Abstract: A cold therapy apparatus, a cold therapy system and a method of using a cold therapy apparatus, including a method for lowering the body temperatures in a subject.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a heat generating body giving no uncomfortable feeling when in use and causing no direct close contact between a heat generating member and the skin by an adhesive to relieve the burden of the skin while eliminating a low temperature burn even for a person with a delicate skin and in the case of continuous use. The heat generating body of the present invention is characterized in that the heat generating member having a wide surface is provided on a mesh-like sheet larger in outer shape than the one-side wide surface of the heat generating member and that an adhesive layer is provided on the mesh-like sheet located at the outer peripheral part of the heat generating member.

Abstract: A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a water-absorbent pad that is made of impermeable cloth or sheet, that is capable of absorbing water when needed and that effectively cools and heats a human face, neck, head and the like. A cooling/heating water-absorbent pad, wherein a water-absorbent sheet made of a material containing water-absorbent polymer is inserted in a planate bag made of impermeable cloth having a closed periphery; the impermeable cloth and the water-absorbent sheet are stitched together such that the impermeable cloth and the water-absorbent sheet are divided into a plurality of areas in a planar view; and water is absorbed into the water-absorbent sheet through a channel formed at the stitched portion. In this moment, water is absorbed into the water-absorbent sheet only via holes made by the stitching and by a capillary action of a thread piercing through the water-absorbent sheet.

Abstract: NMES systems and methods for stimulating muscle tissue, and in some embodiments deep muscle tissue. The impedance near the surface of the skin is controllably increased to increase the percentage of energy delivered to a subject that stimulates muscle tissue.

Abstract: A self-heating patch includes a bottom barrier layer, an air-activated heat-generating layer, an air regulation layer, optionally a top barrier layer, and optionally a skin contact layer, wherein the air-activated heat-generating layer is encapsulated by the air regulation layer and bottom barrier layer, and/or the top and bottom barrier layers, and the temperature of the patch, when the air-activated heat-generating layer has been exposed to air, and when the top barrier layer if present is removed, is controlled at least in part by the air regulation layer; and a perimeter seal seals the air regulation layer to the bottom barrier layer around the perimeter of the patch. Optionally a temperature-responsive mechanism, such as a wax, can be used to reduce oxygen intake into the self-heating patch and thereby control the temperature of the self-heating patch during use. Optionally, a portion of the self-heating patch can be thermoformed.

Abstract: Provided herein are silk fibroin-based photothermal elements and uses thereof. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements comprise a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticle distributed in a silk fibroin matrix, and can generate heat when the plasmonic nanoparticles are exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The silk fibroin-based photothermal elements can be adapted to be conformable and biodegradable, and can further be integrated with various electronic components, such as a thermo-electric device for conversion of heat into electricity. The invention is useful for various in vivo applications, such as photothermal therapy, controlled drug-delivery devices or wireless powering of implanted micro-devices.

Abstract: A device and method for the sanitary provision of wax to the skin of patrons. Paraffin wax containers shaped to conform to the patrons face, hands, and feet provide individual reservoirs of paraffin which are heated and subsequently applied to the patron's body. Exothermic pouches are provided to heat the individual portions of paraffin wax housed in the body-part-shaped containers.

Abstract: Provided is a body temperature regulation pack which uses a solid-liquid phase change material to prevent body temperature increase or body temperature decrease of a wearer. When the pack is arranged on the inner side of a pack holder to be worn under clothing, the pack may be bent along a body shape even in a solid state. Even when the phase change material is in a liquid phase, the outer shape of the pack does not deform regardless of the orientation of the pack. The pack has a substantially tabular shape as a whole, and has high heat absorbing ability or heat releasing ability. In a body temperature regulation pack having a solid-liquid phase change material filled therein, the pack includes a plurality of bag members arranged in parallel to each other. The bag members are each filled with the phase change material without gaps.

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 a 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 a hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

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 moxa burning bowl is provided for application of heat treatment to body portions of a user, with the bowl having a flexible ring-shaped base member of a flexible cloth-like exterior and granular material therein, shaped in a ring-like or torus-like configuration, and having a generally concave shaped upper dish-like member and an open bottom, defining a zone therebetween when the bowl is placed on an exterior surface of a patient/user, for treatment. Moxa sticks or cones are carried by the dish-like member, projecting upwardly therefrom, and situated in sockets of the dish-like member, with the dish-like member having an upstanding periphery, enabling the dish-like member to catch fallen ash from burning moxa sticks or cones carried by the bowel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying heated air to a person and comprises an air-permeable inner sheet and an air-impermeable outer sheet which are connected to one another by welds in order to form a panel-like shape in the inflated state. The welds produce a main duct having, viewed at the inlet end and in the non-inflated state, a main duct width. The main duct is delimited by at least one first series of elongate first welded strips, the first intermediate spaces which are in line with one another. The length of each of these first intermediate spaces, viewed in the non-inflated state, is in each case smaller than the main duct width. The length of each first welded strip is at least 15% of the main duct width and at most 80% of the main duct width.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of personal care articles consisting of compresses having a cooling effect by swelling with water which are presented individually in vacuum packaging. According to the invention, successive doses of powder comprising absorbent particles are placed in grooves formed by elastic deformation in a lower sheet made of water-permeable textile material, which is continuously unwound, and covered with a upper sheet, which is continuously unwound at the same time as the lower sheet. Said lower sheet is then heat-welded in the intervals between adjacent grooves thus isolating the grooves from each other. Successive compartments each containing a dose of said powder are then enclosed in each groove by heat-welding said sheets along transverse weld lines across the width of the moving sheet assembly.

Abstract: A powdered mix for use in a cold pack is provided which includes a phase change material, precipitated silica, and a flowability enhancer comprising a carbonate mineral. The powdered mix, when placed into a cold pack, exhibits a longer hold time than conventional cold packs.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are a composition for ameliorating or treating obesity and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are a composition for ameliorating or treating a tumor condition and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An ice bag is described having a bladder formed with an opening, a threaded receiver coupled to the bladder at the opening, a threaded cap having a first portion formed of a rigid material and a second portion formed of an overmold material, the second portion providing a seal between the receiver and cap with the cap threaded into the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the cooling of the cranial and extracranial portions of a patient in need thereof. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention preferably employ a head cooling apparatus which includes a watertight shroud for the head and which needs no refrigeration. In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatuses of the present invention are collapsible and possess a reduced profile. In some presently preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a hammock that supports the head. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a shroud that lies behind the head with optional portions that may be drawn over the patient's neck and cranial area. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention also provide an improved mechanism for cooling the cranial and extracranial areas through the use of a novel distribution of endothermic solids (e.g. ammonium nitrate).

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic knee brace system including a leg brace for support, a retainer for securing the therapeutic knee brace system to a knee joint therapy site, a brace joint providing a limited range of flexion to the knee brace, and an active thermal exchange bladder coupled to a contrast therapy system for delivering a therapy fluid at a select temperature, pressure and rate. Thermal exchange bladder is removable, and the pressure may be constant or dynamic. The angle of flexion may be selected by the therapy recipient, and the range of flexion of the brace joint is configurable. The knee brace may communicate range and instant angle of flexion of the brace joint to a continuous passive motion (CPM) device, and communication may be mechanical, electronic or wireless. A knee brace coupler attaches to a CPM coupler on the CPM device to selectively couple the therapeutic knee brace system to the CPM device.

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 a 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 a hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

Abstract: A thermal body-care element includes a container having at least one thermally conductive surface enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium comprising a phase change storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source. The external electrical power source is external to the thermal body-care element. A method of applying heat to a skin surface of a human or animal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, cooling a body site, especially for treating menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, places one or more cold packs in a thermally insulated housing in which a cold source is present, and cools each cold pack by placement of the housing, either opened or closed, in a freezer or like apparatus. The cold packs retain their cold temperature prior to onset of a condition requiring cold therapy relief by the presence of the cold source and the thermally insulating properties of the housing. Each cold pack is removable from the housing after onset of the condition, is externally applied to a user experiencing the condition requiring cold therapy relief, and is re-usable.

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: The present invention relates to thermal exchange products having color change properties. More particularly, the invention relates to thermal-exchange compositions in pack form suitable for heating in a microwave oven and/or cooling in a freezer and having covers that provide a notification by color change signal that the pack is at a temperature or in a temperature range suitable to provide a desired level of hot and/or cold treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to bacterial cellulose-based ice bags and their production methods thereof. Bacterial cellulose membranes used in the present invention are produced through the fermentation of cellulose-producing microorganisms. Ice bags with three sealed sides and one open side are made from water-impermeable (under room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure) bacterial cellulose membranes. The bags are filled with filler materials and then sterilized at 120 degrees C. for 30 minutes and sealed aseptically. The use of bacterial cellulose as the packaging material solves the problems associated with conventional ice bags. The advantages of the present invention include: no condensation at the bag surface, smaller temperature changes during the course of application, and longer lasting ice therapy session. In addition, bacterial cellulose membrane is safe and non-toxic, and has excellent biocompatibility, plasticity and higher mechanical strength, making it an ideal packaging material for ice bags.

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: The objects of the invention are accomplished by providing a hypothermia management apparatus comprising: a receiving cavity defined by an outer shell arranged and sealable to encircle an injured person; an internal layer attached to the outer shell wherein the internal layer includes a bottom sheet disposed generally under the injured person when the injured person is placed in the receiving cavity and a top sheet disposed generally on top of the injured person when the injured person is placed in the receiving cavity; an inner liner attached to the bottom sheet of the internal layer forming an internal cavity; and, an absorption layer attached to the inner liner disposed generally under the injured person when the injured person is placed in the outer shell; and, a heater assembly disposed in the internal cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing comprising a cavity being configured to accept at least a portion of a user's body part and a quantity of a liquid for surrounding the portion of the body part. At least one receptacle comprises an interior that is configured to contain at least one cooling device. The receptacle further comprises at least one divider separating the interior from the cavity. The at least one divider is configured to be operable for transferring heat from the liquid to the at least one cooling device to cool the user.

Abstract: A therapy device comprises a flexible sealed envelope and a gel within the envelope. The gel comprises water, thickening agent, and biodiesel by-product glycerin comprising glycerol and soap.

Abstract: Contiguously attached bags on a substantially cylindrical roll are separated by perforations forming a perforated edge, such that individual bags can efficiently and quickly be filled with ice, removed from the roll, and substantially closed using a sealer that applies an adhesive material about a portion of the bag in an area proximal to its opening.

Abstract: A flexible and pliable evaporator coil embedded in freezer gel and surrounded by a flexible enclosure. In its warm state, the evaporator coil/gel enclosure can be fitted around a variety of shapes such as legs, arms, heads, or devices requiring cold or super cold in direct surface contact. The evaporator coil is designed to be connected directly to a traditional refrigeration system employing refrigerant, a compressor, and condenser coil.

Abstract: A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Abstract: A moxibustion device includes a handle, a moxa stick clamping unit, a front fixing component, a front bearing, a front bearing cover, a traditional Chinese medicine (moxa stick), a back bearing cover, a back bearing, a back fixing component, a roller's inner screen and a rotary drum. The moxibustion device is of a more ergonomic design and allows for more accurate and more direct application of force and/or rolling on acupuncture points; it is applicable to the parts of body with a small bending scope such as joints of the limbs and cervical vertebra and large-area skin such as the waist and the back. It can be easily operated, and the acupuncture points and the main and collateral channels can be acutely located.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for decreasing the core temperature of a human to cause weight loss. The methods involve contacting the body or a portion of the body with a cooling medium in a sealable chamber to induce a decrease in the core temperature.

Abstract: An aromatherapy heating and cooling pad device is provided for the purpose of treating variety of aches, pains and injuries. The device comprises an aroma-permeable outer shell, a padded inner layer, an herbal composition and a securing means. The outer shell enclosed an all-natural padded inner layer that offers thermal insulation and comfortable protection to an injured area of a user. Stitching along the length of the device secures the outer shell to the inner layer and separates the inner space into chambers. These chambers are filled with an herbal composition of aromatic herbs and seeds that provide aromatherapy benefits to a user of the device. The device may be fastened to the affected area of a user by securing means attached at laterally opposing sides of the outer shell.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the application of portable and reusable cooling devices that comprise fabric covered pillowettes filled with either an herbal blend or a self-contained gel pack designed to be frozen before application directly to the skin of hot or bruised humans and animals to relieve heat distress or swelling.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming device includes a holder including a first surface adapted to face the skin of a wearer and an opposite second surface adapted to face outward and a moist heat generating member held in the holder. The moist heat generating member is configured to generate heat as a result of oxidation of an oxidizable metal, generate steam by making use of the heat, and release the steam through the first surface. The steam-generating warming device further includes a water-impregnated, water-retaining sheet adjoining the moist heating member. The water-retaining sheet is preferably disposed between the moist heat generating member and the second surface.

Abstract: An active heating system for an underwater diver uses material particles that can generate heat in an exothermic reaction in the presence of oxygen. The material particles are positioned at selected region(s) within an underwater diver's attire. A source of oxygen gas is coupled to the selected region(s).

Abstract: A therapeutic device for providing cold or heat therapy is provided. The device includes solid spherical materials and a medium that may include an alcohol mixture. An impermeable enclosure contains the spherical materials and the medium to form the therapeutic device. The therapeutic device applies cold or heat therapy and is pliable to conform to curved contours of the body. The therapeutic device also has a weight which provides pressure to, and desired contact with, the injured area. Certain embodiments further include an accessory for holding the device in contact or otherwise close proximity to a body region being treated.

Abstract: A dermatological device for cooling the skin comprised of an ice pack and a heat conductive shield configured to operate as an aseptic separator between said skin and the ice pack and to conduct heat from the skin to the ice pack. This invention is also a method of cooling the skin which comprises cooling an ice pack, placing the ice pack over an aseptic shield and applying the other side of the shield to the skin. Heat flow is controlled by adjusting the contact surface between components within the shield.

Abstract: A cushion (1) includes a flexible cover (2) defining a chamber (15). A water-absorbing material (3) is placed inside the chamber, upon absorption of water said water-absorbing material is suitable for heating by means of microwaves. The cover (2) has a sealable feeding mouth (4) so that water may be poured into the chamber (15).

Abstract: A therapeutic pack provides effective therapeutic heating or cooling to an area of a body. The therapeutic pack comprises a fabric bag, such as taffeta or a spandex material, and a plurality of therapeutic modules within the bag. In one example, the bag is tubular. In another example, the bag including structurally restrict free movement of the plurality of the therapeutic modules from one section of the bag to another section of the bag. However, the therapeutic modules may be capable of freely moving within the bag relative to one another. The therapeutic modules may include a material that repeatedly provides a prolonged cooling or heating, such as a phase change material, within a durable, impermeable shell, such as a polyethylene shell.

Abstract: An exothermic natural massage shell includes a natural bivalve shell comprising a first half and a second half adhered together with an adhesive to form a hollow chamber. An aperture is formed in the first half to provide a portal to the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell. A reactant is disposed inside the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell. The reactant may be a reactive powder mixture disposed inside a fluid-permeable pouch. Combining the reactant with an activator inside the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell causes an exothermic reaction that heats the bivalve shell and maintains the bivalve shell at a substantially constant elevated temperature for a duration of time. The adhesive adhering the first shell half to the second shell half includes a first elastomeric polymer bonding agent with balanced coefficient of expansion properties and a second flexible resin sealant that makes the adhesive moisture-proof.

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: Embodiments of the invention include a heated eyelid cleansing apparatus, a method of manufacturing a heated eyelid cleansing apparatus, a kit for providing treatment to the eyelids, and a method for cleansing an eyelid with a heated eyelid cleansing composition. The apparatus comprises an eyelid cleansing composition, a fabric pad impregnated with the eyelid cleansing composition, and a heating element. The heating element may be encased within the fabric pad or it may be external to the fabric pad.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for physical therapy using prompt changing temperature from hot to cold. Its application in proper conditions may promote human body's self recovery function, restore balance for soft tissues and relieve inner pressure.

Abstract: A thermal treatment device having at least one fast-acting heat pack and at least one long lasting heat pack is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal treatment device having variable heat distribution along the device is disclosed.