Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Description
PERSONAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a personal
temperature control system for enabling a person's
body temperature to be controlled independently of
the environment to which the person is exposed and
more particularly to an improved liquid loop
personal body temperature control system.
Background of the Invention
In general, i~ is easier to protect a
person from extremely low temperature environments
than it is to protect a person from extremely high
temperature environments. A personls body is a
source of heat appropriately distributed by the
person's circulatory system and thus, if the
person's body is protected throu~hout against
excessive heat loss to the environment, normal
bodily functions can be maintained indefinitely.
From earliest recorded history, mankind
has developed effective protective clot~ing for
avoiding excessive heat loss to extremely cold
environments by insulating the person's body from
its environment. However, a person's body does not
include any cooling source independent cf its
environment and thus mankind has not been as
successful in developing protective clothing for
avoiding excessive heating of a person's body in an
extremely high tempera~ure environment. For this
~reason, the preferred embodiments of this
invention as shown in the drawing and described
l~9~S~
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herein are specifically directed to the lowering of
the temperature of a person's body below that which
it would normally have in the environment to which
it is exposed.
However, it will be understood that by
simply providing the system of this invention with
a source of heat rather than a source of cold, the
temperature of a person's body could be raised to a
temperature above that which it would normally have
in any environment to which it is exposed. This
might be done for therapeutic purposes in a normal
environment, for example, as well as for
maintaining normal body temperature in an extremely
cold environment.
Three basic personal cooling systems have
been proposed in the prior art. The first and
least successful of these is to attempt to insulate
the person's body from its environment by means of
garments and then provide a source of cold within
the garment such as blocks of ice, for example.
Such a system is extremely uncomfortable for the
user because of the great temperature differential
between normal body temperature and the source of
cold. In addition, the source of cold must be
replenished at relatively short intervals requiring
the opening of the garment and exposure of the
person to the environment. Most importantly, such
a system not only inactivates the normal cooling
functions of the body through evaporation of
perspiration but turns it into a disadvantage since
the unevaporated perspiration will add to the
discomfort of the user of such a system.
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Thus, a second system was developed in
the prior art based on attempts to augment the
normal cooling functions of the body. One such
approach is to place porous insulating garments in
contact with the skin in an attempt to enhance the
evaporation of perspiration and to auyment the
resulting cooling further b~ dampening the porous
garment separately from perspiration. More
sophisticated systems have included the circulation
of air through the garment to enhance the
evaporation and in some cases, the air has been
cooled in an attempt to provide air conditioning as
well as to enhance the evaporative cooling.
Again, such systems are extremely
uncomfortable to the user since they tend to
overpower the normal bodily functions of the user,
producing unnatural conditions requiring excessive
fluid intake by the user and discomfort at the skin
and extremities, as well as loss of body fluids and
salts.
More recent]y, liquid cooling loops have
been proposed in which an attempt has been made to
couple more directly to the normal circulatory
system of a person's body. In such systems, heat
exchange garments made of flexib:Le material with
liquid coolant passageways formed therein are
placed in direct contact with the body of the user
and liquid coolant is circulated through such
garment. Insulating garments may be worn over the
heat exchange garments and an attempt is made to
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cool the entire body of the user by circulating a
cooled liquid through the liquid coolant
passageways~ Again, discomfort to the user has
resulted from the tendency of such systems to
overpower the normal cooling functions of the human
body. The liquid coolant circulated is generally at
a given temperature considerably below normal body
temperature providing an excessive cooling effect in
the extremities and a resultant upsetting of the
normal circulatory system of the user. The
upsetting of the normal functions of the circulatory
system of the user may result in perspiration in
parts of the body and excessive cooling at other
parts of the body.
It is the principal object of
applicant's invention to overcome the abo've-
mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by
improved coupling of an external temperature
source to the normal circulatory system of the
user's body while preserving the normal bodily
functions of the user and reducing the temperature
differential between the user's body and the
coolant.
Summary of the Invention
A personal temperature control system
according to applicant's invention comprises a
first heat exchange device in the form of a
garment adapted to be worn in contact with the
skin of the user of the system including a body
made of heat conductive material having an
elongated fluid-tight passageway formed therein.
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According to preferred embodiments of the
invention, such garments are worn only on the head
and torso of the user. The system includes a
second heat exchange device in the form of a body
made of a heat conductive material having an
elongated fluid-tight passageway formed therein, a
reservoir containing fluid at atmospheric pressure
and a fluid pump means having an inlet and an
outlet. A first fluid conduit communicates the
reservoir with the inlet of the pump means and a
second fluid conduit communicates the outlet ~f
the fluid pump means to one end of the elongated
fluid passageway formed in the body of one of the
heat exchange devices. A third fluid conduit
means communicates the other end of the elongated
fluid passageway in the body of one of said heat
exchange devices with one end of the elongated
fluid passageway formed in the body of the other
of the heat exchange devices. A fourth fluid
conduit means communicates the other end of the
elongated fluid passageway formed in the body of
such other of the heat exchange devices with the
reservoir and an adjustable flow valve means
communicates between the ends of the elongated
2S fluid passageway formed in the body of the second
heat exchan~e device. A te~perature source
independent of the body of the user is placed in
heat exchange relation to the second heat exchange
device .
~9?7~
Brief Description of the Drawing
This invention will be more f~lly
understood from a reading of the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments thereof with
reference to the appended drawing wherein.
FIGS. lA through lF are perspective views
of various preferred embodiments of applicant's
improved personal temperat-lre control system as
applied to the body of a user;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams
~howing the coolant flow in alternate preferred
embodiments of applicant's personal temperature
control system;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a head-engaging
garment suitable for use in applicant's improved
personal temperature control system, showing the
coolant passageways formed therein;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a
torso engagin~ garment suitable for use in
applicant's improved personal temperature control
system showing the fluid passageways therein;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectionl view showing
the first step in the attachment of an inlet or
o~tlet coupling elbow to a garment according to
applicant's improved personal temperature control
system;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing
~he second step in the attachment of an inlet or
outlet coupling elbow to a garment according to
applicant's improved personal temperature control
system;
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FIG~ 7 is a right side view in elevation of
a head-engaging garment according to a preferred
embodiment of applicant's improved personal
temperature control system.
FIG. 8 is a left side view in elevation of
the head-engaging garment of FIG. 7 mounted inside a
helmet represented in phantom;
FIGo 9 is a rear view in elevation of the
head-engaging garment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken
along lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the
torso engaging surface of a garment in accordance
with applicant's improved personal temperature
control system;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the
exterior surface of the torso engaging garment
according to applicant's improved personal
temperature control system;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view taken from
one side of a support harness suitable for use in a
preferred embodiment of applicant's improved personal
temperature control system;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view taken from
the opposite side o~ the support harness of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the
control display unit according to the preferred
embodiment of applicantls improved personal
temperature control system;
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FIG. 16 i9 a view taken along line 16-16
of FIG. 15 with the battery pack and control cover
removed;
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the
control cover and reservoir takén along line 17-17
of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is a cross--sectional view taken
along line 18-18 of FIG. 15;
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line 19-19 of FIG. 17 showing the internal
fluid coolant flow passageways of the control
display unit of FIG. 15;
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the control
display unit of FIG. 15;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line 21 of FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary
exploded, partially cross-sectional view taken
along lines 22 of FIG. 19 showing the adjustable
flow valve means according to applicant's improved
personal temperature control system;
FIG. 23 is an enlarged side view in
elevation of the active valve element of the
adjustable flow valve means of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a left end view in elevation
of FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a right end view in elevation
of FIG7 23;
FIG. 26 is a further enlarged cross-
sectional view taken along lines 26-26 of the valve
element of FIG. 23 with a fragmentary cross-
sectional showing of the fluid passageway in which
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it is mounted according to the preferred embodiment
of the improved personal temperature control system
of applicant's invention;
FIG. 27 is a graph showing the variation
in liquid coolant flow through the second heat
exchange device of the personal temperature control
system of applicant's invention in relation to the
rotation of the valve element of FIG. 23;
FIG. 28 is a graph showing the variation
in temperature of the liquid coolant in the body-
engaging garment in relation to the rotation of the
adjustable flow valve means according to the
preferred em~odiment of applicantls improved
personal temperature control system;
FIG~ 29 is a perspective view of the
second heat exchange device according to a
preferred embodiment of applicant's improved
personal temperature control systern,
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line 30-30 of FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view similar
to FIG. 30 with portions broken away to show the
heat exchange structure;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view similar to
FIG~ 29 but with the cover of the second heat
exchange device shown in open position with a
frozen can o coolant indicated in phantom;
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken
along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is a plan view of the heat
exchange structure of the second heat exchange
device when removed from its case;
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FIG. 35 is an exploded side view in
elevation of a quick disc,onnect coupling according
to the preferred embodiment of applicant's improved
per~onal temperature control system with portions
broken away to show the internal structure thereoE;
FIG. 36 is a side view in elevation of
the quick disconnect coupling of FIG. 35 shown in
operative engagement partially broken away to show
the internal structure thereof and the remote end
thereof;
FIG. 37 is an end view in elevation taken
along lines 37-37 of FIG~ 35; and
FIG. 38 is an end view in elevation taken
along line 38~38 of FIG. 35~
Detailed Description of_Preferred Embodiments
ReEerring to FIG. lA of the drawing, it
is a hasic object of applicant's invention to
provide an intimate coupling to the normal
circulatory system of a person's body. To this
end applicant provides a heat exchange garment 10
in the form of a helmet 12 intimately coupled to
the head of the user and a vest 14 intimately
coupled to the torso of the user. The torso of the
body comprises a large portion of the surface area
of the body housing the center of the circulatory
system and is relatively immobile as compared to
the extremities of the body thus enhancing intimate
and continuous coupliny to the circulatory system.
Similarly, the head of the body provides a
substantial relatively immobile surface area and
one in which the normal body clrculation is
7~52
relatively constant regardless of temperature
fluctuations. Thus, it i5 a basic premise of
applicant's invention that if sufficient coupling
is rnade to the head and torso of the body of the
user of applicant's system to maintain the normal
temperature range of the head and torso regardless
of the ambient temperature to which the body is
exposed, the normal circulatory system of the body
will tend to maintain normal body temperature in
its extremities. Although not shown in FIGS~ lA
through lF, it is desirable to provide suitable
protective clothing over the temperature control
system, including the extremities of the body to
avoid excessive temperature interchange with the
environment.
As shown in FIGS. lB through lE, one
preferred embodiment of this invention would be
fully self-contained and mobile although as shown
in FIG. lF, applicant's system could also be used
with a fixed temperature source. Thus, as shown in
FIGS. lB and lC, a support harness 16 may be worn
by the user over the vest-like portion of the heat
exchanger 10 which is in intimate contact with the
skin of the userO
As shown in FIGo lC r a heat exchange
device 18 containing a temperature source in
accordance with the teaching of this invention may
be removably mounted on the support harness 16.
Similarly, a control display unit 20 lncluding a
fluid pump and a reservoir means in accordance with
the teaching of this invention, may he removably
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mounted on the support vest 16. The heat exchange
device 18 is connected to,the heat exchange garment
10 through the control display device 20 and an
umbilical cord 21 containing the necessary fluid
conduits. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. lD, the
heat exchange device 18 and control display unit 20
could be mounted on a belt worn about the waist o~
the user.
As shown in FIG. lE, the heat exchange
device 18 and control display unit 20 could be
mounted on an appropriate hand carrier 22 adapted
to be received on a mounting bracket 23 which may
be fixed in position adjacent the normal work
position of the user. Finally, as shown in
FIG. lF, a modified control display unit 20' may be
permanently mounted to a fixed heat exchange device
capable of supplying cooled fluid for a number of
systems according to the teaching of this invention
as will be more fully described hereina~ter. Where
the heat exchange device 18 and control display
unit 20 are hand carried as shown 'in FIG. lE, or
where the control display unit 20' is rigidly
mounted to a fixed heat exchange device shown in
FIG. lF, the umbilical cord 21 is c:onnected to the
control display units 20 and 20' by means of an
automatic quick release coupling 24 in accordance
with the teaching of this invention, as will be
more fully described hereinafter.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the control display
unit 20 according to this invention, comprises a
pump 26 and reservoir 28 contained within a
housing 30. The inlet of the pump 26 communicates
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with the reservoir 2B through a filter 32 within
the housing 30. The pump 26 is driven by an
electrical motor 34 which is mounted within the
housing 30. The motor 34 is powered by a
battery 36 which may be removably mounted to the
exterior of the housing 30 and electrically
connected to the motor through a switch 38 mounted
on the housing 30.
The outlet of the pump 36 is connected to
a first quick disconnect coupling 40 mounted on the
housing 30. The umbilical cord 21 includes a first
conduit adapted to be connected to the coupling 40
and conduct a flow of fluids therefrom to the heat
exchange garment 10 and a second conduit adapted to
return fluid flow from the heat exchange garment 10
to a second quick disconnect coupling 42 mounted on
the housing 30. The second quick disconnect
coupling 42 communicates with a flow restrictor 44
within the housing 30 which in turn communicates
with a flow meter 46 mounted on the housing 30 for
visual observation. The output of the flow
meter 46 communicates with both a third quick
disconnect coupling 48 and the inlet of an
adjustable flow valve means 50. The outlet of the
ad~ustable flow valve means 50 communicates with
the reservoir 28.
The quick disconnect coupling 48 is coupled
through an appropriate conduit to the heat exchange
device 18 and a fourth quick disconnect coupling 52
mounted on the housing 30 communicates with the
reservoir 28. An appropriate conduit returns fluid
flow from the heat exchange device 18 to the fourth
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quick disconnect coupling 52. As indicated at 54,
the reservoir 28 is open to atmospheric pressure
preferably by making the walls thereof flexible in
order to avoid the necessity of a vent which might
allow leakage of fluid from the system.
It will be seen that the adjustable flow
valve means effectively communicates between the
thlrd 48, and fourth 52 couplings. Thus, when the
adjustable flow valve means 50 is fully open,
little if any fluid will flow to the coupling 48
for communication to the heat exchange device 18.
When the adjustable flow valve means 50 is fully
closed, all fluid flow in the system will pass
through the coupling 48 and into the heat exchange
device 18, returning to the reservoir 28 through
the coupling 52. Thus, the proper setting of the
adjustable flow valve means 50 will insure the
minimum flow of fluid to the heat exchange
device 18 required to maintain the desired
temperature of the fluid flow in the heat exchange
garment 10. It is an important object of this
invention to maintain the temperature of the fluid
flow in the heat exchange garment 10 as near normal
body surface temperature as possible through
circulation of the minimum fluid flow in the heat
exchanger means 18. This not only insures maximum
comfort of the user of the system, but will also
conserve the temperature source 56 in the heat
exchange device 18.
The pump 26 and flow restrictor device 44
are selected to maintain a fluid pressure of ten to
fifteen pounds per square inch gauge in the heat
95%
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exchange garment 10 in order to resist external
forces imposed thereon which may tend to obstruct
the elongated passageways formed therein for the
circulation of fluid. At the same time, the flow
restrictor means 44 reduces the fluid pressure to
which the hea~ exchange device 18 is subjected to a
maximum of two to four pounds per square inch gauge
in order to ~void unnecessary pressures in the heat
exchange unit which may result in leakage or
rupture in the heat exchange unit.
In the embodiment of this ;nvention shown in
FIG. 2A, the temperature source 56 preferably
comprises a separate body from the heat
exchanger 18, such as a block of ice within an
appropriate container, for example. As will be
described more fully hereinafter, the heat
exchanger 18 according to this invention, is
designed to enable convenient removal and
replacement of the temperature source 56 in
initimate heat exchange relation with the heat
exchanger 18.
As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2A, two or
more heat exchangers 18 together ~ith associated
temperature sources 56 may be used in series in
order to increase the capacity of the system. The
use of two or more heat exchangers 18 in series
enables a given temperature in the heat exchange
garment 10 to be maintained at a reduced flow
throuyh the heat exchangers 18 established by an
appropriate setti.ng of the adjustable flow
valve 50. Such reduced flow together with the
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increased volume of the temperature source 56 will
enable the desired temperature to be maihtained in
the heat exchange garment 10 for a longer period of
time. Alternatively, a greater temperature
differential may be established between the heat
exchange garment 10 and the environment in which it
is used at a given rate of flow through the series
connected heat exchangers 18.
Referring to FIG. 2B, an alternate embodiment
o the personal temperature control system
according to the teaching of this invention is
shown which is suitable for use with a
substantially immobile high capacity heat
exchanger 58 coupled to a continuously circulating
temperature source 60. The embodiment of FIG. 2B
is constructed of the same components as the
embodiment of FIG. 2A but such components are
arranged in a different way. For clarity and ease
of understanding, the same reference numerals have
been used in FIG. 2B to identify corresponding
components. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 2B a
motor 34 powered by a battery 36 through a
switch 38, drives a pump 25. The inlet of the
pump 26 communicates with the reservoir 28 through
a filter 32. However, the outlet of the pump 26 in
the embodiment of FIG. 2B i9 connected to the
coupling 48 which communicates with the inlet of
the heat exchanger 58. The outlet of the heat
exchanger 58 communicates with the coupling 52
which in turn communicates with the coupling 40
through the flow meter 46. The coupling 40
communicates with the inlet of the heat exchange
S2
garment lO and the outlet of the heat exchange
garment lO communicates with the coupling 42. The
coupling 42 communicates with the reservoir 28
through a flow res~rictor device 44. The
adjustable flow valve 50 effectively communicates
~etween the coupling 48 and the coupling 52,
thereby enabling the flow through the heak
exchanger 58 ~o be controlled at substantially
constant pressure. The restrictor device 44
enables the desired pressure to be maintained
within the heat exchange garment lO although the
reservoir ~8 i5 maintained at atmospheric pressure
as indicated at 54.
As indicated in FIG. 2B, a plurality of
personal temperature control systems each utilized
by a different individual may be connected in
parallel to the heat exchanger 58. The heat
exchanger 58 may be any conventional liquid loop
heat exchanger with a liquid loop temperature
source 60 including an appropriate accumulator 62
to provide additional volume at constant pressure
in the liquid loop in order to accommodate the
attachment and removal of parallel temperature
control systems. It will be understood that the
parallel personal temperature control systems will
function independently of each other to allow each
user to regulate the temperature maintained in the
heat exchange garment lO associated therewith as
required~
It is a basic principle of the personal
temperature control system according to applicant's
invention to maintain a constant high level of
95Z
-18- .
liquid flow through the heat exchange garment lO at
a temperature as near as possible to normal body
temperature while providing the necessary heat
exchange between the circulatory system of the body
and the liquid loop of the heat exchange
garment lO. A large temperature differential
between the blood in the circulatory system and the
liquid in the heat exchange garment lO will, of
course, tend to provide high thermal exchange
therebetween. ~owever, not only will a large
temperature differential between the blood in the
circulatory system and the liquid in the heat
e~change garment lO tend to make the garment 10
uncomortable in use, but it will actually decrease
the thermal coupling by causing constriction of the
blood vessels in the body of the user. Thus,
according to applicant's invention, the minimum
amount of liquid cooled in the heat exchanger 18,
58 is mixed with liquid from the outlet of the heat
exchange garment lO to produce a liquid temperature
of 50-70F. at the inlet of the heat exchange
garment lO. In the preferred embodiment of
applicant's invention as shown in the drawing, the
liquid is first introduced into the helmet
portion 12 of the heat exchange garment 10 and then
to the vest portion 14 of the heat exchange
garment lO. The head is widely recognized as an
important area for heat exchange between man and
environment. The relatively small amount of vaso-
constriction which occurs in the head under
conditions of thermal stress provides good thermal
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coupling even where relatively high temperature
differentials are involved. It has been found that
although the head only comprises 2~-3% of the total
area of the body, it provides a much larger
percentage of the actual heat exchange between the
body and the environment and in terms of personal
comfort and psychological effects, is weighted at
20%-40~ of the overall factors. For example, in
controlling a person's temperature in a high
temperature environment, it has been found that the
head may be subjected to temperatures between 50-
60 F. without reducing thermal coupling due to
vaso constriction or contributing to the discomfort
of the user. On the other hand, in similar
situations, temperatures below 70F. will result in
serious vaso constriction in the torso of the body.
Thus, according to applicant's invention, when used
in such a situation, liquid having a temperature
between 50-60 F. is first introduced to the
helmet 12 of the heat exchange garment 10 where the
thermal coupling will result in liquid leaving the
helmet at a temperature approaching 70F. Such
liquid is then introduced to the vest 14 of the
heat exchange garment 10 in order to maintain good
thermal coupling by avoiding vaso-constrictions in
the torso of the user.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the mixing of the
warm liquid from the heat exchange garment 10 with
the cooled liquid from the heat exchanger 18 occurs
in the reservoir 28. The relative amounts of the
warm liquid from the heat exchange garment 10 and
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the cooled liquid from the heat exchanger 18 is
regulated by the adjustable flow valve 50 in order
to provide a liquid in the reservoir 28 having the
desired temperature for introduction to the heat
exchange garment 10 through -the pump 26. In the
embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 2B, the
mixing of the warm liquid from the heat exchange
garment 10 with cooled liquid from the heat
exchanger 58 occurs in the conduit through which
the mixture is introduced to the heat exchange
garment 10. Again, the adjustable flow valve 50
regulates the relative amounts of the warmed liquid
and cooled liquid to provide the desired liquid
temperature at the inlet to the heat exchange
garment 10.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the helmet
portion 12 and the vest portion 14 of the heat
exchange garment 10 may be fabricated in accordance
with the processes disclosed in applicant's prior
U.S. Pa~ent 3,830,676. However,
according to the teaching of this invention, the
helmet portion 12 and vest portion 14 of the heat
exchange garment 10 are each preferably made of two
overlying sheets of nylon fabric having a urethane
coating on their adjacent surfaces. According to
the preferred embodiment of this invention, the two
sheets comprising the helmet portion 12 of the heat
exchange garment 10 are cut to the contour
indicated by the dot-dash line 62 in FIG. 3. Such
contour includes lobes 64 for engaging the neck
~97~S~
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of the user, lobes 65 for engaging the cranium and
temples of the user, and intermediate lobes 66 for
engaging the back of the head of the user. The
overlying contoured sheets are pressed between a
flat plate and a die member having lands formed in
the abutting surface thereof, as indicated by the
solid lines, defining channels therebetween.
Either, or both, of the die member and the plate
may be heated so that the abutting urethane
coating~ on the two sheets are bonded together
under the lands to define the desired liquid
coolant channels between the sheets.
According to the preferred embodiment of
thi~ invention, as shown in FIG. 3, an elongated
outlet channel 67 extending from one end of the
contour 62 to the other between the lobes 64, 65
and 66 is provided. The channel 67 is closed at
its end in the nape lobes 64 and open at its end in
the cranium lobes 65. An inlet channel 68 is
provided at the free end of the nape lobe 64
communicating therewith. Thus, liquid introduced
into the inlet channel 68 at the nape lobe 64 end
thereof will be communicated through the channels
in the nape lobes 64 in parallel, the channels in
intermediate lobes 66 in parallel, and to the
cranium lobes 65, where it will flow through the
channels thereof in parallel to the free end of the
outlet channel 67.
Referring to FIG. 4, the vest portion 14
of the heat exchange garment 10 according to the
preferred embodiment of this invention, comprises
5:~
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mirror image front and back portions joined at one
side. Only one of the panels and the side
connection is shown in F~G. 4. As described
hereinabove in connection with the helmet
portion 12, two sheets of nylon fabric having a
urethane coating on one side thereof are cut to the
contour indicated by dot-dash lines 70 in FIG. 4.
The contoured sheets are arranged in overlying
relation with their urethane coatings in abutment.
The sheets are then pressed between a flat plate
and a die member having lands thereon as indicated
in solid lines in FIG. 4 to form channels for
liquid coolant flow as described hereinabove.
According to the preferred embodiment of this
invention, such channels extend generally
horizontally across the front and back panels and
are arranged in upper and lower groups of channels.
An inlet channel 72 is formed in the
interconnecting side of the vest 1~ between the
front and back panels. The inlet channel 72
communicates with the upper array of channels and
an interconnecting channel 7~ at the free side of
each panel connects the upper array of channels
with the lower array of channelsO The lower array
of channels communicate with an outlet channel 76
formed in the interconnecting side of the vest 14.
Thus, liquid flows into the vest 14 and across the
top portion thereof, returning across the lower
portion thereof, thereby contributing to the
comfort of the garment, since liquid having the
minimum difference in temperature from the
temperature of the blood in the circulatory system
5~ 1
-23-
of the user, will be presented to the sensitive
stomach and back area of the user, the shoulders and
chest of the user being generally less sensitive.
According to this invention, liquid is
coupled into the inlet channels 68 and 72 of the
helmet 12 and vest 14 and out of the outlet
channels 67 and 76 of the helmet 12 and vest 14 by
means of coupling elbows 80 having a flange 82 at
one end thereof as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The
location of the elbow couplings 80 are indicated in
dotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the method of
attaching such couplings according to the teaching
of this invention, is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
Thus, as shown in FIG. S, one of the two
sheets of the helmet 12 and one of the two sheets of
the vest 14 is punched to provide holes therethrough
in the appropriate locations to communicate with the
inLet 68, 72 and outlet 67, 76 channels thereof,
respectively. The elbow couplings 80 are then fixed
to the sheet having the holes formed therein prior
to its being placed in overlying relationship to the
other sheet. The elbow coupling 80 is passed
through the hole and its flange brought into contact
with the urethane coated side of the nylon fabric.
As shown in FIG. 5, the flange 82 is then pressed
against the urethane coating under heat and pressure
to form a liquid-tight seal between such flange 62
and the sheet about the hole.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the
elbows 80 are oriented so that they will be in
alignment with the respective inlet 68, 72 and
outlet 67, 76 channels to be formed. As best shown
~7~S:~
~-- ;
in FIG. 6, the dimensions of the flange 82 are
larger than the transverse dimensions of the -
respective channels 67, 68, 72, 76 and appropriate
pockets are formed in the flat plate to accommodate
the coupling elbows 80 during the pressing of the
sheets to form the liquid channels therebetween. As
a result, the sides of the respective inlet 68, 72
and outlet 67, 76 channels will be sealed to the
flange 82 of the respective elbows 80 but no seal
will be formed directly over such channels 67, 68,
72, 76~ This arrangement will prevent ~ballooning~
from occurring between the sheets of the helmet 12
and vest 14 at the inlet and outlet elbows 80
thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, the
helmet portion 12 of the heat exchange garment 10
according to this invention, may preferably include
an insulating covering 86. As best shown in
FIG. 10, the two sheets having the contour 62 shown
in FIGo 3, and sealed together to provide for liquid
transport, are mounted within the insulating
covering 86. The dimensions o~ the contour 62 are
selected to accommodate the full range of human head
siæes and similarly, the insulating covering 86 is
shaped to accommodate the full range of human head
sizes from the cranium to the nape of the neck. The
cranium engaging portions of the contoured sheets 62
and o the insulating covering 86 are fixed to each
other and an elastic means 88 at the nape portion of
~25-
the insulating covering 86 engages one or both elbow
couplings 80. Thus, when the insulating covering 86
is applied to the head of the user, the liquid
transport means will be held against the head of the
user with differences in size being accommodated by
~' the elastic means 88.
The insulating covering 86 may be
provided with a chin strap 90 to facilitate the
snug fit of the helmet 1~ to the head. In
addition, the protective covering 86 may be
provided with external tab fasteners 92 to enable
the mounting of the helmet 12 within a rigid outer
protective helmet 94. The tabs 92, as well as the
chin strap 90 may be provided with fas-tening
means 96, 37 of the type sold under the trademark
V~LCRO, for example, in order to enable quick and
effective adjustment of the helmet 12 to the head
and the outer protective helmet 94.
Referring to FIG. 11, the vest portion 14
of the heat exchange garment 10 may also comprise
an external insulating cover 102 having a vest-like
conformation comprising front and back panels
joined at one side with the liquid transport means
fixed to its inner surface, as indicated by dotted
lines~ for contact with the skin of the torso of
the user. As shown in FIG. 12, the umbilical cord
through which the liquid inlet and outlet conduits
pass, is fixed to the outer surface of the vest-
like insulating cover 102 at the interconnected
side of the panels~ It is an important feature o~
this invention that the interconnection ~etween the
panels of the vest 14 may be located at either the
3L~97~S~
-26-
left side or the right side of the user. For this
reason, the free end of the umbilical cord 21 is
provided with a fastening means 104 of the type sold
under the trademark VELCRO. The fastening
means 104 enables the free end of the umbilical
cord to be shif~ed from one panel to the other of
the vest 14 so that it will be located at the back
of the vest regardless of whether the
interconnec~ed sides are at the right or at the
left of the user.
In order to provide for easy adjustment
of the vest to accommodate users of various sizes,
the fastening means for closing the open side of
the vest is preferably of the type commercially
available under the trademark VELCRO.
Thus, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, identical
fastening pads 106 are provided on the exterior
surface of both panels at the free sides thereof
together with a zipper means 107. A fastening
strap 108 is adapted to be attached to either side
by the zipper means depending on whether the
interconnected sides of the panels are to be
located at the left or at the right of the user.
Similarly, a pair of shoulder straps 110
are provided having snap type fasteners 112 at one
end, one of the elements 114 of the type of
fastener commercially available under the
trademark VELC~O at the other end. Two
cooperating snap type fasteners 113 and two
cooperating elements 115 of the type of fastener
commercially available under the trademark VELCRO
37~
-27-
are provided at the upper edges of each panel, as
best shown in FIG. 12 in order to provide
reversibility of the shoulder straps llO. Thus,
in use, the fasteners 114, 115 may always be
oriented to the front of the user to facilitate
quick adjustment by the user.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the
support harness 16 of FIGS. lB and lC is shown in
detail. The support harness 16 includes a support
panel 120 the exterior surface of which is shown
in FIG. 13 and the interior or body facing surface
of which is shown in FIG. 14. The support
panel 120 is provided with a plurality of snap
type fasteners arranged in three arrays of four
each for moun~ing the components of a personal
temperature control system according to this
invention. ~husl the first array 121 of four snap
type fasteners is adapted to mount the control
display unit 20 of the personal temperature
control system to the support panel 120. A second
array 122 of four snap type fasteners is adapted
to mount the heat exchange device 18 to the
support panel 120. Similarly, a third array of
four snap type fasteners is adapted to mount a
second heat exchange device 18 to the support
panel 120 if required.
The support harness 16 is provided with
adjustable length shoulder straps 124 and an
adjustable length belt 126 having a quick release
buckle. The support harness may be worn with the
support panel 120 thereo~ either on the ~ront
7~5~
-28-
or the back of the user and to facilitate such
reversibility, a cross strap 128 having a quick
release buckle interconnects the shoulder
straps 124 as best shown in FIG. 14. Conventional
clothing may be interposed between the support
harness 16 and the vest portion 14 of the heat
exchange garment 10 as desired.
Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view
of the control display unit 20 according to the
preferred embodiment of this invention is shown
together with a battery pack 36. For purposes of
clarity and ease of understanding, the same
reference numerals used in FIGS. 2A and 2B will be
used in FIG. 15 together with ~IGS. 16 through 26
to ;dentify corresponding components. Thus, the
housing 30 of the control display unit 20 comprises
a hollow cup-like body of generally rectangular
cross-section closed at the top by a control plate
130~ The conduits interconnecting the various
components of the control display unit 20 are
formed in the cover plate 130 and communicate with
the quick disconnect couplings 40, 42, 48 and 52,
which couplings are carried by the control
plate 130.
Referring to FIG. 16, a right end view of
the housing of FIG. 15 is shown with the cover
plate 130 and battery pack 36 removed. Snap-type
terminals 132 adapted to cooperate with
corresponding snap-type terminals on the battery
pack 36 for electrical connection purposes are
shown as mounted through the housing 30.
Similarly, male snap-type mounting pins 134 are
~7~2
-29-
shown mounted on the rear side of the housing 30
which are adapted to cooperate with co~responding
snap elements on the support harness to enable the
control display unit 20 to be carried thereby. A
battery pack mounting plate 135 is shown ixed to
the end of the housing 30 and adapted to cooperate
with battery pack mounting clamp 136 to mount the
battery pack 36 to the housing 30 with its
terminals in engagement with the snap-type battery
terminals 132.
As best shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 18 and 21,
a flexible rubber boot 138 projects from the upper
surface of the control plate 130 and surrounds the
actuating but~on of the control switch 38 which is
carried by the control plate 130. Thus, downward
pressure on the rubber boot 138 exerted by the
thumb or finger o the user will actuate the
control switch 38 to turn the control display unit
on or off.
- 20 As best shown in FIG. 19, the control
plate 130 is provided with a plurality of bores
and passageways defining mounting cavities and
conduits for the various components of the control
display unit 20. Thus, a first passageway 140
extending in the plane o the control plate 130
terminates in communication with a passageway 141
extending transversely to the plane of the control
plate 130 providing an opening in the bottom of
the control plate 130. The open end of the
passageway 140 is threaded to receive the first
quick disconnect coupling 40O The opening of the
transverse passageway 141 is adapted to
sz
-30-
communicate with the outlet of the pump 26.
Similarly, a second passageway 142 is threaded at
its open end to receive the second quick
disconnect coupling 42. The passageway 142
communicates with a passageway of reduced cross-
section 144 through the orifice of the flow
restrictor device 44 of the preferred embodiment
of this invention which is mounted in the
passageway 142.
The passageway 144 communicates with a
cavity 146 in the upper surface of control
plate 130 in which is mounted the flow meter 46
according to the preferred embodiment of this
invention. A third passageway 148 extending in
the plane o~ the control plate 130 is threaded at
its open end to receive the third quick disconnect
coupling 48 and extends into communication,with
the cavity 1~6 to provide the outlet for the flow
meter 46.
As will be described more fully
hereinafter, the adjustable flow valve 50 is
mounted in a cavity 149 formed in the upper
surface of control plate 130 with the valving
element 150 projecting from thé upper surface
thereof. A control knob 151 is mounted on the
projecting end of the valving element 150.
A fourth passageway 152 extending in the
plane of the control plate 130 is threaded at its
open end to receive the fourth quick disconnect
coupling 52~ An interconnecting passageway 153
extending in the plane of the control plate 130
transversely to the third 148 and fourth 152
s~ ~
-31
passageways, in~ersects the cavity 149 in which
the valve element 150 of the adjustablé flow
valve S0 is mounted and communicates between the
third 148 and fourth 152 passageways. A
passageway 154 extends transversely of the plane
of the control plate 130 from an opening in the
bottom surface thereof into communication with the
junction between the fourth passageway 152 and the
interconnecting passageway 153 providing an outlet
from such passageways into the reservoir 28.
A second passageway 155 extending from
an opening in the underside of the control
plate 130 in communication with the reservoir 28
transversely of the plane of the control plate 130
partway therethrough is provided and serves as a
socket for receiving one end of an extraction
tube 156 which projects into the reservoir 28 to
enable extraction of liquid therefrom. Similarly,
a further passageway 157 extends from an opening
in communication with the reservoir 28
transversely of the control plate 130 all the way
therethrough to enable liquid to be introduced
into the reservoir to suppleme~lt the liquid in the
system. A second interconnecting passageway 160
extending in the plane of the control plate 130
generally parallel to the passageways 140 and 144
communicates with the passageway 155 and through
the opening thereof with the reservoir 28. The
end 162 of the passageway 160 remote from the
passageway 155 and adjacent the passageway 140, is
enlarged to receive a filter element and extends
to a threaded opening 164 at the end of the
control plate 130. The threaded opening 164 is
~3'7~52
-32-
adapted to receive a threaded plug and thereby
enables the filter element contained in the
end 162 of the passageway 160 to be replaced as .
required in operation. . .
A passageway 166 extending transversely
of the plane of the control plate 130 from an '
opening in the underside thereof extends into
communication with the end 162 of the
passageway 160 to receive liquid from the
reservoir 28 which passes through the filter
element 32. The passageway 166 serves as the
inlet to the pump 26 and the transverse
passageway 141 communicating with the
passageway 140 serves as the outlet from the
pump 26. As best shown in FIG. 18, the pump 26 is
mounted against the underside of the control
plate 130 as by means of mounting s~rews 168, for
example (FIG. 20), with its inlet and outlet in
sealed communication with the passageways 166 and
140, respectively.
~ Referring to FIGS. 17 and 20, the upper
end of the passageway 157 may be threaded to
receive a threaded plug 170 which may be removed
as required to fill the reservoir 28 and then
replaced to seal the system against leakage of
liquid. Finally, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a
cavity 172 in the undersurface of the control
plate 130 including an opening 173 extending
through the upper surface of the control plate 130
is provided for mounting the switch 38.
~7~
-33-
As best shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the
flow meter 26 comprises a vaned rotor 176 mounted
for rotation on a vertical axle 177 within the
cavity 146. The cavity 14b opens through the
upper surface of the control plate 130 and is
closed by a transparent cap 178 through which the
rotor 176 may be viewed. Liquid flowing through
the passageway 144 into the cavity 146 and out of
the cavity 146 into the passageway 148 will cause
the vaned rotor 176 to rotate about the axle 177
at a speed related to the volume of liquid flow~
Thus the flow meter 26 provides the user of the
system with a visual indication of the operating
condition of the systemO
Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 18, the
reservoir 28 in the preferred embodiment of this
invention comprises a hollow, thin-walled,
generally rectangular, body of a flexible plastic
material, for example, impervious to the liquid in
the system. The reservoir 28 is Eully sealed
except for three nipple-like openings in one end
wall thereof, each adapted to be sealingly
received in a different one of the openings of the
passageways 154, 155 and 157. Thus, when the
reservoir 28 is mounted on the control plate 130
for operation with appropriate connections made to
the quick disconnect couplings 40, 42 and 52, and
the fill plug 170 in place, the reservoir 28 will
be fully sealed. However, the flexing of the
flexible walls of the reservoir 28 will maintain
the liquid withln the reservoir at atmospheric
pressure thereby eliminating any need for a vent
that might result in leakage of liquid from the
system.
~7~52
-3~-
As shown in FIGr 18, the reservoir 28 is
dimensioned to occupy about half the volume of
the housing 30. A thermal insulating cup 180 is
mounted within the housing 30 and dimensioned to
receive the reservoir 28 with a loose fit. The
pump 26 and the drive motor 34 are contained in
the balance of the volume of the housing 30.
Referring to FIGS. 22 through 28, the
structural and operational details of the
adjustable flow valve 50 according to the preferred
embodiment of this invention are shown. According
to the teaching of this invention, the adjustable
flow valve means 50 is interposed in a conduit
communicating between the inlet and the outlet of
the heat exchange device 18. Thus, when the
adjustable flow valve 50 is fully closed~ all of
the liquid flow in the system will pass through the
heat exchange device 18 and when the valve 50 is
fully open, little if any of the liquid will flow
through the heat exchange device 18. However,
under conditions of maximum liquid flow through the
heat exchange device 18, the temperature
differential between the liquid entering the heat
exchange device and the liquid exiting from the
heat exchange device 18 will be less than the
temperature differential between the entering and
leaving liquid under minimum flow conditions. This
i5 due to the fact that under low flow conditions,
the liquid will tend to remain in the heat
exchanger 18 for a longer period of time than under
high 10w conditions~ For this reason,
lntermediate flow rates through the heat exchange
s~
-35-
device 18 will tend to be relatively ineffectual in
achieving personal temperature control. According to
the preferred embodiment of this invention, the
adjustable 10w valve means 50 is designed to provide
a non-linear change in flow rate therethrough in
response to the adjustment thereof in order to
provide effective intermediate settings.
Thus, referring to FIGS. 22 throuyh 25, is
will be seen that the adjustable flow valve S0
according to the preferred embodiment of this
invention comprises a cavity 149 in the form of a
truncated right circular cone tapering from maximum
cross-sectional dimensions at the opening thereof in
the upper surface of the control plate 130 to minimum
cross-sectional dimensions at the bottom. The
interconnecting channel 153 intersects the cavity 149
tangentially intermediate the open top and closed
bottom thereof. The cross-sectional diameter of the
passageway 153 is substantially equal to the radius
of the cavity 14~ in the cross-sectional plane of the
cavity 149 passing through the center of the
passageway 153 and the depth of the cavity 149 is, of
course, larger than the cross sectional diameter of
the passageway 153.
A valve element 150 of the adjustable
flow valve S0 according to the preferred embodiment
of this invention comprises a plug portion 182
having the general shape of a truncated right
circular cone dimensioned to snugly fit into the
cavity 149. A right circular cylindrical shaft
portion 184 coaxial with the plug portion 182
projects integrally from the base of the plug
~7ar~
-35-
.
portion 182 and is provided with a flat 185 for the
removable mounting of the control knob 151 thereon.
The cross-sectional diameter o the shaft
portion 184 is smaller than the cross-sectional
diameter of the base of the plug portion 182 thus
providing a shoulder 186 (see FIG. 23) that may be
engaged by a mounting plate 187. The mounting
plate 187 may be fixed to the upper surface of the
control plate 130 by means of screws, for example,
as indicated by the threaded holes 188 in the
control plate 130 and apertures 189 through the
mounting plate 187 to hold the plug portion 182 of
the valve element 150 in the cavity 149.
A groove 190 is formed about the
periphery of the plug portion 182 adjacent its base
and a resilient sealing washer or O-ring 192 is
received in the groove 190 (see FIG. 23). The o-
ring 192 is dimensioned to sealingly engage the
interior surface of the cavity 149 to prevent the
escape of liquid when the plug portion 182 is held
in place in the cavity 149 by the mounting
plate 187.
The exterior side surface of the plug
portion 182 of the valve element 150 is relieved
intermediate the base and truncated end of the plug
portion 182 to provide a valving surface 194. The
valving sur~ace 194 is dimensioned and located to
be brought into alignment with the passageway 153
when the plug portion 182 of the valve element 150
is fully received in the cavity 149.
Referring to FIG. 26, the valve
element 150 is shown in cross-section as fully
received in the cavity 149 wlth its valving
sz
-37-
surface 194 in position to fully block the flow of
liquid indicated by the.arrows 196 in the
channel 153. According to the preferred embodiment
of this invention as shown in FIG. 26, the valving
surface 194 of the valve element 150 i5 designed so
that rotation of the valve element 150 in the
direction indicated by the arrow 198 in FIG. 26
through an arc of about 120 will fully open the
passageway 153 to the flow of liquid therethrough.
As shown in FIG. 26, the valving surface 194 passes
through the axis of rotation 200 of the valve
member 150.
The dimensions and location of the
cavity 149 and valve element 150 are selected with
respect to the passageway 153 so that the axis of
rotation of the valve member 150 will be
substantially tangential to one side of the
passageway 153 with the interior surface of the
cavity 149 being substantially tangential to a
diametrically opposed point on the opposite side
of the channel 153.
When the valve element 150 is in
position to fully close the passageway 153, the
portion of the valving surface 194 which is not
interposed in the passageway 153 extends radially
of the valve element 150 at an included angle of
about 60 with respect to the direction of liquid
flow through the passageway 153. The portion 202
of the valving surface 194 which is interposed in
the passageway 153 defines a circular surface
having a radius substantially equal to the radius
of the passageway 153~
sz
-38-
Referring to FIG. 27, the rotation of
the valve element 150 in the direction indicated
by the arrow 198 in FIG. 26 will produce the
change in volume of liquid flow through the heat
exchanger 18 as indicated by the curve 204. Thus,
with the position of the valve element 150 as
shown in FIG. 26 corresponding to 0 of rotation,
the passageway 153 will be ully closed and
maximum liquid will flow through the heat
exchanger 18 as indicated by the curve 204.
Rotation of the valve element 150 in the direction
indicated by the arrow 198 will tend to open the
passageway 153 allowing a by-pass flow
therethrough and reducing the volume of liquid
flow through the heat exchanger 18. As shown by
the curve 204, the initial rotation of the valve
element 150 will produce a relatively gradual
change in liquid flow through the heat exchanger.
However, between about 30 an~ about 60 Q~
rotation of the valve element 150 the volume of
liquid flow through the heat exchanger 18 will
change rapidly. Thereafter, continued rotation of
the valve element 150 will produce a decreasing
change in the volume of liquid flow through the
heat exchanger 18.
For the reasons explained hereinabove,
the result of such non-linear change in liquid
flow through the heat exchanger with rotation of
the valve element 150 will tend to result in a
linear change in temperature oE the liquid flowin~
in the heat exchange garment 10 with rotation of
the valve element 150 as shown by the curve 206
S2
-39-
in FIG. 28. In other words, at the intermediate
flow rates through the ~heat exchanger 18 where a
greater temperature differential between incoming
and outgoing liquid may occur due to the greater
time of contact with the temperature source
resulting from such intermediate flow rate more
rapid changes in flow rate will occur. At very
low flow rates, such temperature differential may
be larger~ but the total volume of liquid will be
less and thus changes in flow rate need not be
accelerated. Thus, according to the preferred
embodiment of applicant's invention, the user of
applicant's system will be able to obtain a change
in temperature in the heat exchange garment 10
that is substantially linearly related to a change
in setting of the control knob 151.
Referring to FIGS. 29 through 34, the
structural details of a heat exchanqer 18
according to a pre~erred embodiment of this
invention are shown. As best shown in FIGS. 29
and 32, the exterior of the heat exchanger 18 is
defined by a luggage type case 210 and lid 212,
made of rigid abrasion resistant material and each
defining generally rectangular open sided hollow
box elements hinged to each other along one of
their open side edges 213, Latch means 214 .
and 215 are provided at the opposite open side
edges of the case 210 and lid 212 elements,
. respectively, to enable the case to be quickly and
easily opened as shown in E~IG. 32 and closed as
shown in FIG. 29. As best shown in
FIGS. 30, 31 and 33, tbe interior of the case 210
79~2
--~o--
- and lid 212 each contain a body 216
and 217 respectively, of thermal insulating
materialO As best shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, each
of the bodies 216 and 217 has a centrally disposed
generally rectangular depression formed therein
which cooperate to define a cavity 218 dimensioned
to loosely receive a temperature source 56 in the
form of a sealed generally rectangular can of
frozen liquid, for example.
As best ~hown in FIGS. 31 and 33, a
sealed liner 222 is interposed between the
temperature source 56 and the interior surface of
the cavity 218. The liner 222 provides for the
conduction of liquid about the temperature
source 56 in heat exchange relation theretoD
Referring to FIG. 34, the liner 222
according to the preferred embodiment of this
invention comprises two overlying rectangular
panels of 10 mil thick urethane film. The panels
are dimensioned to extend over the sides and
bottoms of the depressions in the bodies 216 and
217 which form the cavity 218. The panels are
heat sealed to each other along their sides and
also along their ends and have sufficiellt length
to provide mounting tabs 224 at their ends. The
panels are also heat sealed to each other along a
narrow central portion 226 of their length
extending from the first sealed end thereof to a
point spaced from the second sealed end thereof to
provide a generally U-shaped liquid passageway
between the two panels.
~7 ~ 5 2
-41-
An inlet elbow coupling 228 is sealed
through an opening in one of the panels adjacent
the first sealed end thereof and into communication
with one leg of the U shaped liquid passageway.
Similarly, an outlet elbow couplin~ 229 is sealed
through an opening in such panel at the first end
thereof and into communication with the other leg
of the U shaped passageway.
As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a quick
disconnect coupling 232 mounted on the case 210
communicates with the inlet elbow 228 through an
appropriate conduit 234. Similarly, a second quick
disconnect coupling 233 mounted on the case 210
communicates with the outlet elbow 229 throuyh an
appropriate conduit 235. Thus, liquid from the
third quick disconnect coupling 48 of the control
display unit 20 may be conducted to the quick
disconnect coupling 232 and circulated through the
bladder 222, exiting from the qu;ck disconnect
coupling 233 for conduction back to the fourth
quick disconnect coupling 52 of the control display
unit 20. Such liquid will be under pressure
provided by the pump 26 thereby ~Eorcing the
bladder 222 into intimate contact with the can 220
of frozen liquid to provide for heat exchange
therewith. It has been found to be unnecessary to
provide more than one channel for liquid flow in
the bladder 222 thus enabling the use of a simple
bladder as described hereinabove.
As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, male
snap type coupling elements 236 project from the
bottom or back of the case 210 to enable the heat
~1~7957~
-~2-
exchanger 18 to be removably mounted on the support
panel 120 of the suppor,t harness 160 Thus the male
elements 236 cooperate with the second array of
fasteners 122 on the support panel 120 to enable
heat exchanqer 18 to be carried on the support
harness 16 as shown in FIG. lC~ A similar
arrangement may be used to enable the heat
exchanger 18 to be carried on a belt as shown in
FIG. lD.
Where the heat exchanger 18 is to be hand-
carried for mounting on a fixed support bracket 23
as shown in FIG. lE, or where a fixed control
display unit 20' is mounted on an immobile heat
exchanger 58 as shown in FIG. lF, it is desirable
to provide an automatic quick disconnect
coupling 24 as shown in FIGS. lE and lF. An
automatic quick disconnect coupling according to
the preferred embodiment of this invention is shown
in FIGS. 35-36.
Referring to FIG. 35, an automatic quick
disconnect coupling 24 according to the teaching of
this invention may be easily assembled using simple
and inexpensive accessory parts manufactured to fit
the quick disconnect couplinys used in the system.
According to the preferred embodiment of this
invention, for example, all of the quick disconnect
couplings may be of the type manufactured and sold
by Hoffman Engineering Company under the
designation S2-M for the female portion 240 of the
coupling and SP2-MV for the male portion 241 of the
coupling. As is well known in the prior art, both
52
-43-
.. I , , . 1
the rqale and female portlons of such coupllngs .. l ....
include a spring-loaded valve member adapted to
seal the couplings against the flow of liquid
therethrough when they are not in engagement with
each other. As is also well known in the prior
art, the female coupling 240 includes a spring-
loaded collar 242 which must be retracted in order
to allow the insertion or removal of the male
portion 241 of the coupling.
According to the teaching of this
invention, the automatic quick disconnect coupling `
includes a pair of mounting plates 244 and 245 r an
actuation member 246 and an actuation cable 247.
As shown in FIG. 37, one 245 of the pair
of mounting plates has a pair of holes therethrough
each for receiving the shank of a diferent one of
a pair of male coupliny members 241. As is well
known in the prior art, the shank of each male
coupling member 241 is then sealinyly inserted into
a different one of a pair of conduits 249. The
shank of each male coupling member 241 is adapted
to irmly grip the interior of the conduit 249
associated therewith and thus the mounting
plate 245 is gripped firmly between the end of the
conduits 24g and the coupling members 241.
The other mounting plate 244 may be a
mirror image of the mounting plate 245 having a
pair of holes therethrough, each adapted to receive
the shank of a different one of a pair of female
coupling mernbers 240 therethrough for insertion
into a pair of associated conduits 248 as described
hereinabove in connection with the male coupling
~9~9~
-44-
elements 241~ ~owever, the mounting plate 244 ls
also provided with a ho~e therethrough'centrally
disposed between the two female coupling
members 240 for receiving the actuation cable 247
therethrough.
The actuation member 246 is a plate-like
member having a pair of apertures therethrough, each
adapted to receive the collar 242 of a different one
of the female coupling members 240 with a force fit
whereby the collars 242 of both female coupling
members 240 and the actuation member 246 are rigidly
interconnected to move as a unit. The actuation
member 246 is also provided with a hole therethrough
disposed centrally between the collars 242 for
receiving the actuation cable 247 therethrough. An
appropriate stop member 250 is affixed to the
actuation cable 247 to prevent it from being drawn
through the hole in the actuation member 246 in the
direction of the mounting plate 244.
Referring to FIGS~ 37 and 38, the mounting
plate 245 is provided with a hole 252 therethrough and
the actuation member 246 is provided with guide
pin 256 dimensioned to be received in the hole 252~
The hole 252 and guide pin 256 are in alignment with
each other and offset to one side of the pairs of
coupliny members 240 and 241. The guide pin 256 has a
length sufficient to cause it to project through the
hole 252 in the mounting plate 245 when the male
coupling members 241 are in coupling engagement with
the female coupling members 240. Thus, the guide
pin 256 will make it impossible to bring the coupling
members 240 and 241 into enyagement in more than one
S~
-45
orienta~ion of the pairs thereof with respect to each
other.
Referring to FIG. 36, the actuation
cable 247 according to the teaching of this invention
has a length not substantially greater, and preferably
somewhat shorter than the length of the conduits 248.
The end of the actuation cable 247 remote from the
actuation member 245 is rigidly fixed by an
appropriate means adjacent the ends of the
conduits 248 remote from the mounting plate 244. Thus
with the coupling 24 in its engaged position as shown
in FIG. 36, inlet and outlet fluid flow will be
reliably established therethrough. However, if the
conduits 249 are subjected to tension forces, such
forces will be conducted to the actuation cable 247
which will tend to cause the actuation member 246 and
the collars 242 of the female coupling members 240 to
move toward the mounting plate 244, thereby releasing
the male coupling members 241 from their coupling
engagement. It will be understood that the actuation
cable 247 must be strong enough to resist any
substantial elongation thereof under tension. The
conduits 248 and 249 may be made of a material which
will elongate under tension provided they have
sufficient ultimate strength to withstand the tension
necessary to produce the required movement of the
actuation plate 246 and collars 242 to release the
coupli~g 24.
The conduits 249 would normally comprise the
inlet and outlet conduits to the heat exchange
garment 10. Thus, movement of the user o~ the
garment 10 away from the coupling 24 can produce
7952
-46-
sufficient tension in the conduits 249 to result in
the automatic actuation of the quick disconnect
couplings in an emergency requiring the user of the
personal temperature control system of applicant' 6
invention to disconnect himself from the system in
order to escape a life threatening situation.
It is believed that persons skilled in the
art will make obvious modifications in the preferred
embodiments of this invention as shown in the drawing
and described hereinabove without departing from the
scope of the following claims. Specifically, various
combinations of the elements of applicant's system may
be made as claimed~
