Localized thermotherapy technique
US4595008A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/30
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A localized thermotherapy technique in which heated air is so projected onto a limited surface area on the body of a patient overlying a problem region as to bring about the rapid transfer of heat energy toward this region to raise the temperature thereof without, however, causing undue discomfort or injury to the patient. In apparatus for practicing this technique, air heated to a temperature well above normal body temperature is projected as a high velocity wind toward the limited surface area in a pulsatory thermal-wave pattern, thereby subjecting the area to high-temperature, high-velocity air pulses separated by lower air temperature, relatively static intervals. As a consequence, rapid heat transfer takes place through the body tissue during these intervals, this inward transfer acting to reduce the temperature at the surface to a degree preventing an undue rise thereof. The surface area is protectively coated with a suitable jelly to prevent wind burn and to minimize the outward transfer of heat energy from the surface area to the atmosphere.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.