Sensor-based glove to optimize heat transfer

Abstract

A glove is disclosed for automated intermittent cooling and / or heating of a user's palm while the glove is worn. One or more small sensors continually monitor skin temperature. As temperatures get either too high (e.g., 35°C) or low (e.g., 25°C) battery powered circuitry activates conductive heat transfer. A small battery powers the cooling / heating mechanism.During cooling, once palm temperatures reaches a target of, e.g., 32°C, the cooling mechanism automatically turns off. Likewise, during heating as palm temperatures reaches a target of, e.g., 28 °C, the heat mechanism automatically turns off. The sensor-based glove aids a variety of users such as but not limited to persons for whom thermal balance is a challenge to achieve.

Description

[0001] SENSOR-BASED GLOVE TO OPTIMIZE HEAT TRANSFER

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 579,182, filed August 28, 2023, the complete contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention generally relates to means for regulating body temperature and, more particularly, wearable technology for regulating body temperature.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] From 1999-2003, 3,442 deaths in the United States were reportedly due to heat exposure. Hyperthermia resulting from exercise and / or exposure to high ambient temperatures is a precursor to heat-related illness and death. Most heat-related illnesses are preventable. High body temperatures evoke dehydration that in turn impairs cardiovascular, thermal and metabolic function. Due to its dramatic increase in production and the subsequent rise in internal temperatures, body heat sees its concentrations rise due to exercise and within individuals exposed to warm environments. Internal body heat product rates from exercise may see its concentrations rise 100-fold above normal values. Sadly, when most people exercise and / or become exposed to warm ambient temperatures they fail to realize the impact excess body heat has on their health and exercise / work performance. Since hyperthermia is a serious problem faced by millions of people on a daily basis, a reliable countermeasure is needed.

[0008] In Intermittent palm cooling’s impact on resistive exercise performance. Int J Sports Med; 36: 814-821 (2015), Caruso et al. describe induced conductive heat loss by periodically placing the palms of subjects hands into an automated (15 °C) water bath. While such a procedure may be appropriate for a laboratory, it is not a viable solution for working professionals and athletes and furthermore prevents use of the hands while they are being cooled. Heat exchange across the hand’s palm is superior to other body sites due to its high number of arterio-venous anastomoses underneath its skin surface that hasten heat transfer with ambient air. Anastomoses are not capillaries. Anastomoses provide a blood flow path from small arteries to smalls veins by which blood actually bypasses capillaries. A volume of blood is physically able to leave the heart, reach an extremity like the hand or foot, and return to the heart without having flowed through capillaries. Whereas capillaries are important for the exchange of oxygen and CO2 between blood cells and other tissue cells, anastomoses are concerned with efficiently transporting and regulating heat from the body’s core to certain surface areas of the body. In humans, anastomoses (i.e., arterio-venous anastomoses) are numerous in glabrous skin of the hands and feet.

[0009] Intermittent, as compared to continuous, heating and cooling of the hand’s palmar surface improves heat transfer to enable persons to restore thermal balance quicker. Yet people are often unaware when, and to what extent, they are out of thermal balance, which has adverse effects on health and performance. US 2020 / 0107596 Al by Caruso and Quesada discloses a palm cooling glove that allows for intermittent cooling in order to ultimately increase the overall rate and magnitude of conductive heat loss from the human body. Intermittent cooling is achieved with a reversible flap that is moveable between a palmar side of the glove and a dorsal side of the glove. In the palmar position the flap holds a cooling agent next to or against a wearer’s palm to provide rapid heat transfer from the palm to the cooling agent. During non-cooling periods, the cooling agent is temporarily stored within a compartment located on the back (dorsal aspect) of the glove. A drawback to this approach is that the wearer of the glove must manually move the cooling agent back and forth between palmar and dorsal sides of the glove. For best results, the user must maintain some awareness of the timing of reversing the flap. Humans have a regrettably poor ability to sense when they are overheating and out of thermal balance. This may be inconvenient and distracting to some users and allows for the possibly of human error reducing the benefits of the glove. In addition, dexterity may be limited while the cooling agent is arranged at the palmar side depending on the size and shape of the cooling agent arranged on the reversible flap. SUMMARY

[0010] According to one aspect of embodiments, automated intermittent palm cooling is used to enhance heat removal, metabolism, and exercise performance. Changes in vascular affinity and temperature produce an oscillating pattern of heat loss through the skin and lead to overall greater rates and magnitudes of heat transfer and removal from the human body as compared to continuous cooling and non-cooling conditions.

[0011] Intermittent, as compared to continuous, heating and cooling of the hand’s palmar surface optimizes heat transfer and enables persons to achieve thermal balance quicker. The intermittent palm cooling produces oscillating palm temperatures. Yet humans are often unaware when, and to what extent, they are out of thermal balance, which can have adverse effects on health and performance. An exemplary device is a glove with one or more small temperature sensors at the palmar surface that continually monitor palm temperatures. When palm temperatures get either too high or low, battery powered electrical circuitry becomes activated and initiates conductive heat transfer. A small battery, located e.g. on the glove’s back, powers the cooling / heating mechanism. With temperature thresholds to initiate palm cooling and heating programmed into the device, thermal balance is automatically maintained in persons who wear the glove while they exercise or are exposed to hot or cold environments.

[0012] An exemplary device enables intermittent heating and cooling of the body through the hand’s palmar surface. In so doing, thermal balance is maintained and the risk of hyper- and hypothermia are abated. With the glove’s sensor, this occurs automatically without any forethought or planning by the user. An exemplary device permits both cooling and warming of the body through the hand’s palmar surfaces, thus it is more advantageous than other technology on the market. These qualities and advantages are unique. The exemplary device may be used by any of a variety of users but is especially beneficial to aid those for whom thermal balance is a challenge to achieve. Such users include persons as they exercise or are exposed to hot or cold environments.

[0013] An aspect of some embodiments is a sensor-based glove with battery-powered circuitry to either heat or cool the palm of the hand. Heat or cold is imparted to the hand’s palm when its skin temperature, detected by the sensor, becomes too low or high. Excessive skin temperatures, as an indicator of when to impart either heat or cold, are programmed into the glove. An aspect of some embodiments is a method of removing excess body heat, comprising wearing at least one glove during an activity requiring dexterous use of the hands, the glove comprising a sensor that measures palm temperature and means for automatically performing conductive heat transfer. Heat or cold is imparted to the hand’s palm when its skin temperature, detected by the sensor, becomes too low or high. Excessive skin temperatures, as an indicator of when to impart either heat or cold, are programmed into the glove.

[0014] Intermittent cold application, such as for a maximum duration of 2.5-3 minutes at a time, is advantageous for intense short-term exercise bouts. Positive effects are attributable to mechanisms that include 1): axonal reflexes from thermal receptors that block local afferent signals, 2): cooler blood via conduction, 3): local analgesic / vasodilator secretion, 4): pain modulation by sensory neurons, 5): afferent alterations as cold stimuli are sensed by the brain immediately before exercise, and 6): action potential blockade between anastomoses and sympathetic neurons. In contrast, palm cooling that entails continuous cold application inevitably slows heat transfer rates as temperature gradients between palm and cooling mechanism diminish over time.

[0015] In addition to the aforementioned effects, the superiority of intermittent versus continuous palm cooling is due to the restoration of higher temperature gradients between the hand’s palm and the cooling stimulus that enables greater conductive heat transfer. Unlike continuous cooling, whereby palm and cooling stimulus temperatures inevitably become similar which limits thermal gradients and heat transfer, intermittent cold application better preserves the magnitude and rate of body heat removal to better aid thermoregulation. Intermittent cooling is associated with reduced heat strain. Its reduced strain benefits the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory systems. A series of intermittent cooling paradigms were 164-215% more efficient than continuous cooling at reducing body heat strain (Cheuvront SN, Kolka MA, Cadarette BS, Montain SJ, Sawka MN. Efficacy of intermittent regional microclimate cooling. J. Appl. Physiol. 2003; 94: 1841-1848.). That benefit was attributed to greater heat flux over a smaller body surface area. As an additional advantage, the greater efficiency of intermittent, as compared to continuous, cooling is able to reduce power requirements for wearable garments that aim to limit heat strain in those subjected to thermal stress.

[0016] Exemplary palm cooling gloves are advantageous for a variety of users including but not limited to exercise enthusiasts, athletes, laborers, astronauts, multiple sclerosis patients, and others who may experience excessive body heat accrual. Multiple sclerosis patients particularly benefit from wearing exemplary gloves according to this disclosure as they exercise. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that leads to neuronal demyelination and increased heat intolerance. Specifically, regarding the latter, victims of multiple sclerosis often incur cutaneous vasoconstriction that impairs evaporative heat transfer, which is a primary way heat is lost from humans as they exercise.

[0017] An exemplary device is partially or else fully automated. An exemplary device maintains thermal equilibrium of a user as much as possible by managing the temperature of the human palms. An exemplary device is self-contained within a glove-like structure on the hand. An exemplary device is able to run for at least an hour at a time using on-board power. An exemplary device is able to function without user input. Finally, an exemplary device has minimal interference with the dexterity of the hand and fingers.

[0018] An exemplary glove includes a covering sized and shaped to cover at least part of a human hand, the covering having a palmar side and a dorsal side; one or more sensors configured to continually monitor a temperature at the palmar side; one or more temperature regulating mechanisms; and circuitry configured to control activation and deactivation of the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms when the temperature detected by the one or more sensors passes one or more predetermined thresholds. The one or more temperature regulating mechanisms include a cooling mechanism for cooling a user’s palm.

[0019] A cooling mechanism may comprise a liquid (e.g., water) pump system running through the glove. Another cooling mechanism is an electronic system without any liquid components. An exemplary cooling mechanism or multipurpose mechanism capable of both heating and cooling functionalities is a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) which uses the Peltier effect to cool one side of the TEC device while heating the opposite side of the TEC device. TECs are nonpolarized devices, so one of them can be used as both a heating and cooling element by swapping the device’s inputs.

[0020] A fluid-based heat transfer method may be used instead of or in combination with one or more TECs. A fluid-based heat transfer apparatus is exemplary for distribution of thermal energy release / absorption to / from the palm while also increasing the dexterity of the wearer. Dissipating the heat generated by the TEC during the cooling process may be facilitated by a fluid-based heat transfer method. A fluid-based-heat transfer apparatus makes placement of the one or more TECs somewhere other than the palm or wrist easier, meaning that the available surface area for heat release may be increased significantly, allowing the device to run for longer periods without thermal overload.

[0021] Some devices may comprise one or more TECs which are in direct contact with the user palm in a state of use. Such devices may comprise a pulsed control solution.

[0022] Some devices may utilize more forearm space than other devices. A comparatively larger thermal reservoir or heat dissipation apparatus may be implemented on the forearm in place of a comparatively smaller reservoir or heat dissipation apparatus implemented on the hand.

[0023] An exemplary thermal reservoir may comprise one or more liquid reservoirs comprising water and / or gel. Water and water-based compositions have high specific heat, but a lower specific heat material may be desirable under some circumstances.

[0024] Exemplary circuitry implementing control functionality may be digital, analog, or a combination of both digital and analog control elements. Exemplary circuitry may comprise one or more processors, such as but not limited to microprocessors, which are able to read a voltage from a temperature sensor and send output signals (e.g., “on” and “off” control signals). The output signals may be sent to, for example, an N-type power MOSFET which draws enough current from the battery to power the TEC. An analog control system may be similarly designed, reading voltage from the temperature sensor and using an N-type power MOSFET to drive the TEC. Unlike a digital processor, an analog controller may use for example a 4-channel comparator to produce the controlled output signals and use potentiometers and voltage dividers to set the temperature limits.

[0025] An exemplary device may be programmed to switch off any heating elements if the temperature within the glove interior ever reaches a temperature which could be unpleasant or painful to the user. An exemplary device may be programmed to switch off any heating elements, or any temperature regulating mechanisms regardless of function, if the control circuitry reads a temperature that is climbing when it should be falling.

[0026] An exemplary device may have a power source consisting of or comprising one or more replaceable and / or rechargeable batteries. For instance, depending on the desired use period between required battery charges, an exemplary power source may be a Li-ion or Li-po battery. In general, at least one hour of operating time is desirable without the need for recharging or replacing the power source. As a non-limiting example, a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery is appropriate for some embodiments.

[0027] An exemplary heating mechanism may be but is not limited to a resistive heating element such as high resistance wires which can be sewn into fabrics. Another exemplary heating mechanism is a TEC. In general, resistive heating hardware is far more flexible and less intrusive than Peltier system hardware. A mesh can be implemented for heating and used independent of a Peltier system provided for cooling. Alternatively, if a TEC is used for both heating and cooling functionalities, exemplary circuitry may include a switch which flips the leads on the Peltier system.

[0028] Exemplary cooling mechanisms include but are not limited to liquid-based (e.g., waterbased) cooling which may include circulation via a pump, thermal gel packs, CO2 canisters, and TECs.

[0029] In an embodiment, water cooling may be routed from a liquid reservoir positioned on the forearm as a way to remove heat from the palm. Water cooling may be used in combination with the TEC system or used independently with a different controls system. A water cooling system may additionally take advantage of heat sinks placed around the arm to aid in cooling.

[0030] In an embodiment, compressed gas (e.g., from replaceable and / or rechargeable canisters) may be used to deliver cooling. The gas may be released and permitted to expand to produce cooling effect. The expanding gas may be channeled in the vicinity of the palm. A solenoid may be used to control the gas exiting the cartridge. The compressed gas may be air or a particular gas such as CO2.

[0031] Exemplary temperature regulating mechanisms may be positioned at the palmar side of the glove, the dorsal side of the glove, a wrist portion of the glove, a forearm portion of the glove, or some combination of these. Temperature regulating mechanisms such as TECs may be positioned over the palm; however, in this case the positioning at the lowest region of the palm is desirable so that the fingers may all still be curled, and objects may still be gripped effectively.

[0032] The location of mechanisms like TECs, especially TECs which are inflexible, is significant to not impairing palm dexterity. Direct contact with the palm surface is the most ideal option for heat transfer efficiency but the least ideal for hand movement, especially with larger TECs. One or more TECs may instead be positioned on the dorsal side of the glove, corresponding with the back of the user’s hand, and / or on a wrist or forearm portion of the glove. Thermal routing may thermally connect TECs with an inside of the glove corresponding with the user’s palm in a state of use.

[0033] Several thermal routing options are available for different embodiments. Thermal routing may include one or more of metal mesh (e.g., copper mesh), metal sheeting (e.g., copper sheeting), metal wire (e.g., copper wire), and thermal pads. Thermal routing options, especially metal conduits, may include cladding or other insulation to prevent any significant heat ingress or egress along the thermal pathway(s) except where desired (e.g., at or adjacent to the location of the palm inside the glove and at the TEC). Thermal routing is preferably configured to distribute thermal energy evenly across the palmar surface. Meshes and / or thermal pads which are able to conform to the changing contours of the palm are exemplary for maintaining reliable thermal contact with a large area of the palm.

[0034] Exemplary devices which employ TECs or similar devices may include thermal management components which are active and / or passive. An exemplary device may have means of thermal management which includes one or more of forced convection, water cooling, gel pack, and heat sinks. Exemplary thermal management components are configured to dissipate waste heat. Since a TEC operates on a principle that the energy is transferred from one side of the device to the other, it can output a significant amount of thermal energy which the thermal management element removes from the system.

[0035] An exemplary method of automated palm cooling includes monitoring a palm temperature; monitoring a second temperature associated with a cooling mechanism; and activating the cooling mechanism intermittently based on the temperature gradient between the palm temperature and the second temperature. One or more of (i) active cooling time between successive deactivations of the cooling mechanism and (ii) wait time between successive activations of the cooling mechanism may be determined based on the temperature gradient.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a palmar side of an exemplary glove;

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a dorsal side of the exemplary glove;

[0039] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a side view of the exemplary glove; Figure 4 is exemplary control logic for activation and deactivation of heating and cooling mechanisms;

[0040] Figure 5 is an exemplary block diagram of thermal elements of a further exemplary device;

[0041] Figure 6 is an exemplary fingerless glove body with integrated palmar temperature sensors;

[0042] Figure 7 is a partial depiction of a further exemplary glove; and

[0043] Figure 8 is a partial depiction of a further exemplary glove.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figures 1-3 are block diagrams of an exemplary device 100 such as a glove. The glove 100 includes a palmar (P) side 101 and a dorsal (D) side 102. The glove comprises a covering 103 sized and shaped to cover at least part of a human hand, the covering 103 contributing to the establishment of the palmar side 101 and dorsal side 102. The covering may comprise a textile, non-woven, leather, or some combination thereof. The covering may be one or more of tear resistant, abrasion resistant, UV resistant, and puncture resistant. The covering is desirably deformable and flexible.

[0046] The palmar side 101 comprises at least one sensor 104 configured to continually monitor a temperature at the palmar side. It is advantageous for the sensor 104 to be as close as possible to a user’s palm when the glove 100 is being worn. If one or more materials are interposed between the inner part of the glove (where the user’s palm is during use) and the sensor, it is advantageous in some embodiments that the front inner side of the covering has a thickness no greater than 0.2 cm. The sensor 104 may be in direct contact with the user’s palm. Whether in direct contact with the palm or separated by a small thermally conductive barrier (e.g., one or more layers of thermally conductive fabric such as a metal mesh), the sensor 104 is configured to measure the palm’s skin temperature. For this purpose an area 105 of the covering may omit any covering material. During manufacture, this area 105 may be created by removal of covering material from the palmar side 101. Alternatively the covering may comprise at least a front inner side configured to face a user's palm in a state of use. The palmar side 101 further comprises one or more temperature regulating mechanisms such as a heating mechanism 106 and / or a cooling mechanism 107. The device permits intermittent and automated heating and cooling of the body across the hand’s palmar surface. Activation and deactivation of the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms is performed by circuitry 108. The circuitry 108 is configured to control activation and deactivation of the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms when, for instance, the temperature detected by the sensor 104 passes various predetermined thresholds. The circuitry 108 may include at least a power source 109 and a controller 110. The power source may be one or more batteries on the back of glove that powers the cooling / heating mechanism. The temperature measurements collected by the sensor(s) 104 feed the decision logic which controls whether the glove 100 at any given time is heating, cooling, or neither heating nor cooling. During cooling, once palm temperatures reach a predetermined threshold (e.g., 32°C or lower) the cooling mechanism automatically turns off. Likewise, during heating as palm temperatures reach a predetermined threshold (e.g., 28°C or higher) the heat mechanism automatically turns off.

[0047] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 400 implementable by exemplary gloves according to this disclosure. The logic of process 400 may be programmed into the circuitry of an exemplary glove to automatically control the activation and deactivation of temperature regulating mechanisms of the glove.

[0048] Block 401 is temperature monitoring using one or more temperature sensors. In particular, block 401 checks a user temperature T (e.g., palm temperature) which is obtained using data from one or more temperature sensors incorporated in the glove. The glove is configured to assist in keeping the user temperature in a particular target range as often as possible. The target range may be a thermoneutral zone. As depicted in Figure 4, the target range has a lower temperature limit of Li and an upper temperature limit of L2. So long as the user temperature T reads as falling within the range of Li to L2, the glove sets / maintains all temperature regulating mechanisms as deactivated at block 411.

[0049] If at block 401 the user temperature T reads as being below Li, the circuitry activates the heating mechanism at block 404. The temperature T continues to be monitored, and the heating mechanism may remain activated for so long as the T continues to read below Li. Once T is back within the Li to L2 range, the heating mechanism is deactivated at block 411. If at block 401 the user temperature T reads as being higher than L2, the circuitry activates the cooling mechanism at block 403. As with the heating logic, the temperature T continues to be monitored while the temperature regulating mechanism remains active. Once T is back within the Li to L2 range, the cooling mechanism is deactivated at block 411.

[0050] In contrast to the heating logic depicted on the left hand side of Figure 4, the cooling logic on the right hand side of figure 4 includes a separate loop which implements intermittent cooling. At block 405, the time duration of uninterrupted cooling (Ate) is checked. If Ate exceeds a predetermined threshold, cooling is deactivated at block 407 irrespective of whether the user temperature T has fallen below L2. At block 409 the logic implements a wait duration (Atw) before permitting the cooling mechanism to be reactivated at block 403. The wait duration Atw is significant as it allows the temperature gradient (i.e., thermal gradient) between the inside of the glove (corresponding with the user’s palm) and the cooling mechanism to grow. The temperature gradient cannot grow to nearly the same extent, or in some cases cannot grow at all, if the cooling mechanism simply runs continuously until T is below L2 without consideration for the magnitude of the temperature gradient. After the wait duration Atw prescribed by block 409 has elapsed, the cooling mechanism is reactivated at block 403 provided the temperature T reads as above L2 at block 401. The loop comprising blocks 405, 407, and 409 may cause the glove to continue to cycle the cooling mechanism activation / deactivation so that the glove applies active cooling intermittently to the glove interior and thus the user’s palm within the glove interior.

[0051] The maximum time duration of uninterrupted cooling may be selected according to any of several alternatives. As one option, the max time duration may be a fixed predetermined value based on, e.g., the intended use for a particular glove. For example, for a glove which is configured for intense short-term exercise bouts, the max threshold for Ate may be set to a value in the range of 2.5-3.0 minutes. Some studies have found this duration of cooling period to be particularly advantageous for intense short-term exercise bouts. As an alternative approach, the max value of Ate may be adaptive. The control circuitry determines and updates the maximum Ate as needed based on the real time temperature gradient which is being continuously monitored. A glove may monitor both the palm temperature of the user and a comparator temperature corresponding to part of the cooling mechanism. An exemplary cooling mechanism may comprise, e.g., a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and a thermal routing (e.g., thermal conduit) for transporting heat between the user palm and the TEC. The thermal conduit is particularly helpful if the TEC is arranged on the dorsal side of the glove. The comparator temperature may correspond with the cold side of the TEC or a particular part of the thermal conduit, c.g., a section of metal mesh adjacent to the user palm surface. The maximum time duration Ate may be determined based on the thermal gradient between the palm temperature T and the comparative temperature. The two temperatures may be respectively monitored and if the difference between these elements falls below a predetermined limit during active cooling, deactivation at block 407 occurs.

[0052] The wait duration (Atw) at block 409 of Figure 4 may vary according to different approaches depending on the embodiment. Some approaches are comparable to the approaches for setting the maximum Ate threshold described in the preceding paragraph. As one option, the wait duration Atw between active cooling periods may be a predetermined fixed amount of time, e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, or some other amount of time. This duration may be set by the manufacturer in the programming logic of the glove circuitry or programmable by the user depending on the embodiment. As an alternative implementation, the wait duration Atw may be adaptive, lasting only so long as necessary for a preset temperature gradient between the user (palm) temperature T and the comparator temperature of the cooling mechanism to exceed a predetermined limit. For instance, if Ate and the the triggering of cooling deactivation at block 407 is triggered by the monitored temperature gradient coming within 1 or 2 degrees of one another, the wait duration may be so long as is necessary for the temperature gradient to return to at least 2 or 3 degrees. The particular threshold values for the temperature gradient which trigger deactivation or reactivation of cooling so as to achieve intermittent cooling may vary among different embodiments.

[0053] The values of Li and L2 may vary among different embodiments. In general, 28-32°C is widely considered a desirable thermoneutral temperature range for adults. Thus Li may be set to 28°C, and L2 may be set to 32°C. However, different embodiments may use other values for Li and / or L2. The range Li - L2 may be, for example, 26-36°C. The values of Li and L2 may be selected according to intended context of use for a particular glove being manufactured. For instance, Ei and E2 may be set differently for gloves intended for use in construction industry in hot climates versus gloves intended for use during recreation such as skiing. The values of Ei and L2 may also be selected to differ based on different classes of users. For instances, gloves intended for use by women may be configured to have Ei and E2 values which differ from gloves intended for use by men. Some studies indicate women on average experience colder extremities than do men. Other factors which may be taken into account when setting Li and / or L2 including resting body temperature, body mass index (BMI), weight, height, blood pressure, and others.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments may be configured to exhibit hysteresis so that heating and cooling do not cycle on or off owing to the temperature T fluctuating only slightly above and below either Li or L2. The process 400 of Figure 4 may be adjusted so that the categories of decisions stemming from block 401 exhibit hysteresis. In particular, the Li leading to deactivation block 411 may vary, e.g., by 1-3 degrees, from the Li leading to heating activation block 404. The L2 leading to deactivation block 411 may vary, e.g., by 1-3 degrees, from the L2 leading to cooling block 403. As exemplary but non-limiting example temperature thresholds, the process 400 may be configured with temperature limits of 35°C to turn on cooling and 32°C to turn off cooling, and 28°C to turn on heating and 30°C to turn off heating. It should be appreciated that in this disclosure and in Figure 4, “less than” may be substituted with “less than or equal to”, and “greater than” may be substituted with “greater than or equal to”.

[0055] Deactivation at block 407 may be complete deactivation, which is to say the cooling mechanism is turned off and does not draw any power (no power is delivered to the cooling mechanism). Alternatively, deactivation at block 407 may be partial deactivation, e.g., reduction in power level for the cooling mechanism. In the latter case, a significant feature is that the power level reduction is sufficient to prevent further loss of the temperature gradient between the user palm and the cooling mechanism. Generally, full deactivation of the cooling mechanism is the fastest approach to reestablishing a minimum temperature gradient. However, depending on the embodiment, it may be desirable to simply prevent the temperature gradient from becoming less than a predetermined threshold. Reducing the power level of the cooling mechanism but not necessarily reducing to zero power may be sufficient to achieve this aim in some implementations.

[0056] The process 400 of Figure 4 may be modified to implement intermittent heating. Much like the intermittent cooling subloop of process 400, an exemplary intermittent heating functionality may alternatively deactivate and reactive the heating mechanism even if the user temperature is not yet within the target range of Li to L2.

[0057] Figure 5 is a block diagram of thermal elements for another exemplary glove 500 which employs a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 501 as a cooling mechanism. The exemplary device includes temperature sensors 502, at least one TEC 501 , and a rechargeable battery (not shown). At least one of the sensors 502 and a metal (c.g., copper) mesh 503 arc in contact with the palmar surface in the glove interior 506 when the glove is worn. The other of the sensors 502 may be arranged to monitor a temperature of the cold side of the TEC 501 or else mesh 503 and not the user palm. A thermal barrier may be positioned in this case between such sensor 502 and glove interior 506. The mesh 502 transfers energy between the cold side of the TEC 501 and the palm. A thermal pad (not shown) may be used to transfer energy between the TECs and the mesh or be used in place of the mesh. Heat routing 504, for example another thermal pad, is used to transfer waste energy to a thermal reservoir 505 to ensure the TECs are operating at maximum efficiency. The thermal reservoir 505 may include one or more heat storage elements such as a gel pack and / or metal heat sink which may further include heat dissipative elements such as fins. Insulative material 507 may be included to thermally isolate the sensors 502, metal mesh 503, and glove interior 506 from undesired heat transfer from the hot side of the TEC 501, the heat routing 504, and the thermal reservoir 505.

[0058] Figure 6 is a further exemplary glove 600. The glove 600 includes a covering 601 sized and shaped to cover at least part of a human hand. In this example, the glove 600 is fingerless to improve dexterity and tactile experience of user fingertips. The covering includes tubes 602, 603, 604, 605, and 606 for respective ones of the user’s fingers. Opposite the finger tubes, the covering includes a wrist tube 607. The wrist tube may be size to extend over the user’s forearm in some implementations. A palmar region 608 of the covering 601 secures one or more sensors 609 configured to continually monitor a temperature at the palmar side. In the case of multiple sensors 609, the readings of respective sensors may be combined, e.g., averaged, to obtain a single palm temperature reading for use in circuitry logic such as process 400 (Figure 4). The region 608 includes a thermal conduit such as a thermally conductive mesh (e.g., a copper mesh) for heat transport between the user’s palm and a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or other cooling mechanism which may be positioned, e.g., on the dorsal side of the glove (not depicted in Figure 6).

[0059] Figures 7-8 show additional embodiments of exemplary gloves from the dorsal side with the glove covering omitted from illustration to improve visibility of other elements. In Figure 7, a TEC is arranged to the dorsal side of the user’s hand. A thermal conduit 702 wraps around from the dorsal side to the palmar side of the device, creating a thermal transfer path between the user’s palm and the cold side of the TEC. Power and control circuitry may be positioned on a wrist portion of the device (not shown). Figure 8 shows an additional clement of a heat sink 703 provided to assist in dissipating the heat generated at the hot side of the TEC.

[0060] Alternative embodiments according to this disclosure may include gloves which provide only heating functionality, only cooling functionality, or both heating and cooling functionality.

[0061] Exemplary devices are useful in a wide variety of markets. Users who would benefit include everyone who exercises or is exposed to ambient temperatures that are either too high or low, as humans are unaware of when, and to what extent, they are out of thermal balance, which adversely impacts their health and performance. As an imbalance occurs many exhibit a sense of hubris, as humans are slow to recognize, or are completely unaware, of the importance thermal balance factors like excess body heat accrual or hydration status have on their health. Thus, they unknowingly ignore and misjudge their own thermal balance, which raises their risk of hyper- or hypothermia, potentially to dangerous levels. Gloved users will have their thermal balance automatically maintained to limit their risk of hyper- and hypothermia.

[0062] An exemplary glove may have fabric across its palmar surface removed and replaced by a small sensor that continually monitors skin temperature. As temperatures get either too high (e.g., 35° C or more) or low (e.g., 25° C or less) a battery powered temperature regulating mechanism, which may also lie against the palm of the hand, is activated and initiates conductive heat transfer. A small battery on the glove’s back powers the cooling / heating mechanism. During cooling, once palm temperatures reach 32° C, the cooling mechanism automatically turns off. Likewise, during heating as palm temperatures reach 28° C the heat mechanism automatically turns off. The sensor-based glove aids those for whom thermal balance is a challenge to achieve. They include persons as they exercise or are exposed to hot or cold environments. Potential users also include multiple sclerosis patients, as they are encouraged to exercise despite their impaired ability to remove excess body heat. Resulting from exercise, multiple sclerosis patients have a heightened sensitivity to heat that adversely effects action potential propagation. Sadly, postoperative hyperthermia has also been cited as the cause of multiple organ failure in a patient with Down syndrome. The proposed glove will limit the risk of hyperthermia as persons exercise or are exposed to warm environments. Likewise, the glove limits the risk of hypothermia in persons exposed to the cold. Since the gloves can cool or warm the palm of the hand, they are better than other technology to help meet an unmet clinical need. The circuitry may include, for example, one or more resistive heating devices sized to fit on / in a glove. The circuitry may include, for example, one or more small fans which move air to accelerate heat transfer.

[0063] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0064] Some embodiments of the present invention may be a system, a device, a method, and / or a computer program product. A system, device, or computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention, e.g., processes or parts of processes or a combination of processes described herein.

[0065] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. Processes described herein, or steps thereof, may be embodied in computer readable program instructions which may be paired with or downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0066] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0067] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions and in various combinations.

[0068] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to one or more processors of one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatuses to produce a machine or system, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor(s) of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the function s / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0069] The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0070] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0071] Where a range of values is provided in this disclosure, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

[0072] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.”

[0073] As will be apparent to those of skill in the ail upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0074] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, one skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A glove, comprising a covering sized and shaped to cover at least pail of a human hand, the covering having a palmar side and a dorsal side; one or more sensors configured to continually monitor a temperature at the palmar side; one or more temperature regulating mechanisms; and circuitry configured to control activation and deactivation of the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms when the temperature detected by the one or more sensors passes one or more predetermined thresholds, wherein the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms comprise a cooling mechanism for cooling a user’s palm, wherein the circuitry is configured to cycle activation and deactivation of the cooling mechanism to achieve automated intermittent cooling.

2. The glove of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional sensor for monitoring a temperature associated with the cooling mechanism.

3. The glove of claim 1, wherein one or more of (i) active cooling time between successive deactivations of the cooling mechanism and (ii) wait time between successive activations of the cooling mechanism are determined based on a temperature gradient.

4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a controller and a power source.

5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the one or more temperature regulating mechanisms further comprise a heating mechanism for heating a user’s palm.

6. The glove of claim 5, wherein the heating mechanism comprises one or more resistive elements.

7. The glove of claim 5, wherein the circuitry is configured to activate the heating mechanism when the temperature is 25 °C or below.

8. The glove of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to activate the cooling mechanism when the temperature is 35°C or more.

9. The glove of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a power source positioned on the dorsal side of the covering.

10. The glove of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to contact a user’s palm in a state of use.

11. The glove of claim 1, further comprising one or more thermal management components for dissipating waste heat.

12. The glove of claim 1, wherein the cooling mechanism is a thermoelectric cooler (TEC).

13. A method of automated palm cooling, comprising monitoring a palm temperature; monitoring a second temperature associated with a cooling mechanism; and activating the cooling mechanism intermittently based on the temperature gradient between the palm temperature and the second temperature.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein one or more of (i) active cooling time between successive deactivations of the cooling mechanism and (ii) wait time between successive activations of the cooling mechanism are determined based on the temperature gradient.

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