U.S. patent application number 11/675719 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for cooling device and method.
Invention is credited to Natacha DePaola, Aleks G. Ostrogorsky, Denise C. Polacek.
Application Number | 20070193278 11/675719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38437918 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polacek; Denise C. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
COOLING DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
A device for providing cooling to a body is disclosed. The
device operates in response to a measured change in temperature of
the body's skin surface over a predetermined period of time or
manually in response to a perceived or anticipated change in body
temperature by the user. The device includes a controller, a
temperature sensor, a power source, a thermoelectric cooler, and a
heat absorbing reservoir containing a phase change material. The
thermoelectric cooler has a heat absorbing surface engageable with
the body to be cooled and a heat rejecting surface engaged with the
heat absorbing reservoir. The controller is operatively connected
to the temperature sensor, the power source, and the thermoelectric
cooler and activates the cooler when the temperature sensor
provides signals indicative of a predetermined rate of temperature
change or in manual mode by user. A method of treating hot flashes
with the device is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Polacek; Denise C.;
(Wynnewood, PA) ; Ostrogorsky; Aleks G.;
(Loudonville, NY) ; DePaola; Natacha;
(Loudonville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SYNNESTVEDT & LECHNER, LLP
1101 MARKET STREET
26TH FLOOR
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19107-2950
US
|
Family ID: |
38437918 |
Appl. No.: |
11/675719 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60773945 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 7/10 20130101; A61F
2007/0086 20130101; A61F 2007/0075 20130101; F25B 2600/01 20130101;
F25B 2321/0212 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; F25B 2321/025
20130101; A61F 2007/0001 20130101; A61F 2007/0078 20130101; F25D
2400/26 20130101; A61F 2007/0292 20130101; A61B 2017/00084
20130101; F25B 2321/023 20130101; F25B 2700/2107 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/003.2 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02 |
Claims
1. A cooling device for cooling a body, said cooling device
comprising: a thermoelectric cooler having a heat absorbing surface
engageable with said body and a heat rejecting surface; a heat
absorbing reservoir engaged with said heat rejecting surface, said
heat absorbing reservoir comprising a phase change material; a
temperature sensor positionable proximate to said body for sensing
a temperature change therein; a controller operatively connected
with said temperature sensor and said thermoelectric cooler; an
electrical power source operatively connected with said
thermoelectric cooler and said controller and providing power
thereto; said controller providing power from said power source to
said thermoelectric cooler in response to an increase in
temperature at a predetermined rate as sensed by said temperature
sensor, said heat absorbing reservoir maintaining said heat
rejecting surface at a substantially constant temperature.
2. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature
sensor is positionable in contact with said body.
3. A cooling device according to claim 1, further comprising at
least a second said thermoelectric cooler having a respective said
heat absorbing reservoir, said controller and said power source
being operatively connected with said second thermoelectric
cooler.
4. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said
thermoelectric cooler is a Peltier device.
5. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said controller
comprises a microprocessor.
6. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical
power source comprises a battery.
7. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said temperature
sensor is selected from the group consisting of a thermistor, a
thermocouple, an infrared temperature sensor and a resistance
temperature detector sensor.
8. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said phase change
material comprises a solid which melts at a temperature between
about 25.degree. C. and about 42.degree. C.
9. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said phase change
material is selected from the group consisting of metals and metal
alloys having a melting point between about 25.degree. C. and about
42.degree. C.
10. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said phase
change material is selected from the group consisting of salt
hydrate phase change materials, organic phase change materials,
linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty esters,
polyethylene glycols, long alkyl side chain polymers, the solid
state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, and neopentyl
glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and semi-clathrates, salt
hydrides and combinations thereof.
11. A cooling device according to claim 1, wherein said heat
absorbing reservoir is removably mounted on said heat rejecting
surface of said thermoelectric cooler.
12. A cooling device for cooling a body comprising: a
thermoelectric cooler having a heat absorbing surface engageable
with said body and a heat rejecting surface; a heat absorbing
reservoir engaged with said heat rejecting surface, said heat
absorbing reservoir comprising a phase change material; an
electrical power source operatively connected with said
thermoelectric cooler; a switch controlling flow of electrical
power from said power source to said thermoelectric cooler; and
said heat absorbing reservoir maintaining said heat rejecting
surface at a substantially constant temperature when power is
supplied to said thermoelectric cooler for providing cooling to
said body.
13. A cooling device according to claim 12, further comprising at
least a second said thermoelectric cooler having a respective said
heat absorbing reservoir, said controller and said power source
being operatively connected with said second thermoelectric
cooler.
14. A cooling device according to claim 12, wherein said
thermoelectric cooler is a Peltier device.
15. A cooling device according to claim 12, further comprising a
timer operatively connected with said electrical power source and
said thermoelectric cooler, said timer halting the flow of
electrical power to said thermoelectric cooler at a predetermined
time after said switch has been closed to provide power to said
thermoelectric cooler.
16. A method of treating hot flashes, said method comprising:
providing a cooling device proximate to a skin surface of a body;
monitoring skin surface temperature; activating said cooling device
in response to a measured rise in said skin surface temperature
over a first time period; and operating said cooling device for a
second predetermined time period to provide cooling to said
body.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein monitoring skin surface
temperature comprising sampling skin surface temperature at
predetermined time intervals.
18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: providing a
heat absorbing reservoir mounted on said cooling device; and
absorbing heat from said cooling device with said heat absorbing
reservoir while maintaining a substantially constant temperature of
said heat absorbing reservoir.
19. A method of cooling a body, said method comprising: providing a
cooling device proximate to a skin surface of said body; providing
a heat absorbing reservoir mounted on said cooling device; manually
activating said cooling device in response to an anticipated
increase in temperature of said body; operating said cooling device
for a second predetermined time period to provide cooling to said
body; and absorbing heat from said cooling device with said heat
absorbing reservoir while maintaining a substantially constant
temperature of said heat absorbing reservoir.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said cooling device is
in contact with said skin surface of said body.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein said method is applied
to treat thermoregulatory problems associated with a medical
condition selected from the group consisting of hot flashes,
diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer treatment.
22. A method according to claim 19, wherein said method is applied
to treat migraine headaches.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/773,945, filed Feb. 16, 2006, the
contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a device that provides
cooling to a body in response to a measured, sensed or anticipated
change in the temperature of the body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hot flashes are sudden increases in core and surface body
temperature and are perceived as intense increases in body
temperature that are characteristically manifested by nearly
instant flushing, sweating, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, and
diaphoresis. Hot flashes can disrupt sleep, interfere with mental
concentration and adversely affect the quality of life. Hot flashes
are characterized by a sudden onset of warmth in the face, neck and
chest. Hot flashes may occur many times per day and several times
per hour. Hot flashes typically pass within minutes, but can be
debilitating until their passage and during a complete recovery
period that can last up to 30 minutes.
[0004] Hot flashes in menopausal women, and in men following
androgen-deprivation therapy for the control of metastatic prostate
cancer, are common. Brief, episodic skin surface temperature rises
due to thermoregulatory problems are also common in persons having
diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy.
[0005] Hot flashes can be treated with hormone replacement therapy
(HRT). However, increasingly, women are reluctant to undertake this
therapy because of a number of clinical trials that have indicated
a significant correlation between HRT and an increased incidence of
heart disease, stroke and breast cancer. For this reason, many
women have shunned HRT, leaving them with few effective
alternatives for treating or controlling their hot flashes. There
are herbal remedies which are purported to relieve the discomfort
or reduce the frequency or severity of hot flashes. Some women have
been prescribed anti-depressant medication for their hot flashes.
While somewhat helpful in some women, neither herbal remedies nor
anti-depressants have been proven generally effective and safe.
There is clearly a need for a practical device and method for
treating hot flashes which is both effective and avoids undesired
and dangerous side effects of all known treatment methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention concerns a cooling device for providing
cooling to a body. The cooling device comprises a thermoelectric
cooler having a heat absorbing surface engageable with the body and
a heat rejecting surface. A heat absorbing reservoir is engaged
with the heat rejecting surface. The heat absorbing reservoir
comprises a phase change material. A temperature sensor is
positionable proximate to, and preferably in contact with, the body
for sensing a temperature change thereon. A controller is
operatively connected with the temperature sensor and the
thermoelectric cooler. An electrical power source is operatively
connected with the thermoelectric cooler and the controller and
provides power to these components. The controller provides power
from the power source to the thermoelectric cooler in response to
an increase in body surface temperature at a predetermined rate as
sensed by the temperature sensor. Alternately, the cooling may be
user-activated. The heat absorbing reservoir maintains the heat
rejecting surface at a substantially constant temperature during
operation.
[0007] In one embodiment according to the invention, the
thermoelectric cooler is a Peltier device, the controller comprises
a microprocessor, the electrical power source comprises a battery
and the temperature sensor may be a thermistor, a thermocouple, an
infrared sensor or a resistance temperature detector sensor.
[0008] The phase change material comprises a solid which melts at a
temperature between about 25.degree. C. and about 42.degree. C. The
phase change material may comprise metals or metal alloys having a
melting point between about 25.degree. C. and about 42.degree. C.
or may be salt hydrate phase change materials, organic phase change
materials, linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, fatty acids,
fatty esters, polyethylene glycols, long alkyl side chain polymers,
the solid state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, and
neopentyl glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and
semi-clathrates, salt hydrides and combinations thereof.
[0009] The heat absorbing reservoir may be removably mounted on the
heat rejecting surface of the thermoelectric cooler to allow for
rapid replacement.
[0010] The invention also encompasses a method of treating hot
flashes. The method comprises:
[0011] (a) providing a cooling device proximate to a skin surface
of a body;
[0012] (b) monitoring skin surface temperature;
[0013] (c) activating the cooling device in response to a measured
rise in the skin surface temperature over a first time period;
and
[0014] (d) operating the cooling device for a second predetermined
time period to provide cooling to the body.
[0015] In an alternate embodiment, the method may include manual
activation of the cooling device in response to a sensed or
anticipated hot flash episode.
[0016] Monitoring the skin surface temperature may comprise
sampling the skin surface temperature at predetermined time
intervals. Additionally, the method may include providing a heat
absorbing reservoir mounted on the cooling device and absorbing
heat from the cooling device with the heat absorbing reservoir
while maintaining a substantially constant temperature of the heat
absorbing reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a cooling device according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cooling device of FIG. 1
in use;
[0019] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of another embodiment of a
cooling device according to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a graph showing measured skin temperature vs.
time; and
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a
cooling device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements
throughout. The terminology includes the words specifically
mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The
embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These
embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle
of the invention and its application and practical use and to
enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.
[0023] An exemplary embodiment of a cooling device 100 according to
the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1. The cooling
device 100 includes a temperature sensor 110, a thermoelectric
cooler 120, a heat absorbing reservoir 130, a power source 140 and
a controller 150.
[0024] Preferably, the cooling device 100 takes the form of a
unitary, compact unit attachable to a body by means of a strap,
sling, insert band or adhesive patch. The device could also be
attached to an article of clothing such as an under garment, a
shirt or blouse as well as a hat, cap or helmet. The device
components will preferably be removable from the garment, headgear,
strap or other mounting media so that the media can be washed.
Alternately, the cooling device 100 may comprise a plurality of
components connected to each other by wires or with a wireless
communication system.
[0025] The temperature sensor 110 can be, for example, a
thermistor, a thermocouple, an infrared temperature sensor or a
resistance temperature detector sensor. The temperature sensor 110
is electronically connected to the controller 150 so that the
controller receives a signal in the form of a change in voltage (if
a thermocouple is used) or a change in resistance (if a thermistor
is used) across the temperature sensor 110, which the controller
correlates to a temperature at the temperature sensing device
110.
[0026] The thermoelectric cooler 120 has a heat absorbing surface
121 and a heat rejecting surface 123. These surfaces may be, for
example, formed of a metal or a heat conducting ceramic. An
exemplary thermoelectric cooler 120 is a Peltier Effect device,
although other devices that perform the same function may also be
used. The thermoelectric cooler 120 is electrically connected to
the power source 140 which provides power to the thermoelectric
cooler when cooling is required.
[0027] When the temperature sensor 110 detects a temperature rise
at a predetermined rate, for example, one that is known to be
indicative of the onset of hot flashes, the controller 150 allows
electrical energy to flow from power source 140 to power the
thermoelectric cooler 120.
[0028] The heat absorbing reservoir 130 is used to absorb the heat
generated during operation of the thermoelectric cooler. Preferably
the heat absorbing reservoir 130 contains a material that has the
capacity to absorb heat without significantly changing its
temperature, such as a phase change material. To absorb energy at
constant temperature, the phase change material changes from solid
to liquid (melts), liquid to gas (evaporates), or solid to gas
(sublimates). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the phase
change material is in a solid state when the thermoelectric cooler
120 is inactive, i.e., when no power is being provided.
[0029] Examples of phase change materials contained in the heat
absorbing reservoir 130 include salt hydrate phase change
materials, organic phase change materials, linear crystalline alkyl
hydrocarbons, fatty acids and esters, polyethylene glycols, long
alkyl side chain polymers, the solid state series of
pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, and neopentyl glycol, quaternary
ammonium clathrates and semi-clathrates, and salt hydrides. Metals
and metal alloys having a low melting point are also feasible. By
mixing some of the above compounds, or by mixing the low melting
point metals (including Gad, Son and/or In, BP, Bi, etc.), a
material having a desired single phase change temperature may be
produced. By adjusting the percentage of the constituents that
comprise the phase change material, it is possible to achieve an
optimum phase change temperature that will allow the cooling device
100 to operate effectively in view of an expected ambient
temperature range, as well as the location of the cooling device
100 on the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the phase change
material melts at a temperature between approximately 25.degree. C.
and 42.degree. C.
[0030] The heat absorbing reservoir 130 may be comprised of several
components, including a container that will prevent leakage or
evaporation of the phase change material and an internal structure,
such as cooling fins to augment heat transfer to the phase change
material. The heat absorbing reservoir is preferably easily
connectable and removable from the heat rejecting surface 123 of
the thermoelectric cooler 120 in order to quickly switch to a fresh
heat absorbing reservoir if additional hot flashes are expected and
there is insufficient time for the melted material to resolidify.
While connected to the thermoelectric cooler 120, the heat
absorbing reservoir 130 maintains good thermal contact with the
heat rejecting side of thermoelectric cooler.
[0031] In a practical application of the device according to the
invention, the melting point temperature T.sub.melt of the phase
change material is higher than the maximum temperature T.sub.power
off of the heat rejecting side of thermoelectric cooler 120 with
power off, when the cooling device 100 is positioned in contact
with the human body, typically under the clothing. Therefore, the
phase change material will undergo a phase change only during
"power on" operation, for example, when the device is operated in
response to a hot flash, in which the peak heat sensation typically
lasts about 1 to 2 minutes. During "power off" periods between
activations (typically an hour between hot flashes), the phase
change material will resolidify, because the device temperature
T.sub.power off is lower than the melting point T.sub.melt. The
magnitude of T.sub.power off is approximately equal to the skin
temperature under clothing, about 30.degree. C., but may vary
depending upon the ambient temperature, and clothing being
worn.
[0032] As an example, T.sub.power off=30.degree. C. and
T.sub.melt=35.degree. C. As the heat absorbing reservoir 130
absorbs heat from the thermoelectric cooler 120 during operation of
the device 100 in response to a hot flash, the temperature of the
heat absorbing component 130 will increase from 30.degree. C. to
35.degree. C. At 35.degree. C., the phase change material will
start undergoing a phase change (i.e. melting, evaporating, or
sublimating). During the change of phase, the temperature of the
heat absorbing reservoir 130 will not change (it will stay at
35.degree. C. in this example). Consequently, even though heat
energy is being absorbed by the heat absorbing reservoir 130, it
does not heat up, thereby allowing the thermoelectric cooler to
operate efficiently and prevent discomfort.
[0033] The power source 140 can be a DC power source, preferably
approximately 1.5 to 12 volts, provided by an electric battery that
is preferably integrated into the cooling device 100. Alkaline
batteries may be used, but rechargeable batteries, such as lithium
ion or nickel cadmium are preferred to enable the user to easily
keep the power source 140 at or near full charge capacity. The
power source 140 may be removable and replaceable within the device
100 or, alternatively, a power cable, for example, a USB cable (not
shown) may be connectable to the power source 140 to recharge it
from a computer or other source of electrical energy. The power
source 140 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric cooler
120 and to the controller 150 to provide electrical power to both
components.
[0034] The temperature sensor 110 is electrically connected to the
controller 150 such that electrical signals in the form of voltage
or resistance differences indicative of changes in temperature
generated by the sensor are processed by the controller. The
controller thereby monitors the rate of temperature change of the
body over time. The controller 150 is preferably a microprocessor,
and may provide ON-OFF, proportional, derivative, integral, or
programmed process control, or any combination thereof, as well as
any other type of process control.
[0035] The controller 150 is also electronically connected to the
power source 140. When a predetermined rise in temperature over a
predetermined time period is sensed by the temperature sensor 110
and communicated to the controller 150, the controller recognizes
this data, for example, as indicative of a hot flash, and transmits
a signal which closes a switch, allowing the power source 140 to
supply electrical power to the thermoelectric cooler 120 and
thereby activate the device 100. The controller 150 is programmed
to allow electrical power to flow to the thermoelectric cooler 120
for a predetermined time period, for example, approximately two
minutes to effectively treat hot flashes. While the time period of
device operation may be longer than two minutes for other
applications, it is generally impractical for the time period to
significantly exceed the time required for the heat absorbing
reservoir 130 to completely change phase.
[0036] Although the time period over which electrical power is
supplied to the thermoelectric cooler 120 may be preset by the
controller programming, the time period may also be varied by the
user, such as by using a switch or dial electronically connected to
the processor 150, which will allow the user to selectively
determine the operational time of the device 100 from a range of
potential durations. Additionally, the device may be capable of
different modes of operation, for example, one mode which may
provide intense cooling and another for less intense cooling. The
device 100 may also include an "ON/OFF" switch 160 that may be
employed to prevent operation of the device 100, overriding the
actions of the controller.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, the device 100 is shown in use as
securely attached to a body 170 with the heat absorbing surface 121
of the thermoelectric cooler 120 engaged with the body to
facilitate providing cooling thereto. Temperature sensor 110 is
positioned, either in contact with or proximate to the body as
well. The "ON/OFF" switch 160, if employed, is switched to the "ON"
position. During periods of time when the user is not experiencing
a hot flash, the device 100 is in a passive mode, wherein the
controller 150 monitors signals from the temperature sensor 110,
converting those signals to temperature values, and comparing the
change in temperature values over a predetermined time period to
determine whether the body temperature is rising at a sufficiently
fast rate indicative of a hot flash.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a thermally conductive
medium may be applied between the heat absorbing surface 121 of the
thermoelectric cooler 120 and the surface of body 170 to facilitate
heat conduction away from the body. The medium may be a gel, paste
or other suitable substance such as the medium that is commonly
used in ultrasound procedures to enhance heat conduction. The
medium may be omitted without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
cooling device 100 having a plurality of thermoelectric coolers
120. Each cooler has an associated heat reservoir 130 and is
controlled by the controller 150 and powered by the power source
140. The thermoelectric coolers 120 may be judiciously positioned
in spaced relation to one another on the body 170 to augment the
cooling effect.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a graph of body temperature vs. time to
illustrate the rate of change of body surface temperature over time
during a hot flash. Arrows A and B point out rises in temperature
of over 0.5.degree. C. in less than 1 minute, which are indicative
of a hot flash. When such rates of temperature change are
communicated to the controller 150 by the temperature sensor 110,
the device 100 switches from passive mode to an active mode,
wherein the controller 150 transmits a signal to operate the
thermoelectric cooler 120 by providing electrical power from power
source 140.
[0041] As the heat absorbing reservoir 130 absorbs heat during a
hot flash, the phase change material changes phase, for example,
from solid to liquid. Preferably, the controller 150 is programmed
to operate for a time period long enough to mitigate the hot
flashes but short enough such that the phase change material of the
heat absorbing reservoir 130 does not completely change phase.
Studies thus far have shown that about two minutes of operation is
sufficient for a device having a heat transfer capacity of about 1
to about 10 watts, worn on the chest of the subject, is sufficient
for relieving symptom of a hot flash. After the predetermined time
period of operation has passed, the controller 150 shuts off the
power source 140 so that electrical power ceases to be supplied to
the thermoelectric cooler 120. The heat absorbing reservoir 130
ceases to absorb heat from the thermoelectric cooler 120 and
returns to its no power equilibrium phase, which is preferably a
solid state. The device 100 is again ready for operation, the
controller continuing to monitor the body temperature, ready to
activate the device at the onset of the next hot flash.
[0042] In another embodiment, the phase change material is
contained in a cartridge that is removably attached to the heat
rejecting surface of the thermoelectric cooler so that it may be
easily replaced in the event that a second hot flash is expected
before the phase change material can solidify from a preceding hot
flash. This embodiment can be used in a hot environment which does
not allow the phase change material to solidify between the flashes
or in an anticipated stressful situation. The user may place the
cartridge on a cool surface, in a cold location such as air
conditioned room, or in a refrigerator if very rapid cooling is
desired to solidify the phase change material.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, if the device 100 is integrated
into an article of clothing, the article of clothing includes at
least one opening or surface to allow direct contact by at least a
portion of the temperature sensor 110 with the body 170. The
temperature sensor may be in proximate, but preferably in actual,
contact with the wearer's body, allowing for accurate sensing of
the body temperature proximate to the device. Preferably, the heat
absorbing surface 121 is in direct contact with the body as well
for rapid cooling of the body when the thermoelectric cooler 120 is
in operation.
[0044] A manually operated embodiment of the present invention is
shown schematically in the device 200, shown in FIG. 4. This
embodiment includes a controller or timer 250 programmed to turn
the device 200 off after a specified period of time. The device 200
includes a thermoelectric cooler 220 that preferably operates on
the same principle as the thermoelectric cooler 120 described
above. The device 200 also includes a power source 240, similar to
the power source 140 described above, that is used to provide power
to operate the thermoelectric cooler and the controller. Further,
the device 200 includes an "ON/OFF" switch 260 that is used to
selectively transmit power from the power source 240 to the
thermoelectric cooler.
[0045] Although an exemplary use of the present invention is
described for the alleviation of hot flashes, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the device 200 may have other uses, such as
for the alleviation of migraine headaches wherein cerebral
vasodilation is a known symptom and where applied cold is a known
effective treatment. The device 200 may be applied to the user's
head or neck region 270 to provide cooling relief to that area of
the user. When the user desires the cooling effect of the device
200, such as a recognizable prodrome preceding a migraine headache,
or based on a perceived rise in skin surface temperature over a
first time period, the user turns the "ON/OFF" switch 260 to the
"ON" position. The switch 260 completes an electrical circuit, and
the power source 240 provides electrical power to the
thermoelectric cooler 220. The heat absorbing reservoir 230 absorbs
the heat from the heat rejecting surface of the thermoelectric
cooler by changing phase, for example, from solid to a liquid,
without a change in temperature. After a second period of time, the
user opens the "ON/OFF" switch 260, stopping operation of the
device 200 or after a predetermined limit, the device automatically
turns off
[0046] Although the size of the devices 100, 200 is preferably
relatively small, such as a footprint of approximately 1 to 5
square inches, those skilled in the art will recognize that a
larger version of the device 200 can be used to stem blood flow in
an open wound by cooling the wound opening and the skin area
surrounding the wound.
[0047] Further, the inventors believe that the devices 100, 200 can
be used in other applications such as in patients suffering from
diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer who are being treated with
chemotherapy, where cooling is required to be applied to a surface
for a period of time to relieve the discomfort of episodes of
heating due to abnormal thermoregulation associated with these
disorders or their treatment.
[0048] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *