Method and thermally active multi-phase heat transfer apparatus and method for abstracting heat using liquid bi-phase heat exchanging composition

Abstract

Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus.

1 . A pliable two phase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawing heat away from a substance, said heat transfer device comprising 
 (a) a plurality of matrix units each including 
 (i) an outer wall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space;  
 (ii) a plurality of spaced apart hollow fluid tight containers connected to a portion of said wall, extending from said wall into said inner space;  
 (iii) a first heat-exchange composition in said inner space contacting each of said fluid tight containers and comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation; and,  
 (iv) a second heat-exchange composition in each of said hollow containers comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation;  
   (b) a fastening system for interconnecting said matrix units along at least a pair of separate spaced apart lines of weakening to enable said heat transfer device to be mounted over the shoulders and around the neck of an individual.    
   
   
       2 . A pliable two phase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawing heat away from a substance, said heat transfer device comprising 
 (a) a plurality of matrix units each including 
 (i) an outer wall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space;  
 (ii) a plurality of spaced apart hollow fluid tight containers connected to a portion of said wall, extending from said wall into said inner space;  
 (iii) a first heat-exchange composition in said inner space contacting each of said fluid tight containers and comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation; and,  
 (iv) a second heat-exchange composition in each of said hollow containers comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation;  
   (b) a fastening system for detachable interconnecting said matrix units in a plurality of different configurations along at least a pair of separate spaced apart lines of weakening to enable said heat transfer device to conform to different portions of an individual's body.    
   
   
       3 . A method for drawing heat away from a substance, said method comprising the steps of 
 (a) conducting heat from the substance through a first sheet into a first fluid reservoir;    (b) moving heat by liquid convection in said reservoir;    (c) conducting through a second sheet into a second fluid reservoir heat transported by liquid convection in said first fluid reservoir;    (d) moving heat by liquid convection from said second fluid reservoir to said first fluid reservoir.