Abstract: The present invention provides an air supply mattress control system for the release of air at a controlled pressure and temperature to a user. A mattress or support member is supplied with pressurized air and has a plurality of force activated nozzle valve assemblies positioned across the upper surface of the mattress. When the upper surface of the valves are forced downward, the valves can release air from a manifold within the mattress. The air can be conditioned and pressurized by a pump and an air conditioning unit. Operation controls can be conveniently positioned adjacent a bed frame for setting the operation conditions of the air mattress.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: An improved structure of a ventilated mattress with cooling and warming effect is disclosed. The structure comprises a mattress body, a warming/cooling air-delivery controlling box, and a connecting tube. The control box produces warming/cooling air to the mattress body via the connecting tube and the warming/cooling air is released via a plurality of ventilation buttons mounted at the surface of the mattress body. Thereby, the mattress provides the user with a warming/cooling effect.

Abstract: A pet air bed that includes a plastic housing having a base portion and an elevated pet support portion hingedly connected to the base portion and having a number of air flow holes provided through pet support and/or pet adjacent surfaces thereof; a fan assembly being connected to the plastic housing in a manner such that air flow from the exterior of the plastic housing is generated into a cavity within the plastic housing in a manner to cause air to flow out through the air flow holes in the elevated pet support portion; the cavity formed within the plastic housing is provided for positioning cooling or heating elements such that the pet may have a temperature controlled pet bed; a forward section of the plastic housing including clips for holding a name tag or other pet identifying type of plate.

Abstract: A warm-air blower comprised of two air outlets and an air intake which is provided on either the left-hand side or right-hand side of an air blower unit. The air taken into the interior of the air blower unit through the intake flows through the interior of the air blower unit by a fan which is provided at a location relatively far away from the air intake. The fan blows the air through a heater chamber and further blows the heated air out of the blower unit through the air outlets that are arranged one above the other to an air-controlled bedding. One or both of the air outlets are equipped with a shutter.

Abstract: An improved structure of a ventilated mattress with cooling and warming effect is disclosed. The structure comprises a mattress body, a warming/cooling air-delivery controlling box, and a connecting tube. The control box produces warming/cooling air to the mattress body via the connecting tube and the warming/cooling air is released via a plurality of ventilation buttons mounted at the surface of the mattress body. Thereby, the mattress provides the user with a warming/cooling effect.

Abstract: A bed comprises a support arrangement (1) adapted to provide upper support surfaces for and carry a person lying in the bed through an upper limitation thereof. A suction device is arranged to generate an air flow from the contact surfaces between a person lying in the bed, through the interior of the support arrangement and out thereof for obtaining a ventilation of the bed space under the person and suction of air away from the bed space through the suction device when a person rests in the bed.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal pad is adapted for use under a patient. The pad has a surface on a layer that receives the patient and that provides for the passage of air through the layer and the surface toward the patient. One or more drain openings or channels are provided in the layer for draining fluid from the layer.

Abstract: A cooling cover apparatus including a top sheet, a bottom sheet secured to the top sheet, a plurality of tubular members positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, a flexible hose interconnected to the plurality of tubular members, and a cooling air generator connected to the flexible hose so as to pass cooling air through the flexible hose and into the plurality of tubular members. A diverter is connected to the flexible hose so as to cause cooling air to selectively enter at least one of the plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members has opening formed therein so as to cause cooling air to pass downwardly through said bottom sheet.

Abstract: A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep surface.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprises a cover that encloses an air cell mattress and a plurality of air channel mats. The cover has a top portion that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable. The air cell mattress has a plurality of apertures between the air cells. The plurality of air channel mats have a base and are positioned beneath the air cell mattress and within pockets located in the interior of the cover on a bottom portion of the cover. The air channel mats have a plurality of projections extending upwardly from the base that support the air cell mattress in a spaced relation from the air channel mat base. The air channel mats communicate with an air pump that is selectively controlled by a controller to selectively supply a flow of air to any of the air channel mats.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: The present invention teaches mechanisms and methods of adapting a low air loss inflatable mattress to be mounted within a conventional hospital bed frame, in such a manner so that the power/control module is both mounted in the cavity on the underside of the foot end modified baseboard of the bed, and readily accessible to a caregiver of the user of the bed as modified. The modification process involves substituting a foot end baseboard, to which the power/control module has been attached, for the foot end baseboard supplied with the bed, and bed frame, as manufactured. A variety of existing control modules and blower systems can be modified to operate in this manner.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: A moisture drying mattress comprised of at least one cushion that has opposite top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of apertures that extend through the cushion from the bottom surface to the top surface. An air channel mat is positioned below the cushion. The air channel mat is adapted and dimensioned to fit beneath the cushion and support the cushion bottom surface in a spaced relation above a bottom base of the mat to thereby form an air flow space between the cushion and mat through which air can flow. A vapor permeable, liquid impermeable cover encases the air channel mat and the cushion defining a vapor evaporation area under the cover. The air channel mat defines a moisture drying zone within the vapor evaporation area. An air pump is provided for selectively supplying a flow of air to the air channel mat. A controller is provided to control the flow of air to the air channel mat to evaporate the vapor in the vapor evaporation area.

Abstract: A cooling cover apparatus including a top sheet, a bottom sheet secured to the top sheet, a plurality of tubular members positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, a flexible hose interconnected to the plurality of tubular members, and a cooling air generator connected to the flexible hose so as to pass cooling air through the flexible hose and into the plurality of tubular members. A diverter is connected to the flexible hose so as to cause cooling air to selectively enter at least one of the plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members has opening formed therein so as to cause cooling air to pass downwardly through said bottom sheet.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of a person's sleeping environment. The device comprises a means of drawing a vacuum through an intake hose or pad. The intake hose or pad is positioned under the bed covers. Air is drawn from under the bed covers and expelled into the ambient space of the room. A thermostat or thermister monitors the temperature of the sleeping environment and adjusts the speed of the vacuum means based upon said temperature.

Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-conforming sleeves reduce a person§s temperature by evaporative and/or conductive cooling. An open cell foam pad defines an internal air flow passages proceeding according to serpentine or other desired routing. The pad is wetted, and a blower circulates air through the air flow passage and evaporatively cools the pad by removing warm water vapor. By contacting the cooled structure, the person is conductively cooled. The pad also employs evaporative cooling if water is permitted to seep from the foam pad onto the person§s skin and subsequently evaporate. Another cooling device is a multi-layer evaporative cooling mattress. The mattress comprises an open cell foam structure having a person-receiving side and a base side. At the person-receiving side lies an absorbent layer with internal liquid delivery lines, and optionally having an outer film applied thereto.

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

Abstract: An air-flow containment and distribution assembly (10) consisting of a bed sheet (24) or an agricultural parcel cover (22), an air duct (38) and an electric fan (14) that preferably includes a speed control (18) and a heating element (20). The cover (22,24) includes at least one air-duct opening (36) located near an edge of the cover (22,24), and the air duct (38) includes a closed front section (48) and an open rear end (50). The duct's front section (48) has a bulbous shape (58) and a rectangular opening (52) dimensioned to be attached to the air-duct opening (36) and the rear end (50) forms a shroud (56) that attaches to the fan (14). When the bed sheet (24) is placed over a bed mattress (100), the air (12) from the fan (14) flows through the air duct (38) and under the sheet (24) to maintain a person or persons under the bed sheet at a selectable air flow and temperature. Likewise, the air flowing under the agricultural parcel cover (22) safeguards the produce from damaging adverse weather.

Abstract: A device designed to interconnect with an inflatable thermia blanket. The device conveys a medium into the blanket, which applies an internal pressure to the device, and has at least two temperature settings for controlling the temperature of the medium and a pressure sensing apparatus. The pressure sensing apparatus measures the internal pressure. And when the measurement exceeds a predetermined level of internal pressure then any one of the at least two temperature settings is useable. Otherwise, when the measurement does not exceed the predetermined level of internal pressure, the device will either convey the medium at a predetermined temperature setting, which can include shutting the device down.

Abstract: A ventilating bed cushion includes a frame, a ventilating device, an air supplying device, an upper layer of air-permeable fabric and a lower layer of waterproof fabric. The ventilating device has a polished upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is formed with multiple vents. The ventilating device is formed with an inner air guide way for supplying a predetermined amount of air. Therefore, a specific portion of a patient's body lying on the bed cushion can be forcedly ventilated so as to avoid decubitus. In addition, the ventilating bed cushion is widely applicable and can be easily operated. In addition, it has a massaging effect and a low-cost simple structure.

Abstract: Airflow through a piece of furniture, such as a ventilated mattress of an infant sleep system, is conditioned. When applied to an infant sleep mattress, the conditioning improves the infant's sleep environment to promote the infant's health and/or enhance sleep. The conditioning can include the distribution of beneficial gases, vapor, heat, or other conditioning elements into the airflow. The conditioning can also include filtration of the airflow.

Abstract: A method for quantifying airflow, in the form of a measured airflow rate, through a porous surface. The method is particularly useful for ventilated sleep surfaces used to prevent SIDS. Provided that one knows the correlation between air flow rate and CO2 washout times, the resulting measured airflow rate provides an indication of whether a ventilated sleep surface is providing sufficient airflow to effectively dissipate the CO2. One can determine the minimum measured airflow rate that is effective to provide a minimum adequate level of CO2 dispersal. Thus, a ventilated sleep surface system that produces an air flow sufficient to result in the minimum airflow rate, as measured by a suitable airflow meter, can effectively dissipate CO2 and reduce the risk of SIDS.

Abstract: An inflatable thermal blanket for thermal blanket and bathing a patient in a thermally-controlled inflating medium includes an inflatable thermal blanket with selectively activated ties to secure the thermal blanket to itself or hospital equipment. The inflatable thermal blanket has an outer edge and one or more substantially flat flexible flaps along the outer edge. Selected portions of the flaps include boundaries, such as perforations, defining corresponding ties. Selected ones of the ties are activated by detaching them along their respective boundaries. Then, the ties are attached to hospital equipment, or opposing ties may be attached to each other.

Abstract: One or more portions of an inflatable thermal blanket that is sized sufficiently to fully cover a patient are gathered and maintained in a non-inflated condition by a closure such that a thermally-controlled inflating medium admitted into the blanket is prevented from being admitted into the gathered portion(s), thereby leaving a primary part of the patient covered and exposing a part of the patient for medical attention. Thereafter the closure can be released to permit the inflating medium to be admitted into the gathered portion such that the gathered portion self-erects and assumes an inflated condition. The released thermal blanket covers the entire patient and bathes the patient in the inflating medium. The closure can be provided as an elongated tape strip with a central perforation that can be separated.

Abstract: A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper body blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an integrally formed head cover and integrally formed tie straps. By providing a blanket with a head cover, heat loss from the head area of the patient can be significantly reduced.

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: Temperature of an airflow for an inflatable thermal blanket is measured near where the temperature is delivered to the blanket through an air hose by a device that simulates the frictional airflow resistance of the blanket The device is receivable on that end of an air hose that connects to an inflatable thermal blanket. The device includes an airflow resistor having defined airflow resistance, and also includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature at a point between the end of the air hose to which the device is connected and the airflow resistance.

Abstract: An infant container which may be in the form of a crib mattress and crib bumper assembly having means defining one or more gas flow channels which permit any concentration of heavy gases to drain by gravity from the upper surface of the crib mattress and be replaced by the environmental air of the room in which the crib is located. The gas flow channels may be defined by the crib mattress, the crib bumper or the structure of the infant container or may be defined by a structural element that elevates a conventional crib bumper above the upper surface of a conventional crib mattress and which defines at least one and preferably a multiplicity of gas drain channels. The heavy gases may be dissipated from the infant container by gravity induced gas flow.

Abstract: A cushion (10, 12) has a plenum (16) which includes a plurality of flexible plastic woven tubes (34) held within a pair of similarly woven sheathes (38,40). The plenum has its sides and bottom covered by an air impermeable (14) layer with the top covered by an air permeable layer (20). A low to medium density foam pad (19) is located between the plenum (16) and the top layer (20). Conditioned air is provided to the cushions (10,12) from a Stirling cycle heat pump (44).

Abstract: A mattress assembly, comprising: substantially nonporous bottom and side walls forming a mattress foundation; a mattress inner core disposed in the mattress foundation being permeable to air; nonporous top cover covering the mattress inner core, the nonporous top cover having apertures at predetermined locations to allow the flow of air therethrough; and a fan disposed with the mattress assembly for forcing air into the mattress inner core whereby the air is forced out the top cover so as to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in bedding on the top cover of the mattress.

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: An inflatable mattress having multiple compartments which may be selectively inflated and deflated to produce variable contact of the mattress with the occupant's body. Some of the compartments may be active, and others inactive, with the active compartments of the mattress controlled by automatic controls to cyclically inflate and deflate the compartments. The device may be operated manually to allow the operator to deflate the necessary compartments for placement of a bedpan, or other access to the occupant. Multiple foam rubber wedges are inserted into deflated compartments, then inflated to turn the occupant on his or her side. Various embodiments are inflated by air, nitrogen or water. A water-to-air heat pump, or an air-to-air heat pump may be used to control the temperature.

Abstract: An air-conditioned bed hood for a baby, which is connected with an air cleaner having a heater and a humidifier for inputting clean air of constant temperature and moisture, and has the function of air-pressure sealing to provide the lying baby with a comfortable environment and avoid diseases caused by smoke, dust, pollen, etc. Moreover, when the connected power is shut down accidentally, the air-pressure seal of the bed hood will be released automatically so that the lying baby will not be asphyxiated due to lack of fresh air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes openings through which a patient's toes or feet may protrude, the openings being located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with such openings, comfort for the patient can be increased and slippage of the blanket can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing asphyxiation of an infant due to breathing of exhaled carbon dioxide. A mattress with optional mattress pad provides an even air flow that removes exhaled carbon dioxide that accumulates at or near the surface of the mattress or mattress pad. The infant may be located anywhere on the surface of the mattress or mattress pad as the even air flow disperses carbon dioxide across the entire surface. In a preferred embodiment, the even air flow is accomplished by forcing air into a cavity, or plenum chamber, in the body of the mattress which air distributes equally to air flow holes on the top surfaces of the mattress and mattress pad. Optional temperature regulating or medicine dispensing devices respectively heat or cool the air flow, or introduce medicine into the air flow. In another embodiment, the mattress is itself a mattress pad. That is, the mattress pad provides an even air flow as described and may be placed on the sleeping surface of a conventional mattress.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a patient moisture control support surface coverlet to draw moisture from a patient reposed thereon, the coverlet including: an outer layer of an air-tight, water-vapor-permeable material; an inner layer of an air- and vapor-impermeable material underlying the outer layer and sealed to the lower surface of the outer layer to define therebetween a volume to underlie a substantial portion of the patient; apparatus to introduce a flow of air to at least a portion of the volume; and apparatus to permit the flow of air to exit at least a portion of the volume.

Abstract: Temperature of an airflow for an inflatable thermal blanket is measured near where the temperature is delivered to the blanket through an air hose by a device that simulates the frictional airflow resistance of the blanket. The device is receivable on that end of an air hose that connects to an inflatable thermal blanket. The device includes an airflow resistor having defined airflow resistance, and also includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature at a point between the end of the air hose to which the device is connected and the airflow resistance.

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 new Hypothermic Envelope and Apparatus for Providing Cooled Air Thereto for the emergency medical treatment of accident and other trauma victims whereby the victim's body temperature is lowered to induce a state of controlled hypothermia in order to slow the victim's body metabolism and thereby decrease the adverse effects of the victim's injuries. The inventive device includes coextensive top and bottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being sealingly connectable at their peripheries and forming an envelope therebetween and a microcontroller operably connected to a fan motor for producing a burst of cool air by means of passing air over a refrigerant's cooling coil and thereby providing a controlled amount of cool air to the envelope.

Abstract: A small container such as a syringe or vial of fluid is inserted into a flow of temperature-conditioned gas to warm the fluid. The gas may be used, for example, to inflate a thermal care apparatus that exhausts the gas through a plurality of exhaust ports about a patient to envelop the patient in a warm bath. In one embodiment, the container is inserted into an inflatable chamber of the apparatus, and sealably held in place by a resilient aperture structure. In another embodiment, the container is inserted into through the aperture structure into a fluid supply hose that brings temperature-conditioned gas to the apparatus from a source. The aperture structure may comprise, for example, a selected pattern of perforations defined in the chamber or hose, or a layering of resilient material affixed to the chamber or hose with a suitably shaped aperture for receiving the container.

Abstract: A mattress wherein at least one fabric strip bridges a foam crib for an inflatable cushion to provide lateral stability thereto such as when the mattress is tilted for turning a patient over or otherwise. The fabric strip position is selected so as not to interfere with pressure relief to a portion of the patient's body where pressure ulcers frequently occur. In order to accurately and quickly monitor the tilt of a mattress, transmitting and receiving coils are provided on opposite sides of an assembly of lifting bladders for the side of the mattress being lifted, and the signal strength is measured when a signal is transmitted therebetween, and the angle of tilt is determined therefrom. In order to reduce exposure of lines leading to an inflatable mattress, a notch is provided in a crib for receiving a pump for pressurizing a cushion within the crib so that the pump is positioned to face exteriorly of the crib to allow heat dissipation.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of preventing hypothermia utilizing to an upper body blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an integrally formed head cover and integrally formed tie straps. By providing a blanket with a head cover, heat loss from the head area of the patient can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space for the infant. Reticulated foam is made into a pad or a mattress and may be covered with a fitted open weave fabric covering. An embedded air tube is interconnected with an air pump which circulates fresh, i.e., oxygenated, air in the breathing space. The air pump may be inside or outside the mattress. The forced air circulation flushes any exhaled carbon dioxide from the breathing space, even when the infant is face down or otherwise in a prone position on the mattress, to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. The air circulation flow rate is limited to prevent infant cooling. A pad bladder for similar function may be provided having a layer of reticulated foam sandwiched between upper and lower air impervious sheets and dispersing air introduced therebetween. The upper sheet has a pattern of air holes for release of the dispersed air.

Abstract: Ergonomic support members formed of and contoured to a corrected spinal curvature of an individual. The matrix provides the rigid support necessary for correction of the spinal curvature by gradual realignment with continued use of the support members, and may have channels for optional forced air flow, for heating and cooling and comfort of the individual during sleep or rest. Each support member is closely contoured to have a concave cross-section dimensioned according to the serial cross sections of a respective body section (e.g. head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs) while laying supine. The resulting contour of the support member thus provides the necessary convexity to evenly distribute body weight along the entire longitudinal axis of the spine and thereby provide corrective support for the spinal curvature. In the transverse plane, the contour forms a snug concavity wrapping up the sides of an individual.

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: 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.