Systems and methods for controlling and regulating a temperature of an article of furniture

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture. In some embodiments, the systems and methods utilize a fluid (e.g., a liquid) and one or more temperature regulators of the fluid to regulate the temperature of a portion of the article of furniture.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AND REGULATING A TEMPERATURE OF AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURECROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63 / 557,265, filed February 23, 2024, U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63 / 557,260, filed February 23, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63 / 644,448, filed May 8, 2024, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Temperature of a fluid may need to be regulated for various reasons. For example, regulating a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed) via directing temperature- regulated fluid within and / or adjacent to the article of furniture can help improve a quality of a person’s activity on the furniture (e.g., sleeping on the bed). For example, fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) can be directed to flow within the article of furniture. Temperature of the fluid can be modulated to effect regulation of temperature of the article of furniture, to effect improvement of the person’s quality of sleep.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes technologies relating to regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and more specifically the present disclosure describes using a fluid (e.g., a liquid or gas) and one or more temperature regulators of the fluid to regulate the temperature of a portion of the article of furniture.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the upstream channel; a plurality of sub-channels, comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, wherein the plurality of sub-channels includes a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is configured to regulate a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first subchannel, and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second subchannel; and a downstream channel coupled to a second end of the plurality of sub-channels viaa merging valve, wherein the downstream channel is configured to (i) receive the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and the second portion of the fluid from the second subchannel to generate a mixed fluid, and (ii) direct flow of the mixed fluid towards at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a processor configured to direct operation of the dividing valve and / or the merging valve to control a volume ratio of the first portion of the fluid and the second portion of the fluid in the mixed fluid, such that a temperature of the mixed fluid is sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the processor directs operation of the dividing valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second subchannel. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the processor directs the operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a sensor coupled to the downstream channel and configured to detect the temperature of the mixed fluid. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an article channel disposed adjacent to or in at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the upstream channel comprises a pump configured to control the flow of the fluid through the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the first sub-channel comprises a thermal reservoir for holding a temperature-controlled fluid supply, wherein the first temperature regulator is coupled to the thermal reservoir for maintaining the temperature-controlled fluid supply at a target temperature. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the first sub-channel is configured to (i) receive the first portion of the fluid from the upstream channel and (ii) direct the flow of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled fluid supply to the downstream channel. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that the first temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit, and the second temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a reservoir for holding a source of the fluid, wherein the reservoir is coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve. In someembodiments, the system is configured such that the reservoir is disposed upstream of the dividing valve, and the plurality of sub-channels is disposed downstream of the dividing valve.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) directing a fluid through an upstream channel; (b) directing the fluid to flow from the upstream channel towards a plurality of sub-channels comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, wherein the plurality of sub-channels includes a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is for regulating a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first sub-channel, and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is for regulating a temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second sub-channel; (c) generating, in a downstream channel, a mixed fluid comprising the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and the second portion of the fluid from the second sub-channel, wherein the downstream channel is coupled to a second end of the plurality of sub-channels via a merging valve; and (d) directing the mixed fluid to flow towards at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises directing the operation of the dividing valve and / or the merging valve to control a volume ratio of the first portion of the fluid and the second portion of the fluid in the mixed fluid, such that a temperature of the mixed fluid is sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the method comprises directing the operation of the dividing valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second sub-channel. In some embodiments, the method comprises directing the operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting, via a sensor coupled to the downstream channel, the temperature of the mixed fluid. In some embodiments, an article channel is disposed adjacent to or in at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel. In some embodiments, theupstream channel comprises a pump configured to control the flow of the fluid through the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the first sub-channel comprises a thermal reservoir for holding a temperature-controlled fluid supply, wherein the first temperature regulator is coupled to the thermal reservoir for maintaining the temperature-controlled fluid supply at a target temperature. In some embodiments, the method comprises (i) receiving the first portion of the fluid from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) directing the flow of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled fluid supply from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel. In some embodiments, the first temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit, and the second temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the fluid to the upstream channel from a source of the fluid contained in a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve. In some embodiments, the reservoir is disposed upstream of the dividing valve, and the plurality of sub-channels is disposed downstream of the dividing valve.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) directing, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, a temperature regulator coupled to a thermal energy storage unit to regulate the temperature of a material in the thermal energy storage to a target temperature; (b) directing, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, a dividing valve to direct the flow of a portion of a fluid from a portion of an upstream channel to a side channel, wherein the portion of the upstream channel and the side channel are coupled to one another via the dividing valve, and wherein the side channel is disposed adjacent to the thermal energy storage unit to effect a heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the material, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the fluid; and (c) directing at least the portion of the fluid that is temperature-regulated from the side channel to flow towards at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the material comprises a phase change material. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the material comprises water or a derivative thereof. In someembodiments, the method is configured such that the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that a first end of the side channel is coupled to the portion of the upstream channel via the dividing valve, and a second end of the side channel is coupled to an additional portion of the upstream channel via a merging valve, to direct the portion of the fluid back to the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the method comprises regulating, via an additional temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel, the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the method comprises decreasing, via the temperature regulator, the temperature of the material to the target temperature, and increasing, via the additional temperature regulator, the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid. In some embodiments, the method is configured such that the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and the method comprises regulating, at the additional time and via the temperature regulator, the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising a thermal energy storage unit configured to hold a material; a temperature regulator coupled to the thermal energy storage unit and configured to regulate the temperature of the material to a target temperature; an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the channel; a side channel coupled to a portion of the upstream channel via a dividing valve and configured to direct a portion of the fluid through the side channel, wherein the side channel is disposed adjacent to the thermal energy storage unit to effect a heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the material, thereby permitting temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid; a downstream channel in fluid communication with the side channel and configured to direct at least the portion of the fluid that is temperature-regulated from the side channel towards at least the portion of the article of furniture; and a computer processor operatively coupled to thetemperature regulator, programmed to (a) direct, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature, and (b) direct, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, the dividing valve to direct the flow of the portion of the fluid from the upstream channel to the side channel to effect the heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the temperature-controlled material. In some embodiments, the computer processor is not programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature. In some embodiments, the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time. In some embodiments, the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m. In some embodiments, the material comprises a phase change material. In some embodiments, the material comprises water or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters. In some embodiments, a first end of the side channel is coupled to the portion of the upstream channel via the dividing valve, and a second end of the side channel is coupled to an additional portion of the upstream channel via a merging valve to direct the portion of the fluid back to the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an additional temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel and configured to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel. In some embodiments, the temperature regulator is configured to decrease the temperature of the material to the target temperature, and the additional temperature regulator is configured to increase the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid. In some embodiments, the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate the temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and the computer processor is programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, wherein the method comprisesdirecting a working fluid to flow from a reservoir to an upstream channel, such that a reserve fluid remains in the reservoir, wherein a portion of the upstream channel is disposed adjacent to the reservoir to effect a heat transfer between the working fluid in the portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir, without physical contact between the working fluid and the reserve fluid; regulating, via at least one temperature regulator coupled to the reservoir, the temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to a target temperature at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user; regulating, via the at least one temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel, the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or an additional portion of the upstream channel to an additional target temperature at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user; and directing the working fluid to flow from the upstream channel towards at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is not sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is not utilized to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid at the additional time. In some embodiments, the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time. In some embodiments, the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m. In some embodiments, each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than the target temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. Insome embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve to substantially prevent the flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, and the method comprises controlling the operation of the valve to direct or prevent the flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel. In some embodiments, the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising a reservoir for holding a source of a fluid comprising a working fluid and a reserve fluid; an upstream channel coupled to the reservoir and configured to receive the working fluid from the reservoir and direct the working fluid to flow through the upstream channel, wherein a portion of the upstream channel is disposed adjacent to the reservoir to effect a heat transfer between the working fluid in the portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir, without physical contact between the working fluid and the reserve fluid; at least one temperature regulator, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is coupled to the reservoir and configured to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to a target temperature; and wherein the at least one temperature regulator is coupled to the upstream channel and configured to regulate the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or an additional portion of the upstream channel to an additional target temperature; a downstream channel in fluid communication with the upstream channel and configured to direct the working fluid to flow from the upstream channel towards at least the portion of the article of furniture; and a computer processor operatively coupled to the at least one temperature regulator, programmed to (a) direct, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, the at least one temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to the target temperature; and (b) direct, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, the at least one temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or the additional portion of the upstream channel to the additional target temperature. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is notsufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the reserve fluid to the target temperature. In some embodiments, the time is during daytime, and the additional time is during night time. In some embodiments, the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m. In some embodiments, each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the additional target temperature is greater than the target temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit. In some embodiments, the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve configured to substantially prevent the flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, wherein the computer processor is programmed to control the operation of the valve to direct or prevent the flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel. In some embodiments, the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for circulating atemperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the system comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature-controlled fluid; a condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid flow path; and a computer processor programmed to change the operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises a liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path is substantially sealed from ambient air. In some embodiments, the condensation sensor is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the operation of the fluid flow path comprises the operation of the temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid based on a target temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture, and the computer processor is programmed to change the target temperature based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the computer processor is programmed to change a minimum threshold value of the target temperature based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the computer processor is programmed to determine the target temperature based on a biological signal of the user measured while the user is using the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and a different condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the different fluid flow path, wherein the computer processor is programmed to change the operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor. In some embodiments, the computer processor is programmed to independently change the operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the computer processor is programmed to change the operation of the different temperature regulator based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a temperature sensor, wherein the computer processor is programmed to determine when condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on temperature sensing data measured by the temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the system comprises (i) a housing enclosing at least a portion of the fluid flowpath and (ii) a fluid sensor disposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing to detect a sensor signal indicative of fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir for detecting the amount of fluid in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system further comprises an additional reservoir in fluid communication with the reservoir via a valve, wherein the additional reservoir is for holding a source of the fluid.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature-controlled fluid; and (b) changing the operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises a liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path is substantially sealed from ambient air. In some embodiments, the condensation sensor is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the operation of the fluid flow path comprises the operation of the temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the operation of the temperature regulator is based on a target temperature of at least the portion of the article of furniture, and changing the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing the target temperature based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, changing the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing a minimum threshold value of the target temperature based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining the target temperature based on a biological signal of the user measured while the user is using the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and changing the operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises independently changing the operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the operation of the different fluid flow path comprises the operation of the different temperature regulator. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises determining when the condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on temperature sensing data measured by a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid flow path is enclosed within a housing, and the method further comprises detecting, via a fluid sensor disposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing, a sensor signal indicative of fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface. In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting an amount of the fluid in the reservoir via a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the system comprising a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture for directing the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid throughout at least the portion of the article of furniture; a valve comprising (i) a first orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a second orifice in fluid communication with the ambient environment of the fluid flow path; a fluid sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a fluid in the valve; and a computer processor programmed to direct the valve to close or open fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice based on the detected presence or absence of the fluid. In some embodiments, the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the computer processor is programmed to (i) open the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in at least a portion of the fluid flow path and / or (ii) close the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in at least a portion of the fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path further comprises a pump for directing the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards at least a portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid flow path is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a reservoir for holding a source of the fluid and in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path via a gravity valve, wherein the gravity valve is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed downstream of the gravity valve. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid flow path comprises a priming reservoir for receiving at least a portion of thesource of the fluid from the reservoir via the gravity valve. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path further comprises a temperature regulator for generating the temperature-controlled fluid.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) detecting the presence or absence of a fluid in a valve disposed along a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid flow path is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture for directing the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid throughout at least the portion of the article of furniture, and wherein the valve comprises (i) a first orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a second orifice in fluid communication with the ambient environment of the fluid flow path; and (b) closing or opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice of the valve based on the detected presence or absence of the fluid. In some embodiments, the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the method further comprises (c) opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in the valve and / or (d) closing the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in the valve. In some embodiments, the method further comprises directing, via a pump, the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards at least a portion of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid flow path is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, the method further comprises directing, via a gravity valve, the flow of at least a portion of a source of fluid from a reservoir for holding the source of the fluid towards at least a portion of the fluid flow path, wherein the gravity valve is disposed upstream of the pump, at a vertical position above the pump, or both. In some embodiments, the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed downstream of the gravity valve. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid flow path comprises a priming reservoir for receiving at least a portion of the source of fluid from the reservoir via the gravity valve. In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating the temperature-controlled fluid via a temperature controller disposed along the fluid flow path.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein onlyillustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0015] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a bed device, according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of layers comprising a bed pad device, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a system capable of automating the control of the home appliances, according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of adjusting a temperature of a bed.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a block diagram for adjusting a temperature of a bed.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a block diagram for adjusting current provided to thermoelectric elements for adjusting a temperature of a bed.

[0025] FIGs. 9A-9D illustrate examples of a system for regulating a temperature of aportion of an article of furniture.

[0026] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a system for regulating temperatures of a plurality of portions of an article of furniture.

[0027] FIGs. 11 and 12 illustrate examples of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.

[0028] FIGs. 13 and 14 illustrate different examples of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture.

[0029] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a channel loop for controlling a temperature of an article of furniture.

[0030] FIG. 16 shows a computer system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods provided herein.

[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates an example fluid channel system comprising a thermal energy storage unit as provided herein.

[0032] FIGs. 18-20 illustrate a dual-section system configuration for fluid circulation and cooling using thermoelectric coolers (TECs), according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a dual-section system configuration for fluid circulation and sensors localization.

[0034] FIGs. 22-25 illustrate a system configuration with dual or multi sets for fluid circulation and temperature control, according to various embodiments.

[0035] FIGs. 26 and 27 illustrate a 3D representation of a hub and its components.

[0036] FIG. 28 illustrates a control application on a smart device for monitoring and managing the functions of the system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0038] Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than orequal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

[0039] Whenever the term “at most,” “up to,” “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

[0040] The terms “furniture,” “article of furniture,” or “piece of furniture,” as used interchangeably herein, generally can refer to a bed, a pillow, crib, bassinet, chair, seat, loveseat, sofa, couch, head rest, stool, ottoman, bench, or any panel intended to be covered with a fabric. The article of furniture can be intended for use in a home, an office, a medical facility (e.g., a hospital), or on a vehicle of transportation such as a car, truck, boat, bus, train or the like. The article of furniture can be intended for use for at least one person (and / or at least one animal, such as a pet). The article of furniture can be intended for use for at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more persons. The article of furniture can be intended for use for at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 person. In an example, the article of furniture may be a bed, and the bed may comprise a plurality of sizes comprising single, single extra-long, double, queen, king, super king, etc. In another example, the article of furniture may be an infant warmer (i.e., a babytherm) to provide heat at one or more temperatures to an infant.

[0041] The terms “bed” or “bed device,” as used interchangeably herein, may be an article of furniture used for sleep or rest. The bed may comprise a mattress, a mattress pad, a pillow, and / or a covering thereof (e.g., a blanket). One or more users may sleep or rest on and / or adjacent to a surface of the bed device. The surface may be a top surface of the bed device. The top surface of the bed device may be flat or textured. The bed device may be a mattress. The bed device may be a mattress pad that covers at least a portion of a surface of a mattress or at least a surface of the mattress. The bed device may be a pillow. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user(s) may sleep under a surface of the bed device. The surface may be one or more surfaces of a covering, such as, for example, a blanket. The blanket may be disposed on top of at least a part of the user(s). The bed device may be the blanket.

[0042] The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep (e.g., assist the user(s) to fall asleep faster) on the bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at least about 0.1 hour faster as compared to sleeping on a different bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, or more hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed.The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to fall asleep for at most about 2, 1.5, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or less hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep longer (e.g., for a nondetermined period of time or a predetermined period of time) on the bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assistant the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 0.5 hour as compared to sleeping on a different bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 1,5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, or more hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed. The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user(s) to stay asleep for at least about 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, or less hours as compared to sleeping on a different bed. The bed may shorten or extend a sleep phase of the user(s) while sleeping or resting on the bed. The bed may assist the user(s) to enter or exit a sleep phase while awake, sleeping, or resting on the bed. The bed may improve quality of sleep of the user(s).

[0043] The bed of the present disclosure may assist the user to wake up from sleeping. The bed of the present disclosure may use one or more alarm mechanisms to wake up the user from sleeping. The alarm mechanism(s) may include a personal device (e.g., a mobile device, a computer, a digital alarm clock, etc.) or the bed itself (e.g., mattress, bed sheet, blanket, pillow, mattress frame, etc.). In some cases, the bed may regulate (or adjust) one or more settings of the bed. Such setting(s) of the bed may comprise temperature, position relative to a rest position of the bed, movement (e.g., vibration, translation, rotation, etc.). In an example, the bed may be capable of increasing and / or decreasing a temperature of a portion of the bed (e.g., a portion of a surface of the bed) to wake up the user that is sleeping on the portion of the bed. Such bed may be referred to as a thermal alarm. In some cases, the bed may be configured to wake up the user at a predetermined wake-up time that is input by the user prior to sleeping. In some cases, the bed may not receive data indicative of a predetermined wake-up time from the user. In some cases, the bed may be configured to automatically determine a wake-up time (e.g., an optimal wake-up time) to wake up the user based at least in part on one or more detected biological signals of the user of the bed. The bed may be able to use one or more sensors to detect a movement, presence, and / or absence of the user of the bed, thereby to determine whether the user is awake and / or out of the bed. Additionally, the bed may be configured to automatically diminish and / or turn off the alarm mechanism(s) when it is determined, at least in part by the one or more sensors, that the user is awake and / or out of the bed.

[0044] A temperature of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed device, such as the mattress,the mattress pad, pillow, or the blanket) may be controlled (e.g., increasing, decreasing, or maintaining the temperature of the bed). A temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture may be controlled. The temperature of the article of furniture may be adjustable or maintained prior to, during, or subsequent to a use (e.g., sleeping or resting for a period of time) by the user(s). In an example, the bed may be pre-warmed (e.g., automatically or per user preference) prior to the use by the user(s). In some cases, temperatures or two or more portions of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed) may be controlled separately or in sync.

[0045] The article of furniture (e.g., the bed) may use one or more sensors and / or one or more computer systems to detect sensing data (e.g., one or more biological signals) associated with the user. For example, the sensing data can be utilized to estimate or determine a condition of state of the user prior to, during, or subsequent to using the article of furniture (e.g., determine sleep phase, sleep pattern, disease, disorder, etc. of the user). The sensor(s) may or may not be a part of the article of furniture. The sensor(s) may be part of the article of furniture. The sensor(s) may be a part of a space (e.g., room) surrounding the article of furniture. The sensor(s) may be worn by the user(s). Non-limiting examples of a sensor can include a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, etc. The sensing data can be utilized (e.g., analyzed), at least in part, to determine how to regulate temperature of the article of furniture prior to, during, and subsequent to the user’s use of the article of furniture. In some cases, the sensor(s) may be used to detect a property (e.g., temperature, movement, etc.) of the article of furniture or such property of an environment surrounding the article of furniture.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sensor(s) of the article of furniture can be disposed within a portion of the article of furniture that corresponds to a target bodily portion of the user, such as head, arms, legs, torso, upper body, lower body, etc.

[0047] A disorder of a user can be a sleep disorder. Non-limiting examples of the sleep disorder may include dyssomnias, such as insomnia, primary hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia, posttraumatic hypersomnia, menstrual-related hypersomnia), sleep disordered breathing (e.g., sleep apnea, snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome), circadian rhythm sleep disorders (e.g., delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder), parasomnias (e.g., bedwetting, bruxism, catathrenia, exploding head syndrome, sleep terror, REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep talking), jet lag, restless legs syndrome, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the article of furniture can be a bed (e.g., a mattress or a mattress cover), and the temperature of the bed can be controlled (e.g., based at least in part onthe sensing data) to assist the user(s) to fall asleep, assist the user to wake up from sleeping, promote enhanced sleep quality, treat or ameliorate the disorder of the user while sleeping, etc.

[0049] The terms “biological signal” and “bio signal” can be used interchangeably. Examples of the biological signal can include a heart signal (e.g., heart rate or sound), a respiration (breathing) signal (e.g., respiration rate or sound), a motion, a temperature, a movement, perspiration, sound, neural activity, etc. The article of furniture (e.g., the bed) may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of the user(s). The article of furniture may be capable of adjusting a property of the article of furniture (e.g., temperature or movement of the article of furniture, such as vibration, geometric configuration, etc.) to control (e.g., increase, decrease, or maintain) the biological signal(s) of the user(s) of the article of furniture.

[0050] The term “sleep phase,” as used herein, can refer to a light sleep, deep sleep, or rapid eye movement ("REM") sleep. There can be two major stages of sleep: a non-REM sleep and a REM sleep. A person can experience a non-REM sleep first, followed by a shorter period of REM sleep. In some cases, the person can experience a continued cycle of the non-REM sleep and the REM sleep. There may be three stages of non-REM sleep. Each stage can last from 5 to 15 minutes. The person can go through all three stages before reaching REM sleep. In stage one, the person's eyes may be closed, but the person may be easily woken up. This stage may last for 5 to 10 minutes. This stage may be considered as a light sleep. In stage two, the person may be in light sleep. The person's heart rate may slow, and the person's body temperature may drop. The person's body may be getting ready for deep sleep. This stage may also be considered as a light sleep. Stage three may be a deep sleep stage. The person may be harder to rouse during this stage, and if the person was woken up, the person would feel disoriented for a few minutes. During the deep stage of the non-REM sleep, the body may repair and regrow tissues, build bone and muscle, and strengthen the immune system. The REM sleep can happen 90 minutes after a person falls asleep. In some cases, the person may have dreams during the REM sleep. An initial period of the REM sleep may typically last 10 minutes. Any latter period of the REM sleep may get longer, and the final period of the REM sleep may last up to about an hour. The person's heart rate and respiration may quicken during the REM sleep (e.g., during the final period of the REM sleep). The person may have intense dreams during the REM sleep, since the brain is more active. The REM sleep may affect learning of certain mental skills.

[0051] A “sleep pattern”, as used herein, can indicate a recurrence or change in (i) one or more biological signals and / or (i) one or more sleep phases of the user of the bed. The sleep pattern may be described over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 hour, 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, 4 hour, 5hour, 6 hour, etc.), along with a count of the biological signal(s) or the sleep phase(s). The sleep pattern may comprise a preferred setting of the biological signal(s) or sleep phase(s) of the user. The preferred setting of the biological signal(s) may comprise a type of the biological signal(s), along with a preferred value or range of values of the biological signal(s) (e.g., a preferred body temperature or range of body temperature of the user). The preferred setting of the sleep phase(s) may comprise a type of the sleep phase(s), along with a preferred value or range of values of the sleep phase(s).

[0052] The term “module” refers broadly to software, hardware, or firmware components (or any combination thereof). Modules are typically functional components that can generate useful data or another output using specified input(s). A module may or may not be self-contained. An application program (also called an "application") may include one or more modules, or a module may include one or more application programs.

[0053] The term “on top of’ can mean that the two objects, where the first object is “on top of’ the second object, can be rotated so that the first object is above the second object relative to the ground. The two objects can be in direct or indirect contact or may not be in contact at all.

[0054] The term “channel”, as used herein, can mean a structure that is capable of being a medium for allowing a fluid to flow within and along an inner volume of the channel, e.g., to flow between at least two locations. Non-limiting examples of a channel can include a pipe, a hose, a tube, a duct, etc. A channel can be transparent, semi-transparent, or non-transparent. A channel can be flexible or substantially rigid. A channel can be made of a polymer (e.g., plastic) or ceramic material (e.g., glass). The terms “channel” and “flow channel” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0055] In some embodiments, a channel can comprise or can be fluidically coupled to one or more pumps (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 pump(s), or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 pump(s)). A channel can comprise an opening that is fluidically coupled to one or more pumps. A pump can be configured to control flow rate (e.g., maintain, decrease, increase, etc.) of a fluid along the channel or control direction of flow of a fluid along the channel. For example, a pump can receive the fluid at a first flow rate from an opening of the channel, and subsequently send the fluid at a second and different flow rate into an additional opening of the channel. A pump can be configured to operate via one or more energy sources, e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc. Non-limiting examples of a pump can include a positive displacement pump, gear pump, screw pump, progressing cavity pump, roots-type pump, peristaltic pump, plunger pump, compressed-air-powered double-diaphragmpump, hydraulic pump, velocity pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, eductor jet pump, gravity pump, steam pump, valveless pump, etc.

[0056] In some embodiments, a channel can comprise or can be fluidically coupled to one or more valves (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 valve(s), or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 valve(s)). A channel can comprise an opening that is fluidically coupled to one or more valves. A valve can be configured to control passage of the fluid through, in, and / or out of the channel. In some cases, an inlet valve can control passage (e.g., permit or block entry) of a fluid from one channel (e.g., that is connected to a reservoir of the fluid) into another channel. In some cases, an outlet valve can control passage (e.g., permit or block exit) of a fluid from one channel to another channel (e.g., that is connected to a temperature regulator). In some cases, a valve can be disposed at a position along a length of a channel, thereby to control passage of the fluid from one side of the channel to the other side of the channel. In some cases, a valve can be disposed at a junction (e.g., Y-junction) to (i) control combination of fluids from two different channels into a single channel or (ii) control splitting of a fluid from a single channel into two different channels. In some cases, the valve may be a one-way valve, two-way valve, three-way valve, or four-way valve. Non-limiting examples of a valve can include a check valve, clack valve, nonreturn valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve. For example, the valve can be a gravitational valve configured to use a force of gravity to draw the fluid away from a reservoir of the fluid (e.g., out of the reservoir) and towards the channel or a component thereof (e.g., a pump, a temperature regulator, etc.).

[0057] In some embodiments, a junction (e.g., a dividing junction) comprising a valve (e.g., a dividing valve) can be coupled to an upstream channel and a plurality of sub-channels, to receive a fluid from the upstream channel and direct at least a portion of the fluid to one or more of the pluralities of sub-channels. In some cases, the plurality of sub-channels may be merged at an additional junction (e.g., a merge junction). In such cases, the dividing junction and / or the merge junction may be referred to as a mixing valve.

[0058] Fluid channel systems and methods thereof

[0059] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems (e.g., fluid channel systems) for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a channel for carrying fluid and permitting flow of the fluid along the channel. At least a portion of the channel (e.g., an article channel) is disposed adjacent to (e.g., above, underneath, within, etc.) at least a portion of thearticle of furniture, such that temperature regulated fluid flowing along the at least the portion of the channel can regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture such as a bed device. In some cases, the system can comprise a plurality of article channels (e.g., at least or at most about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 article channels), each article channel of the plurality of article channels configured to independently direct flow of temperature regulated fluid to different portions of the article of furniture. The different portions can correspond to different sides (e.g., left side and right side) of the article of furniture. The different portions can correspond to different respective parts of a user’s body (e.g., head, neck, torso, upper extremities, lower extremities, or a combination thereof).

[0061] In some embodiments, the article channel can comprise a plurality of sub-channels that is disposed adjacent to the at least the portion of the article of furniture, as described herein. A portion an article channel can be split into the plurality of sub-channels via a first junction, and the plurality of sub-channels can merge into an additional portion of the article channel via a second junction.

[0062] In some embodiments, the channel can comprise a loop channel configured to circulate fluid throughout the loop channel over a plurality of cycles. The loop channel can comprise (i) a first portion comprising the article channel and (ii) a second portion that is part the article channel (e.g., a fluid control channel). The loop channel can be configured such that the fluid control channel directs temperature controlled fluid to the article channel to control temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture, and the fluid that has flown through the article channel (e.g., used fluid) can flow from the article channel back to the fluid control channel such that the fluid control channel or one or more components thereof can monitor (e.g., via one or more sensors) the temperature of the used fluid and adjust temperature of the used fluid to a desired temperature (e.g., via one or more temperature regulators) before sending the temperature regulated fluid back to the first portion (e.g., via one or more pumps, valves, etc.). The loop channel comprising the article channel and the fluid control channel can be a substantially closed-loop channel. For example, the closed-loop channel can comprise one or more openings (e.g., via one or more valves) to control (e.g., block or permit) flow of a fluid in and / or out of the closed-loop channel.

[0063] In some embodiments, the loop channel can be configured to permit flow of the fluid to circulate (e.g., continuously circulate) throughout the loop channel, e.g., flowing through the article channel, subsequently through the fluid control channel, subsequently through the article channel, subsequently through the fluid control channel, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the reservoir(s) as provided herein can be coupled to or in fluid communication with the fluid control channel (e.g., directly or via one or more valves). In some embodiments, the reservoir(s) as provided herein may not and need not be directly coupled to or in fluid communication with the article channel. For example, a fluid drawn from a reservoir (e.g., whether fluid controlled or not) may need to enter and flow through the fluid control channel prior to entering and flowing through the article channel. Alternatively, the reservoir(s) as provided herein may not be coupled to or in fluid communication with the article channel.

[0065] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a reservoir (e.g., a single reservoir or a plurality of reservoirs) configured to hold the fluid. The reservoir can be in fluid communication with one or more channels (e.g., at least a portion of the loop channel, such as the fluid control channel) as provided herein, e.g., via a valve and / or a pump. In some cases, a reservoir may not be coupled to or may not comprise a temperature regulator (e.g., a temperature heating unit and / or a temperature cooling unit), such that a fluid contained within such reservoir is not temperature regulated. In some cases, a reservoir can be coupled to or can comprise at least a portion of a temperature regulator to regulate temperature of a fluid contained within such reservoir. For example, a reservoir can contain (i) a fluid and (ii) at least a portion of a cooler or a heater, to cool or heat the temperature of the fluid contained within the reservoir.

[0066] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a plurality of reservoirs each configured to hold the fluid. The plurality of reservoirs can be in fluid communication with one another directly or indirectly (e.g., via at least a portion of the channel, at least one valve, and / or at least one pump). The plurality of reservoirs may not be directly coupled to each other.Alternatively, the plurality of reservoirs may be directly coupled to each other. The plurality of reservoirs can serve the same function. The plurality of reservoirs can serve different functions.

[0067] In some embodiments, a reservoir as provided herein can be utilized as a main source of the fluid for the system of the present disclosure. For example, the reservoir can be accessible to a user (e.g., via an opening, via having a removable container), such that the user can provide or refill the fluid to the system (e.g., fill or refill liquid such as water to the system). Fluid can be directed from the reservoir and into the channel, e.g., to fill at least a portion of the loop channel with the fluid above a threshold amount (e.g., as determined by a sensor configured to determine an amount of fluid circulating throughout the channel of the system). In some cases, when a portion of the fluid is drawn away from the reservoir and into the channel, a total amount of the fluid in the reservoir is decreased by the amount of the portion that has been drawn out,until the reservoir is refilled with new fluid, e.g., by the user. Thus, such reservoir can be referred to as a refillable reservoir. Such refillable reservoir may not and need not be configured to self-maintain a level (or amount of) fluid contained or stored in it. In some cases, such reservoir may not be coupled to or may not comprise a temperature regulator. In some cases, such reservoir may not be configured to receive water that has flown through at least a portion of the channel (e.g., used water), such that the only permitted direction of flow of the fluid (e.g., liquid) between the reservoir and the channel (e.g., loop channel) is from the reservoir and towards the channel but not the opposite way.

[0068] In some embodiments, the refillable reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the article channel. In some embodiments, the refillable reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the loop channel.

[0069] In some embodiments, a reservoir (e.g., one or more reservoirs) as provided herein can be configured to hold temperature regulated fluid. Accordingly, the reservoir can be coupled to or can comprise a temperature regulator, such that the fluid contained in the reservoir is maintained at a temperature different than the temperature of the fluid in channel or different than ambient temperature). Thus, such reservoir can be referred to as a thermal reservoir, and the temperature regulated fluid in the thermal reservoir can be referred to as a thermal fluid. The fluid contained in the thermal reservoir can be maintained at or around a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature can be at least about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C), 1 °C, 1.5 °C, 2 °C, 2.5°C, °C, 3.5 °C, 4 °C, 4.5 °C, 5 °C, 5.5 °C, 6 °C, 6.5 °C, 7 °C, 7.5 °C, 8 °C, 8.5 °C, 9 °C, 9.5 °C,10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, 20 °C, 21 °C, 22 °C, 23°C, 24 °C, 25 °C, 26 °C, 27 °C, 28 °C, 29 °C, 30 °C, 31 °C, 32 °C, 33 °C, 34 °C, 35 °C, 36 °C,37 °C, 38 °C, 39 °C, 40 °C, 41 °C, 42 °C, 43 °C, 44 °C, 45 °C, 46 °C, 47 °C, 48 °C, 49 °C, 50°C, 55 °C, 60 °C, 65 °C, or 70 °C. The threshold temperature can be at most about 70 °C, 60°C, 55 °C, 50 °C, 49 °C, 48 °C, 47 °C, 46 °C, 45 °C, 44 °C, 43 °C, 42 °C, 41 °C, 40 °C, 39 °C,38 °C, 37 °C, 36 °C, 35 °C, 34 °C, 33 °C, 32 °C, 31 °C, 30 °C, 29 °C, 28 °C, 27 °C, 26 °C, 5 °C,24 °C, 23 °C, 22 °C, 21 °C, 20 °C, 19 °C, 18 °C, 17 °C, 16 °C, 15 °C, 14 °C, 13 °C, 12 °C, 11C, 10 °C, 9.5 °C, 9 °C, 8.5 °C, 8 °C, 7.5 °C, 7 °C, 6.5 °C, 6 °C, 5.5 °C, 5 °C, 4.5 °C, 4 °C, 3.5°C, 3 °C, 2.5 °C, 2 °C, 1.5 °C, 1 °C, or 0.5 °C. In some cases, the thermal reservoir can be a cold reservoir, and the threshold temperature can be less than the ambient temperature (e.g., at most about 20 °C, at most about 10 °C, etc.). In some cases, the thermal reservoir can be a hot reservoir, and the threshold temperature can be greater than the ambient temperature (e.g., at least about 40 °C, at least about 50 °C, etc.).

[0070] In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir can comprise a cold reservoir. In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir can comprise a hot reservoir.

[0071] In some embodiments, a main fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel (e.g., the loop channel) can be mixed with a temperature regulated fluid from the reservoir (e.g., the thermal reservoir).

[0072] In some embodiments, the temperature regulated fluid can be directed to flow from the thermal reservoir and into the channel, thereby permitting mixing of the main fluid and the temperature regulated fluid in the channel, for providing temperature regulated fluid to the article of furniture.

[0073] In some embodiments, the main fluid can be directed to flow away from the channel and into the thermal reservoir, thereby permitting mixing of the main fluid and the temperature regulated fluid in the thermal reservoir. Prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequent to such mixing, a temperature regulated fluid (e.g., that is substantially the same as the threshold temperature of the reservoir fluid in the thermal reservoir) can be directed to flow into the channel, thereby providing temperature regulated fluid to the article of furniture. In such cases, the amount of the main fluid that has entered into the thermal reservoir and the amount of the temperature regulated fluid that subsequently exits the thermal reservoir and enters into the channel can be substantially the same or can be different (e.g., as ascertained by volume or weight) by at most about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%. Accordingly, the amount of fluid (e.g., temperature regulated fluid) contained in the thermal reservoir can be maintained substantially at the same level throughout the use of the system for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture, as provided herein, or may not change by no more than about 30%, 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

[0074] In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the article channel. In some embodiments, the thermal reservoir may or may not be coupled to (or be in fluid communication with) the loop channel.

[0075] In some embodiments, the reservoir (e.g., thermal reservoir) configured to hold the temperature regulated fluid can comprise one or more sensors configured to detect temperature of the fluid in such reservoir, e.g., to monitor the temperature of the fluid and adjust such temperature as needed (e.g., based on a target temperature or a predetermined temperature goal). Non-limiting examples of the temperature sensor can include a negative temperature coefficientthermistor, a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, and a semiconductor-based sensor. Alternatively, the reservoir may not and need not comprise a fluid temperature sensor. Yet in another alternative, the system can comprise such fluid temperature sensor disposed outside of the reservoir, to measure temperature of the temperature regulated fluid that is drawn away from the reservoir.

[0076] In some embodiments, the system can comprise (i) a first reservoir (e.g., one or more refillable reservoirs as provided herein) that does not comprise any fluid temperature regulator and is not capable of modifying temperature of the fluid contained in the first reservoir and (ii) a second reservoir (e.g., one or more thermal reservoirs as provided herein) that is coupled to or comprises a temperature regulator, to modify (e.g., increase or decrease) temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and contain such temperature regulated fluid.

[0077] In some embodiments, the presence of a thermal reservoir (e.g., for holding a batch of pre-cooled or pre-heated liquid) in the system can enhance efficiency (e.g., energy efficiency, time efficiency, etc.) of regulating temperature in the channel (e.g., the loop channel such as the fluid control channel). For example, decreasing temperature of the fluid by directing the fluid to flow adjacent to a non-reservoir temperature regulator (e.g., a thermoelectric device such as a Peltier device) may require more energy and / or may require more time than mixing the fluid with a pre-cooled liquid drawn from a thermal reservoir.

[0078] In some embodiments, a reservoir as provided herein may or may not be sealed. In some cases, the reservoir may be sealed, and thus the fluid contained in the reservoir may be sealed off from ambient air outside the reservoir. Such sealed reservoir may slow down or prevent escape of the fluid (e.g., evaporation of the liquid) out of the reservoir. The reservoir may comprise at least one container configured to contain the fluid. The container may or may not be removable from the reservoir. The container may be a vat. The container may or may not have a lid. The lid may or may not be removable from the container. In some cases, the container may be sealed, thereby to slow down or prevent escape of the fluid (e.g., evaporation of the liquid) out of the reservoir. The reservoir may not leak. The reservoir may be located above or below the height of the article of furniture (e.g., the mattress of the bed). The reservoir may be located approximately at the height of the article of furniture.

[0079] In some embodiments, the system can comprise one or more temperature regulators as provided herein (e.g., a temperature heating unit and / or a temperature cooling unit). The temperature regulator as provided herein can be configured to modify (e.g., increase or decrease) temperature of the fluid and / or maintain the temperature of the fluid that is in direct or indirectcontact with the temperature regulator. For example, the temperature regulator can be configured to adjust the fluid temperature to or maintain the fluid temperature at a threshold temperature (or a predetermined temperature). The system can comprise a single temperature regulator. The system can comprise at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 temperature regulators, or at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 temperature regulators. In some cases, the temperature regulator can be coupled to a reservoir. In some cases, the temperature regulator may not and need not be coupled to a reservoir.

[0080] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a temperature regulator unit that can be configured to (i) increase (or heat) the temperature of the fluid and (ii) decrease (or cool) the temperature of the fluid. For example, the temperature regulator unit can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), such as a Peltier device, which comprises a cold side heat sink surface for cooling the fluid and a different hot side heat sink surface for heating the fluid.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a temperature regulator can be disposed within the channel (e.g., in direct contact with the fluid), to modify the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively, or in addition to, at least a portion of the temperature regulator can be disposed outside the channel (e.g., not in direct contact with the fluid), but such temperature regulator can still be sufficient to modify the temperature of the fluid. For example, heat exchange may occur between the at least the portion of the temperature regulator and the fluid inside the channel via (or through) a physical wall of the channel.

[0082] In some embodiments, the fluid control channel as provided herein can comprise a main channel and a side channel (e.g., a branch channel) that is split from the main channel via a junction, such as a valve. The side channel can comprise (i) a first portion configured to receive a fluid from the main channel and (ii) a second portion configured to send a fluid from the side channel to the main channel. In some cases, a temperature regulator as provided herein can be operatively coupled to the main channel of the fluid control channel, such that the temperature regulator is configured to modify temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing or disposed in the main channel. In some cases, a temperature regulator can be operatively coupled to the side channel of the fluid control channel, such that the temperature regulator is configured to modify temperature of the fluid while the fluid is flowing or disposed in the side channel. For example, the side channel can be in fluid communication with a thermal reservoir comprising or coupled to a temperature regulator.

[0083] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a plurality of different temperature regulators. The plurality of different temperature regulators can be disposed directly adjacent toone another. Alternatively, the plurality of different temperature regulators may not be disposed directly adjacent to one another. Instead, the plurality of different temperature regulators can be in different parts of the channel. In some cases, each of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be coupled to different parts of the loop channel. In some cases, each of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be coupled to different parts of the article channel or different parts of the fluid control channel. In some cases, one of the pluralities of different temperature regulators can be coupled to the main channel of the fluid control channel and another one of the pluralities of different temperature regulators can be coupled to the side channel of the fluid control channel. Such side channel can comprise or can be in direct fluid communication with a reservoir, such as a thermal reservoir.

[0084] In some embodiments, one member of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be a temperature heating unit, and another member of the plurality of different temperature regulators can be a temperature cooling unit. In some embodiments, one of the temperature heating unit and the temperature cooling unit (e.g., the temperature heating unit) can be a part of the main channel of the fluid control channel, while another one of the temperature heating unit and the temperature cooling unit (e.g., the temperature cooling unit, respectively) can be a part of the side channel of the fluid control channel.

[0085] Non-limiting examples of a temperature heating unit can include a thermoelectric device, a resistive heater, an inductive heater, an electromagnetic heater, a thin film heater, a printed element heater, and a positive temperature coefficient heater.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of a temperature cooling unit can include a thermoelectric device, a refrigeration (or freezer) system, and a pulse tube.

[0087] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system as provided herein can comprise two or more parts comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and / or a combination thereof, wherein the two or more parts are in fluid communication with one another via a refrigerant fluid (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrocarbons, cryogens, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the refrigeration system (e.g., the evaporator) can be disposed inside or outside of the reservoir. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the refrigeration system (e.g., the evaporator) can be disposed adjacent to or coupled to a surface (e.g., an inner surface or an outer surface) of a reservoir such as a thermal reservoir.

[0088] In some embodiments, an evaporator of the refrigeration system can be configured to absorb heat from a fluid, thereby decreasing a temperature of the fluid. In some cases, low pressure vapor of the refrigerant can leave the evaporator and be direct to, e.g., a compressor. Insome embodiments, the compressor of the refrigeration system can be configured to increase the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, e.g., such that the refrigerant fluid enters the compressor as low- pressure and / or low-temperature gas and leaves the compressor as high-pressure and / or high- temperature gas. In some cases, the high pressure vapor of the refrigerant can leave the compressor and be directed to, e.g., a condenser. In some embodiments, the condenser of the refrigeration system can be configured to remove heat from a hot refrigerant gas until at least a portion of the hot refrigerant gas condenses into a liquid state (e.g., condensation). In some cases, high pressure liquid of the refrigerant can leave the condenser and be directed to an expansion valve. In some embodiments, the expansion valve of the refrigeration system can be configured to create a drop in pressure after the refrigerant leaves the condenser, such that the pressure drop causes at least a portion of the refrigerant to boil for creating a two-phase mixture. In some cases, low pressure liquid and / or vapor of the refrigerant can be directed back into the evaporator.

[0089] In some embodiments, the system as provided herein can comprise a controller (e.g., a computer processor) configured to monitor and / or control temperature of the fluid flowing though the channel (e.g., the fluid control channel). The controller can be operatively (e.g., digitally) coupled to any one of the temperature regulators to direct the temperature regulators to modify the temperature of the fluid at its respective locations along the channel. The controller can be operatively (e.g., digitally) coupled to any one of the valves and / or pumps, to (i) direct flow of the fluid towards and away from a target temperature regulator and / or (ii) direct the fluid to bypass a temperature regulator when needed. The controller can be configured to turn on and turn off each of the temperature regulators. In some embodiments, the controller can be a thermostat (e.g., a versatile sensing and control (VSCU)).

[0090] In some embodiments, the channel of the system can comprise two different temperature regulators (e.g., one temperature heating unit and one temperature cooling unit) disposed at different sub-channels, and the controller can be configured to regulate (i) timing and / or amount of the fluid flowing towards or into each respective sub-channel comprising a temperature regulator and / or (ii) timing and / or degree of mixing of the fluids from the respective sub-channel after such fluids are temperature-regulated by the temperature regulators.

[0091] In some embodiments, the channel of the system can comprise an upstream channel, at least two sub-channels fluidically coupled to the upstream channel (e.g., a single upstream channel) via a dividing junction (e.g., a dividing valve), and a downstream channel fluidically coupled to a downstream channel (e.g., a single downstream channel) via a merging junction.The at least two sub-channels can comprise (or can be operatively coupled to) a temperature regulator. For example, one sub-channel can comprise a temperature heating unit, and an additional sub-channel can comprise a temperature cooling unit.

[0092] In some embodiments, the upstream channel can direct a fluid to the dividing junction, and the dividing junction can be configured to control (i) a first amount of a first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel, e.g., comprising a temperature cooling unit, and (ii) a second amount of a second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second sub-channel, e.g., comprising a temperature heating unit. A volume ratio of the first amount of the first portion of the fluid (FA) to the second amount of the second portion of the fluid (SA) can be about 100:0 (FA:SA) to about 0: 100 (FA:SA). The volume ratio can be at least or at most about 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85: 15. 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, 10:90, 5:95, 1 :99, or 0: 100.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel can be fluidically coupled to the downstream channel via a merging junction. Fluids (e.g., temperature controlled or not) from the first sub-channel and / or the second sub-channel can be directed to flow towards and through the downstream channel. The merging junction can be configured to control (i) a first amount of a first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel, and (ii) a second amount of a second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel. A volume ratio of the first amount of the first portion of the fluid (FA) to the second amount of the second portion of the fluid (SA) can be about 100:0 (FA:SA) to about 0: 100 (FA:SA). The volume ratio can be at least or at most about 100:0, 95:5, 90: 10, 85: 15. 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80, 15:85, 10:90, 5:95, 1 :99, or 0: 100.

[0094] In some embodiments, the system as provided herein can comprise a plurality of loop channels, each loop channel for regulating temperature of a zone of the same article of furniture or for regulating temperature of different articles of furniture. For example, a first loop channel can be disposed adjacent to or in a first side of an article of furniture to effect regulation of temperature of the first side of the article of furniture, and a second loop channel can be disposed adjacent to or in a second side of the same article of furniture to effect regulation of temperature of the second side of the article of furniture.

[0095] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of loop channels can have its own and separate reservoir(s) as provided herein. Alternatively, or in addition to, the system cancomprise a common reservoir in fluid communication with or coupled to the plurality of loop channels, to provide fluid (e.g., temperature regulated or not) to each of the plurality of loop channels.

[0096] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of loop channels can have its own and separate temperature regulator(s) as provided herein. Alternatively, or in addition to, the system can comprise a common temperature regulator in fluid communication with or coupled to the plurality of loop channels, to regulate temperature of a first fluid in a first loop channel and also regulate temperature of a second fluid in a second loop channel.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fluid directed to flow through the channel(s) provided herein can be liquid (e.g., water) or gas (e.g., air).

[0098] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an example fluid channel system for regulating temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a mattress or a cover thereof). The system comprises a loop channel 110 configured to direct a fluid (e.g., liquid such as water) to flow (e.g., circulate) through the loop channel 110. The loop channel 110 comprises an article channel 112 portion that is disposed adjacent to or within the article of furniture 120, such that a temperature regulated fluid can flow through the article channel 112 and effect regulation of temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture. The loop channel 110 comprises a fluid control channel 114 to regulate the temperature of the fluid flowing through the loop channel 110. The fluid control channel 114 comprises a main channel 114A and a side channel 114B. The main channel 114A is a portion of the fluid control channel 114 that is directly coupled to the article channel 112. The side channel 114B can be a split-off channel from the main channel 114A to fluidically couple a reservoir to the main channel 114A. The system can comprise a refillable reservoir 130 to provide fluid to the loop channel 110. The flow between the refillable reservoir 130 and the loop channel 110 can be a one-way flow (e.g., via a valve). Alternatively, or in addition to the refillable reservoir 130, the system can comprise a thermal reservoir 142 configured to hold an amount of temperature-regulated fluid. Temperature regulation of the fluid in the thermal reservoir 142 can be performed by a temperature regulator 150A (e.g., temperature cooling unit) that is at least partly coupled to the thermal reservoir 142. The temperature regulator 150A may not be coupled to the main channel 114A. Alternatively, or in addition to the temperature regulator 150A, the system can comprise a temperature regulator 150B (e.g., temperature heating unit) that is coupled to the main channel 114A to directly regulate temperature of the fluid while the fluid is in or flowing through the main channel 114A. In some cases, the portion of the main channel 114A that is upstream of the sub-channelscomprising the temperature regulators 150A and 105B, respectively, may be referred to as an upstream channel. The upstream channel and the plurality of sub-channels can be fluidically coupled via a dividing junction (e.g., a dividing valve). In some case, the portion of the main channel 114A that is downstream of the sub-channels comprising the temperature regulators 150A and 105B, respectively, may be referred to as a downstream channel. The plurality of subchannels and the downstream channel can be fluidically coupled via a merging junction (e.g., a merging valve).

[0099] Non-limiting examples of the fluid channel systems and methods thereof are illustrated in Example 1, Example 3, Example 4, and Example 6 below.

[0100] Fluid channel systems and methods thereof for thermal energy storage

[0101] A fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is temperature regulated can be directed to flow throughout at least a portion of an article of furniture, to regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture. In some cases, a continuous or intermittent cooling of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be needed (or required) throughout the use of the article of furniture by the user (e.g., throughout the night for sleeping when the article of furniture is a bed device). In some cases, such continuous or intermittent cooling during the use of the article of furniture can have a negative effect on the use itself, such as, for example, low energy efficiency, noise from one or more electrical or mechanical instruments responsible for the cooling (e.g., temperature regulators, fans, etc.), and / or waste heat generated by such instrument(s) during its operation, one or more of which can lead to a sub-optimal experience of the user. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for systems comprising a thermal energy storage module that can allow partial or complete load shifting of the thermal energy required for the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture throughout its use (e.g., a single use, such as a nightly use of a bed device), wherein one or more instruments required for the temperature regulation (e.g., one or more cooling engines) can run during the day (e.g., when the article of furniture is not in use, on average, by the user) to generate thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module, which thermal energy can be used to entirely or partly provide temperature regulation (e.g., cooling) of the fluid flowing through the at least the portion of the article of furniture during actual use of the article of furniture (e.g., at night time). Furthermore, there is an unmet need for such system based on use of a material exhibiting a high latent heat of fusion (e.g., aqueous medium such as water) to achieve high thermal energy storage in a small form factor (e.g., phase change thermal energy storage).

[0102] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, the system as provided herein can comprise a thermal energy storage unit (or module) comprising a material for holding partial or complete amount of thermal energy required for the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture throughout its use (e.g., a single use, such as a nightly use of a bed device), e.g., to reduce utilization of other temperature regulation means (e.g., electricity-powered temperature regulators, such as refrigeration system or thermoelectric units) during the use of the article of furniture by the user.

[0104] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a channel for carrying fluid and permitting flow of the fluid along the channel. At least a portion of the channel (e.g., an article channel) is disposed adjacent to (e.g., above, underneath, within, etc.) at least a portion of the article of furniture, such that temperature regulated fluid flowing along the at least the portion of the channel can regulate temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture such as a bed device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a thermal energy storage unit as provided herein. The thermal energy storage unit can be a reservoir comprising a material (e.g., a phase change material) capable of retaining thermal energy (e.g., via phase change of the material) upon activation by an activator. In some embodiments, the system can comprise such activator that is operatively or physically coupled to the thermal energy storage unit. The activator can activate the material in the thermal energy storage unit via various means, such as electrical activation, mechanical activation, or thermal activation. In some embodiments, the activator can be a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator can be coupled to the thermal energy storage unit and configured to regulate phase change of the material, e.g., configured to regulate a temperature of the material to a target temperature.

[0106] In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage unit may not and need not be in fluid communication with the channel. The material in the thermal energy storage unit and the fluid in the channel of the system may not be in physical contact (e.g., may not be mixed) for operation of the system to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture. For example, an interior volume of the thermal energy storage unit and an interior volume of the channel may be sealed from one another. Accordingly, at least a portion of the channel (e.g., a side channel) can be in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storage unit, to direct flow of at least a portion of a fluid of the channel in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storageunit, to effect a heat transfer between (i) the portion of the fluid in the portion of the channel and (ii) the material in the thermal energy storage unit, thereby permitting a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid which can subsequently regulate the temperature of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, such heat transfer can occur in absence of a physical contact between (e.g., mixing of) the portion of the fluid and the material.

[0107] In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with the channel. The thermal energy storage unit can be a reservoir for holding a material (e.g., a fluid) that is usable for (i) flowing through the channel for regulation of the article of furniture and (ii) retaining thermal energy (e.g., via phase change as described herein) that is at least partly sufficient to regulate temperature of the material that is flowing through the channel during use of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, the reservoir can comprise a fluid. A first portion of the fluid in the reservoir can be utilized as a medium that flows through a portion of the channel as a working fluid. A second portion of the fluid in the reservoir can remain in the reservoir as a reserve fluid, which reserve fluid can be activated (e.g., via an activator such as a temperature regulator as provided herein) to retain thermal energy that is to be utilized (e.g., dissipated) later for temperature regulation of the article of furniture.Accordingly, at least a portion of the channel (e.g., a side channel) can be in proximity to (e.g., adjacent to) the reservoir, to effect a heat transfer between (i) the working fluid flowing through the portion of the channel and (ii) the reserve fluid (or phase changed variant thereof) that is remaining in the reservoir, thereby permitting a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid which can subsequently regulate the temperature of the article of furniture. In some embodiments, such heat transfer can occur in absence of a physical contact between (e.g., mixing of) the working fluid and the reserve fluid.

[0108] In some embodiments, the channel and the thermal energy storage unit may not be in direct fluid communication with one another. Alternatively, the channel and the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., a reservoir) can be in fluid communication via a valve. The channel and the thermal energy storage unit can be coupled to one another via such valve. The valve can be a one-way valve that (i) permits flow of a fluid from the thermal energy storage unit to the channel and (ii) substantially prevents flow of the fluid from the channel to the thermal energy storage unit. Alternatively, the valve can be a multi-way valve (e.g., a two-way valve) that permits flow of the fluid from the thermal energy storage unit to the channel and vice versa.

[0109] In some embodiments, the channel can comprise an upstream channel and an article channel. The upstream channel and the article channel can form a loop to permit circulation ofthe fluid through the upstream channel and the article channel. At least a portion of the upstream channel can be utilized to regulate temperature of the fluid, such that the temperature regulated fluid can flow through the article channel, thereby regulating temperature of the article of furniture. In some cases, at least a portion of the upstream channel can be in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage unit (or the reservoir), to permit the heat transfer between the thermal energy storage unit and the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the upstream channel.

[0110] In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit can be in proximity with (e.g., adjacent to) the thermal energy storage unit, e.g., at a distance that is at most about 10 centimeters (cm), 9 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.1 cm, or less. In some cases, a surface (e.g., outer surface) of the portion of the upstream channel responsible for such heat transfer may be in direct contact with a surface (e.g., outer surface, inner surface, etc.) of the thermal energy storage unit. In some embodiments, a length of the portion of the upstream channel for the heat transfer can be at least or at most about 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm, or 100 cm. In some embodiments, an internal or external cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the portion of the upstream channel for the heat transfer can be at least or at most about 0.1 cm, 0.2 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm, or 10 cm.[OHl] In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit can be (i) disposed in proximity to or adjacent to the perimeter of the thermal energy storage unit and / or (ii) disposed within the internal volume of the thermal energy storage unit. For example, the portion of the upstream channel that permits the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit can comprise coils or tubes shaped to go around a perimeter of the thermal energy storage unit.

[0112] In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit can be the main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., not a side channel. For example, the fluid can flow from the article channel and towards the upstream channel, to the portion of the upstream channel responsible for the heat transfer without having to be split off or divided via a dividing junction (e.g., Y- valve), and back to the article channel for regulating temperature of the article of furniture. For example, the article channel and the upstream channel which comprises the heat transfer regioncan form a continuous fluid path for the fluid to circulate throughout the use of the article of furniture (e.g., throughout the night).

[0113] In some embodiments, the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for such heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit can be a side channel that is split off or divided from a main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., via a dividing junction (e.g., Y-valve). Accordingly, operation of the dividing junction can be controlled to determine (i) a rate or an amount of the fluid to be directed from the main portion of the upstream channel to the side channel for subjecting such fluid to the heat transfer and / or (ii) a timing of the flow of the fluid from the main portion of the upstream channel to the side channel. In some embodiments, the side channel can be merged back to the main portion of the upstream channel, e.g., via merging junction (e.g., a Y-shaped valve), to then flow towards the article channel. For example, the side channel can be merged back to the main flow of the fluid in the upstream channel prior to being sent to the article of furniture.

[0114] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator responsible for providing or storing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., a temperature cooling unit for reducing temperature of the medium / fluid in the thermal energy storage unit) may not be configured to or may not be capable of regulating temperature of the fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel as provided herein (e.g., at least a portion of the upstream channel). In such cases, the system can comprise at least one additional temperature regulator for regulating (e.g., increasing or decreasing) temperature of the fluid that is flowing through at least a portion of the channel, independent of the heat transfer between the temperature regulator and the thermal energy storage unit.

[0115] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator responsible for providing or storing thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit, as provided herein, can be further configured to regulate temperature of the fluid that is (e.g., while the fluid is) flowing through at least a portion of the channel as provided herein (e.g., at least a portion of the upstream channel). In some cases, the at least the portion of the channel can be the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit. Alternatively or in addition to, the at least the portion of the channel may not be the portion of the upstream channel that is responsible for the heat transfer to and / or from the thermal energy storage unit, but rather can be a different portion that is not in close proximity to (e.g., no adjacent to, downstream to, downstream relative to, etc.) the thermal energy storage unit.

[0116] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator (e.g., a common temperatureregulator) can be disposed in sufficient proximity to both (i) the thermal energy storage unit to provide / store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit and (ii) the at least the portion of the channel to regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel. In some embodiments, one or more heat transfer medium (e.g., heat transfer channels, such as one or more channels carrying a material that can carry / transfer heat) can provide thermal coupling or connection (i) between the temperature regulator and the thermal energy storage unit to provide / store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit and / or (ii) between the temperature regulator and the at least the portion of the channel to regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel. Operation (e.g., flow) of the heat transfer medium between the temperature regulator and the target (e.g., the thermal energy storage unit or the at least the portion of the channel) can be controlled (e.g., selectively control) to determine when to (i) provide / store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit and (ii) regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel. In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage unit can direct flow of a portion of its material (e.g., phase change material) in proximity to the temperature regulator (e.g., via side channel that can be opened and closed via a valve) to control when to provide / store thermal energy in the thermal energy storage unit. Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least the portion of the channel can be a side channel that is coupled to a main portion of the upstream channel as provided herein (e.g., via a valve) to control when to regulate temperature of the fluid in the at least the portion of the channel.

[0117] In some embodiments, temperature of the material (e.g., fluid) in the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., reservoir) and temperature of the fluid flowing in at least a portion of the channel can be regulated at the same time or at different times (e.g., at daytime and at night time, respectively).

[0118] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator can be configured to (e.g., via a computer processor) provide or store thermal energy to the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., cool down or freeze at least a portion of the material in the thermal energy storage unit) at a first time when the user is likely not using the article of furniture. In some cases, the first time can be a daytime, e.g., between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.) local time. The daytime can be at least or at most at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11 :30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:3 p.m., 1 p.m., 1 :30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9 p.m.

[0119] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator can beconfigured to (e.g., via a computer processor) regulate (e.g., decrease or increase) temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel (e.g., side channel or main upstream channel) at a second time when the user is likely using the article of furniture. In some cases, the second time can be a night time, e.g., between about 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The night time can be at least or at most at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m., 11 p.m., 11 :30 p.m., 12:00 a.m., 12:30 a.m., 1 a.m., 1 :30 a.m., 2 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 6 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 10:30 a.m.

[0120] In some embodiments, thermal energy can be stored in the thermal energy storage unit by subjecting (e.g., cooling) the material (e.g., liquid such as water) in the thermal energy storage unit to a first target temperature, e.g., by the temperature regulator. The first target temperature can be at most about 10 degrees Celsius (°C), 9 °C, 8 °C, 7 °C, 6 °C, 5 °C, 4 °C, 3 °C, 2 °C, 1 °C, 0 °C, -1 °C, -2 °C, -3 °C, -4 °C, -5 °C, -6 °C, -7 °C, -8 °C, -9 °C, -10 °C, -15 °C, or -20 °C. The first target temperature can range between about -20 °C and about 10 °C, between about -15 °C and about 10 °C, between about -10 °C and about 10 °C, between about -5 °C and 10 °C, or between about -5 °C and about 5 °C.

[0121] In some embodiments, temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel can be regulated to (e.g., cooled to) a second target temperature, e.g., by the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator. The second target temperature can be at least about 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, 20 °C, 21 °C, 22 °C, 23 °C, 24 °C, 25 °C, 26 °C, 27 °C, 28 °C, 29 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, or 40 °C. The second target temperature can be between about 15 °C and about 40 °C, between about 15 °C and about 35 °C, between about 15 °C and about 30 °C, between about 15 °C and about 25 °C, between about 20 °C and about 40 °C, between about 20 °C and about 35 °C, or between about 20 °C and about 30 °C.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second target temperature can be greater than the first target temperature by at least about 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, or 30 °C.

[0123] In some embodiments, a volume of the material (e.g., liquid such as reserve liquid in use for thermal energy storage, or solidified variant thereof such as ice) in the thermal energy storage unit can be at least or at most about 1 liter, 2 liters, 3 liters, 4 liters, 5 liters, 6 liters, 7 liters, 8 liters, 9 liters, or 10 liters. In some embodiments, the volume of the material in thethermal energy storage unit can be between about 1 liter and about 10 liters, between about 1 liter and about 9 liters, between about 1 liter and about 8 liters, between about 1 liter and about 7 liters, between about 1 liter and about 6 liters, between about 1 liter and about 5 liters, between about 1 liter and about 4 liters, between about 1 liter and about 3 liters, between about 1 liter and about 2 liters, between about 2 liters and about 10 liters, between about 2 liters and about 9 liters, between about 2 liters and about 8 liters, between about 2 liters and about 7 liters, between about 2 liters and about 6 liters, between about 2 liters and about 5 liters, between about 2 liters and about 4 liters, between about 2 liters and about 3 liters, between about 4 liters and about 10 liters, between about 4 liters and about 9 liters, between about 4 liters and about 8 liters, between about 4 liters and about 7 liters, between about 4 liters and about 6 liters, between about 4 liters and about 5 liters, between about 6 liters and about 10 liters, between about 6 liters and about 9 liters, or between about 6 liters and about 8 liters.

[0124] In some embodiments, the volume of the material (e.g., liquid such as reserve liquid in use for thermal energy storage) in the thermal energy storage unit can be sufficient to provide thermal heat capacity of at least or at most about 10 kilojoules per kilogram (kJ / kg), 20 kJ / kg, 30 kJ / kg, 40 kJ / kg, 50 kJ / kg, 60 kJ / kg, 70 kJ / kg, 80 kJ / kg, 90 kJ / kg, 100 kJ / kg, 120 kJ / kg, 150 kJ / kg, 200 kJ / kg, 250 kJ / kg, 300 kJ / kg, 350 kJ / kg, 400 kJ / kg, 450 kJ / kg, 500 kJ / kg, 600 kJ / kg, 700 kJ / kg, 800 kJ / kg, 900 kJ / kg, 1,000 kJ / kg, 1,100 kJ / kg, 1,200 kJ / kg, 1,300 kJ / kg, 1,400 kJ / kg, 1,500 kJ / kg, 2,000 kJ / kg, 3,000 kJ / kg, 4,000 kJ / kg, or 5,000 kJ / kg.

[0125] In some embodiments, the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator can be configured to decrease the temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel, e.g., by at least or at most about 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, or 20 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature regulator (e.g., the same temperature regulator as that for the thermal energy storage unit) or a different temperature regulator can be configured to increase the temperature of the fluid flowing through at least a portion of the channel, e.g., by at least or at most about 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, 4 °C, 5 °C, 6 °C, 7 °C, 8 °C, 9 °C, 10 °C, 11 °C, 12 °C, 13 °C, 14 °C, 15 °C, 16 °C, 17 °C, 18 °C, 19 °C, or 20 °C.

[0126] In some embodiments, generation of thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module, as provided herein, can comprise decreasing the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage module (e.g., making a fluid colder or into ice). In some embodiments, thermal energy as provided herein can be sufficient to decrease a temperature (or cool) of atarget fluid.

[0127] In some embodiments, generation of thermal energy in a thermal energy storage module, as provided herein, can comprise increase the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage module. In some embodiments, thermal energy as provided herein can be sufficient to increase a temperature (or heat) of a target fluid.

[0128] In some embodiments, thermal energy or thermal storage as provided herein can refer to thermal heat capacity needed for receiving heat from a liquid to cool the liquid.

[0129] In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage module comprising a phase change material (e.g., cooled liquid or ice thereof) can be utilized to absorb waste heat from one or more components (e.g., pump(s), temperature regulator(s), computer processor(s), etc.) of the system that are adjacent to the thermal energy storage module. For example, during use of the article of furniture, the waste heat can be absorbed by the phase change material (e.g., the cooled liquid or ice) in the thermal energy storage module, to minimize heat dissipating to the environment / surrounding of the article of furniture and minimize environment temperature change (e.g., room temperature change) over the use of the article of furniture.

[0130] In some embodiments, the material can be a fluid such as liquid (e.g., water) or gas.

[0131] In some embodiments, such material can be a phase change material (e.g., water). In some embodiments, the phase change material can include an organic material, such as, for example carbohydrates or lipids. Examples of the organic phase change material include Laurie acid, TME(63%) / H2O(37%), Paraffin 14-Carbons, Paraffin 15-Carbons, Paraffin 16-Carbons, Paraffin 17-Carbons, Paraffin 18-Carbons, Paraffin 19-Carbons, Paraffin 20-Carbons, Paraffin 21-Carbons, Paraffin 22-Carbons, Paraffin 23-Carbons, Paraffin 24-Carbons, Paraffin 25- Carbons, Paraffin 26-Carbons, Paraffin 27-Carbons, Paraffin 28-Carbons, Paraffin 29-Carbons, Paraffin 30-Carbons, Paraffin 31-Carbons, Paraffin 32-Carbons, Paraffin 33-Carbons, Paraffin 34-Carbons, Formic acid, Caprilic acid, Glycerin, p-Lattic acid, Methyl palmitate, Camphenilone, Docasyl bromide, Carpylone, Phenol, Heptadecanone, 1- Cyclohexylooctadecane, 4-Heptadacanone, p-Joluidine, Cyanamide, Methyl eicosanate, 3- Heptadecanone, 2 -Heptadecanone, Hydrocinnamic acid, Cetyl acid, a-Nepthylamine, Camphene, O-Nitroaniline, 9-Heptadecanone, Thymol, Methyl behenate, Diphenyl amine, p- Dichlorobenzene, Oxolate, Hypophosphoric acid, O-Xylene dichloride, P-Chloroacetic acid, Chloroacetic acid, Nitro napthalene, Trimyristin, Heptaudecanoic acid, a-Chioroacetic acid, Bees wax, Glyolic acid, Glycolic acid, p-Bromophenol, Azobenzene, Acrylic acid, Dinto toluene (2,4), Phenylacetic acid, Thiosinamine, Bromcamphor, Durene, Methly brombenzoate, Alphanapthol, Glautaric acid, p-Xylene dichloride, Catechol, Quinone, Actanilide, Succinic anhydride, Benzoic acid, Stibene, Benzamide, Acetic acid, Polyethylene glycol 600, Capric acid, Eladic acid, Pentadecanoic acid, Tristearin, Myristic acid, Palrnatic acid, Stearic acid, Acetamide, Methyl fumarate, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, or in addition to, the phase change material can include inorganic materials, such as, for example, salts (e.g., salt hydrates), inorganic eutectics, or hygroscopic materials. Examples of the inorganic phase change material include water, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4.10H2O), NaCl.Na2SO4.10H2O, Mn(NO3)2.6H2O / MnC12.4H2O(4%), Na2SiO3.5H2O, Aluminium, Copper, Gold, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Silver, Titanium, Zinc, NaNO3, NaNO2, NaOH, KN03, KOH, NaOH / Na2CO3(7.2%), Na.Cl(26.8%) / NaOH, NaCl / KCL(32.4%) / LiCl(32.8%), NaCl(5.7%) / NaNO3(85.5%) / Na2SO4, NaCl / NaNO3(5.0%), NaCl(5.0%) / NaNO3, NaCl(42.5%) / KCl(20.5%) / MgC12, KNO3(10%) / NaNO3, KNO3 / KC1(4.5%), KNO3 / KBr(4.7%) / KCl(7.3), modifications thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0132] In some embodiments, the amount of thermal energy stored in the thermal energy storage module (e.g., whether also utilized as a fluid reservoir or not) and the amount of the stored thermal energy spent can be measured and / or estimated to generate thermal energy data. The amount of thermal energy stored and spent per each use of the article of furniture can be measured and / or estimated over at least or at most about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 uses of the article of furniture. The amount of thermal energy stored and spent per each use of the article of furniture can be measured and / or estimated over at least or at most about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, or 12 months. The thermal energy data can be individualized for each user of the article of furniture. Alternatively, the thermal energy data can be a collection (e.g., compilation, averaging, etc.) of multiple thermal energy data from a cohort of users of similar or same article of furniture(s).

[0133] In some embodiments, a machine learning algorithm can be trained based at least in part of the thermal energy data to determine a target amount of thermal energy that needs to be stored in the thermal energy storage module. The target amount of thermal energy can be a general target amount for each day or each use of the article of furniture. Alternatively, the target amount of thermal energy can be specific for each day of the week, each week of the month, each month, each season of the year (e.g., spring, summer, fall, winter), geolocation of the article of furniture (e.g., weather of the geolocation), etc.

[0134] Non-limiting examples of machine learning algorithms can include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, self-learning, feature learning, anomaly detection, association rules, etc. In some cases, the classifier can be trained by using one or more learning models on such training dataset. Non-limiting examples of learning models can include artificial neural networks (e.g., convolutional neural networks, U-net architecture neural network, etc.), backpropagation, boosting, decision trees, support vector machines, regression analysis, Bayesian networks, genetic algorithms, kernel estimators, conditional random field, random forest, ensembles of classifiers, minimum complexity machines (MCM), probably approximately correct learning (PACT), etc.

[0135] Non-limiting examples of the fluid channel systems for thermal energy storage and methods thereof are illustrated in Example 2, Example 4, Example 5, and Example 6 below.

[0136] Other aspects of the fluid channel systems, article of furniture, and related methods thereof

[0137] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide systems for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, and methods of use thereof.

[0138] In some embodiments, the system may comprise an article of furniture. The article of furniture may be operatively coupled to at least one sensor (e.g., at least one user sensor) configured to detect one or more biological signals of at least one user of the article of furniture (e.g., while the at least one user is on the article of furniture). The one or more biological signals that are detected may be used for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture. In some cases, the at least one sensor may be a part of the article of furniture. Alternatively, the at least one sensor may not be a part of the article of furniture.

[0139] In some embodiments, the system may comprise a temperature control device (or a temperature controller, as used interchangeably herein) configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture. The temperature control device may be operatively coupled to the article of furniture. The temperature control device may not be coupled to the article of furniture. Alternatively, at least a portion of the temperature control device may be coupled to the article of furniture (e.g., may be disposed above or beneath the article of furniture, may be disposed within the article of furniture, etc.). In some cases, the temperature control device may comprise a temperature regulator that is capable of modulating a temperature of at least a portion of the temperature control device, such that the temperature control device can direct a transfer of heat (i) from the temperature control device and towards at least a portion of the article of furniture or(ii) from the at least the portion of the article of furniture and towards the temperature control device. In some cases, the temperature regulator may be capable of modulating a temperature of a fluid that is in thermal communication with the temperature control device and the at least a portion of the article of furniture. Upon temperature modulation, such fluid may direct a transfer of heat (i) from the temperature control device and towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture or (ii) from the at least the portion of the article of furniture and towards the temperature control device.

[0140] In some embodiments, the system may comprise a processor. The processor may be operatively coupled to the at least one sensor (e.g., or one or more components within the at least one sensor), the temperature control device (e.g., or one or more components within the temperature control device), or both. The processor may be configured to direct (e.g., automatically direct) regulation of the temperature of the at least a portion of the article of furniture. In some cases, regulation of the temperature of the at least a portion of the article of furniture may effect a user of the article of furniture to, for example, improve a quality of sleep, fall asleep, or wake up.

[0141] FIG. l is a diagram of an example article of furniture, specifically a bed device (e.g., a mattress or a bed pad), according to one embodiment. Any number of sensors (or user sensors) 140, 150 monitor the bio signals associated with a user, such as the heart rate, the respiration rate, the temperature, motion, or presence, associated with the user. Any number of environment sensors 160, 170 monitor environment properties, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. The user sensors 140, 150 and the environment sensors 160, 170 communicate their measurements to the processor 100. The environment sensors 160, 170, measure the properties of the environment that the environment sensors 160, 170 are associated with. In one embodiment, the environment sensors 160, 170 are placed next to the bed. The processor 100 determines, based on the bio signals associated with the user, historical bio signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, or the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send the control signal to a bed device 120.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the processor 100 is connected to a database 180, which stores the biological signals associated with a user or plurality of users of said article of furniture (e.g., the bed device). Additionally, the database 180 can store average biological signals associated with the user, history of biological signals associated with a user, etc. The database 180 can be associated with a user, or the database 180 can be associated with article offurniture (e.g., the bed device).

[0143] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of at least a portion of the components (e.g., layers) of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed pad device) of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the bed pad device 120 is a pad that can be placed on top of the mattress. Bed pad device 120 comprises a plurality of portions (e.g., a plurality of layers). A top portion (e.g., a top layer) 350 comprises fabric. Another portion (e.g., another layer) 240 comprises a matrix (e.g., a batting) and a sensor (e.g., a sensor strip) 330. A different portion (e.g., a different layer) 220 may be at least a portion of a temperature control device. In an example, the layer 220 comprises coils for cooling or heating the bed device. Alternatively, the layer 220 may comprise a fluid in a fluid flow channel for cooling or heating the article of furniture. A layer 210 comprises waterproof material.

[0144] According to another embodiment, the layer 220 comprises a material (e.g., solid, semi-solid, gel, liquid, or a combination thereof) that can be heated or cooled from about 0.5 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 50 °C. In some cases, the material may be heated or cooled from about 0.5 °C to about 50 °C without changing the materials properties such as the state of matter. Alternatively, the materials properties may change during heating or cooling, and such materials properties may be reversible. In some cases, the material can be cooled from about 10 °C to about 50 °C without changing the materials properties such as the state of matter. An example of such materials can be air, water, argon, a synthetic material such as polymers, carbon nanotubes, etc. According to one embodiment, the layer 220 is connected to an external thermal regulator which heats or cools the material, based on the signal received from the processor. The material of the layer 220 may be heated or cooled to a temperature in a range between about 10°C to about 50°C. A temperature of such material that may be adjusted by at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, or more. The temperature of such material that may be adjusted by at most about 50°C, 49°C, 48°C, 47°C, 46°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, 9°C, 8°C, 7°C, 6°C, 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C, or less. The external thermal regulator may be a part of a temperature control device that is operatively coupled to the article of furniture.

[0145] According to another embodiment, the layer 220 comprising the material is integrated into the mattress, the bed sheets, the bed cover, the bed frame, etc. The layer 220 comprising the material can also be integrated with any piece of furniture.

[0146] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the process for deciding when to heat or cool the bed device, according to one embodiment. At block 700, the process obtains a biological signal associated with a user, such as presence in bed, motion, respiration rate, heart rate, or a temperature. The process obtains the biological signal from a sensor associated with a user. Further, at block 710, the process obtains environment property, such as the amount of ambient light and the bed temperature. The process obtains environment property from, and environment sensor associated with the bed device. If the user is in bed, the bed temperature is low, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed device. The control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal comprises an instruction to heat the bed device to a user-specified temperature. Similarly, if the user is in bed, the bed temperature is high, and the ambient light is low, the process sends a control signal to the bed device to cool the bed device to the average nightly temperature associated with the user. According to another embodiment, the control signal comprises an instruction to cool the bed device to a user- specified temperature.

[0147] In another embodiment, in addition to obtaining the biological signal associated with the user, and the environment property, the process obtains a history of biological signals associated with the user. The history of biological signals can be stored in a database associated with the bed device, or in a database associated with a user. The history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime the user went to sleep for each day of the week; that is, the history of biological signals comprises the average bedtime associated with the user on Monday, the average bedtime associated with the user on Tuesday, etc. For a given day of the week, the process determines the average bedtime associated with the user for that day of the week, and sends the control signal to the bed device, allowing enough time for the bed to reach the desired temperature, before the average bedtime associated with the user. The control signal comprises an instruction to heat or cool the bed to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be automatically determined, such as by averaging the historical nightly temperature associated with a user, or the desired temperature may be specified by the user.

[0148] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the process for turning off an appliance, according to one embodiment. At block 1000, the process obtains the compound bio signal associated with the user. The compound bio signal comprises the heart rate associated with the user, and the respiration rate associated with the user. According to one embodiment, the process obtains the compound bio signal from a sensor associated with the user. At block 1010, the process extractsthe heart rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing low pass filtering on the compound bio signal. Also, at block 1020, the process extracts the respiration rate signal from the compound bio signal by, for example, performing bandpass filtering on the compound bio signal. At block 1030, the process obtains an environment property, comprising temperature, humidity, light, sound from an environment sensor associated with the sensor strip. Based on the environment property and the sleep state associated with the user, at block 1040, the process determines whether the user is sleeping. If the user is sleeping, the process, at block 1050, turns an appliance off. For example, if the user is asleep and the environment temperature is above the average nightly temperature, the process turns off the thermostat. Further, if the user is asleep and the lights are on, the process turns off the lights. Similarly, if the user is asleep and the TV is on, the process turns off the TV.

[0149] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system capable of automating the control of the home appliances, according to one embodiment. Any number of user sensors 1140, 1150 monitor biological signals associated with the user, such as temperature, motion, presence, heart rate, or respiration rate. Any number of environment sensors 1160, 1170 monitor environment properties, such as temperature, sound, light, or humidity. According to one embodiment, the environment sensors 1160, 1170 are placed next to a bed. The user sensors 1140, 1150 and the environment sensors 1160, 1170 communicate their measurements to the processor 1100. The processor 1100 determines, based on the current biological signals associated with the user, historical biological signals associated with the user, user-specified preferences, exercise data associated with the user, and the environment properties received, a control signal, and a time to send the control signal to an appliance 1120, 1130.

[0150] The processor 1100 is any type of microcontroller, or any processor in a mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, cloud computer, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio / video player, digital camera / camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof.

[0151] The processor 1100 can be connected to the user sensor 1140, 1150, or the environment sensor 1160, 1170 by a computer bus, such as an I2C bus. Also, the processor 1100 can be connected to the user sensor 1140, 1150, or environment sensor 1160, 1170 by acommunication network 1110. By way of example, the communication network 1110 connecting the processor 1100 to the user sensor 1140, 1150, or the environment sensor 1160, 1170 includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. The data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiberoptic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0152] FIG. 6 is another example of adjusting a temperature of a bed. In FIG. 6, a user intending to sleep upon mattress 200 can use computing device 2005 to select a temperature setting 2015 indicating some preference to the cooling and / or heating and view last night sleep information 2020 to obtain and review information related to how the user slept. For example, hub 2040 (e.g., a temperature control device or circuit) can be a device that includes processor that receives the various data disclosed herein such as the temperature, biological signals, and other types of information regarding the user's sleep and generates temperature adjustment 2035 for mattress 200. This can cause the mattress to heat or cool, improving the sleep experience for the user. Temperature sensors can provide back temperature 2030 indicating the current temperature of mattress 200. As the temperature changes, temperature 2030 provided to hub 2040 can change, and if the temperature as indicated by temperature 2030 is too hot (e.g., above a threshold temperature) or too cold (e.g., below a threshold temperature), then hub 2040 can generate temperature adjust 2035 that can allow for mattress 200 to change in temperature in response to the current conditions. Thus, a feedback loop can be implemented in which the temperature of mattress 200 is adjusted many times throughout the night as the user sleeps. As discussed later herein, temperature adjust 2035 can include data or a signal that can be used toadjust the temperature of mattress 200, for example, a signal providing a particular current used to generate a voltage across thermoelectric elements to heat or cool mattress 200 appropriately.

[0153] In some cases, mattress 200 can include different zones 660 and 610, as previously discussed. This can allow for two different people (or users) sleeping upon mattress 200 to have different heating or cooling performed throughout the users' sleeping experiences. For example, one person sleeping upon zone 660 (e.g., the left side of the bed) might result in zone 660 to be heated while another person sleeping upon zone 610 (e.g., the right side of the bed) might result in zone 610 to be cooled. Thus, different portions of mattress 200 can be heated and / or cooled differently. In another example, both zones 660 and 610 might be heated, but one zone might be heated to a higher temperature than the other zone. Likewise, both zones 660 and 610 might be cooled, but one zone might be cooled to a lower temperature than the other zone.

[0154] Hub 2040 can manage the different sleeping experiences for the different zones 660 and 610. For example, two different computing devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, laptop computers, etc.) can be communicatively coupled with hub 2040, for example, via a wireless network such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc. This can allow for the different computing devices to receive and provide different sleep information 2025, for example, different temperature settings 2015 and different last night sleep information 2020. For example, one computing device can be set or indicated by hub 2040 as being the computing device for a user sleeping upon zone 660. A different computing device can be set or indicated by hub 2040 as being the computing device for a user sleeping upon zone 610. Thus, when data is received from the computing device, it can be determined which device provided that data and the zone associated with that computing device can be operated accordingly (e.g., heated to a particular temperature later at night). When data is to be provided to a computing device (e.g., last night sleep information 2020) then hub 2040 can provide the computing device with the information related to the zone associated with that computing device such that different users sleeping upon the same mattress 200 would receive different information.

[0155] A variety of heating or cooling mechanisms other than the coils previously discussed can also be used with the techniques described herein. For example, forced directional gas (e.g., air) cooling (or heating), liquid (e.g., water) cooling (or heating), thermoelectric cooling (or heating), modifications thereof, or combinations thereof can be used for the article of furniture, such as the mattress or the mattress pad of the bed.

[0156] Regarding forced directional air cooling, hub 2040 or mattress 200 can include adirectional fan or blower that can direct air into mattress 200. For example, one or more channels (e.g., baffles) can be integrated within a layer of mattress 200 (e.g., under a surface that a user sleeps upon) to provide a cavity for air to be pushed through. In some cases, the channel(s) may be a continuous network of channels. The channel(s) can include hollow portions throughout mattress 200 that allow for the propagation or flow of fluid (e.g., liquids or gas). In some cases, the gas may comprise air. The channel(s) can be concentrated upon the areas of mattress 200 where high-temperature areas of the user sleeps, for example, parts of mattress 200 that would be underneath a user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other areas, for example near the user's legs, can include less baffling or no baffling because those areas might not be areas where heating or cooling are as useful. Thus, different portions of mattress 200 can have different concentrations of channel(s) to promote air flow, with some portions even having no channel. Thus, air can be blown into an entry of the channel(s) integrated into mattress 200. In some cases, air can be blow into the entry and out of an exit of the channel(s) such that the air is circulated through mattress 200.

[0157] In some cases, if cooling is desired, then air at a temperature colder than what is indicated by temperature 2030 can be provided (e.g., blowing air into the entry of the channel(s) of mattress 200). If heating is desired, then air at a temperature hotter than what is indicated by temperature 2030 can be provided. Thus, temperature adjust 2035 can be generated by hub 2040 to adjust the forced directional air cooling mechanism (e.g., fans, air conditioning units, etc.) to provide the proper temperature.

[0158] Regarding liquid cooling, a liquid (e.g., water) can be pumped into one or more channels (e.g., baffles). The temperature of the water can be adjusted in a similar manner as the air blown into the baffle structure. The liquid can be circulated from outside of mattress 200, into the channel(s) of mattress 200, absorb heat, and then pumped back out of mattress 200. This can allow for the liquid to transport the heat outside of mattress 200 and cool off outside of mattress 200. Thus, the liquid can transfer heat away from mattress 200 and circulated outside of the mattress such that the heat is distributed away from mattress 200. This can result in a cooling (e.g., reduce the temperature) of mattress 200.

[0159] Thermoelectric temperature regulation (e.g., heating and / or cooling) can be implemented using an electric-based system (e.g., by a thermoelectric engine). The thermoelectric engine can be configured to convert electrical energy into a heat flux (or a temperature difference) or convert the heat flux into electrical energy. The thermoelectric engine can be a solid-state device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the article of furniture (e.g., the bed) can comprise the thermoelectric engine in the article of furniture (e.g., in the mattress or mattress pad) as a mechanism to regulate temperature of the article of furniture. Such thermoelectric engine may or may not have moving parts (e.g., fans, pumping parts, etc.), and may be quieter than liquid or air cooling. For example, a thermoelectric engine to adjust the temperature of mattress 200 can comprise thermoelectric elements integrated upon printed circuit boards (PCBs) embedded within mattress 200 or a cover upon mattress 200. When current (e.g., electrical current such as the flow of electric charge in amperes) is provided to a thermoelectric element and a voltage is generated across the thermoelectric element, a heat flux can be generated, resulting in a separation of hot temperature and cold temperature across the thermoelectric element. That is, the heat can be separated to one side of the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric engine, resulting in one side being hotter than the other side (which is cooler than the hotter side). Thus, heat (or energy) can be distributed away from a user sleeping upon mattress 200. The thermoelectric elements can also be concentrated upon the areas of mattress 200 where high- temperature areas of the user sleeps, for example, parts of mattress 200 that would be underneath a user's back, shoulders, and hips similar to the baffling as described above. As a result, other areas, for example near the user's legs, can include fewer thermoelectric elements, or even no thermoelectric elements, because those areas might not be areas where heating or cooling are as useful. Thus, different portions of mattress 200 can have different concentrations of thermoelectric elements to promote heat transfer.

[0161] In some embodiments, the temperature regulation mechanism of the article of furniture can comprise a combination of the thermoelectric temperature regulation and the fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). In such a case, the fluid may flow in and out of the channel(s) of the article of furniture, and a thermoelectric temperature regulator may regulate a temperature of the fluid (e.g., water), to thereby regulate a temperature of the article of furniture. The fluid at a regulated temperature may flow through the channel(s) of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed) to (i) maintain a temperature of the user of the article of furniture, (ii) supply heat to the user of the article of furniture, or (iii) take heat from the user (or cool the user) of the article of furniture. The thermoelectric temperature regulator may or may not be part of the article of furniture. The thermoelectric temperature regulator may comprise a thermoelectric engine for regulating the temperature of the fluid, and a reservoir for containing the fluid. The thermoelectric engine may be separated from the reservoir, and in fluid communication with the reservoir. In some cases, the reservoir may regulate the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively, the reservoir may not beconfigured to regulate a temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. In such a case, the fluid that is contained in the reservoir may not be heated or cooled inside the reservoir. In such a case, the fluid is that outside the reservoir and flowing through or adjacent to the thermoelectric engine (e.g., through one or more channels of the thermoelectric engine, through one or more channels directly adjacent to the thermoelectric engine, etc.) may be heated or cooled by the thermoelectric engine.

[0162] The thermoelectric engine can comprise at least one thermoelectric unit. The thermoelectric engine can comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more thermoelectric units. The thermoelectric engine can comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 thermoelectric unit. Each thermoelectric unit may be configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid that is flowing through or adjacent to each thermoelectric unit.

[0163] For each thermoelectric unit, a first direction of electrical current through the thermoelectric unit may increase a temperature of a side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby to increase a temperature of the fluid (e.g., water) flowing through or adjacent to the side of the thermoelectric unit. A second direction, opposite the first direction of electrical current through the thermoelectric unit may decrease a temperature of the side of the thermoelectric unit, thereby to decrease a temperature of the fluid flowing through or adjacent to the side of the thermoelectric unit. In some cases, the first direction may be a positive electrical current, and the second direction may be a negative electrical current. In some cases, the first direction may be a negative electrical current, and the second direction may be a positive electrical current.

[0164] In some cases, phase change material can also be used to promote the transfer of heat between the user and the article of furniture, such as, for example, between the user and the mattress 200. For example, if a thermoelectric engine (e.g., in the absence or in combination with the fluid) is implemented to adjust the temperature of mattress 200, then a phase change material can be used to transfer the heat away from the side of the thermoelectric element such that it is distributed farther away from where the user sleeps (e.g., another area of mattress 200 such as below where the user sleeps, off to the side, etc.). That is, phase change material can be distributed upon or within mattress 200 such that it transports the heat from the side of the thermoelectric element that is hotter than the other, colder side away from those sleeping upon mattress 200.

[0165] In some cases, the enclosure of the phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be beneath a layer of memory foam upon which a user sleeps. For example, mattress 200 can include a layer of memory foam (e.g., a layer closer to the person sleeping upon mattress 200)and beneath that memory foam can be a layer of thermoelectric elements. Beneath that layer of thermoelectric elements, the enclosure of the phase change material (e.g., paraffin wax) can be positioned such that the heat separated by the thermoelectric elements can be distributed downward and away from the other side of the memory foam (e.g., the layer of memory foam upon which the user sleeps that is opposite from the side that is closest to the thermoelectric elements). Thus, these three layers can be positioned adjacent to each other as described above to distribute heat towards or away from the person sleeping upon mattress 200.

[0166] In some cases, the phase change material can also be concentrated in the portions of mattress 200 that are expected to be underneath a user's back, shoulders, and hips. Other portions of mattress 200, such as the areas underneath where a user's legs would be while sleeping, can have a lower concentration of the phase change material, or no phase change material.

[0167] In some cases, the phase change material (e.g., paraffin) can be used for thermal energy storage and, therefore, can be used to store heat away from a user's body while sleeping upon mattress 200. The phase change material can be embedded within a memory foam (e.g., polyurethane) material that mattress 200 is composed of. In an example, paraffin can be "sprinkled" throughout the memory foam such that mattress 200 includes a layer of memory foam impregnated with paraffin as the phase change material. In some cases, a bladder or enclosure (e.g., made of rubber, plastic, etc.) of the phase change material (e.g., paraffin) can be integrated within mattress 200. In an example, the bladder can contain the paraffin wax such that it can be isolated into a particular layer of mattress 200. This can provide a layer of paraffin wax as a phase change material within mattress 200, resulting in a greater temperature regulation (e.g., cooling effect) than if paraffin was embedded throughout the memory foam. In such a case, more heat can be transported away from a user.

[0168] Additional aspects of the phase change material are described herein in “Fluid channel systems and methods thereof’ or “Fluid channel systems and methods thereof for thermal energy storage.”

[0169] Computing device 2005 can also be used to provide additional temperature settings. In some cases, a user may want a warming or cooling effect within a certain time period. In some cases, the user may want a plurality of time periods to be set with different temperature set points. In some cases, some users might only want the warming or cooling effect to be provided from 10:00 P.M. to 1 :00 A.M. This time period might include the general time period that the user tends to sleep and, therefore, only providing the warming or cooling effect during that timeperiod can aid the user to fall asleep, but also prevent the usage of the system while the user is asleep later throughout the night. This can be helpful to reduce electricity costs of operating the system. Hub 2040 can also provide information related to the adjusting of the temperature of the mattress to computing device 2005 via a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN network as previously discussed).

[0170] FIG. 7 is another example of a block diagram for adjusting a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed). In FIG. 7, at block 2105, a temperature associated with the bed (e.g., a mattress of the bed) can be determined. For example, in FIG. 6, the temperature of mattress 200 can be determined using one or more sensors (e.g., one or more temperature sensors) in a portion of the mattress 200, integrated within mattress 200, placed upon mattress 200, integrated within a cover that is placed upon mattress 200, etc. Such sensor(s) may measure one or more temperatures indicative of a user’s body temperature. In some cases, the temperature can be the temperature of the user sleeping upon mattress 200. In some cases, the user might be wearing an activity tracker, smart watch, etc., which activity tracker can be used as a sensor for determining the user’s body temperature. In some cases, the temperature might be an ambient temperature adjacent to the bed device (e.g., the mattress 200) or within the sheets or comforter of the mattress 200 (e.g., the temperature above mattress 200 but below sheets that the person is sleeping under) that may or may not be indicative of the user’s bodily temperature.

[0171] At block 2110, the temperature can be determined to be outside of a threshold range. For example, hub 2040 in FIG. 6 can receive a temperature 2030 from the sensors (e.g., the temperature sensors). Hub 2040 might try to regulate the temperature of mattress 200 to be within a certain range. If temperature 2030 is below that range, then that might mean that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is cold. If temperature 2030 is above that range, then that might mean that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is hot.

[0172] Thus, at block 2115, the temperature associated with the mattress can be adjusted. For example, in FIG. 6, hub 2040 can generate temperature adjust 2035. Temperature adjust 2035 can be an analog signal providing an amount of current supplied to thermoelectric elements of mattress 200 such that heat can be distributed away from the person sleeping upon mattress 200 using the thermoelectric elements, as previously discussed. Alternatively or in addition to, temperature adjust 2035 can be a computer implemented instruction to instruct the thermoelectric temperature regulator to regulate (i) a temperature of the fluid (e.g., water) flowing between the thermoelectric temperature regulator and the channel(s) of the article of furniture (e.g., the bed), and (ii) a flow of such fluid through the channel(s) of the article offurniture, thereby to adjust a temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture. In some cases, temperature adjust 2035 can include digital data, for example, instructions for the thermoelectric temperature regulator, fans, pumps, etc. to provide the heating or cooling of the fluid. In some cases, analog signals as described can also be provided to the thermoelectric temperature regulator, fans, pumps, etc.

[0173] FIG. 8 is an example of a block diagram for adjusting current provided to one or more thermoelectric elements of the thermoelectric regulator for adjusting a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed). In FIG. 8, at block 2205, the temperature associated with the bed (e.g., a mattress of the bed) can be determined. For example, in FIG. 6, temperature 2030 provided by the sensor(s) (e.g., temperature sensor(s)) can be received by hub 2040. Temperature 2030 can provide temperature readings from the sensor(s) of mattress 200. At block 2210, it can be determined that the temperature is beneath a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be a pre-determined temperature (e.g., a temperature suggested by physician, an average temperature of the user while using the article of furniture, etc.). The threshold temperature may be a pre-assigned temperature by the user. For example, hub 2040 can determine that the temperature 2030 is beneath the threshold temperature range, meaning that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is too cold. Thus, the current provided to the thermoelectric elements can be reduced at block 2115. For example, hub 2040 can provide temperature adjust 2035 by providing a lower current than what it was providing before. This can result in the current provided to the thermoelectric elements to be reduced, resulting in a lower voltage across those thermoelectric elements. This reduces the heat separation capabilities of the thermoelectric elements, as previously discussed, and therefore less heat can be distributed away from the person sleeping upon mattress 200. That is, the difference in temperature between the two sides of the thermoelectric element can be reduced, reducing the heat distribution. This can allow for the temperature to increase within the threshold range such that the person is no longer cold. Such a method may be implemented when the thermoelectric regulator (i) directly regulate a temperature of the article of furniture, or (ii) regulates a temperature of a fluid that flows through the channel(s) of the article of furniture, thereby to adjust the heat distribution in the article of furniture.

[0174] At block 2220, it can be determined that the temperature is above a threshold temperature. For example, if the temperature increases such that it is now above the high temperature of the threshold temperature range, then this might indicate that the person sleeping upon mattress 200 is too hot. Thus, at block 2225, the current provided to the thermoelectricelements can be increased. This results in the thermoelectric elements having a higher voltage across them, improving the heat separation capabilities. This allows for the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element to increase due to the concentration of heat towards one end. The concentrated heat can then be distributed away using the phase change material, as previously discussed. This allows for the temperature to lower. Thus, a feedback loop can be implemented such that, in FIG. 6, hub 2040 is continuously or periodically (e.g., every second, every minute, every ten minutes, every time a motion upon mattress 200 is detected, every time snoring is heard, etc.) receiving and analyzing temperature 2030 and adjusting temperature adjust 2035 to heat or cool mattress 200 to provide a better sleeping experience.

[0175] In some cases, the thermoelectric element(s) of the thermoelectric engine(s) can be used for both cooling and heating an article of furniture (e.g., a bed or a mattress of the bed). For example, by changing the direction of the current of the signal provided to the thermoelectric elements, the operational mode can switch from cooling to heating, or heating to cooling.

[0176] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a system for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture (e.g., to wake up a user of the article of furniture). The system may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be a part of the article of furniture.Alternatively, the sensor may not be a part of the article of furniture, but operatively coupled to the article of furniture. The sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of the user of the article of furniture. In some cases, the user may be one of a plurality of users of the article of furniture, and the sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of each individual of the plurality of users. The system may comprise a temperature control device operatively coupled to the article of furniture, and the temperature control device may be configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture. The temperature control device may be thermally coupled to the article of furniture. The temperature control device may be coupled to (e.g., in contact with) the article of furniture. The system may comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor may be configured to designate, while the user is asleep on the article of furniture, a time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based on the biological signal of the user that is detected by the sensor while the user is using the article of furniture. The processor may further be configured to regulate (e.g., change) the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device prior to the time. The processor may be a part of the article of furniture. Alternatively, the processor may not be a part of the article of furniture, and communicatively and operatively linked to the article of furniture and one or more components of the article of furniture. In some cases, theprocessor may be configured to designate the time in absence of a user input to the processor (e.g., via a physical sensor or graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system that is operatively coupled to the processor).

[0177] The system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sensors. The system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 sensor(s). An individual sensor may be configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user. In an example, an individual sensor may be capable of detecting one or more biological signals of a plurality of users of the article of furniture. In some cases, a plurality of sensors may be operatively in communication with one another. The system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more temperature control devices. The system may comprise at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 temperature control device(s). In some cases, a plurality of temperature control devices may be operatively in communication with one another.

[0178] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to designate the time based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user and a history of biological signal data of the user and regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture prior to the time, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture. The history of the biological signal data of the user may comprise one or more measurements of the user’s biological signal while using the article of furniture.

[0179] In some cases, the history of the biological signal data of the user may comprise measurements of the user’s biological signal during a current use of the article of furniture by the user (e.g., during the current sleep of the user). The history of biological signal data may comprise data measured from at least about the past 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, or more. The history of biological signal data may comprise data measured from at most about the past 12 hours, 11 hours, 10 hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, or less.

[0180] The current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from about 0.1 hours to about 16 hours. The current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from at least about 0.1 hours. The current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from at most about 16 hours. The current use of the article of furniture by the user may range from about 0.1 hours to about 0.5 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 1 hour, about 0.1 hours to about 2 hours,about 0.1 hours to about 3 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 4 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 6 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 8 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 10 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 12 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 14 hours, about 0.1 hours to about 16 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 1 hour, about 0.5 hours to about 2 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 3 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 4 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 6 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 8 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 10 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 12 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 14 hours, about 0.5 hours to about 16 hours, about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 1 hour to about 3 hours, about 1 hour to about 4 hours, about 1 hour to about 6 hours, about 1 hour to about 8 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 12 hours, about 1 hour to about 14 hours, about 1 hour to about 16 hours, about 2 hours to about 3 hours, about 2 hours to about 4 hours, about 2 hours to about 6 hours, about 2 hours to about 8 hours, about 2 hours to about 10 hours, about 2 hours to about 12 hours, about 2 hours to about 14 hours, about 2 hours to about 16 hours, about 3 hours to about 4 hours, about 3 hours to about 6 hours, about 3 hours to about 8 hours, about 3 hours to about 10 hours, about 3 hours to about 12 hours, about 3 hours to about 14 hours, about 3 hours to about 16 hours, about 4 hours to about 6 hours, about 4 hours to about 8 hours, about 4 hours to about 10 hours, about 4 hours to about 12 hours, about 4 hours to about 14 hours, about 4 hours to about 16 hours, about 6 hours to about 8 hours, about 6 hours to about 10 hours, about 6 hours to about 12 hours, about 6 hours to about 14 hours, about 6 hours to about 16 hours, about 8 hours to about 10 hours, about 8 hours to about 12 hours, about 8 hours to about 14 hours, about 8 hours to about 16 hours, about 10 hours to about 12 hours, about 10 hours to about 14 hours, about 10 hours to about 16 hours, about 12 hours to about 14 hours, about 12 hours to about 16 hours, or about 14 hours to about 16 hours. The current use may range from about 0.1 hours, about 0.5 hours, about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 6 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 14 hours, or about 16 hours.

[0181] In some cases, the history of the biological signal data of the user may comprise measurements of the user’s biological signal during one or more previous uses of the article of furniture by the user (e.g., one or more previous sleeps of the user on the article of furniture). The previous uses may comprise at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, or more. The previous uses may comprise at most about the past 5 years, 4 years, 3 years, 2 years, 12 months, 11 months, 10 months, 9 months, 8 months, 7 months, 6 months, 5 months, 4 months, 3months, 2 months, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, 7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4 days, 3 days, 2 days, or 1 day.

[0182] In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 10 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 8 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 months year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 month year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 weeks year prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 weeks prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 1 week prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 6 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 5 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 4 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 3 days prior to the time. In some cases, the one or more previous uses may have occurred at least about 1 day to 2 days prior to the time.

[0183] In some cases, the processor may be communicatively coupled to at least one database, wherein the at least one database comprises a database associated with the article of furniture or a database associated with the user. In some cases, the processor may be configured to obtain the history (e.g., current history, previous history, or both) of biological signal data of the user from the at least one database.

[0184] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to identify the user from a plurality of users of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to obtain the history of biological signal data of the user from the plurality of users based at least in part on the identity of the user.

[0185] In some cases, the biological signal of the user may comprise a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration. In some cases, the biologicalsignal of the user may comprise two or more of: a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the biological signal of the user may comprise a temperature and at least one of: a heart signal and a respiration signal. In some cases, the biological signal of the user may comprise three or more of: a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and perspiration. In some examples, the biological signal of the user may comprise a temperature, a heart signal, and a respiration signal.

[0186] In some cases, the processor may identify the user from the plurality of users based on a heart signal (e.g., amplitude and / or frequency of the heart signal) and / or a respiration signal (e.g., amplitude and / or frequency of the respiration signal). In some cases, the processor may use a piezo sensor to detect the heart signal and / or the respiration signal. The detected heart signal and / or the respiration signal may be compared to a plurality of historical data of the heart signal and / or the respiration signal of the plurality of users to identify the user from the plurality of users of said article of furniture. The plurality of historical data of the heart signal and / or the respiration signal may be stored in one or more databases that are operatively in communication with the processor of the article of furniture. In some cases, the processor may use detect and / or confirm a presence of a user based on a temperature of a surface of the article of furniture detected by the sensor. In some cases, the processor may use a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the surface of the article of furniture. In an example, if the processor detects a sudden change in the temperature of the surface of the article of furniture, such data may indicate a start or end of a use of the article of furniture by one or more users.

[0187] In some cases, the article of furniture may comprise both the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor, wherein the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor are disposed on opposite sides of a layer of the article of furniture (e.g., on opposite surfaces of a layer of the bed device).

[0188] In some cases, the temperature control device may comprise a temperature regulatable mat and a controller to regulate a temperature of the mat. The controller may or may not be a part of the article of furniture. The temperature regulatable mat may be a part of the article of furniture. In some cases, the temperature regulatable mat may be disposed at a distance away from the temperature sensor, such that the temperature sensor does not read a temperature of the temperature regulatable mat. In some cases, the temperature regulatable mat may be on or adjacent to the layer comprising the piezo sensor and the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor and the temperature regulatable mat may be on opposite sides of the layer. In some cases, the temperature sensor and the temperature regulatable mat may be a same side ofthe layer, but with sufficient spacing and / or insulation in between.

[0189] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to identify the user from a plurality of users of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to designate the time to wake up the user based at least in part on the identity of the user and regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture prior to the time, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.

[0190] In some cases, the at least one sensor of the article of furniture may be configured to detect a first biological signal and a second biological signal of the user. The first biological and the second biological signal of the user may be different types of biological signals of the user. In some cases, the processor may be configured to (i) determine a presence of the user on the article of furniture based on the first biological signal, (ii) identify the user from a plurality of users of the article of furniture based on the second biological signal, and (iii) designate the time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based on the user’s identity. In some examples, the first biological signal may be a temperature of the user. In some examples, the second biological signal may be a heart signal of the user. In some examples, the second biological signal may be a breathing signal of the user.

[0191] In some cases, the at least one sensor of said article of furniture may be configured to detect a first biological signal of a first user of said article of furniture and a second biological signal of a second user of said article of furniture. In such cases, the processor may be configured to (i) identify the first user from the first user and the second user based on the first biological signal, and designate a first time for the article of furniture to wake up the first user based on said first user’s identity, and (ii) identify the second user from the first user and the second user based on the second biological signal, and designate a second time for the article of furniture to wake up the second user based on the second user’s identity. The first time and the second time may be the same or different.

[0192] In some cases, the circadian rhythm of the user may be generated by the article of furniture (e.g., by the processor of the article of furniture) by using (i) one or more sensors (e.g., the at least one sensor of the article of furniture) to detect one or more biological signals of the user, and / or (ii) one or more additional sensors (e.g., a wearable sensor) associated with the user. In some cases, the wearable sensor may comprise a smart watch.

[0193] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part on weather condition (e.g., snow, rain, earthquake,hurricane, etc.) of the geolocation, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture.

[0194] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to obtain a current and / or projected traffic condition at or adjacent to the geolocation. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to regulate the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part on the current and / or projected traffic condition, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture. In some examples, using the geolocation of the user while using the article of furniture, the processor may adjust a wake-up time of the user depending on how heavy or light the traffic condition may be in the morning. In an example, if the traffic condition is projected to be bad from 7 A.M. to 9 A.M., the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user before 7 A.M.

[0195] In some cases, the processor may comprise or may be operatively coupled to a global positioning system (GPS) to retrieve data with respect to the geolocation of the article of furniture and / or the user of the article of furniture. The processor may be coupled to the GPS via a wireless signal (e.g., near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or a cable connection (e.g., USB 2.0, USC-C, micro-USB, etc.). In some cases, the processor may be operatively coupled to a user device (e.g., via a wireless signal or a cable connection).Examples of the user device may include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a smart glass, etc. The user device may comprise or may be operatively coupled to the GPS, and the processor may retrieve data with respect to the geolocation of the article of furniture and / or the user through the user device. Additionally, the processor, the GPS, and / or the user device may be operatively coupled to (1) a weather database (e.g., National Weather Service, AccuWeather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and / or forecasted weather conditions of the geolocation, and / or (2) a traffic database (e.g., Department of Transportation, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Sygic, MapQuest, INRIX Traffic, HERE WeGo, inRoute, Glob, Scout, ETA, etc.) to retrieve past, current, and / or forecasted ground (e.g., cars, buses, subways, trains, rental bikes, rental scooters, etc.) and / or air transportation traffic conditions at or near the geolocation.

[0196] In some cases, the processor may retrieve data with respect to one or more future events (or one or more planned events) of the user through the user device (e.g., from a calendar or scheduling application that is operatively coupled to the user device).

[0197] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to determine a wake-up time of the user of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user. In some cases, the processor may be further configured to regulate (e.g., change) thetemperature of the article of furniture before the determined wake-up time of the user, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture at or around the determined wake-up time of the user.

[0198] To wake up the user, the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at least 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 60 minutes, or more prior to the determined wake-up time of the user. To wake up the user, the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at most 60 minutes, 55 minutes, 50 minutes, 45 minutes, 40 minutes, 35 minutes, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes or less prior to the determined wake-up time of the user. In an example, to wake up the user, the processor may initiate changing the temperature of the article of furniture at about 30 minutes prior to the determined wake-up time of the user.

[0199] To wake up the user, the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of at least about 0.1°F / hour, 0.2°F / hour, 0.3°F / hour, 0.4°F / hour, 0.5°F / hour, 0.6°F / hour, 0.7°F / hour, 0.8°F / hour, 0.9°F / hour, l°F / hour, 2°F / hour, 3°F / hour, 4°F / hour, 5°F / hour, 6°F / hour, 7°F / hour, 8°F / hour, 9°F / hour, 10°F / hour, l l°F / hour, 12°F / hour, 13°F / hour, 14°F / hour, 15°F / hour, 16°F / hour, 17°F / hour, 18°F / hour, 19°F / hour, 20°F / hour, 25°F / hour, 30°F / hour, 35°F / hour, 40°F / hour, or more. To wake up the user, the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of at most about 40°F / hour, 35°F / hour, 30°F / hour, 25°F / hour, 20°F / hour, 19°F / hour, 18°F / hour, 17°F / hour, 16°F / hour, 15°F / hour, 14°F / hour, 13°F / hour, 12°F / hour, l l°F / hour, 10°F / hour, 9°F / hour, 8°F / hour, 7°F / hour, 6°F / hour, 5°F / hour, 4°F / hour, 3°F / hour, 2°F / hour, 1 °F / hour, 0.9°F / hour, 0.8°F / hour, 0.7°F / hour, 0.6°F / hour, 0.5°F / hour, 0.4°F / hour, 0.3°F / hour, 0.2°F / hour, 0.1°F / hour, or less. In an example, the processor may regulate the temperature of the article of furniture at a rate of about 10 °F / hour (or 5 °F / 30 minutes) to wake up the user. In some cases, the processor may be configured to determine (e.g., automatically determine) the rate at which the temperature control device is to regulate (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture. In an example, a different sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the portion of the article of furniture (e.g., a temperature of a portion of a mattress or a mattress pad), and the processor may be configured to determine the rate based at least in part of the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.

[0200] To wake up the user, the processor may direct the temperature control device to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the temperature of the article of furniture by at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 2°F, 3°F, 4°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 11°F, 12°F, 13°F, 14°F, 15 °F, 16 °F, 17 °F, 18 °F, 19 °F, 20 °F, 25°F, 30°F, 35°F, 40°F, 45°F, 50°F, or more. In some cases, to wake up the user, the processor may increase and / or decrease the temperature of the article of furniture by at most about 50°F, 45°F, 40°F, 35°F, 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 19 °F, 18 °F, 17 °F, 16 °F, 15°F, 14°F, 13°F, 12°F, 11°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4°F, 3°F, 2°F, 1 °F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.

[0201] In some embodiments, prior to changing the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, the processor may be configured to designate a target temperature to which the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture is to be changed to. In some cases, a target temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user may depend on the user (e.g., a temperature of the user during a current sleep), the environment of the article of furniture, the geolocation and weather condition around the user and the article of furniture, etc.

[0202] In some cases, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the user detected during a current sleep on the article of furniture. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current temperature of the user. The current temperature may be a temperature of the user measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9 A.M, etc. Alternatively, the current temperature may be an average or median temperature of the user during the current sleep of the user, a highest temperature of the user measured during the current sleep of the user, or a lowest temperature of the user measured during the current sleep of the user.

[0203] In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the user may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F,3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, or more. In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the user may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.

[0204] Alternatively, or in addition to, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the user detected during a previous sleep on the article of furniture.

[0205] In some cases, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current temperature of a portion of the article of furniture. The current temperature may be a temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9 A.M, etc. Alternatively, the current temperature may be an average or median temperature of the portion of the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user, a highest temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured during the current sleep of the user, or a lowest temperature of the portion of the article of furniture measured during the current sleep of the user.

[0206] In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F, 2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, or more. In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the portion of the article offurniture may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.

[0207] Alternatively or in addition to, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on a temperature of at least a portion of the article of furniture detected during a previous sleep of the user on the article of furniture.

[0208] In some cases, the processor may use one or more environment sensors to detect one or more environment properties (e.g., ambient temperature, light, noise, humidity, etc.) surrounding the user, and determine (i) the wake-up time, (ii) a rate of change of temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user, (iii) a target temperature of the article of furniture to wake up the user, and / or (iv) duration of the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture based at least in part by the detected biological signal of the user and the one or more environment properties of the user.

[0209] In some cases, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on an ambient temperature of an environment surrounding the article of furniture during the current sleep of the user. In some examples, the target temperature may be based at least in part on a current ambient temperature the environment surrounding the article of furniture. The current ambient temperature may be a temperature of the environment measured at a predetermined time, e.g., at about 6 P.M., about 6:30 P.M., about 7 P.M., about 7:30 P.M., about 8 P.M., about 8:30 P.M., about 9 P.M., about 9:30 P.M., about 10 P.M., about 10:30 P.M., about 11 P.M., about 11 :30 P.M., about 12 A.M., about 12:30 A.M., about 1 A.M., about 1 :30 A.M., about 2 A.M., about 2:30 A.M., about 3 A.M., about 3:30 A.M., about 4 A.M., about 4:30 A.M., about 5 A.M., about 5:30 A.M., about 6 A.M., about 6:30 A.M., about 7 A.M., 7:30 A.M., about 8 A.M., about 8:30 A.M., about 9 A.M, etc. Alternatively, the current ambient temperature may be an average or median temperature of the environment during the current sleep of the user, a highest temperature of the environment measured during the current sleep of the user, or a lowest temperature of the environment measured during the current sleep of the user.

[0210] In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of environment surrounding the article of furniture may be at least about 0.1°F, 0.2°F, 0.3°F, 0.4°F, 0.5°F, 0.6°F, 0.7°F, 0.8°F, 0.9°F, 1°F, 1.1°F, 1.2°F, 1.3°F, 1.4°F, 1.5°F, 1.6°F, 1.7°F, 1.8°F, 1.9°F, 2°F, 2.1°F, 2.2°F, 2.3°F, 2.4°F, 2.5°F, 2.6°F, 2.7°F, 2.8°F,2.9°F, 3°F, 3.1°F, 3.2°F, 3.3°F, 3.4°F, 3.5°F, 3.6°F, 3.7°F, 3.8°F, 3.9°F, 4°F, 4.5°F, 5°F, 6°F, 7°F, 8°F, 9°F, 10°F, 15°F, 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, or more. In some cases, a different between the target temperature to wake up the user and the current temperature of the environment surrounding the article of furniture may be at most about 30°F, 25°F, 20°F, 15°F, 10°F, 9°F, 8°F, 7°F, 6°F, 5°F, 4.5°F, 4°F, 3.9°F, 3.8°F, 3.7°F, 3.6°F, 3.5°F, 3.4°F, 3.3°F, 3.2°F, 3.1°F, 3°F, 2.9°F, 2.8°F, 2.7°F, 2.6°F, 2.5°F, 2.4°F, 2.3°F, 2.2°F, 2.1°F, 2°F, 1.9°F, 1.8°F, 1.7°F, 1.6°F, 1.5°F, 1.4°F, 1.3°F, 1.2°F, 1°F, 0.9°F, 0.8°F, 0.7°F, 0.6°F, 0.5°F, 0.4°F, 0.3°F, 0.2°F, 0.1°F, or less.

[0211] Alternatively, or in addition to, the target temperature to wake up the user may be designated (e.g., by the processor) based at least in part on an ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the article of furniture detected during a previous sleep of the user on the article of furniture.

[0212] In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise increasing and / or decreasing the temperature of the article of furniture. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may only comprise increasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may only comprise decreasing the temperature at one or more rates. In some cases, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise a combination of both increasing and decreasing the temperature of the article of furniture. In an example, to wake up the user, the regulation of the temperature of the article of furniture may comprise one or more phases of increasing and decreasing (and / or vice versa) the temperature of the article of furniture, with or without intermittent pauses after each phase.

[0213] In some cases, the sensor may be a part of a first portion of the article of furniture, configured to detect a biological signal of the user of the first portion of the article of furniture. In some cases, the temperature control device may be coupled to a second portion of the article of furniture, configured to regulate a temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture. The first and second portions of the article of furniture may be the same or different. In an example, the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be different. In some cases, the processor may be communicatively coupled to the sensor and the temperature control device, and the processor may be configured to regulate the temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user on the first portion of the article of furniture, thereby waking up the user of the article of furniture. In somecases, the first portion and the second portion of the article of furniture may be two opposite sides of a component of the article of furniture (e.g., a top and bottom sides of a layer of a bed device).

[0214] In some cases, the temperature control device may be further configured to independently regulate a temperature of each of a plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture. Each of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture may be sufficient for a person to use (e.g., to sleep on).

[0215] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to (i) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) a first temperature of a first zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on a first detected biological signal of a first user on the first zone, thereby waking up the first user at a first time, and (ii) regulate (e.g., automatically regulate) a second temperature of a second zone of the plurality of zones of the second portion of the article of furniture based at least in part on a second detected biological signal of a second user on the second zone, thereby waking up the first user at a second time. The first and second times may be the same or different. In some cases, the first and second times may be different, and waking up the first user at an earlier time point may not disrupt sleep of the second user.

[0216] In some embodiments, the portion of the article of furniture may comprise a plurality of zones. The plurality of zones may comprise at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more zones. The plurality of zones may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 zones. In some examples, the portion of the article of furniture comprises a first zone and a second zone, and the temperature control device may be configured to independently change a temperature of each of the first and second zones. In such cases, the processor may be configured to independently: (i) designate, while a first user is asleep on the first zone of the article of furniture, a first time for the article of furniture to wake up the first user based on a first biological of the first user detected by the at least one sensor, and change a temperature of the first zone of the article of furniture prior to the first time, and (ii) designate, while a second user is asleep on the second zone of the article of furniture, a second time for the article of furniture to wake up the second user based on a second biological of the second user detected by the at least one sensor, and change a temperature of the second zone of the article of furniture prior to the second time.

[0217] In some cases, the subject system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture to wake up a user of the article of furniture may utilize any one of the subject articles of furniture (or any one of the subject bed devices) of the present disclosure.

[0218] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of regulating a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a portion of the article of furniture) to wake up a user of the article of furniture. The method may comprise providing (i) at least one sensor that is a part of the article of furniture, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the article of furniture, (ii) a temperature control device coupled to the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, and (iii) a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device. The method may comprise, with aid of the at least one sensor, detecting the biological signal of the user of the article of furniture while the user is using the article of furniture. The method may comprise, with aid of the processor, designating, while the user is asleep on the article of furniture, a time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user. The method may comprise, with the aid of the processor, changing the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device prior to the time.

[0219] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a method for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture. The method may comprise providing (i) at least one sensor that is a part of the article of furniture, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a biological signal of a user of the article of furniture, (ii) a temperature control device coupled to the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the temperature control device is configured to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, and (iii) a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and the temperature control device (process 2710). The method may comprise, with aid of the at least one sensor, detecting the biological signal of the user of the article of furniture while the user is using the article of furniture (process 2720). The method may comprise, with aid of the processor, designating, while the user is asleep on the article of furniture, a time for the article of furniture to wake up the user based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the user (process 2730). The method may comprise, with the aid of the processor, changing the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device prior to the time (process 2740).

[0220] FIG. 14 illustrates an additional example of a method for regulating a temperature of a portion of an article of furniture. The method may comprise providing (i) a temperature control device operatively coupled to the portion of the article of furniture, configured to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature control device (process 2810). The method may comprise with aidof the processor, designating a time to change the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture by the temperature control device based at least in part on a predetermined wake-up time of a user, wherein the time is prior to the predetermined wake-up time of the user (process 2820).

[0221] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the system comprising: at least a portion of the article of furniture configured to hold a fluid; a reservoir in fluid communication with the at least the portion of the article of furniture, configured to contain the fluid; a temperature regulator in fluid communication with the at least the portion of the article of furniture and the reservoir, configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid; and a processor operatively coupled to the temperature regulator, programmed to control the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

[0222] The article of furniture may comprise a bed or a seat. The bed may comprise a mattress, a mattress pad (i.e., a mattress cover), a blanket, a functional variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The mattress may be used alone or in combination with the mattress pad. The mattress pad may be used alone or in combination with the mattress. The mattress pad may cover at least a portion of the mattress. The mattress may be of different shapes (e.g., spherical, cylindrical, box, etc.). The mattress may have one or more sides (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sides). The mattress pad may be on or adjacent one or more sides of the mattress. In an example, the mattress pad may cover a top side of the mattress. In another example, the mattress pad may cover all sides of the mattress. The seat may be at least a portion (e.g., a portion of an area, a layer of a plurality of layers, etc.) of a larger article of furniture, such as, for example, a chair, loveseat, sofa, couch, stool, ottoman, bench, or modifications thereof.

[0223] The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be regulated (e.g., by the fluid in the at least the portion of the article of furniture). Regulating the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may comprise maintaining at a pre-determined temperature or range of temperatures, increasing the temperature, and / or decreasing the temperature. The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may range between about 10°C to about 50°C. The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C,45°C, 50°C, or more. The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be at most about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 29°C, 28°C, 27°C, 26°C, 25°C, 24°C, 23°C, 22°C, 21°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, or less. In some cases, the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture that is sensed (felt) by one or more users of the article of furniture may range between about 13°C to about 44°C. The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may increase and / or decrease by an increment of at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, or more. The temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture may increase and / or decrease by an increment of at most about 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C, or less.

[0224] In some cases, a pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for an adult may range between about 14°C to about 20°C (e.g., teenagers or older). The pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the adult may be at least about 14°C, 14.5°C, 15°C, 15.5°C, 16°C, 16.5°C, 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C, or more. The pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the adult may be at most about 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, 16.5°C, 16°C, 15.5°C, 15°C, 14.5°C, 14°C, or less. The pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for a baby (e.g., 0 to 12 months old) or a toddler (e.g., 12 to 36 months old) may range between about 17°C to about 22°C. The pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the baby or toddler may be at least about 17°C, 17.5°C, 18°C, 18.5°C, 19°C, 19.5°C, 20°C, 20.5°C, 21°C, 21.5°C, 22°C, or more. The pre-determined range of temperatures of the article of furniture suitable for the baby or toddler may be at most about 22°C, 21.5°C, 21°C, 20.5°C, 20°C, 19.5°C, 19°C, 18.5°C, 18°C, 17.5°C, 17°C, or less. A pre-determined temperature and / or an average of a pre-determined range of temperatures for the baby or toddler may be the same, higher, or lower than the pre-determined temperature and / or the average of the pre-determined range of temperatures for the adult, respectively.

[0225] The at least the portion of the article of furniture may be configured to transfer (e.g., add or remove) heat between the at least the portion of the article of furniture and a user of the system that is on or adjacent to the at least the portion of the article of furniture. The user may be sitting, lying down, and / or sleeping on the article of furniture, such as, for example, the bed. The user may be sitting on the article of furniture, such as, for example, the seat. A temperature of a bodily surface or an internal temperature of the user of the article of furniture may bemaintained, increased, or decreased to a pre-determined temperature (or range of temperatures) by the transferred heat.

[0226] The at least the portion of the article of furniture may be configured to hold the fluid. Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least the portion of the article of furniture may be configured to permit flow of the fluid through, underneath, over, or adjacent to the at least the portion of the article of furniture. The fluid may be a liquid or gas. The liquid may comprise aqueous liquid (e.g., water) or non-aqueous liquid (e.g., oil). The gas may comprise air or argon. The fluid may be configured to be heated or cooled. A temperature of the fluid may be regulated (e.g., by the temperature regulator). The regulated temperature of the fluid may range between about 10°C to about 50°C. The regulated temperature of the fluid may be at least about 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, or more. The regulated temperature of the fluid may be at most about 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 19°C, 18°C, 17°C, 16°C, 15°C, 14°C, 13°C, 12°C, 11°C, 10°C, or less.

[0227] The temperature of the fluid may increase and / or decrease (e.g., by the temperature regulator) by an increment of at least about 0.1°C, 0.2°C, 0.3°C, 0.4°C, 0.5°C, 0.6°C, 0.7°C, 0.8°C, 0.9°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, or more. The temperature of the fluid may increase and / or decrease by an increment of at most about 5°C, 4°C, 3°C, 2°C, 1°C, 0.9°C, 0.8°C, 0.7°C, 0.6°C, 0.5°C, 0.4°C, 0.3°C, 0.2°C, 0.1°C, or less.

[0228] The temperature of the fluid may increase and / or decrease (e.g., by the temperature regulator) at a rate ranging between about 0.01 °C per minute (°C / min) to about 5°C / min. The temperature of the fluid may increase and / or decrease at a rate of at least about 0.01°C / min, 0.02°C / min, 0.03°C / min, 0.04°C / min, 0.05°C / min, 0.06°C / min, 0.07°C / min, 0.08°C / min, 0.09°C / min, 0.1°C / min, 0.2°C / min, 0.3°C / min, 0.4°C / min, 0.5°C / min, 0.6°C / min, 0.7°C / min, 0.8°C / min, 0.9°C / min, l°C / min, 2°C / min, 3°C / min, 4°C / min, 5°C / min, or more. The temperature of the fluid may increase and / or decrease at a rate of at most about 5°C / min, 4°C / min, 3°C / min, 2°C / min, l°C / min, 0.9°C / min, 0.8°C / min, 0.7°C / min, 0.6°C / min, 0.5°C / min, 0.4°C / min, 0.3°C / min, 0.2 °C / min, 0.1°C / min, 0.09°C / min, 0.08°C / min, 0.07°C / min, 0.06°C / min, 0.05°C / min, 0.04°C / min, 0.03°C / min, 0.02°C / min, 0.01°C / min, or less.

[0229] The fluid may be capable of maintaining at a set temperature for about 0.1 hour to about 10 hours. The fluid may be capable of maintaining at a set temperature for at least about 0.1 hour, 0.2 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.9 hours, 1 hours, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, or more. The fluid may be capable of maintaining at a set temperature for at most about 10hours, 9 hours, 8 hours, 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1.5 hours, 1 hours, 0.9 hours, 0.8 hours, 0.7 hours, 0.6 hours, 0.5 hours, 0.4 hours, 0.3 hours, 0.2 hours, 0.1 hours, or less.

[0230] The temperature of the fluid being held and / or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture may be indicative of the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture. The temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may be the same or substantially the same as the temperature of the fluid being held and / or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture. The temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid being held and / or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture, if initially different, within a range of about 0.1 min to about 60 min. The temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid being held and / or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture within at least about 0.1 min, 0.2 min, 0.3 min, 0.4 min, 0.5 min, 0.6 min, 0.7 min, 0.8 min, 0.9 min, 1 min, 2 min, min, 4 min, 5 min, min, min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, or more. The temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may equilibrate to the temperature of the fluid being held and / or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture within at most about 60 min, 50 min, 40 min, 30 min, 20 min, 10 min, 9 min, 8 min, 7 min, 6 min, 5 min, 4 min, 3 min, 2 min, 1 min, 0.9 min, 0.8 min, 0.7 min, 0.6 min, 0.5 min, 0.4 min, 0.3 min, 0.2 min, 0.1 min, or less.

[0231] The temperature regulator may not be part of the reservoir. The temperature regulator may not be inside the reservoir nor configured to be in physical contact with the reservoir. The temperature regulator may be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is not contained (e.g., outside of) the reservoir. The temperature regulator may comprise at least about one channel (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 channels) configured to hold the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid. The at least one channel of the temperature regulator may be connected to each other. The at least one channel of the temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. Alternatively or in addition to, the at least one channel of the temperature generator may be disposed on or adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) at least one thermal device (e.g., at least one thermoelectric engine), such that the at least one thermal device modulates a temperature of the at least one channel of the temperature generator, thereby to modulate the temperature of the fluid in the at least one channel of the temperature generator. In some cases, at least two thermal devices may be disposed on top of each other (e.g., stacked), adjacent to each other (e.g., in parallel or perpendicular), or opposite of each other (e.g., on opposite ends of the at least onechannel of the temperature generator). In some cases, the at least one thermal device may be at least one thermoelectric engine. The temperature regulator may comprise at least one thermoelectric engine configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more thermoelectric engines configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 thermoelectric engine configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. Alternatively, or in addition to, the temperature regulator may be part of the reservoir.

[0232] The system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more temperature regulators. The system may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 temperature regulator. A plurality of temperature regulators may or may not be in communication with each other. In some cases, the temperature regulators may or may not be part of the article of furniture.

[0233] The system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more reservoirs. The system may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 reservoir.

[0234] The reservoir may be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. In an example, the reservoir may comprise at least one thermal device (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more thermal devices) configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid contained in the reservoir. The at least one thermal device may be inside the reservoir and / or outside the reservoir (e.g., on or adjacent to an outer side wall of the reservoir). Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least one thermal device may be part of the at least one side wall of the reservoir.

[0235] The reservoir may not be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. In such a case, the fluid may be drawn out of the reservoir (e.g., by a gravitational force, by an external force, such as, for example, an external pump), and a temperature of the drawn out fluid may be modulated (e.g., by the temperature generator that is not part of the reservoir). The reservoir may comprise at least one exit orifice for the fluid to be drawn out of the reservoir. The at least one exit orifice may be in fluid communication with the reservoir and another device that controls or allows flow of the fluid, such as a gate (e.g., a valve) and / or a pump. The reservoir may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more exit orifices for the fluid to be drawn out. In some cases, the fluid that is drawn out of the reservoir (e.g., through the at least one exit orifice) may be configured to re-enter the reservoir. In some cases, the fluid that is drawn out of the reservoir may not be configured to re-enter the reservoir.

[0236] Additional details of the systems and methods of the present disclosure

[0237] In some embodiments, a channel as provided herein can have a cross-sectional shape (e.g., perpendicular to the length of the grooves) that is circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any partial shape or combination of shapes thereof.

[0238] In some embodiments, a channel as provided herein can be a tube made of a polymer, such as a thermoplastic or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Non-limiting examples of a thermoplastic include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polyester, polyketone, polyacrylate, polyether, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl chloride, polyfluoroalkyl substance, variants thereof, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of a thermoplastic elastomer can include a polyamide thermoplastic elastomer (TP A), a polystyrene thermoplastic elastomer (TPS), a polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPO), a polyester thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE), a crosslinked thermoplastic rubber (TPV), and other thermoplastic elastomers (TPZ).

[0239] In some embodiments, a loop channel can be configured to regulate a portion of an article of furniture. In some embodiments, the fluid channel system as provided herein can comprise a plurality of loop channels (e.g., at least or at most about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 loop channels) configured to regulate different portions of the article of furniture. The plurality of loop channels can each comprise a portion (e.g., as subchannel such as a side channel) that is disposed in proximity to or adjacent to a common (or same) thermal energy storage unit (e.g., whether also utilized as a fluid reservoir or not), such that the common thermal energy storage unit can provide thermal energy (e.g., heating energy or cooling energy) to the respective fluid in each of the plurality of loop channels, thereby independently regulating temperatures of different portions of the article of furniture.Alternatively, the plurality of loop channels operatively coupled to the common thermal energy storage unit can be utilized to independently regulate temperatures of different articles of furniture (e.g., at least one loop channel for each article of furniture of the plurality of articles of furniture).

[0240] The reservoir may comprise one or more sensors to detect an amount of the fluid contained in the reservoir (e.g., contained in the container of the reservoir). The reservoir may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more of such sensors. The reservoir may comprise at most 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 of such sensors. The sensor may comprise an electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visiblelight, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc.) sensor. The sensor may be a camera. The sensor may be a water sensor.

[0241] The system may further comprise at least one pump configured to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir. The system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more pumps. The system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 pump. Such pump may be configured to operate via one or more energy sources, e.g., manual operation, electricity, engine, wind power, etc. Such pump may include a positive displacement pump, gear pump, screw pump, progressing cavity pump, roots-type pump, peristaltic pump, plunger pump, compressed-air-powered double-diaphragm pump, hydraulic pump, velocity pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, eductor jet pump, gravity pump, steam pump, valveless pump, etc. The at least one pump may be in fluid communication with one or more reservoirs, a container from each of the reservoir(s), one or more temperature regulators, and / or one or more portions of the article of furniture. The at least one pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid between the at least one pump and the reservoir. The at least one pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump. The at least one pump may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid from the at least one pump to the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least one pump may be configured to allow flow of the fluid from the at least one pump to the reservoir. The pump may be configured to separate the fluid in the temperature regulator from the fluid contained in the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition to, the pump may be configured to allow passage of the fluid in the temperature regulator back into the reservoir. In some cases, the pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the temperature regulator, through the portion of the article of furniture, and to the pump. Alternatively, or in addition to, the pump may be configured to direct flow of the fluid from the pump, through the portion of the article of furniture, through the temperature regulator, and to the pump.

[0242] The processor may be coupled to the at least one pump and programmed to control the at least one pump to retrieve the fluid from the reservoir. The processor may be further configured to control the at least one pump to direct flow of the fluid between the at least one pump and the reservoir. The processor may be further configured to control the at least one pump to direct flow of the fluid from the at least one pump, through the temperature regulator, and to the at least one pump.

[0243] The system may comprise at least one gate disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The system may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ormore gates. The system may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 gate. The gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid between the reservoir and the temperature regulator. The gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid away from the reservoir and towards the temperature regulator. The gate may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition to, the gate may be configured to allow flow of the fluid away from the temperature regulator and towards the reservoir. In some cases, the pump may be disposed between the reservoir and the temperature regulator, and the gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the pump. Such gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid between the reservoir and the pump. The gate may be configured to control flow of the fluid away from the reservoir and towards the pump. The gate may be configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the pump and towards the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition to, the gate may be configured to allow flow of the fluid away from the pump and towards the reservoir. The gate may be in fluid communication with the reservoir(s), the pump(s), the temperature regulator(s), and / or the portion(s) of the article of furniture.

[0244] The gate may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more orifices (e.g., ports) that allow flow of the fluid in and / or out of the gate. The gate may comprise at most about 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 orifice. In some cases, the gate may be a one-way gate, two-way gate, three-way gate, or four-way gate. The gate may be a valve. The valve may be a check valve, clack valve, nonreturn valve, reflux valve, retention valve or one-way valve. In some cases, the gate may be a gravitational gate (e.g., a gravitational valve). The gravitational gate may use a force of gravity to draw the fluid away from the reservoir (e.g., out of the reservoir) and towards the pump and / or the temperature regulator.

[0245] The gate may further comprise an air purge orifice. The air purge orifice may be coupled to an air purge channel. The air purge orifice and / or the air purge channel may be configured to purge (or remove) air in the gate and / or any other components (e.g., one or more channels) of the system that is configured to hold or permit flow of the fluid. The air purge orifice and / or the air purge channel may prevent leakage of the fluid from the system. In some cases, the gate may be in fluid communication with (i) the air purge channel, (ii) a channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the portion of the article of furniture, (iii) the channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the reservoir, and (iv) the channel that allows fluid flow between the gate and the pump. In some cases, the abovementioned four channels may be coupled to the gate vertically, in a descending order (e.g., from top to bottom) of (i) the air purgechannel, (ii) the gate-article of furniture channel, (iii) the gate-reservoir channel), and (iv) the gate-pump channel.

[0246] The portion of the article of furniture may comprise at least one channel configured to hold the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid. The portion of the article of furniture may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more channels. The portion of the article of furniture may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 channel. The channel(s) of the portion of the particle of furniture may comprise a plurality of interconnected channels configured to hold the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid. The plurality of interconnected channels may be in a mesh (or porous) network structure, thereby to help the article of furniture to breathe. The channel(s) may be a fluid circulating mat (e.g., a water circulating mat).

[0247] The portion of the article may comprise an entry orifice for the fluid to enter flow the portion of the article (e.g., from the gate, pump, and / or the temperature regulator). The entry orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and / or the temperature regulator. The portion of the article may comprise an exit orifice for the fluid to flow out of the portion of the article (e.g., towards the gate, pump, and / or the temperature regulator). The exit orifice may be in fluid communication with the gate, pump, and / or the temperature regulator. The entry orifice and / or the exit orifice may comprise a gate (e.g., a valve) to allow or prevent flow of the fluid.

[0248] The article of furniture may comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more portions. The article of furniture may comprise at most about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 portion. Each of a plurality of portions of the article of furniture may correspond to a zone for each user to seat, rest, or sleep on. Each of the plurality of portions of the article of furniture may correspond to different areas that would be in contact or adjacent to different portions of a user’s body (e.g., feet, legs, butt, arms, back, neck, head, etc.). Temperatures of the plurality of portions of the article of furniture may be regulated independently or in unison. In an example, different zones of the bed may be set (e.g., by the processor) at different temperatures for different users. In another example, different zones of the bed may be set (e.g., by the processor) at different temperatures for different bodily parts of a user.

[0249] The system may further comprise an additional portion of the article of furniture configured to hold the fluid. The portion of the article of furniture and the additional portion of the article of furniture may be different. The additional portion of the article of furniture may be in fluid communication with the temperature regulator. Alternatively, the additional portion of the article of furniture may be in fluid communication with an additional temperature regulatorconfigured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be different. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may not be in fluid communication with each other. Alternatively, or in addition to, the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with each other. The additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with the reservoir. The temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator may be in fluid communication with a common (or a same) reservoir.

[0250] The processor may be operatively coupled to the additional temperature regulator. The processor may be further programmed to control the additional temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby to regulate a temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture. The processor may be further programmed to independently control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator, thereby to independently regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture. The processor may be further programmed to control the temperature regulator and the additional temperature regulator in union, thereby to regulate the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the additional portion of the article of furniture in unison.

[0251] The system may further comprise a sensor to detect a property of the fluid. The sensor may be a temperature sensor. The sensor may be in direct or indirect contact with the fluid. The sensor may be part of the gate (e.g., the valve), the pump, the temperature regulator, the portion of the article of furniture, or one or more channels (e.g., a water loop) configured to hold and / or allow flow of the fluid.

[0252] The system may further comprise at least one heat sink configured to absorb heat from its surrounding. The at least one heat sink may be disposed on or adjacent to the temperature regulator (e.g., the thermoelectric engine). The system may comprise at least about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 heat sinks. The system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3,2, or 1 heat sink. The heat sink(s) may be configured to absorb heat from the temperature regulator.

[0253] The system may further comprise at least one fan (e.g., a dual fan) configured to regulate temperature of one or more components of the system. The system may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more fans. The system may comprise at most 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 fan. The fan(s) may be configured to blow or pull air across the heat sink(s) to regulate temperature of the heat sink(s). Operation of the fan(s) may not impact the operation ofthe temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid. Operation of the fan(s) may not impact the operation of the sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor) configured to detect the property (e.g., temperature) of the fluid.

[0254] The system may further comprise an additional portion of the article of furniture that includes at least one sensor that is (i) operatively coupled to the processor and (ii) configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user of the article of furniture. The biological signal comprises a heart signal (e.g., a heart rate), a respiration signal (e.g., a respiration rate), a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration of the at least one user of the article of furniture. The processor may be configured to determine a shape of the heart signal, at least based in part on the amplitude and / or frequency of the heart signal. The processor may be configured to determine a shape of the respiration signal, at least based in part on the amplitude and / or frequency of the respiration signal.

[0255] The channel(s) disclosed herein (e.g., the channel(s) configured at least to hold the fluid and / or permit flow of the fluid) may comprise fluid-insoluble (e.g., water-insoluble) materials.

[0256] The channel(s) may comprise a polymeric material, metallic material, ceramic material, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof. Examples of the polymeric material include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl carbonate, ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymer, methacrylate copolymer, any functional modification thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0257] The processor may be further programmed to control the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user. The processor may control the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, such that the temperature of the fluid (and / or the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture) may be the same, substantially the same, lower, and / or higher than a detected temperature of the at least one user. The processor may be further programmed to (i) identify the at least one user based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user, and / or (ii) control the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the at least one user’s identity. The at least one user’s identity may comprise age, gender, physical condition, geolocation, a predetermined temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, apredetermined temperature range of the portion of the article of furniture, or a history of the biological signal of the at least one user while using the article of furniture (e.g., an average temperature of the fluid while the user is sleeping on the bed, or an average temperature of the user while the user is sleeping on the bed).

[0258] The processor may be further configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thus the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture, based on the identity of the user. The processor may be programmed to determine that the same user has been using (e.g., sleeping on) the portion of the article of furniture for one or more days (e.g., at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more days). On a following day, the processor may be programmed to modulate the temperature of the fluid (e.g., by the temperature generator) prior to a predicted time of use by the same user (e.g., an average time that the user has started using the article of furniture for the past one or more days). The processor may pre-warm or pre-cool the fluid, thereby to pre-warm or pre-cool the portion of the article of furniture. Pre-warming or precooling the portion of the article of furniture may help equilibration between the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture and the temperature of the user. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user may pre-set a desired temperature and a desired time for the control to preadjust the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture to the desired temperature at the desired time.

[0259] The system may comprise a sensor operatively coupled to the processor and configured to detect a biological signal of at least one user of the article of furniture. Such sensor may not be part of the article of furniture. The sensor may be a smart watch or a fitness tracker. The at least one user may be wearing the sensor. The processor may be further configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user. In some cases, the biological signal may be a temperature of the at least one user, and the processor may be further configured to modulate (e.g., increase or decrease) a temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid (e.g., the that is being held or flowing through the portion of the article of furniture) and the temperature of the at least one user. In some cases, the processor may be further programmed to modulate the temperature of the fluid prior to usage of the article of furniture by the at least one user, thereby to pre-adjust the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture prior to use of the article of furniture by the at least one user.

[0260] The processor may be further configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user, thereby to regulate duration of sleep (e.g., sleeping longer, or waking up faster) of the at least one user. The processor may befurther programmed to modulate the temperature of the fluid based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user, thereby to regulate metabolism (e.g., help the user burn more fat while sleeping) of the at least one user. The processor may be further configured to apply a preset temperature setting (or temperature profile) to the temperature regulator, thereby to apply a preset temperature setting to the portion of the article of furniture. The preset temperature setting may be based on bio feedback of the user. The biofeedback may be provided by the user or determined by the processor using the user’s detected biological signal and / or identity. Examples of the bio feedback include pregnancy, menopause, fever, illness, fatigue, cancer, sleep disorder, heart conditions, or other physical conditions.

[0261] The processor may be further programmed to monitor (i) the biological signal of the at least one user, (ii) a sleep pattern of the at least one user based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user over a period of time, and / or (iii) a temperature setting of the portion of the article of furniture over the period of time. The processor may be further configured to compare the biological signal, the sleep pattern, and / or the temperature setting between two or more users. In an example, the processor may compare and identify two or more users with similar or approximately the same sleep pattern and compare the temperature settings of the portion of the article of furniture (e.g., a record of the temperature of the fluid that was heated and cooled) of the two or more users. The processor may be further configured to start a group of two or more users based on the comparison of the biological signal, the sleep pattern, and / or the temperature setting. In an example, the processor may start a group of two or more users with a similar biological signal (e.g., a similar heart signal that indicates a heart condition, such as, for example, heart arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, etc.). Within the created group, the processor may compare each user’s sleep pattern and the temperature settings of the portion of the article of furniture, and determine which temperature setting seems to yield a most desirable biological signal (e.g., a more regular hear signal or respiration signal) and / or sleep pattern (e.g., falling asleep faster, moving less, sleeping longer, waking up fewer times. Subsequently, the processor may be programmed to apply (e.g., automatically apply) the temperature setting of the article of furniture of a user of the group to a temperature setting of the article of furniture of another user of the group. Alternatively, or in addition to, the processor may suggest to a user such application of the temperature setting of a different user (e.g., for an improved sleep quality). The processor may utilize a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface, or GUI) on the user’s personal device (e.g., a mobile phone, smart phone, smart watch, smart glass, etc.) to allow the two or more users of the created group to communicate and share information (e.g.,voice, text, images, videos, etc.). Such group may serve as a support group.

[0262] In some cases, the processor may be further configured to connect (i) the user and any data collected and / or created by the processor for the user and (ii) a physician. The physician may be able to use the user interface on the physician’s personal device to evaluate (i) the biological signal of the at least one user, (ii) a sleep pattern of the at least one user based on the detected biological signal of the at least one user over a period of time, and / or (iii) a temperature setting of the portion of the article of furniture over the period of time. The processor may utilize the GUI on the user’s personal device and the physician’s personal device to allow the user and the physician to communicate and share information (e.g., voice, text, images, videos, etc.). Such GUI may reduce a time for the user to consult with a doctor to discuss the user’s biological signal, sleep pattern, and / or physical condition.

[0263] The processor may be capable of employing artificial intelligence (e.g., one or more machine learning algorithms) to analyze a database comprising a plurality of biological signals, sleep patterns, and / or temperature settings of the article of furniture of a plurality of users. One or more machine learning algorithms of the artificial intelligence may be capable of comparing a plurality of data within the database and creating a group of two or more users based on the comparison.

[0264] The processor may be operatively coupled to other components and their configurations described in the aforementioned system for regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture.

[0265] One or more components described in the aforementioned system for regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture may be enclosed in a temperature regulating tower. In some cases, the temperature regulating tower may comprise one or more reservoirs, one or more valve(s), one or more temperature regulators, one or more pumps, or a combination thereof. The components of the temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication (directly or indirectly) with each other. The temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication with the article of furniture, such as, for example, one or more portions of the article of furniture (e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more portions of the article of furniture). In some cases, the temperature regulating tower may be in fluid communication with a plurality of articles of furniture (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more beds). In an example, a common temperature regulating tower that comprises a common reservoir and two or more temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with two or more articles of furniture to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the two or more articles offurniture. In another example, a common temperature regulating tower that comprises a common reservoir and a plurality of temperature regulators may be in fluid communication with a plurality of beds (e.g., a plurality of babyterms) to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the plurality of beds. In some cases, an article of furniture may be in fluid communication with one or more temperature regulating towers.

[0266] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) the portion of the article of furniture capable of holding a fluid, and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of modulating a temperature of the fluid; and (b) controlling, by a computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture. The method disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.

[0267] The method may further comprise controlling, by the computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is not in the reservoir (or not in the container of the reservoir). The temperature of the fluid may or may not be modulated in the reservoir.

[0268] The computer system may comprise a computer program product comprising a non- transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable code encoded therein, the computer-executable code adapted to be executed to implement the abovementioned method regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.

[0269] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the system comprising: the article of furniture comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first and second portions is configured to hold a fluid; a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with the first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with the second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid; and a processor operatively coupled to the common temperature controller, programmed to control the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby to independently regulate a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article offurniture. The system disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.

[0270] The first and second portions of the article of furniture may be different. In use, the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be used (e.g., occupied) by a common user (or a same user). Alternatively, or in addition to, in use, the first and second portions of the article of furniture may be used (e.g., occupied) by different users.

[0271] The common temperature controller may comprise a reservoir in fluid communication with the first and second channels of the common temperature controller, which reservoir may be configured to contain the fluid. The reservoir may or may not be configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid.

[0272] The common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first temperature regulator in fluid communication with the first channel and configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid, and / or (ii) a second temperature regulator in fluid communication with the second channel and configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid. The first and second temperature regulators may or may not be part of the reservoir. The first and / or second temperature regulator may be a thermoelectric engine. The first temperature generator and the second temperature generator may or may not be in fluid communication with each other.

[0273] The common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first pump in fluid communication with the first channel, configured to direct flow of the fluid between the first channel and the first portion of the article of furniture, and / or (ii) a second pump in fluid communication with the second channel, configured to direct flow of the fluid between the second channel and the second portion of the article of furniture. The first pump may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the first channel of the common temperature controller) with the reservoir, the first temperature regulator, and / or the first portion of the article of furniture. The second pump may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the second channel of the common temperature regulator) with the reservoir, the second temperature regulator, and / or the second portion of the article of furniture. The first pump and the second pump may or may not be in communication with each other.

[0274] The common temperature controller may comprise (i) a first gate disposed between the reservoir and the first temperature regulator, which first gate is configured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the first temperature regulator and towards the reservoir, and / or (ii) a second gate disposed between the reservoir and the second temperature regulator, which second gate isconfigured to prevent flow of the fluid away from the second temperature regulator and towards the reservoir. In some cases, the first gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the first pump, which first pump is disposed between the first pump and the first temperature regulator. In some cases, the second gate may be disposed between the reservoir and the second pump, which second pump is disposed between the second gate and the second temperature generator. The first gate may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the first channel of the common temperature controller) with the reservoir, the first pump, the first temperature generator, and / or the first portion of the article of furniture. The second gate may be in fluid communication (e.g., via at least the second channel of the common temperature regulator) with the reservoir, the second pump, the second temperature generator, and / or the second portion of the article of furniture. The first gate and the second gate may or may not be in communication with each other.

[0275] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture, the method comprising: (a) providing a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second portions of the article of furniture are configured to hold a fluid, and wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid; and (b) controlling the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture. The method disclosed herein may utilize all components, configurations, and uses described in the aforementioned systems and methods for regulating the temperature of the article of furniture.

[0276] FIGs. 9A to 9D schematically illustrate examples of a system for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed, mattress, or mattress pad), which system comprises a fluid loop (e.g., one water loop). Referring to FIG. 9A, a system 2300 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2300 comprises a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310.The pump 2330 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2300 comprises a temperature regulator 2340 that is in fluid communication with the pump 2330 (and thus, in indirect fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310). The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 may comprise a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and to the temperature regulator 2340. The system 2300 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360 to the temperature regulator 2340. The fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2300 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, and back to the pump 2330. The pump 2330 is configured to draw fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 into the fluid loop. The pump 2330 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and / or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2300 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2300 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.

[0277] Referring to FIG. 9B, a system 2301 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured tocontain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2301 comprises a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2301 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and to the channel 2360. The system 2301 comprises a temperature regulator 2341 that is in fluid communication with the channel 2360 and the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 may comprise a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2341 to the channel 2360. The fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2301 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to draw fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the drawn fluid 2320 into the fluid loop. The pump 2331 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and / or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2301 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 and the portion offurniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2301 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 9C, a system 2302 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2302 comprises a valve 2370 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 may be a gravitational valve that only allows a flow of the fluid 2320 in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2302 comprises a pump 2330 in fluid communication with the valve 2370. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370. The system 2302 comprises a temperature regulator 2340 that is in fluid communication with the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2340 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperature regulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2340 may comprise a thermoelectric engine. The pump 2330 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2370, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2330 and to the temperature regulator 2340. The system 2302 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the temperature regulator 2340 and the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the channel 2360 and towards the pump 2330. The fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2302 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2370, to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, and back to the valve 2370. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravitational force) fluid 2320 outof the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 into the fluid loop. The valve 2370 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and / or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2340. The temperature regulator 2340 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2302 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2302 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 9D, a system 2303 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2303 comprises a valve 2371 in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 may be a gravitational valve that only allows a flow of the fluid 2320 in a direction away from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and towards the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The system 2303 comprises a pump 2331 in fluid communication with the valve 2371. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371. The system 2303 comprises a portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350 configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The portion of furniture 2355 comprises a channel 2360 (e.g., an interconnected network of a plurality of channels) configured to hold and permit flow of the fluid 2320. The fluid 2320 may be held in the channel 2360 and / or flow through the channel 2360 to modulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355. The channel 2360 is in fluid communication with the pump 2331. The pump 2331 is configured to (i) retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the valve 2371, and (ii) direct flow of the fluid 2320 from the pump 2331 and to the channel 2360. The system 2303 comprises a temperature regulator 2341 that is in fluid communication with the channel 2360 and the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature (e.g., maintain, increase, and / or decrease) of the fluid 2320. The temperature regulator 2341 may be a plurality of temperature regulators (or a plurality of temperatureregulating units), wherein each of the plurality of temperature regulators is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320, in unison or independently of each other. The temperature regulator 2341 may comprise a thermoelectric engine. The valve 2371 is configured to permit flow of the fluid 2320 from the temperature regulator 2341 and towards the pump 2331. The fluid loop (e.g., the water loop) of the system 2303 comprises a flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371, to the pump 2331, to the channel 2360 of the portion of furniture 2355, to the temperature regulator 2341, and back to the valve 2371. The valve 2371 is configured to receive (e.g., by gravitational force) fluid 2320 out of the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 and add the received fluid 2320 into the fluid loop. The valve 2371 separates (i) the fluid 2320 contained in the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310 from (ii) the fluid 2320 in, flowing through, and / or flowing adjacent to the temperature regulator 2341. The temperature regulator 2341 is not part of the reservoir 2310. The system 2303 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 and the portion of furniture 2355 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2303 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user of the article of furniture 2350.

[0280] At least two of the fluid loops (e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, or more fluid loops) as illustrated in FIGs. 9A to 9D, or functional modifications thereof, may be combined into a common system, which common system comprises a common reservoir. The common system may comprise a common article of furniture (e.g., one bed). The at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with the common article of furniture (e.g., in fluid communication with at least two different portions of the common article of furniture). The at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with the common reservoir. A processor may be configured to control (independently or in unison) the at least two fluid loops to modulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid loops, thereby to regulate (independently or in unison) temperatures of the at least two different portions of the common article of furniture. Alternatively, or in addition to, the common system may comprise at least two of articles of furniture (e.g., at least two beds). Each of the at least two fluid loops may be in fluid communication with each of the at least two articles of furniture. The processor may be configured to control (independently or in unison) the at least two fluid loops to modulate the temperature of the fluid in each of the at least two fluid loops, thereby to regulate (independentlyor in unison) temperatures of the at least two articles of furniture. The at least two fluid loops in fluid communication with the common reservoir may have a same direction or different directions of fluid flow. Examples of such system comprising the common reservoir and the at least two fluid loops are illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0281] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B schematically illustrate examples of a system for regulating temperatures of two portions of an article of furniture (e.g., a bed, mattress, or mattress pad), which system comprises two fluid loops (e.g., two water loops). Referring to FIG. 10A, the system 2400 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2400 comprises two fluid loops that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid loops may or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid loops of the system 2400. The first fluid loop comprises (i) the pump 2330, (ii) the temperature regulator 2340, and (iii) the channel 2360 of the portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350. The pump 2330 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2330 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop, from the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360, and back to the pump 2330. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop. The second loop may comprise features that may or may not be identical to the first loop. Referring to FIG. 10A, the second fluid loop comprises (i) the pump 2331, (ii) the temperature regulator 2341, and (iii) the channel 2361 of the portion 2356 of the article of furniture 2350. The pump 2331 is configured to retrieve or receive the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the pump 2331 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop, from the pump 2331, to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel 2361, and back to the pump 2331. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop. The system 2400 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user ofthe article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365, the portion of furniture 2355, and the portion of furniture 2356 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2400 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 and / or the temperature of the portion of furniture 2356 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the article of furniture 2350. The first fluid loop of the system 2400 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 9 A. The second fluid loop of the system 2400 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 9 A.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 10B, the system 2403 comprises a reservoir 2310 configured to contain the fluid 2320 (e.g., water). The reservoir comprises a container 2315 (e.g., a removable or non-removable container) configured to contain the fluid. Neither the reservoir 2310 nor the container 2315 is configured to modulate the temperature of the fluid that is contained in the container 2315. The system 2403 comprises two fluid loops that are in fluid communication with the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The two fluid loops may or may not be in fluid communication with each other. The reservoir 2310 serves as a common reservoir for the two fluid loops of the system 2403. The first fluid loop comprises (i) the valve 2370, (ii) the pump 2330, (iii) the temperature regulator 2340, and (iv) the channel 2360 of the portion 2355 of the article of furniture 2350. The valve 2370 is configured to receive (e.g., by the gravitational force) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2370 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2370 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2330 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop, from the valve 2370, to the pump 2330, to the temperature regulator 2340, to the channel 2360, and back to the valve 2370. The temperature regulator 2340 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the first fluid loop. The second loop may comprise features that may or may not be identical to the first loop. Referring to FIG. 10B, the second fluid loop comprises (i) the valve 2371, (ii) the pump 2331, (iii) the temperature regulator 2341, and (iv) the channel 2361 of the portion 2356 of the article of furniture 2350. The valve 2371 is configured to retrieve or receive (e.g., by the gravitational force) the fluid 2320 from the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The valve 2371 is configured to prevent flow of the fluid 2320 away from the valve 2371 and back into the container 2315 of the reservoir 2310. The pump 2331 is configured to direct flow of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop, from the valve 2371, to the pump 2331, to the temperature regulator 2341, to the channel2361, and back to the valve 2371. The temperature regulator 2341 is configured to modulate a temperature of the fluid 2320 in the second fluid loop. The system 2403 further comprises one or more sensor(s) 2365 configured to detect a biological signal (e.g., a heart signal, a respiration signal, a motion, a temperature, and / or perspiration) of at least one user of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365 may be part of the article of furniture 2350. The sensor(s) 2365, the portion of furniture 2355, and the portion of furniture 2356 may be in different parts of the article of furniture 2350. The system 2403 may regulate the temperature of the portion of furniture 2355 and / or the temperature of the portion of furniture 2356 based at least in part on the detected biological signal of the at least one user (e.g., one or two users) of the article of furniture 2350. The first fluid loop of the system 2403 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2302, as illustrated in FIG. 9C. The second fluid loop of the system 2403 may utilize all components and configurations described in the fluid loop of the system 2302, as illustrated in FIG. 9C.

[0283] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture. The method may comprise providing a temperature regulator in fluid communication with (i) the portion of the article of furniture capable of holding a fluid, and (ii) a reservoir capable of containing the fluid, wherein the temperature regulator is capable of modulating a temperature of the fluid when the fluid is not contained in the reservoir (process 2510). The method may comprise, controlling, by a computer system, the temperature regulator to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby regulating the temperature of the portion of the article of furniture (process 2520).

[0284] FIG. 12 illustrates an additional example of a method for regulating a temperature of an article of furniture. The method may comprise providing a common temperature controller configured to modulate a temperature of a fluid, wherein the common temperature controller comprises (i) a first channel in fluid communication with a first portion of the article of furniture, and (ii) a second channel in fluid communication with a second portion of the article of furniture, wherein the first and second portions of the article of furniture are configured to hold a fluid, and wherein the first and second channels are configured to hold the fluid (process 2610). The method may comprise controlling the common temperature controller to modulate the temperature of the fluid, thereby independently regulating a first temperature of the first portion of the article of furniture and a second temperature of the second portion of the article of furniture (process 2620).

[0285] The technology disclosed here categorizes the sleep phase associated with a user as light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep. Light sleep comprises stage one and stage two sleep. The technology performs the categorization based on the respiration rate associated with the user, heart rate associated with the user, motion associated with the user, and body temperature associated with the user. Generally, when the user is awake the respiration is erratic. When the user is sleeping, the respiration becomes regular. The transition between being awake and sleeping is quick, and lasts less than 1 minute.

[0286] Other details of systems and methods of the present disclosure

[0287] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system as provided herein may be coupled to a storage unit (e.g., for the respective refrigerant fluid) for a process referred to as “fast cool.” For example, the refrigerant fluid (e.g., cooling fluid) can be cooled and stored in the storage unit, after which the cooled refrigerant fluid can be used in an amount sufficient to rapidly cool a separate fluid in the fluid channel system as provided herein, e.g., to regulate temperature of the article of furniture coupled to the fluid channel system. For example, the storage unit may be designed to hold all of the cooled refrigerant fluid until its negative thermal energy needs to be released in a single burst.

[0288] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may comprise a water-cooled chiller model, which may be based on a compressor refrigeration system.

[0289] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may comprise a thermoelectric water chiller system. The thermoelectric water chiller system may produce low-level noise during operation, e.g., in the range of between about 30 to 40 decibels (dB), which noise range may be suitable for bedroom use, e.g., without disrupting sleep of an individual. In some cases, the low- level noise in operation can be at least or at most about 1 dB, 2 dB, 3 dB, 4 dB, 5 dB, 6 dB, 7 dB, 8 dB, 9 dB, 10 dB, 15 dB, 20 dB, 25 dB, 30 dB, 35 dB, 40 dB, 45 dB, 50 dB, 60 dB, 70 dB, 80 dB, 90 dB, or 100 dB.

[0290] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may comprise one or more reservoirs and one or more mixing valves. The system may comprise a single reservoir for storing the cooling fluid and a separate thermoelectric water chiller to cool down the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, each side of the bed device as provided herein may have a separate set of a reservoir (e.g., water block) and a thermoelectric chiller to achieve independent temperature control on each side of the bed device (e.g., see FIGs. 18-20). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the system may comprise a single common reservoir, a single commonthermoelectric chiller, and with a plurality of mixing valves in fluid communication with the single common reservoir, to deliver thermal energy to each of a plurality of sides of the bed device.

[0291] In some embodiments, having a cold reservoir may induce an increased rate of cooling of the separate fluid in the fluid channel system as provided herein, which in turn may induce an increased rate of cooling of at least a portion of the article of furniture coupled to the fluid channel system. A rate of cooling as provided herein can be defined as the time taken to transition from an ambient temperature to the coldest temperature (e.g., the coldest temperature achievable by the device). In some cases, the coldest temperature may be at least or at most about 30 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), 35 °F, 40 °F, 45 °F, 50 °F, 55 °F, or 60 °F. In some cases, the rate of cooling may take from about 30 minutes to about 1 hour. In other cases, the rate of cooling may take from about 10 seconds to about 30 seconds. In some cases, the rate of cooling may be at least or at most about 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 60 seconds, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, or 60 minutes.

[0292] In some embodiments, the cooling fluid as provided herein can be cooled during periods of unoccupancy (e.g., during daytime when the user of the bed device is not using or sleeping on the bed device), such that any waste heat generated during such cooling process is dispersed into the room during the periods of unoccupancy of the bed device and its respective room. Subsequently, when the user is sleeping on the bed device, the thermal energy stored can be used for regulating the temperature of the bed device instead of having to cool the cooling fluid during such time, thereby minimizing generation and / or dissipation of any new waste heat from such additional thermal energy storage process. This approach can enhance energy efficiency and maintain a comfortable environment, e.g., for the user to sleep. The cooling fluid as provided herein can be liquid or gas (e.g., air). In some embodiments, the storage unit may use a phase change material, such as water, ice or paraffin wax, to enhance the amount of energy stored within at a predetermined temperature.

[0293] In some embodiments, a volume of water required for a normal circulation (e.g., within the fluid channel system as provided herein) may be at least or at most about 0.5 liters per side or per loop, 1 liter per side or per loop, 1.5 liters per side or per loop, 2 liters per side or per loop, 3 liters per side or per loop, 4 liters per side or per loop, or 5 liters per side or per loop. In some embodiments, having a larger volume of water may allow for repeated cooling without theneed to recharge the system frequently (e.g., replenish the water throughout the fluid channel system).

[0294] In some embodiments, the system may be capable of regulating temperature (e.g., cool) of two or more zones of the bed device with a single water chiller (e.g., a single thermoelectric water chiller), e.g., without adding any additional water chiller. Thesystem may effectively manage cooling of both the left and right sides of the bed device, or any sub-zones thereof or any additional zones, by utilizing a distribution mechanism to share a common thermal energy storage (e.g., from a larger capacity thermal energy storage unit such as a large capacity refrigerant fluid storage unit). For example, multiple valves can control the sharing or distribution of the common thermal energy storage to cool a plurality of different zones of the bed device, such as one main zone along with one or more subzones (e.g., corresponding to head, feet, etc. of the user).

[0295] In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage unit (e.g., a container) may be reversibly coupled to the rest of the fluid channel system as provided herein. For example, the thermal energy storage unit may be a separate physical unit, thereby allowing for flexibility in size and / or replacement of the thermal energy storage unit.

[0296] In some embodiments, each zone of two separate zones of the bed device may be operatively coupled to (or may be in fluid communication with) its own thermoelectric water chiller (or its own thermoelectric engine module). In some cases, the system may limit a thermoelectric engine module in a first zone to about 50% of the total (or maximum) system power, even when the thermoelectric engine module in the other second zone is unused. In some cases, the system may allow for the first zone to utilize up to about 100% of the total (or maximum) system power when the thermoelectric engine module in the other zone is not in use.

[0297] In some embodiments, the fluid channel system may comprise at least one gravity valve. A gravity valve may utilize the force of gravity to control a flow of fluid within the fluid channel system (e.g., flow from a main reservoir and towards a priming reservoir that are shown in FIG. 21, where the “inlet valve” may be a gravity valve). The gravity valve may allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow. The gravity valve may comprise a flap or gate mechanism that opens when the fluid level rises above a certain point. The gravity valve may operate based on fluid levels and / or may automatically adjust changes in fluid pressure without requiring manual intervention.

[0298] In some embodiments, the fluid channel system may be a water channel system, and a priming reservoir may be utilized as a separate reservoir that is connected to (or in fluidcommunication with) a pump and a separate main reservoir. The water channel system may further comprise one or more air vent valve. This configuration may allow for efficient removal of air from the water channel system, reducing the time required for air removal from days or hours to just minutes. For example, the priming reservoir may comprise a valve (e.g., an air vent valve) equipped with a water detection sensor that operates as follows: (i) the valve may be opened if no water is detected, allowing air to escape, and (ii) the valve may be closed when water is present to prevent leakage, e.g., in cases of backflow from tubing in the case of locating the tubing in a higher location compared to the hub (e.g., a housing containing substantially the rest of the water channel system).

[0299] In some embodiments, the system may regulate the pump's ON / OFF status based on a fluid level in the priming reservoir. The priming reservoir may be positioned at an inlet to the pump to ensure the presence of water. The priming reservoir may be physically located beneath the main reservoir, allowing water to drain via gravity from the main reservoir to the priming reservoir (with the main reservoir at the top, the priming reservoir in the middle, and the pump at the bottom). The system may also feature two sides for left and right zones, and there may be a separate valve between the priming and main reservoirs to control a flow of fluid between the priming and main reservoirs.

[0300] In some embodiments, a leak detection sensor may be employed, utilizing an electrical sensor based on impedance measurement. The leak detection sensor may be positioned at the bottom of a housing to alert the user in the event of leakage outside of water channels or any accumulated water due to condensation. In some embodiments, a condensation sensor may be utilized, which is an electrical sensor based on impedance measurement, similar to the leak detection sensor. The condensation sensor can be placed anywhere inside the hub that may come into contact with water. In some embodiments, the condensation sensor may be located on the priming reservoir due to its proximity to electronic components. The condensation sensor may work by measuring electrical conductivity, and when the conductivity reaches a certain threshold (measured in Ohms), it may trigger a condensation alert. Upon reaching the threshold, the system may either turn off or modulate the minimum temperature to reduce condensation. In some embodiments, a liquid level sensor may be utilized, which can be placed in the main reservoir. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a liquid level sensor in the priming reservoir to prevent the pump from running when the priming reservoir is empty. In some embodiments, an environment sensor may be utilized to measure light levels in the room. The light sensor can inform the user about the presence of light.

[0301] In some embodiments, an environment sensor may be utilized within the hub to monitor conditions that can lead to condensation. The sensor for monitoring conditions that can lead to condensation may comprise a capacitive sensor placed on each side of the hub, as one side may be very cold while the other may be warm. This configuration may allow for targeted management of the side that is too cold and at risk of condensation. The capacitive sensors may be designed to measure humidity and predict the likelihood of condensation based on the dew point, which is the temperature at which condensation forms. In some embodiments, an optical sensor may be installed in the priming reservoir to provide further monitoring capabilities. The system may incorporate a gate function between the optical sensor and the electrical condensation sensor, allowing for a comprehensive approach to detecting and managing condensation risks. In some embodiments, the system may implement a control limit for the low temperature of bed regulation based on condensation data. This approach aims to prevent water leakage by ensuring that the temperature does not drop to a level that would lead to condensation formation. By continuously monitoring condensation data, the system can adjust the temperature settings accordingly to maintain optimal conditions and prevent potential issues related to water leakage.

[0302] In some embodiments, the system can use a thermal engine and cooling fans to cool and / or heat water as needed before dispersing it through channels. In some embodiments, the hub may host the connectivity and processing chips. In some embodiments, a water reservoir may have a cylindrical shape where a water source of the system is stored. In some embodiments, the tubing and pump system may be utilized to pump water from the reservoir through the hub’s tubing, filling the channels with water. In some embodiments, a priming reservoir may be utilized to provide enhanced acoustic and vibrational damping for the hub’s pumps. This design can help minimize noise and vibrations generated during pump operation, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable user experience. In some embodiments, the tubing system may be relocated to run along the bottom of the hub to emit less sound. This design change can help minimize noise during operation. In some embodiments, the design of the cooling fans may be optimized to enhance their overall sound profile. The optimization of the cooling fan design can comprise adjustments to the spacing between fans to minimize turbulence and noise generation. In some embodiments, the rotational precision of the fans may be improved to ensure smoother operation and reduce vibrations. In some embodiments, the optimization of the cooling fan design may help bring the overall sound level down to about 30 decibels. In some embodiments, the system may fill with water in less than about 10 minutes. Insome embodiments, the system can detect how much water is left in the Hub tank and can alert the user when it’s time to refill.

[0303] A non-limiting example of the fluid channel systems and methods thereof is illustrated in Example 6 below.

[0304] Computer systems

[0305] The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. FIG. 16 shows a computer system 1101 that is programmed or otherwise configured to control flow of the fluid throughout various parts of the channel and / or control operation of the temperature regulators as provided herein. The computer system 1101 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device. Alternatively, or in addition to, the computer system 1101 can be a part of the controller of the system as provided herein.

[0306] The computer system 1101 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 1105, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 1101 also includes memory or memory location 1112 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 1115 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 1120 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1125, such as cache, other memory, data storage and / or electronic display adapters. The memory 1112, storage unit 1115, interface 1120 and peripheral devices 1125 are in communication with the CPU 1105 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1115 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 1101 can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 1132 with the aid of the communication interface 1120. The network 1132 can be the Internet, an internet and / or extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 1132 in some cases is a telecommunication and / or data network. The network 1132 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1132, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 1101, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 1101 to behave as a client or a server.

[0307] The CPU 1105 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which canbe embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1112. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 1105, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 1105 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1105 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[0308] The CPU 1105 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 1101 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0309] The storage unit 1115 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 1115 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 1101 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 1101, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 1101 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0310] The computer system 1101 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 1132. For instance, the computer system 1101 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 1101 via the network 1132.

[0311] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 1101, such as, for example, on the memory 1112 or electronic storage unit 1115. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 1105. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 1115 and stored on the memory 1112 for ready access by the processor 1105. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 1115 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 1112.

[0312] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a precompiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0313] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system1101, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and / or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.“Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0314] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wavetransporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0315] The computer system 1101 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 1135 that comprises a user interface (UI) 1142 for providing, for example, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the channel or the temperature of the article of furniture as provided herein. Examples of UI’s include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

[0316] Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 1105. The algorithm can, for example, control an amount of fluid from an upstream channel that is divided into a plurality of sub-channels, or control the respective amounts of fluids from the plurality of sub-channels that are merged into a downstream channel.EXAMPLES

[0317] Example 1: Fluid channel system for regulating temperature of an article of furniture.

[0318] As provided herein and as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fluid channel systems and methods thereof can be utilized to regulate temperature of an article of furniture.

[0319] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an example of such fluid channel system. The system can comprise loop channel A for regulating temperature of side A of an article of furniture (e.g., a mattress or a mattress cover) and loop channel B for regulating temperature of side B of the same article of furniture.

[0320] The fluid channel system can comprise a common reservoir as a source of fluid (e.g....

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising: an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the upstream channel; a plurality of sub-channels comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, comprising: a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is configured to regulate a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first sub-channel; and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is configured to regulate a temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second sub-channel; and a downstream channel coupled to a second end of the plurality of sub-channels via a merging valve, wherein the downstream channel is configured to (i) receive the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and the second portion of the fluid from the second subchannel, to generate a mixed fluid and (ii) direct flow of the mixed fluid towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a processor configured to direct operation of the dividing valve and / or the merging valve to control a volume ratio of the first portion of the fluid and the second portion of the fluid in the mixed fluid, such that a temperature of the mixed fluid is sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

3. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to direct operation of the dividing valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second sub-channel.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to direct operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first sub-channel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor coupled to the downstream channel and configured to detect the temperature of the mixed fluid.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an article channel disposed adjacent to or in the at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel.

7. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream channel comprises a pump configured to control flow of the fluid through the upstream channel.

8. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sub-channel comprises a thermal reservoir for holding a temperature-controlled fluid supply, wherein the first temperature regulator is coupled to the thermal reservoir for maintaining the temperature- controlled fluid supply at a target temperature.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the first sub-channel is configured to (i) receive the first portion of the fluid from the upstream channel and (ii) direct flow of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled fluid supply to the downstream channel.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit, and wherein the second temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit.

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reservoir for holding a source of the fluid, wherein the reservoir is coupled to the upstream channel via a oneway valve.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the reservoir is disposed upstream of the dividing valve, and wherein the plurality of sub-channels is disposed downstream of the dividing valve.

13. A method for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising:(a) directing a fluid through an upstream channel;(b) directing the fluid to flow from the upstream channel and towards a plurality of subchannels comprising a first end coupled to the upstream channel via a dividing valve, wherein the plurality of sub-channels comprises: a first sub-channel comprising a first temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the first sub-channel, wherein the first temperature regulator is for regulating a temperature of a first portion of the fluid flowing through the first sub-channel; and a second sub-channel comprising a second temperature regulator coupled to at least a portion of the second sub-channel, wherein the second temperature regulator is forregulating a temperature of a second portion of the fluid flowing through the second subchannel;(c) generating, in a downstream channel, a mixed fluid comprising the first portion of the fluid from the first sub-channel and the second portion of the fluid from the second sub-channel, wherein the downstream channel is coupled to a second end of the plurality of sub-channels via a merging valve; and(d) directing the mixed fluid to flow towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising directing operation of the dividing valve and / or the merging valve to control a volume ratio of the first portion of the fluid and the second portion of the fluid in the mixed fluid, such that a temperature of the mixed fluid is sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising directing operation of the dividing valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the first sub-channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the upstream channel to the second sub-channel.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising directing operation of the merging valve to control (i) an amount of the first portion of the fluid flowing from the first subchannel to the downstream channel and (ii) an amount of the second portion of the fluid flowing from the second sub-channel to the downstream channel.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising detecting, via a sensor coupled to the downstream channel, the temperature of the mixed fluid.

18. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an article channel is disposed adjacent to or in the at least the portion of the article of furniture, wherein the article channel comprises (i) a first end coupled to the downstream channel to receive the mixed fluid and (ii) a second end coupled to the upstream channel to direct flow of the mixed fluid to the upstream channel.

19. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream channel comprises a pump configured to control flow of the fluid through the upstream channel.

20. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sub-channel comprises a thermal reservoir for holding a temperature-controlled fluid supply, wherein the first temperature regulator is coupled to the thermal reservoir for maintaining the temperature- controlled fluid supply at a target temperature.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising using (i) receiving the first portion of the fluid from the upstream channel and to the first sub-channel and (ii) directing flow of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled fluid supply from the first sub-channel and to the downstream channel.

22. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit, and wherein the second temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit.

23. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing the fluid to the upstream channel from a source of the fluid contained in a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the reservoir is disposed upstream of the dividing valve, and wherein the plurality of sub-channels is disposed downstream of the dividing valve.

25. A method for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising:(a) directing, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, a temperature regulator coupled to a thermal energy storage unit to regulate a temperature of a material in the thermal energy storage to a target temperature;(b) directing, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, a dividing valve to direct flow of a portion of a fluid from a portion of an upstream channel to a side channel, wherein the portion of the upstream channel and the side channel are coupled to one another via the dividing valve; and wherein the side channel is disposed adjacent to the thermal energy storage unit, to effect a heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the material and effect a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid; and(c) directing at least the portion of the fluid that is temperature regulated from the side channel to flow towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature.

27. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is during daytime, and wherein the additional time is during night time.

28. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.

29. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material comprises a phase change material.

30. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material comprises a water or a derivative thereof.

31. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius.

32. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.

33. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit.

34. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters.

35. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters.

36. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end of the side channel is coupled to the portion of the upstream channel via the dividing valve, and wherein a second end of the side channel is coupled to an additional portion of the upstream channel via a merging valve, to direct the portion of the fluid back to the upstream channel.

37. The method of any one of the preceding claims, comprising regulating, via an additional temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel, a temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

38. The method of claim 37, comprising decreasing, via the temperature regulator, the temperature of the material to the target temperature, and increasing, via the additional temperature regulator, the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid.

39. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate a temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and wherein the method comprises regulating, at the additional time and via the temperature regulator, the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

40. A system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising: a thermal energy storage unit configured to hold a material; a temperature regulator coupled to the thermal energy storage unit and configured to regulate a temperature of the material to a target temperature; an upstream channel configured to direct a fluid through the channel; a side channel coupled to a portion of the upstream channel via a dividing valve and configured to direct a portion of the fluid through the side channel, wherein the side channel is disposed adjacent to the thermal energy storage unit, to effect a heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the material, thereby permitting a temperature regulation of the portion of the fluid; a downstream channel in fluid communication with the side channel and configured to direct at least the portion of the fluid that is temperature regulated from the side channel and towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture; and a computer processor operatively coupled to the temperature regulator, programmed to:(a) direct, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature; and(b) direct, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, the dividing valve to direct flow of the portion of the fluid from the upstream channel to the side channel, to effect the heat transfer between the portion of the fluid and the temperature- controlled material.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the computer processor is not programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the material in the thermal energy storage unit to the target temperature.

42. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is during daytime, and wherein the additional time is during night time.

43. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.

44. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material comprises a phase change material.

45. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material comprises a water or a derivative thereof.

46. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius.

47. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.

48. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit.

49. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 2 liters and about 10 liters.

50. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of the material in the thermal energy storage unit is between about 6 liters and about 10 liters.

51. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first end of the side channel is coupled to the portion of the upstream channel via the dividing valve, and wherein a second end of the side channel is coupled to an additional portion of the upstream channel via a merging valve, to direct the portion of the fluid back to the upstream channel.

52. The system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel and configured to regulate a temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the temperature regulator is configured to decrease the temperature of the material to the target temperature, and wherein the additional temperature regulator is configured to increase the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid.

54. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature regulator is further coupled to the upstream channel to regulate a temperature of an additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel, and wherein the computer processor is programmed to direct, at the additional time, the temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the additional portion of the fluid in the upstream channel.

55. A method for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the method comprising:(a) directing a working fluid to flow from a reservoir to an upstream channel, such that a reserve fluid remains in the reservoir, wherein a portion of the upstream channel is disposed adjacent to the reservoir to effect a heat transfer between the working fluid in the portion of the upstream channel and thereserve fluid remaining in the reservoir, without a physical contact between the working fluid and the reserve fluid;(b) regulating, via at least one temperature regulator coupled to the reservoir, a temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to a target temperature at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user;(c) regulating, via the at least one temperature regulator coupled to the upstream channel, a temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or an additional portion of the upstream channel to an additional target temperature at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user; and(d) directing the working fluid to flow from the upstream channel and towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is not sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user.

57. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user.

58. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is not utilized to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid at the additional time.

59. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is during daytime, and wherein the additional time is during night time.

60. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.

61. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof.

62. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius.

63. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.

64. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius.

65. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius.

66. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature is greater than the temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius.

67. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters.

68. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator.

69. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit.

70. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit.

71. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve to substantially prevent flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir.

72. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, wherein the method comprises controlling operation of the valve to direct or prevent flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel.

73. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.

74. A system for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of an article of furniture, the system comprising: a reservoir for holding a source of a fluid comprising a working fluid and a reserve fluid; an upstream channel coupled to the reservoir and configured to receive the working fluid from the reservoir and direct the working fluid to flow through the upstream channel, wherein a portion of the upstream channel is disposed adjacent to the reservoir to effect a heat transfer between the working fluid in the portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir, without a physical contact between the working fluidand the reserve fluid; at least one temperature regulator, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is coupled to the reservoir and configured to regulate a temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to a target temperature; and wherein the at least one temperature regulator is coupled the upstream channel and configured to regulate a temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or an additional portion of the upstream channel to an additional target temperature; a downstream channel in fluid communication with the upstream channel and configured to direct the working fluid to flow from the upstream channel and towards the at least the portion of the article of furniture; and a computer processor operatively coupled to the at least one temperature regulator, programmed to:(a) direct, at a time when the article of furniture is not in use by a user, the at least one temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the reserve fluid in the reservoir to the target temperature; and(b) direct, at an additional time when the article of furniture is in use by the user, the at least one temperature regulator to regulate the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the portion of the upstream channel or the additional portion of the upstream channel to the additional target temperature.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is not sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user.

76. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein thermal energy stored by the reserve fluid at the target temperature is greater than about 10% or greater than about 20% of an amount sufficient to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture throughout a single use of the article of furniture by the user.

77. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is not programmed to regulate, at the additional time, the temperature of the reserve fluid to the target temperature.

78. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is during daytime, and wherein the additional time is during night time.

79. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time is between about 9 ante meridiem (a.m.) and about 6 post meridiem (p.m.), and the additional time is between about 7 p.m. and about 8 a.m.

80. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the working fluid and the reserve fluid comprises water or a derivative thereof.

81. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature is at most about 10 degrees Celsius or at most about 5 degrees Celsius.

82. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target temperature ranges between about -20 degrees Celsius and about 5 degrees Celsius.

83. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature is greater than about 10 degrees Celsius or greater than about 20 degrees Celsius.

84. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature ranges between about 20 degrees Celsius and about 40 degrees Celsius.

85. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional target temperature is greater than the temperature by at least about 5 degrees Celsius or by at least about 15 degrees Celsius.

86. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a volume of fluid in the reservoir is less than about 4 liters.

87. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator is a single temperature regulator.

88. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature cooling unit.

89. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature regulator comprises a temperature heating unit.

90. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is fluidically coupled to the upstream channel via a one-way valve configured to substantially prevent flow of the working fluid from the upstream channel to the reservoir.

91. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the upstream channel is a side channel coupled to a main channel of the upstream channel, wherein the side channel and the main channel are coupled via a valve, wherein the computer processor is programmed to control operation of the valve to direct or prevent flow of the working fluid from the main channel to the side channel.

92. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional portion of the upstream channel is not disposed adjacent to the reservoir, such that there is no substantial heat transfer between the working fluid in the additional portion of the upstream channel and the reserve fluid remaining in the reservoir.

93. A system for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the system comprising: a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature- controlled fluid; a condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid flow path; and a computer processor programmed to change an operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation.

94. The system of claim 93, wherein the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.

95. The system of claim 93, wherein the fluid comprises a liquid.

96. The system of claim 93, wherein the fluid flow path is substantially sealed from ambient air.

97. The system of claim 93, wherein the condensation sensor is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the reservoir.

98. The system of claim 93, wherein the operation of the fluid flow path comprises an operation of the temperature regulator.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein the temperature regulator is configured to regulate the temperature of the at least the portion of the fluid based on a target temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture, and wherein the computer processor is programmed to change the target temperature based on the detected condensation.

100. The system of claim 99, wherein the computer processor is programmed to change a minimum threshold value of the target temperature based on the detected condensation.

101. The system of claim 99, wherein the computer processor is programmed to determine the target temperature based on a biological signal of the user measured while the user is using the article of furniture.

102. The system of claim 93, further comprising:a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and a different condensation sensor for detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of the different fluid flow path, wherein the computer processor is programmed to change operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor.

103. The system of claim 102, wherein the computer processor is programmed to independently change operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path.

104. The system of claim 102, wherein the computer processor is programmed to change operation of the different temperature regulator based on the detected condensation by the different condensation sensor.

105. The system of claim 93, further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the computer processor is programmed to determine when the condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on a temperature sensing data measured by the temperature sensor.

106. The system of claim 93, wherein the system comprises (i) a housing enclosing at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a fluid sensor disposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing to detect sensor signal indicative of a fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface.

107. The system of claim 93, further comprising a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir for detecting an amount of the fluid in the reservoir.

108. The system of claim 107, further comprising an additional reservoir in fluid communication with the reservoir via a valve, wherein the additional reservoir is for holding a source of the fluid.

109. A method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising:(a) detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture, the fluid flow path comprising (i) a reservoir for holding a fluid and (ii) a temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of at least a portion of the fluid to generate the temperature-controlled fluid; and(b) changing an operation of the fluid flow path based on the detected condensation.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.

111. The method of claim 109, wherein the fluid comprises a liquid.

112. The method of claim 109, wherein the fluid flow path is substantially sealed from ambient air.

113. The method of claim 109, wherein the condensation sensor is disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the reservoir.

114. The method of claim 109, wherein the operation of the fluid flow path comprises an operation of the temperature regulator.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the operation of the temperature regulator is based on a target temperature of the at least the portion of the article of furniture, and wherein the changing of the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing the target temperature based on the detected condensation.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the changing of the operation of the temperature regulator comprises changing a minimum threshold value of the target temperature based on the detected condensation.

117. The method of claim 115, further comprising determining the target temperature based on a biological signal of the user measured while the user is using the article of furniture.

118. The method of claim 109, further comprising:(1) detecting condensation on or adjacent to at least a portion of a different fluid flow path in fluid communication with a different portion of the article of furniture, the different fluid flow path comprising a different temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of a different fluid flowing through the different fluid flow path; and(2) changing an operation of the different fluid flow path based on the detected condensation in (1).

119. The method of claim 118, further comprising independently changing operation of the fluid flow path and the different fluid flow path.

120. The method of claim 118, wherein the operation of the different fluid flow path comprises an operation of the different temperature regulator.

121. The method of claim 109, further comprising determining when the condensation has occurred or is about to occur based on a temperature sensing data measured by a temperature sensor.

122. The method of claim 109, wherein the at least the portion of the fluid flow path is enclosed within a housing, wherein the method further comprises detecting, via a fluid sensordisposed on or adjacent to a bottom inner surface of the housing, sensor signal indicative of a fluid leakage from the fluid flow path to the bottom inner surface.

123. The method of claim 109, further comprising detecting an amount of the fluid in the reservoir via a fluid level sensor disposed adjacent to the reservoir.

124. A system for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the system comprising: a fluid flow path in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture for directing flow of the temperature-controlled fluid throughout the at least the portion the article of furniture; a valve comprising (i) a first orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a second orifice in fluid communication with an ambient environment of the fluid flow path; a fluid sensor for detecting presence or absence of a fluid in the valve; and a computer processor programmed to direct the valve to close or open a fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice based on the detected presence or absence of the fluid.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein the fluid is a liquid.

127. The system of claim 124, wherein the computer processor is programmed to (i) open the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in the at least the portion of the fluid flow path and / or (ii) close the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in the at least the portion of the fluid flow path.

128. The system of claim 124, wherein the fluid flow path further comprises a pump for directing flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards the at least the portion the article of furniture.

129. The system of claim 128, wherein the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

130. The system of claim 128, wherein the at least the portion of the fluid flow path is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

131. The system of claim 128, further comprising a reservoir for holding a source of the fluid and in fluid communication with the at least the portion of the fluid flow path via a gravityvalve, wherein the gravity valve is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

132. The system of claim 131, wherein the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed downstream of the gravity valve.

133. The system of claim 131, wherein the at least the portion of the fluid flow path comprises a priming reservoir for receiving at least a portion of the source of the fluid from the reservoir via the gravity valve.

134. The system of claim 124, wherein the fluid flow path further comprises a temperature regulator for generating the temperature-controlled fluid.

135. A method for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid throughout an article of furniture, the method comprising:(a) detecting presence or absence of a fluid in a valve disposed along a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid flow path is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the article of furniture for directing flow of the temperature-controlled fluid throughout the at least the portion the article of furniture, and wherein the valve comprises (i) a first orifice in fluid communication with at least a portion of the fluid flow path and (ii) a second and orifice in fluid communication with an ambient environment of the fluid flow path; and(b) closing or opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice of the valve based on the detected presence or absence of the fluid.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the article of furniture comprises a mattress, a blanket, a pillow, or a cover thereof.

137. The method of claim 135, wherein the fluid is a liquid.

138. The method of claim 135, further comprising (c) opening the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the absence of the fluid in the valve and / or (d) closing the fluid communication between the first orifice and the second orifice upon detection of the presence of the fluid in the valve.

139. The method of claim 135, further comprising directing, via a pump, flow of the temperature-controlled fluid from the fluid flow path towards the at least the portion the article of furniture.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

141. The method of claim 139, wherein the at least the portion of the fluid flow path is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

142. The method of claim 139, further comprising directing, via a gravity valve, flow of at least a portion of a source of fluid from a reservoir for holding the source of the fluid and towards the at least the portion of the fluid flow path, wherein the gravity valve is disposed upstream of the pump, disposed at a vertical position above the pump, or both.

143. The method of claim 142, wherein the valve and / or the fluid sensor is disposed downstream of the gravity valve.

144. The method of claim 142, wherein the at least the portion of the fluid flow path comprises a priming reservoir for receiving the at least the portion of the source of fluid from the reservoir via the gravity valve.

145. The method of claim 135, further comprising generating the temperature-controlled fluid via a temperature controller disposed along the fluid flow path.

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