An apparatus (10) for forming a three dimensional object (30) by layer-wise addition of a build material has a build-support (100) for supporting the object (30) during forming and a removable metallic base-layer (110) that is in the form of a mesh, film, sheet or foil. The base-layer (110) is removably securable to the build support (100).

Additive manufacturing apparatus and method

A system for controlling a bedroom environment includes an environmental data collector configured to collect environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; a sleep data collector configured to collect sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; an analysis unit configured to analyze the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data and to determine an adjustment of the bedroom environment that promotes sleep of the person; and a controller configured to effect the adjustment of the bedroom environment A method for controlling a bedroom environment includes collecting environmental data relating to the bedroom environment; collecting sleep data relating to a person's state of sleep; analyzing the collected environmental data and the collected sleep data; determining an adjustment to the bedroom environment that promotes sleep; and communicating the adjustment to a device that effects the bedroom environment

Systems and methods for controlling a bedroom environment and for providing sleep data

According to certain arrangements, a climate controlled bed includes an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface. The core includes at least one passageway extending from the top core surface to the bottom core surface. The upper portion of the bed further includes at least one fluid distribution member positioned above the core, wherein the fluid distribution member is in fluid communication with at least one passageway of the core. The fluid distribution member is configured to at least partially distribute fluid within said fluid distribution member. The upper portion of the bed further comprises at least one comfort layer positioned adjacent to the fluid distribution member. The bed also includes a lower portion configured to support the upper portion and at least one fluid module configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid distribution member of the upper portion. In some arrangements, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device for selectively thermally conditioning fluids being transferred by the fluid transfer device.

Climate controlled bed assembly

According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat additionally includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior chamber, at least one fluid module comprising a fluid transfer device and a conduit placing an outlet of the at least one fluid module in fluid communication with the inlet. In some arrangements, the fluid module selectively delivers fluids to the interior chamber through the conduit and the inlet. In one embodiment, fluids entering the chamber through the inlet are generally distributed within the chamber by the spacer material before exiting through the plurality of openings along the upper layer. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Climate-controlled topper member for medical beds

A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.

air conditioned bed

A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module. The control module is configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the fluid module based on, at least in part, the setting or mode selected by an occupant using the at least one input device, and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds

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.

Operational control schemes for ventilated seat or bed assemblies

Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same

According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system comprises a thermoelectric device having a first surface and a second surface and a power source configured to deliver a voltage across the thermoelectric device to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric device, wherein the first surface is configured to heat and the second surface is configured to cool when the thermoelectric device is activated. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine a potential between the first surface and the second surface when the thermoelectric device is deactivated, correlate the potential to a temperature of the first surface and adjust the correlated temperature of the first surface based on an ambient temperature.

Dusko Petrovski

Papers

Climate controlled bed assembly

Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds

Operational control schemes for ventilated seat or bed assemblies

Climate controlled beds and methods of operating the same

Thermoelectric device controls and methods