JPH0556989B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Claim 1: A personal temperature control device, comprising: a) a thermally conductive material having an elongated gas-tight passageway formed therein in the form of a helmet and vest to be worn by the user of the device; a first heat exchange device comprising a body made of; b a second heat exchange device comprising a body made of a thermally conductive material having an elongated gas-tight passage formed therein; and c a control and display unit comprising: c a reservoir containing a fluid; c fluid pumping means having an inlet and an outlet; c first fluid conduit means communicating the reservoir with the inlet of the pumping means; second fluid conduit means communicating the outlet of the fluid pumping means with one end of an elongated fluid passage formed in the body of one of the first and second heat exchange devices; c. and an elongated fluid passage formed in the other body of the first and second heat exchange devices, the other end of the elongated fluid passage in the one body of the second heat exchange device third fluid conduit means communicating with one end of the passage; c third fluid conduit means formed in the body of the other of the first and second heat exchange devices, the other end of the elongated fluid passageway communicating with the reservoir; a fourth fluid conduit in communication; c. an adjustable flow valve in communication between the one end and the other end of an elongated fluid passageway formed in the body of the second heat exchange device; A control device consisting of:

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the control device is hermetically sealed and the reservoir has an internal and external pressure difference of less than about 2 pounds per square inch gauge (0.28124 Kgw/cm ² gauge). 1. A control device comprising a hollow container made of a fluid-impermeable flexible material having a wall thickness selected to be able to flex when subjected to a load.

3. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid conduit means connects the outlet of the pump to an elongated body formed in the body of the first heat exchange device. A flow rate restricting means is interposed in the third fluid conduit means, communicating with one of the passages, and the flow rate restricting means is configured to reduce fluid pressure in the first heat exchange device from the fluid pressure in the second heat exchange device. A control device that is regulated to maintain a high fluid pressure.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid conduit communicates the outlet of the pump with one end of an elongated fluid passage in a body of the second heat exchange device. a flow restriction device is interposed within the fourth fluid conduit means, the flow restriction device maintaining fluid pressure in the first heat exchange device higher than fluid pressure in the reservoir. The control device being regulated.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein a flow rate indicator is interposed within the third fluid conduit means.

6. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a filter device is interposed within the first fluid conduit means.

7. A personal temperature control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helmet-type heat exchange device in the form of a helmet spans a narrow area spaced inwardly along the edges. a pair of similarly shaped flexible sheets of thermally conductive material hermetically sealed to each other to form a neck-engaging protrusion and a cranial-engaging protrusion; an elongated continuous passage extending from a closed end through said intermediate projection to an intermediate distal end within said skull-engaging projection, and within each of said projections parallel to one another and of adjacent projections; a plurality of spaced apart passageways connected in series with the passageway; inlet coupling means in communication with the neck-engaging protrusion; and outlet coupling means in communication with the closed end of the elongate continuous passageway. The device that it consists of.

8. A personal temperature control exchanger according to claim 7, wherein the pair of identically shaped and sealed flexible sheets of thermally conductive material are used as a flexible helmet of insulating material. a skull-engaging protrusion is firmly attached to a skull-covering portion of the flexible helmet-type heat exchanger, and a neck-engaging protrusion is mounted within the flexible helmet-type heat exchanger; A device resiliently secured to a neck-covering portion of a flexible helmet-type heat exchange device, wherein said intermediate projection freely interconnects with said flexible helmet-type heat exchange device.

9. A personal temperature control device according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the insulating flexible helmet-type heat exchange device mounts the flexible helmet within a rigid protective helmet. A device that is equipped with mounting tabs.

10. A personal temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the vest has front and rear panels connected on one side and open on the other side, and further comprising a front and a rear panel that are sealed to each other. a pair of identically shaped flexible sheets of thermally conductive material forming said front and rear panels in an airtight manner over narrow inwardly spaced areas at their ends; a plurality of elongated narrow seal areas joining the sheets in airtight relation to each other and forming a first elongated passageway in said panel and a second elongated passageway in said rear panel; The first elongated passageway communicates with one end of the first elongated passageway and one end of the second elongated passageway of the rear panel.
An inlet connection means on the mating side of the vest communicates with the other end of the first elongated passageway of the front panel and communicates with the other end of the second elongated passageway of the rear face. an outlet connection means on the mating side of the vest.

11. The personal temperature control device as set forth in claim 10, wherein the heat insulating material forming the front and rear panels joined on one side is so flexible that it protrudes from the same shape. , aligned with and secured to the pair of flexible sheets of thermally conductive material so as to contact the free surface of one of the flexible sheets of thermally conductive material; 2. A device in which the free surface of the flexible sheet is provided with reversible fastening means on its open side and reversible means for attaching a shoulder strap thereto.

12. A personal temperature control device as claimed in claim 11, wherein one end of an elongated umbilical cord is attached to a free surface of the flexible sheet of thermally conductive material and a front surface formed therefor; the other end of the elongated umbilical cord being secured to the lower portion of the mating side of the rear panel, the other end of the elongated umbilical cord being provided on the free surface of each of the front and rear panels formed by the flexible sheet of insulating material; Apparatus wherein said other end of said umbilical cord cord is selectively attached to one of said front and rear panels, comprising removable securing means adjustably cooperating with a removable attachment means.

13. A personal temperature control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable flow valve means varies the flow rate non-linearly in response to adjustment thereof, thereby adjusting the flow rate to a maximum value. A control device in which large changes occur during intermediate adjustments in said adjustable flow valve means.

14. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second heat exchange device comprises a pair of heat exchangers made of thermally insulating material, each having a recess formed in the center thereof. bodies, the pair of bodies and the recesses therein cooperating in coordination to form a cavity sized to loosely accommodate a selected temperature source; A heat exchange device comprises a liner inserted between the inner surface of the cavity and the selected temperature source housed therein, the liner comprising two sheets extending over the inner surface of the cavity. consisting of overlapping panels of plastic film, said panels being sealed along their sides and ends, said sealed ends forming said elongated airtight passageway of said second heat exchange device; A control device that is sealed along a narrow central portion extending from one side to a point remote from the other of its sealed ends.

15 Personal temperature control devices, a. Made of thermally conductive material with an elongated airtight passageway formed therein, in the form of a helmet and a vest, which are fitted and adjusted to the user of the device. a first heat exchange device comprising a body; b a second heat exchange device comprising: b forming an internal cavity generally rectangular in cross-section with generally flat top, bottom, side and end surfaces; an insulating casing having a closable lid pivotally attached thereto for the purpose of the invention; b a pair of thin flexible sheets of thermally conductive material, a liner in said internal cavity, said sheets being , having a large surface having an area substantially equal to the total area of the top, bottom and side surfaces of said cavity, said pair of thin flexible sheets having an extended narrow sealing area at their ends; and hermetically sealed, the narrow sealing area extending from one of the sealed ends adjacent to but away from the opposite end of the sealed end of the sheet. a liner; b means for conduiting fluid through the insulating casing and into the liner at a point near the one of the sealed ends on one side of the extended narrow seal area; means for communicating from the liner at a point near the one of the sealed ends opposite the narrow sealing region extending through the case; b. the temperature of the internal cavity of the insulating case in pressure contact with the liner; a control and display unit comprising: c a reservoir containing a fluid; c fluid pumping means having an inlet and an outlet; c a first fluid pump communicating said reservoir with said inlet of said pumping means; c. a second fluid communicating the outlet of the fluid pumping means with one end of an elongated fluid passageway formed in the body of one of the first and second heat exchange devices; conduit means; c connecting the other end of the elongated fluid passage in the body of the one of the first and second heat exchange devices into the body of the other of the first and second heat exchange devices; c third fluid conduit means formed in the body of the other of the first and second heat exchange devices and communicating with one end of the elongated fluid passageway; c. a fourth fluid conduit whose other end communicates with the reservoir; c communicating between the one end and the other end of an elongated fluid passageway formed in the body of the second heat exchange device; A personal temperature control device consisting of an adjustable flow valve.

16. Personal temperature control devices, a. made of a thermally conductive material with an elongated airtight passageway formed therein, in the form of a helmet and vest worn by the user of the device; a first heat exchange device comprising a body; b a second heat exchange device comprising a body made of a thermally conductive material having an elongated gas-tight passage formed therein; and c storage contained within the housing. a first conduit means communicating between a reservoir and a pump and an outlet of the pump and a first quick coupling supported by the housing; a second quick coupling supported by the housing; a second conduit means communicating between a third quick-fit joint and a fourth quick-fit joint supported by the housing; and third conduit means communicating between a third quick-fit joint and a fourth quick-fit joint carried by the housing; a fourth conduit means in communication between said third conduit means and said first and second conduit means; and adjustable flow valve means in communication between said third conduit means and said first and second conduit means. A device consisting of a control and display unit.

17. A personal temperature control device according to claim 16, wherein a flow meter is interposed within the third conduit means;
A device supported by said housing for visual observation.

18. A personal temperature control device as claimed in claim 16, wherein a fluid reservoir is interposed within one of said second and third conduit means.

19. A personal temperature control device according to claim 16, wherein the housing comprises a hollow cup-shaped portion containing the reservoir and the pump and closed by a control plate, the control plate comprising: supporting said first, second, third and fourth quick couplings and having a number of passageways formed therein forming said first, second, third and fourth conduit means; Device.

20. The personal temperature control device of claim 19, wherein the adjustable flow valve means is supported by the control plate and includes a manual control knob projecting from the control plate. equipment including.

21. A personal temperature control device as claimed in claim 20, wherein a flow meter supported by said control plate for visual observation forms said third conduit means. , a device interposed within one of the passageways in the control plate.

22. A personal temperature control device according to claim 21, wherein a selectively closable opening is provided in communication with the reservoir through the control plate. .

23. A personal temperature control device according to claim 22, wherein the pump includes an electric drive motor, the cup-shaped housing having means for externally mounting a power source thereon, and a means for attaching a power source to the exterior of the cup-shaped housing, and a means for attaching a power source to the exterior of the cup-shaped housing. a manual electric control switch supported by the control plate is electrically interposed between the power supply and the motor in the electric connection; Device.

24. A personal temperature control device comprising: a. a first heat exchange device in the form of an outer jacket to be applied to the user; and b. a lid pivotally connected to form an internal cavity containing a temperature source. a second heat exchange device in the form of an insulating case that is closable; c. a liquid storage and an electrically driven liquid pump contained within a housing, said housing having a power source for said pump to which said housing is attached; d. conduit means connecting the first and second heat exchange devices via the control and display unit; e. a support panel; f. the control and display unit and the second heat exchange device. means for attaching the support panel to the support panel.

25. A control device according to claim 24, wherein the support panel comprises a belt worn by a user of the device.

26. A control device according to claim 25, wherein the support panel includes a shoulder harness that is worn by a user of the device.

27. Personal temperature control devices, a. Made of thermally conductive material with an elongated airtight passageway formed therein, in the form of a helmet and vest to be fitted and adjusted to the user of the device. A first heat exchange device comprising: a superimposing two flat sheets of flexible material and sealing along their edges and along a line midway between the edges; a heat exchange envelope defining a plurality of passages extending between the fluid-filled chambers, having fluid-filled chambers along opposite ends and fluid inlet and fluid outlet means communicating with each of the fluid-filled chambers; a. in each of said fluid-filled chambers, each of said inlet and outlet means having a tube portion projecting from one of said two flat sheets of flexible material; a flanged tube having a flange portion sandwiched between flat sheets of flexible material; a. the other surface of the flange portion of each said flanged tube is connected to the other inner surface of said two flat sheets of flexible material with an associated fluid-filled chamber; a first heat exchange device characterized in that it is sealed only along a line forming one part of the body; b. a body made of a thermally conductive material in which an elongated gas-tight passage is formed; a second heat exchange device comprising; c a control and display unit comprising: c a reservoir containing a fluid; c fluid pumping means having an inlet and an outlet; a first fluid conduit means communicating with an inlet; and c. c second fluid conduit means in communication with the other end of the elongated fluid passageway in the body of the one of the first and second heat exchange devices; c third fluid conduit means formed in the body of the other of the first and second heat exchange devices and communicating with one end of the elongated fluid passage; a fourth fluid conduit communicating the other end of the elongated fluid passageway with the reservoir; A control device consisting of an adjustable flow valve in communication with the end.

28. A control device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the fluid-filled chamber is extended to include portions located adjacent to each other, and wherein the flanged tube inlet and outlet coupling means include:
Control devices located adjacent to each other at said portions of said fluid-filled chambers located adjacent to each other.

29. The control device of claim 28, wherein each of said two flat sheets of flexible material is made from nylon fabric having a urethane coating on their adjacent surfaces. . A control device, wherein said inlet and outlet coupling means are flanged tubular elbows molded from urethane.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a personal temperature control device for enabling an individual's body temperature to be controlled regardless of the environment to which the individual is exposed, and more particularly to an improved liquid loop personal body temperature control device. be.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, it is easier to protect individuals from very cold environments than from very hot environments. The individual's body is a source of heat that is appropriately distributed by the individual's environmental system. Thus, if the individual's body is protected at all times against excessive heat loss to the environment, normal body functions can be maintained without limit.

Since the beginning of time, humans have developed effective protective clothing to avoid excessive heat loss to extremely cold environments by insulating the individual's body from its environment. However, the individual's body does not contain any cooling source independent of its environment;
Thus, humans have had no parallel success in developing protective clothing to avoid extreme heat on an individual's body in extremely hot environments. For this reason, the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings and specification are specifically directed to lowering the body temperature of an individual below the temperature normally found in the environment to which the body is exposed.

However, it will be appreciated that by simply providing a heat source rather than a cooling source in the device of the present invention, an individual's body temperature may be raised to a temperature above that which the body would normally have in any environment to which the body is exposed. Dew. This could be done, for example, to maintain normal body temperature in extremely cold environments, as well as for therapeutic purposes in normal environments.

Three basic personal cooling devices have been proposed in the prior art. The first and least successful of these devices attempts to insulate an individual's body from its environment by a jacket and then provide a cooling source within the jacket, such as a block of ice. It is. Such devices are very uncomfortable for the user due to the large temperature difference between normal body temperature and the cooling source. Additionally, the cooling source must be replenished at relatively short intervals that require opening the mantle and exposing the individual to the environment. Most importantly, such devices not only deactivate the body's normal cooling function through the evaporation of sweat, but also deactivate the body as non-evaporated sweat increases discomfort for the user of such devices. It's also bad.

Thus, a second device has been developed in the prior art based on an attempt to increase the normal cooling function of the body. One such method is to place a porous insulating jacket in contact with the skin in an attempt to enhance the evaporation of sweat and further increase the resulting cooling by moistening the porous jacket separately from sweat. It is to arrange. More sophisticated devices involve circulation of air through the envelope to enhance evaporation. In some cases, air is cooled in an attempt to provide air conditioning as well as enhanced evaporative cooling.

On the other hand, such devices tend to strain the user's normal bodily functions, making them very uncomfortable and causing the user to lose sweat and salt as well as This results in an unnatural condition requiring excessive water intake and discomfort in the skin and limbs.

More recently, liquid cooling circuits have been proposed in an attempt to more directly contact the standard circulatory system of an individual's body. In such devices, a heat exchange jacket consisting of a flexible material having liquid coolant passages formed therein is placed in direct connection with the user's body such that the liquid coolant is circulated through such jacket. There is. An insulating jacket may be worn over the heat exchange jacket, attempting to cool the user's entire body by circulating coolant through the liquid coolant passages. On the other hand, discomfort to the user arises from the tendency of such devices to overwhelm the human body's normal cooling functions. Circulating liquid coolants are generally at a specific temperature well below normal body temperature, resulting in excessive cooling effects in the extremities and consequent disturbances in the user's normal circulatory system. A malfunction in the normal functioning of the user's circulatory system will result in sweating in some parts of the body and excessive cooling in other parts of the body.

The primary object of Applicant's invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art by an improved contact relationship between an external temperature source and the normal circulatory system of the user's body, while improving the normal bodily functions of the user. and reduce the temperature difference between the user's body and the coolant.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION A personal temperature control device according to applicant's invention consists of a first heat exchange device in the form of an envelope. The outer covering is
It is intended to be worn in contact with the skin of the user of the device. The first device includes a body of thermally conductive material defining a fluid tight passageway extending therethrough.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a jacket is worn only over the user's head and torso.
The apparatus includes a second heat exchange device, a reservoir and fluid pumping means. The second device is in the form of a body of thermally conductive material defining a fluid tight passageway extending therethrough. The reservoir contains fluid at atmospheric pressure and the fluid pumping means has an inlet and an outlet. A first fluid conduit communicates with the inlet of the reservoir pumping means and a second fluid conduit communicates with one end of an elongated fluid path formed in one body of the outlet heat exchange device of the fluid pumping means. Third fluid conduit means communicates the other end of the elongated fluid passage in the body of one of the heat exchange devices with one end of the elongate fluid passage formed in the body of the other heat exchange device. Fourth fluid conduit means communicates the other end of the elongate fluid passage formed in the body of the other heat exchange device with the reservoir, and adjustable flow valve means is formed in the body of the second heat exchange device. and communicates between the ends of the elongated fluid passageway. A temperature source separate from the user's body is disposed in heat exchange relationship with the second heat exchange device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1A-1F are perspective views illustrating various preferred embodiments of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention when used on a user's body.

Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating coolant flow in a modified preferred embodiment of the personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the coolant passages formed. 1 is a plan view of a head-engaging jacket suitable for use in the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of a torso-engaging jacket suitable for use in the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention showing fluid passageways;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first step for attaching the inlet or outlet elbow to the jacket in accordance with the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second step for attaching the inlet or outlet elbow to the jacket in accordance with the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of a head-engaging jacket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

8 is a left side view of the head engaging jacket of FIG. 7 attached to the inside of a helmet; FIG.

9 is a rear view of the head-engaging jacket of FIG. 7; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the body-engaging surface of the jacket in accordance with the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the outer surface of a torso-engaging jacket in accordance with the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one side of a support harness suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

14 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the support harness of FIG. 13; FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a control and display unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is 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 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 shows 19-19 of FIG. 17 showing the internal fluid coolant flow passages of the control and display unit of FIG. 15.
It is a sectional view along a line.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the control display unit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows the adjustable flow valve means according to the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.
22 is an enlarged partially exploded cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of the figure; FIG.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged side view of the active valve element of the adjustable flow valve means of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a left end view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a right end view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve element of FIG. 23 taken along line 26--26, along with a partial cross-sectional view showing the fluid passageway installed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention. It is a further enlarged sectional view.

FIG. 27 is a graph showing the variation of liquid coolant through the heat exchange device of FIG. 2 of the personal temperature control device of the present invention with respect to rotation of the valve element of FIG. 23;

FIG. 28 is a graph illustrating the change in temperature of the liquid coolant within the body-engaging envelope with respect to rotation of the adjustable flow valve means in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second heat exchange device according to a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along the 30-30 crosspiece of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a partially cutaway sectional view similar to FIG. 30 showing the heat exchange structure.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a second heat exchange device similar to FIG. 29, but with a cover of the second heat exchange device shown in an open position with a refrigerant freezing can;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33--33 in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the heat exchange structure of the second heat exchange device when removed from the case.

FIG. 35 is a partially cut away exploded side view showing the internal structure of a quick coupling according to a preferred embodiment of the improved personal temperature control device of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a side view, partially cut away, showing the internal structure and remote end of the quick coupling of FIG. 35 operatively engaged;

FIG. 37 is an end view taken along line 37--37 of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is an end view taken along line 38--38 of FIG. 35.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1A, the basic object of the invention is to:
The goal is to provide close contact with the standard circulatory system of the individual's body. For this purpose, a helmet-type heat exchange device 1 is placed in close contact with the user's head.
2 and the vest 14 in close contact with the user's torso.
A heat exchange jacket 10 in the form of is provided.
The torso of the body consists of the most surface area of the body that houses the central part of the circulatory system and is fairly fixed when compared to the limbs of the body, thus having a close and continuous connection with the circulatory system. expensive. Similarly,
The head of the body has a substantially fixed surface area and a portion where normal body circulation is fairly constant regardless of temperature changes. Thus, the basic premise of the invention is that sufficient contact is made to the head and torso of the body of the user of the device so that the standard temperature of the head and torso is maintained regardless of the ambient temperature to which the body is exposed. If the range is maintained, the body's normal circulatory system will tend to maintain normal body temperature in the extremities. Although not shown in Figures 1A-1F, it is desirable to provide suitable protective clothing over the temperature control device to avoid excessive temperature exchange involving the body's extremities.

As shown in Figures 1B-1E, one preferred embodiment of the invention is completely self-contained and movable;
The device can also be used with a fixed temperature source, as shown in Figure 1F. Thus, the first
As shown in Figures B and 1C, support harness 1
6 is a heat exchanger 10 in close contact with the user's skin.
may be worn by the user on a vest-like portion of the body.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a heat exchange device 18 including a temperature source may be removably mounted on support harness 16 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Similarly, a control and display unit 20 including fluid pump and reservoir means may be removably mounted on the support vest 16 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The heat exchange device 18 has a control display device 20
and to the heat exchange jacket through an umbilical cord 21 containing the necessary fluid conduits. transformatively,
As shown in Figure 1D, the heat exchange device 18 and control and display unit 20 can be mounted on a belt worn around the user's waist.

As shown in FIG. 1E, the heat exchanger 18 and control display unit 20 are mounted on a mounting bracket 23.
It can be mounted on a suitable hand carrier 22 adapted to be received above. Mounting bracket 2
3 may be fixed in the user's normal working position. Finally, as shown in FIG. 1F, a deformable control and display unit 20' is constructed that is capable of providing cooling fluid for a number of devices in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, as will be described in more detail below. It may also be permanently attached to the replacement device. Heat exchange device 18
and an umbilical cord 21 if the control and display unit 20 is carried by hand as shown in FIG.
are connected to control and display units 20 and 20' by an automatic quick release coupling 24 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a control and display unit 20 according to the present invention consists of a pump 26 and a reservoir 28 contained within a housing 30. The inlet of pump 26 communicates with reservoir 28 through a filter 32 within housing 30 . Pump 26 is driven by an electric motor 34 mounted within housing 30. Motor 34 is powered by battery 36 . The battery 36 may be removably attached to the exterior of the housing 30 and electrically connected to the motor through a switch 38 attached to the housing 30.

The outlet of the pump 26 is connected to a first quick coupling 40 attached to the housing 30.
The umbilical cord 21 includes a first conduit and a second conduit, the first conduit being connected to a fitting 40 to direct fluid flow therefrom to the heat exchange jacket 10, and the second conduit being adapted to direct fluid flow therefrom to the heat exchange jacket 10. Fluid flow is returned from the replacement jacket 10 to a second quick coupling 42 attached to the housing 30. Second quick joint 4
2 communicates with a flow restrictor 44 within the housing 30. Flow restrictor 44 also communicates with a flow meter 46 mounted to housing 30 for visual monitoring. The output of the flow meter 46 communicates with both the third quick coupling 48 and the inlet of the adjustable flow valve means 50. The outlet of the adjustable flow valve means 50 is
It communicates with the reservoir 28 .

Quick coupling 48 is connected to heat exchange device 18 through suitable conduits, and a fourth quick coupling 52 mounted to housing 30 communicates with reservoir 28 . Appropriate conduits return fluid flow from heat exchange device 18 to fourth quick coupling 52 . As indicated at 54, the reservoir 28 is preferably vented to atmospheric pressure by making the walls flexible to eliminate the need for holes to allow leakage of fluid from the device.

Adjustable flow valve means are connected to the third fitting 48 and the fourth fitting 48.
It will be appreciated that the joint 52 is in effective communication with the joint 52. Thus, when the adjustable flow valve means 50 is fully open, little, if any, fluid will flow to the fitting 48 for communication to the heat exchange device 18. When the adjustable flow valve means 50 is fully closed, all fluid flow within the device is passed through the fitting 48 into the heat exchange device 18 and into the reservoir 28 through the fitting 52.
Return to Thus, appropriate adjustment of the adjustable flow valve means 50 is required to maintain the desired temperature of the fluid flow within the heat exchange envelope 10. This will ensure a minimum flow of fluid to the heat exchange device 18. An important objective of the present invention is to maintain the temperature of the fluid flow within the heat exchange jacket 10 as close to normal body surface temperature as possible through minimal fluid flow circulation within the heat exchange device 18. This will not only ensure maximum comfort for the user of the device, but will also save the temperature source 56 within the heat exchange device 18.

Pump 26 and flow restrictor 44 are installed within heat exchange envelope 10 to resist imposed external forces that tend to block the elongated passageways formed within the envelope for fluid circulation. The fluid pressure is selected to maintain a fluid pressure of 0.7 to 1.05 Kgw/cm ² gauge. At the same time, the flow restrictor 44
Reduce the fluid pressure to which the heat exchange device 18 is exposed to up to 2-4 pounds per square inch gauge (0.14-0.28 Kgw/cm ² gauge) to avoid defects within the heat exchange unit that could result in leaks or ruptures within the heat exchange unit. Avoid the necessary pressure.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2A,
Temperature source 56 preferably comprises an object separate from heat exchange device 18, such as a block of ice in a suitable container. As will be discussed in more detail below, the heat exchange device 18 according to the present invention is conveniently designed to be removable and replaceable with the temperature source 56 in intimate heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange device 18.

As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2A, two or more heat exchange devices 1 with attached temperature sources 56
8 may be used in series to increase the capacity of the device. By using two or more heat exchange devices 18 in series, the flow through the heat exchange devices 18 can be reduced while still maintaining the temperature within the heat exchange envelope 10 at a particular value. The flow reduction is set by appropriate adjustment of the adjustable flow valve 50. Such a reduced flow with increasing amount of temperature source 56 would enable the desired temperature to be maintained within heat exchange envelope 10 for a longer period of time. Alternatively, a larger temperature difference between the heat exchanger jacket 10 and the environment can be established to cause the flow through the series-connected heat exchanger 18 to a particular flow rate.
You may also use

Referring to FIG. 2B, a personal temperature control device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is suitable for use with a substantially fixed high capacity heat exchanger 58 coupled to a continuously circulating temperature source 60. indicated by something.
The embodiment of FIG. 2B is constructed from the same components as the embodiment of FIG. 2A, but such components are arranged in a different manner. For clarity and ease of understanding, parts that are the same in FIG. 2B as in FIG. 2A are given the same reference numerals. Thus, motor 34, which in the embodiment of FIG. 2B is powered by battery 36 through switch 38, drives pump 26. The inlet of pump 26 communicates with reservoir 28 through filter 32 . However, the outlet of pump 26 in the embodiment of FIG. 2B is connected to fitting 48;
Joint 48 communicates with an inlet of heat exchanger 58 . The discharge port of the heat exchanger 58 communicates with the joint 52, and the joint 5
2 also communicates with fitting 40 through a flow meter 46. The fitting 40 communicates with the inlet of the heat exchange jacket 10 and the outlet of the heat exchange jacket 10 communicates with the fitting 42 . The fitting 42 connects the reservoir 2 through a flow restrictor 44.
Connects with 8. Adjustable flow valve 50 is connected to fitting 48
and fitting 52, thereby allowing flow through heat exchanger 58 to be controlled at a substantially constant pressure. Reservoir 28 is maintained at atmospheric pressure as indicated at 54, while flow restriction 44 allows the desired pressure to be maintained within heat exchange envelope 10.

As indicated in FIG. 2B, multiple personal temperature control devices, each utilized by a different entity, may be connected to heat exchanger 58 in parallel. Heat exchanger 58 may be any conventional liquid loop heat exchanger having a liquid loop temperature source 60 and includes a suitable pressure accumulator 62. Pressure accumulator 62 provides additional liquid volume at constant pressure within the liquid loop to accommodate the installation and removal of parallel temperature control devices. It will be appreciated that the parallel personal temperature control devices function independently of each other, allowing each user to adjust the temperature maintained within the attached heat exchange envelope 10 as required. .

The basic essence of the personal temperature control device according to the invention is to maintain a constant high level of liquid flow through the heat exchanger jacket 10 at a temperature as close as possible to normal body temperature, while keeping the circulatory system of the body and the heat exchanger jacket 10 close to normal body temperature. The objective is to provide the necessary heat exchange with the liquid closed circuit. A large temperature difference between the blood in the circulatory system and the liquid within the heat exchange envelope 10 will of course tend to result in a high heat exchange between them. However, the large temperature difference between the blood in the circulatory system and the liquid within the heat exchange jacket 10 not only tends to make the jacket 10 uncomfortable during use, but also causes constriction of blood vessels within the user's body. Thermal contact will also actually be reduced by increasing the temperature. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, when the amount of liquid cooled in the heat exchanger devices 18, 58 is minimized, the cooled liquid is mixed with the liquid flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchange jacket 10 and the heat exchanger is 50°F to 70°F (10°C to
It becomes a liquid at a temperature of 21.1℃). In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the liquid is first introduced into the helmet-type heat exchange device 12 of the heat exchange jacket 10 and then into the vest portion 14 of the heat exchange jacket 10. The head is widely recognized as an important area for heat exchange between the person and the environment. The rather small vasoconstriction that occurs in the head under conditions of heat stress results in good thermal contact even with relatively high temperature differences. Although the head only comprises 2% to 3% of the total body area, it provides a greater proportion of actual heat exchange between the body and the environment, contributing to personal comfort and psychological benefits. It is known that it accounts for 20% to 40% of the total factor. For example, to control an individual's temperature in a high-temperature environment, the head can be heated between 50°F and 60°F without reducing thermal contact through vasoconstriction or contributing to user discomfort. ℃~15.6
℃). On the other hand, under similar circumstances, 70°F (21.1°C)
The following temperatures will produce significant vasoconstriction in the body's torso. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, when used in such situations, 50°F
A liquid having a temperature between ~60°F (10°C and 15.6°C) is first introduced into the helmet 12 of the heat exchanger jacket 10, where thermal contact causes the helmet to rotate at 70° This will result in a liquid that is at a temperature close to 21.1°F (21.1°C). Such liquid is then introduced into the vest 14 of the heat exchange jacket 10 and
Maintaining good thermal contact by avoiding vasoconstriction in the user's torso.

As shown in FIG. 2A, mixing of warm liquid from heat exchange envelope 10 and cool liquid from heat exchange device 18 occurs within reservoir 28. The relative amounts of warm liquid from heat exchange jacket 10 and cooled liquid from heat exchange device 18 are regulated by adjustable flow valve 50 to pump heat exchange jacket 1 through pump 26 .
Reservoir 2 with the desired temperature for introduction to 0
Bring the liquid within 8. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2B, the mixing of warm liquid from heat exchange jacket 10 and cooled liquid from heat exchange device 58 occurs in a conduit through which the mixing enters heat exchange jacket 10. be introduced. On the other hand, the adjustable flow valve 5
0 adjusts the relative amounts of warm and cool liquid to provide the desired liquid temperature at the inlet to heat exchange envelope 10.

3 and 4, heat exchange jacket 10
Helmet type heat exchange device 12 and vest part 1 of
No. 4 may be manufactured according to the process disclosed in applicant's earlier application US Pat. No. 3,830,676. The teachings of that US patent are incorporated herein by reference. However, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the helmet 12 and vest portion 14 of the heat exchange jacket 10 are each preferably made of two overlapping nylon fabrics that are coated with urethane on adjacent sides. has. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two sheets making up the helmet-type heat exchange device 12 of the heat exchange jacket 10 are cut to the contour indicated by the dash-dotted line 63 in FIG. . Such a profile includes a protrusion 64 for engaging the user's neck, a protrusion 65 for engaging the user's skull and temples, and an intermediate protrusion 66 for engaging the back of the user's head. including. The overlapping contour sheets are compressed between the flat plate and the die member to define a flow path between the solid lines as indicated by the solid lines. In order to define the flow path, the stamping member has a land (a portion of the grooved surface other than the grooves) on the contact surface thereof. One or both of the stamp member and the flat plate are heated to bond adjacent urethane coatings on the two sheets together under the flat protrusions to define the desired liquid coolant flow paths between the sheets. You may do so.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, protrusions 64, 65 extend from one end of contour 63, as shown in FIG.
An elongated outlet channel 67 is provided extending to the other end between and 66 . The channel 67 is closed at its end in the nape protrusion 64 and is closed at its end in the nape protrusion 6
It is open at its end at 5. Inlet channel 68
are provided at the free ends of the nape protrusions 64 that communicate with each other. Thus, the neck protrusion 64
The liquid introduced into the inlet channel 68 at the end of the column passes through each channel in the parallel nape protrusion 64 and each channel in the parallel intermediate protrusion 66 to the cranial protrusion 65.
, where the liquid will flow through the parallel channels to the free end of the outlet channel 67 .

Referring to FIG. 4, vest portion 14 of heat exchange jacket 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of mirror image front and back sections joined to one side. Only one of the panels and the side connections are shown in FIG. As previously discussed in connection with helmet-type heat exchanger 12, two pieces of nylon fabric having a urethane coating on one side thereof are cut to the profile indicated by dash-dotted line 70 in FIG. The contoured sheet is arranged in face-to-face overlapping relationship with the urethane coating. The sheet is then compressed between a flat plate and a die having lands to form channels for the flow of liquid coolant as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4, as described above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each such channel is arranged generally horizontally across the front and rear panels in upper and lower groups of channels.

An inlet channel 72 is formed on the connecting side of vest 14 between the front and back panels. An inlet channel 72 connects the upper array of each channel, and a connecting channel 74 on the free side of each panel connects the upper array of each channel with the lower array of each channel. Each lower array of channels communicates with an outlet channel 76 formed on the connecting side of vest 14. Liquid thus flows into the vest 14 across its top and back across its bottom, thereby contributing to the comfort of the outer covering. Since the liquid has a minimal temperature difference with the temperature of the blood in the user's circulatory system, the liquid will be applied to the user's sensitive abdomen and back, and the generally less sensitive user's shoulders and chest.

In accordance with the present invention, liquid is transferred to the inlet flow path 68 and into the helmet heat exchanger 12 and vest 14 by an elbow fitting 80 having a flange 82 at one end thereof as best shown in FIGS. 72 and from the outside to the outlet channels 67 and 76 of the helmet type heat exchanger 12 and the vest 14. The location of the elbow joint 80 is indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the method of installing such a joint in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, one of the two helmet-type heat exchangers 12 and one of the two vests 14 are drilled at appropriate locations to provide access to the inlet flow respectively. It communicates with channels 68, 72 and outlet channels 67, 76. The elbow joint 80 is then secured to the apertured sheet prior to being placed in overlapping relation to another sheet. The elbow fitting 80 passes through the hole to a flange that contacts the urethane coated side of the nylon fabric.
As shown in FIG. 5, flanges 82 are then compressed against the urethane coating under heat and pressure to form a liquid-tight seal between such flanges 82 and the sheet around the hole. do.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the elbow joint 80 is oriented to align with each inlet channel 68, 72 and each outlet channel 67, 76 formed. As best shown in FIG. 6, the dimensions of the flange 82 are larger than the lateral dimensions of each channel 67, 68, 72, 76 to form a suitable pocket in the flat plate and to accommodate the elbows during compression of the sheet. fitting 80
to form a liquid flow path therebetween. As a result each inlet and outlet channel 68, 72, 67, 76
Each end of the flange 82 of the respective elbow 80
It is sealed with. Each channel 67, 68, 72, 76
is not directly sealed. This arrangement allows the seat and vest 14 of the helmet-type heat exchanger 12 at the inlet and outlet elbow joints 80 to
Ballooning between the sheets is prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the helmet-type heat exchange device 12 of the heat exchange jacket 10 according to the present invention may preferably include a thermal insulation sheath 86. As best shown in FIG. 10, two sheets having the contour 63 shown in FIG. 3 and sealed together to provide liquid transport are mounted within the thermal sheathing 86. contour 6
The dimensions of 3 are chosen to accommodate the full range of the human head. Similarly, the thermal sheathing 86 is shaped to accommodate the entire range of the human head from the cranium to the nape of the neck. The cranial engaging portions of contoured sheet 63 and thermal insulation sheathing 86 are secured together. The elastic means 88 at the nape of the heat insulating coating 86
or both elbow joints 80. Thus, when the thermal insulation covering 86 is applied to the user's head, the dimensional difference is absorbed by the elastic means 88 to retain the liquid transport means on the user's head.

The heat insulating coating 86 has a chin strap.
A strap 90 may be provided so that the helmet-type heat exchanger 12 fits snugly against the head. Further, a tab fastener 9 is provided on the outside of the heat insulating coating 86.
2 may be provided. This allows the helmet-type heat exchange device 12 to be mounted inside the rigid outer protective helmet 94. chin strap 90
Similarly, the tab 92 may be provided with fastening means 96, 97, for example of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. In that case, the helmet-type heat exchange device 12 can be adjusted quickly and efficiently with respect to the head and external protective helmet 94.

Referring to FIG. 11, the vest portion 14 of the heat exchange jacket 10 includes a vest-shaped external thermal insulation jacket 102.
May include. The external thermal sheathing 102 consists of front and rear panels joined on one side and has a liquid transport means attached to the inner surface as shown in dashed lines. The liquid transport means connects to the skin of the user's torso. As shown in FIG. 12, the umbilical cord 21 through which the liquid inlet and outlet conduits pass.
However, the vest-like thermal insulation coating 1 is applied at the connection part of the panel.
It is fixed to the outer surface of 02. It is an important feature of the present invention that the interconnections between the panels of vest 14 can be located on either the left or right side of the user. To this end, the free end of the umbilical cord cord 21 is provided with fastening means 104 sold under the trademark VELCRO. Fastener means 1
By 04, the free end of the umbilical cord is best 1
4 from one panel to the other, thereby positioning the umbilical cord 21 on the back side of the vest, whether the connection is on the user's left or right side.

In order to provide easy adjustment of the vest to be worn by users of various physiques, the fastening means for bringing the open sides of the vest together are preferably of the type marketed under the trademark VELCRO. be. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, equal fastening pads 106 are provided on the open sides of the outer surfaces of both panels together with zipper means 107. Depending on whether the panel joint is located on the left or right side of the user, the securing straps 108 are adapted to be attached to either side of the panel by zipper means.

Similarly, a pair of shoulder straps 110 are provided which have a snap-type fastener 112 at one end.
and at the other end one face of a fastener of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. Two cooperating snap-type fasteners 113 and VELCRO
The two cooperating elements 115 of the mold fastener of the first
Provided at the upper end of each panel as shown in Figure 2,
Provides reversibility of shoulder strap 110. Thus, in use, the fastener 114,
115 can always be positioned in front of the user, facilitating quick adjustments by the user.

13 and 14, 1B and 1
The support harness 16 of Figure C is shown in detail.
The support harness 16 includes a support panel 120 whose outer surface is shown in FIG. 13 and whose inner or body-facing surface is shown in FIG. 14. Arranged on the support panel 120 are three arrays of four of a plurality of snap-type fasteners, each capable of attaching elements of a personal temperature control device in accordance with the present invention. The first array 121 of four snap-type fasteners is thus adapted to attach the control and display unit 20 of the personal temperature control device to the support panel 120. A second array 122 of four snap-type fasteners attaches heat exchange device 18 to support panel 120. A third array of four snap-type fasteners attaches the optional second heat exchange device 18 to the support panel.

The support harness 16 is provided with adjustable length shoulder straps 124 and an adjustable length vest 126 with quick release buckles. The support harness together with the support panel 120
A cross strap 128, which can be worn on either the user's chest or back and has a quick release buckle to facilitate inversion, connects the shoulder straps 124 as shown in FIG. If desired, conventional clothing may be interposed between the support harness 16 and the vest portion 14 of the heat exchange jacket 10.

Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of the control and display unit 20 along with the battery pack 36 is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For simplicity and ease of understanding, the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 2A and 2B are used to designate corresponding parts in FIGS. 15-26. The housing 30 of the control and display unit 20 consists of a hollow, cup-shaped body of approximately rectangular cross section, which is closed off at the top by a control plate 130. Conduits interconnecting the various elements of the control and display unit 20 are formed within the cover plate 130 and communicate with the quick couplings 40, 42, 48 and 52. These fittings are connected to the control plate 130
more supported.

Referring to FIG. 16, a right end view of the housing of FIG. 15 is shown with cover plate 130 and battery pack 36 removed. A snap terminal 132 is attached to the housing 30 for cooperating with a snap terminal on the battery pack 36 for electrical connection.
installed through. Similarly, a male snap-type mounting pin 134 is mounted on the rear side of the housing 30 and cooperates with a corresponding snap element on the support harness to attach the control and display unit 2.
It becomes possible to support 0. A battery pack mounting plate 135 is secured to the end of the housing 30;
Battery pack 36 is attached to housing 30 in cooperation with battery pack attachment clamp 136.
The terminals of battery pack 36 then engage snap-type terminals 132.

A flexible rubber cover 138 is attached to the control plate 1 as best shown in FIGS. 15, 17, 18 and 21.
The control plate 130 projects from the upper surface of the control plate 130.
encloses the activation button of the control switch 38, which is supported by the control switch 38; Thus, the user can press down on the rubber cover 138, such as with a thumb, to turn the control surface unit on and off.

Control plate 13 as best shown in FIG.
0 is provided with a plurality of holes and passageways to define recesses and conduits for mounting the various components of the control and display unit 20. Thus, the control plate 13
The terminal end of the first passage 140 extending in the plane of 0 communicates with the passage 141. Passage 141 extends across the plane of control plate 130 and provides an opening at the bottom of control plate 130. The open end of passageway 140 is threaded to receive first quick coupling 40 . The opening of the lateral passage 141 communicates with the discharge port of the pump 26 . Similarly, the second
An opening in passageway 142 is threaded to receive a second quick coupling. Passage 142 communicates with a passage in reduced diameter section 144 through a hole in a flow restrictor 44, a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mounted therein.

Passage 144 communicates with a recess 146 in the upper surface of control plate 130, within which recess 146 is mounted a flow meter 46 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The open end of third passageway 148 extending in the plane of control plate 130 is threaded to receive third quick coupling 48 . In addition, the passage 148 is
It extends into communication with recess 146 to provide an outlet flow path for flow meter 46 .

An adjustable flow valve is mounted in a recess 149 formed in the upper surface of control plate 130, and a valve element 150 is also provided projecting from the upper surface of plate 130, as described in more detail below. A control knob 151 is attached to the protruding end of the valve element 150.

A fourth passageway 152 extending into the surface of control plate 130 is threaded to receive fourth quick coupling 52 . A connecting passageway 153 extending in the plane of the control plate 130 is transverse to the third and fourth passageways 148, 152 and is connected to the recess 1
Intersect with 49. Valve element 150 of adjustable flow valve 50 is mounted within recess 149 and communicates between third and fourth passageways 148,152. aisle 15
4 extends across the plane of the control plate 130 and extends from an opening in the bottom surface of the plate 130 to a passageway 15.
2,153 to the connection between them, providing an outlet from those passages to the reservoir 28.

A second passageway 155 extending from an opening in the underside of the control plate 130 extends part way transversely to the plane of the plate and communicates with the reservoir 28 .
Functions as a socket for receiving one end of 6. A withdrawal tube 156 projects into the reservoir 28 to permit withdrawal of liquid therefrom. Similarly,
Another passageway 157 extending from the opening passes all the way through the control plate 130 laterally and communicates with the reservoir 28 to enable the introduction of liquid into the reservoir to supply liquid within the device. a second extending in the plane of control plate 130 generally parallel to passageways 140 and 144;
A connecting passageway 160 communicates with passageway 155 and, through its opening, also with reservoir 28 . aisle 16
0 end 162 is separated from passage 155 and connected to passage 1
40 and is enlarged to receive the filter element and extends into a threaded opening 164 at the end of control plate 130 . Threaded opening 164 is adapted to receive a threaded plug, thereby opening passageway 16.
The filter element contained in the end 162 of the 0 can be replaced as required during operation.

A passageway 166 extending from a lower opening across the plane of control plate 130 communicates with end 162 of passageway 160 to receive liquid from reservoir 28 passing through filter element 32 . Passage 166 serves as an entry to pump 26 and lateral passage 141 communicating with passage 140 serves as an exit from pump 26. As best shown in FIG. 18, the pump 26 is mounted to the underside of the control plate 130, e.g. by means of mounting screws 168 (see FIG. 20), and its suction and discharge passages are each connected to a passage 166. and 140 in airtight communication.

17 and 20, the upper end of passageway 157 is threaded to receive threaded plug 170. Referring to FIGS. The threaded plug 170 is removed when necessary to fill the reservoir 28 and then replaced to seal the device against leakage.
Finally, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a recess 172 in the lower surface of control plate 130 has an opening 173 extending through the upper surface of control plate 130 into which switch 38 is mounted.

20 and 21, flow meter 26 consists of a vaned rotor 176 mounted for rotation on a vertical axle 177 within recess 146. Referring to FIGS. Recess 146 opens through the upper surface of control plate 130 and is closed by transparent cap 178. rotor 176 through cap 178
can be seen. Passing through the passage 144 and recess 14
6 and from the recess 146 to the passageway 148 causes the bladed rotor 176 to rotate about the axle 177 at a speed that depends on the volume flowing. Flow meter 26 thus provides a visual indication of the operating status of the device to the user of the device.

Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 18, the reservoir 28 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a thin-walled, generally rectangular body made of a flexible plastic material that is impermeable to the liquid within the device. Consists of. Reservoir 2
8 is completely sealed except for three nipple-shaped openings in the wall at one end, which open passages 154,
155 and 157, respectively.
Thus, reservoir 28 is attached to control plate 130 for operation and quick couplings 40, 42 and 5
2 and the sealing plug 170 is plugged in place, the reservoir 28 is completely sealed.
However, by deflecting the flexible walls of reservoir 28, the liquid within the reservoir can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. Thereby, there is no need for water holes to allow liquid to escape from the device.

As shown in FIG. 18, reservoir 28 is sized to occupy approximately half of the volume of housing 30. An insulating cup 180 is mounted within housing 30 and is sized to warmly encase reservoir 28. A pump 26 and a drive motor 34 are housed in the remaining volume of the housing 30.

22-28, structural and operational details of adjustable flow valve 50 are shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to the teachings of the present invention, the adjustable flow valve means 50 is arranged in the heat exchanger 1
It is interposed in a conduit that communicates the inlet and outlet of 8. Thus, when adjustable flow valve 50 is fully closed, all of the liquid flow within the device passes through heat exchange device 18. When valve 50 is fully open, only a small flow of liquid flows through heat exchange device 18. However, under conditions where the liquid flow through the heat exchange device 18 is maximum.
The temperature difference between the liquid entering and exiting the heat exchange device 18 is less than the temperature difference under conditions of minimal liquid flow. This is because liquid under low flow conditions tends to remain in the heat exchanger 18 for a longer period of time than liquid under high flow conditions. For this reason, intermediate flow rates through heat exchange device 18 are relatively ineffective in achieving personalized temperature control. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustable flow valve means 50 is designed to provide a non-linear change in flow rate in response to adjustment, in order to provide an effective intermediate setting.

Referring to FIGS. 22-25, an adjustable flow valve 50 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a frusto-conical recess 149. The frusto-conical shape is tapered such that it has a maximum cross-sectional dimension at the opening in the upper surface of control plate 130 and a minimum cross-sectional dimension at the bottom. The connecting passage 153 is connected to the recess 14 so as to be in contact with the opening top of the recess 149 and the closed bottom of the recess 149 at an intermediate point.
Intersect with 9. The cross-sectional dimension of the passage 153 is that of the recess 1
It is approximately equal to the radius of the recess 149 in a plane passing through the center of the passage 153 among the cross-sectional planes of the 49. The depth of the recess 149 is of course greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the passage 153.

Valve element 150 of adjustable flow valve 50 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plug portion 182 having a frusto-conical shape sized to fit snugly within recess 149 . Plug part 1
A cylindrical shaft coaxial with 82 projects integrally from the bottom of the plug portion 182 and is provided with a flat plate 185 for removable attachment of the control knob 151 therein. The cross-sectional dimensions of the shaft portion 184 are those of the plug portion 1.
shoulder 186 (second
(See Figure 3). For example, the mounting plate 18
The mounting plate 187 can be fixed to the upper surface of the control plate 130 by means of an aperture 189 passing through the opening 189 and a threaded hole 188 in the control plate 130 and a screw, which allows the plug portion 182 of the valve element 150 to be secured to the upper surface of the control plate 130. It can be kept within 149.

Groove 190 on the periphery near the bottom of plug portion 182
(See FIG. 23) is formed in which a resilient sealing washer or O-ring 192 is received.
O-ring 192 is sized to sealingly engage the inner surface of recess 149 and plug portion 182.
is held in place within recess 149 by mounting plate 187 to prevent liquid leakage.

A portion of the outer surface of the plug portion 182 of the valve element 150 between the bottom and the truncated end is removed to provide a valve surface 194. Valve surface 194 is aligned with passageway 153 when plug portion 182 of valve element 150 is fully seated within recess 149.
is dimensioned and positioned.

Referring to FIG. 26, a cross-section of valve element 150 is shown fully contained within recess 149.
Valve surface 194 is in place to completely prevent liquid flow as indicated by arrow 196 within passageway 153.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 26, the valve surface 194 of the valve element 150 has a predetermined design;
Valve element 150 thereby moves in the direction indicated by arrow 198.
Rotation of 120° completely opens passageway 153 to liquid flow. As shown in FIG. 26, the valve surface 194 passes through the axis of rotation 200 of the valve element 150.

The recess 149 and the valve element 150 are arranged such that the axis of rotation of the valve element 150 substantially contacts one side of the passageway 153 and the inner surface of the recess 149 substantially contacts the other side of the passageway 153 at a diametrically opposed location. The dimensions and placement relative to passageway 153 are selected.

When valve element 150 is in a position that completely closes passageway 153, the portion of valve surface 194 that is not wedged within passageway 153 forms an angle of 60° with the direction of liquid flowing through passageway 153 of valve element 150. Extends in the radial direction. Portion 202 of valve surface 194 sandwiched within passageway 153 defines a circular surface of radius substantially equal to the radius of passageway 153.

Referring to FIG. 27, arrow 198 in FIG.
Rotation of valve element 150 in the direction of heat exchanger 18
results in a change in the volume of the liquid flowing through it. This situation is shown by a curve 204. For example, the position of the valve element 150 shown in FIG.
53 is fully closed and liquid flow through heat exchanger 18 is maximized. Rotation of valve element 150 in the direction of arrow 198 opens passageway 153;
Creating a bypass flow therethrough, the volume of liquid flowing through heat exchanger 18 is reduced. As shown by curve 204, initial rotation of valve element 150 results in a relatively gradual change in liquid flowing through the heat exchanger. However, at angles of rotation of valve element 150 between 30° and 60°, the volume of liquid flowing through heat exchanger 18 changes rapidly. Subsequent valve element 1
50 rotations, the change in the volume of liquid flowing through the heat exchanger 18 becomes progressively more gradual.

For the reasons stated above, the non-linear change in heat exchanger flow with respect to rotation of valve element 150 means that the change in temperature of the liquid flowing within heat exchange jacket 10 is linear with respect to rotation of valve element 150. bring about that. This situation is shown by a curve 206 in FIG. In other words, when the flow rate through the heat exchanger 18 is moderate, a larger change in flow rate occurs when the temperature difference between the incoming liquid and the outgoing liquid is large due to a long contact time with the temperature source. When the flow rate is very low, the temperature difference may be large, but the total volume of liquid is small and the flow rate change does not need to be accelerated. Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user of the apparatus can vary the setting of the control knob 151 to obtain a linear temperature change in the heat exchanger jacket 10 therewith.

29-34, structural details of heat exchanger 18 are shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As best shown in Figures 29 and 32,
The exterior of the heat exchanger 18 is defined by a luggage-type case 210 and a lid 212. case 21
0 and the lid 212 are rectangular parallelepiped hollow boxes with one side open, made of a rigid wear-resistant material, and are screwed together along the open end 213.
Latch means 214 and 215 are provided at the opposite ends of the open side of the case 210 and the lid 212, and the case can be opened as shown in FIG. 32 and closed as shown in FIG. 29, allowing quick opening and closing. . 30th,
As best shown in Figures 31 and 33, Case 21
0 and lid 212 each include bodies 216 and 217 of insulating material therein. As best shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, bodies 216 and 2
17 each has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped depression in the center. The depression defines a cavity 218 and a cavity 21
8 is dimensioned to loosely accommodate a temperature source 56 in the form of a generally rectangular sealed can containing frozen liquid.

As best shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, a shield liner 222 is interposed between the temperature source 56 and the inner surface of the cavity 218. liner 222
provides a flow of liquid in heat exchange relationship around the temperature source 56.

Referring to FIG. 34, liner 222 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of two overlapping rectangular panels of 10 mil thick urethane film. This panel covers bodies 216 and 2.
It is dimensioned to extend over the sides and bottom of the recess forming cavity 218 within 17 .
The panels are heat sealed to each other along their sides and edges, and the edges are long enough to be provided with mounting tabs. Additionally, the panels are heat sealed to each other along the narrow central portion 226. The central portion 226 extends from the first sealing end toward the second sealing end to provide a generally U-shaped liquid passageway between the two panels.

An inlet elbow fitting 228 is sealed through an opening in one of the panels adjacent the first sealed end and communicates with one leg of the U-shaped liquid passage. Similarly, an exit elbow fitting 229 is sealed through the other opening in the panel adjacent the first sealed end;
It communicates with the other leg of the U-shaped liquid passage.

As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a quick coupling 232 is mounted to the case 210 and communicates with the entry elbow 228 through a suitable conduit 234. Similarly, the second quick joint 233
0 and communicates with the outlet elbow 229 through a suitable conduit 235. Liquid from the third quick coupling 52 of the control surface unit 20 is thus conducted to the quick coupling 232 , circulates through the bag 222 , exits the quick coupling 233 , and flows to the fourth quick coupling 52 of the control display unit 20 . return. Since the liquid is under pressure by pump 26, bag 222 is brought into close contact with frozen can 220 to provide a heat exchange relationship. It has been found that it is not necessary to provide more than one passageway for liquid flow within bag 222, so a single bag as described above may be used.

As best shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a male snap-type connection element 236 projects from the bottom or back of the case 210 to removably mount the heat exchanger 18 onto the support panel 120 of the support harness 16. can. Thus male connecting element 2
36 cooperates with the second array of fasteners 122 to attach the heat exchanger 18 to the support harness 16 as shown in FIG. 1C.
It can be supported above. A similar arrangement may be used to support the heat exchanger 18 on the belt as in FIG. 1D.

When the heat exchanger 18 is attached to a fixed support bracket 23 as shown in FIG. 1E and is portable, or as shown in FIG.
0' is attached to a fixed heat exchanger 58, automatic quick joint 24 configuration is desired, as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. An automatic quick coupling according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.

An automatic quick coupling 24 according to the illustrative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 35 is easily assembled using simple, inexpensive fittings made to mate with the quick coupling used in the apparatus. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all quick fittings are equipped with, for example, Hoffman
The type manufactured and sold by Engineering Company may be used, and the off part 241 has the name SP2.
The type sold under the MV is fine. As is well known in the art, both the male and female portions of such fittings include spring-loaded valve members for sealing the fitting against the flow of liquid when not engaged with each other. As is well known in the art,
The female fitting 240 has a spring-loaded collar 24 that is retracted to allow insertion and removal of the male fitting 241.
Contains 2.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the automatic quick coupling includes a pair of mounting plates 244 and 245, an actuation member 24
6 and actuation cable 247.

As shown in FIG. 37, one plate 245 of the pair of mounting plates has a pair of through holes to receive the shank of each of the pair of male coupling members 241. As shown in FIG. As is well known in the art,
The shank of each male coupling member 241 is inserted into each of the pair of conduits 249 in a sealing manner. The shank of each male fitting member 352 is adapted to grip the inner surface of conduit 249, and mounting plate 245 is held securely between conduit 249 and fitting portion 241.

The other mounting plate 244 may be a mirror image of the mounting plate 245 having a pair of holes. The holes are adapted to receive the respective shank of a pair of female coupling members 240, which are inserted into an associated pair of conduits 248 as described above. However, the mounting plate 244 also has a hole centrally located between the two female coupling members 240 for passing the actuation cable 247 therethrough.

The actuating member 246 is a plate-like member having a pair of apertures, each aperture receiving a collar 242 of a respective female coupling member 240 by press fitting, so that the collar 242 of both female coupling members 240 and the actuating member 246 are connected to each other. are rigidly interconnected to form a single unit. Actuation member 246 is further provided with a hole centrally located between collars 242 for passage of actuation cable 247 therethrough. A suitable stop 250 is secured to the actuation cable 247 to stop the actuation member 2.
This prevents the actuation cable 247 from coming off in the direction from 46 to the mounting plate 244.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the mounting plate 245 is provided with a through hole 252 at its center;
It is sized to receive a guide pin 256 therein. Hole 252 and guide pin 256
are aligned with each other and offset from each pair of coupling members 240, 241. The guide pin 256 has a sufficient length so that the male and female joint members 241, 2
40 is engaged, the mounting plate 24 must be
protrudes through hole 252 in 5. In this way, the guide pin 256 allows the joint members 240 and 24 to
Reversing the combination of engagement with 1 is prohibited.

Referring to FIG. 36, the length of actuation cable 247 according to the teachings of the present invention is not very long;
Preferably, it is somewhat shorter than the length of conduit 248. The end of the actuation cable 247 remote from the actuation member 246 is rigidly attached by suitable means near the end of the conduit 248 remote from the mounting plate 244.
Thus, with the coupling 24 in the engaged position shown in FIG. 36, incoming and outgoing fluid flow is reliably established. However, in the unlikely event that conduit 24
9 is under tension, the actuation cable 24
7, the actuating member 246 and the female joint 24
0 collar 242 is moved toward the mounting plate 244, thereby disengaging the female coupling member 241 from the coupling engagement. Actuation cable 24
It should be understood that 7 needs to be strong enough to resist significant elongation due to tension.
Conduits 248 and 249 may be made of a material that stretches under tension, but must be strong enough to withstand the tension to effect movement of actuation plate 246 and collar 242 to release fitting 24.

Conduits 249 typically consist of an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit leading to heat exchange jacket 10 . Thus, as the user moves away from the fitting 24, sufficient tension is created in the conduit 249 to cause a quick disconnection automatic action. Therefore, when an emergency situation arises for the user of the personal temperature control device of the present invention, the user can disconnect from the device and escape from a life-or-death situation.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The combination of various elements in the device of the invention is possible.