Background and History In 1963, Verlam Industries developed a new technology, a natural benefit to the world of medicine-cold therapy. Sam Francis purchased the assets of Verlam Industries in 1977. In 1978 Sam Francis invented the first reusable instant cold pack "pennies per application". In the early 1980's Sam began to automate production of hot and cold therapy products. They became the only automated instant cold and hot pack company in the world and soon produced in excess of 10,000,000 packs per year. In the mid 1980's Sam discovered the need, pioneered and patented the microwavable gel pack, one of the greatest inventions of its time. This set a world standard revolutionizing the gel pack industry. Sam Francis also invented an instant pack that would stay cold longer than a