Hot and Cold Therapy Eases Pain

About this technology

Overview

In the 1960s, NASA civil servant Tom Hughes worked for Marshall Space Flight Center's Quality Control Laboratory as a systems engineer. While there, Hughes gained technical expertise in microwave technology. The expertise Hughes gained during his employment with NASA led him to develop a unique thermal ceramic compound, Thermal Ceramix,R which is capable of absorbing heat through microwaves and retaining it for an extended period of time. The clay-based substance also retains the cold when placed in the freezer. Hughes formed Thermionics Corporation to commercialize the technology. The company's ThermipaqT is a therapeutic pad that provides hot and cold therapy for pain caused by ailments such as arthritis, muscle pain, and sprains. Within the Thermipaq, the Thermal Ceramix compound is contained in a heat-sealing packaging material that Hughes learned about through NASA. Thermionics' product line also includes the Wine Tote,T which chills and safely transports up to three bottles of wine. Another product, Quick Chill,T is a bottle wrap that is cooled in the freezer and then placed around a beverage bottle, chilling it in 10 minutes and keeping it cold for up to 3 hours. Thermal CeramixR is a registered trademark of Thermionics Corporation. Thermipaq,T Wine Tote,T and Quick Chill,T are trademarks of Thermionics Corporation.