Lightweight, Compact, Heated Glove Insert for Diver Hand Protection Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-189 Topic Title: Lightweight, Compact, Heated Glove Insert for Diver Hand Protection Proposal No.: N082-189-0257 Firm: Creare Inc. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 Contact: Weibo Chen Phone: (603) 643-3800 Web Site: www.creare.com Abstract: Navy divers require thermal protection for their hands in cold water to extend dive durations and to improve manual dexterity. Creare proposes to develop an innovative heated glove insert to improve hand dexterity. The proposed technology uses a very thin glove insert with a high distributed heating power to enhance thermal protection for the hands and fingers, keeping them at a comfortable temperature even in very cold water. Our approach employs a lightweight chemical heater with a very high energy density to provide heat and an innovative heat distribution system to deliver the heat to the hands and fingers. The chemical heater will self-regulate its heating temperature for optimal comfort and safety. The consumable material used in the heater will weigh less than 1 oz. for four hours of operation. The glove inserts will be rugged, compact, lightweight, and easy to use. In Phase I, we will prove the feasibility of our approach by: (1) modeling the performance of the heated glove insert, (2) demonstrating the chemical heater in the laboratory, and (3) developing a work plan for Phase II manned testing. In Phase II, we will build prototype gloves and demonstrate their effectiveness in unmanned and manned testing. Benefits: The proposed heated glove inserts will have a large military market because they will improve the effectiveness of military divers in cold water. They will also improve the effectiveness and safety of military personnel in cold weather by keeping hands at a comfortable temperature. The commercial demand for rugged, lightweight, heated gloves for commercial and recreational diving, cold-weather outdoor workers and recreational winter sports can also be enormous. Return