Abstract: A HVAC thermal conditioning system provides a macroclimate environment. An auxiliary thermal conditioning system has multiple microclimate devices. The microclimate devices are configured to be arranged within an interior space that provides the macroclimate environment to an occupant. The microclimate devices provide a microclimate environment to the occupant different than the macroclimate environment. The microclimate devices are in close proximity to a region of the occupant. A controller calculates an occupant personal comfort based upon a thermal energy experienced by the occupant from thermal radiation sources, thermal convection sources, and thermal conduction sources, and to automatically command the microclimate devices in response to the calculated occupant personal comfort based upon occupant characteristics to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: A HVAC thermal conditioning system provides a macroclimate environment. An auxiliary thermal conditioning system has multiple microclimate devices in close proximity to a region of the occupant. The microclimate devices are arranged within an interior space that provides the macroclimate environment to an occupant. A controller communicates with the microclimate devices and calculates an occupant personal comfort based upon a thermal energy experienced by the occupant from thermal radiation sources, thermal convection sources, and thermal conduction sources, and to automatically command the microclimate devices in response to the calculated occupant personal comfort to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort. The automatic command adjusts and apportions the thermal conduction sources and/or thermal radiation sources to achieve the desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or cat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

Abstract: An air distribution system that includes a plenum. The plenum has a top layer having one or more top layer corrugations; a bottom layer having one or more bottom layer corrugations; and an open space formed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The one or more top layer corrugations and the one or more bottom layer corrugations are spaced apart and oppose one another, and when the plenum flexes, the one or more top layer corrugations contact the one or more bottom layer corrugations.

Abstract: A HVAC thermal conditioning system provides a macroclimate environment. An auxiliary thermal conditioning system has multiple microclimate devices in close proximity to a region of the occupant. The microclimate devices are arranged within an interior space that provides the macroclimate environment to an occupant. A controller communicates with the microclimate devices and calculates an occupant personal comfort based upon a thermal energy experienced by the occupant from thermal radiation sources, thermal convection sources, and thermal conduction sources, and to automatically command the microclimate devices in response to the calculated occupant personal comfort to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort. The automatic command adjusts and apportions the thermal conduction sources and/or thermal radiation sources to achieve the desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: A HVAC thermal conditioning system provides a macroclimate environment. An auxiliary thermal conditioning system has multiple microclimate devices. The microclimate devices are configured to be arranged within an interior space that provides the macroclimate environment to an occupant. The microclimate devices provide a microclimate environment to the occupant different than the macroclimate environment. The microclimate devices are in close proximity to a region of the occupant. A controller calculates an occupant personal comfort based upon a thermal energy experienced by the occupant from thermal radiation sources, thermal convection sources, and thermal conduction sources, and to automatically command the microclimate devices in response to the calculated occupant personal comfort based upon occupant characteristics to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: A vehicle microclimate system includes a microclimate device that is configured to be arranged within an interior space that provides a macroclimate environment to an occupant. The microclimate device is configured to provide a microclimate environment to the occupant. The microclimate device is configured to be in close proximity to a region of the occupant having an increased thermoreceptive response compared to other occupant regions exposed to the macroclimate environment. A controller is in communication with the microclimate device. The controller is configured to determine an occupant personal comfort and automatically command the microclimate device in response to the occupant personal comfort to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or cat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

Abstract: Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or heat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

Abstract: An improved heating element, comprising: (a) an electrically insulated resistive heating wire; (b) a flexible substrate that supports the electrically insulated resistive wire: (c) one or more electrical connection for an operational component of the heating element, the electrical connection including at least two wires that are joined together; (d) a spacer controlling spacing between the at least two wires approaching the electrical connection; wherein at least a portion of the electrical connection including the spacer is encapsulated in a shrunken heat shrinkable sheath that includes at least one mass of hot melt adhesive within the sheath so that the electrical connection is insulated from fluid penetration.

Abstract: Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or heat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

Abstract: A vehicle microclimate system includes a microclimate device that is configured to be arranged within an interior space that provides a macroclimate environment to an occupant. The microclimate device is configured to provide a microclimate environment to the occupant. The microclimate device is configured to be in close proximity to a region of the occupant having an increased thermoreceptive response compared to other occupant regions exposed to the macroclimate environment. A controller is in communication with the microclimate device. The controller is configured to determine an occupant personal comfort and automatically command the microclimate device in response to the occupant personal comfort to achieve a desired occupant personal comfort.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system (12) for an interior of a vehicle (10), comprising: an auxiliary HVAC system (32) that provides conditioned air to the interior, the auxiliary HVAC system including an auxiliary air conditioning device (50); a control module that operates the auxiliary HVAC system independently of the central HVAC system (30); and one or more sensors for detecting, calculating, or both when fog, ice, condensation, or a combination thereof are located on a window of an automobile; wherein the central HVAC system includes a central air conditioning device (40) that is separate from the auxiliary air conditioning device (50).

Abstract: A support device or chair can include an inductive charging systems can be used to charge a battery. The chair or support device can include a climate control system to provide personal comfort to an occupant, such as an office worker, using personal thermal amenity devices.

Abstract: An improved heating element, comprising: (a) an electrically insulated resistive heating wire; (b) a flexible substrate that supports the electrically insulated resistive wire: (c) one or more electrical connection for an operational component of the heating element, the electrical connection including at least two wires that are joined together; (d) a spacer controlling spacing between the at least two wires approaching the electrical connection; wherein at least a portion of the electrical connection including the spacer is encapsulated in a shrunken heat shrinkable sheath that includes at least one mass of hot melt adhesive within the sheath so that the electrical connection is insulated from fluid penetration.