Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus

Details Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus

1995-03-15

1998-03-03

Rivell, John

Heat exchange

Regenerator

Heat collector

165 46, 252 70, 4283179, F28D 1700

Patent

active

057224820

ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver's wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves an a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4003426 (1977-01-01), Best et al.
patent: 4572864 (1986-02-01), Benson et al.
patent: 4596738 (1986-06-01), Metcalfe et al.
patent: 4756958 (1988-07-01), Bryant et al.
patent: 4851291 (1989-07-01), Vigo et al.
patent: 4856294 (1989-08-01), Scaringe et al.
patent: 4894931 (1990-01-01), Senee et al.
patent: 4908166 (1990-03-01), Salyer
patent: 4964402 (1990-10-01), Grim et al.
patent: 5143765 (1992-09-01), Mair et al.
patent: 5290904 (1994-03-01), Colvin

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2241356