Particulate cooling media and pads containing the same
OwnerReuven Dobryinventor
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Abstract
This invention employs discrete, free-flowing particles as substrates for the absorption of water as a phase changing, thermal payload. The aqueous payloads are retained in the particles as they cycle between freezing and thawing, delivering and absorbing sensible and latent heat. Extraparticualate additives in the form of finely divided hydrophobic solids prevent the particles from freezing together into a solid block in preparation for their use as a cooling agent. With free-flowing properties thus secured over a wide temperature range, cooling media of this invention are particularly suitable for healthcare applications.
Claims12
Particulate cooling media comprising:
- (a) discrete, free-flowing, solid mineral particles having a void volume greater than 0.5 cc/gram, which are highly porous and water absorbent;
- (b) water disposed in said particles up to their full saturation capacity;
- and
- (c) an additive of finely divided hydrophobic solid dispersed between the particles which is sufficient to intercede between the particles and thereby prevent extrapiculate moisture, if any, from freezing the particles together into a solid mass during freezer storage in preparation for a subsequent cooling application.
Particulate cooling media comprising:
- (a) spherical beads of activated alumina approximately 7 to 14 in Tyler mesh size;
- (b) water absorbed in said beads to at least 65% by dry weight of the alumina;
- and
- (c) a dusting, between the beads, of a finely subdivided hydrophobic solid additive sufficient to intercede between the particles and thereby prevent surface moisture, if any, from freezing the beads together into a solid mass during freezer storage in preparation for a subsequent cooling application.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.