Abstract: A closed loop heat therapy blanket provided for warming a patient to prevent or treat hypothermia. The closed loop heat therapy blanket includes first and second sheets secured to each other such as to define a supply manifold, at least one supply duct, a return manifold and a return duct. The first sheet defines a supply inlet opening into the supply manifold and a return outlet opening from the return duct. Heated air is introduced into the supply manifold and travels through to the return outlet and through an outlet hose. As the heated air travels through the blanket, a portion is communicated through the second sheet and toward the patient. A heat source is provided for collecting and heating ambient air, and for collecting preheated air from the outlet hose. In one embodiment, a humidifier is provided for controlling the moisture in the air being directed toward the patient.

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 U-shaped 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. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. 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 U-shaped 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. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. 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 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.