WO1999066274A1

WO1999066274A1 - Thermoelectric air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist

Info

Publication number: WO1999066274A1
Application number: PCT/IL1998/000280
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glen D. Guttman; Rami A. Drori
Original assignee: Entrosys Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-06-15
Filing date: 1998-06-15
Publication date: 1999-12-23
Also published as: AU7786498A

Abstract

A thermoelectric fluid conditioning apparatus (100) for a motorcyclist comprising a housing (80) having a plurality of fluid inlets (82, 86) and fluid outlets (84, 88); a plurality of thermoelectric elements (10-18) and two heat exchangers (50, 60). The apparatus can also have a temperature regulator (90, 190), having first and second fluid inlets (92, 94), a main fluid outlet (96) and at least one fluid exhaust outlet (96); at least one fluid circulation unit and a control unit (130). The unit is mounted on a motorcycle (202), and is preferably connected to a bodysuit (300) and/or a helmet (290) worn by the motorcyclist. The thermoelectric elements (10-18) are energized and cause a reduction of temperature on one side and an increase of temperature on the other side of the thermoelectric element. One fluid flow is forced to flow through a hot heat exchanger (50) and to the first fluid outlet of the housing. Another fluid is forced to flow through the cold heat exchanger (60).

Description

THERMOELECTRIC AIR-CONDITION APPARATUS FOR A MOTORCYCLIST

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for air-conditioning a motorcyclist.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION '

This invention relates to an air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist, based on thermoelectric elements.

Thermoelectric elements based on the peltier effect are well known. For example, U.S. patents no.4,146,933 and 5,197,294. Apparatuses for cooling a motorcyclist are well known. For example, U.S. patent no.4,722,099 describes a protective motorcycle garments for maximum cooling which allows ambient air to flow through the garments. The air which flows through the garment is not cooled, so that the cooling effect is very limited, and depends on the ambient air temperature. CAN. patent application no.2,171,265 describes a motorcycle helmet having a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device cools only the inner space of the helmet, has relative low cooling power, and being located near the motorcyclist head can cause the motorcyclist severe head damage as a result of an accident. The thermoelectric device is relatively heavy, it can electrify the motorcyclist and the motorcyclist wearing the thermoelectric device has to exert an effort to continuously balance helmet.

A disadvantage of all the mentioned devices is the disability to control the temperature of the air flow which exits the apparatus. A disadvantage of air conditioning devices using a thermoelectric element is the use of thermoelectric elements both to cool air and to warm air. Thermoelectric elements are usually more expensive, and have a shorter life period than heating coils.

Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist, that can cool the motorcyclist when the ambient air is hot. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus for a that is not mounted on the head of the motorcyclist. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist that can cool more than a motorcyclist head. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist that can allow the motorcyclist to regulate the temperature of the air flow which exits the apparatus. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus for a motorcyclist that allows to heat the motorcyclist with other means than thermoelectric elements. Accordingly, there is a need for an air-condition apparatus which allows to control the air flow which exits the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main section of a thermoelectric air

-condition apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the main section of a thermoelectric air -condition . apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a top view of a temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of a temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a temperature regulator, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a temperature regulator, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a temperature regulator, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a temperature regulator , according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main section of a thermoelectric air- condition apparatus, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a detailed description of the control unit panel, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem underlying the invention is basically solved by applying the features laid down in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

An advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which can allow the regulation of the temperature of the air flow which exits the air-condition apparatus. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus based on thermoelectric elements which allows to use other means than thermoelectric element, to warm air. Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides a compact size air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements. A further advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which allow fast and frequent changes of temperature. Yet a further advantage of the invention is that it provides an air-condition apparatus, based on thermoelectric elements which has one side which can exchange more heat than the other side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE IN ΕNTION

In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the invention is described in connection with the cooling and heating air. It is to be understood, however, that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to any fluid In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, the invention is described in connection with the cooling and heating of a motorcyclist. It is to be understood, however, that the principles of the invention are equally applicable to any driver, rider or pilot of any vehicle or aircraft. FIGS. 1-2 are a perspective view and a cross sectional view of the main section 102 of a thermoelectric air condition apparatus (i.e.-TACA) 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Main section 102 is coupled to a control unit 130, shown in FIG. 10.

Section 102 of TACA 100 is comprised of : A plurality of thermoelectric elements (i.e.- TE) 10-18, having first set of inputs 20-28, and a second set of inputs 120-128, both for receiving D.C. voltage. TE 10-18 have two opposite base plates: first base plated (i.e. - sides) 30-38 and second base plates (i.e.- sides) 40-48. Supplying a voltage difference between a first input and second input of one of TE 10-18 results in an electrical current which passes through that TE and causes a reduction of temperature on TE first (i.e.- cold side) 40^48 and an increase of temperature on TE second side (i.e.- hot side) 30-38. Some of the first and second sets of inputs 20-28 and 120-128 can be connected in parallel to the voltage supply, and some of the first and second sets of inputs 20-28 and 120-128 can be connected in series. Preferably, the first set of inputs 20-28 and the second set of inputs 120-128 are connected in parallel to the power supply. Those who are skilled in the art will understand that reversing the polarity of the D.C. voltage inputted to first set of inputs 20-28 and second set of inputs 120-128 causes first sides 30-38 to become cold and second sides 40-48 to become hot. For convenience, the hot side of TE 10-18 are denoted as 30-38 and the cold side of TE 10-18 are denoted as 40-48. Two heat exchangers 50, 60, having bases 52, 62 respectively. Base 52 of the first heat exchanger 50 is thermally coupled to sides 30-38 of TE 10-18. For convenience, the first heat exchanger 50 is referred to as the hot heat exchanger 50. Base 62 of the second heat exchanger 60 is thermally coupled to sides 40-48 of TE 10-18. For convenience, the second heat exchanger 60 is referred to as the cold heat exchanger 60. Conveniently, cold sides 40-48 of TE 10- 18 are connected to spacers, made of thermal conductive material. The spacers have two sides, wherein one side is connected to the cold sides 40-48 and the other side is connected to base 62 of second heat exchanger. The space between the TE 10-18, the base 62 of the second heat exchanger 60 and the base 52 of the first heat exchanger 50 are filled with a thermal insulating material. TE 10- 18 remain thermally coupled to first and second heat exchangers 50 and 60.

A plurality of spaced projections 54, are projected from base 52 and are integrally formed with said base 52. Preferably, the spaced projections 54 are shaped like plain fins or pin fins, which are orthogonal to base 52. A plurality of spaced projections 64, are projected from base 64 and are integrally formed with said base 62. Preferably, the spaced projections 64 are shaped like plain fins or pin fins, which are orthogonal to base 62.

Housing 80, surrounding the TE 10-18, the cold heat exchanger 60, has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. For convenience of explanation, and without limiting the scope of the invention, housing 80 is regarded as having two fluid (i.e. - air) inlets - an inlet for directing fluid (i.e.- air) over the hot heat exchanger (i.e.- hot fluid inlet) 82, and an inlet for directing fluid (i.e. - air) over the cold heat exchanger (i.e. - cold fluid inlet 86), and having two fluid (i.e.- air) air outlets - a hot fluid outlet 84 and a cold fluid outlet 88. Both fluid (i.e.- air) inlets 82 and 86, are used to input fluid and conveniently ambient air into TACA 100. At least a part of hot heat exchanger 50, is within housing 80. Housing 80 outer surface is made of thermal insulating material. Conveniently, the inner part of housing 80, which surrounds the cold heat exchanger 60 is made of a heat conductive material. First fluid (i.e. - air) circulation unit 70, sucks fluid by means of a first fan, pump or blower 72, and forces the fluid to flow, through hot air inlet 82 of housing 80, over the spaced projections 54 of the hot heat exchanger 50, thus undergoing an increase of temperature before being forced through hot air outlet 84. For convenience, said air flow is refereed to as hot air stream 120. First air circulation unit 70 can also have a first filter 74, placed between housing 80 hot air inlet 82 and the first fan, pump or blower 72, for removing dirt particles in the sucked ambient air.

Second fluid (i.e. - air) circulation unit 76, sucks ambient air by means of a second fan, pump or blower 78, and forces the air to flow, through cold air inlet 86 of housing 80 and over the spaced projections 64 of the cold heat exchanger 60, thus undergoing a reduction of temperature before being forced through cold air outlet 88 of housing 80. For convenience, said air flow is refereed to as cold air stream 126. Second air circulation unit 76 can also have a second filter 78 , placed between housing 80 cold air inlet 86 and the second fan, pump or blower 78, for removing dirt particles in the sucked ambient air. Housing 80 can have a single fluid (i.e. - air) inlet (not shown in FIG. 1), wherein the air which flows through the single air inlet is split. The air can be forced through TACA 100 by a single air circulation unit (not shown in FIG. 1).

A control unit (not shown in FIG. 1, but an analogues control unit, denoted as 160 is shown in FIG. 10), has a TE control output, and an on/off switch. The control unit controls the voltage and current supply to inputs 20-28 of TE 10-18. The control unit can also be used to reverse the polarity of the voltage and current supplied to the thermoelectric elements.

TACA 100 is preferably connected to a body suit of jacket, worn by a motorcyclist. The body suit or jacket, the mounting of TACA 100 on the motorcycle are explained in further details in reference to FIGS. 11-12. If the motorcyclist wants to warm himself he can connect the hot air outlet 84 of housing 80 to his body suit or jacket or to a helmet. If the motorcyclist wants to cool himself he can connect the cold air outlet 88 of housing 80 to his body suit or jacket and to a helmet. The motorcyclist can also connect one out of the two outlets 88 and 84, and reverse the polarity of the voltage and or current which are supplied to the thermoelectric elements.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, main section 102 is coupled to a temperature regulator 90 or 190. Temperature regulator 90 is described in further details in FIGS. 3-5 and temperature regulator 190 is described in further details in FIGS. 6-8. Temperature regulator 90 (190) has two inlets 92 and 94 which are connected to the two outlets 84 and 88 of housing 80. Temperature regulator 90 (190) controls the temperature of the air which exits it. The temperature regulator 90 (190) is controlled by a control unit, as explained in further details when relating to FIG 3-5 and 6-8.

FIGS. 3-5 are a top view, a side view and a front view respectively of temperature regulator 90, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Temperature regulator 90 is comprised of three parts 112, 114 and 116, preferably of rectangular shape, a base 118, a sheave 121 and a servo motor 110. Base 118 is connected to lower sides of all three parts 112, 114 and 116. First part 112 has a first air inlet 92 and a second air inlet 94. Second part 114 preferably has a first air exhaust outlet 98 and a second exhaust outlet 100. Second part 114 conveniently has one exhaust outlet 99 (not shown in FIGS. 3-5), instead of first and second air exhaust outlets 98, 100.

Third part 116 has a main air outlet 96 and a piston 111 which travels in the space confined by the first part 112, the second part 114 and the base. Piston 111 can various shapes, according to the space confined by the first and second parts 112 and 114 of temperature regulator 90, in which piston 111 can travel. Piston 111 has an ability to travel perpendicular to the first air inlet 92, the second air inlet 94, the first air exhaust outlet 98 and to the second air exhaust outlet 100. Piston 111 has 3 cavities. First cavity 113 allows the flow of air from the first air inlet 92 to the first air exhaust outlet 98. Second cavity 115 allows the air flow from the first and second air inlet 92 and 94 to the main exhaust outlet 96. Third cavity 117 allows the flow of air from the second air inlet 94 to the second air exhaust outlet 100. Second cavity 115 preferably is larger then first cavity 113 and third cavity 117. Piston 111 is connected to a sheave 121. Sheave 121 is preferably connected to a servo engine 110. Servo engine has control inputs 123, for receiving control signals from control unit 130. Control unit 130 sends the servo engine 123 control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts 112 and 114 of temperature regulator 90. In another embodiment of the invention, sheave 121 is connected to a lever

(not shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 6-8 ) and not to servo engine 123. The lever can be moved manually.

The first, second and third cavity 113,115 and 117 fully overlap the first air inlet 92 and the second air inlet 94, so that the air that flows through the first and second air inlets 92 and 94 flows through one of more of the three cavities 113, 115 and 117, and through the main air outlet 96 and a least one of the first and second air exhaust outlets 98 and 100.

The temperature of the air leaving the main air outlet 96 is determined by proportioning the flow of air from the first air inlet 92 and the second air inlet 94 into and through the main air outlet 96. The proportioning is done by moving piston 111 in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the second cavity 115 and the first and second air inlets 92 and 94. For example, if the air condition apparatus user needs a flow of cold air, the piston 111 is moved so that the second cavity 115 will overlap just the second air inlet 94 so that the cold air flow 126 flows from the second air inlet, through the second cavity 115 and to the main air outlet 96. The hot air flow 120 flows from the first air inlet 92, through the first cavity 113 to the first air exhaust outlet 98. If, for example, the air condition apparatus user needs a warmer air flow, the piston 111 is moved so that the second cavity 115 will also partly overlap the first air inlet 92. Those who are skill in the art will appreciate that temperature regulator 90 can have an auxiliary exhaust outlet 99 (not shown in FIGS.3-5 and 6-8), instead of first and second air exhaust outlets 98, 100. Second cavity 115 allows the air flow from the first and second air inlet 92 and 94 to the main exhaust outlet 96.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second exhaust outlet 100 of temperature regulator 90 is connected to a second insulating hose 170, having a smaller cross section then hot air inlet 82. Second insulating hose 170 is connected to hot air inlet 82, so that both cooled air from hose 170 and ambient air are sucked by first air circulating unit 70, amounting in an improved heat discharge of hot air exchanger 50. FIGS. 6-8 are a top view, a side view and a front view of temperature regulator 190, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Temperature regulator 190 is analogous to temperature regulator 90 except for the following changes : Second part 114' has the main exhaust outlet 96' of temperature regulator 190.

Third part 116' has the first and second exhaust outlets 98' and 100'. Piston 111 ' of temperature regulator 190 has just one cavity 115', analogous to second cavity 115 of temperature regulator 90. Cavity 115' allows the air flow from the first and second air inlets 92' and 94' to the main exhaust outlet 96'. Piston 111 ' of FIGS. 6-8 can be shorter than piston 111 of FIGS 3-5, allowing exhausted air (i.e.- the air which does not flow through main exhaust outlet 96') to flow through a space confined by piston 111' first part 112', second part 114' and base 118'.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the main section 102 ' of a thermoelectric air condition apparatus (i.e.-TACA) 100", according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. Main section 102' can be connected to a temperature regulator 90 (190), and to a control unit 160, shown in FIG. 10. Section 102' is analogues to main section 102 shown in FIGS. 1-2, but has an additional heating element 140.

Heating element 140, is installed within housing 80. Heating element 140 is preferably placed between the hot air exchanger 50 and the hot air outlet 84, but it can also be placed in other locations within housing 80. Preferably, most or all of heating element 140 is located within the path of the hot air flow 120. More conveniently, heating element 140 has a spiral shape, wherein its main axis is parallel to the path of hot air flow 120.

Heating element 140 has two inputs, wherein supplying electromagnetic energy to the heating element causes it to radiate heat.

Preferably, heating element 140 is activated instead of TE 10-18. First air circulation unit 70, sucks ambient air by means of a first fan or a blower 72, and forces the air to flow, through housing hot air inlet 82, over the spaced projections 54 of the hot heat exchanger 50, and over heating element 140, thus undergoing an increase of temperature before being flown through hot air outlet 84 of housing 80 to a first air inlet 92 of temperature regulator 90. Second air circulation unit 76, sucks ambient air by means of a second fan or a blower 78, and forces the air to flow, through housing 80 cold air inlet 86, over the spaced projections 64 of the cold heat exchanger 60 through cold air outlet 88 of housing 80, to a second air inlet 94 of temperature regulator 90. Because TE 10- 18 are not activated this air stream does not undergo a reduction of temperature within TACA 100.

Control unit 160 activates heating element 140, and preferably does not activate TE 10-18. A stream of ambient air will flow to the second air inlet 92 of the temperature regulator 90 and a stream of ambient air will flow over the heating element 140 and into the first air inlet 94 of the temperature regulator 90.

FIG. 10 is a detailed description of the control unit 160 panel 162, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Panel 162 preferably has a rectangular shape. Panel 162 has a first control knob 163 for activating TACA 100 and for controlling the strength of the air flow, and the intensity of cooling and heating done by TE 10-18 or the heating element, a first switch 164 for determining whether to activate the heating element 140 or TE 10-18 and a second control knob 165 for controlling temperature regulator 90 and consequently determining the temperature of the air flow flowing out of the main air outlet 92. Control 130 panel 132 (not shown in FIG. 10) is analogues to control unit 160, but without the first switch 164. First control knob 163 conveniently controls the level of D.C. voltage arriving to TE 10-18 inputs 20-28 and 120-128, and to fan or blowers 72,78 and to heating element 140. Preferably, the first control knob 163 also activates or deactivates the TACA 100. The D.C. voltage level can be changed by rotating the first control knob 163. The second control knob 165 controls the servo motor 110. If a lever replaces the servo motor 110, there is no need of the second control knob 165. The control unit 160 can also have a knob for reversing the polarity of the voltage and/or current supplied to the thermoelectric elements.

Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that the control unit circuitry is simple, well known, and can be implemented in many ways. For example, the first control knob 163 can control an analog circuit having an output voltage which is proportional to the control signal arriving from first control knob 163. Said analog circuit can be a potentiometer.

In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit 160 includes additional control knobs (not shown in FIG. 10), which allow to control the level of D.C. voltage arriving to each of the following elements : TE 10-18, first fan or blower 72, second fan or blower 78, heating element 140.

Fig. 11 is a side view of TACA 100' mounted on a motorcycle 202, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that TACA 100 and TACA 100" are mounted in the same manner as TACA 100'. Motorcycle 202 has a handlebar 210, a battery 212, a seat 214, a rear shock absorber 216, a frame 218, a rear fender 220 a fuel tank 222 and an adapter ++ 223. Control unit 160 can be connected to the motorcycle 202, or can be placed within a pocket of a body suit. Control unit 160 is conveniently connected to motorcycle 202 in a manner that allows the motorcyclist to access the control imit 160, while driving motorcycle 202. Preferably, control unit 160 is connected to handlebar 210, so that the control unit panel 162 faces the motorcyclist. The control unit can be connected to handlebar 210 by two pairs of clumps, wherein each pair of clumps surrounds handlebar 210. Control unit 160 and housing 80 can be mounted to motorcycle 202 in a detachable manner.

For convenience of explanation, and without limiting the invention, it is assumed that temperature regulator 190 (or 90) is within housing 80, and that housing 80 has a base 800.

Control unit 160 (or 130) is coupled, by wires 224, to battery 212 which supplies control unit 160, and accordingly TACA 100' a supply voltage. Control unit 160 is coupled to main section of TACA 100' by conductive wires 226. Conveniently, wires 222 are connected to motorcycle frame 218. Preferably, wires 224 are connected to various parts of motorcycle 202, which are located below fuel tank 222.

An adapter 223 has an upper plate 2230, connected to base 800 of housing and a lower plate 2232, connected to motorcycle 202. Conveniently, lower plate 2232 is connected to motorcycle 202 behind seat 214. Lower plate 2232 can be connected to rear fender 220, or to frame 218. Preferably, lower plate is connected above rear shock absorber 216. Upper plate 2230 can be connected to housing 80 by a plurality of bolts and nuts, wherein the plurality of bolts are inserted into a plurality of holes made in housing 80 and a plurality of corresponding holes made in upper plate 2230. Lower plate 2232 is connected to motorcycle 202 at the same manner.

Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that due the compact size of TACA 100, it can be placed within a variety of places, such as, but not limited to motorcycle backpacks or luggage racks. Main air outlet 96 of housing 80 can be connected to a hose 240, which is connected to a body suit 250 or to helmet (not shown in FIG. 11, but denoted as 290 in FIG. 12). Preferably, the main air outlet 96, the hose 240, the body suit 250 and the helmet 260 are connected by quick connectors, for allowing to connect and disconnect these elements in a swift manner.

Conveniently, body suit 250 can be one of a variety of suits used to cool or heat the person who wears them. Preferably, body suit 250 is the body suit which is described in FIG. 12.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the main air outlet 96 is connected to body suit 300 and a helmet (not shown in FIG. 11 but denoted 290 in FIG. 12). The main air outlet can be coupled to a distributor 260 (not shown in FIG. 6). Distributor 260 has one input 262 and two outputs 264 and 266. Input 262 is connected to main air outlet 96. First output 264 is connected to a first hose 270, and second output 266 is connected to a second hose 272. The first hose is connected to body suit 300 and the second hose is connected to helmet 290. Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate the main air outlet can be connected to a hose, wherein the hose is connected to body suit 300. And that body suit has another air outlet, which is connected, by another hose to helmet 290.

If TACA 100 is mounted to motorcycle 202, and the motorcyclist wants to cool himself, he connects the cold air outlet 88 of housing 80 to body suit 300 and to helmet 290. When the motorcyclist wants to warm himself he connects the hot air outlet 84 of housing to body suit 300 and to helmet 290. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the motorcyclist can also connect one out of the two outlets 88 and 84, to his body suit and use the control unit 160 to reverse the polarity of the voltage and or current which are supplied to the thermoelectric elements. FIG 12 is a cross sectional view of a body suit 300 coupled to an thermoelectric air condition apparatus 100 (100', 100"), according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Body suit 300 has a front 3001 and a back 3002. Preferably, body suit 300 comprises of at least one air conditioning hose attachment 302, an inner layer (i.e. - first layer) 304, and an outer layer (i.e.- second layer) 306.

A plurality of flexible spacers (collectively denoted as 309) can be used to separate the first layer 304 from the second layer 306 and allow air to flow through a space confined by the spacers and the layers . Each of the spacers has preferably a "I" shaped or a "H" shaped cross section. Conveniently, some of the spacers are interconnected. Some of the spacers are preferably connected to the first and second parts 304 and 306 of the suit 300, but they can be connected to the first and second parts 304 and 306 in various different ways.

The first layer 304 has a large number of holes 310, arranged in a plurality of arrays. The air which enters the body suit, through air conditioning hose attachment 302, flows through the space confined by the first and second layers 302 and 302 and exits the body suit 300 through the holes 310.

Conveniently, body suit 300 has at least one array of holes out of the following arrays (not shown in FIG. 12) : a first array of holes is located in the upper part of front 3001 , for allowing air to flow over the chest of the suit wearer. A second array of holes is located in the upper part of back, for allowing air to flow over the back of the wearer of the suit. A third and a fourth arrays of holes and can be located in the suits sleeves, for allowing air to flow over the armpits of the wearer of the suit. A fifth and sixth arrays of holes and can be located in the lower parts of the front and the back 3001 and 3002, for allowing air to flow over the abdomen and the lower back of the wearer of the suits. Preferably body suit 300 has a collar 333. Collar 333has a plurality of holes which allow air to flow over the motorcyclist neck and nape. Preferably, the holes are placed in a manner which allows the cooling and/or heating of a motorcyclist arm pits and torso.

Conveniently, front 3001 has a plurality of attachment surfaces (i.e. front attachment) 320 and back 3002 has a plurality of a corresponding attachment surface (i.e. - back attachments) 322. The front and back attachments 320 and 322 are used to restrain back 3001 and front 3002 together. The front and back attachments 320 and 322 are also used to adjust the body suit 300 to the motorcyclist and can also allow the motorcyclist to take the suit off in a relatively quick manner. The front attachment 320 can be made of a plurality of hooks and the back attachment 322 can be made of a plurality of corresponding loops. When the front attachment 320 and the back attachment are pressed together the hooks are caught in the loops. TACA 100 can also be connected to a helmet 290, having an inlet connector and an array of cavities for permitting air flown from TACA 100 to various locations within the helmet.

Conveniently, body suit 300 has a hose attachment 302, for connecting body suit 300 to hose 240. Connector 302 has three parts - a first part 3021 which is used to connect the connector to the second layer 306 of the body suit 300, a second part

3022, placed between first and second layers 304 and 306, and a third part 2953 which is partly surrounded by the first part 3022, for connecting a hose to the body suit. The second part 3022 is preferably made of a flexible material. Preferably, the second part 3022 is made of two parallel rings, which are connected by a plurality of perpendicular ribs. Conveniently the third part 3023 has a cylindrical shape.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, TACA 100 (100' or 100") outputs cooled or heated fluid into body suit 300. Body suit 300 has two hose attachments - one for receiving fluid from TACA 100 (100', 100") and a second for exiting the fluid. The first layer 304 has no holes, and fluid flows from one hose attachment , through the space confined by first and second layers 304 and 306 and spacers, to the second hose attachment.

Claims

What is claimed is :

1. An apparatus for air-conditioning a motorcyclist comprising of : a housing having two flow inlets and two flow outlets: a plurality of thermoelectric elements, within the housing, each having a first base and a second base, in which an application of an electrical current causes a reduction of temperature in the first base and an increase of temperature on the second base: a first heat exchanger, having a base plate connected to the first bases of the plurality of thermoelectric elements: wherein at least a part of the first heat exchanger is within the housing; a second heat exchanger, within the housing, having a base plate connected to the second bases of the plurality of thermoelectric elements; a first fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through a first fluid inlet of the housing, over the first heat exchanger and to the first fluid outlet of the housing; a second fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through a second fluid inlet of the housing, over the second heat exchanger and to the second fluid outlet of the housing; and wherein the housing is mounted on a motorcycle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is connected to an adapter; and wherein the adapter is connected to the motorcycle.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is placed within on back rack; and wherein the back rack is connected to the motorcycle.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises of a control unit: and wherein the control unit activates the thermoelectric elements, the first and the second fluid circulation units.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the control unit controls the polarity of the voltage supply to the thermoelectric elements.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the outlets of the housing is coupled to a body suit worn by a motorcyclist.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the outlets of the housing is coupled to a helmet worn by a motorcyclist.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising of a temperature regulator, having a first and a second fluid inlets, a main fluid outlet and an fluid exhaust outlet, the temperature regulator for controlling the temperature of the fluid which flows through the main fluid outlet; wherein the first fluid circulation can force fluid to flow through the first fluid inlet of the housing, over the first heat exchanger and to the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator wherein the second fluid circulation unit, can force fluid to flow through the second fluid inlet of the housing, over the second heat exchanger and to the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator ; and wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by proportioning the flow of fluid from the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator and the fluid flow from the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator into and through the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is coupled to a body suit worn by a motorcyclist.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is coupled to a helmet worn by a motorcyclist.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the temperature regulator comprising of : a piston, having a single cavity, wherein the single cavity allows the fluid flow from the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator to the main fluid outlet: wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by moving the piston in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the single cavity and the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator; and wherein the fluid flowing from the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator, which does not flow through the single cavity, is exhausted through a space confined by the piston, the first and second parts of the temperature regulator and the temperature regulator base.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the temperature regulator further comprising of : a sheave, connected to the piston; a servo engine, having control inputs coupled to the control unit, wherein servo engine is connected to the sheave, for moving the piston; and wherein the control unit sends the servo engine control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a heating element is installed within the housing; wherein, supplying electromagnetic energy to the heating element causes the heating element to radiate heat: and wherein the apparatus can be used to warm fluid by activating the heating element instead of the thermoelectric elements.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the control unit has a panel with two knobs and a switch; wherein the first knob controls the strength of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet and for controlling the intensity of cooling and heating done by the thermoelectric elements or the heating element; wherein the switch determines whether to activate the thermoelectric elements of the heating elements; and wherein the second knob determines the temperature of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising of a plurality of spacers; wherein the spacers are made of heat conductive material; wherein the spacers have two side plates; wherein the first sides of the thermoelectric elements are connected to the first plate side of the spacers; wherein the second plate side of each spacer is connected to the base of the second heat exchangers; and wherein, space between the thermoelectric elements, the spacers, the bases of the first and second heat exchange units is filled with a thermal insulating material.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing has a single fluid inlet, wherein the fluid which flows through the single fluid inlet is sucked by an single fluid circulation unit and then split into two parts: wherein a first part flows over the first heat exchanger; and wherein the second part flows over the second heat exchanger.

17. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the body suit is comprising of : a first layer; a second layer, having a plurality of holes: an air condition hose attachment connected to one of the outlets of the housing; and wherein air flows from the air condition hose attachment, between the first and the second layers, and exits the body suit through the plurality of holes.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the body suit further comprising of a pluraUty of flexible spacers, for separating the first layer from the second layer; and wherein air flows from the fluid condition hose attachment through a space confined by the first and second layer and the flexible spacers and exits the body suit through the large number of holes within the second layer.

19. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the body suit is comprising of : a first layer; a second layer, having a plurality of holes; an fluid condition hose attachment connected to one of the outlets of the housing; and wherein air flows from the fluid condition hose attachment between the first and the second layers, and exits the body suit through the plurality of holes.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the holes are arranged in a plurality of arrays.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the suit has a collar: wherein the collar has a plurality' of holes, for allowing fluid to flow over the neck and nape of a motorcyclist.

22. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the body suit comprising of a front and a back; wherein the front is connected to a plurality of attachment surfaces wherein the back is connected to a pluraUty of a corresponding attachment surface; and wherein the attachment surfaces and the corresponding attachment surfaces are used to restrain the back and the front together, and to adjust the suit to its wearer. AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 26 March 1998 (26.03.98); original claims 1-22 replaced by amended claims 1-20 (5 pages)]

1. An apparatus for air-conditioning a motorcyclist comprising of : a housing having at least one flow inlet and at least one flow outlet; a plurality of thermoelectric elements, within the housing, each having a first base and a second base, in which an application of an electrical current causes a reduction of temperature in the first base and an increase of temperature on the second base; a first heat exchanger, having a base plate connected to the first bases of the plurality of thermoelectric elements; wherein at least a part of the first heat exchanger is within the housing; a second heat exchanger, within the housing, having a base plate connected to the second bases of the plurality of thermoelectric elements; a first fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through a first fluid inlet of the housing, over the first heat exchanger and to the first fluid outlet of the housing; a second fluid circulation unit, within the housing, for forcing fluid to flow through a second fluid inlet of the housing, over the second heat exchanger and to the second fluid outlet of the housing; wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted on a motorcycle; wherein one of the outlets of the housing is coupled to a body suit; wherein the body suit comprising of : a first layer; a second layer, having a plurality of holes; an air condition hose attachment connected to one of the outlets of the housing; and wherein air flows from the air condition hose attachment, between the first and the second layers, and exits the body suit through the plurality of holes.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises of a control unit; and wherein the control unit activates the thermoelectric elements, the first and the second fluid circulation units.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the outlets of the housing is coupled to a helmet worn by a motorcyclist.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising of a temperature regulator, having a first and a second fluid inlets, a main fluid outlet and an fluid exhaust outlet, the temperature regulator for controlling the temperature of the fluid which flows through the main fluid outlet; wherein the first fluid circulation can force fluid to flow through the first fluid inlet of the housing, over the first heat exchanger and to the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator; wherein the second fluid circulation unit, can force fluid to flow through the second fluid inlet of the housing, over the second heat exchanger and to the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator ; and wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by proportioning the flow of fluid from the first fluid inlet of the temperature regulator and the fluid flow from the second fluid inlet of the temperature regulator into and through the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator. OR 100

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is coupled to the body suit.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the temperature regulator comprising of : a piston, having a single cavity, wherein the single cavity allows the fluid flow from the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator to the main fluid outlet; wherein the temperature of the fluid leaving the main fluid outlet of the temperature regulator is determined by moving the piston in a way which changes the relative overlapping between the single cavity and the first and second fluid inlets of the temperature regulator; and wherein the fluid flowing from the first and second fluid inlets oi the temperature regulator, which does not flow through the single cavity, is exhausted through a space confined by the piston, the first and second parts of the temperature regulator and the temperature regulator base.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the temperature regulator further comprising of : a sheave, connected to the piston; a servo engine, having control inputs coupled to the control unit, wherein servo engine is connected to the sheave, for moving the piston; and wherein the control unit sends the servo engine control signals which causes the sheave, and the piston to travel in the space confined by the first and second parts of temperature regulator.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a heating element is installed within the housing; wherein, supplying electromagnetic energy to the heating element causes the heating element to radiate heat; and wherein the apparatus can be used to warm fluid by activating the heating element instead of the thermoelectric elements. OR 100

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the control unit has a panel with two knobs and a switch; wherein the first knob controls the strength of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet and for controlling the intensity of cooling and heating done by the thermoelectric elements or the heating element; wherein the switch determines whether to activate the thermoelectric elements of the heating elements; and wherein the second knob determines the temperature of the fluid flow, flowing out of the temperature regulator main fluid outlet.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising of a plurality of spacers; wherein the spacers are made of heat conductive material; wherein the spacers have two side plates; wherein the first sides of the thermoelectric elements are connected to the first plate side of the spacers; wherein the second plate side of each spacer is connected to the base of the second heat exchangers; and wherein, space between the thermoelectric elements, the spacers, the bases of the first and second heat exchange units is filled with a thermal insulating material.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing has a single fluid inlet, wherein the fluid which flows through the single fluid inlet is sucked by an single fluid circulation unit and then split into two parts; wherein a first part flows over the first heat exchanger; and wherein the second part flows over the second heat exchanger.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the holes are arranged in a plurality of arrays.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the suit has a collar; OR 100

wherein the collar has a plurality of holes, for allowing fluid to flow over the neck and nape of a motorcyclist.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body suit comprising of a front and a back; wherein the front is connected to a plurality of attachment surfaces; wherein the back is connected to a plurality of a corresponding attachment surface; and wherein the attachment surfaces and the corresponding attachment surfaces are used to restrain the back and the front together, and to adjust the suit to its wearer.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body suit further comprising of a plurality of flexible spacers, for separating the first layer from the second layer and for allowing air to flow through a space confined by the plurality of the flexible spacers and the first layer and the second layer; and wherein the spacers are connected to at least one of the first layer and the second layer.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the flexible spacers have a "I" shaped cross section.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body suit further comprises of a connector, for connecting the body suit to one of the outlets of the housing; wherein the connector comprises of : a sheet, for connecting the connector to the second layer of the body suit; two parallel rings, placed between the first the second layers of the body suit, for allowing air to flow in a fluent manner from the housing and into the body suit; a third part, partly surrounded by the sheet, for receiving the hose of the housing.

STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19

Under article 19 of the PCT, the claims of patent appUcaύons PCT TL98 00280 (Attorney docket No. OR100) were amended.

Claims 2.3,4.5,7.8,13,15,16,18,20,21,22 unchanged:

Claims 6,10,17.19 cancelled;

New Claims 19. 20 added;

Claims 1.9.11,12.14.18.20.21.22 replaced b amended claims 1.8.9.10.12.18.15.16.17.

Five sheets claims containing the new. amanded set of claims are attached.