Abstract: A method of camouflaging an object emitting infrared radiation by absorbing radiation or by altering its emissive pattern reduces its viewability by an infrared detector. An infrared radiation absorbing and/or altering layer containing microcapsules (10) is positioned proximate the infrared radiation source. The radiation is absorbed by means of a phase change material or plastic crystals. Concentrations and/or phase change materials are varied to enhance camouflage.

Abstract: A method of insulating a substrate from repeated thermal transients and/or thermal impulses applied thereto by proximately absorbing and storing the thermal transients and/or thermal impulses for subsequent removal by radiation. According to the method, a coating is placed in energy absorbing contacting relation with the substrate. The coating includes a base material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the base material. The microcapsules may be dispersed throughout the base material and may be submerged therein so that they are substantially spaced apart from one another. The microcapsules contain a thermal energy absorbing material, for example, a phase change material such a paraffinic hydrocarbons or alternatively, plastic crystals. Articles of manufacture may be produced according to the present invention which employ the above described coating.

Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.

Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling garment, preferably in the form of a vest that contains pouches containing a phase change material. The pouches cover less than the surface area of the vest to thereby permit evaporative cooling to occur and to contribute to the overall comfort of the wearer. An alternate embodiment includes a honeycomb structure which is contained within the pouches and which contains a macroencapsulated phase change material and allows the escape of perspiration through the garment. A heat transfer fluid is adapted to circulate throughout the pouches. The honeycomb structure is designed so that the macroencapsulated phase change material remains within designated ones of the honeycombs, but that permits the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the pouch.

Abstract: A coating is adapted to be applied to a fabric in order to enhance the thermal characteristics thereof. The coating includes integral and leak-resistant microcapsules filled with phase change material or plastic crystals that have specific thermal properties at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: A thermal shield comprising first and second substantially flat flame resistant covering layers adapted to overlie each other. A thermal energy absorbing material is positioned between the respective layers in sandwich fashion. The thermal energy absorbing material may comprise a phase change material in bulk, micro or macro encapsulated and which may further be embedded within a base material to provide enhanced thermal protection.

Abstract: A method of using microencapsulated thermal conducting absorbing materials to cool heat sources is disclosed. Also disclosed are microcapsules containing a thermal energy conducting material. According to the method, these materials may be used alone or as a mixture and may be employed as a powder or incorporated into a hardenable matrix such as an epoxy resin.

Abstract: A fiber with integral microspheres filled with phase change material or plastic crystals has enhanced thermal properties at predetermined temperatures. The fibers may be woven to form a fabric having the enhanced thermal storage properties and articles of manufacture may be formed therefrom.