This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for the delivery of cooled air selectably using a device with removable component which directs cooled air to a desired area at or near the hair of a subject. The device may have one or more components which may be quickly and easily removed and replaced.

The invention includes a forced-air blanket for providing a profusion of air to a patient, comprising a bottom layer with a plurality of openings configured to allow a profusion of air to pass through the bottom layer and an upper layer bonded to the bottom layer around a periphery, wherein the upper layer is also bonded to bottom layer by a plurality of linear seals and a plurality of staked seals. In an embodiment, at least one of more of the linear seals have one end which is joined to a portion of the periphery. In another embodiment, the forced-air blanket may further include at least one elongated seal that is positioned proximate to the inlet. The arrangement of the plurality of staked seals, elongated seals and linear seals assists in providing a blanket that is of a low-profile with even air distribution.

At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a combination, comprising: a garment, a configurable convective device, and an attachment device configured to attach the configurable convective device to the garment. The configurable convective device comprises a pneumatic structure having a first portion, a second portion, and an inflatable channel connecting the first portion and the second portion and at least one opening into the pneumatic structure. In some cases, the relative positions of the first portion and the second portion of the pneumatic structure can be rearranged.

A method for monitoring an environment for a patient on a patient support device can include: receiving a temperature reading from a wireless sensor coupled to a body of the patient; comparing the temperature reading to air flowing through an airflow system associated with the patient support device; and modifying the air flowing through the airflow system.

The invention provides fluid warming apparatus comprising: a fan; a heater, the fan and the heater being configured to generate a heated fluid flow having a principle flow direction and an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in a distribution direction perpendicular to the said principle flow direction; and a plurality of temperature sensors offset from each other in the said distribution direction, wherein at least two of the temperature sensors are configured to measure temperatures of respective portions of the heated fluid flow having different temperatures.

Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

Examples of a module for housing unrelated electronic and electromechanical equipment for use during surgery. The module can include a lower section and a tower-like upper section. The lower section can house unrelated electronic and electromechanical equipment. The tower-like upper section can be located on top of the lower section. A water-resistant cowling can enclose at least a portion of the lower section and the tower-like upper section. A cartridge containing one or more ultraviolet-C producing lights can be protectively housed within the tower-like upper section. The cartridge containing one or more ultraviolet-C producing lights can be configured to emerge upward from a top of the tower-like upper section to substantially seat itself on the top of the tower-like upper section when activated allowing the ultraviolet-C light to disinfect the patient and staff-contacting upper surfaces of the equipment in the operating room.

At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective device, comprising: a pneumatic structure formed by one or more layers, a partially detachable access duct, and a separation device disposed on a side of the partially detachable access duct. The partially detachable access duct in fluid connection with the pneumatic structure.

Aspects of the present disclosure can be related to a warming device, systems, and methods of using. The warming device can include a clinical garment comprising a body portion adapted to cover a portion of a patient, an inner surface configured to face the patient, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The body portion can include sleeves sized and positioned for receiving the patients arms. In addition, the clinical garment can include an insulative layer comprising an insulative edge portion disposed on the clinical garment. The insulative edge portion is configured to make the warming device non-linting.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a warming system including a warming device. The warming device includes a clinical garment comprising a body portion adapted to cover a portion of a patient, an inner surface for facing the patient, and an outer surface for facing away from the patient. The body portion includes sleeves sized and positioned for receiving the patient's arms and a torso portion adapted to cover an anterior torso of a patient. A first pneumatic convective device can be disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the clinical garment. The pneumatic convective device can include an opening formed in the clinical garment for admitting a stream of pressurized, warmed air into the first pneumatic convective device. The warming system can also have a second pneumatic convective device in a fully-folded configuration or partially-folded configuration and disposed on a portion of the clinical garment.