Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoregulatory device. The device has a first layer, a second layer, an enclosure, an inlet and a liquid absorbing material. The first layer has a first interior surface, and a first exterior surface. The second layer has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. The enclosure is formed by sealing and/or attaching the first interior surface to the second interior surface. The inlet directs a liquid into the enclosure. The liquid absorbing material is positioned (a) at and/or near an aperture that allows a liquid to contact the liquid absorbing material; or (b) on the first exterior surface that is of a material that allows the liquid to contact the liquid absorbing material. In addition, the application is directed a method of using the thermoregulatory device to transfer the liquid's thermal energy from the enclosure to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A heating device is provided for treating skill related conditions, comprising a power source, a heating element connected to the power source, and an outer shell that encases the heating element, the outer shell being made of wood.

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

Abstract: A therapeutic pack provides effective therapeutic heating or cooling to an area of a body. The therapeutic pack comprises a fabric bag and a plurality of therapeutic modules within the bag. The bag consists of taffeta or a spandex such that the bag drapes. The therapeutic modules are 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.

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

Abstract: A heating pad for providing heat that comprises a heating element having an outer covering, an electrical and control assembly, and an inner sheet placed within the outer covering of the heating element. The electrical and control assembly includes a power cord and a controller switch that is attached to the heating element. The inner sheet houses a heating filament thereon. The heating filament has at least one thermostat attached along the heating filament for monitoring the temperature of the filament and at least one thermal fuse attached along the heating filament for preventing the filament from overheating.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: An air-permeable member for portable body warmers includes a nonwoven fabric and a porous film in a layered structure. The nonwoven fabric is a spunbonded nonwoven fabric having an embossment area ratio of 5% to 20% and a METSUKE of 10 to 80 g/m2, the porous film has a thickness of 30 to 200 ?m, and the air-permeable member has a compressive strength in machine direction of from 2 to 5.5 N as a maximum compressive load measured through a ring crush method by sampling a 60-mm square test piece; rounding the test piece with a circumference agreeing the transverse direction to give a cylindrical sample; compressing the cylindrical sample in the machine direction using a tensile tester at a temperature of 23° C. and relative humidity of 50% at a compressing speed of 300 mm/min.; and measuring compressive loads at distortions of 0 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A disposable warmer of the present invention has a bag including a bag member (A) and a bag member (B); a heater; a heat-sealed portion where the bag member (A) and the bag member (B) are heat-sealed; and a portion with the heater sealed therein. The bag members (A) and (B) are heat-sealed with each other to form the bag, the bag member (A) includes at least a layered structure with a porous film and a nonwoven fabric layer, and the bag member (B) includes at least another layered structure with a stretchable film and another nonwoven fabric layer. The disposable warmer comprises two or more of the portions with the heaters sealed therein independently, and a slit in at least the porous film constituting the bag member (A) of the bag members (A) and (B) in at least one region between the adjacent portions with the heaters sealed therein.

Abstract: A method for making a two component device where the two components are in separate containers with one container inside the other. The method includes placing a first container between the top and bottom of a second container in a die that draws a vacuum between the top and bottom of the second container when they are sealed to form the container. The vacuum preferably ranges from about 8 to about 13 psi. The two components are selected to react to achieve a result, such as the generation of heat.

Abstract: A non-thermostatic heating device is provided with temperature range control whereby materials may be heated and melted to a safe or desired temperature and maintained, particularly soy based non-candle formulated waxes for skin therapy as well as aromatherapy waxes generally. The device is vented and comprises a non flammable insulative container such as treated paper tubing and semi insulative elements, particularly one or more enclosed air pockets which are predetermined in dimension or movable for change in volume to provide a desired equilibrium temperature range.

Abstract: The Footie is an insulated thermal wrap designed specifically for application to the foot, but can be used on other limbs such as ankles, knees and elbows as well. Noted unique features are that it is available in two sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. The interior layer of the wrap comprises an insulated pouch for containment of the thermal medium and can be used with either heat or cold pack therapy. The pouch itself is held closed by Velcro strips located at the top. The wrap encases the foot and is tapered at the top to fit the toe area. The wrap is held in place by two wide, stretchable Velcro straps which are strategically placed to allow for desired compression adjustability. The exterior layer of the wrap is made from flexible cloth. This is a low-cost treatment and allows the patient mobility while applying therapy for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A thermal garment is tight fitting, often known as a compression shirt, and has a raw or composition rubber sleeve portion, which can be applied to either or both shoulder parts of the garment and/or to either or both elbow parts of the garment, with said rubber portion being covered in fabric and being attached to the garment and replacing that original portion of said garment. The garment with a composition sleeve portion is designed to avoid injury due to extreme playing conditions or improper muscle tension incurred by athletes, by insuring heat and compression to the shoulder joint or to the elbows. The garment also uses heat from the thermal portion of the garment to help in healing the area covered by way of thermotherapy (the use of heat on muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments which increases blood flow to expedite the healing process).

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

Abstract: A cerebral and/or interface system has a housing mechanism configured to be at least partially spaced in a cavity formed in the subject's skull; an attaching mechanism for attaching the housing mechanism to the subject's skull; a sealing mechanism for providing a fluid-tight seal between the housing mechanism and the subject's skull; a control mechanism spaced within the housing mechanism; a communication mechanism with one or more sensors embedded in the subject's brain connecting the control mechanism to the subject's brain; and a power source spaced within the housing mechanism.

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

Abstract: 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 portable compact emergency dental kit is provided for administering first aid in cases of avulsed, loose, or broken teeth. The kit contains step-by-step instructions for rendering the first aid even by persons untrained in dentistry. The kit contains a quantity of tooth-preserving fluid for temporary retaining knocked out teeth, as well as a tube of dental filling material that sets shortly after being dispensed from the tube. A quantity of gloves, sterile gauze, antiseptic mouth rinse, ice packs and antibacterial wipes is provided in the kit holder.

Abstract: A pain-relief wrap comprising a plurality of pouch members and a pair of elastic members. Each pouch member comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, a pouch section enclosing at least one pain relieving medium, a first loop, and a second loop. Each of the pair of elastic members comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion and the distal end portion of a first elastic member of the pair of elastic members are coupled to each other on reception of the first elastic member through the first loop of each of the plurality of pouch members, and, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion of a second elastic member of the pair of elastic members are coupled to each other on reception of the second elastic member through the second loop of each of the plurality of pouch members.

Abstract: Cooling products and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The cooling product is comprised of a substrate impregnated with a polymer gel and an antimicrobial agent. The product may be a compression wrap, pad, body wrap, container wrap, blanket or article of clothing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15? cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: A device for extracting thermal energy from the core body of an individual via the palm thereof during or after physical exertion activity by that individual, wherein the device includes (a) an enclosure containing a cold-maintaining substance, wherein the enclosure is not larger than the palm; and (b) securing means attached to the enclosure for securing the enclosure against the palm.

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

Abstract: An emergency helmet trauma bandage and method of use, which, when applied, applies minimal pressure to stop bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of ice/cold packs to control intracranial/internal swelling, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.

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: Disclosed herein are compositions which are exothermic upon contact with oxygen and are self-steaming. The various described embodiments include compositions comprising: (a) a fuel component; (b) a water manager component; and (c) water. In one embodiment, the water manager component, has a mean particle size distribution of greater than about 250 microns. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the water manager component to the water is from about 0.001:1 to about 0.2:1, by weight. Alternatively or additionally, the fuel component comprises sponge iron. Alternatively or additionally, the composition comprises a volatile component. In yet another embodiment, articles comprising the compositions are described. Further, methods of making the compositions are described.

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

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

Abstract: [Problems] A neck pad capable of enhancing fitting feeling to the neck and effectively warming or cooling the neck and its vicinity. [Means for Solving Problems] A neck pad for attaching to the neck comprising a housing unit (1) disposed at the back of the neck to house a cooling element or a heating element, and a pair of winding portions (2) connected with the opposite ends of the housing unit (1), constructed to be gradually more slender toward the tip ends, and arranged to be passed around the neck.

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

Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to a heater for warming a patient's extremity in order to cause vasodilation for facilitating venous catheterization.

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: [Problem to be Solved] A third invention provides a human body cooling apparatus which suppresses uneven distribution due to the migratability of a built-in cooling medium, thereby exhibiting a sufficient cooling effect for the body.

Abstract: A two-piece heating pad cover formed of a first body and a second body. The first body has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is secured to the outer layer and forms a heating pad receivable container having a closable opening. The cover has a second body having a heat transfer layer. The first body is removably secured to the second body.

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: The invention relates to a compress with a cooling effect, based on particles (6) of a polymer that has a high water absorption capacity, which comes enclosed with a reserve of water to activate it in an item (2) which comprises, inside a watertight outer sachet (3), on the one hand an inner pouch (4) filled with water and sealed in a watertight manner by a wall comprising a frangible region (10) and, on the other hand, the compress (1) produced in the form of a wrapper (5) at least partially permeable to water and containing the polymer particles (6) in the dry state. The sachet (3) is made of a material of a nature able to keep the pouch (4) and the compress (1) sterile.

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 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: A moisturizing and therapeutic method and article of manufacture by utilizing non-electrical, heat generating objects to provide moisture and temporary pain relief to a user's hand, wherein the non-electrical, heat generating object is held closely against the inside of a user's palm to cause the temperature of the article of manufacture to gradually increase. The article of manufacture has a first glove half formed of natural materials and shaped to cover the back side of a user's hand. A second glove half is formed of the same natural materials to create an inner layer between the first glove half and the third glove layer (sheath). The third glove layer (sheath) is shaped to cover the under side (palm area only) of a user's hand and is joined with the first and second glove halves to form an opening at the wrist for receiving an enveloping a human hand.

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 pressure adjustable structure for ice compress includes an ice-packing unit, an air-containing unit, and a pressure-adjusting unit being installed in an ice-compress body. The pressure-adjusting unit controls the gas pressure in the air-containing unit. By adding the air-containing unit and the pressure-adjusting unit to the conventional ice-packing unit, the pressure adjustable structure for ice compress acquires a function of arbitrarily adjusting the adhesive force of the ice-packing unit to a body portion it is attached to.

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: 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 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: A long-acting cold pack structure for cold compress therapy on human body includes a cold maintaining layer, a fluid layer and an air bag layer which are stacked in sequence. The cold maintaining layer is filled with gel-like cold maintaining material. The fluid layer is adapted for circulating low temperature fluid. The air bag layer is filled with air as desired. With the circulation of the low temperature fluid in the fluid layer, the present invention permits the cold maintaining material in the cold maintaining layer to extend the time at a low temperature. The air bag layer is filled with air to compress the cold maintaining layer for depth cold compress therapy. The cold pack of the present invention provides better cold compress effect than the prior art.

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: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.

Abstract: A system provides therapeutic reduction of, and relief from, discomfort and inflammation stemming from strenuous physical activity. The system provides a therapeutic icing apparatus that placed in position along a desired area of an individual's body. The apparatus has a receptacle component to hold an icing medium, and compress that icing medium against the desired area. A positioning component is included to maintain the receptacle component in a desired orientation, and to optimize the individual's comfort and mobility. One or more compression components are provided to optimize compression of the receptacle component, without causing discomfort to the individual. The materials and configuration of the system are provided to optimize the adaptability, effectiveness and convenience of the system.