Abstract:
A thermal pillow apparatus comprising a pillow element, a heat exchanger, a thermal liquid, a fluid pump and a controller is disclosed. The thermal liquid circulates between the heat exchanger and the pillow element in a closed loop, transferring thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the pillow element. A fluid pump is disposed in the closed loop to aid in circulating the thermal liquid within the closed loop. A Peltier device is the typical heat pump element used in the heat exchanger. The controller coordinates the operation of the thermal pillow apparatus, for example monitoring the temperature of the thermal liquid, and activating the heat exchanger and the fluid pump.

Description:
[0001]    This is an application claiming the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/880,058 filed Jan. 12, 2007. U.S. Ser. No. 60/880,058 is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference to it. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The exemplary embodiments herein relate to a thermal controlled pillow. More particularly, the exemplary embodiments herein relate to a pillow using a thermoelectric heat pump to control the temperature of the pillow. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A pillow can have a variety of uses. For example, a pillow is commonly used as a headrest or as a means of support while a user, such as a person, is lying down, or to permit a user to adjust their sitting position. 
         [0004]    Amongst other reasons, a pillow can be used to increase the comfort level of a user. A pillow may also be used to support an ailing body part of the user. Having control of the thermal characteristics of the pillow, such as the temperature, can increase the comfort of the user. For example, a cool pillow may increase the quality of sleep of a user in a warm room, or a warm pillow may comfort a user sleeping in a cold room. Thermal control of a pillow can also help a user relieve the pain and discomfort of an ailing body part. For example, the application of cooling or heating may help relieve a user&#39;s discomfort from muscle or joint strain, headaches, chronic pain, poor circulation, etc. 
         [0005]    In some pillows, hot or cold packs are used to adjust the thermal characteristics of a pillow. Alternatively, the pillow itself may be cooled or warmed. For example, a pillow may be placed in a freezer to reduce the overall temperature of the pillow. Problems with the use of hot or cold packs, or warming or cooling the pillow itself, include that the desired temperature of the pillow is not sustained. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved thermal controlled pillow. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to a thermal pillow apparatus comprising a pillow element, a heat exchanger, a thermal liquid, a fluid pump and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the heat exchanger to alter the thermal characteristics, for example heating or cooling, of the thermal liquid disposed in the heat exchanger. Typically, the heat exchanger includes a Peltier heat pump element, which pumps heat into or out of the thermal liquid disposed in the heat exchanger. 
         [0008]    The pillow element also comprises a cushion element and a bladder, where the bladder comprises a first bladder chamber. The first bladder chamber is typically the component of the pillow element that is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. 
         [0009]    The controller also controls the operation of the fluid pump, where the fluid pump circulates the thermal liquid in a closed loop between the heat exchanger and the first bladder chamber; permitting heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the pillow element via the thermal liquid. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment the thermal pillow apparatus includes a second bladder chamber that is thermally coupled to the first bladder chamber. The second bladder chamber typically comprises a gel. 
         [0011]    In another example embodiment, the thermal pillow apparatus also comprises a control pendant that permits a user to interact and control the thermal pillow apparatus. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment the fluid pump is adapted to continuously circulate the thermal liquid. In another embodiment, the fluid pump is adapted to intermittently circulate the thermal liquid, wherein the fluid pump circulates the thermal liquid when the heat exchanger is activated, and the fluid pump does not circulate the thermal liquid when the heat exchanger is not activated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a thermal pillow apparatus; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an isolated schematic view of a pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a sectional view of a first example embodiment of a pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  is a sectional view of a second example embodiment of a pillow element of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isolated schematic view of a heat exchanger of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is an isolated schematic view of a first example control pendant of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is an isolated schematic view of a second example control pendant of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5C  is an isolated schematic view of a third example control pendant of the thermal pillow apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         [0023]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a thermal pillow apparatus  100 . The thermal apparatus  100  comprises a pillow element  102 , a heat exchanger  104 , a controller  106 , a fluid pump  108 , a control pendant  110 , and a power supply  112 . 
         [0024]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 A and  3 B. Pillow element  102  comprises a cushion element  122 , a bladder  114 , an outer casing  116 , a pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and a pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 . Although in the illustrated example embodiment only one bladder  114  is shown, it should be understood that more than one bladder  114  may also be used in pillow element  102 . Pillow element  102  typically has an outer perimeter defined by the outer casing  116 . The outer casing  116  may be made of material such as, for example, cotton, polyester, foam, memory foam or any fabric or material. 
         [0025]    The outer casing  116  may be constructed, for example, as a sleeve that is sized to contain the bladder  114  and the cushion element  122 . Alternatively, the outer casing  116  may be defined by the outer perimeter of the cushion element  122 , or the outer casing  116  may be defined by a bladder outer wall element  130 . A user may directly tactilely interact with the outer casing  116 , for example by placing their head on the outer casing  116  when they are sleeping, or by placing the outer casing  116  adjacent to an area of chronic pain, such as, for example a lower back. 
         [0026]    In addition, the outer casing  116  also typically comprises openings (not shown) adapted for the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118 , and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 . The openings (not shown) are usually dimensioned so that the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120  can pass through the openings (not shown), permitting the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120  to be in fluid communication with a first thermal liquid circulation conduit  124 , and a second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136 , respectively. 
         [0027]    A person skilled in the art would understand that an additional layer or series of layers, such as, for example a pillowcase (not shown), could be placed onto the outer casing  116  of the pillow element  102  forming, for example, a further outer sleeve or outer boundary. Typically, if an additional material or sleeve is placed over the outer casing  116 , the user tactilely interacts with the additional material or sleeve, and not the outer casing  116 . A pillowcase may be used to facilitate cleaning the pillow element  102 , where the pillowcase can be easily removed, washed and replaced. 
         [0028]    In addition, the outer casing  116  may also be composed of a material or fabric that is simple to clean. Alternatively, the bladder  114 , the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118 , and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120  may be removable from the outer casing  116  enabling simplified cleaning of the outer casing  116 . 
         [0029]    The cushion element  122  is typically located adjacent to the outer casing  116 , and the bladder  114 . Typically, the cushion element  122  is located between the outer casing  116  and the bladder  114 . The cushion element  122  may be composed of, for example, cotton batting, memory foam, open celled foam, closed cell foam, any mixture of the above, or any type of material typically used in a pillow. The cushion element  122  may, for example, provide a soft medium that may provide a level of comfort to a user, such as a person, as the user interacts with the pillow element  102 . For example, the cushion element  122  may make the pillow element  102  comfortable for a user to place their head on the pillow element  102  when the user sleeps. 
         [0030]    In some example embodiments, the pillow element  102  may not comprise a cushion element  122 . For example, the pillow element  102  may comprise a bladder  114 , an outer casing  116 , a pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and a pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 . 
         [0031]    The bladder  114  typically comprises a bladder outer wall  130 , a first bladder chamber  126 , and a second bladder chamber  128 . In some example embodiments, the bladder  114  may be removable from the pillow element  102 . The bladder  114  may be removed, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the bladder outer wall  130 , or the cleaning of the cushion element  122 , or cleaning of the outer casing  116 , or to inspect and maintain the bladder  114 . 
         [0032]    The bladder outer wall  130  may be, for example, constructed of a liquid impermeable flexible material such as plastic or rubber suitable for use with the thermal liquid  132 . For example, the bladder outer wall  130  may be water impermeable. The bladder outer wall  130  may also comprise a flocked surface (not shown). The flocked surface (not shown) may, for example, improve a user&#39;s ability to grip and interact with the bladder  130 . The bladder outer wall  130  may also not comprise a flocked surface. 
         [0033]    The bladder outlet wall  130  can deform as pressure is applied. For example, if a user places a load, such as for example their head, onto the pillow element  102 , there may be a pressure applied to the bladder outer wall  130  causing the bladder outer wall  130  to deform in response to the pressure. Alternatively, a pressure applied to the interior of the bladder outer wall  130 , from, for example, a hydrostatic pressure from the thermal liquid  132 , may also cause the bladder outer wall  130  to deform. 
         [0034]    The bladder outer wall  130  permits the transfer of thermal energy to and from the thermal liquid  132 , typically located within the first bladder chamber  126 . The thermal energy may be transferred, for example, to a user adjacent to the pillow element  102  who may be resting a body part against the pillow element  102 . The thermal energy transferred may serve to cool or heat the user who is adjacent to the pillow element  102 . 
         [0035]    As mentioned, the bladder  114  comprises a first bladder chamber  126 . Typically the first bladder chamber  126  is in fluid communication with the first and second thermal liquid circulation conduits  124 ,  136  through the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 . Typically, the first bladder chamber  126  contains at least some thermal liquid  132 . The first bladder chamber  126 , aside from the pillow element thermal liquid inlet  118  and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 , is typically sealed such that the thermal liquid  132  cannot leak out. In another example embodiment the first bladder chamber  126  may include a resealable inlet (not shown) that permits a user to add, remove, or alter the thermal liquid  132  in the first bladder chamber  126 . 
         [0036]    The thermal liquid  132  may be comprised of, for example, water chlorinated water, water/propylene glycol or propylene glycol, any relatively inert fluid having suitable heat capacity and viscosity characteristics. The thermal liquid  132  may be selected, or may include an additive, to retard bacteria growth or to reduce damage to the pillow element  102 , or other surrounding bedding material, should the bladder  114  spill or leak. 
         [0037]    Thermal liquid  132  may be circulated from a heat exchanger  104  to the first bladder chamber  126  of the bladder  114  within pillow element  102  via the first thermal liquid circulation conduit  124 . From the first bladder chamber  126 , the thermal liquid  132  typically transfers thermal energy from or to a user who is adjacent to the pillow element  102 . The thermal liquid  132  is then typically re-circulated to the heat exchanger  104  via a second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136 . As such, the thermal liquid  132  operates in a closed loop between the heat exchanger  104  and the pillow element  102 . A fluid pump  108 , that is located within the closed loop in which the thermal liquid  132  circulates, typically circulates the thermal liquid  132  within the closed loop. The fluid pump  108  is discussed in more detail below. 
         [0038]    In another example embodiment, the first bladder chamber  126  may also comprise a plurality of galleries  134 . The galleries  134  may aid, for example, in directing and forcing circulation of the thermal liquid  132  within the first bladder chamber  126 ; including when a user is applying pressure to the pillow element  102  and therefore to the first bladder chamber  126 , for example by a user placing their head on the pillow element  102 . The galleries  134  may, for example, aid in ensuring a more uniform circulation of thermal liquid  132  in the first bladder chamber  126 . The galleries  134  may also therefore ensure a more even transfer of thermal energy to and from the thermal liquid  132  located within the first bladder chamber  126 . 
         [0039]    The bladder  114  may also comprise a second bladder chamber  128 . The second bladder chamber  128  is thermally coupled to the first bladder chamber  126 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the second bladder chamber  128  may be located adjacent to only one side of the first bladder chamber ( FIG. 3A ), or the second bladder element  128  may be located adjacent to both sides of the bladder chamber  128  ( FIG. 3B ). In another example embodiment (not shown) the pillow element  102  may comprise more than one bladder  114 . Alternatively, in one example embodiment, the bladder  114  may comprise a plurality of second bladder chambers  128 . 
         [0040]    Typically, the second bladder chamber  128  is contained within the bladder outer wall  130 . However the second bladder chamber  128  is separated from the first bladder chamber  126  by a bladder inner wall  138 . The bladder inner wall  138  is therefore adjacent to both the first bladder chamber  126  and the second bladder chamber  128 . In one example embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the bladder has a three-ply construction comprised of the top bladder outer wall  130 , the bladder inner wall  138 , and bottom bladder outer wall  130 . At the outer edge of the bladder  114 , the three-ply construction of the bladder  114  may have common specific bonding paths. 
         [0041]    The bladder inner wall  138  is typically made of the same material as the bladder outer wall  130 . The second bladder chamber  128  is fluidly sealed such that no liquid can enter or exit the second bladder chamber  128 . In this embodiment in some examples it may be possible to change the material contained within the second bladder chamber  128 . In another example embodiment, the second bladder chamber  128  may comprise an inlet (not shown) that has a removable sealable cap (not shown). In this example embodiment, a user can therefore selective access the contents of the second bladder chamber  128  by removing and replacing the removable sealable cap (not shown). 
         [0042]    In this embodiment, the second bladder chamber  128  typically comprises a gel  140 . The gel  140  may be a viscous fluid, or any other gelatinous material. The gel  140  may aid in regulating, for example evening out, the thermal profile of the thermal energy being transferred to or from the thermal liquid  132  in the first bladder chamber  126 . The gel  140  may therefore, for example, keep the pillow element  102  from having portions that are of significantly different temperatures. The gel  140  may also aid in sustaining an even flow of thermal energy to and from the thermal liquid  132  in the first bladder chamber  126 , even as the thermal characteristics of the thermal liquid  132  change. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a thermal load may be applied to the pillow element  102 . The thermal load is typically the user, for example a user&#39;s head, being applied to the pillow element  102 . The placement of a user&#39;s head introduces a source or sink of thermal energy to or from the pillow apparatus  102 . The thermal source may thereafter transfer or receive thermal energy from the pillow element  102 , through, as explained in greater detail above, the thermal energy transferred from the thermal liquid  132  through the bladder  114 , the cushion element  122 , and the outer casing  116  of the pillow element  102 . Typically, the thermal load, such as the user&#39;s head or body part, is applied to the side of the pillow element  102  that is adjacent to the second bladder chamber  128 . This may be only one side of the pillow element  102 , as shown in  FIG. 3A , or both sides of the pillow element  102  shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0044]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , and specifically the heat exchanger  104 . The heat exchanger  104  typically comprises a liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 , a heat sink  144 , a fan  146 , a heat pump element  148 , and a temperature sensor  150 . 
         [0045]    The liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  is fluidly sealed, with the exception of the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  being in fluid communication with the first bladder chamber  126  via a first thermal liquid circulation conduit  124  and a second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136 . The thermal liquid  132  circulates within the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  contacting the static mixer elements  152 , which aid in causing turbulent flow of the thermal liquid  132 , which may increase the thermal transfer of the thermal liquid  132 . 
         [0046]    In addition, typically the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  is of multi-pass design. For example, the thermal liquid  132  enters the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  from the second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136 , and passes through the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  to the opposite end of the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 . The thermal liquid  132  then returns to the initial end of the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 . The thermal liquid may repeat this a number of times. Finally, the thermal liquid exits the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  through the first thermal liquid circulation conduit  124 . The multi-pass design may permit greater thermal energy transfer to and from the thermal liquid  132  within the heat exchanger  104 . 
         [0047]    In the present example embodiment, two heat pump elements  148  in series are used. The thermal liquid  132  within the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  circulates adjacent to a surface of each of the heat pump elements  148 . For example, a surface of each heat pump element  148  is mounted along the length of opposite sides of the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 . The heat pump element  148  can therefore transfer thermal energy to or from the thermal liquid  132 , through this contact. The multi-pass design and turbulent flow of the thermal liquid within the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142  may enhance the transfer of thermal energy to and from the two heat pump elements  148  to the thermal liquid  132 . 
         [0048]    In the present example, the heat pump element  148  is a Peltier device; also commonly known as a thermoelectric heat pump. However, other types of heating pumps including, for example, a compressor based refrigeration or heating system may also be used. 
         [0049]    A person skilled in the art would understand the function of a Peltier device. Using the Peltier device as the heat pump element  148 , the thermal liquid  132  can be heated or cooled by the application of a current to the Peltier device. A Peltier device typically also operates with very little audible sound. In this exemplary embodiment the Peltier device is also typically relatively small in size and is therefore portable, permitting a user to easily move the Peltier device, or in this example the entire thermal pillow apparatus  100 . 
         [0050]    As mentioned, in the present example embodiment two Peltier devices in series are used. These Peltier devices are typically equally sized. Two Peltier devices used in series may reduce the current loading required. In addition, powering two Peltier devices at reduced voltages may, for example, result in better efficiency and a longer useful life of the Peltier devices. 
         [0051]    The heat pump elements  148  are usually thermally coupled to a heat sink  144 . Typically, because two heat pump elements  148  are used, two heat sinks  144  are used as well, in order to aid in the dispersion or gathering of the thermal energy transferred to or from the heat pump  148 . Typically, a Peltier type heat pump element  148  has two surfaces, a cold surface and a hot surface, with the Peltier device “pumping” heat from one surface to the other through the application of a current. 
         [0052]    In the present embodiment, the heat sink  144  may form one surface of the Peltier device, or it may be thermally coupled to one surface of the Peltier device. The heat pump element  148  then forms the other surface. Switching the direct of current flow in the Peltier device reverses which surface is warm or cold. The heat sink  144  thermally coupled to the Peltier device therefore typically transfers thermal energy to or from the heat pump element  148  into the atmospheric air. In the present example embodiment, the surface area of the heat sink  144  exposed to the atmosphere is increased through a heat sink cavity  154 . The greater surface area of the heat sink  144  resulting from the heat sink cavity  154  may permit increased heat transfer to or from the heat sink  144  into the atmosphere. 
         [0053]    In the present example embodiment, the heat exchanger  104  also includes a fan  146 . Typically the fan  146  comprises an electric motor. In this example the fan  146  is operably coupled to the controller  106 . The fan  146  may increase the airflow passing over the heat exchanger  104 , and particularly over the surface area of the heat sinks  144  and the heat sink cavities  154 . The increased airflow over the heat sinks  144  can increase the thermal transfer to or from the heat sink  144 . 
         [0054]    In this example, a temperature sensor  150  is also coupled to the heat exchanger  104 . In this embodiment the temperature sensor  150  is thermally coupled to the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 . The temperature sensor  150  may, however, be thermally coupled to any other location, for example on the first thermal liquid circulation conduit  124 , second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136 , the heat pump element  148 , the heat sink  144 , the first bladder chamber  126 , or the second bladder chamber  128 . The temperature sensor  150  may be, for example a thermistor. The temperature sensor  150  is also typically operably coupled to the controller  106 . 
         [0055]    A condensation wick (not shown) may also be included in the heat exchanger  104 . For example, the condensation wick may be mounted adjacent to the heat sinks  144  and the heat pump elements  148 . In this example, the condensation wick may form an insulating layer between the heat sinks  144  and the heat pump elements  148 . The ends of the condensation wicks (not shown) may be coupled to the fluid pump  108  to aid, for example, in absorbing condensate that may form on the condensation wicks. Alternatively, if the condensation wicks are not used, the heat exchanger  104  may still use an insulation layer (not shown) between the heat pump  148  and the heat sink  144 . The insulation layer typically reduces the unwanted transfer of thermal energy between the heat pump element  148  and the heat sink  144 . 
         [0056]    Although the above example embodiments describe a heat exchanger  104  with two heat pump elements  148  and two heat sink elements  144 , other examples may only include one heat pump element  148  and/or one heat sink element  144  are also possible. In addition, examples including the use of three or more heat pumps  148  and/or three or more heat sinks  144  are also possible. 
         [0057]    Reference is now made again to  FIG. 1 . The fluid pump  108  circulates the thermal liquid  132  in the closed loop between the first bladder chamber  126 , and the heat exchanger  104 . The pump  108  may be located anywhere in the closed loop. In the present exemplary embodiment the fluid pump  108  is in fluid communication with the second thermal liquid circulation conduit  136  and the pillow element thermal liquid outlet  120 . 
         [0058]    The fluid pump  108  is operably coupled to the controller  106 . The controller may, for example, control the operation of the fluid pump  108 . Depending on the control exerted by the controller  106 , the fluid pump  108  may operate constantly, constantly circulating the thermal liquid  132  in the closed loop. Constant circulation of the thermal liquid  132  may help maintain the thermal liquid  132  at a substantially equal thermal energy level within the closed loop. 
         [0059]    Alternatively, the fluid pump  108  may only operate when the heat exchanger  104 , or heat pump element  148  is in operation. The intermittent operation of the fluid pump  108  during the on-cycle of the heat exchanger  104  may be used to circulate the thermal liquid  132  when thermal transfer from the heat exchanger  104  to the pillow element  102  is desired. For example, when the user activates the heat exchanger  104  the fluid pump  108  is activated, however if the heat exchanger is not activated the fluid pump does not circulate the thermal liquid  132 . 
         [0060]    The fluid pump  108  may be any pump, however in this exemplary embodiment, an induction pump (not shown) may be used. The fluid pump  108  may, for example have a flow rate of 15-30 millilitres per second. The fluid pump  108  may comprise a direct current drive electric motor (not shown). In this embodiment the fluid pump  108  may be operated at a reduced speed than those permitted by the design of fluid pump  108 . This may, for example, lead to a reduced peak current requirement, reduced noise levels, and extended pump/motor service life. 
         [0061]    Reference is once again made to  FIG. 1 . The power supply  112  supplies power to the controller  106 , which in turn provides power to the various components of the thermal pillow apparatus  100 . 
         [0062]    In this example, the power provided to the power supply  112  may come from the use of a battery (not shown) or a wall plug  156 , or a combination of the two. In addition, the power supply  112  is typically designed to regulate its power output to be appropriate for the controller  106 . 
         [0063]    Alternatively, other power points, such as a car power point, for example a cigarette lighter, may also be used to provide power to the power supply  112 . In these examples, the use of a battery (not shown) or a car power point (not shown) may permit the thermal pillow apparatus  100  to be portable. Whereas the use of a wall plug  156  is typically used for the stationary use of the pillow, for example at home or at a hotel room. 
         [0064]    Reference is once again made to  FIG. 1 . In this example, the controller  106  is operably coupled to the power supply  112 , the control pendant  110 , the fluid pump  108 , the heat exchanger fan  146 , the heat pump  148 , and the temperature sensor  150 . 
         [0065]    The controller  106  may be an integrated microcontroller that controls the components of the thermal pillow apparatus  100  operably linked to the controller  106 . Alternatively, any type of thermo-state controller could be used. For example, a PLA, a PLC or any other type of control device. In one example embodiment, the controller  106  may be mounted to the heat exchanger  104 , in a location where atmospheric air can flow freely over the surface of the controller  106 . 
         [0066]    As mentioned above, in this example the controller  106  receives power from the power supply  112 . The controller  106  in turn uses that power to power itself, and to power various components of the thermal pillow apparatus  100 . 
         [0067]    The controller  106  is also operably linked to the control pendant  110 . The control pendant  110  is an input interface that permits a user to control the operation of the controller  106 . More discussion on the operation of the control pendant  110  is found below. 
         [0068]    The controller  106  is also operably linked to the temperature sensor  150 . The controller  106  can typically process the temperature sensed at the temperature sensor  150  and then, based on the user inputs through the control pendant  110 , based on a default setting or internal algorithm, control the operation of the heat exchanger fan  146 , the heat pump  148  and the fluid pump  108 . 
         [0069]    In one example, the user may adjust the desired temperature of the pillow element  102  through the control pendant  110 . The controller  106  may, for example, cause the heat pump  148  to operate causing the addition or removal of thermal energy to the thermal liquid  132  in the liquid to air heat exchanger chamber  142 . In addition, the controller may also cause the heat exchanger fan  146  to begin operating to aid in the removal of thermal energy from the heat sinks  144 . The controller  106  may also cause the fluid pump  108  to operate, circulating the thermal liquid  132  in the closed loop between the bladder  114  and the heat exchanger  104 . The circulated thermal liquid  132  then, through the process of heat transfer, discussed above, begins to transfer thermal energy to or from the pillow element  102 , as was desired by the user. This is only one example, among many, of the operation of the controller  106 . 
         [0070]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C, showing example embodiments of a control pendant  110 . Where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         [0071]    The control pendant  110  is operably linked to the controller  106 , and permits a user to provide inputs to control, manipulate and monitor the operation of the controller  106 , and therefore the thermal pillow apparatus  100 . The control pendant  110  may be operably linked to the controller via a physical link, such as, for example, a wire or cable. Alternatively, the control pendant  110  may be operably linked to the controller via wireless technology, such as, for example, blue tooth technology or Wi-Fi. 
         [0072]    The control pendant  110  typically includes a button, and may also include a plurality of buttons, and also may include a display or a plurality of displays. The buttons may include a temperature selector button  164 , an activate button  166 , and a mode selection button  168 . A display may comprise a single light indicator, such as the selectable temperature setting display  158 . The display may also, or alternatively, comprise a digital read out display, such as the temperature display  160 , or the time display  162 . 
         [0073]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 5A . In this embodiment the user may select between 6 preset temperatures for the thermal liquid  132 , and in turn the pillow element  102 . By pressing the temperature selector buttons  164 , the user can choose their desired thermal liquid  132  temperature of choice. There may be, for example, 6 choices such as, for example, 5, 8, 12, 16, 30 or 35 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the temperatures could also be in Fahrenheit. As the user selects a temperature setting, it is displayed by the illumination of one of the plurality of selectable temperature setting displays  158 . 
         [0074]    Once the temperature is selected (this temperature is known as a “set point”), the user may activate the operation of a heating/cooling cycle of the thermal pillow apparatus  100 , by pressing the activate button  166 , which in turn activates the controller  106 . The controller  106  then activates the heat exchanger  104 , including the heat pump elements  144  and possibly the fan  146 , and typically the fluid pump  108 . The heat pump elements  144  begin to transfer thermal energy to or from the thermal liquid  132  to achieve the user&#39;s desired temperature. The fluid pump  108  then, in turn, begins to circulate the thermal liquid  132  within the closed loop to the bladder  114  and therefore the pillow element  102 . 
         [0075]    Once the desired temperature of the thermal liquid  132  is achieved (as sensed by the temperature sensor  150 ), the controller  106  operates, as required, the various components of the thermal pillow apparatus  100  to sustain the temperature of the thermal liquid  132  for a single cycle. A cycle may be, for example, 20 minutes. A cycle may include a period of thermal transfer, followed by a period of no thermal transfer. For example, the cycle may include heating or cooling, and no heating or cooling. Once the time interval for a single cycle has elapsed, the controller  106  stops all operations, until the user reactivates the thermal pillow apparatus  100  by pressing the activate button  166  again. 
         [0076]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5B . The control pendant in  FIG. 5B  is similar to the control pendant in  FIG. 5A , however in this example a mode selection button  268  and a time display  262  are also added. In this example embodiment, the user can select between three modes of operation. The first mode, a single cycle mode, was described above with regard to  FIG. 5A . The second mode allows the user to select a continuous cycle where after the first cycle has elapsed, a second cycle is automatically activated, and the controller  106  operates to sustain the temperature of the thermal liquid  132  at the desired temperature for a second cycle. This can continue for a pre-determined number of cycles, or perpetually until deactivated by the user. The user may, for example, deactivate the thermal pillow apparatus  100 , by pressing the activate button  166  again. The time display  262  displays, for example the time remaining, or the time elapsed in the cycle. 
         [0077]    As was discussed above, the cycle may include a period of thermal transfer followed by a period of non-thermal transfer. In a continuous cycle this may result in regularly repeating intervals of thermal transfer (for example heating or cooling), and regular repeating intervals of non-thermal transfer (a return to ambient conditions). 
         [0078]    The third mode is similar to the second mode in that the third mode is a continuous cycle mode, however the third mode also permits two set points. For example, the user may enter a first and second set point. Once the set points are entered and the thermal pillow apparatus  100  is activated, the controller  106  operates to establish and maintain temperature of the thermal liquid  132  at the first set point (original desired temperature) for a preset amount of time, for example 1 cycle, or for a user entered amount of time. Following the passage of that amount of time, the controller  106  then establishes and maintains the temperature of the thermal liquid  132  at the second set point (second desired temperature). The controller  106  then maintains the thermal liquid  132  at the second set point, for a preset amount of time, for example 1 cycle, or for a user entered amount of time. In a continuous cycle, the thermal pillow apparatus  100  may repeat the above third mode, including operating at the first and second set point for a preset amount of time or cycles, or in perpetuity until deactivated by the user. Alternatively, the third mode may use a single cycle. 
         [0079]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5C , which illustrates a third example control pendant  310 . Control pendant  310  is very similar to control pendant  110  and  210 , however it also comprises a temperature display  360 . In addition, to the features of control pendant  210 , the control pendant  310  also permits a user to control the desired temperature in two ways. The first way is similar to that outlined for  FIG. 5A , i.e. the, for example, six preset temperature values. However, control pendant  310 , together with controller  306  also permit the user to enter the desired temperature of the thermal liquid  132  in 1 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit increments. For example, the user is not restricted to the values of 5, 8, 12, 16, 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, but may select any values at an increment of 1 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit. 
         [0080]    The controller  306  operates the thermal pillow apparatus  100 , as described above in the context of control pendant  110  and  210  to achieve the desired 1 degree temperature increment value. The 1 degree increment temperature values of the thermal liquid  132  can be achieved using a single cycle, or a continuous cycle with one set point or two set points, as described for other example embodiments. 
         [0081]    While what has been shown and described herein constitutes one exemplary embodiment of the subject invention and while some variations of the embodiment have also been described, it should be understood that various modifications and adaptations of such embodiments can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.