Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Thermal applicators
Patent
1996-06-14
1999-02-16
Jastrzab, Jeffrey R.
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Thermal applicators
607114, 219527, 165 46, A61F 702
Patent
active
058715266
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/US92/05332, filed Jun. 26, 1992, and priority thereunder 35 U.S.C. 120 is claimed.
DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to temperature control systems and more particularly to a light weight portable temperature control unit integrating a variety of face and body pads that will conform to the various contours of the face and body to aid in the therapeutic treatment of sports injuries and other forms of trauma, to relieve post operative pain, and to control swelling, bruising and engorgement.
2. Description of Prior Art
After injury and/or surgery, it has been found that controlling the swelling that normally occurs aids in expediting healing. In particular, in the field of cosmetic surgery, the necessity of maintaining a constant temperature, in the range of 34.degree.-40.degree. Fahrenheit, is extremely important to reduce internal bleeding, bruising and swelling.
Localized temperature control of various areas and parts of the human body, after injury and surgery, requires the use of cumbersome heating pads, ice packs, frozen gels, etc. Refrigeration systems which are large and bulky and which possess additional heating elements to raise or control the temperature, have been used to maintain the body, or a portion thereof, have been used to maintain the body, or a portion thereof, at a temperature substantially below the body's normal temperature of 98.6.degree. F.
The use of ice packs, when taken directly from a freezer and not permitted to warm above 32.degree. F., have been found to induce frostbite. Additionally, upon placement on a patient, the ice pack begins to melt and warm up rather quickly, thereby providing a constantly changing temperature at the areas of contact.
Thus, the various cooling techniques presently in use fail to satisfactorily maintain a constant temperature on the desired body areas.
In addition to the requirement of maintaining a constant temperature on the selected areas, there is also a need for a body pad that will comfortably and securely fit the contours of the area being treated as well as a need for providing portability of the heating or cooling unit.
There have been a number of efforts made to meet the described heating and cooling needs.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,074,410 (Foster) discloses an apparatus for temperature control in which a person's skin is heated and cooled by a fluid heat exchange medium. The cooling means comprises a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a by-pass valve for directing the fluid medium either through or past the heat exchanger. A pump runs continuously and the valve shunts the liquid medium around the refrigerating device when cooling of the liquid medium is not required. The apparatus also has a first thermistor adapted to sense the body temperature and a second thermistor to measure the temperature of the pad. The exchange fluid circulates through a pad contacting the patient's body. An electrical bridge means allows for the activation of the cooling and heating means when the patient's temperature is higher or lower than normal. This device has the drawback of being heavy, having high power demands, and allowing only for limited adjustment and programming.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,555 (Fletcher) discloses a liquid cooling apparatus possessing an automatic control system. The temperature of the wall of the auditory meatus and four averaged, unweighted skin temperatures are used as input signals to an electro-pneumatic transducer to control a diverter valve in the liquid cooling loop of the liquid cooling garment. The cooling system comprises a circulation pump, a heat exchanger, and a diverter valve connected in a fluid loop. A by-pass line is provided in the loop connecting the inlet side of the heat exchanger with the diverter valve. The diverter valve may be connected to an electro-pneumatic transducer for operation of the diverter valve according to control signals from a controller. The diverter valve is positioned so that the proper proportion
REFERENCES:
patent: 3548819 (1970-12-01), Davis et al.
patent: 3744555 (1973-07-01), Fletcher et al.
patent: 3900035 (1975-08-01), Welch et al.
patent: 3967627 (1976-07-01), Brown
patent: 4026299 (1977-05-01), Sauder
patent: 4335726 (1982-06-01), Kolstedt
patent: 4844072 (1989-07-01), French et al.
patent: 4846176 (1989-07-01), Golden
patent: 4962761 (1990-10-01), Golden
patent: 5072875 (1991-12-01), Zacoi
patent: 5183039 (1993-02-01), Sarian et al.
patent: 5201365 (1993-04-01), Siegel
patent: 5297545 (1994-03-01), Infante
patent: 5407421 (1995-04-01), Goldsmith
patent: 5441477 (1995-08-01), Hargest
patent: 5658324 (1997-08-01), Bailey, Sr. et al.
Gibbs Roselle
Horn Stuart
Kadesky Yale
Walters Buford
Carter Ryan
Jastrzab Jeffrey R.
LandOfFree
Portable temperature control system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Portable temperature control system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable temperature control system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2058456