Patents Assigned to Amerigon Incorporated
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Publication number: 20120261399Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventor: John Lofy
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Publication number: 20120227182Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, John Terech, Dusko Petrovski
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Patent number: 8191187Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Publication number: 20120131748Abstract: A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, Jay C. Clark, Brian D. Comiskey
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Patent number: 8181290Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, John Terech, Dusko Petrovski
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Publication number: 20120114512Abstract: A blower configured to be positioned in confined spaces and to provide ventilation of a fluid, such as temperature controlled air, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the blower is configured to have a reduced axial thickness, which can be desired in such confined spaces. In some embodiments, the blower has an integral filter, a wire channel for the routing of one or more wires, and/or an exposed backplate. In some embodiments, the blower has a snap-fit circuit board, containment system for mounting the motor, one or more vanes for directing fluid flow, shrouded impeller, and/or integrated connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: John Lofy, Ryan Walsh
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Publication number: 20120080911Abstract: According to some embodiments, a climate controlled seat assembly (e.g., a vehicle seat, a bed assembly, etc.) comprises a cushion or other support member positioned along a seat bottom portion or a seat back portion of the seat assembly, wherein the cushion includes a first surface configured to contact an occupant and a second surface generally opposite of the first surface. The cushion includes a cushion depth that generally extends between the first surface and the second surface of the cushion. The seat assembly further comprises at least one fluid passage positioned and routed at least partially through the cushion depth, wherein the fluid passage generally extends to the second surface of the cushion. Further, the seat assembly comprises at least one fluid module configured to selectively thermally and/or environmentally condition air and to transfer said thermally conditioned air through the fluid passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Michael Brykalski, Raymund Manuel, Scott Wolas
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Patent number: 8143554Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: John Lofy
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Patent number: 8104295Abstract: A cooling system includes a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system includes a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: John Lofy
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Publication number: 20110296611Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: David Marquette, Dusko Petrovski, Brian D. Comiskey
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Patent number: 8065763Abstract: A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Michael J. Brykalski, Jay C. Clark, Brian D. Comiskey
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Publication number: 20110258778Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Publication number: 20110253340Abstract: A climate control device includes a first and a second thermal module. The first module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a first portion of a seat. The second module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a second portion of the seat. A control system is provided for controlling the climate control device. The control system includes an input device for providing a set point for the system. A first control unit of the control system is provided for the first thermal module and a second control unit is provided for the second thermal module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventor: Dusko Petrovski
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Patent number: 7996936Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: David Marquette, Dusko Petrovski, Brian D. Comiskey
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Patent number: 7966835Abstract: A climate control device includes a first and a second thermal module. The first module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a first portion of a seat. The second module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a second portion of the seat. A control system is provided for controlling the climate control device. The control system includes an input device for providing a set point for the system. A first control unit of the control system is provided for the first thermal module and a second control unit is provided for the second thermal module.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: Dusko Petrovski
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Patent number: 7963594Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly includes an outer frame and one or more layers of fabric. A panel member attached to the opposite side of the frame defines an inner space located between the panel member and the fabric. One or more channels attached to or formed, in part, by the panel member are in fluid communication with an opening in the panel member and a plurality of orifices located on the channels. Air from a fluid module or other device enters the channels and is discharged through the orifices in the direction of the fabric. The air passes through the fabric and reaches an occupant situated on the seating assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: Scott R. Wolas
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Publication number: 20110119826Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: David MARQUETTE, Dusko PETROVSKI, Brian D. COMISKEY
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Publication number: 20110107514Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: AMERIGON INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael Brykalski, David Marquette, John Terech, Robert Vidojevski
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Publication number: 20110048033Abstract: A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: Brian Comiskey, John Terech
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Patent number: 7877827Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Amerigon IncorporatedInventors: David Marquette, Dusko Petrovski, Brian D. Comiskey