Abstract: A helmet (12) includes a thermoelectric heat pump (14) mounted onto a rear surface of the helmet shell (12) for delivering temperature conditioned air to the interior of the helmet shell. A multi-layer structure (48) on the helmet shell interior distributes conditioned air across the scalp and directly onto the face. An optional scoop (38) directs ambient air to the heat pump (14). Another version locates the heat pump (68, 84) remotely and conditioned air is transmitted to the helmet apparatus (70, 78) via a flexible conduit (72, 85).

Abstract: A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

Abstract: A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (12) has the temperature of its normally gripped regions (16, 18) modified from extremes to acceptable values by a heat pump (20) with heat transfer occurring along heat pipe sections (22, 24) between primary heat exchangers (26, 28) at the gripped regions (16,18) and a temperature modifiable surface (33). Circuit apparatus (67) automatically energizes the heat pump (20) to provide heating or cooling, as needed.

Abstract: A selectively cooled or heated seat has an outer layer (40) of corduroy appearance with perforations (46) between wales through which conditioned air can flow. Alternatively, layers (47,52) are constructed of molded plastic or rubber. The seat construction is made by molding a cushion (64) of foam over the seat outer layer. The conditioning apparatus has a unitary fin structure (74) or, alternatively, a heat pipe (82) for removing or adding heat to the thermoelectric auxiliary heat exchanger (20). In a further modification, heat exchanging coils (34) located within the seat (24) have a fluid circulating through them and the conditioning apparatus auxiliary heat exchanger with ambient air being blown across the coils.

Abstract: A disklike ornamental timepiece dial face (12) is constructed of transparent material forming an enclosed chamber (24) and a central clearance (28). Decorative materials (32) are located within the chamber and provide a kinetic display on movement of the timepiece. A second version, provides a motor (58) which rotates the ornamental dial face (12) to induce a continuous kinetic display.

Abstract: A seating construction with joined seat and backrest parts has a plenum into which is received temperature conditioned air. Coil springs define the plenum and a covering is secured over the springs consisting of, from the inside out, a metal mesh layer, an elastomer sheet with a number of openings, and an air permeable fabric layer. The elastomer sheet behaves as a viscous liquid when subjected to forces and shocks. An alternative to the elastomer sheet is a baglike layer filled with fluid with a number of openings provided to enable passage of conditioned air through the layer.

Abstract: A seat pad and backrest enclose a plenum into which pressurized air is provided from a closely adjacent Peltier air temperature and humidity modifying apparatus (either cooled or warmed). A metallic mesh is part of the seat pad and backrest and warms or cools the user by conduction. Alternatively, the seat pad and backrest can be separate each having its own plenum, and modified air is provided to both via a selectively adjustable proportioning valve. Yet another alternative unitarily incorporates a seat pad and backrest into a chair with a single plenum fed temperature modified air from a Peltier unit mounted on the chair.

Abstract: An infrared light emitter forms a beam of infrared (IR) light directed onto a set of mirrors or reflecting surfaces arranged to form a closed path about a swimming pool and spaced above the pool deck a sufficient amount so as to be intercepted by anyone who might walk through it. After the reflected beam has traversed the closed path about the pool, it then impinges upon a light detector. An electric circuit provides a continuous alarm which can either be sound or visual upon beam interruption and which must be manually reset before it becomes inactive. The monitoring system may be actuated so the operative state by a handheld radio frequency transmitter. Electrical power for the system can be a rechargeable battery which is recharged by a solar array mounted directly onto a part of the system obviating the need for interconnecting cable wiring.

Abstract: A blanket assembly has an outer layer constructed of a relatively close weave fabric preventing air flow therethrough. Underneath the top layer is a second layer of material edge connected to the top layer and which is constructed of a material permeable to air, such as relatively thin taffeta, for example. A cavity exists between the two layers which receives pressurized cooled or heated air that passes through the air permeable layer to cool or heat the individual using the blanket assembly. A modified blanket assembly construction includes rigid edge wall members holding the outer and inner layers separated at a predetermined spacing reducing "pinch-off" between the layers restricting air flow within parts of the cavity or chamber. Peltier effect elements are selectively energizable to heat or cool air provided to the blanket assembly cavity.