Abstract: An apparel system comprises an article of apparel and an attachment element positionable between first and second layers of the article of apparel. The attachment element may be releasably fastened to the article of apparel. The attachment element may comprise a polymer foam material, a fluid- or gas-filled chamber, or a plate, for example.

Abstract: A heated glove having finger protrusion apertures includes a glove having a predetermined configuration and dimensions; a pocket secured to each upper portion of finger members of the glove; heating members removably disposed in each pocket secured to each of the upper portions of the finger members; and a glove aperture disposed in an index finger member and a thumb aperture disposed in a thumb member of the glove for allowing a thumb and an index finger of a user to protrude from the glove; whereby, the user is enabled to operate equipment or lift objects via the exposed thumb and index finger, the thumb and index finger ultimately returning inside the heated glove.

Abstract: A bucket heater assembly for keeping a user warm in a remote location includes a bucket that has a vent hole extending through the bucket. A chimney is integrated into the bucket and the chimney extends through the vent hole. A heat source can be positioned in the chimney for heating an interior of the bucket thereby facilitating the bucket to keep a user warm when the user is near the bucket. A lid is attachable to the bucket for closing the bucket and a pair of cushions is each of the cushions is coupled to the lid and the cushions can be sat upon by the user. A pair of shoulder straps is each coupled to the bucket for carrying the bucket. A light emitter is coupled to the lid to emit light outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired pressure to extremities of a mammal. The device generally includes a pliant body element that is adapted to receive a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein, and then apply a pressure to a portion of the extremity when a pressure is provided to a region in which the extremity is positioned within the pliant body element. By evacuating the region in which the extremity is enclosed, a contact surface area between the extremity of a mammal and the pliant body element is increased, due to the external atmospheric pressure acting on the pliant body element against the skin of the extremity of the mammal. The application of pressure assures that sufficient contact and thermal heat transfer (heating or cooling) is provided to the extremity of the mammal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a personal heater are disclosed. In some embodiments, the personal heater comprises a housing, a heating element, and a controller. The housing is configured with an opening for receiving one or more feet. The controller is configured to cause the heating element to heat one or both of an interior and an exterior of the housing based on whether the one or more feet are inside the housing.

Abstract: Thermal packs including: a pouch containing a thermal source; and a bendable and deformable support attached to or disposed within the pouch, the support configured such that the pouch is deformed into a shape matching a contour of a body part and the pouch is maintained in the shape while applied to the body part by the support, where the support includes members, each of which having a cup at a first end and a ball at a second end, the ball of one of members being rotatably fitted within the cup of an adjacent one of the members; one or more wires encased in a casing or an loop or hook fastener such that a flap, having an other of the hook or loop fastener, extended from the pouch is folded over the support to retain the support adjacent to the pouch.

Abstract: A foothold including a thermoelectric module includes a body having an air channel in which a suction fan is provided and a dissipation channel in which a dissipation fan is provided, and a cover including an air discharge portion disposed on the body. Further, the thermoelectric element is disposed between the dissipation heat sink and the cover.

Abstract: A flameless and nonelectric insulated steam source. The steam source may be operated within a garment bag to refresh and remove wrinkles from an article of clothing. Hydrating an exothermic compound produces steam. An insulator within the steam source allows the pouch to be handled and prevents damage to the garment bag and the surroundings when using compounds with high thermal output. Single-use garment bags employ integrated steam sources to streamline garment steaming. A garment bag can be designed to optimize the benefit to garments when using the steam source.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A thermotherapeutic pad includes a sealed envelope having a top layer of plastic and a bottom layer of textured plastic. The top layer of plastic and the bottom layer of textured plastic can be heat-sealed together. The bottom layer of textured plastic has an outer textured surface and is more thermally insulative than the top layer of plastic. A plurality of gel beads and liquid are contained inside the sealed envelope. The bottom layer of the pad can be placed against the skin or clothing to provide thermal therapy. Baffles can be provided inside the sealed envelope to promote even distribution of gel beads.

Abstract: Provided is an all solid-state lithium battery including solid battery materials and whose ohmic resistance is modulated according to temperature. The all solid-state lithium battery can include a solid electrolyte; at least two terminals for operating the battery at one level of internal resistance (R1) over a temperature range of the battery between a first temperature (T1) and a second temperature (T2); at least one high resistance terminal for operating the battery at a second level of internal resistance (R2) outside of either T1 or T2; and a switch that activates R2 when the temperature of the battery is outside of either T1 or T2. The battery can be configured to include at least one resistor sheet embedded within a cell of the battery and electrically connected to the at least one high resistance terminal.

Abstract: An Ultrasound Transmission Gel Packet Having Internal Heat Source and Method of Use. The gel packet is sized for a single use, rather than for multiple applications. The gel packets are not pre-heated, but rather are quickly heatable on demand. The gel packets may incorporate a variety of optional internal heating methods, including chemical activation, mechanical agitation and electrical activation, among others. The gel packets are sealed and therefore have extended shelf lives, and further are disposable after use.

Abstract: A non-inflating flexible warm air distribution manifold that attaches to the patient side of patient gown. This manifold is configured to receive warmed air the of the warm-air receiving orifice and to distribute the warm air over a wide area of the patient side of the gown. By one approach the manifold comprises a flexible baffle. This baffle can be disposed on the patient side of the gown office proximal (in fact, opposite) the warm-air receiving orifice. The baffle has two or more sides that are secured to the gown and two or more sides that are not secured to the gown. Warm air entering the gown through the warm-air receiving orifice can readily pass through the sides that are not secured to the gown while the warm air entering the gown is largely impeded from passing through the sides that are secured to the gown.

Abstract: Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented that involve using a patient's body heat to enhance liquid removal from the wound dressing through a high-moisture-vapor-transmission-rate drape. Additional heat sources or devices, such as nano-antennas or electrical heating elements, may be added or used separately to enhance the removal liquid from the wound dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are presented herein.

Abstract: A thermal device comprising a garment (42A) that may be placed against at least a part of the body (10), the garment (42A) defining at least one enclosed compartment (48, 50) defined between an inner wall (65) and an outer wall (66), and an inlet (21) whereby liquid may be introduced into each such enclosed compartment (48, 50). Each enclosed compartment (48, 50) contains dry material (30) comprising water-soluble chemical compounds that dissolve endothermically or exothermically, and also a compressed sponge (62). There may also be an air bleed valve (64) to bleed any air out of the compartment (48, 50) when water is introduced. The device enables a patient's body to be cooled or heated in emergency, needing only addition of water, and incorporating no toxic or hazardous materials.

Abstract: A smart cooling system is disclosed. The smart cooling system includes: a cooling system body and a temperature sensing module, a touch display module and a control module. The cooling system body includes a carrier and a gel layer located on the carrier. The temperature sensing module, the touch display module and the control module are fixed on the carrier. A sensing surface of the temperature sensing module and a surface of the gel layer away from the carrier are in a same plane, for sensing temperature of forehead. The control module is used for obtaining a sensed temperature and transmitting the sensed temperature to the touch display module. A screen of the touch display module is located on a surface of the carrier away from the gel layer.

Abstract: A system for adding pressure and extracting heat from the bottom of a user's foot to aid in pain relief. A spherical container is provided with an aqueous polymer mixture which may be cooled or heated to allow heat to be transferred through the spherical container to/from the bottom of a user's foot. The spherical container is provided with a tube passing therethrough to allow a user to provide a strap through the spherical container. The strap is provided with handles to allow the user to direct the pressure of the spherical container to the bottom of the user's foot and to extract or apply heat as desired.

Abstract: A cushioning surface for cooling tissue that reaches a predefined level of immersion into the cushioning surface, comprising: a segmented fluid cushion comprising a plurality of cells interconnected to allow fluid to flow from each cell to at least one of the other plurality of cells; and wherein one or more of the plurality of cells contains a heat exchange material. The cushioning surface may further comprise a cooling element associated with and for removing heat from the one or more cells containing a heat exchange material.

Abstract: An air-conditioned clothing for use with a helmet which can be used when the helmet is worn as well as when the helmet is not worn, includes a clothing main body, at least one fan, an air blow-out unit, a guide sheet and an attachment unit. The air is made to flow through an air flow path by the at least one fan and the flowing air evaporates sweat coming out from a body to cool the body with heat of evaporation and in a case where the helmet is worn, the air which blows out from the air blow-out unit is guided to the helmet by the guide sheet and taken into the helmet from an air intake which is formed between an inner edge of the helmet and the head of the user in order to circulate the air inside the helmet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment container including features that permit the rupture or opening of a seal between compartments to enable mixing of the materials within each compartment, as well as a vapor permeable region to permit vapor to escape after mixing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a flexible cooling blanket including a cooling layer assembly and a heat dissipating layer assembly. The cooling layer assembly includes a first set of rigid cooling coils connected to a second set of rigid cooling coils using a first flexible tube. The heat dissipating layer assembly includes a first set of rigid heat dissipating coils and a second set of rigid heat dissipating coils connected with a second flexible tube. The first and second flexible tubes extend across the folding seams of the blanket.

Abstract: A massage device includes a hot and cold compress member that is connected to a circulating water tank via a connection pipe. An accommodating body is located between a water bag and a main body, and includes a heat conducting member, a cooling member and a heat dissipating member. The circulating water tank is connected to a control body which controls the operation of the heat conducting member, a cooling member. Water circulates through the water bag by a first pipe and a first pump, and the temperature of the water is controlled to provide appropriate temperature to enhance blood circulation of the users. The water bag is fastened to the accommodating body without using screws or bolts to avoid from being rusted and leakage.

Abstract: A pillow including or adapted to retain a fluid delivery system having at least one fluid reservoir configured to deliver an amount of fluid from at least one reservoir contained within the pillow to the mouth of a user.

Abstract: A fine heating wire having a small diameter and applicable to various products. The fine heating wire is bendable, densely installed, and has high thermal efficiency. It includes a core formed with synthetic fiber material and a coil spirally wound around the outer portion of the core. The core connects one or more pairs of polyaramid fiber units. Each unit is formed by braiding dozens to hundreds of fine polyaramid fiber strands to maintain the diameter within 200-600 denier. The coil is formed of copper or copper alloy to withstand temperature rising up to 60° within five minutes when 3.7-12V power is supplied to maintain a resistance per unit length value equal to or greater than 0.5 ?/m. The diameter of the fine heating wire is minimized to be installed inside a slim fiber, and is bendable and densely installed to be applied to products, such as gloves and socks.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a heat source material which is a phase change material and which undergoes an exothermic phase change upon activation by an activating agent to generate heat, a heat source chamber holding the heat source and an activation chamber providing the activating agent, and a barrier separating the interior of the heat source chamber from the interior of the activation chamber, wherein the activation chamber is deformable and wherein deformation of the activation chamber causes rupture of the barrier to allow contact between the activating agent and the heat source material. Embodiments also provide an activation chamber for use in the device and comprising an activating agent to trigger activation of a heat source material.

Abstract: A vest has a back and a front with a vertical opening, laterally spaced sides with arm holes, a neck hole, a waist hole, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of front light emitting diodes are on the front of the vest and a plurality of back light emitting diodes are on the back of the vest. A battery and a plurality of solar panels on the vest power the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An Ice Hot Seat provides ice fishermen with both heat and light while fishing at night and includes a hollow cylindrical base in the shape of a bucket with a seat on top. A rectangular opening is near the bottom of the base. A liquid gas lantern is placed within the base and a seat having a specially designed heat tunnel is placed on the top of the base. The base is semi-transparent providing light for the nighttime angler. The heat tunnel channels heat from the lantern out through the front of the seat so that an angler can warm their hands. A band with pockets encircles the base to hold extra fishing articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, that comprises one or more conductive members that extend from an inner surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable packs.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing heat loss in at least one region of a subject's body is described. The device includes a mask component, a heat releasing reservoir, and a conduit connecting the mask component to the heat releasing reservoir and creating an airflow path therethrough, wherein the heat releasing reservoir includes at least one air permeable region that is impermeable to condensed water. Heat loss is reduced by the subject positioning the mask over the mouth and/or nose, positioning the heat releasing reservoir over the region of the subject's body, and passing warmed air exhaled by the subject into the mask through the conduit and into the heat releasing reservoir, such that the warmed air passes through the heat releasing reservoir while retaining condensed water within the heat releasing reservoir, thereby increasing the temperature of the air surrounding the at least one region of the subject's body.

Abstract: The elasticized cushioned thermal glove provides heating, cooling, and compression modalities. The constant fluidity of the gel disposed in the gel bladders substantially throughout the glove palm side is in constant fluidity when heated and cooled. The gel is pre-heated via a power module, heatable when in use, and also pre-cooled prior to use. The glove is also provided as a compression glove to alleviate pain, swelling, and to provide for support for those in need. As the glove provides these heating and cooling advantages, fingers can be left in an open state to enhance dexterity as opposed to full-fingered gloves.

Abstract: A cooling system for spent nuclear fuel may include a device configured to generate electricity using energy emitted from the spent nuclear fuel. The cooling system may be configured to use the electricity when cooling the spent nuclear fuel. A cask for storage, transport, or storage and transport of spent nuclear fuel may include the cooling system and a container configured to hold the spent nuclear fuel. A method for cooling spent nuclear fuel may include generating electricity using energy emitted from the spent nuclear fuel, and using the electricity in a cooling system for the spent nuclear fuel when cooling the spent nuclear fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to the art of therapeutic thermal compression are provided. A therapeutic device capable of providing various therapeutic stimuli, including thermal energy transfer and applied pressure. The therapeutic device has a heating/cooling system, a temperature moderating system, a compression system, and a control system which controls the amount of pressure applied, the degree of temperature applied, and the duration of each application of therapeutic stimuli.

Abstract: A convective thermoregulation blanket (204) includes an exterior surface (220), a plurality of interconnected distribution channels (940, 941) and a first inlet opening (1244). A portion of the exterior surface is configured to be in contact with a patient. The interconnected distribution channels are located internal to the convective thermoregulation blanket and include a primary distribution channel (940) having an interior surface. The first inlet opening extends between the exterior surface of the convective thermoregulation blanket and the interior surface of the primary distribution channel to deliver thermal regulated convective air into the primary distribution channel. At least a portion of the primary distribution channel includes a filter material. The filter material filters unfiltered thermal regulated convective air in the primary distribution channel and provides the remaining plurality of distribution channels with filtered thermal regulated convective air.

Abstract: A system that maintains a comfortable hand and/or feet temperature during the course of a water sports activity. Exhaled breath is fed to the inside of the sportsman's gloves and/or boots down a tube which runs along the inside of the wetsuit to take full advantage of the insulating properties of that wetsuit. Rubber moulding units at the rear neck wrists and/or ankles facilitate the tubing's entry and exit from the wetsuit without disturbing the watertight properties of that wetsuit. The rubber mouldings can either be built into the wetsuit itself or separate inserts to go between the sportsman's skin and the wetsuit seals at the neck wrists and ankles.

Abstract: A water heating system is provided. The water heating system includes an inlet connectable to a supply of untreated water, supply and return lines connectable to a point-of-use water treatment system, and an output for dispensing a supply of treated and optionally heated water. An internal heating element is adapted to heat the treated water to one of a plurality of pre-selected temperature settings. Temperature control can be achieved by cycling the power applied to the heating element and/or controlling the flow rate of treated water through the heating element. The water heating system includes additional improvements in electrical compatibility, energy consumption, and remote failure detection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso, arms, and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; a plurality of fins located on the arms; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit may include a buoyant layer. In one embodiment, the body surfing apparatus includes a body suit with multiple segmentations and/or fins with multiple sliced cuts.

Abstract: A personal cooling device with a network of tubular members, each tubular member having an inner surface defining a flowpath, an outer surface, and at least two channels extending between the flowpath and the outer surface. The network has an inlet. The at least two channels of each tubular member have differently-sized volumes, with the channels having the larger volumes closer to the network inlet than the channels having the smaller volumes. The device also includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet, and a length of connection tubing in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump and the inlet of the network of tubular members.

Abstract: A boiler for hot water heating mats, including: a hot water heating tank having a hot water discharging port, a hot water recovering port, and an electric heater; a hot water storage tank connected to the hot water heating tank, with a water charging port, an air exhausting port, a hot water inlet port and a hot water outlet port; a hot water discharging check valve; and a hot water recovering check valve. The heater is installed horizontally or inclinedly, and the interior space of the hot water heating tank is divided into a hot water heating chamber and a hot water discharging chamber. To ensure the heater remains partially submerged in water, the hot water discharging port may be formed at a height higher than the lower surface of the heater or a retaining wall may be installed on the bottom of the hot water heating tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal. The device generally includes collapsible and pliant body elements, capable of expanding from a first volume into an expanded second volume which can then be reduced from the expanded second volume into a pressurized third volume. One or more thermal exchange units can be positioned in the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Accordingly, the temperature of the extremity of a mammal can be regulated by providing heating or cooling to the one or more thermal exchange units.

Abstract: A variable air access mechanism and method of varying air access comprising a first film with a predetermined amount of total air access openings to be formed by removal of laser cut chads; a portion of the chads only partially cut; and a second film adhered to the first film wherein removal of the second film in a first direction opens all of the air access openings or removal of the second film in an opposing direction leaves the partially cut chads attached to the first film such that only selected chads are removed.

Abstract: A disposable heated glove for heating a wearer's hand includes a fabric material for covering the palm and back of the hand, four finger portions for covering the wearer's fingers and a thumb portion for covering the wearer's thumb. The glove also includes five small elongated pouches with each pouch being associated with a different one of the finger and thumb portions. A quantity of exothermic chemicals is sealed within each of the pouches whereby removing chemicals from one of the pouches results in the destruction of the pouch so that it cannot be reused. In one embodiment, the chemicals are activated to create heat by manually manipulating the same to mix the chemicals. In another embodiment, the chemicals are activated by exposing them to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piece of garment, e.g. in the form of a glove, comprising an outer layer that encloses at least one interior space which is provided with an opening for accommodating a body part such as a hand and is subdivided into at least two adjoining chambers. Each chamber encompasses at least one chamber opening that is arranged in the opening of the interior space and selectively accommodates the body part such as a hand. The material of each chamber can be constructed with at least one layer of protective material which can be provided with an insulating material, a functional layer material, a cut-resistant material, a heat-resistant and/or a flame-proof material, for example. The inventive design allows the user of the glove to selectively put his/her hand into one of the chambers that are provided, according to the desired protective effect, while the unused chamber lies in the interior space in a compressed manner.

Abstract: A heater in a housing with an opening. The heater reacts with oxygen to produce heat and upon consumption of the oxygen, the heating reaction stops and can be restarted at a later point in time upon the introduction of additional oxygen and is used in a package for heating pre-moistened substrates such as sanitary wipes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable boiler for a hot mat, which comprises: a water reservoir, one side of which has an inlet pipe for introducing water circulating through the hot mat, and which stores the water; a heat transfer unit in which the water discharged from the water reservoir flows along a flow channel pipe to be heat exchanged, wherein the water is discharged to the hot mat via an outlet pipe formed at one side thereof; a heating unit which burns the fuel gas fed from a fuel tank to heat the water in the heat transfer unit; and a housing which forms the outer appearance of the boiler.

Abstract: A warming garment and method of making and using are provided. The warming garment may have an inner lining and an outer lining which may form an annular space in which an exothermic composition that is activated upon exposure to oxygen may be disposed. When worn, the warming garment may aid in inducing vasodilation upon a subject's limb through the emanation of heat from the exothermic composition. Once vasodilation is achieved, venipuncture or catheter insertion procedures may be properly initiated.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warming article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: Footwear warming devices, systems, and kits. In an exemplary embodiment of a footwear warming device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a top portion coupled to a unitary portion, the unitary portion having a first side portion, a second side portion, and a front portion, and a bottom portion coupled to the first side portion, the second side portion, and the front portion, wherein the top portion defines a warmer pocket configured to receive and retain a warmer, wherein the device forms a footwear pocket configured to receive at least a front part of footwear, and wherein the device, when positioned upon the at least a front part of the footwear, is operable to warm the at least a front part of the footwear when the warmer is activated and positioned within the warmer pocket.

Abstract: A toe warmer assembly attaches to a foot to warm toes directly or through footwear. The assembly includes a pouch having a closed end, an open end, and a perimeter wall extending from the closed end to the open end defining an interior space. A flap extends from the open end of the pouch and is selectively positioned extending over the open end wherein the open end is obstructed by the flap. A first strap has a first end coupled to the pouch and a second end coupled to the pouch wherein the first strap forms a first loop extending from the pouch. An exothermic member is positioned in the interior space of the pouch wherein the exothermic member delivers heat through the pouch.

Abstract: A thermal distribution and regulation system for a garment that includes a self-contained heat source, such as a catalytic heat source. A heat manifold extends about a surface of the heat source and is mechanically adjusted relative to the surface of the heat source to control the contact surface area between the heat source and heat manifold to regulate heat conducted from the heat source. The heat manifold is configured to engage the surface of the heat source at more than one predetermined location to prevent inadvertent movement between the heat source and heat manifold. The system also includes a plurality of heat conductors coupled to the heat manifold and affixed to the garment. An end of each heat conductor is coupled to the heat manifold for conducting heat from the heat manifold to the garment to warm the garment.

Abstract: An electrochemically reacting composition which can be utilized as a source of heat as well as hydrogen, comprising the active materials aluminum, magnesium and iron, a filler material such as a silica sand, a hydrogen scavenger such as potassium permanganate, additives such as sodium silicate and an electrolyte such as sodium chloride.