Dispenser assemblies and systems including a heat storage unit

Abstract

A heat storage unit ( 2 ) includes a body having a passage ( 12 ) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element ( 10 ) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit ( 2 ) in thermal communication with the passage ( 12 ). Meanwhile, a heat-retentive material ( 8 ) is in thermal communication with the heatable element ( 10 ). The heatable element ( 10 ) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device ( 6 ), for example.

1 - 53 . (canceled)  
   
   
       54 . A pad for heating and dispensing a flowable product, the pad comprising a porous body comprised of a heat-retentive material and either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heatable by locating the magnetically-compatible material or microwave-compatible material in an externally-generated field.  
   
   
       55 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the porous body comprises at least one layer of a magnetically-compatible graphite-based material that is sandwiched between layers of the heat-retentive material.  
   
   
       56 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the porous body comprises flakes of a magnetically-compatible graphite-based material incorporated within the heat-retentive material.  
   
   
       57 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the heat-retentive material comprises a solid-to-solid phase change material.  
   
   
       58 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the heat-retentive material has a specific heat of at least about 0.4 calories per gram-degree Celsius.  
   
   
       59 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the heat-retentive material has a specific heat of at least about 0.5 calories per gram-degree Celsius.  
   
   
       60 . The pad of  claim 54 , wherein the heat-retentive material comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.  
   
   
       61 - 91 . (canceled)  
   
   
       92 . The pad of  claim 54 , further comprising a burstable pouch containing the flowable product, the burstable pouch being incorporated within the porous body in thermal communication with the magnetically-compatible material or the microwave-compatible material, wherein the flowable product is dispensed from the porous body by compressing the burstable pouch.