Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatic therapy blanket with sterile access. In one embodiment, an inflatable therapy blanket, which is sterilized, has an opening in the patient's chest area. In another embodiment, a perforated seam is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the blanket between the patient's neck and the access opening. By breaking the perforation, a slit is formed, allowing access to the patient's body from outside the blanket. In another embodiment, the blanket covers only the lower portion of the patient's body and the blanket has a tape edge for attaching the blanket to the patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing conditioned air to a patient while maintaining a low profile over the patient. The therapy blanket has an inflatable portion that includes air channels with a constriction in the area where the blanket covers the torso of the patient; thereby reducing, if not eliminating, bunching of the blanket. The blanket covers the torso and at least one extended arm of a patient.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. One method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket (10) for providing a conditioned gas to at least a portion of the body of a human or other animal. The thermal blanket (10) includes an inflatable portion (18) for receiving the conditioned gas under pressure and for being positioned over a portion of the body of the user. The inflatable portion (18) is defined by a base sheet (12) adapted for communicating the conditioned gas to a portion of the body of the user, and an outer sheet (14). The inflatable portion (18) also includes an inlet port (20) for placing the inflatable portion in fluid communication with a source of conditioned gas. The inflatable portion (18) also defines at least one outer channel (30) communicating with the inlet port (20) and at least one inner channel (32) communicating with the outer channel (30).

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.