Heat cells
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorRichard Keim White
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to a method of manufacturing heat cells which are based on a specific iron oxidation chemistry and having specific physical dimensions and fill characteristics. This method uses direct compaction of powdered ingredients into granules, pellets, tablets, slugs, and/or the like. These heat cells, which can be incorporated into disposable body wraps, provide a controlled and sustained temperature for consistent, convenient, and comfortable heat application for treating temporary or chronic pain. This invention also relates to said exothemic compositions incorporated into said heat cells.
Claims21
An exothermic composition comprising:
- a.) from about 30% to about 80% by weight, of iron powder;
- b.) from about 3% to about 20% by weight, of carbonaceous material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, non-activated carbon, and mixtures thereof;
- c.) from about 0% to about 9% by weight, of an agglomeration aid selected from the group consisting of gelatin, natural gums, cellulose derivatives, cellulose ether and their derivatives, starch, modified starches, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginates, polyols, glycols, corn syrup, sucrose syrup, sorbitol syrup and other polysaccharides and their derivatives, polyacrylamides, polyvinyloxoazolidone, maltitol syrup, and mixtures thereof;
- and
- d.) from about 4% to about 35% by weight of a dry binder selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, sprayed lactose, co-crystallized sucrose and dextrin, modified dextrose, mannitol, microfine cellulose, pre-gelatinized starch, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and mixtures thereof;
- wherein from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, of a metal salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, transitional metal salts, and mixtures thereof is added to said composition as part of the dry mix or subsequently in an aqueous solution as brine, and further wherein said composition comprises a physical form selected from the group consisting of dry agglomerated granules, direct compaction articles, and mixtures thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.