Methods for making apparel and sensor covering with energy converting, storing and supplying capabilities and other electrical components integrated therein

• US 6,476,581 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2002
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
• Inventors: Lew, Ark L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Toatley, Jr., Gregory J.
• Application Number:
  US10/099,035
• Publication Number:
  US 20020089304A1
• Time in Patent Office: 236 Days
• Field of Search: 320/107, 320/112, 307/11, 2 6/9, 210/2, 2 9/3--5, 361/730
• US Class Current: 320/107
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 1/002 adapted to accommodate electronic equipment patients' garments for medical monitoring A41D13/1281; luminous ornaments A41D27/085
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/18 Military applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/35 Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells

Abstract

Apparel and sensor coverings comprising a material suitable for use therein and a laminate integrated therein, the laminate comprising a plurality of layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, electrical energy storing means, and charge management and control circuitry. The invention is used to power electronic applications either integrated with the charge management and control circuitry or incorporated into the laminate as a separate layer to create “smart” apparel and sensors. External electronic devices and various types of sensors can be connected and powered using one or more outlets integrated into the material. Antenna(s) and infrared port(s) also integrated into the material permit communications with other wearers of the smart apparel, with and between smart sensors, with local command and control centers on the ground or in the air and with distant headquarters via satellite(s).

Claims

1. A method for fabricating apparel with energy converting, storing and supplying capabilities integrated therein, the method comprising the steps of:

making the apparel using a suitable material;

forming layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, a means for storing electrical energy and charge management and control circuitry;

laminating together the energy conversion means, electrical energy storing means and charge management and control circuitry layers to form a laminate; and

integrating the laminate into the material.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of integrating an electronic application with the charge management and control circuitry.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of forming a layer comprising an electronic application for inclusion in the laminate.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of integrating an outlet for connecting and powering an external electronic device into the material.

5. The method as recited in claim 2 or 4, further comprising the step of integrating an antenna into the material.

6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the electrical energy storing means comprises a rechargeable battery.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the energy conversion means comprises a plurality of solar cells.

8. A method for fabricating apparel with energy converting, storing and supplying capabilities integrated therein, the method comprising the steps of:

making the apparel using a suitable material;

forming layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, a means for storing electrical energy, charge management and control circuitry and an electronic application;

laminating together the energy conversion means, electrical energy storing means, charge management and control circuitry and electronic application layers to form a laminate;

integrating the laminate into the material;

integrating an outlet for connecting and powering an external electronic device into the material; and

integrating an antenna into the material.

9. A method for making an outer covering for a sensor, the covering having energy converting, storing and supplying capabilities integrated therein, the method comprising the steps of:

making the covering using a suitable material;

forming layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, a means for storing electrical energy and charge management and control circuitry;

laminating together the energy conversion means, electrical energy storing means and charge management and control circuitry layers to form a laminate; and

integrating the laminate into the material.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the steps of integrating an electronic application with the charge management and control circuitry.

11. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the step of forming a layer comprising an electronic application for inclusion in the laminate.

12. The method as recited in claim 10 or 11, wherein the covering comprises solely the laminate.

13. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the step of integrating an outlet for connecting and powering an external electronic device into the material.

14. The method as recited in claim 10 or 13, further comprising the step of integrating an antenna into the material.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the electrical energy storing means comprises a rechargeable battery.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the energy conversion means comprises a plurality of solar cells.

17. A method for making an outer covering for a sensor, the outer covering having energy converting, storing and supplying capabilities integrated therein, the method comprising the steps of:

making the covering using a suitable material;

forming layers comprising an energy conversion means for delivering electrical energy, a means for storing electrical energy, charge management and control circuitry and an electronic application;

laminating together the energy conversion means, electrical energy storing means, charge management and control circuitry and electronic application layers to form a laminate;

integrating the laminate into the material;

integrating an outlet for connecting and powering an external electronic device into the material; and

integrating an antenna into the material.