Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warning article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: A system and method for thermal regulation, the system comprising a bedding element that is configured to enclose at least a part of a living being or other object. The system further comprising a temperature regulation element that is included in the bedding element and that includes a phase change material which changes between a liquid phase and a solid phase within the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A personal, portable heating and cooling system for an individual includes a thin, flexible pad and a control unit in fluid communication with the pad for regulating the temperature of a heat transfer fluid flowing between the pad and the control unit. The pad has an internal chamber for holding the heat transfer fluid. The chamber is partitioned to form therein a passageway that directs the heat transfer fluid to flow there through along a circuitous path. The control unit has a housing enclosing a reservoir for holding the heat transfer fluid, a pump for pumping the heat transfer fluid between the reservoir and the internal chamber of the pad, and a heating and cooling apparatus for regulating the temperature of a heat transfer fluid flowing between the reservoir and the chamber. The control unit includes an electronic control circuit having a user interface that enables a user increase and decrease the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide warming blankets, covers, and apparatus, and methods of fabricating and using the same. In at least one embodiment, a warming blanket can be provided. The warming blanket can include a body; and one or more pockets mounted to the body, wherein each of the one or more pockets is adapted to hold a respective removable warming element. Associated methods of fabrication and use are also described.

Abstract: A garment for a mammal, such as a canine, is disclosed having a flexible web with a first part of a two-part hook-and-loop type fastener on an outer surface, and optionally on an inner surface, thereof. The flexible web includes at least one tab at a peripheral edge thereof that each include a second part of the two-part fastener on an inner surface thereof, and optionally on an outer surface thereof. The flexible web may further including at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a member of the mammal therethrough. An accessory is selectively attachable to the web and includes at least one of the second part of the two-part fastener. The accessory may include a thermal pack adapted to radiate heat to or absorb heat of the mammal at the desired location thereon, or to lower the temperature of the mammal proximate the desired location thereon.

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

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

Abstract: A reversible eye pillow provides a set of opposed sides, each formed of a continuous fabric panel that is resiliently stretchable. Each side includes peripheral portions that conform to and contact peripheral portions of a user's eye and a recessed portion that enables a user to open his or her eye with the eye pillow in place. The eye pillow is tightly filled with small bead like thermal storage filling material that maintains a reduced temperature and includes a smooth surface to provide easy deformability of the eye pillow even at reduced temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable module for use with a thermal contrast therapy systems. The replaceable module may be an automated thermal contrast therapy module which includes a casing, a manual mixing valve, an automated mixing valve, an automated mixing valve actuator, a temperature sensor, and an interface. A cold and a hot fluid are mixed to generate a therapy fluid. The therapy fluid may be output to a therapy bladder. The second replaceable module is a compression therapy module which includes a casing, an air pump, a pneumatic solenoid, and a pressure monitor. The casing may include a pressurized air pathway including an air outlet. The pump may pressurize the air within the pathway, and the solenoid may regulate the air pressure using feedback from the pressure sensor. Additionally, a pressure relief valve may release pressure if it gets above a safety threshold. The compression therapy module may also include a fluid pathway.

Abstract: A therapy system, device and method comprising a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. The wrap further comprises at least one wire and a plug that is capable of removably coupling with an external cooling device. The external cooling device is coupled with the wrap by a cord and the plug to deliver a cooling effect to the body surface, thereby removing heat therefrom. When the therapy is complete, the wrap may be easily removed from the body surface through cutting or similar means, and is entirely disposable.

Abstract: A therapeutic thermal pack with built-in seal and insulation functions for preserving the thermal condition of its thermal module. The thermal pack comprises a plurality of thermal module for thermal therapy, an insulation cover comprising a fastening means for attaching the thermal module to a body part, and a closing means for enclosing the thermal module inside the insulation cover for preserving the temperature of the thermal module. When it is configured for storage and carry, this thermal pack can maintain its therapeutic condition for an extended time period without using an additional insulation. It can thus be conveniently carried to the sports fields using any regular bag. When the pack is used for a treatment, the built-in insulation functions minimize the heat exchange between the thermal modules of the thermal pack and the surrounding environment and thus prolong the treatment time of the thermal pack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an epilating apparatus (10) comprising a compartment (12) for receiving a cooling/heating pad (14). The invention is also directed to a cooling/heating pad (14) for an epilating apparatus (10), wherein the cooling/heating pad (14) comprises a bag portion (16) containing a cooling/heating medium and a fixing portion (18) for fixing the cooling/heating pad (14) to the epilating apparatus (10). Furthermore the invention relates to a cooling/heating pad add-on kit for an epilating apparatus, the cooling/heating pad add-on kit comprising a cooling/heating pad and pick-up means for removably picking up the cooling/heating pad and the epilating apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist band. The wrist band comprises a cylinder-shaped band body having a plurality of water absorbing pockets receiving a water absorbing agent therein and surrounding a user's wrist, one or more elastic bands for elastically connecting the pair of water absorbing agent pockets with each other, and a water absorbing agent chemical received in the band body. The wrist band performs a physical function of tightening to thereby pressurize a user's wrist when a user wears it, and can enhance an exercise effect. In addition, the wrist band can adjust body temperature and provide a fomentation effect thanks to the use of a water absorbing agent. Furthermore, the wrist band can easily absorb sweat from a body, so that it can be used like a towel.

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

Abstract: A convective warmer to which blankets of different dimensions may be connected is capable of providing air to the various blankets at flow rates that optimally inflate those blankets to achieve the optimal clinical result for the patients covered by those blankets. The blanket connected to the warmer may range from a full size adult warming blanket to a pediatric warming blanket. The convection warmer may have multiple fixed air flow rates each selectable by a user, via switch(es) either electronically or mechanically. For the electronic selection of a given flow rate, a motor adaptable to rotate a different speeds is used. To vary the flow rate mechanically, a valve is controlled to vary the amount of air that may pass to the blanket. Instead of different fixed flow rates, variable air flow rates, selectable by the user, may be used. Also, a feedback circuit that maintains the pressure sensed at the outlet of the warmer to a preset pressure may be used to eliminate the need for user intervention.

Abstract: The invention provides a cooling blanket useful for lowering the body temperature of a mammal, such as a human. The cooling blanket may be particularly useful when used in connection with a deleterious cardiac event, such as myocardial infarction. The cooling blanket is activated when reagents, such as ammonium nitrate, urea, and/or water, are placed in contact with one another; thereby producing an endothermic reaction.

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

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 system for cooling the skin including a cooling composition and an article made at least in part from a phase change material. The article may contain the cooling composition, or be separate therefrom. Different article forms include a vessel, a token, a figurine, jewelry, a packet, among other forms. The phase change material may encapsulate to form a plurality of microcapsules, or may form a single mass.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device has a plurality of heat generation portions disposed on a flexible band-like body, the heat generation portions each comprising a base sheet and an oxygen permeable sheet forming the flexible band-like body, a bag-like accommodation portion formed between the base sheet and the oxygen permeable sheet, and a composition that generates heat filled in the accommodation portion, wherein the filling ratio R satisfies expression (1) below and is less than 0.7, and the heating value of the exothermic composition is not less than 0.26 kcal/cm2 per planar area of the accommodation portion: R??0.016S+0.94??(1) wherein S is the planar area of the accommodation portion of the exothermic composition (unit: cm2), and R is defined by the following expression: R=(mass of the exothermic composition in the accommodation portion)/(maximum mass of the exothermic composition that can be filled in the accommodation portion).

Abstract: A thermotherapy device worn on a joint that includes a tubular holder composed of a stretchable material and a chemical warmer held in the holder. The holder has an accommodating portion in which the chemical warmer can be placed and removed therefrom, or to which the chemical warmer can be attached. The thermotherapy device can maintain temperatures suitable for thermotherapy for a long period, remains in place despite the motion of the joint, and can hold a heat-generating member in a suitable area. The thermotherapy device is thus effective for use on joints.

Abstract: An efficient way to cool or warm the body of children while using a car seat, stroller, or baby swing when the surrounding temperature is not comfortable. It is body pillow that is shaped to fit into the car seat, stroller, or baby swing that has three rectangular pockets located on the back of it. These pockets are where cooling/warming material, also known as the non-toxic gel pack, is inserted. The body of the child will lye against this pillow with the cooling/warming material, also known as the non-toxic gel pack, inserted into the pockets, while properly seated in the car seat, stroller or baby swing. With the use of this invention, the child's body will be quickly cooled or warmed. Neck support is also provided with the use of an additional pillow if needed for smaller children.

Abstract: An ice pack including a bag having a containment section with an opening. Two layers of adhesive material are be disposed on adjacent portions of the opening. One layer has a lesser width than the other layer, so that when the layers are engaged, the layer with the greater width engages both the other layer and a portion of the interior surface of the bag. At least one removable liner and preferably two removable liners may be disposed on respective layers of the adhesive material. The ice pack may be satisfactory for a single use.

Abstract: A physiology enhancing device for improving physiological functions of a human body, etc., which comprises a heat generating element making use of chemical energy and a sheet interposed between the heat generating element and a body surface of a wearer, and which is designed to supply steam generated from the heat generating element while the device is applied to the body surface. The device exhibits steam generating capability for 2 hours or longer and, while applied to the body surface, raises the body surface temperature to a temperature from 38° C. to lower than 42° C. within one hour from the application. The sheet interposed between the heat generating element and the body surface preferably has a function of regulating air feed to the heat generating element and a function of transferring the heat of the physiology enhancing device to the body surface and preferably has a total thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A simple warmth-retaining article comprising a heat insulating material, a cover material and an exothermic article that generates heat in the presence of air and that is inserted between the heat insulating material and the cover material, and a warmth-retaining cloth formed by connecting a plurality of the simple warmth-retaining articles in a plane-like state.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system is provided for an improved apparatus for the alleviation of minor pain. The new and unique apparatus for may be utilized for use in the treatment of minor aches and pains whereby the apparatus may be configurable and may conform to a specific pain emanating region of the body, yet have enough tension through the design to hold the device to a specific painful area of the body. Moreover, the apparatus may utilize a plurality of different filler material thereby allowing for use as either a heat based or cooling based device depending on the use and desires of the individual user and/or the type of pain to be alleviated by the user.

Abstract: A personal cooling device includes a housing member manufactured from a first predetermined material. Such housing member has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A second predetermined material is housed within such housing member. Such second predetermined material is freezable.

Abstract: A multi-compartment flexible pouch with an insulated compartment and method of forming includes a pouch body formed from a panel of material, and the pouch body has at least one compartment for a product. An opening means for accessing the product is disposed in the pouch body. A first insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and a second insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first seal to form the insulated compartment. The insulated compartment contains a pressurized gas and a surface temperature of the insulated compartment is less than a surface temperature of the product compartment after the pouch is heated.

Abstract: A thermal pack having a bent lip uniformly disposed away from a skin side of the thermal pack. The thermal pack of the present invention eliminates discomfort associated with prior art thermal packs by providing a lip that bends up and away from the skin, thereby avoiding or minimizing contact with the skin and limiting irritation. The pack is preferably provided with an insulated wrap 90 that can be attached to the pack, such as by a hook-and-loop fastener. The wrap will aid in placement of the device upon the user, as well as extend the benefits of the thermal medium. The wrap is conventionally formed of a thermoplastic material commonly used in packaging.

Abstract: A therapeutic upper body wrap has a flexible, aroma-permeable cover having upper and lower layers joined at their outer edges to form an interior space to contain particulate matter which may include thermal reservoir and aromatherapy materials. The interior space is divided into a series of subspaces in the form of parallel, tube-shaped containers to prevent shifting of the materials. A central opening is provided penetrating the upper and layers of the cover. The opening permits a user to place the wrap over his head and onto his shoulders. The openings are substantially circular, designed to fit snugly about a user's neck. A slit is provided extending from the outer edge of the wrap to the opening for easy placement about the neck. A fastener, such as a hook and loop, button, zipper or tie string is used to close the slit. The wrap is heated or cooled before use.

Abstract: Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

Abstract: To provide a heat generating body which nevertheless an excellent warming effect (for example, an effect for relaxation of a pain by a thermal stimulus) can be obtained, hardly provides a user with an unwell feeling due to a high temperature, is fit to curved surface parts such as the abdominal region and the waist and is able to comfortably warm a desired site with a good feeling for use over a long period of time.

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

Abstract: A warming device for placement against a body part or object includes a shell member having an outer face and an inner face disposed against a surface to be warmed. A first warming substrate is disposed within the shell member and is an absorbent web having a generally uniform application of a first warming composition applied thereto, the warming composition activated by contact with an aqueous liquid. An aqueous liquid source is disposed within the shell member and is separated from the first warming substrate by a barrier member. The device is activated by manual manipulation to breach the barrier member causing liquid from the liquid source to move within the interior space of the shell member to contact and activate the warming composition whereby a warming reaction is generated.

Abstract: A cooling device for placement against a body part or object includes a shell member having an outer face and an inner face disposed against a surface to be cooled. A first cooling substrate is disposed within the shell member and is an absorbent web having a generally uniform application of a first cooling composition applied thereto, the cooling composition activated by contact with an aqueous liquid. An aqueous liquid source is disposed within the shell member and is separated from the first cooling substrate by a barrier member. The device is activated by manual manipulation to breach the barrier member causing liquid from the liquid source to move within the interior space of the shell member to contact and activate the cooling composition whereby a cooling reaction is generated.

Abstract: A thermal cooling apparatus is provided that includes a thermal pack and a flexible band conformable into an annulus. The flexible band includes outer and inner layers made of thermally insulating material. The inner and outer layers are connected to one another to establish a pocket including a mouth sized to permit insertion and removal of the thermal pack through the mouth for accommodation in the pocket. The inner layer preferably possesses a plurality of vent ports for permitting thermal transfer from the thermal pack through the inner layer. Also provided is a method of treating an anatomical area of an individual with the thermal cooling apparatus.

Abstract: A form-fitting elastic garment includes a plurality of pockets at locations corresponding to a plurality of muscle groups and/or tendons. The pockets are adapted to receive a thermal medium and hold the thermal medium tightly against a muscle group and/or tendons of a wearer. A thermal therapy kit includes a thermally insulated container storing a thermal medium and such a form fitting garment.

Abstract: A method for enhancing sexual encounter of a woman during coitus includes heating a heat transfer pack that radiates heat; thereafter, warming the labia and clitoris of the woman by positioning the heat transfer pack in the pelvic region of a woman so that the heat transfer pack radiates heat from the pouch to the pelvic region of the woman, the positioning of the heat transfer pack including securing the heat transfer pack to the legs and waist of the woman; and once the clitoris and labia has been warmed, engaging in intercourse with the clitoris and labia in the warmed state. A method for facilitating the enhancement of a woman's sexual encounter during coitus includes the steps of selling a heating apparatus and, in conjunction therewith, providing appropriate instructions for use of the heating apparatus for the enhancement of a woman's sexual encounter during coitus.

Abstract: A therapeutic hygiene article for postpartum vaginal relief comprises a pouch for insertion in a user's vaginal orifice and a cooling pack formed within the pouch.

Abstract: An anti-slip treatment pad is enclosed. The treatment pad comprises a band with two ends and having a treatment pad characterized in that the two ends are provided with a fastening unit and the band forms into a circular body by fastening the two ends of the band to each other, and the band is applied onto any part of the body and is fastened by means of the fastening unit to form the anti-slip treatment pad.

Abstract: An aromatherapy blanket includes a flexible, aroma-permeable cover that has upper and lower layers. The upper and lower layers are joined at their outer edges and define a space between them. The space is divided into a number of subspaces which are filled with a quantity of thermal reservoir material and a quantity of aromatherapy material. The typically tube-shaped subspaces are spaced apart from one another by a first predetermined distance. The subspaces are divided into substantially equal portions to prevent shifting of the thermal material and the aromatherapy material. The thermal reservoir materials are selected from the group consisting of corn, rice, wheat, oats, barley, beans and flaxseed. The aromatherapy materials are selected from the group consisting of cinnamon, chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, valerian root, white willow, yarrow, lavender ginger and yellow dock root. The blanket includes a washable containment cover sized and shaped to enclose the blanket.

Abstract: A garment for therapeutic comfort to women experiencing breast discomfort. The garment including an inner side having a first vertical side adjacent a second vertical side. A first layer is attached to the first vertical side and to the second vertical side such that each first layer is disposed over a breast region of the wearer. A first chamber for receiving hot or warm therapy is defined between each first layer and the inner side. A first opening to access the first chamber is defined between first and second ends of the first layer. A side opening in communication with the first chamber can further be disposed between the first layer and the inner side. A second layer is attached to each of the first layers such that each second layer is disposed over the nipple area of the wearer. A second chamber is defined between the first and second layers. A second opening to access the second chamber is defined between first and second ends of the second layer.

Abstract: A personal cooling element for patients comprises at least one cooling zone (2) that can be pre-tensioned against the body surface (10) of a person wearing the personal cooling element. The cooling zone (2) is three-layered with an internal layer (4) that faces towards the body, an external layer (6) that faces away from the body and an evaporation zone (8) that is located therebetween. The internal layer (4) and the external layer (6) each are made from a material that is waterproof and permeable to water vapor. The evaporation zone (8) is supplied with liquid water.

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 brassiere incorporating at least one gel pack positioned to provide thermal therapy to a breast. Located within the breast cup construction are one or more cells of thermal gel packs designed to dispense thermal therapy to the breast, preferably cold therapy. The gel sac or sacs form an integral part of the garment sandwiched between layers of material forming the interior and exterior of the garment. The respective breast cup gel sac can be formed to partially or fully encompass the breast or segmented into a plurality of segregated sacs having padding positioned therebetween forming gel sac support. The garment closure means is easily moved between a worn engaged state and disengaged state for removal.

Abstract: A thermal wrap having identical side portions, each having a pocket formed therein for receiving thermal material such as gel packs. The side portions are connected at the top by at least two independently attached straps, and at the bottom by a singe, relatively wide chin strap to ensure that the pockets allow for even application of thermal energy to the mandibular region of the face. The pockets are sized to receive standard sized gel packs.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing conditioned air to a patient while maintaining a low profile over the patient. The therapy blanket has an inflatable portion that includes air channels with a constriction in the area where the blanket covers the torso of the patient; thereby reducing, if not eliminating, bunching of the blanket. The blanket covers the torso and at least one extended arm of a patient.

Abstract: An improved cold/compress therapy for the treatment of muscle, tissue, tendon, or cartilage injury or damage. The ICE Power Pack consists of a plurality of hollow vessels filled with water or aqueous solutions or colloids that can be solidified in a conventional domestic or commercial freezer. The encapsulated water or aqueous solutions or colloids rely on the high latent heat of fusion as they undergo a phase change providing an extended therapeutic period in a medically safe temperature zone. The vessels are sandwiched between flexible insulating and non-insulating layers that serve as compresses.