The present invention provides methods and devices for controlling a cold slurry that is delivered to a target tissue and for limiting heat transferring from surrounding tissue to the target tissue. In particular, a balloon structure is deployed at or near a point of delivery to act as a physical and/or thermal barrier. In some instances, the balloon structure can act as a pressure device obstructing the flow of warm blood into a treatment area, which can melt the cold slurry.

A hot air producing system produces and stores hot air, and applies the stored hot air to a human body. The system includes a heating apparatus to heat the air, a temperature setting gauge to allow a user to set a desired temperature, a pressure gauge to measure a pressure of the air in the container, a pump to pump the hot air, a fill connection, an expandable container for receiving and storing the hot air, with a valve to connect to the fill connection such that the expandable container can receive the hot air, an adjustable flow release mechanism to allow a user to adjust an amount of flow of hot air out of the expandable container, and a flexible hose connected to the adjustable flow release mechanism, with a nozzle to direct the hot air to a portion of the human body.

Disclosed is a system and method for producing and storing hot air, and for applying the stored hot air to a human body. The hot air producing system may include a heating apparatus configured to heat air to a temperature, a temperature setting gauge, a pressure gauge, a pump to pump the hot air, a fill connection, a container for receiving hot air from the heating apparatus and storing the hot air therein, the container including at least one valve to connect to the fill connection of the heating apparatus such that the container can receive the hot air from the heating apparatus, an adjustable flow release mechanism connected to an outlet of the container for receiving the hot air, and a flexible hose connected to the adjustable flow release mechanism. Embodiments of the invention can include a computer system capable of governing all the components.

Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably rechargeable with hot or cold temperatures at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a highly temperature-conductive or temperature-retentive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the pad by a removable delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.

The present invention provides methods and devices for controlling a cold slurry that is delivered to a target tissue and for limiting heat transferring from surrounding tissue to the target tissue. In particular, a balloon structure is deployed at or near a point of delivery to act as a physical and/or thermal barrier. In some instances, the balloon structure can act as a pressure device obstructing the flow of warm blood into a treatment area, which can melt the cold slurry.

Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably rechargeable with hot or cold temperatures at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a highly temperature-conductive or temperature-retentive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the pad by a removable delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

The cooling and heating neckband is adapted for use with a person. The person is further defined with a head and a neck. The cooling and heating neckband is worn by the person. The cooling and heating neckband transfers heat to and from the person to make the person more comfortable. The cooling and heating neckband comprises a heat transfer structure, a foam layer, and a covering structure. The heat transfer structure is an apparatus that transfers heat to and from the person during physical activity. The foam layer is a cushion that covers the heat transfer structure. The covering structure is a textile-based structure. The heat transfer structure and the foam layer are inserted in the covering structure. The covering structure attaches the cooling and heating neckband to the person.

A pain relief system and apparatus, comprising a main body formed of one or more sections adapted to surround a person's waist; a compression element, a heating element within said one or more sections operable to heat the entire area of the one or more sections of the main body and apparatus, and an adjustable belt means to maintain the main body in engagement over said person's waist. Optionally, the pain relief system may include at least one inflatable bladder adapted to create a compression force on the person's abdomen when inflated, a massage element, and may be wireless.

A heating pad includes a heat pad with an anterior and posterior side. The heat pad includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is located in between the first layer and the third layer. The first layer is located on the posterior side, while the third layer is located on the anterior side. The second layer has a wire selectively heated to increase the temperature of the heat pad. The third layer is a reflective material positioned to reflect heat from the second layer towards the first layer, decreasing heat emitted on the anterior side of the heat pad. The heating pad also includes a battery storage section for securing a battery. The battery is in electronical communication with the wire of the heat pad. The heating pad further includes an engagement mechanism to secure the heating pad to a user.