Electrochemical heat source
First Claim
1. A method of making a controlled-rate electrochemical heat source comprising the steps of:
- a) providing particles comprising an anode material and a cathode material combined in a form useful as an electrochemical heat source;
b) contacting said particles with an aqueous electrolyte solution and allowing the particles to electrochemically react to utilize a limited portion of the anode material;
c) stopping the electrochemical reaction in a partially completed state; and
d) utilizing the partially reacted particles to make the controlled-rate electrochemical heat source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Electrochemical heat sources, materials used to make electrochemical heat sources and methods of forming electrochemical heat sources are disclosed. The electrochemical heat sources includes at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another, such as magnesium and iron or nickel. The metallic agents may be provided in a variety of forms, including a frozen melt, a bimetallic foil, wire of a first metal wrapped around strands of a different metal, and a mechanical alloy. The metallic agents may be in the form of a powder filling a straw, or small particles extruded with a binder or pressed to form a rod. The powder filled straw or rod may be placed in a heat chamber surrounded by tobacco in a smoking article. An electrolyte solution contacts the metallic agents in the heat chamber to initiate the electrochemical interaction, generating heat which in turn may be used to volatilize nicotine and flavor materials in the tobacco. The heat sources may also be used to heat foods or beverages, in hand warmers, and to heat equipment or materials.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of making a controlled-rate electrochemical heat source comprising the steps of:
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a) providing particles comprising an anode material and a cathode material combined in a form useful as an electrochemical heat source; b) contacting said particles with an aqueous electrolyte solution and allowing the particles to electrochemically react to utilize a limited portion of the anode material; c) stopping the electrochemical reaction in a partially completed state; and d) utilizing the partially reacted particles to make the controlled-rate electrochemical heat source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) a heat source body comprising at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and b) an absorbent outerwrap placed around the heat source body on which steam generated by the electrochemical reaction can condense. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and b) a boiling modifier which does not react with the metallic agents and which is capable of preventing water in the solution from boiling at temperatures produced by the heat source. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another to produce hydrogen when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution; and b) an oxidizing agent suitable for oxidizing said hydrogen at temperatures produced by the heat source. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and b) a phase change material mixed with said metallic agents in said heat source and capable of absorbing heat produced by the electrochemical reaction by changing phases and releasing said heat later by change back to its original phase. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution and b) an acid capable of maintaining the pH of the electrolyte solution below a point where the electrochemical reaction is impeded. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. An electrochemical heat source comprising:
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a) at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemically with one another when contacted by an aqueous electrolyte solution, the at least two metallic agents being formed into an elongated shape with side portions of substantially greater surface area than the end portions, and b) a porous wick disposed around the periphery of the electrochemical heat source so as to contact all of said side portions, the wick being capable of distributing the electrolyte solution from a source of said solution to portions of the heat source distant from said solution source. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of operating an electrochemical heat source wherein the heat source comprises at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electromechanically with one another, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) contacting the metallic agents with an aqueous electrolyte; b) vaporizing water from the electrolyte by heat generated by the electrochemical reaction; and c) condensing at least a portion of the water vapor so produced on an absorbent material which also acts as a wick to return said condensed water vapor to the electrolyte.
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Specification