Abstract: A connector as disclosed for connecting fluid passages through a flexible eet material. The connector is appropriate for use in connecting the coolant lines of a personal cooling garment through a waterproof immersion suit or a chemical proof outer garment. The connector includes inside and outside connector blocks with matching faces that sandwich the sheet material between them. Fluid passages through the two blocks meet at respective ports in the matching faces and are joined by coupling sleeves extending through holes in the sheet material. O-rings around the ports seal the holes through the sheet material. A cap screw or the like secures the two blocks to one another. The connector is equipped with valve male fittings and male lock components of a standard connector system that is now used for personal cooling garments. This allows the use of the connector in conjunction with an existing and satisfactory "zero leak" connect and disconnect system.

Abstract: This invention proposes a partial pressure jerkin that includes a front panel and a rear panel to overlie the anterior and posterior region of the trunk respectively of a wearer. The front and rear panels are joined at selected areas of their periphery to provide head, arm and leg apertures. An opening is formed in the rear panel extending from the head aperture to one of the leg apertures to permit access to the garment and a zip fastener is provided to close the opening. A single bladder is attached to the inside of the outer garment and is positioned between the front panel and the chest of the wearer. The bladder extends between the head and arm apertures to terminate in a region adjacent to the shoulder blades of the wearer and covers the anterior portion of the trunk all the way down to the upper thighs and inguinal areas.

Abstract: A mattress for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia comprises a base to overlie an operating table and an inflatable wall extending around the periphery of the base. The wall includes a pair of discontinuities which permit the patient's arms to extend across the inflated wall. A sealing cuff and flap encompass the arm and seal the discontinuity to prevent egress of water from around the patient. A recess is provided in the wall adjacent the patient's head to allow the anethetist access to the patient when the wall is inflated.