Abstract: Apparatus for warming cloths in a portable box. The warming box includes a heater assembly with slots configured to receive multiple packages of cloths. The slots are defined by panels that have embedded heaters. Heaters are also positioned at the bottom of the slots. Two temperature switches control the heaters in order to maintain the temperature of the packages with specified limits. One temperature switch is positioned above the slots on an inside surface of the lid. The other switch is located at the bottom of one of the slots. The lid also includes a tilt switch that de-energizes the heaters when the lid is opened. The warming box has feet configured to mate with corresponding recesses in the lid, thereby making the boxes stackable, such as when used with a docking station. The docking station has a wiring harness that provides power to each warming box.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.

Abstract: Thermal therapy pads for providing a temperature controlled therapy to a portion of a patient's body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface that define a tortuous path for the fluid flow throughout the pad. The pad receives a temperature controlled fluid from a pumping unit via an inlet, and the fluid circulates throughout the pad before being returned to the cooling unit via an outlet. The pads are configured to conform to the shape of the portion of the body receiving the therapy. One such pad is a convertible vest that has one configuration that covers the upper torso and another configuration that covers the back and arms. Another such pad wraps around the wrist after being secured at the thumb. Another pad conforms to the face of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for convective air therapy blankets for companion animals. Convective air blankets include two sheets joined together to form an inflatable chamber. One of the two sheets is air permeable to exhaust conditioned air toward the animal. The blankets includes fenestrations, slits, straps, and inlet ports positioned to accommodate the anatomy and surgical needs of companion animals. Blankets with fenestrations have an I-shaped opening to allow passage of a limb. The opposite end of the blanket has a slit to drape the blanket around the neck and head of the animal. Blankets with a central access port provide surgical access of the animal's underbody. Blankets also have integral straps for securing the blanket to the animal. Inlet ports are provided to allow connection to an air supply from either side of the blanket or to an edge where the two sheets come together.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment storing various electrical components. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The therapy device has a deployed configuration in which the power connector, the control unit, and the thermal pad are extended from the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the insert is a solid insulating material that has a configuration suitable for nesting the inserts for shipping. In another embodiment, the insert is a planar material folded into a basket shape. Insulation is provided by the gap between the insert and the containing box.

Abstract: Thermal therapy pads for providing a temperature controlled therapy to a portion of a patient's body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface that define a tortuous path for the fluid flow throughout the pad. The pad receives a temperature controlled fluid from a pumping unit via an inlet, and the fluid circulates throughout the pad before being returned to the cooling unit via an outlet. The pads are configured to conform to the shape of the portion of the body receiving the therapy. One such pad is a convertible vest that has one configuration that covers the upper torso and another configuration that covers the back and arms. Another such pad wraps around the wrist after being secured at the thumb. Another pad conforms to the face of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment storing various electrical components. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The therapy device has a deployed configuration in which the power connector, the control unit, and the thermal pad are extended from the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the insert is a solid insulating material that has a configuration suitable for nesting the inserts for shipping. In another embodiment, the insert is a planar material folded into a basket shape. Insulation is provided by the gap between the insert and the containing box.

Abstract: A bonnet-shaped pad configured to fit a skull is formed from a rectangular thermal pad. A rectangular pad has creases that allow the pad to conform to the shape of a human skull. The pad defines a cavity. The pad proximate the cavity includes a serpentine conduit configured to allow conditioned fluid to flow from an inlet to an outlet. The pad is configured such that fluid flow is not unduly restricted proximate the creases in the pad, thereby allowing the fluid to flow through the portion of the pad configured to be proximate the skull. The pad is connected to a cool water supply that pumps wool water through the pad at preselected intervals. In one configuration a remote, tethered switching unit controls the duty cycle of the pump, enabling cool water to flow through the pad after a selected time.

Abstract: A portable cooling system providing a controlled rate of cooling. The system includes a cool water device, a remote switching unit, and a thermal pad. The cool water device includes a coolant storage chamber separated from a pumping chamber by a baffle. The pumping chamber includes a pump and a discharge line with a flow restrictor for the fluid being returned from the thermal pad. In one embodiment, the remote switching unit actuates the portable cooling system and includes a timer feature for shutting down the system after a predetermined time. In another embodiment, the switching unit actuates a controller that sends a pulse stream to the pump to control the cooling water flow rate. The thermal pad includes fluid conduits that distribute the cooling water over the surface of the pad. In various embodiments, the thermal pad is a flat pad, a bonnet-shaped pad, and a cap-shaped pad.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions responsive to heat therapy and monitoring such treatments to determine efficacy. The method includes the step of diagnosing a patient to determine if heat therapy is a proper treatment. If so, then the steps of applying heat therapy and monitoring at least one parameter associated with the patient is performed. The data collected is then trended to determine the efficacy of the heat therapy. If the efficacy indicates that the therapy is beneficial, then the steps of applying therapy, monitoring the at least one parameter, and trending the data are repeated. The heat therapy is performed by a thermal pad that applies heat with a controlled temperature to a body portion of the patient.

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: A cover adapted to be received on the distal end of a medical probe or instrument such as an endoscope in such a manner as to not require the application of a retainer. The cover is constructed of two panel members secured one to the other along their respective sides. A throat is defined proximate the first end and is adapted to closely receive the distal end of the medical probe. The first ends of each of the panels are folded over to define a double thickness of material. The first panel member first end extends beyond the second panel member first end to define an extended portion, which provides a mechanism whereby the distal end of the medical probe is easily inserted into the first end of the cover. The second end of the cover is inverted to assist in the application of the cover of the medical probe.

Abstract: A portable cooling system providing a controlled rate of cooling. The system includes a cool water device, a remote switching unit, and a thermal pad. The cool water device includes a coolant storage chamber separated from a pumping chamber by a baffle. The pumping chamber includes a pump and a discharge line with a flow restrictor for the fluid being returned from the thermal pad. In one embodiment, the remote switching unit actuates the portable cooling system and includes a timer feature for shutting down the system after a predetermined time. In another embodiment, the switching unit actuates a controller that sends a pulse stream to the pump to control the cooling water flow rate. The thermal pad includes fluid conduits that distribute the cooling water over the surface of the pad. In various embodiments, the thermal pad is a flat pad, a bonnet-shaped pad, and a cap-shaped pad.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for providing temperature regulation to a person, animal, or inanimate object. The heat exchange device includes an inlet receiving a temperature controlled fluid that is distributed to and passes through a porous layer before being collected and discharged through an outlet. The porous layer is encapsulated in a pair of non-porous layers or sheets. In one embodiment, the pair of non-porous layers extend beyond the boundaries of the porous layer and form a pair of manifolds for distributing the inlet and outlet fluid to and from the porous layer. In one embodiment, the manifolds include flow diverters for distributing the fluid to and from the porous layer. In various embodiments, the heat exchange apparatus is adapted for wrapping around a body part or object, for securing to a seat, and for wearing as a vest or other article of clothing.

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: 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.