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•
09 Jan 2014
TL;DR: In this article, a bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits, and a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.
Abstract: A climate controlled bedding system includes at least one coil spring layer; and an air supply fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid conduits. In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within a flow path of a fluid conduit.
19 citations
Patent•
05 Oct 2012TL;DR: In this paper, a thermoelectric system consisting of a first surface and a second surface is described, where the first surface is configured to heat and the second surface was configured to cool when the device is activated.
Abstract: 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.
19 citations
Patent•
14 Jul 2011
TL;DR: In this article, 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.
Abstract: 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.
18 citations
Patent•
05 Dec 2014TL;DR: In this paper, a method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering, and the heating element is deactivated after a period of time.
Abstract: A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.
17 citations
Patent•
08 Sep 2016
TL;DR: In this article, a micro-climate system includes a topper and an air box, which is configured to conduct air along a surface of the topper so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the toppers are drawn away from the surface.
Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a microclimate system includes a topper and an air box. The topper is configured to conduct air along a surface of the topper so that heat and moisture from a patient lying on the topper are drawn away from the surface. The air box includes a blower coupled to the topper to provide air to the topper to be conducted along the surface of the topper. The air box may also include an environmental sensor unit coupled configured to detect environmental information corresponding to the environment around the microclimate system.
17 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