture of an acidic salt with a basic anhydride, a mixture of an acidic salt with a basic salt, and combinations of these mixtures, which method comprises the step of adding to the heat-producing composition, prior to activation, an amount of an inert material effective for retarding activation and regulating the rate at which heat is generated by the heat-producing composition wherein the inert material is selected from the group consisting of an oil, a wax, a surfactant, and mixtures thereof.