Abstract: A portable electronic device for reducing periodic cramping about an abdominal cavity of a user during a menstrual cycle includes an elastic panty garment, a controller removably attached directly to an outer surface of the panty garment and a plurality of electro-mechanical transducers generating output vibrations, and a plurality of heatable magnetic straps directly coupled to the outer surface of the panty garment. The heatable magnetic straps extend along anterior and posterior faces of the panty garment and are simultaneously actuated to a desired temperature level while the transducers are actuated to an on position. The heatable magnetic straps being freely movable along the outer surface of the panty garment while the transducers are nested within respective pouches.

Abstract: A multipurpose sleeping bag has an opening in the center that can be drawn around one's neck in an over garment mode, or closed in a sleeping bag mode. A draw cord is employed to compress a foot portion and, optionally, a foot draft tube, into a knot-like configuration for the sleeping bag mode. For operations other than the sleeping bag mode, the foot portion is left open to form a skirt-like configuration. Another embodiment configures a multipurpose hypothermia sleeping bag, which includes flap panels positioned on the top side thereof to provide an opening for IV or catheter administration to a hypothermia patient. Each flap panel can also accept a heating device. Chest and back pockets, respectively above and below the head opening, accept heating devices to provide warmth while using the sleeping bag in an over garment mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.

Abstract: A device avoiding the use of any motor or perpendicular or rectangular elements, having a convex asymmetrical longitudinal curve, a central longitudinal groove, and mirrored perpendicular and latitudinal, symmetrically-matched convex curves extending from the central groove to the sides, and optimally surfaced with a soft dense foam, uses gravitational force on the body of a user to provide an effective, yet gentle stretch along the length and across the width of the back, particularly at the thoracic vertebrae thereby relieving postural mechanical shoulder, back or spine pain. Additional alternative embodiments using a heating, cooling, or vibrational element along the central longitudinal groove are also described and claimed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved hot/cold therapy pad consisting of a thermally conductive fluid and a discrete matrix insert contained within an outer envelope. The matrix insert has significant void space (over 50%) and is chemically inert relative to the other components within the envelope. The matrix has low bulk density and may be formed by bonding fibers together to form a mat. This matrix serves to reduce the flow of the thermally conductive fluid and provide for more effective and consistent heat (cold) transfer from the pad to the skin. The thermally conductive fluid has a viscosity greater than water and is stable over the typical range of hot/cold therapy applications. The invention eliminates saddle-bagging in hot and cold therapy applications.

Abstract: A therapeutic kit for providing heat to an area of the body is provided. The therapeutic kit may be used to treat a variety of injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc., including arm, leg, ankle, knee, shoulder, foot, neck, back, elbow, wrist, hand, chest, finger, toe injuries, and so forth. Regardless of its intended use, the therapeutic kit generally employs a pad that receives a thermal insert. The thermal insert includes a substrate containing an exothermic coating that is capable of generating heat in the presence of oxygen and moisture. One particular benefit of the thermal insert of the present invention is that it is disposable. Thus, when the thermal insert exhausts its heat-producing capacity, a new insert may simply be utilized. This allows for the continued use of the extensible material, resulting in substantial cost savings to the consumer.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater. Preferably the flexible heat generating layer is comprised of a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material provides a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, which is no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A pouch includes a mixture of a crystalline substance and liquid that is solid at room temperature (e.g., 70° F.) and melts when in contact with a human body, therein cooling the body.

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 has at least one gusset that is resiliently deformable for accommodating patients of various sizes. A supply conduit fluidly connects an inlet of the enclosure to a reservoir, and a return conduit fluidly connects an outlet of the enclosure to the reservoir. A first coupler joins the supply conduit and the return conduit to the reservoir and a second coupler joins the supply conduit and the return conduit to the enclosure. The reservoir generally comprises a bag and at least a portion of the supply conduit is integral with the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a user's core body temperature. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric module with a Peltier unit with a heat transfer surface at a temperature differing from ambient. The apparatus includes a thermally conductive member with a first side abutting the surface of the Peltier unit and with a second side for contacting the user's skin when the apparatus is worm. The thermally conductive member is formed of a flexible and conformable material such that the second side conforms to the topography of the skin when pressed against the user's body. The conformable material may be a thermally conductive elastomeric material or flexible polymer material. Use of a conformable material to contact the user's skin allows an effective heat conduction pathway to be formed between the thermally conductive member and the user's skin, e.g., more than half of the available surface area may solidly contact the skin.

Abstract: A hypothermia treatment sack comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet releasably connecting along their perimeters to form a patient receiving cavity between the top and bottom sheets while allowing for patient access from any location around the perimeter. The top and bottom sheets include a weatherproof exterior side for repelling wind and water, and a heat reflective interior side for preventing heat from escaping. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet for producing heat when exposed to air. The heating pads have a first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side of the top sheet to provide for a generally unrestricted airflow to the heating pads, and a second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side of the top sheet for radiating heat directly into the patient receiving cavity.

Abstract: A thermal covering that comprises a thermoregulatory substrate is provided. The thermoregulatory substrate contains an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal. The exothermic coating is generally free of moisture prior to activation. Exposure of the exothermic coating to oxygen and moisture activates an exothermic reaction to generate heat, such heat being transferable to a patient or user through an outer surface defined by the thermal covering.

Abstract: A flexible drape useful for warming a patient during surgery includes a base film defining a target region, where the base film is attachable to a body surface of the patient, and an evacuation port in fluid communication with the target region. In this regard, the evacuation port is configured to negatively pressurize the target region and vasodilate the body surface of the patient adjacent the target region.

Abstract: A forced air warming unit has a casing with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a scroll housing with a curved inside surface in which a blower is disposed. A circuit board in the casing encloses the blower in the scroll housing. At least one opening penetrates the circuit board. A heater plate is disposed between the circuit board and the blower. The blower draws air through the inlet opening, along a first side of the circuit board through the at least one opening into the scroll housing. The blower also forces air along a second side of the circuit board which faces the scroll housing, through air passages in the circuit board, along the first side through the at least one opening, into the scroll housing. The blower accelerates air along the curved inside surface and past the heater plate. Heated, pressurized air exits through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A thermal treatment garment of the present invention includes an outer structure layer, an interior lining formed of a gel material that directly contacts a body portion of a user when the garment is worn by the user and a thermal treatment layer to thermally treat and control temperature of the garment. The thermal treatment layer heats and/or cools the gel material to a selected temperature or selected temperature range and is controlled by a controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the garment includes a cap to thermally treat the user's head, where the structure layer has a generally convex outer surface and the interior surface of the gel layer is generally concave and contoured to engage with and at least partially envelop at least one selected portion of the user's head.

Abstract: A thermal treatment device to be worn in close proximity to the skin of a human is disclosed. The thermal treatment device comprises a thermal composition; wherein the device substantially covers the left or right trapezius muscle of the neck and shoulder or the left or right paraspinal muscles in the lower back and the tender point of the respective sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for the in situ or in transit adjustment of the core body temperature of a patient. Devices according to some embodiments include a control unit and pressure chamber adapted to apply a pulsating negative pressure to a limb of the patient. An adjustment temperature applied during the application of the pulsating pressure can heat or cool the patient as necessary. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for efficient heating and/or cooling of a patient. In addition, devices and methods provide such functionality in a portable device that can be manually carried by an individual.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus may include: a chamber portion; a first strap portion configured for disposal about a waist of a user; and a second strap portion configured for disposal about a leg of a user.

Abstract: A fluid chiller system supplying cold fluid to a therapeutic wrap, in which a minimum level of fluid flow is provided through the heat exchange coils to insure that the fluid in the coils does not freeze. A fluid flow meter or pressure sensor connected inline with the inlet port of the chiller unit measures a level of fluid flow. A controller is connected to the flow meter or pressure sensor and a bypass valve, wherein based on a signal from the flow meter or pressure sensor, the controller adjusts the bypass valve to provide a predetermined level of fluid flow into the inlet port of the chiller unit, in order to prevent the heat exchange coils from freezing, if the flow through the wrap is blocked.

Abstract: A refrigerant-containing bladder or container is positioned underneath the body. Heat absorbed from the body vaporizes the refrigerant, which expands to cooler remote regions of the bladder. Heat is then withdrawn from the edges of the container by thermally conductive pathways that distribute heat from this container to a cooler area that is not underneath the body. The cooled refrigerant condenses, and is returned to the regions of the device that are under or adjacent to the central and warmest parts of the body. The heavier and warmer portions of the body force the bladder to the lowest point. Alternatively, heat is transferred from the body via a specific highly thermally conductive layer or layers of material(s) that is (are) soft, pliable, and comfortable to sit or lie on. This layer joins conductive materials that are configured to transport heat and diffuse it to the cooler environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hypertension descending device capable of curing a hypertension disease by stimulating a patient's Acupuncture point Renying (or referred to as “carotid sinus”) by repeated cold pressure vibration. The hypertension descending device is designed to allow common users to use it easily, and provides a good hypertension descent effect by stimulating the patient's carotid sinus (Acupuncture point Renying) portion while maintaining a uniform cooling temperature of the contact tip, which is in contact with the patient's carotid sinus (Acupuncture point Renying) portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to a therapeutic cooling or heating pad or garment. One aspect of the invention relates to a therapeutic cooling or heating pad comprising a sanitary napkin and a cooling or heating agent coupled to or included within the sanitary napkin. Another aspect of the invention relates to a therapeutic cooling or heating garment comprising an undergarment and a cooling or heating agent coupled to or included within the undergarment.

Abstract: A heating device is presented for surface heating of a body so as to maintain a required temperature of the body. The heating device comprises an electrical heating element and a power source for supplying a required voltage thereto. The heating element comprises first and second conductors, wherein the first conductor is made of a material with relatively high specific resistivity as compared to that of the second conductor, and the second conductor is made of a material with high heat conductivity. The first and second conductors are accommodated in spaced-apart parallel relationship along their lengths such that, when they are connected to the power source, electric currents flow in the conductors in opposite directions, and magnetic fields created in the vicinity of the first and second conductors are completely compensated. The first conductor thus serves as a heater and the second conductor as a heat diffuser.

Abstract: A therapeutic cold pack comprises a sleeve member adapted to accommodate a portion of the leg of an individual. Attached to a surface of the therapeutic cold pack are one or more containment bags each defining an internal volume adapted to hold a therapeutic amount of a cold substance. Each containment bag is positioned to substantially coincide with an intended part of the leg of an individual such that the cold substance provides a therapeutic cooling to that area.

Abstract: A device for supporting the abdominal region of the user. A fabric band is sized to be worn surrounding the abdominal region which supports strategically placed hook and loop regions. A pair of segments of stretch material, also having hook and loop regions at least one of their ends are capable of being selectively and removably appended to the fabric band to apply compression or restriction to the user's abdomen. The device is particularly useful in helping one to restore abdominal muscle and control particularly after pregnancy.

Abstract: A heatable cocoon including a body portion having an upper end and a pair of opposed side edges. The body portion is foldable to permit the pair of side edges to be folded over one another to form an enclosed interior. The body portion is formed of a first layer and second layer of supple material. A head covering portion having a concave opening extends from the upper end of the body portion. A securement device secures the opposed side edges of the body portion together. A plurality of enclosures is formed between the first and second layers. A plurality of heating devices is provided with one heating device of the plurality being disposed and sealed within each of the plurality of enclosures.

Abstract: A heatable garment includes a front and back panel having an opening there between for receiving a wearer's head. The front and back panels include a first and second layer of material. A plurality of sealed enclosures is formed between the first and second layers. At least one of the plurality of enclosures is disposed on the front panel and the back panels. The plurality of enclosures each includes a heating device having a source of energy for producing heat. The enclosures are sealed to retain the heating devices therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparati and associated methods for an easy on-off device to support and provide direct therapeutic cooling relief to the affected genitalia of persons having post-operative pain and swelling.

Abstract: A portable moxibustion energy generator by using wavelike temperature variation comprises a box body; a heat unit; a temperature detection unit being connected to the heat unit; an operation unit installed within the box body and being electrically connected the temperature detection unit for determining a tendency of the heat generated from the heat unit; a circuit control unit electrically connected to the operation unit; and a power supply unit being electrically connected to the circuit control unit; the power supply unit supplying power to the heat unit for converting electric energy into heat energy. The temperature detection unit detects a temperature of the heat unit and determines a tendency of heat generated from the heat unit for determination; the heat unit supplying power dynamically so as to adjust the temperature of the heat unit. The method for performing the same is also included.

Abstract: A substrate that contains an exothermic coating is provided. More specifically, the exothermic coating includes one or more components (e.g., carbon, oxidizable metal, moisture-retaining particles, etc.) that are durably adhered to the substrate. To provide the desired durability, the exothermic coating includes the combination of a certain amount of a polymer latex and polysaccharide. When appropriately selected and incorporated into the exothermic coating, the present inventors have discovered that these components may interact synergistically to improve binding capacity.

Abstract: A massage and/or dispensing device includes a body, and an applicator element intended to be placed in contact with a surface to be massaged and/or a surface to which a product is to be applied. The applicator element is movably retained in the body or mounted for movement relative to the body. The arrangement further includes a cooling arrangement which includes means of expanding a refrigerant liquefied gas directly in contact with the applicator element.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying at least one of cryotherapy and thermotherapy to at least a portion of a knee region of an elevated leg includes a tripod and a knee support member attached to a top end of the tripod and having a predetermined length and a generally U-shaped cross-section in a direction transverse to the predetermined length, the U-shaped cross-section defined by each of an arcuate portion mounted on a top end of the first member and a pair of spaced apart legs disposed in a generally vertical plane and upstanding on the arcuate portion. A pouch is engageable with each of the knee support member and the at least portion of the knee region and is adapted for holding an ice pack or a heat pack therewithin for applying at least one of cold and heat to the knee region.

Abstract: The invention provides for a backrest device having an upwardly facing convex form defined generally by upper convex surface, and which device is provided at remote ends of the undersurface thereof with feet for the floor-mounting of the device. Engagement formations are provided extending upwardly from the upper convex surface and, in a particular embodiment, each provides for a combination heating/cooling element which can be readily controlled so as to apply a healing and/or cooling effect to the musculature surrounding the human spine, the bony parts of which are readily located within a recess channel extending centrally in the longitudinal direction of the device and between respective rows of engagement formations.

Abstract: Single-use electrical leads include a status flag element such as a fuse. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode, and optionally test mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode. After the fuse is blown, the user may still complete the therapy mode, even though the fuse is non-conducting. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact the patient.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad.

Abstract: A heat generating device includes an air-permeable first side located proximal to a wearer's body, a second side located distal to a wearer's body, and a heat generating member between the two sides. The second side includes an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a garment. The first side is formed of a nonwoven fabric having an uneven surface topography. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer, inclusive of a first surface of the fabric, and a second fiber layer, inclusive of a second surface of the fabric, partly bonded to each other and including a large number of protrusions and recesses on the side of the first fiber layer. The first surface is used as the first side.

Abstract: A flexible reusable thermal pack for therapeutic purposes. A flexible, insulative sealed pouch is partially filled with hollow balls containing freezable or beatable liquid and metal balls of substantial mass. The thermal pack slowly returns to ambient temperature while it conforms to be a body part needing therapeutic thermal treatment.

Abstract: The therapeutic hot and cold water belt (20), which offers comfortable relief from pain, is placed about the waist, lower abdomen, back or any other part of the body, and then secured in place by an elasticized belt terminating in a hook-and-loop fastener system. The belt includes a water pouch (32) to receive and contain water. Ribs (46, 48, 50) are secured to the inside of the pouch, which divide it into compartments (46a, 46b, 46c, 46d), and maintain the shape of the pouch so that it will not balloon out when the water is inserted therein. The ribs also limit and thereby conserve the amount of water placed in the pouch. For comfort against the body, the pouch may be covered with a combed cotton material (54), which is secured also by a hook-and-loop fastener system. A funnel opening (34) to the pouch allows easy filling of the pouch with water. The funnel opening is secured with a screw (42) to prevent any pressure on the pouch from forcing the water flow out.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a console and a tissue cooling device such as a head-cooling device. An operator applies the head-cooling device to the head of a patient at risk for ischemic injury. The console provides a cooling fluid to a fluid circulation space located between the cooling device and the patient's head under a positive gage pressure. Direct contact between the cooling fluid and the patient's head provides a relatively rapid induction of systemic hypothermia in the patient, thereby minimizing or preventing ischemic injury in the patient. The console also removes air from a channel disposed about an inner rim of the cooling device, using a negative gage pressure. Such removal of the air from the channel seals the rim of the cooling device to the head of the patient, including portions of the channel in contact with hair of the patient's head, and minimizes leaking of the cooling fluid beyond the rim of the cooling device.

Abstract: A thermal pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous eversion-limitless film of flexible material. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. The thermal pack can be positioned at a desired location on a limb by rolling the thermal pack onto the limb.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a person in extreme environments. The apparatus includes a garment having a vest with attached tubing. The vest includes an evaporative cooling device and the tubing is configured to circulate chilled water. The vest includes a material that is able to receive and absorb an amount of liquid water with a mass greater than the material. When liquid water is applied to the vest, the vest absorbs the water for later evaporation. The tubing enables the garment to have a lower differential temperature between the inside surface and the outside surface, thereby reducing the rate of evaporation, which enables the passive cooling to be operable for an extended period of time. When the heat load does not permit the differential temperature to be reduced, the tubing removes additional heat, thereby providing additional heat removing capacity beyond the passive cooling.

Abstract: A dermatological device for application of heat treatment to the skin at an optimal temperature range. The dermatological device comprises an outer housing containing a thermal module and an activator. The outer housing comprises upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface comprising a button and the lower surface comprising thermally-conductive material configured for contact with the skin. The thermal module comprises a composition which, upon activation, undergoes an exothermic chemical reaction to generate heat. The activator is disposed within the thermal module and comprises a pliant member coupled to a support. The support displaces the pliant member at a distance from a bottom surface of the thermal module and the pliant member is configured to activate the exothermic chemical reaction when it is depressed or deformed. The pliant member is located at least partially underneath the button of the outer housing such that depressing the button depresses the pliant member.

Abstract: A portable body heating system includes suspenders with suspender strap(s) adapted to be worn adjacent to a person's torso, and a fastener that is adapted to secure the suspenders an article of clothing covering at least a portion of the person's lower body. The heating system also includes means for securing each of multiple portable heat-producing heat units to one or more of the suspender straps. A method of heating a person's body includes securing suspenders to an article of clothing that covers at least a portion of the person's lower body. The method also includes positioning suspender straps about the person's shoulders, and securing one or more portable heat-producing elements to one or more of the suspender straps. In addition, the method includes positioning an outer clothing layer about the person's body and the heat-producing element(s) so that the outer clothing layer surrounds the heat-producing element(s).

Abstract: The invention comprises a thermal therapy delivery device for the entire breast and surrounding lactating tissue, including the armpit area, adaptable for delivering thermal therapy to all impacted tissue with either hot or cold therapy. The device also delivers thermal therapy simultaneously to the areas within and surrounding armpit areas and lactation glands and ducts. Other areas treatable simultaneously include radial zones such as the nipple, areola, surrounding glands, lobules, ducts and connective tissue. To accomplish the thermal delivery objectives, the device main components are delineated in zones comprised of individual cells. Each zone treats a distinct anatomical area, and each zone-addressable component has a specific geometry required to effectively deliver thermal therapy to the entire anatomy of the breast.

Abstract: A convective underbody blanket has a head portion and a body portion. Provided at the head portion is a non-inflatable head area surrounded by a channel that has arranged thereat at least one row of air apertures that are oriented toward the non-inflatable head area when the channel is inflated. At the body portion there is provided a non-inflatable body area. Along each longitudinal side of the body area there is at least one longitudinal channel. Each of the longitudinal channels is in fluid communication with the channel that surrounds the non-inflatable head area. The longitudinal channels that sandwich the non-inflatable body area extend substantially along the length of the non-inflatable body area and are in fluid communication with each other by way of a cross channel formed at the foot end of the blanket.

Abstract: A thermal, outer layer leg wrap adapted for use by a handicapped, non-ambulatory or mobility restricted individual. The described embodiment of the present invention advantageously keeps the entire leg warm for sustained periods of time without having to remove the garment and interrupt the warmth. The described embodiment of the present invention comprises a separate wrap for each leg, thus increasing the ability of the individual wearing same to be more active and better able to be transferred while maintaining leg warmth.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming a person includes an inflatable cover having two inlet ports and a plug removably received in one of the ports. With the plug received in the one port, the cover can be inflated by way of the port without the plug.

Abstract: The stanan Kozy Pak Holder is a new way to apply ice to areas of the body to prevent bruising and selling due to surgery or injury. The major benefits are the stanan Kozy Pak Holder is that it is more comfortable to use and maintains the coldness required to reduce bruising and swelling longer then any ice pack on the market.