Patent•
Control schemes and features for climate-controlled beds
06 May 2010-
TL;DR: In this paper, a 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 input device, and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.
Abstract: 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.
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Patent•
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.
117 citations
Patent•
30 Aug 2010TL;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.
97 citations
Patent•
12 Mar 2014
TL;DR: In this article, a method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or multiple parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one of the adjustable features of the air mattress systems.
Abstract: A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.
67 citations
Patent•
05 May 2015
TL;DR: In this article, a sleep environment control system which uses wearable technology with physiological sensors to predict when a person will have a hot flash and to proactively provide localized cooling or accelerated airflow for that person for a limited time to alleviate the adverse effects of that hot flash.
Abstract: This invention is a sleep environment control system which uses wearable technology with physiological sensors to predict when a person will have a hot flash and to proactively provide localized cooling or accelerated airflow for that person for a limited time to alleviate the adverse effects of that hot flash. In an example, a physiological sensor can be a body temperature sensor, skin conductance sensor, or EEG sensor. This system can reduce interruptions of a person's sleep due to hot flashes and improve their quality of life.
62 citations
Patent•
03 Jul 2013TL;DR: In this paper, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, such that heat can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device.
Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device.
59 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