Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment 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 film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for manipulating a core body temperature of a mammal. The system of the invention includes a chamber for enclosing a body portion of a mammal and a seal in operative association with the chamber for sealing the chamber around the body portion and for inhibiting movement of the body portion relative to the chamber when the system is in operation. A thermal energy exchange system in operative association with the chamber includes an energy element assembly coupled to a flexible membrane assembly. The flexible membrane assembly facilitates an exchange of energy between the energy element assembly and the body portion. A vacuum system is operatively associated with the chamber while the thermal energy exchange system is in operation. The vacuum system generates a sub-atmospheric pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hot stone therapy apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member, and a plurality of stones connected to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member. The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, a bowl of hot water. The distribution of the plurality of stones permit self-application of the stones about a desired area of a person's body such as the shoulders, neck, or hips of a person.

Abstract: A portable medical cooling device has two circuits of heat transfer liquid, a hot circuit and a cold circuit. The cold circuit begins at a patient's body conducting heat to a cooling pad cool heat exchanger. The cooling pad conforms to a specific part of a patient's body. The airflow leaves the housing via an exhaust port formed on the housing allowing exhausting of hot air into an ambient environment. The cold circuit completed by return of heat transfer liquid by cool tubing to the cooling pad via pressure created by a cold circuit pump. The hot circuit is completed by return of heat transfer liquid by cool tubing to the hot face via pressure created by a hot circuit pump and a thermostat controls voltage of the thermoelectric element to achieve and maintain a user defined temperature in the cold circuit heat transfer liquid.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad system comprises an ice patch having a generally disc-shaped configuration. The ice patch has a circular generally parallel first and second walls fabricated of a plastic-vinyl material. A non-solid gel which is capable of being frozen, thawed and re-frozen a plurality of times is located within the space between the walls. A jacket is fabricated of a cloth material and has a generally disc shaped configuration with an interior panel and an exterior panel and a pocket there between for receiving the ice patch. Common stitching is over approximately the lower two-thirds of the jacket and the upper one-third forms an opening. Decorative indicia coupled to the exterior panel of the jacket.

Abstract: An eye-use steam-generating heating sheet contains a steam-generating composition, which is covered with at least a first moisture-permeable sheet and a second moisture-permeable sheet in that order. The first moisture-permeable sheet has a moisture permeability of at least 600 g/m2/24 hrs, the second moisture-permeable sheet has a moisture permeability has a moisture permeability of 700 to 3000 g/m2/24 hrs, the first moisture-permeable sheet and the second moisture-permeable sheet are provided such that a steam accumulation space is formed therebetween, and at least one of the moisture-permeable sheets covering the steam-generating composition has a water resistance of at least 400 mm. This eye-use steam-generating heating sheet is sealed for storage.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. One method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A blanket system (1) is provided for maintaining or controlling a patient's body temperature before, during, or after surgical and non-surgical procedures. The system includes a non-obtrusive cover blanket (3), a blower (28) to blow the air beneath the blanket (3) and a vacuum source (30) to suction the air from beneath the blanket (3) and away from the patient.

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 heat exchange garment or a system is worn on a user's head for engaging the head area and having extensions for surrounding the neck. The garment comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. Substantially, the entire volume between the inner layer and the outer layer may be filled with heat exchange material. Alternatively, sections may be formed for retaining individual thermal packs, each in registration with a portion of the head area or neck.

Abstract: A vapor therapy treatment device and method for generating a therapeutic vapor is disclosed. The vapor therapy treatment device includes a cushion having an inner space with water-absorbing material therein. The cushion includes a cover having an outer surface and a vapor permeable pouch associated with or connected to the cushion. The pouch is adapted for receiving, retaining, and subsequently releasing vapor therapy materials or compositions. Upon heating of the water-absorbing material, water vapor is released. Released water vapor may combine with vapor therapy materials and compositions to form a gaseous therapeutic vapor. The heated cushion can be applied to the face and/or nose of a user, facilitating inhalation by a user of therapeutic vapors released from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for raising or maintaining the core temperature of a mammal during surgery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a infrared radiant element with a double reflector design to provide a very narrow beam of radiation. In this fashion the apparatus is able to direct radiant energy at the mammal's skin in regions with a high concentration of Arteriovenous Anastomoses. The apparatus also includes a skin temperature sensor to allow closed loop control of the heat energy supplied to the mammal. The complete apparatus can be located in an unobtrusive position such that it does not interfere with the surgical team.

Abstract: A fever relief device includes body in which a thermoelectric cooler is received and the assembly of the body and the cooler is conveniently mounted to the head of the user who may adjust the direct current to control the temperature of the cooler so as to relieve the fever.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap designed to be applied to various portions of an individual, such as the neck and shoulders. The wrap contains a plurality of narrow channels into which a filler material, such as Basmati rice, is provided. Various herbs such as chamomile or lavender are also provided within each of the channels to allow for aromatherapy.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable U-shaped tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A portable device of coiled copper tubing and copper sheet metal construction that is ergonomically designed to provide a combination of beneficial practices into one more effective method, and devices for inflammation control, injury immobilization and therapy. The combination of copper in contact with the skin, the ability to perform hot and cold treatments, or steady cold treatments for an extended period of time, and the ability to provide adjustable ergonomic support provide an improve method and devices for the treatment of injuries, aches, and pains.

Abstract: Implantable heart-monitoring devices, such as defibrillators, pacemakers, and cardioverters, detect onset of abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply corrective electrical therapy, specifically one or more bursts of electric charge, to abnormally beating hearts. Critical parts in these devices include the capacitors that store and deliver the bursts of electric charge. Some devices use cylindrical aluminum electrolytic capacitors which include terminal that extend from one end of the case, making the capacitor longer than it otherwise would be and generally necessitating use of larger implantable device housings. Accordingly, the inventors devised unique capacitor connection structures that allow size reduction. One exemplary capacitor includes two conductive endcaps at opposite ends of its capacitive element, instead of two upright terminals at one end, thereby allowing reduction in the height or volume of the capacitor and/or increases in the dimensions of other components, such as aluminum foils.

Abstract: A device and system designed for use in a pre-hospital setting to cool the brain after injury is described. The device incorporates a cold insert into an arch that fits around the neck of a subject, without obstructing the airway of the subject. A cold insert, such as a frozen fluid or endothermic packet, is disposed within one or both of the terminal ends of the arch, adjacent to one or both of the subject's carotid arteries. The cooling effect is specifically directed to cool the blood flowing through the carotid artery to the brain. A system incorporating the device with a temperature monitor is also disclosed. The system allows a health care professional to monitor and regulate cooling as required in the pre-hospital setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facial treatment device which can repeat warming and cooling of the face of a person while the massages are given to the face at the same time, whereby the beauty effects such as the facial treatment and body slimming can be mutually and efficiently obtained. A Peltier element 12 is placed adjacent to a probe 11 having a high thermal conductivity, which can abut the face of a person 19 to be treated. Then, the current is supplied by a DC power supply 101 to the Peltier element 12 and the direction of the current can be switched between the forward and backward directions by the selector switch 100. Thereby, the cooling and warming of the probe 11 is repeated. At the same time, a motor 15 having an eccentric weight 17 attached thereto is driven, whereby the probe 11 is vibrated.

Abstract: A hair heating device for use with regard to a permanent wave, which may elevate the hair temperature in a uniform manner without applying an excessive amount of heat energy not only to the head at a time but also to the hair locally so that the hair may escape deterioration and discoloration, and a process for permanent or dyeing hair by the device. The hair heating device includes two swing arms in the form of an arch, which include heaters mounted on the inside thereof, a concentric reverse reduction gearing, and a motor for driving said gearing. The concentric reverse reduction gearing is provided with an output shaft member A and an output shaft member B arranged such that both the output shaft members may rotate in opposite directions. A transmission member of the swing arm is connected with the output shaft member A, while a second transmission member of the swing arm is connected with the output shaft member B.

Abstract: A cooled, therapeutic gelatinous disc is provided which includes a convex face configured to overlie a typical human eye and a surrounding margin of tissue. The convex face of the disc includes a non-planar surface, which presents a non-uniform, three-dimensional surface for contacting the eye. Water, gelatin powder, therapeutic plant extracts and oils, methylparaben, diazolidinyl urea and a coloring agent are mixed, poured into a mold and then cooled to form a cooled gelatinous disc having a convex face with the raised swirl design. A plastic film is attached to the mold to hermetically seal the gelatinous disc, which sealed assembly is stored in a light-impermeable and resealable bag. The gelatinous disc may be removed from the mold and placed onto the eye and surrounding tissue, preferably in connection with a moisturizer, in order to relieve irritation.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing the development of delayed brain damage in a patient, comprises applying headwear (1) to the patient's head and circulating a fluid coolant through conduits (3) or passages in the headwear to cool the brain and thermostatically controlling the coolant temperature within a predetermined range to maintain the brain at a temperature sufficiently below normal for an extended period sufficient to prevent the death of neurons, glial or other cells that would otherwise die as a consequence of direct injury to the brain or other injury to the patient likely to cause injury to the brain.

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 the thoracic/abdominal core body and head of the mammal. In general, such thermal energy transfer occurs under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A device to treat the temporomandibular and maxillomandibular region of patient with cryo, thermal and/or compression therapy is disclosed. The device comprises a fabric layer anatomically designed to contact the temporomandibular joint and the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, and a heater for heating the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and temporal regions. In an alternative embodiment, a device comprises a fabric layer designed to contact the maxillomandibular region, an inflatable layer, a hard plate placed on said fabric layer to resist bulging of said inflatable layer when inflated, and a conductive layer covering said inflatable layer. Methods to use the device to treat the maxillomandibular region and temporomandibular joint of a patient are also disclosed.

Abstract: The Thermangel thermoregulating device is a unique approach to treating hyperthermia/hypothermia and other serious conditions. By the process of regulating the temperature around the hypothalamus, the regulatory center of the body, we can effect the ability of the body to regulate itself. This process allows the human body to return to normal or homeostatic conditions. The process of hypothermia and hyperthermia is currently being studied as a treatment for conditions such as alopecia, hair loss due to chemotherapy. As well as improving the survival of cardiac arrest resuscitations. It is essentially non-invasive and will decrease medical costs for everyone. It decreases the amount of time spent in the critical-care setting, decreases the need for medications and intravenous fluids and provides comfort to the patient. This is also a new and effective way to treat Malignant Hyperthermia, which is a deadly condition found the surgical environment.

Abstract: A compartmental hair cap for providing heat or cold to a user's head. The compartmental hair cap includes a cap member comprising an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer of the cap member forming a head cavity. The cap member comprises a lower edge. The cap member comprises an upper edge extending between opposite ends of the lower edge. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along the lower edge of the cap member. The interior layer is coupled to the exterior layer along a plurality of connection lines for coupling the interior layer to the exterior layer to form a plurality of pockets between the interior layer and the exterior layer. Each of the pockets comprises an associated interior space. A plurality of flexible containers each being positionable in an associated one of the pockets. Each of the plurality of flexible containers comprises a thermo-retentive material therein.

Abstract: A headband for the treatment or relief of headaches having a means for attaching said headband to the head thereby producing variable pressure to the head, said headband having one or more pockets for the insertion of treatment elements including cold, heat, vibration, and magnetism; wherein said headband is attached to the head in an annular fashion and headaches are treated or relieved by applying pressure, cold, heat, vibration, or magnetism, or any combination thereof intermittently or continuously.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the cosmetic treatment of skin comprising the use of chamber with an aperture to create an atmosphere of elevated temperature and exposing the skin area to said heated atmosphere to effect a mild superficial burn sufficient to remove surface skin and promote regeneration of the skin surface.

Abstract: A sheet-like pack includes a plurality of sheets, each of the sheets laid one upon another and cut into a predetermined shape. Each of the sheets includes gypsum and a sheet-like substrate impregnated with said gypsum. The sheet-like pack also includes an insulating sheet laid on a top surface of the plurality of sheets. A thermal pack is obtained by impregnating the sheet-like pack with water, applying the sheet-like pack on a predetermined portion where a cosmetic composition is applied, and removing the sheet-like pack solidified after a lapse of a predetermined time.

Abstract: An eye mask has magnetic bodies and self-heating warm members, which are inserted in eye pads on a mask member to be placed over eyeball parts. If required, vibrators and illumination bodies may be additionally placed in the eye pads. Thus, fatigue on the eyes and surroundings thereof can be relieved by the magnetic actions of the magnetic bodies and the warming effects of the warming member, in addition to expected effects of restoring ocular functions, recovering from various ocular diseases, and so on. Furthermore, the surface of each of the eye pads is gradually curved like the inner surface of a sphere. When the eye pads are press-contact to the eyeball parts at predetermined pressures for a long time, the cornea can be warmed by the warming members so that the shape of the cornea can be changed along the shape of the eye pad, resulting in the effects of recovering from eye sight disorder such as pseudo-myopia, moderate farsightedness, or moderate astigmatism.

Abstract: A washable facial mask comprising a unitary frontal element having two eye patch regions made from a washable material, the two eye patch regions coupled to straps having a fastening means for securing the eye patch regions over the eyes of a person, the straps being made from a washable material. The eye patch regions have a pocket means for allowing placement of facial contact elements, the pocket means also made from a washable material.

Abstract: A device and system designed for use in a pre-hospital setting to cool the brain after injury is described. The device incorporates a cold insert into an arch that fits around the neck of a subject, without obstructing the airway of the subject. A cold insert, such as a frozen fluid or endothermic packet, is disposed within one or both of the terminal ends of the arch, adjacent to one or both of the subject's carotid arteries. The cooling effect is specifically directed to cool the blood flowing through the carotid artery to the brain. A system incorporating the device with a temperature monitor is also disclosed. The system allows a health care professional to monitor and regulate cooling as required in the pre-hospital setting.

Abstract: A skin care apparatus includes a skin care unit and a negative ion supplying unit. The skin care unit is configured to perform skin care on a skin surface of human being. The negative ion supplying unit is configured to discharge negatively ionized air toward the skin surface and includes a negative ion generator which is configured to generate the negatively ionized air.

Abstract: A cryogenic therapeutic massage Tube includes a pressure-deformable gel, which may be cooled by freezing, and which is permanently encased in a flexible thermally conductive material to substantially define a cylindrical compress having a diameter of about 4 to 7 inches and a ratio of length-to-diameter in a range of about 2 to about 4. The deformable cylindrical compress is proportioned to engage a plurality of anatomic curves including curves of the neck, back, feet and hands, and to impart thereto a soothing, cooling and pain relieving effect, in which such tube or cylinder of cryogenic gel may be provided within a thick cloth sack to preclude skin burn and absorb moisture from the surface of the skin against which the compress is applied.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable U-shaped tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. In one embodiment the exhaust ports are slits cut into the tube sheet material, and the slits are parallel to a tangent line of the tube's sealed edge. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the body of a patient through a plurality of V-shaped slits. The therapy device is an inflatable tube. A heated air supply is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and is forced out of the exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are V-shaped slits. The method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

Abstract: Cooling a patient's brain is performed by each of two hollow pads exclusively in an area of a patient's neck adjoining one of carotid arteries by circulating a cooling liquid through one of the pads independently from the other pad or through both pads, to cool either one half of the brain, or another half of the brain, or both halves thereof.

Abstract: A washable facial mask comprising a unitary frontal element having two eye patch regions made from a washable material, the two eye patch regions coupled to straps having a fastening means for securing the eye patch regions over the eyes of a person, the straps being made from a washable material. The eye patch regions have a pocket means for allowing placement of facial contact elements, the pocket means also made from a washable material.

Abstract: A flexible bag is formed with a opening for placing the bag about the head of the patient and a separate connector for connection to an air supply. The open end has a closure unit permitting the collapse of the opening about the neck to enclose the head. Alternatively, the open end can be placed beneath the ears and over the nose to enclose the upper portion of the head. A separation wall within the bag separates and defines an upper air supply chamber and a lower head heating chamber. The wall has openings including flaps to distribute the air from the air supply chamber to the head enclosing chamber and thereby heating the head with the blood passing therefrom to heat the body of the patient. The head heating chamber includes air directing elements therein. The air supply chamber is L-shaped to direct air over the top of the head and to the side or back of the head.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap designed to be applied to various portions of an individual, such as the neck and shoulders. The wrap contains a plurality of narrow channels into which a filler material, such as Basmati rice, is provided. Various herbs such as chamomile or lavender are also provided within each of the channels to allow for aromatherapy.

Abstract: Fastening neckband with instant cool or heat transfer device, cloth-like re-usable wrap that has a pocket lengthwise centrally located for receiving an elongated cool or heat transfer element in the form of an instant, reusable coolant or heating transfer device therein. The lengths of the main body pocket are chosen to place the reusable cooling or heat transfer element about the back and sides of the neck, while leaving the main body unobstructed at free ends to permit loose securing of the ends in front of the neck via a reusable Velcro® fastener.

Abstract: A device for holding an icepack or other heat transfer means on various parts of the face of a user including an elastic headband strap adjustably secured by hook and pile interconnection, and a second strap which interconnects with the headband at both ends with hook and pile interconnection, which supports the icepack.

Abstract: Cooling a patient's brain is performed by each of two hollow pads exclusively in an area of a patient's neck adjoining one of carotid arteries by circulating a cooling liquid through one of the pads independently from the other pad or through both pads, to cool either one half of the brain, or another half of the brain, or both halves thereof.

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 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: The eye pillow of the present invention has a steam-generating unit that uses chemical energy. The temperature of steam released from the surface of the eye pillow which is applied to the eyes and the area around the eyes is kept at 50° C. or lower and total weight of the eye pillow is 50 g or more. Preferably, the eye pillow has the steam-generating unit and a cooler which are attached to the eye pillow body removably. Thus, the moisture as with a steamed towel and the cold as with a cold towel can be continuously introduced to the eyes and the area around the eyes easily and safely to relieve the dry eyes, etc., while applying an appropriate pressure to the eyes and the area around the eyes.

Abstract: A method for treatment and modification of material including biological material using an electromagnetic energy source directed to apply the energy to a region of the material, so as to modify and treat a portion of the material in the region. Preferably, an interaction-modifying substance is in the treated region prior to the interaction.