Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the temperature of a bed environment. In preferred embodiments, the invention is a self-contained, forced air bed warmer which pre-heats the interior sheets and covers of a bed to provide a controlled micro-environment that facilitates relaxation into restful sleep on cold nights. Preferred embodiments include an air conditioning section comprising a body portion and a handle portion, said air conditioning section having an exterior surface that is adapted to receive an edge of a bed cover between said body portion and said handle portion; a fan; a heat transfer element; a temperature sensor; a control circuit connected to said temperature sensor; a timer mounted within said air conditioning section; and an elongated air delivery section having two ends with an air entrance at one end and a primary air exit at the other end.

Abstract: A self-contained evaporative personal cooling device fits conformally around a user's neck or other body portion. The device includes at least one heat dissipating member that is urged conformably against the body portion to absorb heat therefrom. The device-facing side of this member preferably has a large surface area with a liquid-wickable surface. A liquid-retainable material contacts at least a portion of the wickable surface area and also defines at least one air plenum. Ambient air is moved along the plenum, preferably by a battery-powered fan. The air transfers heat from the member, cooling the user, and is exhausted from the device. A thermostat can sense temperature at the heat dissipating member to control duty cycle of the fan to prevent overcooling the user.

Abstract: A self-contained evaporative personal cooling device has an articulated C-shaped housing that fits conformally around a user's neck or forehead. The housing retains and urges at least one heat dissipating plate conformably against the user's neck or forehead. A sponge material within the housing contacts upper and/or lower portions of the metal plates but is spaced-apart from the plate to form a plenum. In use, the sponge material is saturated with water introduced through slots in the housing. A DC powered fan within the device draws air into the housing and circulates the air within the plenum and out through exit openings in the sponge material and housing. Moisture from the sponge material wets the plenum-facing surface of the metal plates, which surface preferably has been treated with a wicking material. Fan-circulated air promotes evaporation and heat is withdrawn by the plates from the user's neck or forehead, thus cooling the user.