Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture and methods for treating pain and increasing tissue healing and rehabilitation in patients suffering from injury and/or inflammation of the muscle and/or joints and/or skeletal system. The articles of manufacture include a source of topical heat and a set of instructions in association with the heat source. The set of instructions provides instructions for performing specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation. The methods include applying topical heat to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation in combination with specific therapeutic exercises designed to develop or restore strength, endurance, and/or function to the body or part of the body of a human or animal afflicted with injury and/or inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relating to an exothermic decomposition has, as essential components, a water absorptive polymer and/or tackifier, carbon component and/or metal chloride and features that the product is as a whole ink-like or cream-like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfer blankets which wrap the torso and/or legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum, knee, and/or head exposed and allow for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates.

Abstract: An apparatus to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: A system for the easing of medical conditions such as episiotomy sites and hemorrhoids by applying a temperature transferring element against the site to either apply cooling or heating to the affected area. The medical condition seat cushion system provides a cushion having a cavity within which a medical compress having a temperature transferring element is suspended. In addition, the medical compress includes an absorbent cover which may be saturated with witch hazel, lidocaine, or other disinfectant or pain relieving mixture.

Abstract: A thermal regulatory system to reduce swelling caused by trauma to a variety of tissues and limbs is provided. One or more substantially flexible, at least partially thermally conductive housing containing optionally activatable thermal regulatory medium may be coupled with one or more applicator, such as a splint, that is adapted to apply the medium housing to the tissue. Methods of therapeutically regulating tissue temperature are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical heating correcting waist pad is adhered to the waist of human body for foment and correction. The electrical heating correcting waist pad comprises a heat retaining pad having a surface adhering to the waist of a user, a heat transfer means arranged in the heat retaining pad; and a backing pad assembled to another surface of the heat retaining pad. A plurality of hard plates is installed in the backing pad. Two adjusting strips extend from two ends of the backing pad, and each of the adjusting strip is detachably attached with a sticky portion. Heat is transferred by the heat transfer means of the heat retaining pad, and heat retaining pad is fixed to a correct position on the waist of the user, and thus, an electrical heating correcting waist pad with foment and correction functions is formed, in which the tightness thereof can be adjusted according to the size of the waist.

Abstract: The use of xylite for use as a cooling means, wherein xylite is in a crystalline form having crystals only at a grain size from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.

Abstract: A device for applying therapeutic thermal energy to a human or animal includes a deformable and resilient first layer sealingly connected to a deformable and resilient second layer along a common perimeter, the first layer further sealingly connected to the second layer along a plurality of curvilinear paths within the perimeter, the paths defining a plurality of channels between the first layer and the second layer, the paths being configured to allow articulation between adjacent channels, each channel having at least one end defined by the common perimeter, the at least one end of each channel being directly adjacent at least one end of another channel and, each channel being at least partially filled with a medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling the brain of a patient includes a housing for engagement on a neck of the patient and one or more nozzles for receiving a coolant fluid from an external coolant source and providing a directed mist of the coolant. The nozzles are mounted within the housing and are aligned such that the mist of coolant is directed to the neck of the patient. The apparatus can include a brain temperature sensor operatively coupled to a controller to regulate the discharge of the mist of coolant to maintain a desired brain temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat the skin includes a template having a tissue interface surface and an energy delivery device coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to a power source and has a variable resistance portion. A sensor is coupled to one of the template, the energy delivery device, the tissue interface surface or a power source coupled to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: A portable, forced air apparatus for warming a hypothermia victim in the field includes a stretcher, strips of material extending across the stretcher for supporting the torso of the victim above the stretcher bottom, a canopy for covering the victim's torso, a blower operated heater in a compartment in the stretcher beneath the victim's legs for delivering hot air to the canopy in the area of the torso for warming the victim's body while the legs and arms are covered to prevent heat loss, a heated head and neck support for controlled warming of the victim's head and neck, and sleeves for covering the victim's arms and legs to prevent heat loss therefrom during torso warming. The heating system is complemented by warm IV infusion and warm oxygen delivery to the victim.

Abstract: A portable, forced air apparatus for warming a hypothermia victim in the field includes a stretcher, strips of material extending across the stretcher for supporting the torso of the victim above the stretcher bottom, a canopy for covering the victim's torso, a blower operated heater in a compartment in the stretcher beneath the victim's legs for delivering hot air to the canopy in the area of the torso for warming the victim's body while the legs and arms are covered to prevent heat loss, a heated head and neck support for controlled warming of the victim's head and neck, and sleeves for covering the victim's arms and legs to prevent heat loss therefrom during torso warming. The heating system is complemented by warm IV infusion and warm oxygen delivery to the victim.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater covering for treating tissue has a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the tissue area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the tissue. The covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of tissue geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the covering.

Abstract: An apparatus applies heat to tissue from a level that does not contact the tissue in order to elevate the temperature of the tissue being treated toward normothermia. The, apparatus has a ring that surrounds, but does not contact the tissue to be treated. This ring has a layer out of contact with the tissue to be treated at which a heater is located. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person so that the ring and the layer form a treatment volume which does not contact the tissue to be treated. The heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The heater may be an active heater, or an inactive, reflective heater. If active, the apparatus may include a programmable active heater controller. One form of an active heater is an electrical resistant filament which may have various geometric shapes in order to provide versatility in application of heat to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: Cooling pads, mattresses, and limb-comforming sleeves reduce a person's temperature by evaporative and/or conducting 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 postpartum brassiere for providing comfort to the breasts of a mother who does not breast feed. The postpartum brassiere includes a panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A fastening member removably fastens the outer surface adjacent to the first side edge to the inner surface adjacent to the second side edge. The panel comprises a cloth material. The panel has a first section abutting the first side edge, a second section abutting the second side edge and a middle section positioned between the first and second sections. Each of a pair of pockets is attached to the inner surface of the panel and positioned on the middle section. Each of a pair of gel packs is positionable in one of the pockets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfer blankets which wrap the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allow for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blankets of the present invention are also made up of panels, which may include foldable extensions to allow coverage of a wider range of body sizes, which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: A multi-layered composite comprising a protective layer, a retaining layer, a conductive layer and a filler layer intermediate the retainer and conductive layers. The filler layer is impregnated with liquid absorbent particles and/or fibers. An optional protective layer having specific characteristic for protection against extreme temperatures, physical impacts and the like is specifically disclosed for use in combination with the retainer, filler and conductive layers. The protective layer provides additional protection of the person from catastrophic events such as exposure of a person to fire and/or severe impact such as may be caused by gunfire.

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 that 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. When inflated, the thermal blanket self-erects and provides a bath of thermally-controlled inflating medium to the interior of the erected structure.

Abstract: An ice pack generally intended for single patient use includes an elongated bag member defined by opposite side panels. The bag member has a closed end and an open opposite end. The open end is used for introducing ice into the bag member by pulling the side panels apart at the open end. A portion of at least one of the side panels generally adjacent to the open end is expandable from a first width defined between sealed edges of the bag member to an increased width so as to provide a greater effective cross-sectional area to the opening in order to aid in filling the ice pack.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveniently and removably sealing inlet ports within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the present invention a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of resilient side extensions extending from a central body is used to close an inlet port within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the preferred invention, the generally circular portion of the central body has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet port. Preferably, for extensions extend from the central body each extension being generally circular. Each extension is preferably formed from the same material used to form the central body, and is sufficiently resilient to be easily flexed and to return to an essentially coplanar sheet when released.

Abstract: Flexible multijoint thermal therapy pads which are dimensioned and structured to promote effective thermal therapy by promoting increased flexibility, comfort, convenience and heat transfer when applied to a range of joints in the body. Pads according to the present invention feature distinct members each of which corresponds to and may be applied to conform to a limb or body part surrounding the knee, shoulder and other joints. The pads connect these members using at least one conduit that is not substantially centered on the kneecap or top of the shoulder when they are applied for thermal therapy on the knee or shoulder, respectively. The pads thus do not blindly adhere to traditional multijoint notions of symmetry, but instead opt for increased flexibility, prevention of undesired blockage or occlusion during joint flexure and restriction of range of motion.

Abstract: A thermal apparatus includes a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. At least one temperature sensor is mounted to the wrap to measure an actual temperature of the body surface, and at least one thermoelectric device is mounted to the wrap to selectively deliver heat to and remove heat from the body surface. The thermal apparatus further includes a control unit mountable to the wrap. The control unit receives the actual temperature of the body surface from the temperature sensor and communicates with the thermoelectric device to operate the thermoelectric device as one of a heater and a cooler, thereby achieving a desired temperature of the body surface.

Abstract: A no contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable wound heater may be used to treat the wound area.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A personal thermal garment has a shell and a thermal insert that overlay and cover a substantial portion of the back and the chest of a user. The shell has inner and outer layers that are interconnected to define a chamber between the layers, the chamber extending substantially throughout the shell and overlaying a substantial portion of the back and chest of the user. An access opening to access the chamber is provided in the shell. The thermal insert can be preheated to warm the user or can be precooled to cool the user. The thermal insert substantially conforms to the chamber and has a body portion with two leg portions that extend in the same general direction from the body portion. The insert body substantially overlays and covers the back of the user, with one of the two legs extending over one of the user's shoulders, and the other of the two legs extending over the other shoulder.

Abstract: A conformal therapy component of an animate body heat exchanger is described. The therapy component is designed for the foot and ankle of a wearer and includes both calf and vamp parts. A packet containing a thermally conductive gel is positioned at a gap between the vamp and calf parts to transfer the thermal energy state and the air pressure at the remainder of the component to the portion the wearer's foot under the gap. A pressure reactor sole also is provided to inhibit the pressure applied to the foot from tending to “flatten out” the foot.

Abstract: Methods and devices for manipulating the thermoregulatory status of a mammal are provided. In the subject methods, thermal energy is transferred between the environment and both of the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, thermal energy transfer between thoracic/abdominal core body and the environment occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices can be used to increase the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is introduced into the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and removed from the head of the mammal. The subject methods and devices can also be used to reduce the thoracic/abdominal core body temperature of a mammal, in which case thermal energy is removed from the thoracic/abdominal core body of the mammal and introduced into the head of the mammal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for extracting thermal energy from the core body of a mammal are provided. In practicing the subject methods, a portion of the mammal, e.g. a limb or portion thereof, is placed in a sealed enclosure to produce an enclosed portion of the mammal. A surface of the enclosed portion of the mammal is then contacted with a low temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to provide for the desired core body thermal energy extraction. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. providing relief from temperature sensitive disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, and the treatment of hyperthermia, among other treatments. The subject methods and devices are particularly suited for use in enhancing the physical ability of a mammal.

Abstract: By providing an integrated, easily employed holding or support member which is uniquely constructed for cooperating with a heat delivery patch or exothermic pad for optimizing the application of heat directly to a precisely desired location, a local, easily employed, convenient, consumer oriented treatment system for providing heat therapy for a wide variety of medical problems is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, a fully integrated treatment system is realized which possesses broad applicability for a wide range of medical conditions which can be treated or improved by heat penetration into the skin, subcutaneous tissues, joints, muscles, blood streams, etc. In addition, it has also been found that the delivery of drugs, penetration enhancing agents and/or cosmetics through the skin for the purpose of achieving a non-oral and/or non-parenteral, systemic, transdermal delivery is effectively enhanced by the presence of a controlled heat gradient.

Abstract: An absorbent pad has a cavity formed by a first flexible sheet of a liquid impermeable material and a second flexible sheet of a liquid permeable material. A sealable opening defined by at least one of the first sheet and second sheet. An interior sheet of a liquid absorbent material forms a gel upon contact with a liquid.

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 device and method for providing body cooling. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vena cavae that is then distributed throughout the body. The cooling can be assisted by use of thermoregulatory drugs or warming devices to prevent shivering and vasoconstriction.

Abstract: An far infrared ray irradiation apparatus having a human body mounting portion, an operable cover portion, and a plurality of infrared ray irradiation sources for achieving an improved performance in medical treatment. The infrared ray irradiation sources irradiate far infrared rays not containing near infrared rays of wavelength less than 4 &mgr;m, and each of the far infrared irradiation sources is provided at a position close to the portion of the human body to be irradiated so that a whole human body accommodated in a space formed by the human body mounting portion and the operable cover portion can be uniformly heated to a desired temperature without causing any low temperature burns in the human body.

Abstract: A device for cooling an infant's brain includes a cooling liner that may be sandwiched between an outer padded cap and an inner elastic liner. The device fits closely over the infant's skull and is cooled by a recirculating cooling fluid passing through a serpentine conduit. One application for the device is to cool a newborn infant's brain that has suffered a hypoxic shock.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, or plug, for closing an inlet port. The inlet port is formed in a sheet of a typically flexible material. The inlet port is designed to mate with an air hose nozzle. The plug blocks the inlet port when no air hose nozzle is engaged. The plug has a generally planar shape with coplanar extensions extending radially from the plug body. The plug is engaged by causing at least two of the extensions to be received in the inlet port. When the extensions are received, the plug is retained gains the inlet port.

Abstract: A conformable therapy component of an animate body heat exchanger is described, which component is particularly designed for the back of a human. The component includes two registering compliant bladders for (1) confining a flowing liquid heat exchange medium, and (2) providing air pressure. It also includes a flexible tongue and a metal loop which interacts with such tongue to hold the operational aspects of the component in place conforming closely to the back of a therapy patient.

Abstract: A portable double-bladder bag to transfer heat down a thermal gradient from heated fluid thereunto interfacing paraffin thereunto bodily structures of a human or an animal comprises a first bladder member comprises a heat-insulating flexible sheet member, a port with a reversibly closing lid on the sheet member and a second bladder member comprises a first inner sheet member within the cavity of the first bladder member and a second outer sheet member which is a physical continuity of the sheet member of the first bladder thence define the double-bladder bag. The port admits the heated fluid into the cavity of the first bladder member and a lid to reversibly close the opening of the port to contain the fluid within the cavity of the first bladder member.

Abstract: A cooling container has a pillow-like portion with a chamber for receiving ice or another cooling medium, and a connected pad-like portion having passages and a reservoir for receiving water from the ice. The chamber has a sufficiently large opening through which all of the ice or other cooling medium to be placed in the chamber can be substantially contemporaneously passed into the chamber via the opening. In one example of use, the pillow-like portion cools a user's head and neck, and the pad-like portion cools the user's upper torso.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device having a flexible portion to accommodate patient motion without peeling off. A removable heater may be included which is suspended above the wound to define a treatment volume, where the heater heats the treatment volume to help treat the wound.

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 device for providing thermal therapy to the perineal and rectal areas of a patient is provided. The device can be used alone or in conjunction with an absorbent pad. The device is particularly useful for alleviating postpartum swelling and pain. Different embodiments of the device can be used to provide either hot or cold therapy to a patient.

Abstract: A shoulder component is described for an animate body heat exchanger, which shoulder component has both a compliant bladder for confining a heat exchange medium and a gas pressure bladder which overlies such heat exchange bladder. The shoulder component includes a harness arrangement which connects to a standard waist belt to facilitate maintaining such shoulder component in position on the shoulder of a wearer. It also includes a alteration adjustment in the form of a flap and relief to enable minor configuration adjustments as necessary to assure good thermal contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thermal conditioning apparatus for thermally treating a patient. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable apparatus for bathing a patient with a thermally conditioned medium. Such a treatment apparatus is useful for medically treating a patient suffering from hypothermia or hyperthermia, or for maintaining the body temperature of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A thermal conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes first and second pluralities of orifices, the first plurality of orifices being smaller than the second plurality. An inlet portion which receives the thermal conditioning medium is located closer to the first plurality of orifices than the second plurality of orifices. The combined use of smaller orifices in close proximity to the inlet portion with larger orifices distal from the inlet portion tends to minimize the thermal gradients that may occur.

Abstract: A heat exchanger that is useable in a wearable fluid heater is disclosed. Mechanisms may be used with or comprised in embodiments of the heat exchanger for purging gas from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveniently and removably sealing inlet ports within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the present invention a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of resilient side extensions extending from a central body is used to close an inlet port within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the preferred invention, the generally circular portion of the central body has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet port. Preferably, for extensions extend from the central body each extension being generally circular. Each extension is preferably formed from the same material used to form the central body, and is sufficiently resilient to be easily flexed and to return to an essentially coplanar sheet when released.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foot warming exothermic device comprises placing an exothermic composition of a viscous fluid form by printing or coating on one surface of a thin sheet base material and in at least one predetermined portion of the one surface to such a configuration as to cover a desired site of a human foot, and then placing a thin sheet covering material on the fluid exothermic composition so as to cover the exothermic composition, at least one or part of the base material and the covering material being gas permeable.

Abstract: A non-contact controllable heater wound covering and method having a peripheral sealing ring covered by a layer to which is attached a heater and this assembly is attached to the skin with an adhesive so that the heater is held proximate the wound area in a non-contact position. The layer and peripheral sealing ring together define a treatment volume proximate the wound. The wound covering includes a programmable active heater control and the sealing ring may dispense water to control the humidity of the treatment volume. One form of active heat is an electrical resistive filament in variable geometric shapes providing versatility in application of heat to different types of wounds and wound area geometries. Another form of active heat is the transfer of a heated gas to the wound covering.