Extreme Environment Hand-Wear system

"Our Phase I study proved the feasibility of using monofilament carbon tow and thin resistant wire in a glove system to provide an adequate heat source to keep a soldier's hands comfortable in extreme cold temperatures while retaining hand dexterity andtactility. Our objectives during Phase II are to (1) incorporate our heat generation process into a super thin, non-melting, flame-rerardant material that can be worn as a "Layer Zero" glove under existing military glove wear, (2) reduce the electroniccontroller to a micro size that can be incorporated into the glove, (3) explore the latest state-of-the-art in rechargeable battery technologies that would allow our glove systems to be powered by the smallest and lightest possible battery, and (4) sustaina comfortable level of heat to the hand for long periods during temperatures as low as -50? F. An additional objective is to enhance the functionality of the electronic heat controller to better match a wide range of wearers needs in the field includingthe widening of the operating voltage range from 6 to 48 volts to allow for a broad spectrum of batteries and power sources including those in various vehicles."