Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling garment, preferably in the form of a vest that contains pouches containing a phase change material. The pouches cover less than the surface area of the vest to thereby permit evaporative cooling to occur and to contribute to the overall comfort of the wearer. An alternate embodiment includes a honeycomb structure which is contained within the pouches and which contains a macroencapsulated phase change material and allows the escape of perspiration through the garment. A heat transfer fluid is adapted to circulate throughout the pouches. The honeycomb structure is designed so that the macroencapsulated phase change material remains within designated ones of the honeycombs, but that permits the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the pouch.

Abstract: A thermal transfer apparatus adapted for thermal connection to a heat source for conducting heat away from the heat source. The thermal transfer apparatus includes a container which is substantially impermeable to fluid and forms an expandable compartment that is substantially gas-free. A thermal transfer liquid is positioned within the expandable compartment for thermal connection to the heat source. The thermal transfer liquid has a boiling point that is at or below an operating temperature of the heat source. When the heat source is in a non-operating state, the thermal transfer liquid is compressed and substantially fills the expandable compartment. When the heat source is in an operating state, the thermal transfer liquid conducts heat from the heat source. The liquid vaporizes and forms a vapor within the expandable compartment which causes the expandable compartment to expand and create a vapor space above the liquid.

Abstract: A thermal blanket particularly suitable for post-operative treatment of the ankle and foot. The blanket includes inner and outer panels of easily foldable material having an outline defining two foot sections, an ankle section, and a T-shaped leg encircling section. The outer panel has its entire outer surface formed of soft loop pile fabric and the inner panel is composed of double layers of thermoplastic sheet material heat-sealed together to define at least one and preferably two serpentine flow passages for the circulation of thermal fluid through the blanket. The foot sections have bottom edges joined by one or more elastic webs. Hook-providing attachment patches, releasably attachable to the loop pile fabric that forms the entire outer surface of all of the sections of the blanket, detachably secure the upper edges of the foot sections together, as well as the front edges of the ankle section and the ends of the band portion of the T-shaped section, when the blanket is worn.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating hypothermia and hyperthermia conditions in human patients by applying a continuous flow of temperature-controlled warmed water over a substantial area of the body of the patient to effect sensible heat transfer between the body and the water. Apparatus is provided for warming, delivering, and distributing the water flow over at least fifty percent of the patient's body and for collecting spent water into a receptacle. A network of water-permeable tubes delivers a flow of warmed water to an absorbent web draped over the body of the patient, thereby to distribute the water flow over a large area and in close proximity to and wetting the surface of the patient's body, thereby to effect sensible heat transfer over a large area. Evaporative heat loss may be minimized by reducing air convection adjacent the water flow.

Abstract: A heat distributing device which includes a concentrated heat source and a stack of metal foils wherein the heat source is encapsulated between two of the layers of metal foil. The heat source can be a resistance heated wire which extends linearly and has a free end spaced inwardly from an end of the stack. The outer edge of the stack can be open or sealed. The stack can include metal wool and/or insulating material between layers of the metal foil. The heat distributing device can be used to provide uniform heating across an outermost layer of the metal foil. For instance, the heat distributing device can be used to heat a side-view mirror of an automobile.

Abstract: A housing for accommodation of a plurality of electric circuitry packages, a method for assembling the housing, a cooling arrangement, and an electrical connection arrangement are disclosed. The housing can accommodate a plurality of packages, supply the packages with power, connect them electrically, support them and cool them. By means of the resilient support, the housing can withstand and protect the packages from shocks and vibrations. By means of the resilient connection, the housing can handle package size differences, e.g. due to thermal expansion caused by temperature changes. The cooling arrangement for cooling the electric circuitry packages includes several cooling units sandwiched with the packages into a stack. A cooling fluid cools the packages by flowing through each cooling unit. The units have flexible package facing walls, which form themselves to the package surfaces due to the cooling fluid pressure.

Abstract: A protective heat sinking device for an electronic circuit card having upper and lower layers of an air-impermeable polymer material forming an air-impermeable bag. A metallic foil having high thermal conductivity is inserted between the upper layer of air-impermeable polymer material and the top surface of the electronic circuit card. The air-impermeable bag has an open side into which the circuit card is inserted. The bag is evacuated to produce a conformal vacuum seal in which the upper and lower layers of air-impermeable polymer material and the metallic foil are drawn down onto the surface of the circuit card and form a conformal protective cover about its contours. A layer of electrically insulating material may be added between the metallic foil and an upper face of the circuit card to electronically insulate the metallic foil from the circuit components mounted on the upper face of the circuit card contained within the protective heat sinking device.

Abstract: A pneumatic, disposable, temperature control blanket pressurized with a heated or cooled air comprises an inflated envelope having a lower sheet having openings formed therein for impinging the air upon a patient. Air is introduced into the blanket envelope at a single inlet port, and an interior flexible conduit or subtube located within the envelope communicates with the inlet for distributing freshly introduced air throughout the blanket length with little temperature loss.

Abstract: A cooling hat for transferring heat from a surface or plurality of heat generating components to a flowing fluid includes a coldsheet, a plurality of manifold layers and springs. The coldsheet is typically a medium-thin metal sheet usually with fine fins or grooves to readily transfer heat to a coolant. Each manifold layer is typically molded rubber with conduits for coolant supply and return. The conduits form a branched hierarchy. The fluid flow is highly parallel and streamlined which achieves ample flow with small hydraulic differential pressure. Springs gently urge the cooling hat against the thermal joints hence against the components. The hat can bend slightly to conform to a curved surface. Typically some compliance is provided by the hat, and other compliance is provided by a thermal joint between each component and the coldsheet. The system is highly self-aligned for counteracting variations.

Abstract: An open loop portable personnel cooling apparatus which provides cleanup of contaminated ambient air used in the cooling process is described. The described apparatus supplements rather than disables the normal cooling process of human physiology by providing a large quantity of cooling air that is moved with significant perspiration evaporation velocity within a protective clothing ensemble. The disclosed apparatus provides cooling for up to five separate protected persons with capacities and cooling capability in excess of previously known personal cooling systems. Use of the cooling system for electronic and other military equipment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable, in-line heating cassette and apparatus for raising the temperature of fluids. The cassette comprises a spacer defining a sinuous or serpentine flow pathway interposed between flexible foils and mounted on a frame. The frame comprises inlet and outlet tubes and related input and output ports which communicate with the serpentine path. Juxtaposed heating plates in direct contact with the cassette substantially contact the entire heating surface of the foils, providing a highly efficient thermal path from the heating plate to the foil, and then to the fluid. The heating blocks have several electrically conductive strips thereon for generating a gradation of heat energy such that more heat energy is available for transfer at the inlet end than the outlet end of the serpentine flow path.

Abstract: A temperature controlled thermal jacket for selectively heating and cooling a refrigerant container for capturing refrigerant therefrom and transferring refrigerant thereto comprising a hollow and generally tubular jacket formed of a flexible material adapted to be coupled about a refrigerant container; a fill mechanism coupled to the jacket for filling the jacket with a thermally conductive liquid; a coil of thermally conductive tubing disposed within the jacket with the coil having an inlet and an outlet; and a pump mechanism coupled between the inlet and outlet of the coil for pumping thermally conductive liquid through the jacket.

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 thawing device for frozen foods comprise a flexible bag-shaped body and a thermal transfer fluid hermetically filled in the bag-shaped body, wherein the thermal transfer fluid comprising a mixture of fine particles of hard carbon or graphitic carbon and water. The thawing device has a flexibility, hence it can closely contact the frozen foods even if the frozen foods have complicated shapes. Furthermore, it is possible to enhance the thawing efficiently by double folding the thawing device to wrap the frozen foods. Still furthermore, the thawing device has an excellent wettability, hence it can closely contact the frozen foods.

Abstract: This invention relates to moist heat therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved moist heat pack and method of using the same. The present invention has a temperature monitoring means attached to the outer surface of a moist heat pack that is specifically calibrated to measure skin surface temperature at the opposite outer skin contacting surface. The temperature monitoring device of the present invention thereby provides a means for continuously monitoring skin surface temperature during therapy. The moist heat pack of the present invention can also comprise a means for preventing moisture evaporation from the top surface of the pack.

Abstract: The invention in its preferred embodiment is a portable life support system for use in warm water diving providing temperature regulation and breathable atmosphere through cryogenic technology while maintaining neutral buoyancy and trim throughout zero-gravity simulation. The portable life support system comprises: a liquid cooled garment; an externally charged, positive expulsion dewar for storing and delivering liquid cryogen; means for circulating liquid cryogen from said dewar in heat exchange relation with the cooling liquid so as to cool the wearer of the garment and vaporize the liquid cryogen; and means forming a semi-closed breathing loop for delivering breathable gas obtained from the vaporized cryogen from said circulating means to the wearer of said garment for breathing purposes.

Abstract: A hose assembly suited for delivering viscous material to a dispenser nozzle at a controlled viscosity and temperature. The hose assembly includes a jacketed hose including an outer hose positioned around an inner hose carrying the mastic and defining an annular passage between the inner hose and the outer hose, and a hose cover assembly adapted to be releasably wrapped around a further remote hose carrying the mastic. The cover assembly includes an elongated strip of flexible material including generally parallel opposite longitudinal edges; a plurality of tubes embedded in the strip and running longitudinally through the strip; and coacting interengagable quick release means (such as a zipper) on the opposite longitudinal edges of the strip to enable the strip to be wrapped around the hose and secured in position around the hose by releasable interengagement of the quick release means.

Abstract: The invention in its preferred embodiment is a portable life support system providing the wearer of a garment with temperature regulation and a breathable atmosphere using cryogenic technology. Wherein a liquid cryogen is vaporized by heat exchange with the wearers body and the vaporized cryogen is delivered to the wearer as a breathable atmosphere.

Abstract: Cooling liquid flowing through cooling-liquid passages cools in heat-transmission manner an inner layer on an inner surface of an impermeable intermediate layer and is directed through a piping to an interface between the intermediate and outer layers, whereby the porous outer layer is cooled by latent heat generated by evaporation of the cooling liquid infiltrated into the porous outer layer.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device includes a closed flexible envelopment which is made of a plastic film and which has a receiving space provided therein. The envelopment has a first section and a second section spaced from the first section. The receiving space of the envelopment contains a heat transfer liquid which has a boiling point between a temperature of a heat source and an ambient temperature. Therefore, the heat transfer liquid in the first section of the envelopment is evaporated into a vapor when the first section of the envelopment contacts the heat source, and the vapor is condensed in the second section of the envelopment at the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for topically heating or cooling an animal or human body, and more particularly concerns a modular system in which a heating or cooling liquid is circulated in a hermetically sealed flow path between a heating or cooling device and a heating or cooling pad. In a preferred embodiment, the flow path includes a cassette which is reversibly engageable with a pump and a heating or cooling unit located in a housing.

Abstract: A flexible air duct is connected to a dishwashing unit for conducting hot moist air therefrom. Opposite ends of the duct communicate with the dishwashing unit for conducting condensed water back thereto, while hot air is discharged through an air outlet disposed intermediate the ends of the duct. The duct is of oblong cross-section and includes cooling fins on one side.

Abstract: An improved ground source heat pump system wherein the subterranean piping installation is constructed of a plurality of modular heat exchange units. Each such unit comprises an external tube with an expanded external surface and an insulated internal tube positioned concentrically within the external tube. The units are integrally formed of flexible plastic material, except for the insulation. The expanded external surface of the external tube significantly increases the heat exchange capacity of the subterranean heat exchanger. The insulation around the internal tube prevents thermal interference between the internal and external tubes and further enhances the heat exchange capacity of the system. There is no need for spacers or fins in the space between the internal and external tubes to control annular spacing or to promote turbulence.

Abstract: A method of heat exchange comprises advancing energy-carrying medium in a channel system comprising channel-part lengths (1) which extend in side-by-side mutually parallel relationship, such as hose parts (1), and substantially sheet-like or slab-like base parts (2) which support the channel parts. The method is mainly characterized by supporting and holding channel parts (1) with the aid of at least one pre-fabricated sheet or slab (2) of heat-insulating material, such as so-called cellular plastic material, and by inserting the channel parts (1) into locking grooves (3, 4) included in the slab or sheet, the width of locking grooves, when appropriate, being preferably slightly smaller than the width of a channel part, in appropriate cases the diameter of the channel part. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally-controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided at the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure.

Abstract: A body heating/cooling garment which utilizes fluid-carrying tubes and provides both air and vapor permeability to promote convective heat transfer while also providing conductive heat transfer.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel compositions of matter, in particulate forms, which function as heat transfer agents for heating or cooling applications. The particulates comprise solid carriers containing microwave responsive substances which are liquid at a predetermined elevated operating temperature. These particulate agents, preheated by microwave energy, serve as sources of dry heat or moist heat, depending on their composition. They also serve as sources of cold, when prechilled in a freezer.

Abstract: Heating apparatus specifically adapted for the heat treatment of turbine blades comprises two support parts (10, 11) which may be pivotally connected by a hinge (17), the support parts (10, 11) carrying heating elements (14, 15) and a slot (20) the provision of the slot (20) enabling the heating apparatus to be slid over the trailing edge of the turbine blade into position on the blade and subsequently closed by a closure member (24) which enables the rapid application of heating apparatus for heat treatment processes which has hitherto been a complicated and time consuming operation. The heating apparatus may incorporate thermocouples (27) and heat sinks.

Abstract: A thermal blanket includes an inflatable covering with a head end, a foot end, two edges and an undersurface. The covering is inflated through an inlet at the foot end by a thermally-controlled inflating medium. An aperture array on the undersurface of the covering exhausts the thermally controlled inflating medium from the covering. Exhaust port openings are provided at the edges of the covering to vent the inflating medium, which enhances circulation of the thermally-controlled medium through the cover. An uninflatable section is provided at the head end, together with an absorbent bib attached to the covering, adjacent the uninflatable section. An uninflatable section may also be provided at the foot end having a pair of seams to form an erectable drape section.

Abstract: The system includes a circuit board on which electrical components are mounted. The components are mounted on the front side of the board, and the back side of the board is thermally coupled to the housing by a liquid-filled thermal heat sink pouch between the board and the housing. A heat generating component such as a microprocessor is mounted to the front side of the board, but the top surface of the component is directed toward the back side of the board such that it is also thermally coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for the human body is provided which uses heat pipes to distribute energy to and from portions of a body to provide heating or cooling by redistributing body heat. The heat pipes are incorporated into a garment, a blanket and a pad which may be used for medical treatment or activities or for activities in environments having extreme temperatures. Supplemental means for heating and cooling are included to improve heating or cooling to a body, and to provide heating or cooling to limited areas of a body.

Abstract: A reusable cooling and insulating device for bottles and the like is provided in the form of a jacket having a single or plurality of flexible compartments which are interconnected having an inner chamber and an outer chamber therein. A heating and cooling temperature conditionable liquid is housed in the inner chamber which enables the inner diameter of the jacket formed by the inner chamber to confirm with the surface of the object on the which the jacket is positioned for heating or cooling. A flexible insulator of air or air and flexible plastic is positioned in the outer chamber of each compartment for directing a greater temperature transfer from liquid to the object and less heat exchange from the liquid to the environment. The liquid is continuously in direct contact with and pressed upon the bottle or object which contact determines the cooling/heating. The jacket is recharged in a freezer or heated in a microwave depending on the function to be performed.

Abstract: A heat transfer device in the form of a bandanna-like neckband has a main body of flexible fabric material and a pocket lengthwise centrally located for receiving an elongated heat transfer element in the form of a multi-cellular reusable coolant pouch therein. The lengths of the main body and pocket are chosen to place the heat transfer element about the back and sides of the neck, while leaving the main body unobstructed at free ends to permit loose tying to join the ends in front of the neck. The widths of the main body and pocket are chosen to enable single or multiple layers of fabric material to be optionally interposed between the heat transfer element and the neck.

Abstract: A disposal pneumatic temperature controlled blanket consisting of flexible upper and lower sheets interconnected at their peripheries to define an inflatable envelope. The lower sheet outer surface is provided with a friction producing layer and a plurality of orifices are formed in the lower sheet and layer whereby temperature controlled pressurized air introduced into the envelope will be distributed through the orifices upon the patient's body to regulate patient body temperature. The envelope sheets are staked or tacked intermediate the peripheries to control inflation and distribute the air and the location of the tacks define primary and secondary air passages to quickly and uniformly distribute the air with a minimum of heat loss to various blanket locations so as to achieve substantially uniform patient body temperature exposure.

Abstract: A portable personal cooling apparatus comprising: an exterior surface of fibrous material having a fluid holding capacity sufficient to allow continuous evaporation of a fluid; an interior surface of waterproof material adapted to avoid wetting of the object to be cooled from the fluid on the exterior surface; a fluid container on one of said surfaces for distributing the fluid to the fibrous material; a fluid collector on one of said surfaces for collecting the accumulated unevaporated fluid; at least one fluid return line for moving fluid in the fluid collector to the fluid container; and at least one of said return lines further including means for preventing fluid from flowing back from the fluid container to the fluid collector.

Abstract: A system for providing intermittent cooling for personnel wearing protective garments and working in a hot contaminated environment is described which comprises a large flow capacity air control plenum operatively connected to an air conditioner of prescribed capacity and to suitable filters and blower for supplying about 20 cfm per person of air at a pressure of about 11 inches of water, wherein at least 80% of the system throughput is recirculated in providing the desired flow.

Abstract: A rollable heat exchanger includes parallel fluid-carrying passageways which are connected with each other by elastic webs. Attached to the passageways-near side of the webs is a filler material which flatly covers the passageways and is of flexible, elastic composition so as to allow coiling of the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat exchanger can be used for a wide range of applications, in particular for covering a surface and/or bridging hollow spaces, especially sporting surfaces and recreational surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides increased surface contact area for circuit board heat removal, without exposing the circuit board components to the coolant fluid. This is accomplished by compressing a heat conductive flexible membrane between adjacent circuit boards. The flexible membrane contains coolant fluid which is pumped into and out of the flexible membrane. The membrane isolates the circuit board components from the coolant fluid and is flexible enough so that it conforms to the surface of individual circuit boards. A plurality of coolant membranes are sandwiched between adjacent circuit boards and housed such that the combination of fluid pressure and circuit board to circuit board spacing maintain the conformity of the membrane to the circuit board surface. Individual circuit boards within the housing are electrically connected with edge connectors on all four sides and are separately removable from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating parenteral fluids for intravenous delivery to a patient. The apparatus includes a disposable cassette which in one presently preferred embodiment is made up of a unitary member which is divided to form a serpentine flow path by a plurality of path separators. Thin, flexible metallic foil membranes are sealingly joined to the unitary member on the upper and bottom surfaces thereof to form an enclosed, fluid-tight serpentine flow path between the plurality of path separators. The entire periphery of the unitary member and the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes are sealingly held by a framework. The disposable cassette slides between first and second heating blocks which contact the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes so as to provide heat transfer to fluid flowing in the serpentine flow path.

Abstract: A wrapper which has a phase-change material therein is wrapped around the outer circumference of a tank used to store saturated condensed used refrigerant evacuated from a refrigeration system. The phase-change material acts as a heat exchange medium by changing between solid and liquid phases at its melting/freezing temperature selected from a particular temperature range and thus served to provide a large thermal driving force so as to cool the tank. The selected material is normally one that can be brought into its solid phase merely by contact with ice and/or remain in its solid phase for long periods without itself being refrigerated.

Abstract: An improved electrically controlled thermotropic liquid-crystal heat valve to control the flow of heat between two bodies of different temperatures by interposing therebetween a fluid layer of liquid-crystal material having a nematic temperature range that includes the temperature of both bodies. This type of heat valve has particular application to any free-swimming divers' diving garments, to provide some thermal protection against the cold ambient water. The heat valve uses stable liquid-crystal materials encapsulated in a sealed environment, with the valves' electrodes being shielded and not in direct electrical contact with the liquid-crystal material. This arrangement essentially completely eliminates the electrochemical effects which can otherwise degrade the liquid-crystal materials, so that the liquid crystal may function for a very long time.

Abstract: Semi-rigid heat transfer devices are provided for heating or cooling components, such as electrical components, wherein the heat transfer devices are sufficiently flexible to conform to the shapes of the components, but are sufficiently rigid to maintain its overall structual shape. Moreover, the heat transfer devices include at least a frame or support portion thereof and a layer of flexible film. The frame and film layer are advantageously heat sealable according to one aspect of the present invention. The degree of flexibility for a particular heat transfer device can be designed in accordance with the specific requirements of particular applications.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cooling system that can be worn and travel with the person using the cooling system. Flexible inter-communicating containers (such as coils), are adapted to fit body contour and function as heat removers. The containers are incorporated into clothing, or applied directly to the body. Water under a vacuum in the containers boils at low temperature and removes body heat. Vapor generated by the boiling water re-condenses into water in a communicating portable cold container, which is cooled by portable ice packs, or by endothermic chemical reactants. The degree of cooling can be controlled by regulation of the degree of the communication between the the heat remover containers and the cold condenser container. The re-condensed water returns spontaneously to the heat remover containers by force of gravity. The cooling device can be incorporated into any object which forms a direct or an indirect contact with a person using the device, such as medical casts, and cold compresses.

Abstract: The fluid processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet; a fluid processing tubular means received in the housing; partitions securing the opposed ends of the fluid processing tubular means to the housing in a fluid tight seal to partition the housing interior into a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet and a second fluid chamber defined in the fluid processing tubular means; a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber; and projections formed on an inner surface of one end portion of the housing so as to project toward the nearer end opening of the housing, said partition of the one end portion side of said housing being secured to the one end portion of the housing so that the projections are positioned within the partition.

Abstract: A thermosyphon for removing heat from a permafrost foundation is composed of a sealed container containing an easily vaporizable liquid. The container has a condenser part, which is exposed to temperatures below the condensation temperature of the liquid, and an evaporator part in which the liquid is intended to boil. The evaporator part is of double-tube structure with a supply tube and a return tube connected to each other at a point distal from the condenser part. The return tube has a riser with an opening at one end which is inside the supply tube and has a much smaller cross-sectional area than the supply tube around it. The tubes may have both rising and falling sections but the opening of the riser is sufficiently higher than these sections of the tubes such that the hydrostatic pressure causes the liquid in the evaporator part to flow from the supply tube into the return tube as the liquid forms bubbles in the evaporator part and overflows from the riser opening.

Abstract: A control circuit for a fluid-filled heating pad is described. The control circuit is unique in that it includes a thermistor that is located in close proximity to the heating pad. The circuit is also unique in that it includes a single high-precision reference resistor to self-calibrate the control circuitry.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for topically heating or cooling an animal or human body, and more particularly concerns a modular system in which a heating or cooling liquid is circulated in a hermetically sealed flow path between a heating or cooling device and a heating or cooling pad. In a preferred embodiment, the flow path includes a cassette which is reversibly engageable with a pump and a heating or cooling unit located in a housing.

Abstract: A heat pipe cooling plate in which one or more heat pipes sandwiched between cover plates is an expandable heat pipe made with thin flexible walls forming the heat pipe casing. One advantage of such an expandable heat pipe within the cooling plate structure is that the heat pipe need not be bonded to the outer casing. Instead, the heat pipe balloons out when the vapor pressure increases upon heating, and the flexible heat pipe casing moves into intimate contact with the boundary surfaces of the cooling plate.

Abstract: A blanket includes a cavity therewithin defined between spaced layers of the blanket directing a fluid conduit therethrough. The fluid conduit is in cooperative and fluid communication with a control housing to include cooling and heating structure in association with a pump to direct cooled or heating fluid through the conduit within the blanket cavity. A modification of the invention includes a secondary reservoir to include fluid at ambient air temperature to stabilize a blanket temperature as an alternative to creating a temperature gradient relative to the ambient temperature environment of the blanket.