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 Title: |
US5722482:
Phase change thermal control materials, method and apparatus
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Buckley, Theresa M.; Chicago, IL 60611
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| Assignee: |
None
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| Published / Filed: |
1998-03-03
/ 1995-03-15
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| Application Number: |
US1995000404419
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
A41D 13/005;
A41D 31/00;
A61B 19/00;
A61F 7/02;
B05D 7/24;
B32B 5/18;
B32B 5/22;
B32B 5/32;
B32B 7/02;
B63C 11/04;
C08K 5/00;
C09K 5/06;
F28D 20/02;
A61F 7/03;
IPC-7:
F28D 17/00;
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| ECLA Code: |
A61F7/02; A41D31/00C6L; B32B5/18; B32B7/02; C08K5/00P; C09K5/06B; F28D20/02B; K61F7/02L; K61F7/02L4; K61F7/02L9; K61F7/03D2; K41D13/005C4; K61F7/02S; Y02E60/14D; Y02E60/14F;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
165/010;
165/046;
252/070;
428/317.9;
Original:
165/010;
165/046;
252/070;
428/317.9;
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| Field of Search: |
165/010,46
428/242,304.4,308.4,311.1,317.9
252/070
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| Priority Number: |
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| Abstract: |
An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite's thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver's wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves an a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Leary, James J. ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Rivell, John; Atkinson, Christopher
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| Maintenance Status: |
E3 Expired Check current status
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
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| Parent Case: |
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending patent application, Ser. No. 07/913,246, filed Jul. 14, 1992 the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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| Designated Country: |
AU EP JP US
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| Family: |
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First Claim:
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I claim:
1. An apparatus for metabolic cooling and for insulation of a user in a cold environment having an ambient environmental temperature which is below a comfortable skin temperature, said apparatus comprising a flexible composite material, comprising a flexible matrix material having a thermal storage material capable of storing thermal energy as the latent heat of phase change dispersed therein, said thermal storage material having a phase transition temperature which is equal to or below normal skin temperature and above the ambient environmental temperature, said flexible composite material being in thermal contact with the skin of the user so as to provide a thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient environmental temperature for said user of said apparatus for an extended time period, said thermal storage material further providing a heat sink to absorb metabolic heat of said user, and said metabolic heat serving to recharge said thermal storage material, thereby increasing the duration of said time period for which said thermal storage material provides said thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient environmental temperature.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
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