Abstract: A therapeutic device for thermally assisted urinary function is presented. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of an upper thermal element (18) and a lower thermal element (19) having a portal (15), both elements substantially cup-shaped to cover and contact the groin. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of a material sufficiently capable of storing energy from either an external or internal source. The therapeutic pad (14) communicates stored energy as heat to tissues comprising the groin and regions adjacent thereto. The portal (15) allows for the unimpeded flow of urine from the urinary tract into a receptacle.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with comb-shaped, interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A method of providing moisture therapy to a subject by applying a moist therapy compress against a treated body portion. The moist therapy compress includes a fluid-permeable shell, a flexible backing fastened to the shell to define an enclosure, and silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite fill granules loosely contained within the enclosure. The therapy compress is exposed to a source of moisture to cause absorption of water into the silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the silver-retaining hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

Abstract: A method for warming a person perioperatively using a warming device including a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with stacked, separately-inflatable sections includes inflating one of the stacked sections of the convective apparatus to provide comfort warming by convection or inflating another of the stacked sections of the convective apparatus to provide therapeutic warming by convection.

Abstract: A patient cooling system comprises an inflatable patient mattress and a patient enclosure or tent supported by a framework of inflatable tubes drawing air off of the same air supply used to supply the mattress and to cool the tent. The framework of inflatable tubes is divided into left and right sections, which are further subdivided into lower body and upper body sections. An inflatable connector with a stem and protuberance is provided to secure the framework in a closed position. The patient-supporting mattress comprises a plurality of inflatable compartments extending transversely across the width of the mattress that can be alternately pressurized for pressure relief therapy. Radially collapsible, sleeved openings in the tent panel enable connection of conduits or patient care lines to the patient.

Abstract: The new features that my invention consist of on biker shorts is a (7?/13?) inside support hip pocket that will allow a (4?/10?) ice or heat pack be inserted on the left or right hip inside the biker shorts, that will be fasten by a 4½?/?? Velcro strap. With this added dimension to biker shorts will give an individual an option to apply an ice or heat pack at their convenience or in the comfort of their home, work, gym etc.

Abstract: A heat patch and method for providing therapy to a body. The heat patch includes a reflective layer and a heat source that is attached to the reflective layer. The reflective layer reflects infrared energy emitted by the body back into the body while the heat source applies heat to the body. The combination of supplying heat and reflecting infrared energy provides effective therapy to people with relatively deep tissue injuries. In another aspect, the heat patch includes an enclosure made from a gas-permeable layer and a reflective layer attached to the gas-permeable layer. A heating composition is sealed inside the enclosure to generate heat when a gas (e.g., air) is received through the gas-permeable layer. The heat generated by the heating composition is easily controlled such that heat patch can be maintained at a temperature well above ambient temperature.

Abstract: A heat generating body wherein three or more plural sectional exothermic parts are provided at intervals via a sectioned part which is a heat seal part. The sectional exothermic parts have a heat generating composition capable of causing heat generation upon contact with oxygen in air and are at least constituted of three kinds of a low temperature sectional exothermic part, a middle temperature sectional exothermic part and a high temperature sectional exothermic part. A maximum temperature of the high temperature sectional exothermic part is higher than a maximum temperature of the low temperature sectional exothermic part. A maximum temperature of the middle temperature sectional exothermic part is between a maximum temperature of the high temperature sectional exothermic part and a maximum temperature of the low temperature sectional exothermic part. The middle temperature sectional exothermic part is constituted of plural sectional exothermic parts having a different maximum temperature.

Abstract: A therapy garment is provided for providing temperature or pressure therapy to a user. The therapy garment may comprise a main body member, a pair of leg sections, and at least one pocket and may be adapted to be worn by the user so that the pockets align with the region of the user's body that is to receive therapy.

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: Methods and apparatus for warming a patient are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a patient warming device may include a heater layer comprising a plurality of heater cells disposed on a flexible substrate; and a thermal conduction layer disposed on a patient side of the heater layer to transfer heat generated by the heater layer to a patient. The heater cells may comprise an electrical circuit to generate heat by Joule heating. The patient warming device is flexible to facilitate conforming the patient warming device to a patient during use.

Abstract: Both the flow rate and the temperature of the air exiting a forced air warming unit are regulated in response to a single act or operation of a single element of control on a manually-operated remote control.

Abstract: A refillable therapeutic pack is disclosed that is comprised of an outer bag having a generally rectangular shape having two sides, a closed end and an open end. Tie straps are secured on the outer bag near the closed end and the open end and extend from the ends. An inner bag is provided internally within the outer bag. The inner bag has two sides, a closed end attached to the closed end of the outer bag and an open end. The open end of the inner bag is of a smaller diameter than the closed end of the inner bag such that the open end of the inner bag contains a neck section. Ice or cooling material may be filled into the inner bag of the cold pack through the neck section of the open end of the inner bag. The cold pack additionally includes flexible opening aids contained within the neck section of the open end to aid in opening and holding open the open end of the inner bag during filling and emptying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment and prevention devices and regimens for tendon injury and damage. The invention further provides compositions comprising therapeutic agents and the use of such compositions in methods of treating disorders, injuries and conditions beneficially treated by these agents, particularly those relating to the management of tendon damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument for preventing and treating hemorrhoids, which enables easy attachment to the body, ensures comfort in use, and effectively prevents and treats hemorrhoids. An instrument for preventing or treating hemorrhoids according to the present invention is adhered to a patient's back in contact with the sacrum and/or the skin in its periphery either directly to the skin or indirectly through clothing, the instrument including: a container having air permeability, and a heat generating material that generates heat by oxidation upon contact with air and is contained in the container.

Abstract: A compression wrap for application to body members having a top layer and a bottom layer with an inflatable bladder of smaller dimension positioned therebetween, an interiorly positioned pocket for insertion of a gel pack and a hand-bulb for increasing the pressure within the bladder and thereby applying pressure to the gel pack. To remove the compression wrap, the hand bulb is mounted in a reverse direction and pumped to deflate the bladder.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: Methods, computer programming and devices for transferring heat to and/or from a body portion of a mammal are provided. One approach includes directly determining a state of vasoconstriction or vasodilation in a portion of a body, and supplying heat to the portion of the body when vasoconstriction is determined, and removing heat from the portion of the body when vasodilation is determined. The body portion preferably includes specific heat exchange vasculature. In another approach, a transition of the body portion from a state of vasodilation to vasoconstriction is determined and the body portion is then actively kept in a state of vasodilation while removing heat therefrom.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with separately-inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming. Each section has a surface or region with a permeability that varies from the permeability of a surface or region in another section.

Abstract: A handheld appliance suitable for skin treatment and/or personal care operations comprises an applicator structure having a thermally conductive element supported so as to be exposable to controlled release of pressurized fluid within a gas-expansion chamber. The just-expanded gas causes an endothermic reaction in which heat is removed from the applicator. The applicator is usable to then draw heat energy from skin, etc. When applied to skin, a numbing effect is experienced which can ease pain associated with depilation, discomfort associated with exfoliation, be useful in treating wounds, etc.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for altering temperature in a mammalian body. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise core body temperature of a mammalian subject. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise the temperature of glabrous skin of a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for generating and applying an electric field according to a user configured arbitrary waveform pulsing train. A control module allows the user to input operation parameters and configure the arbitrary waveform pulsing train for the electroporation process. A micro-controller unit coupled to the control module controls an arbitrary waveform generator unit and a customized power module. During the electroporation process, the arbitrary waveform generator unit produces the arbitrary waveform pulsing train that is amplified by the customized power module. The customized power module is coupled to at least two electrodes, wherein the at least two electrodes will produce an electric field across a target media.

Abstract: A warming blanket is provided that includes a first sheet and a second sheet sealed at least along a common edge. An air inlet is provided on the warming blanket where the first sheet and the second sheet are not sealed. An inlet opening device is attached to the inlet opening. The inlet opening device separates the first sheet from the second sheet at the inlet opening in the absence of an opposing force. Methods of forming and using the warming blanket are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal insert comprising one or more thermally conductive component that extend from an inner surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold and vibrations from disposable or reusable inserts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating device for low voltage thermal therapy in which a heating layer is provided on the protector body and a lead wire is extended from the heating layer, a terminal being provided on the lead wire which is connected with the terminal of a thermostat. With this structure, low voltage direct current is supplied to the heating layer for generating heat required and temperature is regulated by the thermostat such that restoration effect on the injury condition of affected part is further enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparel for use in a cold environment comprising: at least one pocket within the inner surface, where said at least one pocket includes a compartment for inserting a heating packet, where said compartment allows for adequate flow of oxygen to activate the heating packet. The compartment may include a mesh compartment. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparel for use in a cold environment may include: a plurality of pockets within the inner surface, where each pocket includes a mesh compartment, where said mesh compartment allows for adequate flow of oxygen to activate the heating packet; and at least one heating packet, where each heating packet is inserted in the mesh compartment of at least one of the pockets to provide thermal heat to the wearer. The apparel may include a glove, a mitten, a sweater, a jacket, a pair of pants, socks or shoes.

Abstract: An intravenous heat exchange catheter and/or an external cooling pad/bladder can be used to maintain hypothermia in, e.g., a cardiac arrest patient, but to accelerate the cooling process the patient first can be infused with cold saline before the opportunity arises to connect the catheter or pad to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is constructed for transferring a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid. A drain for draining the heat transfer liquid from the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially disposed beneath the enclosure. A hold-open inhibits occlusion of the drain. A weir in fluid communication with the drain maintains the heat transfer liquid at a predetermined height in the enclosure. A control system is preprogrammed with a target temperature for the body temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A unique, previously unforeseen medicated footwear that is elastic in nature to fit to the size of the foot, and all sizes of feet. The consumer is any adult that wears shoes or sandals, and the device can be worn in bare feet while sitting down. The medication will both warm and relax the foot, and the varied uses imply relaxation, medication, heating (whether inside or outside), and the device will also protect the life of the shoe or sandal. The individual places the covering on his or her feet, in a sitting or walking position, and after use, disposes of the devices themselves for replacement. The products will be available in most pharmacies, and sold where heating medications and pads are offered to the public.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving nausea being an enclosure formed from a plurality of layers of single sheets being joined along the periphery thereof. The enclosure has a main quadrilateral portion with a left elongated extension extending from the top of the left side of the main quadrilateral portion and a right elongated extension extending from the top of the right side of the main quadrilateral portion. The left elongated extension and right elongated extension each have a mating mechanism adapted to be joined at the ends thereof and coupled to encircle a neck. The main quadrilateral portion opening has a closure flap. At least one cold pack is dimensioned to fit within the enclosure through the main quadrilateral portion opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat cells that are suitable for incorporation into disposable heating wraps. The heat cells comprise an exothermic composition comprising an absorbent gelling material, wherein the absorbent gelling material provides for improved heat application in the relief of temporary or chronic body aches and pains.

Abstract: A technique for heating a patient is provided. The technique includes providing a warming blanket comprising at least one section that can be moved relative to the remainder of the warming blanket to define an opening in the warming blanket. The technique also includes providing a drape suitable to cover the opening such that a seal is formed between the drape and the warming blanket along the periphery of the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling garment, comprising at least one tubing matrix for location of a coolant; wherein the tubing matrix is in the form of a waffle design.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article adapted to produce heat, the article including an outer surface having a skin-facing surface, the outer surface enclosing a heat generator; and a thermal grill disposed on the skin-facing surface. The present disclosure also provides an article for delivering a heating sensation, the article including a skin-facing surface; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the skin-facing surface; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the skin-facing surface, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting at least one convective apparatus. An attachment mechanism is provided adjacent the convective apparatus for adhesively attaching to a person.

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

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 convective warming device including a clinical garment and at least one inflatable convective apparatus supported on an inside surface of the garment is provided with a drape. When the convective warming device is used to warm a person, the drape is deployed over skin of the person not covered by the clinical garment. The drape protects the covered skin from thermal injury by an air hose used to conduct heated pressurized air to the inflatable convective apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment.

Abstract: A method includes in one embodiment wearing a first resilient sleeve having a first elbow pad on a first arm of the poker player, positioning the elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's elbow of the first arm, and compressing a portion of the first resilient elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's first elbow of the first arm to resiliently support the weight of the poker player's first arm on the first elbow pad during play of a plurality of poker games. The method may further include positioning a hot pack or a cold pack in a pocket attached to the sleeve on the first arm during play of the plurality of poker games.

Abstract: Packs for providing heat or cold to a body part or parts. In some embodiments, packs comprising an outer flexible shell or skin housing or carrying a plurality of beads mixed in combination with a liquid or gel. In some embodiments, packs, which can be (or are) configured into various shapes, which contain beads in combination with a liquid or gel solution, which can be heated or cooled for application, thereafter, to a body part for providing hot or cold therapy to the body part.

Abstract: A hot pad assembly for pedicure comprises a hot pad comprising means for absorbing heat and releasing heat over a period of time, a hot pad attachment means to secure the hot pad around the knee, a hot pad cover shaped to fit and cover the hot pad having a plurality of means for securing the hot pad assembly around the shin and calf, and a leg cover for being placed between the leg and the pad cover having the hot pad therein. A beauty product is applied to the leg and the leg cover encloses the product and the leg together to improve the effectiveness of the beauty care product with the help of heat transfer from the hot pad.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with multiple separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment includes a brassiere having opposed first and second shoulder straps formed with opposed first and second breast-receiving cups, respectively, each having an outer surface. A reusable gel pack for heat or cold therapy is suspended from the first and second shoulder straps, extends downwardly from the first and second shoulder straps to the first and second breast-receiving cups, and overlies and extends across the outer surfaces of the first and second breast-receiving cups to provide heat or cold therapy to the first and second breast-receiving cups at the outer surface of each of the first and second breast-receiving cups.

Abstract: A flexible joint wrap includes a heat exchange bladder, which provides fluid circulation and compression to a joint. The joint wrap includes upper and lower sections for attachment above and below a joint. The bladder has an opening at a center section which provides flexibility of the bladder. The heat exchange bladder may be enclosed in a removable cover designed to conform to the shape of the bladder. The cover and bladder are formed with an opening in alignment with the joint to provide flexibility to the wrap. The cover may be formed of a fluid repellant inner lining to prevent fluid from the joint from soiling the bladder. The cover may further comprise a nylon loop outer surface to allow the upper and lower sections to be easily attached and adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a human being utilizes skin temperature feedback to control the amount of cooling. When the measured skin temperature reaches a preset high temperature, the human being is cooled until the measured skin temperature reaches a preset low temperature, and then cooling of the human being stops. In one embodiment, the preset high temperature is about 35 degrees Centigrade and the preset low temperature is about 33 degrees Centigrade. Cooling of the human being resumes whenever the preset high temperature is reached and pauses whenever the preset low temperature is reached to thereby provide intermittent cooling to the human being. The invention is also applicable to heating a human being.

Abstract: A cooling article of clothing and method for use of the same are disclosed for providing temporary cooling comfort to a human wearer. In one embodiment, sealed elongated envelopes are formed on the inside of a layer of the fabric, which may be fashioned into a vest or shirt. Each of the sealed elongated envelopes defines a volume for containing a pre-determined amount of polyacrylamide material. Offset spacings are interleaved between the sealed elongated envelopes. A diffusion gradient is formed from the polyacrylamide material to the sealed elongated envelopes to the layer of fabric. A diffusion gradient provides for the transfer of water from the polyacrylamide material to the layer of fabric. Water within the layer of fabric is evaporated by way of airflow through the layer of fabric, thereby providing temporary cooling comfort to the human wearer.

Abstract: A temperature controlled fluid therapy system includes a reservoir for containing hot or cold fluid, a pump with a submersible motor disposed within the reservoir, a watertight blanket for containing the hot or cold fluid, and output and intake conduits for circulating the fluid between the reservoir and the blanket. The system includes a first temperature sensor disposed within the reservoir for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir, and a second temperature sensor disposed adjacent the blanket for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. A power supply provides power to the pump motor. A controller controls the power provided to the motor based upon the first and second temperature signals, thereby controlling the fluid flow rate through the blanket and hence the temperature of the fluid in the blanket. When the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir is within a hot temperature range, such as 90° F. to 120° F.