Patent•
Climate controlled bed assembly
17 Jul 2009-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose an upper portion comprising a core with a top core surface and a bottom core surface, where the core includes at least one passageway extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.
Abstract: 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.
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Patent•
23 Nov 2011TL;DR: In this article, 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.
Abstract: 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 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
53 citations
Patent•
27 Dec 2013
TL;DR: In this article, an air distribution pad (12) comprises an upper layer, a lower layer, and a spacer material (32) located between the upper layer and the lower layer.
Abstract: An air distribution pad (12) comprises an upper layer (34), a lower layer (36), and a spacer material (32) located between the upper layer and the lower layer, the spacer material configured to allow air to pass therethrough. An air distributor (38) is configured to distribute air to the spacer material, wherein the air distributor comprises a port (40) configured to receive an air hose (16), wherein the port is directed laterally sideways from the air distributor. At least one joining structure (44) is coupled to the upper layer and the lower layer, the at least one joining structure providing one or more channels (46) formed through the spacer material in fluid communication with the air distributor. The one or more channels are configured to direct generally laterally flowing air from the port of the air distributor to a generally longitudinal direction along the at least one channel.
51 citations
Patent•
15 Aug 2011TL;DR: In this paper, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position to maintain the desired cooling and cooling effect while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system.
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.
50 citations
Patent•
07 Feb 2011TL;DR: In this paper, a patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the mattress, which selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.
Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.
49 citations
Patent•
23 Jul 2008
TL;DR: In this article, a heat exchange module is partially or completely positioned within a housing, with an impeller positioned within the housing and configured to receive fluid from one inlet and transfer it to at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet.
Abstract: According to some embodiments, a heat exchange device includes a housing, having at least one inlet, at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet. The device further includes an impeller positioned within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the at least one inlet and transfer it to at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet. In addition, the device comprises one or more heat exchange modules configured to receive a volume of fluid and selectively thermally condition it before said fluid exits through the first outlet or the second outlet. In one embodiment, the heat exchange module is partially or completely positioned within the housing.
48 citations
References
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Patent•
17 Nov 1994
TL;DR: In this paper, a temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat (10), at least one heat pump (26 and 28), one heat sensor (54 and 56), and a controller (64), each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger (34 and 36) and a main exchanger fan (42 and 44).
Abstract: A temperature climate control system comprises a variable temperature seat (10), at least one heat pump (26 and 28), at least one heat pump temperature sensor (54 and 56), and a controller (64). Each heat pump comprises a number of Peltier thermoelectric modules for temperature conditioning the air in a main heat exchanger (34 and 36) and a main exchanger fan (42 and 44) 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 (60) and a fan switch (58), respectively. Additionally, the temperature climate control system may comprise a number of additional temperature sensors (102 and 104) to monitor the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the occupant as well as the temperature of the conditioned air directed to the occupant.
304 citations
Patent•
28 Mar 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle is described. But this insert is not suitable for the use in a commercial vehicle, as it is unsuitable for indoor environments.
Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.
302 citations
Patent•
10 Mar 2005
TL;DR: In this paper, an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat is described. And the system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual.
Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.
262 citations
Patent•
12 May 1999
TL;DR: In this article, a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid is described, which consists of a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a temperature-sensitive device configured to pump heat.
Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.
227 citations
Patent•
11 Feb 1986
TL;DR: In this paper, an open cell foam pad is ripple-cut to create a convoluted face of hills and valleys, and a plurality of air-flow channels are cut through the pad in each valley formed.
Abstract: An open cell foam pad is ripple-cut to create a convoluted face of hills and valleys. A plurality of air-flow channels are cut through the pad in each valley formed. The channels with plugs therein provide the user of the pad with the ability to direct air circulation through the pad to certain parts of the body. These air channels also function to dissipate excess body fluids or medicines. For situations demanding the highest possible amount of air circulation, the ripple-cut pad with open air-flow channels is flat-topped. The size of the flat area on each hill is determined by the weight of body to be supported. For a body weight under 100 pounds, a maximum area of 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch is used with a contact surface to open space ratio of 1:3. For a body weight between 100 and 150 pounds, a maximum area of 1 inch by 1 inch is used with a contact surface to open space ratio of 1:1. For a body weight greater than 150 pounds, a maximum of area of 11/4 inch by 11/4 inch is used.
223 citations