Abstract: An open loop portable personnel cooling apparatus which provides cleanup of contaminated ambient air used in the cooling process is described. The described apparatus supplements rather than disables the normal cooling process of human physiology by providing a large quantity of cooling air that is moved with significant perspiration evaporation velocity within a protective clothing ensemble. The disclosed apparatus provides cooling for up to five separate protected persons with capacities and cooling capability in excess of previously known personal cooling systems. Use of the cooling system for electronic and other military equipment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing chemical warfare and similar cleanup activities and apparatus enabling the performance of such activity in high-temperature environments while maintaining safe and worker comfortable body temperatures. The disclosed method and apparatus rely on alternate periods of work and rest with the rest periods being additionally used for worker body temperature regulation such as cooldown. A portable temperature regulated liquid source is provided. Avoidance of worker encumbrance by personally-borne apparatus and the maintenance of non-tethered independent condition during work portions of the operating cycle provide advantages over the most closely related prior methods and apparatus. Human subject test results are also included.

Abstract: A system for providing intermittent cooling for personnel wearing protective garments and working in a hot contaminated environment is described which comprises a large flow capacity air control plenum operatively connected to an air conditioner of prescribed capacity and to suitable filters and blower for supplying about 20 cfm per person of air at a pressure of about 11 inches of water, wherein at least 80% of the system throughput is recirculated in providing the desired flow.