Abstract: A protective gear cooling device, comprising a helmet having an inside surface and an outside surface. There is a cooling plate coupled to the inside surface of the helmet. A pnp conductor and an npn conductor are coupled to the cooling plate. A heat sink is coupled to the conductors and to the outside surface of the helmet. A fan is coupled to the heat sink. A control module is electronically coupled to the fan and the conductors. Power is provided by a direct current power source. The source is electronically coupled to the control module.

Abstract: A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules, a compliant thermal interface, and a heat spreader. The compliant thermal interface is configured such that it may substantially conform against and intimately thermally contact an outer surface of a fluid conduit. The heat spreader is disposed generally between and thermally coupled to the compliant thermal interface and the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may have greater flexibility than the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may also have a thermal conductivity greater than the compliant thermal interface. The assembly may have sufficient flexibility to be circumferentially wrapped at least partially around a portion of the fluid conduit's outer surface, with the compliant thermal interface in substantial conformance against and in intimate thermal contact with the fluid conduit's outer surface portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for personal heat control, including a flexible housing comprising a cooling surface, a heating surface thermally insulated from the cooling surface, and a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from cooling surface to heating surface. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a system for cooling wearers of impact-resistant helmets, comprising an impact-resistant outer shell, foam pads affixed to an inside of the impact-resistant outer shell and configured to rest on a wearer's head, thermoelectric cooling devices spaced to avoid interference with foam pads and configured to rest against the head, a heat sink, and heat pipes thermally coupled at one end to thermoelectric cooling devices and at another end to the heat sink, and configured to transfer heat from thermoelectric cooling devices to heat sink with minimal heat loss, the heat pipes spaced to avoid interference with the foam pads.

Abstract: Article of footwear includes a sole, an insole overlying the sole, the insole having in a surface thereof a groove having an inlet and outlet in an edge of the insole, the groove winding substantially throughout the length and width of the insole upper surface. A tube is disposed in the groove and extends throughout the length of the groove and has an inlet portion extending from the groove inlet at the edge of the insole and an outlet portion extending from the groove outlet. An upper fixed to the sole has apertures through which extend the tube inlet and outlet portions.

Abstract: A hot-cold cushion includes a heat/cool device, a connecting tube and a cushion with circulating pipes. The heat/cool device composed of a thermo semiconductor chip, a thermoconductor, a fan, a heat dissipation member, a box with liquid, and a hydraulic pump is connected with circulating pipes inside the cushion by the connecting tube so as to form a circulation loop. By exchange of the positive/negative electrodes of direct current, the thermo semiconductor chip produces heat or cold that is circulated and dissipated by the heat/cool device so as to regulate the temperature of the cushion into a suitable range for human bodies. Therefore, the hot-cold cushion achieves better effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling suit for allowing comfortable feeling even with a lesser power consumption and a simple structure. The cooling suit includes a cloth part 10a having an upper portion made of a highly air-permeable material, and having those portions other than the upper portion which are made of a substantially air-impermeable material. Formed at a reverse surface of the cloth part 10a are airflow passages between the cloth part 10a and an undergarment. Provided at a lower portion of the cloth part 10a are air outlets 50a for extracting air-streams within the airflow passages to the exterior; and provided at those positions of the reverse side of the cloth part 10a which correspond to the air outlets 50a, are fans for forcibly causing the air-streams within the airflow passages.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange system for fluids comprising a pumping device, configured to deliver a fluid; a fluid inlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a fluid outlet system in fluid communication with the pumping device; a reservoir in fluid communication with the pumping device, and configured to hold a fluid; and a heat exchange system in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, including: a heat exchange plate in fluid communication with the fluid system, comprising a channel system wherein the width of the channel system is about an order of magnitude greater than the depth of the channel system; a thermoelectric cooling module in thermal communication with the heat exchange plate; and a heat sink in communication with the thermoelectric cooling module, and configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling module

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when used by a user as either a seat cushion and back or a mattress or sleeping surface. This combination personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is portable, battery powered, lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning apparatus for the human body includes a vest or other clothing unitary with a thermoelectric or Stirling cycle heat pump worn by the user. The unit is powered by a battery source worn on the user's belt or other part of his or her body, or by an externally-mounted electrical energy source, for example, in a vehicle. The vest has front and rear panels with an air flow layer and permeable inside layer that accept and release conditioned air to the user. The vest may be used with body armor or other protective layers, that is, the vest may be worn underneath body armor or body armor may be built into the vest, or the vest may be used without body armor to cool the user in an exceptionally hot environment such as a non-air conditioned space in hot weather.

Abstract: The present invention provides air conditioning garment for air conditioning an individual wearing said garment. The garment comprises an inner layer of a three-dimensional netting structure enclosed between two layers of substantially air-impermeable fabric, wherein the layer facing the wearer's body is having a plurality of openings directed toward predetermined locations on said body. The garment is having an inlet opening with connection means for connecting the inner layer to a source of air at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A thermionic heating and cooling device for heating or cooling a portion of a user's body utilizes thermal diodes having a first surface in thermal contact with a flexible thermal transfer band strapped to a portion of the user's body and a second surface spaced apart therefrom with a thermally conductive porous carbon foam heat sink secured to their second surface which is partially enclosed by a shroud and a surrounding air filter. A small enclosure worn by the user contains an air pump, a battery and a switch. A flexible conduit connects the air pump and shroud and draws ambient air through the porous carbon foam medium. The thermal diodes are connected to the battery by leads extending through the conduit. A voltage bias between the diode surfaces creates a cold surface and hot surface opposite each other and causes electrons to flow in one direction and transfer heat from the first surface to the second and into the heat exchanger, and the heat is prevented from returning to the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination personal cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal cooling and heating system invention is lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: A thermal apparatus includes a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. At least one temperature sensor is mounted to the wrap to measure an actual temperature of the body surface, and at least one thermoelectric device is mounted to the wrap to selectively deliver heat to and remove heat from the body surface. The thermal apparatus further includes a control unit mountable to the wrap. The control unit receives the actual temperature of the body surface from the temperature sensor and communicates with the thermoelectric device to operate the thermoelectric device as one of a heater and a cooler, thereby achieving a desired temperature of the body surface.

Abstract: An air conditioner system to provide cooling or heating to a flexible material-based device includes a ventilated portion located within a flexible material body, a thermoelectric module with heat exchanges on opposite sides, an air stream source, and a power source. The ventilated portion has two chambers formed between a flexible material inner layer, an intermediate layer and a flexible material outer layer with a plurality of air vents in each of the flexible material inner and outer layers. Each of the heat exchangers is in fluid communication with one of the chambers. The air stream source provides an air flow through the heat exchangers into the chambers and out through the plurality of vent holes. The power source provides power to at least the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for personal heat control are provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a self-contained, portable heat control device includes a flexible enclosure, a cooling surface, a heating surface, and a heat transfer unit, such as a Peltier-effect unit. The flexible enclosure, made of one or more bonded layers of polyester (polyether) foam or a similar soft-faced material, is configured to accommodate an internal DC power supply. The heating surface is thermally insulated from the cooling surface. The heat transfer unit is accommodated in or on the flexible enclosure and is configured and disposed to cool the cooling surface and heat the heating surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination personal cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal cooling and heating system invention is lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: A heat exchanging device having high efficiency includes a circulation heat exchanger, a water tank connected to the circulation heat exchanger and containing a fluid, a water pump mounted on the water tank for driving the fluid in the water tank into the circulation heat exchanger, a soft cushion connected to the circulation heat exchanger and the water tank, and a plurality of bypass pipes connected between the circulation heat exchanger, the water tank and the soft cushion, thereby forming a complete circulation circuit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric apparatus includes a power source, a body having a first side and a second with a defined perimeter where the first side and the second side are separated by a gap. It further includes an insulation means for providing a thermal barrier, a cooling means placed between the first side and the second side for cooling an object and a connecting means for securing the body into a defined shape around an object. A method of operating a thermoelectric apparatus includes wrapping a body around an object, with the body having a first side and a second side, a defined perimeter and the first side and second side separated by a gap containing an insulation means that forms a thermal barrier. Another step is engaging a connecting means for securing said body into a defined shape around the object, engaging a power source and then operating a cooling means placed between the first side and second side of the body in the gap for cooling the object.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a cooling blanket having multiple pockets to contain a heat sink with the heat sink provided in the pocket, the heat sinks being either a thermoelectric cooling unit or a cold pack.

Abstract: An improved, multi-functional, portable, electronic climate control device to maintain personal body temperature at a desired level in relationship to different environments. The portable electronic control device can combine a refrigeration system with a circulation pump in fluid communication with a garment-like vest to provide personal cooling below surrounding ambient temperature, or include an electronic heating element with circulating pump in fluid communication with a garment-like vest to maintain personal body temperature above surrounding environment.

Abstract: A thermoelectric air conditioning apparatus is comprised of a housing having a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of air outlets; a plurality of thermoelectric elements; two heat exchangers; a temperature regulator, having first and second air inlets, a main air outlet and at least one exhaust outlet; two air circulation units and a control unit. Thermoelectric elements are energized, and cause a reduction of temperature on one side and an increase of temperature on the other side. One air flow is forced to flow through one of the housing air inlets, over a heat exchanger and to the first air outlet of the temperature regulator. Another air flow is forced to flow through one of the housing inlets, over the other heat exchanger and to the second air outlet of the temperature regulator.

Abstract: A personal thermoelectric Peltier effect heating and cooling device for heating or cooling a portion of a user's body utilizes a porous carbon foam heat sink secured to one surface of a Peltier thermovoltaic member. The heat sink is formed of a thermally conductive open cell foam medium through which air can pass and is partially enclosed by a shroud and a surrounding air filter. The opposed surface of the Peltier thermovoltaic member is secured to a flexible metallic thermal transfer band that is releasable strapped to a portion of the user's body. A miniature vacuum air pump and a battery are contained in a small enclosure that is releasably secured on another portion of the user's body remote from the thermal transfer band. A flexible tubular conduit connects the air pump inlet to the shroud and draws ambient air through the thermally conductive open cell foam medium.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device containing at least one thermoelement formed by powder metallurgical techniques including, but not limited to: hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, press and sinter and mechanical alloying.

Abstract: A device for cold and warm fomentations is disclosed. The device has a fomentation head and a heat exchange element control unit. The fomentation head includes a semiconductor heat exchange element. A coolant tank is mounted on the top surface of the heat exchange element. A heat conducting plate is fixed to the bottom surface of the heat exchange element. A far infrared radiation ceramic or metal-coated layer is positioned on the bottom surface of the heat conducting plate. The heat exchange element control unit includes a direct current electric source. A power polarity converting switch circuit is connected to the heat exchange element in parallel with the electric source. A program circuit is connected to the power polarity converting switch circuit at its output terminal. A rush current restricting element is connected to the heat exchange element.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump fluid circuit apparatus (10) for alternately delivering hot and cold fluids to an end device (12) such as a therapeutic wrap or pad. The apparatus includes a heat pump (14), a fluid circuit (16) coupled with the heat pump and having a fluid contained therein, a pump (18) interposed in the fluid circuit for circulating the fluid therein, and a valve (20) interposed in the fluid circuit for selectively delivering fluid from the fluid circuit to a device coupled with the apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat, at least one heat pump, at least one heat pump temperature sensor, and a controller. Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger and a main exchanger fan for passing the conditioned air from the main exchanger to the variable temperature seat. The Peltier modules and each main fan may be manually adjusted via a temperature switch and a fan switch, respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.