Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning device for a vehicle seat; can include a seat duct formed on a seat of a vehicle, a seat air conditioning unit formed on a lower frame on which the seat is mounted, and a separation space interposed between the seat and the lower frame; and can be formed so that the air is discharged from the air conditioning unit into the separation space, and the air of the separation space is supplied to the seat duct. As a result, it is possible to enhance the mobility of the seat, and to prevent noise and vibration due to driving parts from being delivered to a passenger.

Abstract: A temperature modulation system for a bed, blanket, or other furniture includes a fluid for moderating temperature change, a number of conduit circuits for directing the fluid through respective zones, a control unit including a thermoelectric device for modulating temperature of the fluid, and a pump. Each of the conduit circuits selectively and independently directs fluid through its respective zone in order to produce a temperature within the zone that is independent of the temperature outside the zone. The system also includes an arrangement of one or more zones in an arrangement in which the control unit is programmed to vary the zone temperature over time according to a schedule.

Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a main body in which a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor into a liquid phase, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant condensed by the condenser into a refrigerant in a low pressure state, and an evaporator for exchanging heat with surroundings by evaporating the refrigerant in a low temperature and low pressure state are arranged, a first discharge port that is provided in the main body and discharges air heat-exchanged with the condenser to an air-conditioned space, and a second discharge port that is provided in the main body and discharges air heat-exchanged with the evaporator to the air-conditioned space. Through this structure, it is possible to perform intensive air conditioning with respect to a predetermined area of an air-conditioned space, and attain miniaturization of the air conditioner.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: A seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assembly including an air mover, an intake port, outtake port, wherein at least one of the intake port, the outtake port, or both are in fluid communication with a seat surface. A valve assembly with at least two apertures movably disposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at least one outtake ports. An actuation device for moving the valve assembly to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures. An optional conditioning device in fluid communication with the air mover and the seat surface. A control device for at least controlling the position of the at least two apertures of the valve assembly, the activation of the optional conditioning device, the operation of the air mover, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A ventilation system includes a seat bottom blower unit configured to selectively draw an airflow into a seat bottom of the vehicle seat, a seat back blower unit configured to selectively draw an airflow into a seat back of the vehicle seat, and a controller in signal communication with the seat bottom blower unit and the seat back blower unit, the controller configured to generate a common pulse width modulation (PWM) duty cycle signal. The seat bottom blower unit is configured to operate at a first predetermined blower speed based on the common duty cycle signal, and the seat back blower unit is configured to operate at a second different predetermined speed based on the common duty cycle signal. The seat bottom blower unit and the seat back blower units are configured to simultaneously operate at different speeds based on the common duty cycle signal.

Abstract: An example electronic device may include a chassis, a circuit board in the chassis that includes a first active component, a number of fans, a number of guide walls that define an air inlet channel, and a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). There may be an airflow path such that, when the fans operate, air flows along the airflow path from an intake opening of the air inlet channel to an exhaust of the chassis, with the first active component being located in the airflow path downstream of the intake opening of the air inlet channel. A cold portion of the TEC may extend into the airflow path upstream of the first active component and a hot portion of the TEC may extend into the airflow path downstream of the first active component.

Abstract: An ice vending structure for making and dispensing ice has an ice maker couplable to a water source. An ice bin is positioned under the ice maker for receiving ice made by the ice maker. A substantially horizontal ice moving auger is positioned in the bottom of the ice bin for ejecting ice out an aperture substantially horizontally, to be received by an ice chute coupled to the aperture. The ice chute directs the ice in a downward and rearward direction into bags supplied by a bag holder assembly.

Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress and a topper resting atop the mattress and extending in longitudinal and lateral directions. The topper has a fluid flowpath having an inlet and an outlet. The flowpath exhibits a nonuniform resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions. The bed also includes a blower connected to the inlet for supplying air to the flowpath. The resistance may be a monotonically varying resistance to fluid flow in at least one of the longitudinal and lateral directions and configured to preferentially drive fluid flow through the topper so that a larger proportion of the fluid flowing through the topper flows under a target region and a relatively smaller portion bypasses the target region.

Abstract: A seat air-conditioning system for automotive vehicles includes an air-conditioning unit for generating cold air or hot air, a driver seat including a seat portion provided with a plurality of air discharge holes through which to discharge the cold air or the hot air to the outside, a front passenger seat including a seat portion provided with a plurality of air discharge holes through which to discharge the cold air or the hot air to the outside, an outlet duct mounted to the air-conditioning unit for drawing the cold air or the hot air from the air-conditioning unit therethrough, a seat duct connected to the outlet duct for supplying the cold air or the hot air to the driver seat and the front passenger seat therethrough, and a seat blower attached to the outlet duct for blowing the cold air or the hot air at an increased flow rate.

Abstract: A system for operating a process includes a processing circuit that uses a self-optimizing control strategy to learn a steady-state relationship between an input and an output. The processing circuit is configured to switch from using the self-optimizing control strategy to using a different control strategy that operates based on the learned steady-state relationship.

Abstract: To reduce the noise level of air convective warmer, the air filter of the warmer is fitted with an air intercept mechanism to disrupt the flow of air that traverses inside the interior cavity of the air filter. By thus disrupting the air flow, the noise that otherwise would have been generated due to a non-interrupted air stream flow is lowered. The air intercept mechanism may be in the form of at least one partition positioned inside the interior cavity of the air filter. Alternatively, double-ended open tubes may be used, so long as the interior cavity of the filter is sealed, with only the tubes providing the passages for air to output from the air filter. Yet a third embodiment of the air reduction filter has an air impermeable material covering at least one portion of the surface area of the filtering material to prevent the inflow air from directly entering into the interior cavity of the air filter through the covered surface area.

Abstract: A DC powered refrigeration package supplies refrigerant to an evaporator coil that is incorporated into the driver's seat of a race car. The DC-powered compressor, condenser and condenser fan are contained within an enclosure that can be situated behind the driver's seat. The refrigeration circuit chills the seat to below freezing, favorably to about 20° F. or below.

Abstract: A built-in refrigerator includes a water and drinks dispenser, or an ice maker, placed on the outside of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator is installed in a modular kitchen furniture unit provided with a door panel. A sliding connection between the dispenser and the door panel of the furniture unit allows the simultaneous opening and closing of the door and the door panel and, when the door is in the closed position, prevents residual liquids or solids from falling into the air space existing between the door and the door panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for climate control and entertainment, as well as a system for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort are disclosed. The apparatus affords the ability to control ambient conditions while at the same offering enhanced entertainment options.

Abstract: An air circulation unit introduces air into a space under the bed cover from a foot-end of a bed. The air circulation unit includes an assembly for suspending the bed cover so that an occupant or occupants of the bed are partially relieved of the full weight of the bed cover. In use, the unit serves to introduce air which may be heated or cooled or at ambient temperature into the space under the bed cover and so circulate air over the occupant or occupants of the bed to keep the occupant or occupants as comfortable as possible during sleep despite surrounding conditions.

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods are provided for attaching a snack box to a crib. Attached is such that, while still in the crib, the infant can open the lid and retrieve a snack stored inside, such as a bottle of milk. In some embodiments the snack box can even accommodate cold storage, e.g. by having a thermally insulated enclosure. It can even be a small electric refrigerator. Before the parent goes to sleep for the night, they can prepare a snack, and store it overnight in the snack box. When the infant wakes up in the morning, they can retrieve the snack by themselves, after a few days' training, without crying. This will permit the parent to sleep longer, because they will not have to wake up prematurely for delivering the morning snack, and then wait until it is consumed.

Abstract: An orthopedic mattress that provides cooling as well as comfort to a user. The mattress includes a convoluted top surface having a plurality of air vents, and sidewalls having a set of air channels that communicates with the air vents to promote the circulation of air throughout the mattress.

Abstract: A refreshment bar includes one embodiment of a cooling or heating apparatus for food and/or beverage containers. The apparatus maintains a food or beverage container placed on one of the plates at a desired cold or hot temperature relative to the bar surface temperature and ambient temperature. The apparatus includes thermally conductive plates, for example stainless steel disks, positioned in recesses such that the upper surfaces of the plates are coplanar with the top surface of the bar, thereby providing a level surface. A thermal exchanger system is used to cool or heat the plates. The system includes a reservoir containing a thermal element and a thermal transfer fluid. The reservoir is located adjacent the lower surface of the bar top. The plates are thermally coupled to the thermal transfer fluid and thermal element, thereby cooling or heating the plates.

Abstract: A DC powered refrigeration package supplies refrigerant to an evaporator coil that is incorporated into the driver's seat of a race car. The DC-powered compressor, condenser and condenser fan are contained within an enclosure that can be situated behind the driver's seat. The refrigeration circuit chills the seat to below freezing, favorably to about 20° F. or below.

Abstract: This invention resides in a workstation system comprising at least one work area and at least one partition adjacent the work area. The partition having a plurality of demountable screens, at least one of the screens having a cavity fluidly connected to at least one aperture in the partition. A conduit having one end fluidly connected to the cavity and an opposite end fluidly connected to an air duct to communicate air from the air duct to the aperture.

Abstract: Differential thermal conditioning of vehicle seat zones is achieved with convenient adjustment of a seat temperature differential for optimizing the thermal comfort of the seat occupant. Two or more thermoelectric units supply conditioned air to different zones of the seat, and the temperature differential between specified zones of the seat is set by an occupant-adjustable control input.

Abstract: A cooling device has a series of baffles that deflect a falling stream of liquid coolant. An air handler, such as a fan, pulls air through the liquid coolant. The air moved by the air handler through the liquid coolant is cooled, and the cooled air exits the device to cool the surrounding environs.

Abstract: A head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) and a foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70), which have a respective outlet opening (61, 71) for providing a supply of conditioned air to a sleeping compartment (11) within a capsule main body (20) and a respective inlet opening (62, 72), associated with the outlet opening (61, 71), for drawing in internal air of the sleeping compartment (11), are provided. The air-conditioning capacity of conditioned air supplied through each of the outlet openings (61, 71) is controlled such that the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (61) of the head-side inflow/outflow unit (60) falls below the temperature of conditioned air supplied through the outlet opening (71) of the foot-side inflow/outflow unit (70).

Abstract: A refreshment bar includes one embodiment of a cooling or heating apparatus for food and/or beverage containers. The apparatus maintains a food or beverage container placed on one of the plates at a desired cold or hot temperature relative to the bar surface temperature and ambient temperature. The apparatus includes thermally conductive plates, for example stainless steel disks, positioned in recesses such that the upper surfaces of the plates are coplanar with the top surface of the bar, thereby providing a level surface. A thermal exchanger system is used to cool or heat the plates. The system includes a reservoir containing a thermal element and a thermal transfer fluid. The reservoir is located adjacent the lower surface of the bar top. The plates are thermally coupled to the thermal transfer fluid and thermal element, thereby cooling or heating the plates.

Abstract: A hot-cold cushion includes a heat/cool device, a connecting tube and a cushion with circulating pipes. The heat/cool device composed of a thermo semiconductor chip, a thermoconductor, a fan, a heat dissipation member, a box with liquid, and a hydraulic pump is connected with circulating pipes inside the cushion by the connecting tube so as to form a circulation loop. By exchange of the positive/negative electrodes of direct current, the thermo semiconductor chip produces heat or cold that is circulated and dissipated by the heat/cool device so as to regulate the temperature of the cushion into a suitable range for human bodies. Therefore, the hot-cold cushion achieves better effect.

Abstract: A system is provided to control the environment experienced by a child in a child safety seat. Each of a plurality of thermoelectric elements is individually controllable to be one of heated and cooled relative to an ambient temperature. A first portion of the thermoelectric elements are positioned on the child safety seat such that a child sitting therein is positioned thereover. A ventilator coupled to the child safety seat moves air past a second portion of the thermoelectric elements and filters the air moved therepast. One or more jets coupled to the ventilator receive the filtered air. Each jet is coupled to the child safety seat and can be positioned to direct the heated/cooled filtered air to the vicinity of the head of the child sitting in the child safety seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-conditioning device for conditioning/controlling the temperature of a surface contacted by a user at least occasionally, especially the surface of a vehicle interior component, which can be monitored by means of a corresponding detector device for detecting contact, use, or both. It is provided that the air-conditioning device has at least one air-conditioning layer, which extends at least partially along the surface, at least one companion layer, which extends at least partially along the air-conditioning layer and is connected to the air-conditioning layer at least in some sections in order to form an insertion pocket, and that at least one detector device can be inserted into the insertion pocket.

Abstract: A seat air conditioner for a vehicle seat includes a seat air passage that is provided in at least one of a seat back and a seat cushion having a seat surface and a pad covered by the seat surface. The seat air conditioner further includes a blower unit disposed at a back side of the pad. The seat air passage has an air distribution passage embedded within the pad and a connection hole passage extending from a predetermined portion in the air distribution passage to the blower unit. The air distribution passage extends in a surface direction in a pipe shape to have a predetermined pattern. Since the air distribution passage is provided inside the pad, seat surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back can be made smooth, and comfortable seating feeling can be given to a user.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus preferentially ventilates a space close to a seat and/or a steering wheel on which a passenger directly makes a contact in a passenger compartment while a vehicle is parked. The uncomfortable feeling of a passenger that might occur when he/she is getting into the parked vehicle can be reduced using a small capacity in the air conditioning as compared to the air conditioning apparatus ventilating the whole space in the vehicle.

Abstract: In a seat air conditioning unit for a vehicle seat constructed with a seat cushion and a seat back, when a seat air conditioning operation is performed in a cooling operation of a passenger compartment, a cooling capacity of cool air blown from the seat back is set smaller than a cooling capacity of cool air blown from these at cushion while a passenger sits on the vehicle seat. Further, the cooling capacity of cool air blown from a lower portion of the seat back can be set smaller than the cooling capacity of an upper portion of the seat back. Accordingly, even when the cooling operation is continued for a long time while the seat air conditioning operation is performed, the waist portion of the passenger can be prevented from being excessively cooled.

Abstract: An air mattress device includes an air mattress member, and a temperature regulator coupled to the air mattress member with a hose, to supply the regulated air into the air mattress member via the hose. The temperature regulator includes a casing disposed in a housing, a heat exchanging member disposed in the casing, to exchange heat with the air flowing into the casing. A heat dissipating device is disposed in the housing, a heat exchanger includes two conductors disposed between the heat dissipating device and the casing, to transmit heat between the heat dissipating device and the casing.

Abstract: A system to significantly improve the air quality in a personal breathing environment. The system includes a blower unit that produces a conditioned air flow, a delivery system that delivers air provided by the blower unit to a person's breathing zone, and a conduit that interconnects the blower unit and the delivery system for directing conditioned air from the blower unit to the delivery system. The delivery system is positioned so that it sends conditioned air around an individual's head and into the individual's personal breathing zone, thereby creating a zone of conditioned air around the individual's head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when used by a user as either a seat cushion and back or a mattress or sleeping surface. This combination personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is portable, battery powered, lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: A futon has cooling flow passages that are provided in a substantially parallel and planar manner. Air at a temperature lower than the body temperature is blown through the cooling flow passages substantially parallel to the body surface of a person lying on the futon. As a result, the temperature gradient near the body surface is increased so as to release heat from the body, resulting in a feeling of coolness.

Abstract: A seat air conditioner for a vehicle seat includes a seat air passage that is provided in at least one of a seat back and a seat cushion having a seat surface and a pad covered by the seat surface. The seat air conditioner further includes a blower unit disposed at a back side of the pad. The seat air passage has an air distribution passage embedded within the pad and a connection hole passage extending from a predetermined portion in the air distribution passage to the blower unit. The air distribution passage extends in a surface direction in a pipe shape to have a predetermined pattern. Since the air distribution passage is provided inside the pad, seat surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back can be made smooth, and comfortable seating feeling can be given to a user.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus preferentially ventilates a space close to a seat and/or a steering wheel on which a passenger directly makes a contact in a passenger compartment while a vehicle is parked. The uncomfortable feeling of a passenger that might occur when he/she is getting into the parked vehicle can be reduced using a small capacity in the air conditioning as compared to the air conditioning apparatus ventilating the whole space in the vehicle.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device having high efficiency includes a circulation heat exchanger, a water tank connected to the circulation heat exchanger and containing a fluid, a water pump mounted on the water tank for driving the fluid in the water tank into the circulation heat exchanger, a soft cushion connected to the circulation heat exchanger and the water tank, and a plurality of bypass pipes connected between the circulation heat exchanger, the water tank and the soft cushion, thereby forming a complete circulation circuit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an Individual cooling system comprising: (a) a garment V; (b) a container containing a block of material liberating an amount of cooling energy by phase change; (c) a pump P. The invention characterized in that it comprises means enabling the continuous operation of the assembly without solidification of the heating medium, even if the solidification temperature of the heating medium is higher than the temperature of the block of material releasing the cooling energy by phase change.

Abstract: A collar assembly including cooling coils is provided to increase the top surface cooling of food being served from food pans which are mounted to extend down into a food service cabinet or counter. The collar is preferably lower in the front toward the server or may be omitted for easy access, and is preferably higher at the back away from the server and on the sides for increased cooling. A principal cooling unit may be mounted in the cabinet to direct cold air onto the food pans; and the collar cooling coils and the principal cooling unit may be coupled to a single compressor and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A collar assembly including cooling coils is provided to increase the top surface cooling of food being served from food pans which are mounted to extend down into a food service cabinet or counter. The collar is preferably lower in the front toward the server for easy access and higher at the back away from the server and on the sides for increased cooling. A principal cooling unit may be mounted in the cabinet to direct cold air onto the food pans; and the collar cooling coils and the principal cooling unit may be coupled to a single compressor and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cooling device for installation in a furniture niche includes at least one thermally insulating container defining a cooling space and having a door for sealing the space, and a cooler having a compressor, a condenser, and a ventilator. The base has at least two sidewalls, a front region disposed near the door, a rear region, at least one air supply aperture at the front region, and an exhaust aperture at the rear region. The base houses the compressor, condenser, and ventilator. The base is disposed below the cooling space and is force ventilated by the ventilator through the air supply aperture and the exhaust aperture. The exhaust aperture is in at least one of the sidewalls, preferably, in the rear region of the base averted from the door. Preferably, the cooling device is installed in a furniture niche of a kitchen unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigerator with a foldable table, wherein the table can be unfolded when it is needed and can be folded when it is not needed. So the product of the present invention has the functions of both a refrigerator and a table, and also can save some room space providing a more reasonable room layout.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refrigerator with a foldable table, wherein the table can be unfolded when it is needed and can be folded when it is not needed. So the product of the present invention has the functions of both a refrigerator and a table, and also can save some room space providing a more reasonable room layout.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a cooling pillow which is easy to prepare, whose cooling capability lasts for a long time, which does not require a time-consuming operation such as changing the water, and which is effective in a hard-to-sleep summer night or when one has a fever from a cold; a cooling garment which has a reduced power consumption, allows one to avoid heat with a simple structure, and allows one to be comfortable even in a high temperature environment; and a cooling helmet capable of eliminating the discomfort caused by heat, preventing exhaustion of stamina, lowering of concentration, and lowering of work efficiency, and increasing the safety during work, etc. The above-described cooling pillow, the-cooling garment and the cooling helmet are all based on a principle that by allowing air to flow in close contact with a fibrous material which is in the vicinity of the body and contains a sufficient amount of water to promote vaporization of water so that the head, the trunk, etc.

Abstract: A self contained air conditioned seat to control the temperature climate in an air bubble generated around the seat occupant is described. It includes an air bubble at a controlled temperature for the upper body and seat of the occupant, a separate air bubble for the legs of the occupant and a controller which allows the occupant to have personal control of the temperature in the two zones. Temperature sensors are located in one or more of the tips of the arm rests, the heat rest, beneath the seat bottom and in the return air ducts, to help maintain the air bubble temperature in the two zones.

Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat, at least one heat pump, at least one heat pump temperature sensor, and a controller. Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger and a main exchanger fan for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a temperature switch and a fan switch, respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.