Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus and a method for forming a frozen substance using directional freezing. The apparatus includes a mold and a directional freezing assembly. The mold is structured with an interior chamber structured to contain a liquid substance. The directional freezing assembly includes a directional freezing probe and a cold plate. The directional freezing probe extends into the interior chamber of the mold and initiates directional freezing of the liquid substance surrounding the directional freezing probe. The cold plate is connected to the directional freezing probe outside of the mold and dissipates heat drawn from the directional freezing probe to a surrounding environment.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus and a method for forming a frozen substance using directional freezing. The apparatus includes a mold and a directional freezing assembly. The mold is structured with an interior chamber structured to contain a liquid substance. The directional freezing assembly includes a directional freezing probe and a cold plate. The directional freezing probe extends into the interior chamber of the mold and initiates directional freezing of the liquid substance surrounding the directional freezing probe. The cold plate is connected to the directional freezing probe outside of the mold and dissipates heat drawn from the directional freezing probe to a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A personal comfort system, for use with a bedding assembly having a mattress includes an air conditioning system configured to condition air within an air flow and a delivery system to receive and provide the conditioned air to a mattress or other desired device. The air conditioning system coupled with a housing and fan, a thermal transfer device having a thermoelectric engine operable for conditioning air within the air flow.

Abstract: A personal comfort system, for use with a bedding assembly having a mattress, includes an air conditioning system configured to condition air within an air flow and a delivery system to receive and provide the conditioned air to a mattress. The air conditioning system includes a housing coupled with a fan and a thermal transfer device having a thermoelectric engine operable for conditioning air within the air flow.

Abstract: A system and method provides for controlling condensation generation in an air conditioning system for use in a bed (mattress). During active operation of the air conditioning system to generate conditioned air, the relative humidity of ambient air is measured and operation of one or more thermoelectric devices (TEDs) within the air conditioning system in response to the measured relative humidity is adjusted to control condensate buildup. During a subsequent drying operation, the relative humidity of the ambient air is measured and the drying operation is adjusted or otherwise controlled based on the measurement.

Abstract: A distribution system is adapted for use with a mattress and a personal comfort system with an air conditioning system operable for outputting a conditioned air flow. The distribution system includes at least top and bottom layers of fabric material and a spacer structure disposed between the bottom and top layers. The spacer structure defines an internal volume within the distribution layer and is configured to enable the received conditioned air flow to flow therethrough. This flow of conditioned air has a cooling or heating effect on a body on the mattress.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a thermoelectric-based air conditioning system. The system includes at least a first supply air channel and a separate second supply air channel disposed in a housing. The system also includes a first thermoelectric cooler (TEC) assembly forming at least a portion of the first supply air channel and configured to independently condition air within the first supply air channel. The system further includes a second TEC assembly forming at least a portion of the second supply air channel and configured to independently condition air within the second supply air channel. The system includes a single heat exchanger configured to transfer heat with both the first TEC assembly and the second TEC assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a thermoelectric-based air conditioning system. The system includes at least a first supply air channel and a separate second supply air channel disposed in a housing. The system also includes a first thermoelectric cooler (TEC) assembly forming at least a portion of the first supply air channel and configured to independently condition air within the first supply air channel. The system further includes a second TEC assembly forming at least a portion of the second supply air channel and configured to independently condition air within the second supply air channel. The system includes a single heat exchanger configured to transfer heat with both the first TEC assembly and the second TEC assembly.

Abstract: A thermal module including a thermoelectric engine having a thermoelectric core, a first heat exchanger on one side of the thermoelectric engine, a second heat exchanger on another side of the thermoelectric engine, an air moving device blowing air across the first heat exchanger to condition the air, and a condensate management system including a collection tray below the thermoelectric engine, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger. The thermal module also includes an exhaust fan blowing air across the second heat exchanger and the collection tray to remove condensate from the collection tray.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling condensation generation in an air conditioning system for use in a bed (mattress). During active operation of the air conditioning system to generate conditioned air, the relative humidity of ambient air is measured and operation of one or more thermoelectric devices (TEDs) within the air conditioning system in response to the measured relative humidity is adjusted to control condensate buildup. In addition, during a subsequent drying operation, the relative humidity of the ambient air is measured and the drying operation is adjusted or otherwise controlled based on the measurement.

Abstract: A condensate management system is adapted for use in a personal comfort system with an air conditioning system having a thermoelectric engine including a thermoelectric core, a supply heat exchanger and an exhaust heat exchanger. Condensate is managed by a primary condensate management system configured to draw condensate away from the thermoelectric core, the supply heat exchanger and/or the exhaust heat exchanger using wicking material. Optionally, a secondary condensation management system may be included which is configured to generate a condensate air flow operable for drawing moisture away from a collection tray.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling ventilation in a bed (mattress) includes an user-controlled air conditioning control system for generating and supplying a conditioned air flow to a distribution layer/system located on or near the mattress. The distribution layer/system includes a spacer structure surrounded by fabric material(s) and configured to receive the conditioned air flow and provide a cooling or heating effect to a body adjacent the mattress.

Abstract: A distribution system is adapted for use with a mattress and a personal comfort system with an air conditioning system operable for outputting a conditioned air flow. The distribution system includes at least top and bottom layers of fabric material and a spacer structure disposed between the bottom and top layers. The spacer structure defines an internal volume within the distribution layer and is configured to enable the received conditioned air flow to flow therethrough. This flow of conditioned air has a cooling or heating effect on a body on the mattress.