Patent Publication Number: US-2015075185-A1

Title: Article Temperature Control System

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to heating and cooling and, more specifically, to an article temperature control system that helps to stabilize an individual&#39;s body temperature by covering the individual or part of the individual within an article, such as apparel, garments, blankets, car seats having a temperature controlled fluid channeled through tubing within said article and pressurized suits, such as civilian space suits. 
     The article temperature control system can be used to stabilize an individual&#39;s body temperature while operating climate controlled or non-climate controlled motorized vehicles, including but not limited to motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and construction equipment. 
     In addition, the present invention is also intended for many more uses, including use by fire fighters, bomb squads, military and medical applications, small aircraft pilots and EMTs, by incorporating a self-contained rechargeable battery pack. EMT&#39;s would be able to apply a hot/cold blanket onto a victim of heat stroke or hypothermia as soon as they reach them. 
     Furthermore, the present invention provides for heating, cooling or maintaining the exact temperature for humans, animals and non-living objects, such as a car seat having tubing therein in fluid communication with a cooling/heating unit capable of conditioning the car seat circulating thermal agent by transferring thermal energy either to or from the thermal agent. 
     The seat cover and cooling/heating unit can be provided as an after-market item, which may have a battery or intended to be wired into the vehicle&#39;s electrical system or may be installed at the time of vehicle manufacturer. Installed as original equipment would obviate the need for the user to refill the water block as the system will be a sealed unit that may use any appropriate fluid as the thermal agent. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other temperature control systems. While these systems may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system that can be worn by an individual to raise or lower a user&#39;s body temperature. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system using a fluid, such as a water and/or glycol solution as a thermal agent that is continually cycled through flexible tubing sewn or otherwise incorporated into the lining of a garment, apparel and blankets. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system where the garment is one or more of a vest, jacket, helmet, pants, a hot/cold blanket, or other article of apparel. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system further incorporating a fluid conditioning system, a cooling/heating unit capable of conditioning a circulating thermal agent by transferring thermal energy either to or from the thermal agent. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system further incorporating tubing for moving the thermal agent between the fluid conditioning system and the article of apparel. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system further incorporating quick disconnect couplings between the cooling/heating unit and the apparel, to ensure safety. These couplings, unlike others, are designed to automatically disconnect with 10 to 15 lbs. of pressure, in the event the operator falls off the machine. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system having a fluid conditioning system comprising a heat exchanger, pump, power source and control module. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system having a heat exchanger comprising a fluid block and TEC plates that can be used in a scuba suit where a water environment will provide a thermal exchange medium. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said heat exchanger provides an additional element in the form of a thermally conductive plate positioned between the fluid block and TEC plates. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said heat exchanger provides another additional element in the form of a heat sink and optional fan to expedite the thermal exchange using ambient air. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said heat sink optionally provides channels within the body for passage of a thermal medium therethrough. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said heat sink channels can be milled or tubing inserted into a mold prior to manufacturing the heat sink. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system further providing an additional means of cooling the heat sink comprising attachment of one or more CO2 canisters to the heat sink channels whereby short burst of CO2 will rapidly cool the TEC plates and heat sink, which serves the primary functions of, in operation, jump starting the cooling side and in hot weather helping to maintain cooling performance. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system where said fluid block is comprised of an interior container having a base with peripheral walls and an integral exterior container similarly constructed with an air space between the interior and exterior containers forming an insulator between the interior and exterior containers. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system where said fluid block having a base with walls extending from said base with each of the exterior walls and exterior base providing a spout and cap with the spout extending into the interior container containing the thermal fluid so that the fluid block can be refilled regardless of the orientation or angle of the heat exchanger when attached to an object. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said fluid block is manufactured from a material selected from metal, plastic or composite material. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system wherein said power source is an electrical connection with the power source of the aforementioned non-climate controlled motorized vehicle&#39;s or an electrical connection with one or more rechargeable batteries. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system comprising sheet-like material, such as a blanket, having said flexible tubing sewn or otherwise incorporated into said sheet-like material in conduit communication with a fluid conditioning system whereby the blanket can be used for victims of hypothermia and heat stroke. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system having a self-contained rechargeable battery pack for complete mobility of users of the article temperature control system. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system comprising a seat cover having fluid channels therein in fluid communication with said fluid conditioning system whereby a user through a control module can select a cooler or warmer temperature for said seat cover as needed. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system comprising a seat cover having fluid channels therein in fluid communication with a fluid conditioning system that is provided for installation in after market vehicles. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system comprising a seat cover having fluid channels therein in fluid communication with a fluid conditioning system that is incorporated at time of original vehicle manufacture. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an article temperature control system within an original vehicle manufacture wherein said water block is a sealed unit having a permanent thermal agent therein. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an article temperature control system that helps to stabilize an individual&#39;s body temperature while operating non-climate controlled motorized machines, including but not limited to motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, tractors, fork lifts and other construction equipment. 
     The present invention also overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art by incorporating safety features, such as “quick disconnect couplings” that are designed to automatically break apart or disconnect with a predetermined or selectable amount of pressure to ensure that the operator isn&#39;t dragged screaming with the vehicle in the event of a grisly accident or crash, for example, from a motorcycle or snowmobile. 
     The present invention further overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an option to utilize a self-contained rechargeable battery pack that will allow the wearer to become completely mobile and independent from an outside power source. 
     The present invention further overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing EMTs with the ability to apply a hot/cold blanket to victims of hypothermia or heat stroke immediately upon the EMTs arrival in the field, by means of the hot/cold blanket and the self contained battery pack. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of applications of the temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative view of the article temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of various representative articles incorporating the article temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative view of the article temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the article temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a motorized vehicle incorporating the article temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 , shown is a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the heat sink incorporating an additional cooling mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustrative view of applications of the temperature control system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustrative view of an additional element of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawing figures, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Article Temperature Control System of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.
       10  Article Temperature Control System of the invention     12  heat exchanger     14  article     16  flexible tubing     18  couplings on  14       20  jacket     22  hood     24  pants     26  gloves     28  blanket     30  motorcycle     32  utility vehicle     34  snowmobiles     36  construction equipment     38  ambulance     40  fire truck     42  flexible tubing     46  thermoelectric cooling/heating unit     48  TEC plates     50  heat sink     52  fan     54  controller     56  heat exchanger coupling     58  outlet line     60  return line     62  fluid block     64  pump     66  power supply     68  secondary couplings     70  outlet port     72  return port     74  handlebar of  30       76  carrying case     78  battery     80  thermal agent     82  electric line     84  scuba diving unit     86  fire fighting apparel     88  pressurized suits     90  CO2 channel     92  CO2 canister     94  fluid block cap     96  cap grommet     98  fluid block cavity     100  thermal conduction plate     102  heat sink tubing     104  seat cover   

     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is an illustrative view of applications of the temperature control system of the present invention. The present invention is a temperature control system  10  that helps to stabilize an individual&#39;s body temperature by encompassing the individual or part of the individual within articles, such as apparel, having a temperature controlled fluid channeled throughout. Specific embodiments of articles and activities that may be desirous of temperature control are disclosed in the accompanying drawing figures for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as the sole applications of the temperature control system of the present invention. 
     Shown is the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention in use in a variety of garments, apparel and blanket for a variety of different purposes. Speaking generally, the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention includes a heat exchanger  12  and an article  14  fluidly connectable to the heat exchanger  12 , with flexible tubing  16  running through the body of the article  14  for circulating a heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger  12  through the article  14 . Couplings  18  on the flexible tubing  16  releasably connect the heat exchanger  12  with the article  14 . 
     The article temperature control system  10  provides for articles  14  that can take many forms, such as various types of garments and apparel, for example, jackets  20 , hoods  22 , pants  24 , gloves  26 , blankets  28 , seat covers  104 , pressurized suits  86  and scuba diving suit  84  and can be suitably employed in connection with a wide variety of vehicles and uses. For example, the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention can find great utility in use with non-climate controlled motorized vehicles such as motorcycles  30 , utility vehicles  32  such as all terrain vehicles and golf carts, and snowmobiles  34 , and also with construction vehicles  36  such as tractors, fork lifts and front loaders and emergency vehicles such as ambulances  38  and fire engines  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , shown is an illustrative view of the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention. Shown is the article temperature control system  10  of the invention having an article, illustrated as a primary garment shown as a jacket  20 , having flexible tubing  42  running through the body of the jacket  20  and with an article coupling  18  on opposite ends of the tubing  42 , allowing circulation of the fluid through the tubing  42  in the jacket  20 . Shown is an embodiment of the article temperature control system  10  of the invention wherein the heat exchanger incorporates a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  having thermoelectric cooling (TEC) plates  48 , a heat sink  50 , an optional fan  52  and a controller  54  in electrical communication with the TEC plates  48 . The heat exchanger also includes a heat exchanger coupling  56  for connecting to the article coupling  18 , an outlet line  58  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a return line  60  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a fluid block  62  in fluid communication with the outlet line  58  and the return line  60 , a pump  64  in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet line  58  and return line  60 , and a power supply  66  in electrical communication with the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the pump  64 . 
     In one embodiment, the power supply  66  is a 12 volt battery such as those typically found on motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. In another embodiment the system provides the user to be completely mobile by incorporating a self-contained rechargeable battery pack. 
     In addition to a primary garment, illustrated as the jacket  20 , heating and cooling can be provided to one or more secondary garments, for example, the hood  22  shown in  FIG. 2 , which connect, directly or indirectly, to the primary garment. Preferably, the flexible tubing  16  in the primary and secondary garments connects through secondary couplings  68 . Preferably, the primary garment is either pants  24  or a jacket  20 , with secondary garments selected from one or more of pants  24  or jacket  20  (if not the primary garment), vest, gloves  26 , hood/helmet/hat/headwear  22 , socks/boots/footwear and the like. Placement of the pump  64  in the lines leading to and from the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  will depend upon the particular application, with all positions finding utility. Shown is the pump  64  being inline with the return line  60 . Preferably, the fluid block  62  and/or the heat sink  50  is formed of a lightweight, rigid material, for example a metal such as aluminum, and most preferably the fluid block  62  forms housing for the TEC plates  48 . The fittings, particularly the heat exchanger coupling  56  and the article coupling  18  which connect the primary garment, shown as a jacket  20 , to the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46 , can be quick disconnect couplings, and further, can be designed to automatically disconnect at a predetermined or selectable force threshold, for example, from about 10 to about 15 pounds. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , shown illustrates various representative articles incorporating the article temperature control system of the present invention. Shown are articles that exemplify incorporation of the article temperature control system, such as blankets  28 , gloves  26 , hoods  22 , pants  24  and jackets  20 , each having flexible tubing  16  running through the body of the article for moving a heat transfer fluid through the article, thus performing a transfer of thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid and the wearer of the article, raising or lowering the temperature of the wearer as needed. The fluid is returned through the article couplings  18  to the conditioning unit to be heated/cooled once again. 
     In addition to a primary garment, such as the pants  24  or jacket  20 , heating and cooling can be provided to one or more secondary garments, for example, gloves  26  and/or a hood  22 , which connect, directly or indirectly, to the primary garment through secondary couplings  68 . Preferably, the primary garment is either pants  24  or a jacket  20 , with secondary garments selected from one or more of pants  24  or jacket  20  (if not the primary garment), vest, gloves  26 , hood/helmet/hat/headwear  22 , socks/boots/footwear and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , shown is an illustrative view of the article temperature control system of the present invention. Shown is an embodiment of the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention wherein the heat exchanger includes a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  having a fan  52 , a fluid block  62  in fluid communication with the outlet line  58  and the return line  60 , the fluid block  62  forming a housing for internal TEC plates and heat sink, and a controller  54  in electrical communication with the fan  52 . The heat exchanger also includes a heat exchanger coupling  56  for connecting to the article, an outlet line  58  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a return line  60  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a pump  64  in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet line  58  and return line  60 , and a power supply  66  in electrical communication with the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the pump  64 . 
     Placement of the pump  64  in the lines leading to and from the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  will depend upon the particular application, with all positions finding utility. Shown is the pump  64  being inline with the return line  60 . Preferably, the fluid block  62  and/or the heat sink  50  are formed of a lightweight, rigid material, for example a metal such as aluminum. The fittings, particularly the heat exchanger coupling  56  and the article coupling  18  which connect the primary garment to the heat exchanger, can be quick disconnect couplings, and further, can be designed to automatically disconnect at a predetermined or selectable force threshold, for example, from about 10 to about 15 pounds. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is a sectional view of the article temperature control system of the present invention. Shown is the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  having thermoelectric cooling (TEC) plates  48 , a heat sink  50 , a fan  52 , an outlet port  70 , a return port  72 , and a fluid block  62  in fluid communication with the outlet and return lines through the outlet port  70  and return port  72 , with the fluid block  62  forming a housing for the TEC plates  48 , heat sink  50  and fan  52 . Preferably, the heat sink  50  and fluid block  62  are formed of a lightweight, rigid material, such as metal, plastic and composite. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , shown is a side view of a motorized vehicle incorporating the article temperature control system of the present invention. Shown is a motorcycle  30  having a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46 , at least one heat exchanger coupling  56  for connecting to the heated/cooled article, an outlet line  58  fluidly connecting the unit  46  to a heat exchanger coupling  56 , a return line  60  fluidly connecting the unit  46  to a heat exchanger coupling  56 . The system is not limited to motorcycles and may include any non-climate controlled motorized machine such as all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, tractors and other construction equipment. Also shown is a controller  54  mounted to the handlebar  74  of the motorcycle  30  with an electric line  82  in communication with the unit  46 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , shown is a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is a article temperature control system  10  having a heat exchanger  12  which acts as a fluid conditioning system, and an article  14  fluidly connectable to the heat exchanger  12  and having flexible tubing  16  running through body of the article  14  for moving a heat transfer fluid between the heat exchanger  12  and through the article  14 . A coupling  18  on the flexible tubing  16  releasably connects with a mating coupling  56  affixed to an outlet line  58  leading from the heat exchanger  12  and a return line  60  leading to the heat exchanger  12 . An in-line fluid pump  64  is in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet line  58  and return line  60 , preferably the return line  60 . A controller  54  is in electrical  82  communication with the heat exchanger  12 , and a power supply  66  in electrical communication with the controller  54  provides controlled power distribution through the controller  54  to the pump  64  and the heat exchanger  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the power supply  66  is a 12 volt battery such as those typically found on motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. In another embodiment the system provides the user to be completely mobile by incorporating a self contained rechargeable battery pack. 
     The fittings, particularly the heat exchanger coupling  56  and the article coupling  18  which connect the garment to the heat exchanger  12 , can be quick disconnect couplings, and further, can be designed to automatically disconnect at a predetermined or selectable force threshold, for example, from about 10 to about 15 pounds. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , shown is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of the present invention. Shown is an enablement of the heat exchanger  12  having a fluid block  62  comprised of an interior container having a base with peripheral walls and an integral exterior container similarly constructed with an air space  98  between the interior and exterior containers forming an insulator between the interior and exterior containers. Also shown is the water block  62  having a cover comprising a thermally conductive plate  100  that will hermetically seal the water block  62  with the TEC plates positioned over plate  100  to accelerate thermal transfer from or to the thermal agent  80 . Also shown is the heat sink  50  having channel  90  within the body for passage of a thermal medium, such as CO2, that can be ejected into the channel  90  to quickly cool the heat sink  50 . The channels  90  can be cast, drilled or milled with the heat sink  50  manufactured from a material selected from metal, plastic or composite material. The fluid block  62  having a base with walls extending from said base with each of the exterior walls and exterior base providing a cap  94  and grommet  96  with the spout extending into the interior container containing the thermal agent  80  so that the fluid block  62  can be refilled regardless of the orientation or angle of the heat exchanger  12  when attached to an object. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , shown is a sectional view of the heat exchanger of the present invention. Shown is an enablement of the heat exchanger  12  having a fluid block  62  comprised of an interior container having a base with peripheral walls and an integral exterior container similarly constructed with an air space  98  between the interior and exterior containers forming an insulator between the interior and exterior containers. Also shown is the water block  62  having a cover comprising a thermally conductive plate  100  that will hermetically seal the water block  62  with the TEC plates positioned over plate  100  to accelerate thermal transfer from or to the thermal agent  80 . Also shown is the heat sink  50  having channel  90  within the body for passage of a thermal medium, such as CO2, that can be ejected into the channel  90  to quickly cool the heat sink  50 . The channels  90  can be tubing  104  that is placed within the drilled or milled channel  90  or placed within a mold prior to casting with the heat sink  50  manufactured from a material selected from metal, plastic or composite material. The fluid block  62  having exterior walls and exterior base provides a cap  94  and grommet  96  with the spout extending into the interior container containing the thermal agent  80  so that the fluid block  62  can be refilled regardless of the orientation or angle of the heat exchanger  12  when attached to an object. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , shown is a perspective view of the heat sink incorporating an additional cooling mechanism. The present invention provides additional heat sink cooling means comprising a plurality of channels  90  within the body of heat sink  50  for passage of a thermal medium, such as CO2  92 , that can be ejected into the channel  90  to quickly cool the heat sink  50  thereby jump starting the cooling function of the article temperature control system and in hot weather helping to maintain cooling performance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , shown is a sectional view of a heat exchanger for a scuba diving suit. The article temperature control system  10  of the present invention includes an enable of a heat exchanger  12  specifically designed for a scuba diving suit  84  fluidly connectable to the heat exchanger  12 , with flexible tubing  16  running through the body of the scuba suit  84  for circulating a thermal agent  80  from the heat exchanger  12  through the scuba suit  84 . The fluid block  62  is comprised of an interior container having a base with peripheral walls and an integral exterior container similarly constructed with an air space  98  between the interior and exterior containers forming an insulator between the interior and exterior containers. Also shown is the water block  62  having a cover comprising a thermally conductive plate  100  that will hermetically seal the water block  62  with the TEC plates positioned over plate  100  to accelerate thermal transfer from or to the thermal agent  80 . Since the scuba diving unit exchanges heat with water, there is no need for a heat exchanger having the heat sink  12  and fan  52 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , shown is an illustrative view of an additional element of the present invention. Shown is the present invention having an embodiment whereby the present invention is self contained while being portable and operable independent of machinery or external power source via its own carry case  76  and battery  78 . Shown is an embodiment of the article temperature control system  10  of the present invention wherein the heat exchanger includes a thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  having a fan  52 , a fluid block  62  in fluid communication with the outlet line  58  and the return line  60 , the fluid block  62  forming a housing for internal TEC plates and heat sink, and a controller  54  in electrical communication with the fan  52 . The heat exchanger also includes a heat exchanger coupling  56  for connecting to the article, an outlet line  58  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a return line  60  fluidly connecting the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the heat exchanger coupling  56 , a pump  64  in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet line  58  and return line  60 , a pump  64  in fluid communication with at least one of the outlet line  58  and return line  60 , and a battery  78  in electrical communication with the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  and the pump  64 . 
     Placement of the pump  64  in the lines leading to and from the thermoelectric cooling/heating unit  46  will depend upon the particular application, with all positions finding utility. Shown is the pump  64  being inline with the outlet line  58 . Preferably, the fluid block  62  and/or the heat sink  50  is formed of a lightweight, rigid material, for example a metal such as aluminum. The fittings, particularly the heat exchanger coupling  56  which connects to the article to be heated/cooled, is a quick disconnect couplings, and further, can be designed to automatically disconnect at a predetermined or selectable force threshold, for example, from about 10 to about 15 pounds. A carrying case  76  surrounds and secures the various components of the invention for easy transportation and storage. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.