Abstract: An evaporation tray for a refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer which is adapted in use to contact a heat producing part of the refrigeration system (such as the compressor or condenser). The tray comprises a rigid frame which supports a flexible membrane designed to receive defrost liquid from the refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer. The frame is designed to sit adjacent the heat producing part so that the flexible membrane is in direct contact with the heat producing part. As the membrane is flexible, it easily deforms to the shape of the heat producing part providing increased heat transfer to liquid in the tray.

Abstract: A flow controllable unit includes a pair of spaced upper and lower sheets. A plurality of elongated partitions are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets to define a plurality of fluid passages. The partitions have an intermediate region and opposite lateral sides. The partitions are secured to the upper and lower sheets so that the intermediate region is movable relative to the upper and lower sheets. When a pressure increase occurs within the passages, the intermediate region of the partitions is bent or deformed to allow the upper and lower sheets to be moved away from each other. This movement increases the effective cross sectional area of the passages to accommodate such a pressure increase. The partitions thus provide a pressure relief function.

Abstract: A light-weight portable temperature control system which includes form fitting disposable therapy pads for selected body parts having serpentine fluid channels therethrough, a programmable microprocessor for controlling the temperature type and length of cycle, quick disconnects for the therapy pad, a thermoelectric cooler with a liquid heat exchanger and a pump for circulating the fluid through the system.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling band device adapted to be positioned upon a user's body, the apparatus comprising: a horizontally disposed band formed in a circular configuration, the band including a hose with a plurality of apertures and a moisture absorbing covering, the hose having two free ends, a Y-shaped tube connector being coupled to the free ends of the hose.

Abstract: A system is adapted to be vehicle mounted and powered by a D.C. source coupled with an inverter to cool individuals or temperature sensitive hardware under uncomfortable ambient conditions. The system includes a pumped liquid circulation loop which can be connected by self-sealing lines with cooling garments, temperature sensitive hardware and the like. An evaporative heat exchanger is provided in the loop as well as a liquid reservoir which is sized to limit short cycling of a compressor in a refrigeration loop associated therewith via the evaporative heat exchanger. A hot gas bypass can be associated with the compressor to allow recirculation of the superheated refrigerant gas when cooling is not required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.

Abstract: A disposable thermal pad includes a substantially planar laminate structure having a first side and a second side and a plurality of heat generating cells embedded between the first and the second sides. The plurality of heat generating cells each are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the laminate structure. The laminate structure provides oxygen permeability to each of the plurality of heat generating cells. Oxygen permeability is achieved entirely on the first side of the laminate structure. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable to an inside portion of a user's clothing. The disposable thermal pad is releasably attachable on its first side of the laminate structure so that the second side of the thermal pad may be placed directly against a user's body.

Abstract: A heatsink for dissipating heat from electronic components, such as integrated circuits, on a circuit board. The heatsink is formed from metal foil and comprises a series of coplanar base portions interposed with transverse fins. The heatsink can be constructed from a length of metal foil which is folded to form the base portions and transverse fins. A base layer comprising, for example, an additional strip of sheet metal material, has adhesive on both sides and is affixed to the base portions of the folded foil on one side and the surface of the electronic component using the adhesive on the other side. The foil or sheet material forming the base portions, fins and base layer of the heatsink are relatively thin and flexible such that lengths of the heatsink can be manufactured and coiled into rolls for transportation and storage. A portion of the heatsink can then be cut to length from the roll thereof and applied to a row of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A flexible tie-down device is provided for attaching a swimming pool-type solar water panel to a roof or other structure. The device is adapted for use with a solar panel having at least one elongate solar panel array formed of a number of side-by-side connected, small diameter, flexible elastomeric, heat transfer tubes, which are attached in fluid flow relationship at one end to a rigid, larger diameter tubular, unheated water inlet manifold and at the other end to a rigid, larger diameter tubular heated water outlet manifold. The tie-down device comprises a plurality of flexible elastromeric tubes connected in a side-by-side relationship to form a device array, the tubes having a length enabling the device array to bend around the outside of either of the inlet and outlet manifolds with the end regions of the device extending outwardly in a parallel, overlapping relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: An insulation system (10, 180) is placed in ceilings or walls of buildings which are typically exposed on one side thereof to relatively large temperature changes and on the other side to relatively small temperature changes. The insulation system (10, 180) includes a first inner layer of insulative material (18, 184) and a second outer layer of insulative material (19, 186), with an intermediate layer of phase change material (20, 182) sandwiched therebetween. The phase change material undergoes a change of phase between solid state and liquid state during the course of a typical day due to the outside temperature ranging higher and lower than the phase change temperature. When undergoing a change of phase, the phase change material maintains a constant phase change temperature, thereby moderating the temperature gradient across the inner layer of insulative material (18, 184).

Abstract: A human heat transfer article in the form of pads, blankets, or garments which is a bilayer or trilayer lamination, incorporating flexible fluid-carrying tubes, to contact the skin to modulate the flow of heat to or from the human body, and a method of manufacture therefor. The tubes are stress-relieved to prevent their return to their original configuration. The manufacturing method provides for the mass automated or semi-automated production of flexible, breathable heat transfer pads, blankets, and garments which have fluid-carrying plastic tubing in a self-sustaining, stress-relieved pattern captured between two layers of flexible breathable fabric.

Abstract: A cooling vest having a plurality of elongated pocket partitions formed on front side and backside vest portions for containing beads of polyacrylamide material that absorb a liquid, such as water, to form a gel that may be chilled, or frozen, to provide a cooling effect on the upper torso of a human wearer. The cooling effect is facilitated by non-impervious properties of a double layer fabric used in construction of the vest that permit evaporation. The front side portions of the vest also provide surface area upon which to add fashion appeal ornate designs, or on which utility pockets are formed. The vest is further provided with a collar member having a partition for containing polymer material. The upper shoulder blade area of the backside of the vest is divided from the lower lumbar area by a stitching pattern that ornate the backside of the vests and that separates the upper and lower polymer containing partitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include means to provide air through selective areas of the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, perforations are provided through the lower sheet of the blanket over only selective areas, such that air exits toward only those portions of a patient which are covered by areas of the blanket having perforations.

Abstract: A closed-loop heat pipe transport design for a deployment application having a flexible section which connects to a payload structure and a deployable structure. The flexible section folds over itself while the deployable structure is stowed. Upon rotation of the deployable structure around a predetermined axis, the flexible section unfolds, with a portion of the flexible section passing through the predetermined axis. When the deployable structure has completed its rotation and is fully deployed, the components of the flexible section will lie in substantially the same plane.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween, stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of web. The piece of web has a length great enough to encircle a user's waist such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of web near the second end in order to hold the piece of web around the user's waist when the piece of web is stretched. The back wrap further comprises a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded in the piece of web. The plurality of thermal elements have a substantially planar diamond-shaped pattern which approximates the shape of erector muscles in the user's back. The pattern has a gap transverse to the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the user's spine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operating conditions of individual electic circuit boards and a circuit board cabinet for holding one or more environmentally controlled circuit packs is provided. The enclosure provides both electronic ports and cooling ports. The cooling ports may be used to circulate liquid or gaseous coolant over the surface of the circuit board thereby dissipating built up heat. The electronic ports allow the board to be externally connected to other electronic components. Additionally, the enclosure provides an electrostatic buffer that protects the enclosed circuit board from electrostatic shock during operation or while the board is being externally handled and stored. Finally, the enclosure provides a barrier against foreign particles such as dust and moisture. The cabinet allows a plurality of circuit boards to be mounted in one cabinet and cooled by a single cooling source. It also provides coolant draining capabilities and a coolant distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets allow for access to portions of a patient's body before, during or after surgery. In addition, the blankets according to the present invention allow versatility in use by providing access to portions of the patient's body before, during, or after surgery, but which may also completely cover the patient after the surgical procedure is complete. To accomplish these purposes, the blankets according to the present invention include seals or separation lines which extend into the interior of the blanket and which may be separated to allow access to portions of the patient's body.

Abstract: A substantially triangular piece of flexible material, which has the appearance of a delta-winged aircraft when flattened. The piece of flexible material has a first wing portion, a second wing portion, a central body portion therebetween, and a body-facing side. The neck wrap also has a plurality of individual thermal elements embedded therein. The plurality of thermal elements have a pattern which approximates the shape and location of muscles in the user's upper back, lower neck, and shoulders. The pattern has a gap bisecting the central portion corresponding to the user's spine. The neck wrap maintains piece of flexible material in a desired position once the piece of flexible material has been draped over the user's shoulders. The central portion is centered at the user's upper back and lower neck and the first and second wing portions lay across the user's shoulders and rest on the user's chest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: An electric heating pad is provided, the heating pad having a conductive sheet, the conductive sheet provided with an elongated opening and a perimeter. The conductive sheet is comprised of a flexible and pliable material so that the conductive sheet is capable of following and adhering to the contour of the surface of the human body when applied thereto. A first sheet material, having a seal area disposed on the first sheet material and a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet so as to extend over the conductive sheet to define a sealing edge is provided. A second sheet material, having a seal area disposed on the second sheet material and a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet so as to also extend over the conductive sheet to define a sealing edge is also provided.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system for an electronic component comprised of flexible sealed bag which is partially filled with a liquid coolant. Sufficient residual non-condensing gas is maintained in the bag so that some of the gas dissolves in the liquid coolant when the device is not operating and at ambient temperature. During warmup, the residual gas comes out of solution and creates nucleation sites that assist in initiating boiling. The bag is air and fluid-impermeable, and has sufficient flexibility such that as coolant vaporizes, the bag expands to maintain the internal bag pressure substantially the same as the ambient environmental pressure. The bag may also be provided with a metal heat spreader plate which passes through a wall of the bag an assists with transferring heat from the component to the coolant. The heat spreader plate may be specially treated to allow the flexible bag material to by directly heat sealed to the plate and to provide nucleation sites to enhance coolant boiling.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system has a container structure that has at least one wall with sufficient flexibility that the wall expands as the coolant vapor expands thereby maintaining the internal container pressure substantially the same as the ambient environmental pressure. Coolant boiling overshoot is reduced by allowing residual gases to remain in the cooling system. More particularly, sufficient residual gas is maintained in the system so that some of the gas dissolves in the liquid coolant when the device is not operating and is at ambient temperature. During warm-up, the residual gas comes out of solution and creates nucleation sites that initiate boiling and prevent overshoot. Additional nucleation sites can also be added to reduce overshoot by treating the inside surfaces of the container structure, for example by laser machining, to create nucleation sites.

Abstract: A system of protective garments for caretakers is disclosed. The system provides for comfortable garments to protect medical or nursing personnel while they are attending patients. The system includes a outter garment having a outter layer which is impervious to fluids and an inner liner that is comfortable to the wearer. A vest like garment is provided to be worn under the outter garmant and hold heat exchanger devices to cool the wearer. The system is designd to be disposable, however some of the elements may be reused if they have not come in contact the patients.

Abstract: A substrate holding device of the invention includes a base cooled with a heat absorbing fluid, a flexible sheet being extended on a surface of the base for forming a sealed portion between the sheet and the base, a heat absorbing fluid with which the sealed portion is filled, a sheet-like rubber elastic material being disposed on the sheet, and a substrate retainer for pressing fringes of a substrate, placed on the rubber elastic material, against the base. Metal elastic members may be distributed almost uniformly in the sealed portion, in place of or together with, the rubber elastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger element (10) comprising a bag formed from a compliant material like plastic sheet (11). The lower part of the bag ends to a condensate receiver (13), which is provided with a drain pipe (14) for the condensate. The upper part of the bag has means for introducing the vapour into the bag and distributing the liquid to be evaporated onto the outer surface of the bag. It is characteristic that inside the bag a perforated corrugated plate (12) is fitted in vertical direction with its width (L) chosen so that the bag tightens suitably around the corrugated plate. The length (P) of the corrugated plate (12) corresponds to a major portion of the length of the bag. A perforated corrugated plate (12') is fitted in horizontal direction against the outer surface of the bag with its length (P') substantially corresponding to the width of the bag.

Abstract: A computer structured with a motherboard has ICs mounted on one side of the motherboard and connections for ports and peripheral devices on the opposite side. The motherboard is mounted to a heat sink plate with heat-conductive structure compressed between the ICs mounted to the motherboard and the heat sink plate, so heat generated by the ICs is conducted into the heat sink plate. The heat sink plate forms one wall of an enclosure for the computer, and as an external wall, radiates heat from the ICs into the surroundings. A riser card with expansion slots is connected to the motherboard in a manner that expansion cards may be mounted to expansion ports either at the front or the rear of the enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to stand with the heat sink plate vertical to take advantage of convection as well as radiation cooling, and in some embodiments the outside surface of the heat sink plate is grooved or channeled to increase the area for radiation, and to aid convection flow.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity sheet is provided which is superior all in heat radiating characteristics (thermal conductivity) in the direction of sheet thickness, close-contact with respect to parts to be cooled, and electrical insulation. In a thermal conductivity sheet 1 in which a plurality of highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are dispersed in a matrix insulator 2, the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are oriented obliquely or erectly in the direction of thickness of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 such that at least one end faces of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 are exposed to a surface of the matrix insulator 2. Preferably, a ratio of the total sectional area of the highly thermally conductive insulators 3 to the total surface area of the thermal conductivity sheet 1 is set to be equal to or larger than 1%.

Abstract: The present invention is a heating and cooling pad for therapeutically treating the orbital, frontal, nasal, and temporal regions of a patient's head with a non-ambient temperature fluid that circulates through the pad. The pad includes a pair of molded membranes that enclose a central reservoir. Capillaries extend outwardly from opposing sides of the central reservoir into collector channels that extend around the outer periphery of the pad. The reservoir and collector channels are connected to an external source of the fluid. The design of the reservoir and capillaries is optimized to deliver the temperature-adjusting fluid to key anatomical structures. The pad includes a unique integral support structure including a universal joint, that allows adjustment of its shape.

Abstract: The disclosure is for a heat pipe in the form of a simple foil envelope and a method of constructing such a heat pipe. Two plastic coated metal foil sheets are sealed together on all four edges to enclose a semi-rigid channeled sheet of plastic foam, and the envelope is evacuated and loaded with a suitable quantity of liquid to act as a heat pipe. Despite the use of the essentially poor thermally conductive materials such as the plastic coating on the surface of the casing and the foam plastic for the wick, the apparatus operates well as a heat spreader for an integrated circuit chip placed in contact with the envelope surface. The heat is transferred across the thin plastic coating with only a small temperature differential, and the foam plastic wick with channels efficiently transports condensed liquid back to the heat input location for evaporation.

Abstract: An interconnection assembly for electrically connecting the contacts of an integrated circuit device with the contacts of said circuit board. The interconnection assembly having a base removably and adjustably attached to the circuit board and further having a preselected configuration for accepting the integrated circuit device therein such that the contacts thereon are aligned with the contacts on the circuit board. A bladder-like member having fluid therein is interposed between the integrated circuit and a closure element for forcing the bladder-like member into contact with the integrated circuit device thereby causing the contacts thereon to make electrical connections with the contacts on the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.

Abstract: An insulation system (10) is placed in ceilings or walls of buildings which are typically exposed on one side thereof to relatively large temperature changes and on the other side to relatively small temperature changes. The insulation system (10) includes a first thicker layer of insulative material (18) and a second thinner layer of insulative material (19), with an intermediate layer of phase change material (20) sandwiched therebetween. The phase change material undergoes a change of phase between solid state and liquid state during the course of a typical day due to the outside temperature ranging higher and lower than the phase change temperature. When undergoing a change of phase, the phase change material maintains a constant phase change temperature and therefore avoids exposure of the interior space (22) from the much higher or much lower temperatures of the exterior surface (21), thereby reducing the power requirements to maintain the desired temperature within the interior space (22).

Abstract: A thermal packet having temperature retaining particles movable within the packet. A plurality of barriers located within the packet form migration paths and retaining areas to facilitate the use of the packet on various body areas.

Abstract: A heat transfer device (20) which comprises a collapsible envelope (2) including a liquid transfer (7) which, in use, is in an expanded form and includes a liquid (8) that evaporates from one wall (6) of the envelope and condenses on another wall (5), the condensed liquid being returned via the liquid transfer means (7) to the wall (6) at which evaporation took place.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat exchanger mat, comprising a twin-duct manifold having a duct member comprised of an inlet duct and an outlet duct, a tube-socket member fixedly and fluid-tightly attached to the duct member, and a return manifold having a deflector member and a tube-socket member fixedly and fluid-tightly attached to one another. The mat also includes a plurality of tubes for circulation of a heat-exchanging liquid medium, each tube fixedly and fluid-tightly joined at one of its ends to the tube-socket member of the twin-duct manifold and at the other one of its ends to the tube-socket member of the return manifold. One end of each odd-numbered one of the tubes communicates via at least one aperture with one of the twin ducts, and one end of each even-numbered one of the tubes communicates via at least one other aperture with the other one of the twin ducts, and the other ends of all of the tubes communicate with the return manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing thermal deformation of a machine tool has a feed unit which heats a heat transfer fluid and pumps it out to a heat exchanging portion. The heat exchanging portion has at least one heat exchanging unit capable of being expanded and shrunk in accordance with the heat transfer fluid therein. The heat exchanging unit is arranged in a prescribed portion of a machine tool. The portion of the machine tool is heated by the heat exchanging unit arranged therein, whereby thermal distribution of the machine tool is equalized and heat deformation thereof is suppressed. The heat transfer fluid passed through the heat exchanging unit is recovered by a discharging portion and fed back to the feed unit. The heat exchanging unit is maintained in an expanded state by controlling the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough by a flow control valve, so that heat exchanging operation can be carried out effectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for freezing water in a pipe at a given location including a tank having an amount of pressurized gas disposed therein at a temperature below the freezing point of water; a valve coupled to the tank and openable for allowing the gas to be expelled; a flexible discharge hose having a proximal end coupled to the valve and a distal end extended therefrom; and a flow nozzle coupled to the distal end the discharge hose, each flow nozzle having a fabric sleeve, an elastomeric pad with a hollow interior slidably inserted within the sleeve, a plurality of through holes formed on one side of the pad, a tubular coupler having an inboard end secured to the pad and in communication with the interior and an outboard end removably coupled to the distal end of the hose, and a coupling mechanism secured to the sleeve for removably coupling the sleeve to the pipe, whereby when the flow nozzle is wrapped around the pipe and the valve is opened, gas flows through the discharge hose and out the flow nozzle for cooli

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress having a network of grooves at the top covered within a soft covering layer, a control box, a water piping arranged within the network of grooves and connected to hot and cold water reservoirs inside the control box, the control box having a semiconductor chip controlled by a control circuit to heat the hot water reservoir and to cool the cold water reservoir, and hot and cold water pumps respectively controlled by the control circuit to send water from the hot or cold water reservoir to the water piping in regulating the temperature of the mattress.

Abstract: By providing a carrier constructed for securely retaining a heat generating pad while also being able to be easily, securely mounted to the skin surface of an individual, a delivery system is achieved for providing heat therapy to any desired site or location. The heat generating pad is securely retained using either permanent or separatable fastening means. By employing separatable fastening means, the same carrier can be repeatedly employed by changing to a new heat generating pad after the previously used pad is exhausted. In addition, the carrier incorporates either adhesive means for mounting the carrier and pad to a user or employs separatable fastening means mounted to the carrier to enable the carrier and pad to be easily positioned, wherever desired, and securely retained in that position by engaging the fastening means.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in combination with motor driven fluid pumps of the type having a motor with an outwardly curved upper surface. The heat exchanger has an arcuate heat exchange jacket formed of an inner wall, an outer wall, and a spacer frame sealed therebetween which has an open center section defining a hollow enclosed cavity. The jacket is configured to engage the exterior surface of the pump motor for maintaining heat exchange contact between the pump motor and the cavity. The jacket has a fluid inlet and one or more outlets. A venturi cross having a pair of tubular extensions may be connected to the intake port of the pump with one extension connected to the jacket inlet and the other extension to the jacket outlet to subject the jacket to negative pressure created by the venturi cross to draw a portion of the fluid through the jacket cavity and recirculate it through the pump.

Abstract: A thermal wrap is disclosed for application to body members, especially joints and limbs. It comprises a pouch for containing a thermal medium and which is constructed of a flexible elastic cloth. The pouch is mounted on a support member, also constructed of a flexible elastic cloth, which is adapted to wrap around a limb or joint. The support member is provided with a wrap fastener such as a hook and loop fastener which is adjustable to establish the desired degree of compression on the affected area. The wrap as applied to a knee and wrist is provided with cinch bands which encircle the limb at locations above and below the pouch. This arrangement provides compression under the bandwidth of the pouch which is independently adjustable relative to the compression under the cinch bands. Additionally, a pressurized air bladder may be provided to independently adjust the compression under the bandwidth of the pouch.

Abstract: An improved ground source heat pump system wherein the subterranean piping installation comprises modular heat exchange units. Each modular heat exchange unit comprises a plurality of parallel secondary or branch conduits. The use of multiple parallel secondary conduits significantly increases the heat exchange capacity of the system. Because of the increased efficiency of such a system, less piping is required, which in turn reduces the cost of labor and materials to install such a system and the area of land mass required to contain it. Moreover, because the heat exchange units are modular, they can be prefabricated at a remote site and then conveniently transported to construction site and installed much more quickly than the extended lengths of conventional piping.

Abstract: A thermal exchange composition made from clay, glycol and/or water for retaining and slowly releasing hot and cold temperatures is provided. The composition can further include polyacrylamide, for mixing with water, and olivine. The composition can be incorporated and used in a variety of applications. For instance, the thermal exchange composition can be used in hot and cold packs for therapeutic treatment to sore areas of the body. Other articles incorporating the thermal exchange composition include food trays, stadium seats, and the like. A thermal delivery device is also provided. The thermal delivery device can be incorporated into a variety of articles, including toys and food containers.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus is disclosed which comprises a reservoir for compressed, preferably liquified, gas, the reservoir being connected to tubing 130 arranged to be disposed in an article of clothing adjacent to the skin of a user. A solenoid 230 is provided for opening a valve 240 between the reservoir 100 and the tubing 130 to allow pressurized gas to evaporate and escape from the reservoir along tube 130. As the gas evaporates it cools due to latent heat of evaporation thus providing a cooling effect to the user due to heat transfer through the walls of tubing. A control device 200 is provided for regulating the output of cooling gas in dependence on temperature.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system has a container structure that has at least one wall with sufficient flexibility that the wall expands as the coolant vapor expands thereby maintaining the internal container pressure substantially the same as the ambient environmental pressure. Coolant boiling overshoot is reduced by allowing residual gases to remain in the cooling system. More particularly, sufficient residual gas is maintained in the system so that some of the gas dissolves in the liquid coolant when the device is not operating and is at ambient temperature. During warmup, the residual gas comes out of solution and creates nucleation sites that initiate boiling and prevent overshoot. Additional nucleation sites can also be added to reduce overshoot by treating the inside surfaces of the container structure, for example by laser machining, to create nucleation sites.

Abstract: Therapeutic heating pads and covers serve to preclude direct contact between a patient and any heating pad or towels applied. The covers thus serve to lessen soiling or contamination of the towels or pads. The pad cover material is non-absorbent and moisture or liquid impervious, providing for ease of cleanup and sanitation. The pads and covers may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes in order to conform better to specific areas of the anatomy and include securing straps enabling the pad covers to be secured to the desired area of the patient.

Abstract: An improved therapy member (10) for treatment of sprains, muscle aches and orthopaedic injuries is provided which is very flexible to permit the member to be placed in conforming relationship with a patient's limb or other body part, while also allowing effective hot or cold thermal therapy. The therapy member (10) preferably includes an internal bladder (12) having a fluid inlet (26) and a fluid outlet (28). The bladder (12) is substantially surrounded by a body of flexible, thermally conductive gel (32), the latter being encased within a flexible fabric-type sheath (34). An inlet/outlet fluid supply tubing assembly (16) is coupled with the bladder (12) in order to permit circulation of hot or cold fluid through the bladder (12) for therapy purposes. The gel (32) advantageously includes a water soluble humectant entrapped within a polyacrylamide matrix.

Abstract: A disposable pneumatic thermal blanket for controlling a patient's body temperature wherein the blanket includes structure for providing access through the blanket for surgical purposes. The inflatable blanket consists of upper and lower thermoplastic sheets heat sealed at the periphery and specified locations and sealed slits within the blanket central region permit access to a patient without loss of temperature controlled air. The blanket includes strategically placed adhesive strips or patches to aid the positioning of folded blanket access portions, or positioning of the blanket on the patient, and the location and relationship of the slits permit a variety of shapes and sizes of access openings to be selectively formed.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for personal or general use is disclosed having interior and exterior surfaces and a fluid for dispersion by the exterior surface. The interior surface prevents the fluid from penetrating the interior surface and contacting the person or object to be cooled. The cooling apparatus may also include a fluid collector to collect excess cooling fluid, a device for moving the fluid from the fluid container to the fluid collector, and a return line for recycling at least a portion of the collected fluid. The exterior surface may be wetted by gravity seepage, capillary action, or the like. A band extending around each collector can aid in preventing the fluid from dripping from the apparatus.

Abstract: A low prime, high heat exchange efficiency oxygenator is provided which includes an oxygenation portion and a heat exchanger portion. Disposed within the heat exchanger portion is a hollow tube heat exchanger wound bundle which includes a plurality of hollow tubes knitted into a mat, the mat wound under tension into a bundle which includes from 16 to 24 layers of the mat. The oxygenator provided permits prime volumes of 180 to 240 mLs.