Abstract: Apparatus and a method for using a packaging system for a sterilizable item. The packaging system includes a first sleeve that is elongated and a second sleeve that encloses one end of the first sleeve. The first sleeve is an elongated open ended tube or pouch. The second sleeve is an open ended tube or pocket. The sides of the first sleeve and the sides of the second sleeve are proximate each other with the closed end of the first sleeve proximate a closed end of the second sleeve. The open end of the first sleeve is folded into a cuff that covers the open end of the second sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sterilization indicator affixed to the outside of the packaging system.

Abstract: A method of fusing a sterile drape and an agitator together for containing a slush solution in a medical device. A die, at a specified temperature, is forced against a drape and an agitator with a specified force for a specified time to form a fused area that has a shear strength that is not substantially reduced from the tensile strength of the drape itself. Additionally, the drape adjacent the fused area is not substantially weakened by the fusing of the drape to the agitator. In one embodiment, the drape is a polyurethane material and the agitator is a polycarbonate material.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two devices with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by pulling the male plug out of the receiver with a force greater than an operating force. The male plug has a groove that engages a latch in the female receiver. The interface of the groove and the latch includes a bevel engaging a corner joining a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for using a packaging system for a sterilizable item. The packaging system includes a first sleeve that is elongated and a second sleeve that encloses one end of the first sleeve. The first sleeve is an elongated open ended tube or pouch. The second sleeve is an open ended tube or pocket. The sides of the first sleeve and the sides of the second sleeve are proximate each other with the closed end of the first sleeve proximate a closed end of the second sleeve. The open end of the first sleeve is folded into a cuff that covers the open end of the second sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sterilization indicator affixed to the outside of the packaging system.

Abstract: A safety release adapter for making a sealed fluid connection with a male connector that is disconnected when a pulling force is applied between the adapter and the connector. The safety release adapter includes a base and a socket. The base receives and secures a first male connector. The socket includes a cavity with a lip at the distal end of the socket. The socket releasably secures a second male connector with the lip inside the socket opening engaging a neck of the second male connector. The first male connector extends into the socket in a sealed interface with the socket such that when the second male connector is secured in the socket with a sealed interface with the socket, the valve buttons of each connector are mutually depressed so the two connectors are in sealed fluid communication.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two hoses with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch operator. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by operating the latch operator or by pulling the male plug out of the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making an upper body heating and cooling garment including heat transfer tubing and quick-release connectors. Operation of the garment is unaffected by the wearer carrying a load on a portion of the wearer's body. The garment includes a heat transfer area and a load bearing area. The heat transfer area includes heat transfer tubing positioned on the surface of the garment. In one embodiment, the tubing is sewn onto the fabric of the garment. The tubing is attached to a thermal unit by connector assemblies that firmly lock together and release upon application of a specified axial tension force. Each connector assembly includes a male and female adapters. The female adapter includes a latching member with an opening that has a bottom. The bottom is configured to allow for easily inserting, retaining, and releasing the male adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively heating and cooling a body via a garment and attached heat transfer tubing. Operation of the garment is unaffected by external loads applied to the garment, such as backpack straps or harnesses. The garment includes restriction-resistant heat transfer tubing. The tubing is made of flexible, resilient material and has a lumen through which temperature-controlled fluid flows. In one embodiment, the lumen includes three internal protrusions or ribs extending radially from the inner wall and rounded at the tip. When an external load is applied to the tubing the internal ribs prevent complete closure of the lumen because the ribs provide support that separates the opposite sides of the tubing. The ribs, therefore, resist restriction of the flow of the heat transfer fluid. In various embodiments, the tubing and ribs take on different shapes while maintaining an open lumen through which temperature-controlled fluid may flow.

Abstract: A sheath is disclosed for covering a manually manipulated controller having at least one user accessible control thereon. The sheath is elongated and includes a nose portion and linear side portions forming a sheath perimeter removably secured to a carrier for dispensing the sheath therefrom. The sheath includes at least one shoulder segment having a scalloped first shoulder transition and a curved second shoulder segment. The scalloped first shoulder segment provides expansibility in excess of the expansibility of the curved second shoulder segment, thereby providing flexible material that is readily manipulated without tearing when the sheath covers the controller and the user manipulates the control covered by the sheath.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a person in extreme environments. The apparatus includes a garment having a vest with attached tubing. The vest includes an evaporative cooling device and the tubing is configured to circulate chilled water. The vest includes a material that is able to receive and absorb an amount of liquid water with a mass greater than the material. When liquid water is applied to the vest, the vest absorbs the water for later evaporation. The tubing enables the garment to have a lower differential temperature between the inside surface and the outside surface, thereby reducing the rate of evaporation, which enables the passive cooling to be operable for an extended period of time. When the heat load does not permit the differential temperature to be reduced, the tubing removes additional heat, thereby providing additional heat removing capacity beyond the passive cooling.

Abstract: A safety release adapter for making a sealed fluid connection with a male connector that is disconnected when a pulling force is applied between the adapter and the connector. The safety release adapter includes a base and a socket. The base receives and secures a first male connector. The socket includes a cavity with a lip at the distal end of the socket. The socket releasably secures a second male connector with the lip inside the socket opening engaging a neck of the second male connector. The first male connector extends into the socket in a sealed interface with the socket such that when the second male connector is secured in the socket with a sealed interface with the socket, the valve buttons of each connector are mutually depressed so the two connectors are in sealed fluid communication.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively heating and cooling a body via a garment and attached heat transfer tubing. Operation of the garment is unaffected by external loads applied to the garment, such as backpack straps or harnesses. The garment includes restriction-resistant heat transfer tubing. The tubing is made of flexible, resilient material and has a lumen through which temperature-controlled fluid flows. In one embodiment, the lumen includes three internal protrusions or ribs extending radially from the inner wall and rounded at the tip. When an external load is applied to the tubing the internal ribs prevent complete closure of the lumen because the ribs provide support that separates the opposite sides of the tubing. The ribs, therefore, resist restriction of the flow of the heat transfer fluid. In various embodiments, the tubing and ribs take on different shapes while maintaining an open lumen through which temperature-controlled fluid may flow.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: A tufted air mattress including a first printed sheet and a second sheet. The first printed sheet is printed over a selected area with an ink containing a fluoropolymer. The portion of the printed sheet with the ink defines a coated area. The first printed sheet attached to the second sheet where the printed sheet is not coated with the ink. The coated area of the printed sheet inhibits heat welding of the first sheet to the second sheet. The coated area also lubricates the first and second sheets to aid in inflating the air mattress without flaking and contaminating the air inflating the air mattress. In one embodiment of such a mattress, three sheets define two air volumes that are alternatingly inflated and deflated through an alternating air supply valve.

Abstract: A sterile drape and agitator fused together, without an adhesive or solvent, for making surgical slush and an apparatus for manufacturing such a combination. A die, at a specified temperature, is forced against a drape and an agitator with a specified force for a specified time to form a fused area that has a shear strength that is not substantially reduced from the tensile strength of the drape itself. Additionally, the drape adjacent the fused area is not substantially weakened by the fusing of the drape to the agitator. In one embodiment, a machine for fusing the drape and agitator together is disclosed, the machine having a cylinder with a piston for forcing a die against the drape and the agitator, which is mounted on a fixed base.

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: An apparatus and method of making an upper body heating and cooling garment including heat transfer tubing and quick-release connectors. Operation of the garment is unaffected by the wearer carrying a load on a portion of the wearer's body. The garment includes a heat transfer area and a load bearing area. The heat transfer area includes heat transfer tubing positioned on the surface of the garment. In one embodiment, the tubing is sewn onto the fabric of the garment. The tubing is attached to a thermal unit by connector assemblies that firmly lock together and release upon application of a specified axial tension force. Each connector assembly includes a male and female adapters. The female adapter includes a latching member with an opening that has a bottom. The bottom is configured to allow for easily inserting, retaining, and releasing the male adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two hoses with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch operator. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by operating the latch operator or by pulling the male plug out of the receiver.

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 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.