Kay Laboratories, Inc.

American Hospital Supply Corporation

Susan Steves Watson

William K Watson

A heat source includes a cartridge which contains a first chemical having properties for maintaining a liquid state below its particular melting point. A second chemical, which can be introduced through a valve into the cartridge, triggers the crystallization of the first chemical; this crystallization occurs at the substantially constant temperatures of the particular melting point. The first chemical can be recycled by heating the cartridge above its melting point and subsequently cooling the first chemical below its melting point while maintaining its liquid state. A particularly desirable melting point for the first chemical is provided by a eutectic compound which may include sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodium acetate trihydrate. The heat source is particularly adapted to be disposed in a transportable apparatus for heating a baby even during transport.

Heat source providing a substantially constant temperature

In a method for splicing cables, a first cable is connected to a second cable to form a junction and a heat shrinkable sleeve is positioned over the junction. A portable hot pack having properties for developing a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C. is conformed around the sleeve to shrink the sleeve around the junction and thereby seal and insulate the junction. The hot pack can include first and second chemicals which react to initiate a series of heat producing reactions which occur at different temperatures to incrementally elevate the temperature of the hot pack.

Method for splicing cables and hot pack for use therein

In a method for splicing cables, a first cable is connected to a second cable to form a junction and a heat shrinkable sleeve is positioned over the junction. A portable hot pack having properties for developing a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C is conformed around the sleeve to shrink the sleeve around the junction and thereby seal and insulate the junction. The hot pack can include first and second chemicals which react to initiate a series of heat producing reactions which occur at different temperatures to incrementally elevate the temperature of the hot pack.

A flexible container having a substantially planar configuration encloses a first chemical having characteristics for being supercooled to maintain a liquid state even at temperatures below its melting point. A second chemical can be mixed with the first chemical in the container to initiate the crystallization of the first chemical at the substantially constant temperature of the melting point of the first chemical. The container can be enclosed in an insulation envelope to moderate the temperature of the device. The first chemical may include sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate which provides a desirable constant temperature of 48.degree. C. The second chemical may include sodium borate pentahydrate or sodium sulfite which provides the first chemical with a desirable sandy configuration during crystallization in the .alpha. pentahydrate form. The sodium borate pentahydrate or sodium sulfite goes into solution or chemically complexes with the sodium thiosulfate in a manner such that subsequent supercooling can be achieved. Recycling of the device can then be accomplished by releasing another portion of the second chemical into the container. The resulting constant temperature device is particularly effective for use as a warm baby mattress, a warm blanket, or a hot water bottle substitute.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Susan Steves Watson