Apparatus and method for simultaneously heating and cooling separate zones

摘要

Disclosed is a device for simultaneously heating and cooling adjacent food portions. A first module defining a first hollow chamber is formed into a substantially planar surface for supporting the food portion to be cooled. The first chamber contains a vaporizable substance in equilibrium with vapor. A second module defining a second hollow chamber is likwise formed into a substantially planar surface for supporting the food portion to be heated. The second chamber contains a sorbent and is evacuated. The chambers are fluidly interconnected by a conduit having a normally closed valve to prevent egress of vapor from the first chamber. In use, the valve is open, allowing vapor from the first chamber to flow into the evacuated second chamber. The resulting drop in pressure allows the vaporizable substance in the first chamber to change phase into vapor, thereby cooling the first chamber and its associated food portion. Moisture in the vapor entering the second chamber is absorbed by the sorbent, which evolves chemical reaction heat, thereby heating the second chamber and its associated food portion. The first and second modules of the present invention may be conveniently placed in adjoining pockets of a foam container for containing the cold and hot portions of a sandwich or other fast food.