Abstract: A multi-layered heating device including a first container having a top layer and a bottom layer. A second container, containing heat retaining fluid, is positioned inside the first container and adjacent to the top layer thereof. Adjacent to the second container is an electrical heating element, and a layer of padding material is positioned between the electrical heating element and the bottom layer of the first container. A preferred embodiment of the heating device includes at least one thermostat, with the second container having a first layer and a second layer wherein at least one portion of each of the layers are secured together to form at least one depression which is devoid of the heat retaining fluid and which coincides with the at least one thermostat.

Abstract: An air diffuser system for a medical thermal blanket wherein air forced over an elongated heat exchanger is substantially uniformly distributed over the heat exchanger and a thermal sensor located downstream over the heat exchanger to eliminate localized hot and cold "spots" and permit accurate temperature measurement of the air and provide an effective exchange of heat between flowing air and the heat exchanger, the apparatus of invention is characterized by its concise configuration and dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the friction between a slide such as a ski and a responsive material such as snow by heating or cooling a portion of the material to change the material's coefficient of friction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slide, a power source, and a thermal means which uses power from the power source to heat or cool the material the slide glides over. Electrical and chemical power sources are described. In one presently preferred embodiment, the slide is a ski, the power source includes electric batteries, and the thermal means includes heating elements embedded in the ski. The amount and location of heat produced may be controlled manually, remotely, or automatically. The batteries may be enclosed in the ski or attached to the skier's back. Other presently preferred embodiments include heated ice skate blades, snowmobile runners, and sled runners. Thermal means which heat the snow directly rather than heating the slide first are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hypothermic therapy heater blower control system for use with patient warming blankets flowing warm air over the patient wherein the control system includes a data display indicating the temperature of the supplied air and the circuitry includes audible and visual alarms to indicate overheating or failure modes. The circuitry includes dual safety heater shut-off circuits and also includes a self-testing cycle which tests all of the major safety features and shut-offs, and in the test mode the circuitry simulates an over temperature condition.

Abstract: An electric heating pad is provided with an anisotropic stiffening member that provides considerable rigidity in a first direction and considerable flexibility in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The stiffening member is provided with many elongate parallel corrugations, ridges or channels to provide unidirectional stiffness in the direction of the long axis of the channels. When the heating pad is used in a vertical position with the channels running vertically, the pad is prevented from collapsing or folding over on itself by the stiffening member while it is flexible in the horizontal direction to conform to a body part. This feature is especially useful for heating an aching back while sitting upright. The pad is also useful for wrapping around a limb and is provided with a strap for that purpose.

Abstract: The heating system for an operating table comprises a multi-layer heating pad (2) having at least one heating segment (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is adapted for being electrically heated and which is pervious to X-rays. A control and regulating unit (3) serving to control or regulate the heating current necessary for achieving an adjustable temperature of the heating pad (2) is connected to the heating pad (2). The heating pad (2) is equiped with a heating conductor (16) comprising a resistor (18) having a specific electric resistance and being wound in helical form about a carrier (17) made from an electrically non-conductive material which, regarding its mechanical properties, is rubber-elastic in the temperature range of between T=10.degree. celsius to T=200.degree. celsius. The different layers of the heating pad (2) are intimately bonded to form a composite material.

Abstract: A far infrared radiator apparatus which includes a metal wire heating element integrally formed with a radiating device composed of an elastomeric material admixed with a ceramic powder having far infrared radiating properties. The apparatus can be composed of wire fixed to a fabric and coated with the elastomeric material, a heating element coated with far IR radiating elastomeric material to form an integrated body, or wire woven with thread formed of ceramic impregnated material to form a fabric sheet. A radiator apparatus so formed can be made flexible enough to be formed into garments, or various shapes, to heat areas or portions of the body not readily accessible to other heating means.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad includes a flexible member including a flat and substantially rectangular central portion defining ends spaced in the direction of elongation of the central portion and sides spaced in a direction transverse to the direction of elongation. A substantially semi-circular cut-out is provided in the central portion, the cut-out extending from an intermediate portion of one of the sides towards the other of the sides. A flat substantially rectangular extending portion projects from one side adjacent each of the ends in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of elongation of the central portion. Straps or other such means are provided for selectively connecting the opposite ends while a heating or cooling element may be positioned within the pad.

Abstract: An electrically heated portable seat for automobiles includes a flexible and liquid-impervious container having spaced top and bottom surfaces, a sponge-like material bonded to the inner surface of the container, a liquid absorbed in the sponge-like material, and an electrical heating element for heating the liquid inside of the container. The seat is plugged into a wall outlet in a house just before its use. After the seat is warmed up, it is carried to a car and placed on the car seat.

Abstract: An inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot includes a foot warmer mechanism having an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air circulation system also augments heat transfer within the boot. The foot warmer mechanism is mounted entirely on an insert for the outer boot or shoe, and includes an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical transducer to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator.

Abstract: A heating system (10) adapted to be worn by an individual (50) is provided. The heating system (10) includes at least one belt member (20) containing a heating strip (30) therein. Heating strip (30) is formed by a pair of heating elements (32) and (34) in substantially parallel relation throughout the length of belt member (20). Belt member (20) is maintained in substantially contiguous contact with a substantial longitudinal portion of the user's body (50) by a plurality of strap members (40), (42), (44), and (46). Strap members (40), (42), and (44) are provided with a Velcro hook and loop type fastening system having a latch element (92) and a hook element (94).

Abstract: A ski-boot heater has a heating resistor and a battery mounted in the boot and a socket is provided in the boot for connecting the resistor and the battery to an external voltage source. A control circuit enables the battery to be recharged with direct current when the socket is connected to an external AC or DC supply and when the battery is being recharged enables the resistor to be supplied with electrical power greater than that normally supplied to the resistor by the battery.

Abstract: An electrically heated jacket is provided that includes a garment with a pair of attachable gloves and hood mask all connectable to a heating element supplied by a portable power source worn on the jacket to emit heat to torso, arms, hands and head of wearer of the jacket. The garment contains thermally insulating material to sustain body heat.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad having a laminate structure which concentrates the flow of heat in one direction through the laminate including a flannel lamina in contact with a body member being treated to produce a moist hot heat to foment the body member. The laminate structure is adaptable to be held in a tubular configuration to form a muff for fomentation of a body member inserted therein.

Abstract: An electrically heated insert for boots and the like that can be fitted into any size footwear to provide long-term warmth to the feet. The insert is of a multiple layer configuration having a heating element within that is connected to an external battery.

Abstract: An electrical heating element intended to be incorporated in an inner lining of an item of clothing or accessory intended to be placed against a part of the human body, in which the heating element is formed by a ductile metal wire coated with an insulating lacquer, for example a commercially available insulated copper wire, fixed over its entire length to at least one metal sheet, preferably a sheet of aluminium having an adhesive side to which the wire is adhered. The wire can be disposed in meanders. It may be covered by an insulating sheet, and the metal sheet may have cut-outs therein.

Abstract: A girdle for use in preventing the discomfort of cramps due to a menstrual period. The girdle has a cotton cloth panty of a type having a front portion, a rear portion and interconnecting side portions. The panty has a continuous elastic material around the top thereof and has a battery holding compartment attached to the top to a central front portion thereof. An electrical resistance heating structure is attached to the outside of the cotton panty front portion and extends from the crotch portion thereof an upwardly and outwardly in a V-shaped configuration to where the battery holding compartment is attached to the elastic. An electric battery is removably disposed of the battery holding compartment.

Abstract: A massaging and heating pad combination for application to the body in which both massaging vibration intensity and temperature may be controlled, primarily intended for use in the relief of the pain and discomfort of cramps and muscle tension and other suffering attendant to the menstrual cycle.

Abstract: A low voltage battery operated heating bib containing a low voltage heater connected in circuit with a low voltage battery concealed in a neck scarf to which the bib is attached and made an integral part.

Abstract: A heat cap is provided for applying heat to hair on a user's head, primarily to a pile or row of hair along the top of the user's head. The heat cap is shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the user's head with the pile of hair thereon so as to apply heat evenly to the hair. The heating coil is disposed in the heat cap only in those areas where heat is desired for the hair and is absent in areas of the heat cap where it is undesirable to apply heat to the head. An adjustable flap on each side of the heat cap enables the size of the cap to be adjusted to fit different users. The adjustable flaps also tend to hold the cap outward away from the ear and lower sides of the head and can be easily opened to enable access to the user's ear while the heat cap is being worn. An electrical thermostat automatically brings the heat cap to an optimal temperature and maintains the temperature during the desired conditioning period.

Abstract: An edge seal for articles such as goggles and earphones comprises two layers of foam of a thermo-formable material between which there is located a heating body whose ends terminate in terminals for connection to a current source so as to heat the foam to its thermo-forming temperature while e.g. the goggles are held tightly on the head of a user by an elastic strap. This enables the seal to be moulded to the shape of the user's face.

Abstract: A heat cap is provided for applying heat to hair on a user's head, primarily to a pile or row of hair along the top of the user's head. The heat cap is shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the user's head with the pile of hair thereon so as to apply heat evenly to the hair. The heating coil is disposed in the heat cap only in those areas where heat is desired for the hair and is absent in areas of the heat cap where it is undesirable to apply heat to the head. An adjustable flap on each side of the heat cap enables the size of the cap to be adjusted to fit different users. The adjustable flaps also tend to hold the cap outward away from the ear and lower sides of the head and can be easily opened to enable access to the user's ear while the heat cap is being worn. An electrical thermostat automatically brings the heat cap to an optimal temperature and maintains the temperature during the desired conditioning period.

Abstract: This heating body is cut from a metal sheet (1) and defined by slots (2) obtained by punch stamping on a support (4) of plastics foam. The opposite edges of these slots (2) are spaced from one another by deformation of the portion of the conductor (7) adjacent to these slots, obtained by the bevelled shape of the portion of the cutter (3) defining the cutting edge and by the compressibility of the material forming the support (4). According to the method of manufacturing this heating body, its external profile and the slots (2) are obtained by a same single punching operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a warm environment within a cold environment, comprising a table having a surface member, heating means disposed beneath the surface member, an insulating layer disposed between the surface member and the heating means, and a skirt member secured to the surface member and depending therefrom, defining the warm environment, whereby persons sitting at the table are partially enveloped by the skirt and thereby kept comfortably warm, despite substantially cooler temperatures in the cold environment.

Abstract: A planar heat generator comprising a linear heat generator provided with an insulating cover, a pair of insulating intermediate layers provided on opposite sides of the heat generator and heat sealed to each other via the heat generator, and a pair of outer insulating sheets provided on the outer sides of the respective intermediate layer and heat sealed to each other via the intermediate layers, the intermediate layers and outer insulating sheets being made of the same material, the insulating cover of the linear heat generator being made of a material having a slightly higher thermal deformation temperature than the intermediate layers and outer insulating sheets and flattened in a state covering the heat generator through plastic deformation caused by application of pressure and heat at the time of the heat seal.

Abstract: A thermally controlled mattress construction including a mattress body designed to support a person lying on top thereof. A removable pillow top for the mattress body, removably fastened along the peripheral edges, incorporates a thermally controlled liner as an integral but removable part thereof. The liner is removably fastened to the bottom of the top surface by a fastener extending along the lower peripheral edge of the pillow top, and also the pillow top is removably fastened to the mattress body by a fastener extending along its peripheral edge. This arrangement provides for removal of the liner for repair of maintenance or other reasons. In one embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes an electrical heater, which can incorporate two separately controllable heaters, one for each half side of the mattress. In a second embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes therein an array of tubing, through which either heated or cooled fluid is pumped to selectively heat or cool the pillow top.

Abstract: The combination of a water bed structure comprising a horizontal platform, a water-filled flotation mattress with a bottom wall atop the platform and a retainer projecting upwardly from the platform and supporting the perimeter of the mattress, and a heater system maintaining the mattress at a set operating temperature including a resistance heater between the platform and said bottom wall and spaced inward from the retainer; temperature control means for the heater including a control unit at the exterior of the bed structure, a service cord between the unit and a power source, an elongate flexible electrical loom having inner and outer end portions and including an outer jacket, a pair of power lines coextensive therewith and a pair of current conductors coextensive with the inner portion thereof, a temperature sensing device within the central portion of the loom and connected between the conductors, the inner ends of the lines connect with the heater, the outer ends of the lines and conductors are connect

Abstract: A novel portable cushion for selectively heating and supporting portions of a persons back while sitting or while riding in a car is disclosed, for therapeutic purposes and for comfort.

Abstract: A method for applying therapeutic heat by a therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, a radiation reflective layer disposed against and covering the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic heating device is provided that may be readily worn and transported by a user. A flexible heating unit is attached to a body part and is capable of raising the skin temperature of that body part to about 102.degree.-108.degree. F. The flexible heating unit includes a plurality of distinct sets of electric resistance heating elements. The flexible heating unit is connected by a flexible tape to a battery pack which is mounted to the approximate center of gravity of the user's body. A switch is mounted on the battery pack, and provides for selection of which sets of electric resistance heating elements will be energized by a battery received by the battery pack, to thereby vary the amount of heat applied by the heating unit to a body part. The switch is mounted in a cutout formed in a casing defining the battery pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery powered thermal garment that is provided with a battery recharging circuit that is designed to recharge a battery package associated with said thermal garment approximately 30-40 times as fast as conventional recharging devices. In addition, the recharging circuit of the present invention is provided with a separate and direct power source for energizing the heating elements within said garment independently of said battery package. With respect to the recharging circuit, a transformer is provided for stepping down a AC voltage source and the transformer includes a dual tap, one for providing the independent power source to the garment and the other providing a recharging current. The recharging current is rectified and then directed through a silicon control rectifier to the battery package for recharging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and radiantly heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: An anabolic recovery unit for small animals having a rectangular frame with side walls, end walls and a top surface, the bottom edges of the walls being in a common plane forming a base on which the frame rests, a rectangular shelf supported within the frame below the top and having means of varying the spacing between the shelf and the lower surface of the frame top, and a electric heating element supported on the frame whereby the top of the frame is maintained at a selectable temperature beneficial to small animals lying on the frame top.

Abstract: The heating element includes a flexible graphite fiber-loaded impregnated paper saturated with a binder to ensure and maintain intimate electrical contact between the graphite fibers. In one form, two segments of the graphite fiber-loaded paper are coupled in series through a common bus bar and are electrically coupled to an SCR control circuit using a thermistor as a temperature responsive device. The graphite fiber-loaded paper with thermistor and electrical leads are encapsulated between cover sheets to provide an extremely thin highly flexible drapable therapeutic heating pad. Another form of heating pad includes providing the graphite fiber-loaded paper in the form of strips bonded to a plastic substrate. Electrical leads are attached and the substrate is enclosed by a cover sheet to provide a highly flexible heating pad. Two discrete methods of forming the latter heating pad are disclosed including silk screening and die pressing operations.

Abstract: A hand warmer, particularly for simple therapeutic treatment or pain alleviation for the hands of arthritics, the warmer having the general configuration of a muff accommodating both hands of the user, the muff having a heated core which can be gently or firmly grasped by the user, inside an outer envelope of soft cloth or fur-like material which retains the heat, the core also having a covering of soft thermal material over a safety sheath and heat-distributive padding to prevent accidental contact with wiring or hot spots in the core.

Abstract: A soft, resilient and flexible blanket type electric resistance heater comprising a sheath including top and bottom panels of thin, supple, flexible and elastic sheet material and substantially similar in plan configuration; an elongate, flexible electric resistance element having greater tensile strength than the sheath is loosely arranged in a slack serpentine pattern between and throughout the plane of the panels with adjacent portions in variable spaced relationship from each other; the edge portions of the panels are fixed together about their perimeters; the panels are fixed together at locations between and spaced from adjacent related portions of the element to maintain adjacent portions of the element in spaced relationship from each other; the air in the space between the panels is exhausted therefrom to reduce the presence of heat insulating dead air spaces between the panels and to permit the panels to establish substantially uniform heat conducting contact with the element; a power supply cord ha

Abstract: A portable heating device includes an envelope made by heat-sealing the edges of two flexible polymeric films, and a heat source within the envelope including, in one embodiment, a ribbon of conductive resistance heating element material folded into a generally sinuous, flat pattern within the envelope, and a nonconductive liquid such as silicone oil in the envelope and surrounding the heating element. In a second embodiment, the heat source is a semiconductor device. The envelope is carried by a strap or the like to hold the envelope next to a selected portion of the body for localized heating thereof. The heating element in the first embodiment is electrically connected to a power source such as batteries, and, in the second embodiment, the semiconductor device is connected to a control circuit which is connected to batteries.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, a radiation reflective layer disposed against and covering the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater.

Abstract: A heating system for dressings comprising a housing having a pair of opposed heating elements. The housing may be opened to place the dressings intermediate the heating elements, and may be closed in order to heat the dressings intermediate the elements.

Abstract: An electrically heatable article containing a layer of wax and adapted to conform to the shape of a body surface, when the wax is melted, for thereafter treating the body surface with the heat of fusion of the wax. In an article, such as a head treatment cap, the wax is contained in a layer of modules arranged near the scalp side of the cap, a resistance heating element is provided for initially heating the wax to its melting point, and insulation is provided for preventing heat loss through the outside of the cap.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating portions of the arms or legs of a human body with heat and moisture by means of a moisture-resistant heating pad retained in a cylindrical configuration by means of a fabric enclosure having means to receive the heating pad and retain it in its circular configuration in close proximity to the body member being treated. A suitable moisture source is provided in the form of a pad positioned in the enclosing material.

Abstract: A device for heating a breast prosthesis which comprises a base on which a liquid filled flexible bag is placed for supporting a breast prothesis. A hinged cover for the base that carries another liquid filled flexible bag on its in surface so that a closing of the cover will cause the under surface of the bag to contact with and conform to the irregular contour of the upper surface of the breast prosthesis. An electric heating element is submerged in the liquid in each bag and a switch and thermostat for the heating elements controls the degreee of heat applied to the breast prothesis.

Abstract: A heated mitten for use in conjunction with the application of a hand cream or the like including an inner liquid impervious mitten for placement in the hand of the user, an outer mitten having a heated chamber for accepting the inner mitten and the hand of the user therein, means for electrically heating the heated chamber, means for regulating the temperature at which the electrical heating means operates, and means for storing hand cream within said inner mitten prior to the use thereof.

Abstract: A heating pad which includes adjustable belt means to securely hold the pad in engagement with the back area of a person from the lower spine up to and including the shoulders and back of the neck areas, or which may be adjustably held in engagement with the front area of a person from the lower abdomen up to and including the chest and shoulder areas.

Abstract: A heat cap for reducing processing time of permanent waves for the hair includes a cap which fits over the head, and a thermostatically controlled electrical heating element inside the cap for applying a selected heat distribution pattern to thermally-activated permanent wave solutions applied to the hair. The heating element comprises an electrical resistance heating film, preferably a meander pattern of conductive metal foil supported by a flexible, high temperature-resistant, fibrous dielectric sheet, such as aramid paper. The conductor develops a selected heat distribution pattern to be developed within the cap which, in turn, produces a generally uniform rate of heat processing for the permanent wave. The cap opens and closes along a pair of splits in the temple regions of the cap.

Abstract: A sheet of material is adapted to be supported on a part of a human body in contact therewith and has adjusting devices for adjusting the size thereof to fit different sized people. Electric heating elements are embedded in the stretch support material. An energizing device releasably electrically connects the heating elements to a source of electrical energy for selectively heating the part of the body contacted by said sheet of material.

Abstract: A portable, foldable, and heatable cushion and raincoat apparatus has foldable carrying case with cushioning means attached thereinside and a raincoat having a portion attached thereinside so that it may be folded into a carrying case. The carrying case has a zippered enclosure and a handle for ease in carrying to spectator and sporting events to use as a cushion, and in inclement weather, to use as a raincoat or to keep warm. A heating element is attached inside the case to keep the user warm.

Abstract: An insulated glove construction having a strip of mesh-like insulation material extending over the front, back and tip portions of each of the fingers and of the thumb of the glove and positioned between outer and inner linings making up the glove body. Heating means may be provided to warm the tips of the front of the fingers and the tip of the front of the thumb of the glove. Battery means may be carried in the glove body to provide a source of energy for the heating means.

Abstract: A vest type garment has a lining consisting of an electrical heating element. A pair of sleeves has a similar lining. A pair of pants has a similar lining. A hat has a similar lining. An energy device supplies electrical energy to the electrical heating element of each of the vest type garment, the pair of sleeves, the pair of pants and the hat for energizing the electrical heating elements to provide heat.

Abstract: An improved heating device such as a heating pad comprising a fabric base and insulated resistance wire mounted in said pad, preferably in a backward and forward sinuous pattern, at least one thermostat connected in series with the resistance wire element at both ends by means of lead wires of a low resistance metal such as copper, each thermostat being positioned intimately with a span or straight portion forming part of a sinuous loop of resistance wire, a switch connected in series with the resistance wire, and a plurality of bars of a metal such as lead mounted in the pad. In an improved embodiment the insulation on the resistance wire is formed of a plastic material able to withstand the elevated temperatures attained by the resistance wire during operation.