Provided is a heart-rate control device capable of adjusting the heart rate of a subject to a desired value between a base heart rate and an active heart rate, such as a heart rate immediately after physical exercise. The heart-rate control device includes a detector for detecting heartbeat information of a subject, an input unit to which information on a target value relating to a heart rate of the subject is to be inputted, a difference extracting unit for determining a difference between the target value and a current value relating to the heart rate of the subject, the current value being calculated from the heartbeat information, a pattern generating unit for generating a stimulus pattern depending on the difference so that the current value approaches the target value, the stimulus pattern being a combination of a sympathetic nerve stimulus for stimulating sympathetic nerves, a parasympathetic nerve stimulus for stimulating parasympathetic nerves, and an initialization stimulus for preventing stimulus saturation of the sympathetic nerves or the parasympathetic nerves, and an output unit for outputting the sympathetic nerve stimulus, the parasympathetic nerve stimulus and the initialization stimulus to the subject in accordance with the stimulus pattern.

A heating/cooling therapy treatment pad system incorporates a plurality of therapy pads that can be coupled together by connectors and attachments to form an integrated therapy pad assembly. The thermal pads have pouches for receiving thermal inserts that may be heated or chilled. The thermal inserts may be cylindrical in shape and there may be thermal insert gaps, or spaces between the pouches to enable better conformability of the therapy pad to a person's body, such as around the neck. The heating/cooling therapy treatment pad system may include a neck therapy pad, spine therapy pad, head and face therapy pads, shoulder therapy pad, lumbar therapy pad, armpit thermal therapy pad and a thermal therapy pad vest. The system of pads interconnect to provide tailored thermal therapy to multiple areas of a user's body and may be used to effectuate rapid cooling and in particular for those suffering from heat exhaustion.

A selective brain cooling system for controlling the temperature of the brain of a patient, the system comprising a headliner and/or neck brace, and one or more thermoelectric cooling elements.

The present invention is directed to a self regulating heater including a first layer made of a thin and flexible electrically insulating material. A second electrically conductive layer includes first and second buses spaced from each other. A third resistive layer electrically connects the first and second buses. The third layer has a higher electrical resistance than the second layer. The third layer experiences a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect when heated. A fourth interface layer directly connected to at least one of the second electrically conductive layer and the third resistive layer directly engages skin of a patient when the heater is attached to the patient. A combined thickness of the first layer, the second conductive layer, the third resistive layer and the fourth layer may be between 5 mil and 20 mil.

Described are systems and methods of perioperative warming. One method comprises providing a regulated power supply that is controlled by a controller, wherein the regulated power supply provides power to one or more polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating elements, each PTC heating element having a saturation voltage and a corresponding saturation temperature; applying a first voltage to at least one of the one or more PTC heating elements, wherein the first voltage is greater than the saturation voltage; monitoring a temperature of the one of the one or more PTC heating elements while the first voltage is being applied; and regulating voltage applied to the one of the one or more PTC heating elements as the monitored temperature of the one of the one or more PTC heating elements approaches the saturation temperature of the one of the one or more PTC heating elements.

A therapeutic device such as an eye mask or compress for delivery of moist heat therapy to a body part such as an eye of a human or animal subject. Example devices are configured to be worn with one or more eye coverage portions positioned over the subject's eye(s). The eye coverage portions have a front side configured for placement against the treated body part, and a back side opposite the front side. The eye coverage portions include recesses or retracted sections configured to be positioned over the wearer's cornea area. The shell of the eye coverage portions may further incorporate antimicrobial properties. Heat transfer mediums or fill materials can include hydrophilic zeolite, silica gel, and/or one or more phase change materials so as to provide controlled performance characteristics.

A pocketed neck scarf for easy wrapping and storing pocket warmers includes a scarf body having a bottom side and a top side. The scarf body comprises a base section and a pair of arms extending from the base section. One of the pair of arms is a looped arm and the other arm is a straight arm that is selectively engageable through the looped arm to secure the scarf body around a user's neck with the base section resting on her upper back. The base section has a plurality of pockets on the top side with each pocket configured to receive a pocket warmer.

In accordance with one embodiment, as originally conceived, a holder system is given that comprises a main body with a compartment for storing an energy source, such as a heating or cooling pack, and a method for securing the source within the compartment. The main body is fitted with an adjustable attaching method used to secure the main body, with energy source, around a host.

A perspiration absorption/prevention device designed for use in medical applications, specifically for use by surgeons or other medical personnel. The device is preferably comprised of a headband base member, an absorbent pad, a pocket member and a cooling means stored therein, but may further comprise an adjustment means for further securing the device to a user's forehead or neck area. The cooling means prevents the formation of perspiration on the user, and fatigue generally. Further, any perspiration that does form is quickly absorbed by the absorbent pad before it can drip from the user and onto the patient, surgical tools, etc. The absorbent pad is both detachable from the remainder of the device, and disposable. In this manner, the remainder of the device can be recycled or reused, costs may be lowered and medical waste reduced.

A temperature regulating device for a user's neck includes a housing that extends about the neck and has a base portion, and first and second side portions. The side portions each have an air duct extending from an air inlet to an air outlet in communication with air inlets of an air duct within the base portion. Two thermoelectric are devices located within each of the side portions. Each thermoelectric device is in thermal connection with a cold space member at exterior sides of the side portions for contacting the lateral sides of the neck. Two fans within the base portion are configured to pull air through the side portions past the thermoelectric devices to the base portion and out through the air outlets of the base portion. Only the side portions of the housing selectively heat and cool the neck near pulse points of the neck.