Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a garment liner that couples to the interior of a clothing article. The garment liner can replace typical underwear. The garment liner can shield clothing from a person's body, and can improve comfort by conforming to the shape of the clothing instead of to the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a precise temperature control device and method for a fluid circulation unit. The device includes a temperature controller, a cold source container, and a liquid cooling vest. The temperature controller includes a shell. a water tank, a first water pump, a second water pump, and a main control panel. The first water pump is connected to the cold source container and the water tank. The second water pump is connected to the water tank and the liquid cooling vest. The liquid cooling vest is connected to the cold source container and the water tank. The water tank is provided with a temperature sensor. The main control panel is electrically connected to an operation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a heat transfer vest. The vest is configured to mount a plurality of heat transfer packs on its interior surface. In the preferred embodiments the appropriate portions of the interior surface are covered in a hook-compatible material. In these versions, the thermal transfer packs include one or more hook panels that are used to attach the packs to the interior surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to intelligent garments that provide thermal regulation in a variety of environments. The garments may include different layers such as a hydrophobic layer in direct contact with a wearer's skin surface and saturated with an aqueous mixture, a spacer layer, a reflective layer, and an outer hydrophobic layer. The layers of the garment may work together to reduce the metabolic expenditure of the wearer in extreme environmental conditions or during demanding physical activity. A variety of sensors may be displaced throughout the garments so as to enable the collection of data associated with wearers as well as environmental conditions. Wearers may control the thermal balance and other properties of the garments as desired.

Abstract: A multi-level-architecture multi-fiber composite yarn includes a composite yarn having a first anisotropic expansion coefficient in an axial and/or radial direction, and a matrix material included with the yarn, wherein the matrix material has a second anisotropic expansion coefficient that is different from the first anisotropic expansion coefficient in at least one of the axial or radial directions. A method of fabricating a multi-level-architecture multi-fiber composite yarn includes infiltrating a composite yarn having a first anisotropic expansion coefficient in an axial and/or radial directions with a matrix material having a second anisotropic expansion coefficient different from the first anisotropic expansion coefficient in the axial or radial direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to flame resistant fabrics containing fibers having at least one energy absorbing and/or reflecting additive incorporated into the fibers. Inclusion of such fibers into the fabric increases the arc rating/fabric weight ratio of the fabric while still complying with all requisite thermal protective requirements.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: A method and devices are described, in which a transformable fiber at a first crystal structure is shaped from its pre-determined configuration into a new shaped configuration. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is inserted into a cavity of a heat and fire protective item. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is heated to above its transformation temperature to a second crystal structure. The heating transforms the new shaped configuration to its pre-determined configuration, wherein the pre-determined configuration forms an air pocket within the heat and fire protective item. The transformable fiber is cooled below its transformation temperature to revert the transformable fiber back to the new shaped configuration at the first crystal structure.

Abstract: An intimate blend of staple fibers, and a yarn, fabric, and article of clothing providing surprising arc performance; the intimate blend comprises 15 to 70 weight percent modacrylic fiber, 5 to 27 weight percent para-aramid fiber; and 3 to 80 weight percent meta-aramid fiber, wherein 25 to 100 parts of the meta-aramid fiber contains 0.5 to 20 weight percent discrete homogeneously dispersed carbon particles and 0 to 75 parts of the meta-aramid fiber free of discrete carbon particles, the intimate blend having a total content of 0.1 to 3 weight percent discrete carbon particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for applying a hyperoxic therapy delivery system to a patient; administering hyperoxic gas to the patient according to an oxygen dose-response model; and adjusting the administration of the hyperoxic gas to the patient based upon monitored parameters related to a condition of the patient. Numerous additional features are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an envelope (20) for a laminar structure (100) providing adaptive thermal insulation, the envelope (20) enclosing at least one cavity (16) having included therein a gas generating agent (18) having an unactivated configuration and an activated configuration, the gas generating agent (18) being adapted to change from the unactivated configuration to the activated configuration, such as to increase a gas pressure inside the cavity (16), in response to an increase in temperature in the cavity (16), the envelope (20) having, in the unactivated configuration of the gas generating agent (18), a flat shape with a thickness (d) of the envelope (20) being smaller than a lateral extension (A) of the envelope (20), the envelope (20) being configured such that the thickness (d) of the envelope (20) increases in response to the increase in gas pressure inside the cavity (16), the cavity including at least a first sub-cavity (16a) and a second sub-cavity (16b) at least partially stacked abo

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to intelligent garments that provide thermal regulation in a variety of environments. The garments may include different layers such as a hydrophilic layer in direct contact with a wearer's skin surface and saturated with an aqueous mixture, a spacer layer, a reflective layer, and an outer hydrophobic layer. The layers of the garment may work together to reduce the metabolic expenditure of the wearer in extreme environmental conditions or during demanding physical activity. A variety of sensors may be displaced throughout the garments so as to enable the collection of data associated with wearers as well as environmental conditions. Wearers may control the thermal balance and other properties of the garments as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wearable personal thermal management system and an associated method of manufacture. The PTMS comprises a harness that includes one or more cooling components and/or heating components. The harness include an upper-torso wearable portion and/or a lower-torso wearable portion. The PTSM provides a heating and/or cooling effects to one or more thermally sensitive areas of its user when worn.

Abstract: A protective garment including a heat, flame and abrasion resistant outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer. The outer shell includes an opening formed therein. The garment further includes a heat and flame resistant air-permeable material, of a different type of material than the outer shell, spanning the opening.

Abstract: A nonwoven for use in a thermal liner for protective apparel includes 1-45 wt % of a first inherently heat resistant fiber excluding an aramid, and a balance of a second heat resistant fiber. The nonwoven excludes wool and has a thickness less than 3 mm and a basis weight of less than 2.9 osy (100 gsm). In another embodiment, the insulating layer for protective apparel includes a nonwoven including an inherently flame resistant fiber and fibers being inherently resistant to moisture absorption. The inherently flame resistant fiber is different from said inherently resistant to moisture absorption fiber. The nonwoven has an equivalent or better thermal protective performance (TPP) and a lower basis weight than an industry standard nonwoven consisting of a nonwoven of para-aramids or meta-aramids or a blend of both.

Abstract: Water absorbing material provided in a planar shape over the substantially entire surface of a front side surface of cooling clothing is layered with an intermediate cloth having air permeability and a waterproof material or sheet, which is waterproof, to be sandwiched and wrapped therewith. By sewing or by sealing and joining the intermediate cloth and waterproof cloth or sheet, waterproof water dividers having length in the horizontal direction are provided at a suitable inclined angle of locations. Water that is inserted from a water inlet in the upper part of the cooling clothing by a PET bottle or the like flows toward the lower part of the cooling clothing between the surface of the water absorbing material and the waterproof cloth, meandering left and right continuously or in a stepwise shape, and making a puddles arise like terraces in prescribed locations here and there.

Abstract: An article of protective clothing, such as a boot, for providing visibility to a wearer has at least one light source encased within a housing. The housing is integrated within the article of protective clothing. The article of protective clothing includes a light-permeable shield positioned over the encased light source in the housing. Also, the article of protective clothing has a power source functionally coupled to the light source. The shield has one or more protective properties equal to or greater than one or more protective properties of the protective clothing.

Abstract: A protective garment including a heat, flame and abrasion resistant outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer, the outer shell including an opening formed therein. The garment further includes a heat and flame resistant material, of a different type of material than the outer shell, positioned in the opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of insulation materials, and methods of their formation, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an insulating material may include a stretchable scrim layer, a face layer, and an insulation layer disposed between the scrim layer and the face layer. First and second seams may couple the stretchable scrim layer, the insulation layer, and the face layer, and a length of the face material between the first and second seams is greater than a length of the stretchable scrim between the first and second seams. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: An invention describes a drapable IR-reflecting material for garments. The IR-reflecting material comprises a water-vapor-permeable metallized ply supporting an air-permeable drapable convective ply having a three-dimensionally transmissive structure. The outer surface of the convective ply, said outer surface being opposite to the metallized ply, is formed by an air-permeable sheetlike structure. The convective ply causes heat convection of temperatures reflected by the metallized ply in order that the outer surface of the convective ply may be brought into line with the ambient temperature.

Abstract: Flame resistant fabrics are formed by warp and fill yarns having different fiber contents. The fabrics are constructed, for example, by selection of a suitable weaving pattern, such that the body side of the fabric and the face side of the fabric have different properties. The fabrics described herein can be printable and dyeable on both sides of the fabric and are suitable for use in military and industrial garments. Methods of forming flame resistant fabrics, and methods for forming garments from the fabrics, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric consisting of a single layer of a non-woven substrate treated with a flame retardant finish. The non-woven substrate comprises cellulosic fibers and polyester fibers and has a basis weight ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 ounces per square yard. The fabric has a thickness ranging from 0.01 to 0.15 inches.

Abstract: A flameproof spun yarn of the present invention includes a modacrylic fiber containing an antimony compound and a polyarylate-based fiber, and the flameproof spun yarn contains 1 to 30 wt % of the polyarylate-based fiber relative to the total weight of the flameproof spun yarn. A flameproof fabric of the present invention includes a modacrylic fiber containing an antimony compound and a polyarylate-based fiber, and the flameproof fabric contains 1 to 30 wt % of the polyarylate-based fiber relative to the total weight of the flameproof fabric. And clothes and flameproof work clothes of the present invention include the flameproof fabric. The present invention thereby provides at a low cost a flameproof spun yarn and a flameproof fabric having excellent designability and flameproofness, and clothes and a flameproof work clothes using the same.

Abstract: An insulating garment includes an inner fabric having a knitted laminar structure adapted to absorb perspiration of a user. The inner fabric utilizes polymer fibers and a mixture of polyamide and polyester multifilaments present in an amount of between 30-50% and have a thickness between 0.3-3 dtex. An outer fabric has a knitted laminar structure and an inner surface including a moisture repellent finish adapted to repel perspiration of a user. The outer fabric utilizes polyester-brushed cotton threads in an amount of between 40-60% of the fabric. The end portions of the inner and outer fabrics are stitched together to form an air chamber there between. In use, perspiration from a user is absorbed by the inner fabric into the air chamber, where it can evaporate.

Abstract: A system for providing any plurality of exchangeable (typically thin-walled and lightweight) outer skins in combination with a wearable base garment, the base garment selected from as at least one of a one-piece suit, pants or a jacket and exhibiting a plurality of fasteners. A first selected outer skin is configured for positioning in overlaying fashion relative to any of the pants or jacket of the base garment. The outer skin exhibits a further plurality of fasteners which inter-engage with the first plurality of fasteners. The first skin exhibits a first decorative pattern and, upon being detached from the base garment, can be substituted by a second identically constructed skin exhibiting a second decorative pattern.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: Articles of apparel and a method for manufacturing an article of apparel are disclosed. An insulation layer for an article of apparel may include a flexible polyurethane foam. The foam may be generated by polymerization in a pressurizable chamber at a pressure sufficient to prevent the foam from completely filling the chamber. A shell layer may include wind resistant, breathable material. The shell layer may include an outer layer of the article of apparel.

Abstract: Disclosed are technical fibers and yams made with partially aromatic polyamides and a fiber having vapor phase action such as an FR cellulosic fiber. Fabrics made from such fibers and yarns demonstrate superior flame retardancy over traditional flame retardant nylon 6,6 fabrics. Further, the disclosed fibers and yams, when blended with other flame retardant fibers, do not demonstrate the dangerous “scaffolding effect” common with flame retardant nylon 6,6 blended fabrics.

Abstract: A knit fabric is provided having a fabric weight of no more than 20 OPSY (ounces per square yard) prepared from a combination of yarns of a fire-resistant rayon yarn, and an aramid yarn; wherein the knit fabric provides a V50 value of at least 600 fps, measured in accordance with MIL-STD-3207, and particularly provides flame resistance properties, antimicrobial properties, high air permeability, and high water vapor transmission, and a garment formed therefrom.

Abstract: A personal artificial transpiration cooling system having a transpiration surface with a substrate, a transpiration membrane layer which is spaced from the substrate layer by one or more spacers to define one or more interior fluid flow channels between a first surface of the transpiration membrane layer and the substrate; and a stoma layer disposed adjacent a second surface of the permeable membrane layer, the stoma layer being spaced from the second surface of permeable membrane layer by a predetermined distance to define one or more cavities disposed between pores in the at least one stoma layer and the second surface of the permeable membrane layer. A fluid reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the one or more interior fluid flow channels, while the transpiration surface is configured to be worn by a human or an animal and the fluid reservoir is designed to be supported, in use, by the human or animal wearing the transpiration surface.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell, a thermal barrier having a thermal protection performance of at least about twenty, and a moisture barrier positioned between the outer shell and the thermal barrier. The thermal barrier includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer and inner layers. The outer layer is positioned adjacent to the moisture barrier, and moisture is more attracted to the intermediate layer than to the outer layer.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body portion shaped to be worn on the torso and arms of a wearer. The body portion has a front surface, a rear surface, and lower edge. The protective garment further includes at least one pocket portion coupled to the front surface, wherein at least part of the pocket portion is located below the lower edge.

Abstract: A yarn comprises: (a) about 45% to about 85% by weight of regenerated cellulose fibers, the regenerated cellulose fibers having a dry tenacity of about 27 cN/tex or more, the regenerated cellulose fibers comprising a flame retardant compound within the fiber; and (b) about 5% to about 25% by weight of para-aramid fibers. A textile material, such as a fabric, comprises a plurality of these yarns. A garment, such as a shirt or a pant, comprises such a textile material. A method for protecting an individual from infrared radiation that can be generated during an arc flash utilizes such a textile material.

Abstract: Lightweight, flexible protective fabrics for protecting a person, animal or other object from hot burning materials, hot high heat capacity and/or hot corrosive materials, such as hot molten metal, hot oily liquids (e.g., heating oil), hot gels, hot solids, hot sparks, and hot acids. The lightweight protective fabrics can be used to protect a person, animal or other object from hot molten metals, such as liquid metal zinc heated to a temperature of about 950° F. (510° C.) or greater, hot molten aluminum heated to a temperature of about 1150° F. (620° C.) or greater, burning phosphorus at temperature of about 1550° F. (843° C.) or greater, hot solid iron having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, hot heating oil having a temperature of about 500° F. (260° C.) or greater, and hot hydrochloric acid having a temperature of about 300° F. (150° C.) or greater.

Abstract: A protective garment including an outer shell and an inner liner coupled to the outer shell and positioned such that the inner liner is positioned between a wearer and the outer shell when the garment is worn. The inner liner includes a base material and a high lubricity material which has a higher lubricity than the base material. The high lubricity material is woven into the base material to form a plurality of discrete contact areas that each comprise at least two separate warp fibers or yarns of high lubricity material each being individually woven with at least two separate weft fibers or yarns of high lubricity material.

Abstract: A fiber blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising (a) greater than 30 percent aramid fiber; (b) 20 to 35 weight percent modacrylic fiber; (c) 20 to 35 weight percent rayon fiber having a limiting oxygen index of 21 or less, and having a dry tensile strength of 3 grams per denier or greater; and (d) 0 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber; the percentages on the basis of components (a), (b), (c), and (d); wherein the difference in the amount of the modacrylic fiber and the rayon fiber present in the blend, yarn, fabric, and/or garment is 10 percent by weight or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textile fabric. This fabric is particularly well suited for use as the outer shell fabric of a firefighter's garment. The fabric is a woven or knitted fabric of spun yarns and multi-filament yarns. The spun yarn includes a first staple being a polymer selected from the group consisting of aramid, PBI or PBO or melamine formaldehyde, and a second staple being an aramid polymer. The multi-filament yarn includes an aramid filament.

Abstract: A protective suit (100), especially for an operator (1) in a cooling chamber that is cooled using liquid nitrogen or vapor of the liquid nitrogen comprises a body suit (10) which has a thermally insulating, gas-tight cover material (20) and is designed to accommodate the operator (1), and a heating device (30) which is connected to the body suit (10) and is designed to heat the interior of the protective suit (100). A glove (70) which is made of a thermally insulating glove material (71) and includes a glove heater (77) is also described.

Abstract: Protective garments include a flame resistant fabric that is strong and yet has a soft hand. The fabric is made from a combination of filament yarns and spun yarns. The filament yarns and spun yarns are woven together such that the filament yarns are separated by from about 2 to about 5 spun yarns in both the warp direction and the fill direction. The spun yarns may contain polybenzimidazole fibers in combination with other fibers, such as aramid fibers. The filament yarns may comprise para-aramid fibers. In one embodiment, the filament yarns may have a size larger than the spun yarns.

Abstract: A device for reducing a thermal signature of a person includes: a hood sized and configured to cover a head of a person, having an inner substantially waterproof layer, an outer water wicking layer, and at least one tube having a plurality of openings therethrough attached to the inner layer; and a pump in fluid communication with the tubes to urge water into the tubes and cause the tubes to dispense water to the outer water wicking layer via the openings.

Abstract: A method and devices are described, in which a transformable fiber at a first crystal structure is shaped from its pre-determined configuration into a new shaped configuration. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is inserted into a cavity of a heat and fire protective item. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is heated to above its transformation temperature to a second crystal structure. The heating transforms the new shaped configuration to its pre-determined configuration, wherein the pre-determined configuration forms an air pocket within the heat and fire protective item. The transformable fiber is cooled below its transformation temperature to revert the transformable fiber back to the new shaped configuration at the first crystal structure.

Abstract: Fire resistant garments are disclosed made from a fabric containing a fiber blend. The fiber blend contains meta-aramid fibers, fire resistant cellulose fibers, non-aromatic polyamide fibers, and optionally para-aramid fibers. The non-aromatic polyamide fibers are present in an amount sufficient to dramatically improve the abrasion resistance of the fabric without adversely interfering with the flame resistant properties. In addition to abrasion resistance, the particular blend of fibers has also been found to dramatically improve or increase various other properties. In one embodiment, the fabric is made with a herringbone weave which has been found to unexpectedly improve tear properties and porosity.

Abstract: A rescue appliance for evacuating physically-compromised persons is disclosed. A rescue appliance includes a platform configured to support a prone evacuee, a set of wheels coupled with the platform to support the platform relative to a floor surface, and a protection assembly coupled with the platform. The protection assembly is configurable to surround the prone evacuee to protect the evacuee from a fire. The protection assembly can be configured to encase the prone evacuee. The rescue appliance can be configured to be sufficiently buoyant to support an evacuee on water to allow evacuation in a flooding emergency. Two or more rescue appliances can be coupled together to form a train so that multiple persons can be evacuated simultaneously.

Abstract: A coat including a torso portion defining a torso cavity and including pair of portions that are releasably connectable together. The coat further includes a skirt positioned in the torso cavity. The coat is configured such that when the coat is worn by a wearer and the portions are releasably connected together the skirt generally sealingly engages the wearer. The coat is further configured such that the skirt automatically generally sealingly engages the wearer when the coat is worn by the wearer and the portions are releasably connected without requiring any further action by the wearer.

Abstract: A flame retardant fibre blend comprising: a flame retardant fibre blend comprising: 40% to 60% by weight of a modacrylic; 5% to 25% by weight of a natural cellulosic material; and 20% to 40% by weight of a FR viscose based material; wherein any remaining weight % is made up of any one or a combination of the modacrylic, cellulosic or FR viscose or of nylon in range trace to 7% or para-aramid fibre in the range trace to 7%. The fibre blend is particularly suitable for the manufacture of a ‘universal’ fabric configured to be resistant to flame, flash fire hazard, electric discharge and molten metal hazards.

Abstract: Fabrics made for apparel, tents, sleeping bags and the like, in various composites, constructed such that there is at least one metal layer, forming a radiant barrier to reduce heat loss via radiation from the human body, and insulating this metal layer from heat loss via conduction, and a process for its manufacture.

Abstract: A cooling garment comprises a phase change material and at least one of: at least one leg portion and at least one arm portion. The phase change material may have a transition temperature between solid and liquid phases of between about 60° F. to about 90° F. The at least one arm portion has the phase change material disposed therein, and the at least one leg portion has the phase change material disposed therein. The arm and leg portions may be attached to a torso portion and shorts portion, respectively, and may be removable therefrom. The cooling garment may include a sensor configured to indicate a cooling capacity of the phase change material. A portable container having a reactivation substance stored therein may be provided to reactivate the phase change material. In one embodiment, the portable container is part of a self-contained breathing apparatus. In another embodiment, the phase change material is submerged in the reactivation substance in the container.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.