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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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.