RESEARCHER HELPS BUDDY WITH A “KEEP COOL” VEST

Toasty warm football fans had reason to be grateful to Gideon Salee, a researcher in Battelle’s Polymer Center who several years ago pioneered technology that led to the development of the “Heat Seat” stadium cushion, a device that stays warm for up to eight hours after being heated in the microwave.

But a fellow Battelle employee who suffers from multiple sclerosis is toasting Salee for using a similar technology to keep him cool in the summer heat.

Salee developed a plastic vest, a half-inch thick, filled with a hydrocarbon oligomer, which maintains a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. (An oligomer is a shortened polymer. Battelle researchers purchase the oligomers, then formulate them using a patented Battelle process to give them the needed consistency and cooling capabilities.)

Although a temperature of 80 degrees would be considered hot in a room, it is cool when pressed against a body that is 98.6 degrees.

The vest was developed for Larry Fierbaugh, 44, who works in Battelle’s mail room and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than eight years ago. Mail carrier and researcher became friends while Fierbaugh made his daily rounds through Battelle with the mail.

“Gideon knew I had M.S., and we had talked about how the heat and humidity just saps my energy,” Fierbaugh explained. “I don’t do well in the heat. It just takes it right out of me and I get physically ill with terrible headaches.”

“He brought the vest down one day and said, ‘Why don’t you try this and let me know how it works.’ Well, it works great.”

Salee has worked with various polymers and knows well their heating and cooling capabilities. A packing technology patented by Battelle keeps the hydrocarbon uniform throughout the vest.

“People have tried to make these types of vests using water as the filler,” Salee said. “But, that doesn’t work because a vest of ice is obviously going to restrict your movement. And, it would be too cold. This oligomer remains pliable during use and is not too cold.”

Fierbaugh places the vest in the refrigerator to further cool it before wearing it. He said he can wear it 2 to 3 hours before his body heat cancels the cooling ability of the vest and he must take it off.

“Once it gets warm, I just put it back in the fridge and cool it back down,” Fierbaugh said. “I was helping my girlfriend put a fence up in her yard and I was outside all day. I wouldn’t have lasted any time without the vest.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Katy Delaney, Manager of Media Relations, Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201-2693; telephone 614.424.5544; or email delaneyk@battelle.org.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing, and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.