Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling transmission ratio of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit of a continuously variable transmission apparatus, the continuously variable transmission apparatus has: a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit, which changes a transmission ratio between pair of disks by shifting trunnions in the axial direction of pivot shafts by using actuators; and, a differential unit of a gear type including a combination of a plurality of gears, the control apparatus having: rotation speed control unit; transmission ratio setting unit; oil pressure measuring unit; and, transmission ratio correcting unit operating in response to a deviation of a pressure difference between a measured value by the oil pressure measuring unit and a target value of a torque passing through the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit, and adjusting the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit so as to eliminate the deviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which a normal state (A) is exited by switching off the engine (state B) if a standstill of the vehicle is detected (STOP_COND), and in which the engine is restarted when specific conditions (START_COND) apply. When a stop-and-go situation (SS_DISABLE) applies (state A′), this stop/start function is suppressed. Here, for example, repeated activation of the brakes, the engagement of specific gears and/or the spatial location of the motor vehicle may indicate that the vehicle is in a stop-and-go situation in which only brief, uneconomic switching off of the engine is probable.

Abstract: A dual displacement engine is provided with first and second crankshaft portions which are fluidly coupled to one another, for example, by a torque converter in order to provide an engine that can be utilized with alternative configurations of engine cylinders. Specifically, a first crankshaft portion can be provided with, for example, four pistons as a primary crankshaft portion for driving the vehicle, while a second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged via a fluid coupling to supplement the power provided by the primary crankshaft portion. Thus, the vehicle can be operated using the primary crankshaft portion for fuel efficient operation while the second crankshaft portion can be selectively engaged for meeting higher torque demand requirements as necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine. A target cylinder torque required of one of a plurality of cylinders is individually calculated in accordance with a target engine torque, and a timing for opening and closing each of a plurality of intake and exhaust valves in each of the plurality of cylinders is determined in accordance with the target cylinder torque. Thereby the torque of the internal combustion engine is individually controlled for each of the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as, e.g., a diesel-powered truck, has a transmission control system that, e.g., improves fuel efficiency and/or consumption. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes: an engine that powers said vehicle; a transmission to change ratios between engine speed and wheel speed; and at least one control unit configured to shift the transmission in a plurality of lower gears substantially against the governed speed of the engine and to shift the transmission in a plurality of higher gears substantially against the peak torque speed of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism that converts a force supplied from an operator or other means along a complex curve path into rotary motion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cyclodial drive mechanism configured for an operator driven or motor driven exercise apparatus such as a stationary bicycle, recumbent stationary bicycle, cross trainer or other devices. The present invention relates to the kinematic motion control of pedals which follow more complex curves having two or more lobes and spirals. More particularly, a cyclodial drive mechanism based upon a linkage and gear pair can be incorporated into several exercise apparatus to drive a flywheel.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a pair of foot pedals each having a bent segment disposed on one end and bent relative to the foot pedals and pivotally secured to the base with a pivot shaft, for allowing the foot pedals to be moved up and down relative to the base. The foot pedals each includes a longitudinal axis offset from the pivot shaft, or an included angle is formed between the foot pedals and the bent segments, for increasing the lateral movement of the foot pedals when the foot pedals are moved up and down relative to the base.

Abstract: A treadmill including a support structure and a tread base pivotally mounted to the support structure. The tread base having a front portion and a rear portion rotatably coupled together by way of a folding mechanism that allows the rear portion to fold toward the front portion so that lower surfaces of the front and rear portions are substantially adjacent one to another. The folding mechanism can include a means for releasably locking the front portion to the rear portion to create a surface upon which a belt can move and upon which an individual can exercise. The treadmill can include a motion assembly that inclines and declines the tread base, while optionally causing the belt to rotate about two rollers mounted within the front portion and rear portion respectively.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a main frame including two opposite sides each having an arm extending from the main frame. A platform is mounted on the main frame. An endless strap is movably mounted surrounding the platform. A computer is mounted on the main frame for showing data of the treadmill. At least one movable switch is mounted on the arm of the main frame and includes a holder secured on the arm. The holder has two electrode plates mounted therein and opposite to each other. The two electrode plates are respectively electrically connected to the computer. A rotor is movably and partially mounted in the holder and has a convex electrode plate attached to a bottom of the rotor and electrically connected to the computer. The convex electrode plate is selectively contacted to the two electrode plates of the holder.

Abstract: A rowing weight training machine includes: a frame; a seat assembly attached to the frame; a movement arm pivotally attached to the frame and movable along a generally longitudinal stroke path between a forward position and a rearward position; a resistance-imparting unit operatively connected with the movement arm to provide resistance to the movement arm as it moves from the forward position to the rearward position; a pair of handles to be grasped by an exerciser; and a pair of extension members, each of which is attached to a respective handle such that each handle is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the extension member. The extension members are attached to the movement arm (preferably via a universal ball joint) such that each extension member is free to at least partially rotate relative to the movement arm about vertical, longitudinal and transverse axes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the manufacture of a garment. A web of fabric including opposing web side edges wherein the opposing web side edges are proximate a pair of opposing garment bottom edges of the garment is provided. The web of fabric is intermittently cut, thereby forming edges defining neck openings in the web of fabric. The opposing web side edges of the web of fabric are intermittently cut, thereby defining pairs of opposing indentations in the opposing web side edges of the web of fabric. The web of fabric is cut, thereby defining discrete garment-sized pieces. Each of the discrete garment-sized pieces of the web of fabric includes at least one neck opening, a front panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, a back panel having a pair of opposing garment side edges, a portion of two pairs of the opposing indentations in the web side edges of the web of fabric, two garment end portions, and the pair of opposing garment bottom edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the function of a particular area of the brain, wherein at least one point on the brain is stimulated and/or inhibited, and from the presence of a perceived but not actually present sensory impression as a result of a stimulation pattern and/or a not perceived but actually present sensory impression as a result of an inhibiting pattern, the stimulated or inhibited area of the brain is functionally assigned, and to a device for determining the function of a particular area of the brain, comprising at least one device for stimulating and/or inhibiting at least one particular area of a brain and a device for generating a visual and/or acoustic and/or sensory and/or olfactory sensory impression.

Abstract: A probe controller is integral with a gripper for the probe's insertion tube. The gripper is easily operated with one hand, permitting a user to hold, release, and insert the insertion tube with the same hand that operates the controls on the controller, thus freeing the user's other hand to feed the insertion tube into the opening, perform other operations, or optionally to operate the controls.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned at the distal end of the cannula. A dissection cradle is located at the distal end of a distal portion of the retractor that is resiliently skewed relative to the cannula axis, and includes two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop therebetween. The procedure includes locating a vessel and side branch of interest and extending the retractor to retain the vessel in the dissection cradle to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula in order to isolate a side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical portable light connector having an attachment plate so as to firmly fit onto instruments such as speculums, retractors or other instruments in the field for illumination, holding tenaculums and securing suctioning tubes and other devices. This portable attachment plate connector allows the surgeon or operators to gain the benefit of less obstructed view and conduct their procedures with more adequate space within the field of instrumentation.

Abstract: An active medical device to diagnose a patient respiratory profile. This device is able to measure respiratory activity and deliver a signal (26) representative of the periodicity and amplitude of the successive respiratory cycles of the patient, in particular, a of minute ventilation (MV) signal. The device is able to analyze the aforementioned signal and discriminate between various types of respiratory profiles, in particular, to diagnose a respiratory profile of the Cheyne-Stokes type. This is achieved by detecting an alternation of respiratory cycles of hyperventilation (20) separated by periods of respiratory pause (22) or periods of hypoventilation or normal ventilation (24) and, in the latter case, to discriminate between periods of respiratory pause, corresponding to a profile of the Cheyne-Stokes (CSR) type, and periods of hypoventilation or normal ventilation, corresponding to a profile of the periodic breathing (PB) type.

Abstract: A patient management system includes a programmable patient monitor for monitoring and recording a plurality of physiological conditions of a patient, a plurality of physiological condition sensors and a communications unit. The plurality of patient monitoring sensors are electrically coupled to the programmable patient monitor. Each sensor detects a particular physiological condition of the patient, such as core temperature, ECG electrodes for providing an electrocardiogram and blood oximetry sensors. The patient monitor is small and compact and easily worn by the patient during his normal at home activities. To provide communication with a caregiver via a remote controller at the caregiver's location, a communications unit is disposed in the facility.

Abstract: A voltage actuated sensory nerve conduction threshold device uses a stepped square wave voltage for bio-electric stimulation of nerve groups. A step voltage is preset as a percentage of a maximum peak stimulus voltage, which allows current to flow through a patient's skin. As an intensity of the maximum stimulus voltage is varied, the stair step voltage varies as a percentage of the intensity of the stimulus voltage. However, if the stimulus voltage drops to a user set or preset value of stair step voltage, the current flowing through the patient's skin is maintained as the voltage is not allowed to go below that value. This avoids the voltage falling below a cutaneous electrical resistance threshold (CERT) of the patient's skin, at which current conduction ceases.

Abstract: A body fluid measuring apparatus includes a main body (20) and a body fluid sampler (30) attached to the main body (20). The body fluid sampler (30) includes a fixed member (35) fixed to the main body (20) and a movable member guided by the fixed member (35). The fixed member (35) is provided with a body fluid-sucking chamber (39) open at the tip of the fixed member (35) and a through-hole communicating therewith. The movable member (31) includes a lancet (32) acting as a first electrode and is reciprocatively movable for bringing the tip of the lancet (32) into and out of the tip of the fixed member (35). The body fluid-sucking chamber (39) is provided with a second electrode (36) and a reactive layer containing a reactive reagent necessary for measurement. The main body (20) includes an electronic circuit (24) for determining a measured value on the basis of an electrical signal from the lancet (32) as the first electrode and a second electrode.

Abstract: A backscratcher having a telescopically adjustable shaft and a plurality of interchangeable attachment end pieces. The shaft has a plurality of segments which may be telescopically positioned within one another, in order to maximally extend the shaft, or alternately, to retract the shaft into a storage position. The shaft terminates at one end with an attachment segment having a threaded bore, thereby allowing selective attachment to corresponding threads located upon the attachment end pieces. The shaft terminates at its other end with an outermost segment having a clip on its outside surface, thereby allowing selective attachment of the backscratcher to a pocket on an item of clothing worn by a user. The interchangeable attachment end pieces include two backscratchers, a mirror, a pen, a fork, a spoon, a hand pointer, a business card holder, a toothbrush, a Phillips screwdriver, a magnet, an alligator clip, and a multiple attachment end piece.

Abstract: Hemofiltration systems and methods circulate blood from an individual through a hemofilter to remove waste and to return blood and replacement fluid to the individual after removal of waste. The systems and methods maintain sterile extracorporeal processing conditions during and between therapy sessions. For example, the systems and methods include a waste discharge path in the extracorporeal circuit to convey waste fluid to a waste receiving unit. The waste discharge path includes an air break. The air break prevents back flow of waste contaminants into the extracorporeal circuit from the waste receiving unit. As another example, the systems and methods include a replacement fluid path in the extracorporeal circuit to convey replacement fluid from a source to the extracorporeal circuit. The replacement fluid path includes a sterilizing filter to avoid contamination of the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is an applicator barrel with a taped finger grip. The applicator barrel includes a barrel body having an outer surface. A three-dimensional tape is connected to a portion of the outer surface and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. The first surface has at least one integrally formed gripping structure extending outwardly from the first surface to provide a gripping surface, and the second surface is adhesive to connect the tape to the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first instrument for inserting into a lens capsule and removing a cataract therein, the first instrument including a lumen for aspiration of cataract tissue and irrigation fluid from the lens capsule and manipulate the cataract until cataract is removed. The second instrument includes an irrigation port for introducing the irrigation fluid into the lens capsule.

Abstract: A debridement extension including a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being adapted for connection to both an irrigation source and a suction source. The debridement extension includes a fitting adjacent the proximal end which includes both an irrigation port and a suction port. An inner cannula and an outer cannula are both attached to the fitting of the debridement extension and are, respectively, in fluid communication with the irrigation port and the suction port. A debridement tip is affixed to the distal end of the debridement extension and is independently in fluid communication with both the irrigation path and the suction path formed by the inner and outer cannulas, respectively.

Abstract: By providing a mixture of surfactants and water, with the water content ranging between bout 40% and 95% by weight based upon the weight of the entire composition, a unique, improved, liquid based foaming soap formulation is realized which is useable for a wide variety of applications, including wet shaving and dry shaving. In the preferred embodiment, the improved liquid based foaming soap formulations incorporate one or more therapeutic active in sufficient quantities to assure its efficacy. As a result, the formulation is useable for a wide variety of medical applications for preventing, treating, or reducing the spread or transmission of bacteria, virus, infections, and the like.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a resilient diaphragm having a first surface positioned against the flow path, a chamber wall defining a sensor chamber adjacent a second surface of the diaphragm, and at least one sensor arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path. The sensor includes a first electrode secured on the diaphragm, a second electrode positioned in a fixed location with respect to the first electrode, and an impedance meter connected between the electrodes.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having a collapsible variable diameter inner tube.

Abstract: A syringe comprises a barrel containing an internal cylindrical body containing a liquid and communicating with a delivery needle. The needle is covered before use by a removable sheath, and after the sheath is removed, the needle is concealed by a displaceable sleeve. In use the sleeve is pressed against the skin by applying pressure while holding the barrel. The sleeve is thereby retracted into the barrel allowing the needle to penetrate the skin. The movement of the sleeve also activates a gas generator which expels the liquid from the needle. When delivery is complete and the syringe is taken from the skin, a coil spring moves the sleeve back to the starting position again concealing the needle. The coil spring is torsionally biased before use and causes a rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the barrel when the sleeve moves into and out of the barrel. This rotational movement engages a locking mechanism which prevents further movement of the sleeve and thereby permanently conceals the needle.

Abstract: A device for accessing the spinal canal of a patient includes an introducer and a protective sleeve that is attached at one end thereof to a proximal end of the introducer. The protective sleeve has an outer stationary portion and an inner moveable portion. The outer and inner portions of the protective sleeve are separated by a crown region. A catheter is disposed inside the protective sleeve. During operation, the protective sleeve is advanced within the spinal canal to form a protective barrier between the catheter and the spinal cord. The catheter is advanced and retracted within the protective sleeve.

Abstract: An injector device has a plunger with a medical needle essentially non-detachably secured thereto, preferably a solid needle incapable of delivering a fluid, and is adapted for the quick and easy transcutaneous placement through the skin of a patient of the cannula of a subcutaneous infusion set, the insertion needle extending through the infusion set and protruding from the end of the cannula.

Abstract: A syringe tip for generating nonlaminar spiral flow to flush indwelling vascular access devices, eliminating the need for start-stop flushing. The nonlaminar spiral flow is generated by spiral elements on the inner surface of the syringe tip.

Abstract: Syringes and methods of using are described which protect the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants. A first syringe is formed with a corrugated sheath which encloses the plunger and space between the rearward end face surface of the syringe barrel handle member and the forward face of the plunger handle member. A second syringe is formed with a syringe barrel having a straight segment and a corrugated segment having the forward face of the plunger handle member molded to the rearward terminus of the corrugated segment of the syringe barrel. A third syringe is formed from mating syringe barrel and plunger member walls. The walls of the mating syringe barrel and plunger member are concentric and slide relative to each other while maintaining an enclosure around the plunger shaft. A fourth syringe is formed from inner and outer concentric syringe barrel walls mating with the walls of a plunger member.

Abstract: An adhesive wafer for use as the faceplate of an ostomy appliance is disclosed. The wafer includes an adhesive layer of hydrocolloid-containing material having first and second surfaces, a flexible backing layer covering the first surface, and a removable release sheet extending over the second surface. The release sheet has at least a portion of its outer surface mirrored to reflect images during application of the wafer to the peristomal skin surfaces of an ostomate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making pant-like disposable absorbent garments with single-piece elastic side panels, and garments so made, are provided. The single-piece side panels eliminate the additional cost associated with multi-part side panels, and improve aesthetic appearance of the garments by eliminating side seams. The process and apparatus accomplish the steps of providing a garment chassis having unfinished lateral edges, folding the chassis so that a front portion overlaps a back portion, and folding and bonding the single-piece side panels so that opposing of the side panels are joined to the lateral edges on the garment chassis.

Abstract: A method and a system for the non-invasive temperature determination on biological tissue, particularly at the fundus of the eye, treated by a treatment radiation, particularly laser radiation, wherein, during the respective irradiation time, at essentially identical time intervals, additional radiation pulses of a shorter pulse duration and a lower energy are aimed at the treated biological tissue, the resulting tissue expansions and/or contractions being detected by a pressure measurement or optical measurement and, from the measuring signals, the absolute temperature values are determined and optionally the treatment radiation is controlled as a function thereof.

Abstract: A guiding catheter system for delivering an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device into a patient's left ventricle which includes a first guiding catheter with a shaped distal extremity configured to be aligned with or parallel to a longitudinal axis or long dimension of the patient's left ventricle and a second guiding catheter slidably and rotatably disposed within an inner lumen of the first guiding catheter which has a shaped distal shaft section and an inner lumen configured to slidably receive an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device such as a tissue ablation device, e.g. an optical fiber connected to a laser source, an ultrasonic energy emitting device or a radio frequency energy emitting device. The shaped distal section of the first guiding catheter is shaped or is shapable within the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: Output power delivery from an electrosurgical generator is evaluated to avoid malfunctions and risk conditions. Output power is delivered in a selected delivery path and the flow of output power is sensed in the selected delivery path and other delivery paths which have not been selected. The output power delivery is terminated upon determining that output power is not flowing in the selected delivery path or that output power is flowing in a delivery path that was not selected.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing disc space preparation and implant insertion from a unilateral approach to the spine through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include spreaders, distractors, reamers, scrapers, cutters, chisels, pushers and implant inserters. A surgical procedure is provided that allows bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with at least one interbody fusion device inserted into the disc space via a unilateral approach. Implants for insertion into the disc space are also provided.

Abstract: A staple for stabilizing the attachment of a vertebral screw and a longitudinal member to the spine. The staple has a plate with first and second apertures. All the staple's legs, prongs, or spikes attached to the underside of the staple are located closer to one particular aperture than the other. Preferably, the plate is also “bow-tie” shaped with a groove that separates the wings of the bow-tie. This bow-tie or hour glass shape combined with the groove help the surgeon to more easily conform the plate to the patient's vertebra.

Abstract: An improved method for attaching soft tissue to bone by passing a suture through an opening in the bone, e.g., a transosseous tunnel, and affixing the soft tissue with the suture. The improvement, for preventing the suture from migrating through the bone at the end of the opening, includes placing a eyelet into an end of the bone opening and passing the suture through the eyelet, as well as through the opening in the bone, in order to affix the soft tissue to the bone with the suture.

Abstract: A surgical fastener system is disclosed. The system includes a surgical fastener, a surgical fastener holder sized and shaped to receive the surgical fastener at least partially therein, and a surgical fastener driver having a seat sized and shaped to frictionally receive a head of the surgical fastener therein. The fastener driver is constructed and arranged to selectively urge the fastener, and more particularly the fastener head, out of the seat. The surgical fastener driver thus includes an elongate body with the seat defined at an end thereof, and a drive piston disposed within the body. The drive piston has a first retracted position, and a second extended position in which at least a portion of the piston extends into the seat to urge the fastener out of the seat during usage. Also disclosed is a surgical fastener and a surgical fastener holder, respectively, for use with the system.

Abstract: The instrument serves for the application in particular of bone grafts in the space between two vertebrae and includes a shank, a handle, and a holder for the implant, which forms the distal instrument part. The holder is pivotably mounted relative to the shank and can be fixed in any respective position which is reached by pivoting.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for treating diseased target tissue of a living being. The system comprises a working head, e.g., a rotary impacting impeller, a stent delivery catheter, a flush catheter, or liquid jets, a debris extraction sub-system, and may have barrier means in certain embodiments. The working head is arranged to treat diseased tissue, e.g., at least partially occluded with atherosclerotic plaque, or surrounding tissue being compromised by a disease such as cancer, in vessels or lumens, whereupon some debris may be produced. The debris extraction sub-system introduces an infusate liquid at a first flow rate adjacent the working head and withdraws that liquid and some blood at a second and higher flow rate, to create a differential flow adjacent the working head. The introduction of the infusate liquid may also be used to deliver drugs and other therapies systemically or locally, between the working head and the distal protection barrier.

Abstract: A trocar is disclosed which includes a housing assembly and a cannula assembly attached to the housing assembly to define an axial bore therethrough. The trocar further includes an obturator assembly which slidably engages the axial bore defined by the cannula assembly. The obturator assembly includes a shaft having a piercing end for insertion into a patient and a handling end for gripping by a surgeon. Attached to the piercing end of the shaft is a piercing tip having an upper face and a lower face which taper away from the shaft to form a non-conical, blunt head. The piercing tip further includes wing elements located on opposite sides of the piercing tip between the upper face and lower face. These wing elements have a lateral edges.

Abstract: A medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter is adapted for use with therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter. A first constrictor/occluder mounted at the distal end of the catheter is adapted for placement in a brachiocephalic or subclavian artery. A second constrictor mounted proximal to the first constrictor/occluder is adapted for placement in the descending aorta. Pressure measuring devices may be included, and filters may be used to capture embolic debris. Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during extracranial or intracranial carotid procedures or vertebral artery procedures by augmenting collateral cerebral circulation by coarctation of the aorta to enhance reversal of blood flow in an internal carotid artery, an external carotid artery, and/or a common carotid artery toward the subclavian artery are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of single mode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Single mode fibers or groups/bundles of single mode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, strategies for optimizing the rewarming of patients for various medical procedures are provided, including stroke, neurosurgery, and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a therapeutic bag for use in hot or cold treatment therapy of injuries. The therapeutic bag comprises a chamber comprising a mouth and an interior containment pocket; a sealing mechanism fixedly attached to the chamber for sealing the interior containment pocket closed in a substantially leak-proof manner, and an attachment mechanism fixedly attached to the therapeutic bag for positioning and holding the chamber in a desired location. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the therapeutic bag and methods for using the therapeutic bag in a treatment protocol.