Abstract:
At least one thermoelectric assembly controlled by a microprocessor and disposed on a thermal conduction pad configured to conduct energy to and from the thermoelectric assembly and adjacent the treatment area positioned with removable electronics and a breathable liner. The hot intensity, cold intensity and time delay between sequences can also be selected as well as alternating temperature sequences with both vibration and tension monitoring to promote blood flow and speed up healing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Stage Entry of PCT/US2011/039,860, filed Jun. 9, 2011, which claims priority to and the benefit of the provisional application having Ser. No. 61/397,324and filed Jun. 11, 2010. The provisional application and the PCT application are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for producing a repeatable series of temperature patterns on a human body or mammal by selectively and independently controlling the heating and cooling of a Peltier-effect thermoelectric device disposed within a portable carrier. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As people age or are deconditioned (out of shape), as is common in our society, they become more prone to exercise and repetitive motion related injuries. These injuries cause a great deal of pain and can interfere with a person&#39;s ability to function in their daily life, including loss of work time. Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as Tennis Elbow, is the term used to describe an inflammation occurring close to the humerus, a small point of the upper arm bone just above the elbow joint on the outer side of the arm. Pain can also arise in other areas of the forearm and elbow. The inflammation from tennis elbow is caused by two tendons rubbing against each other. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. When repeatedly stressed or overused, tendons can become inflamed resulting in a painful condition called tendonitis, which can occur in tendons all over the body. 
     There are two common treatments for tennis elbow. One is to have a band on the forearm for compression  200  to dampen repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons. The other is to have alternating warm and cold therapy to reduce the inflammation. Commonly, the compression bands  200  is positioned either too tightly or too loosely. If the band  200  is too tight, it can restrict circulation and cause numbness. If the band is too loose, it loses its effectiveness and can even fall off. Typically, when people are first introduced to the compression band  200  treatment, they tend to over tighten the bands with the expectation of curing the condition faster. The resulting numbness can be uncomfortable and delay the healing effect of the band. Furthermore, the bands can become uncomfortable in summer months because too much heat is retained between the skin and the band. 
     Alternatively, hot and cold treatment typically requires two separate devices: ice packs alternating with heating pads. Although an effective treatment option, ice packs and heating pads are typically cumbersome to hold in place. With this approach, people cannot easily move around, but instead must sit and wait while receiving treatment. Gel packs may simplify treatments as they are able to retain heat and can provide cold to a treatment spot, however patient movement is still limited. To address these limitations, arm, leg, torso, and shoulder bands are now available in which the patient can apply gel packs that have been either heated or cooled to a desired treatment area. However, a limitation with this system is that gel packs do not maintain the treatment temperature for long periods of time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a solution to the above described treatment challenges through the use of a Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) device and system, also generally known as a Peltier Device. Other Peltier-type devices are described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,748 to Chiurco et al and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,088 to Sakuragi et al, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     In one example embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus are provided for producing a repeatable series of temperature patterns on a human body or mammal by selectively and independently controlling the heating and cooling of at least one Peltier-effect thermoelectric device disposed on at least one thermal conduction pad or member, which are disposed within a portable carrier or support band. In this embodiment, the thermal conduction pad facilitates heat or cool treatment (and energy distribution and application) from one thermoelectric device to the treatment area. In a related embodiment, the thermoelectric device assembly is removable from a breathable liner and/or support band to allow for cleaning and maintenance. 
     In one example embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus are provided for producing a repeatable series of temperature patterns on a human body or mammal by selectively and independently controlling the heating and cooling of a Peltier-effect thermoelectric device with tension or compression monitoring, which are disposed within a portable carrier or support band  35 . In a related embodiment, a vibration assembly having a vibration motor  42  is included operates with a heating cycle (or cooling cycle) of the thermoelectric device to promote healing and a faster recovery time. 
     In an example embodiment, both heating and cooling are provided using a passive device that will cool on one side and warm on the other when a voltage is place across it. The warm and cold sides can be exchanged by reversing the voltage on the device. Distribution of both hot and cold treatments in the TEC is performed by thermal conduction of a liquid and or a gas through a closed system with a valve. In one example embodiment, the present invention provides a mobile therapeutic treatment device that includes an attachment band or member that automatically provides alternating hot and cold treatment on a pre-programmed schedule without requiring additional action by the user. In this example embodiment, the band itself includes air vents  9  to reduce sweating and further includes a tension (or compression) monitoring system to prevent over-tightening of the band  200  member over or near the treatment region. 
     In various example embodiments of the present invention, significant improvements in convenience and efficiency are provided over currently available treatment options. Further, several embodiments of the present invention have other applications such as reducing swelling in the body that is caused by trauma, sprain, bursitis or overuse. Affected areas can be almost anywhere on the body such as but not limited to arms, legs, back, and neck, wherever heat/cold treatment is desired. These and other challenges are addressed by the various embodiments of the present invention. 
     In one example embodiment of the present invention, a band is used to wrap any area of the human body to deliver warm and cooling therapy to the skin and underlying tissue and muscle. The band also allows air to flow through itself while continuously monitoring band tension. Furthermore, the treatment system is programmable through an intuitive user interface that will allow the user to perform routine daily activities while undergoing hot and cold therapy. 
     In yet another related embodiment the device is mobile and ergonomically friendly device and allows hot and cold therapy to be distributed over a larger treatment area using at least one thermal conduction pad or member via fluid dynamics through either by convection or a pump method. Small valves in the fluid path with the conduction member ensure flow direction as the device alternates between hot and cold therapy. 
     In yet another example embodiment, the user interface is logical and allows for easy setting identification wherein Red is for hot treatment and Blue is for cold treatment or temperature. Using markings of “C” for cold and “W” for warmth and a “clock” symbol for time or duration of treatment also ensures easy identification of controls. This example system delivers continuous hot, continuous cold, and intermittent hot and cold as programmed by the user. In this example embodiment, the band member is breathable, or made out of a breathable material, thereby reducing sweating and itching on or about the treatment area. The electronic assemblies are removable for easy routine cleaning. In this example embodiment, monitoring band tension (or compression) removes the unknown factor of whether the band  200  is too tight and the use of lithium battery technology (or other rechargeable battery source or use of solar cells) allows this device to be mobile. Finally, using passive electronics to switch polarity on the Peltier device results in no moving parts and long device life. 
     Advantageously, the various embodiments of the present invention provide for adding communication devices for wired or wireless communications between two or more separate physically distinct apparatus to promote alternative heating/cooling cycles as part of the treatment regimen; incorporating temperature measuring devices or sensors (thermistors, thermocouples, etc.) to sense temperature and prevent injury to the patient from a device that is too hot or too cold; incorporating ventilation holes or slits in the support band; and promote warm wet heating therapy by accommodating a moist towelette, cloth or other fabric. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for treating an area of a human body by creating a series of temperature patterns on surface of the body adjacent the treatment area, said apparatus comprising a thermal conduction member and a at least one thermoelectric means for producing a temperature change in response to an electrical input disposed on the thermal conduction member. The apparatus further includes a metallic member interposed between said thermoelectric means and the thermal conduction member and at least one heat sink member disposed on said thermoelectric means. The apparatus further includes electronic controller means connected to said thermoelectric means for controlling said thermoelectric means so that said thermoelectric means creates changeable temperature patterns on a treatment area; said electronic controller means adapted to be connected to a portable power source; and therapy control means connected to said electronic controller means for controlling the time and intensity of a temperature produced by said thermoelectric means before reversing a temperature gradient for said thermoelectric means. In a related embodiment, the metallic member interposed between said thermoelectric means and the thermal conduction member is omitted. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of treating a portion of the human body pain by creating a series of temperature patterns on the surface of the body adjacent a treatment area, said method comprising the steps of (a) placing a thermal conduction member on the surface of the body adjacent the treatment area, the thermal conduction member having thermoelectric means disposed thereon and one heat sink member disposed on said thermoelectric means and (b) controlling said thermoelectric means via electronic controller means to create changeable temperature patterns on a treatment area, said electronic controller means and thermoelectric means adapted to be connected to a portable power source. The method further includes the steps of (c) controlling said electronic controller means via therapy control means thereby controlling a time and intensity of a temperature produced by said thermoelectric means before reversing a temperature gradient for said thermoelectric means; and (d) monitoring at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: compression of thermal conduction member on the body surface; duration of a selected temperature treatment; and intensity of a selected temperature treatment. 
     In a related aspect of the invention, a vibration assembly is connected to the metallic member and is adapted to generate vibrations when heat is being applied to the treatment area. In another related embodiment, a synchronization assembly is coupled to the microcomputer, the synchronization assembly further including at least two communication modules adapted to be connected to at least two separate physically distinct apparatus thereby generating alternating temperature patterns to promote blood flow in the treatment area. In yet another related embodiment, the thermal conduction member is comprised of a plurality of tubes for conducting a fluid through the thermal conduction member with at least one thermal flow control member selected from the group consisting of: a one-way valve, a one-way value and a pump, and a pump. In yet another embodiment, a visual indicator is included for time and temperature selected from the group consisting of an LED, a time clock button, and a push button mechanism disposed adjacent said electronic controller means. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of a therapy band member with an electronic assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a Peltier assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an electronic assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a tension monitoring device according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are front and back views of the electronic assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the therapy band assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of other embodiments of thermal transfer pad or distribution members according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the therapy band assembly with a vibration assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a human leg with a synchronization device included with a therapy device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates various pulse trains at various power levels that control various elements of a therapy device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view and circuit of the microprocessor assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a graph of the relationship between Temperature Differential and Power according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating how the apparatus might fit on the elbow and the placement of the tension strap according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     The same elements or parts throughout the figures of the drawings are designated by the same reference characters. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is meant to be illustrative only and not limiting. Other embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this description. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a perspective view of a pouch-style therapy band or support member  1  which shows how an electronic unit  1 A fits into the band and is held in place with a set of hook and loop fastening strips  2  and a set of corresponding fasteners  6 , which a fastening strip  3  secures and closes a pouch structure  4 . 
     In this example embodiment, a therapy plate  5  is placed over a window  7  (in which the therapy plates rest) while a set of cooling holes  9  (or slits) in the band allow for ventilation. A tip  10  (having a fastening structure thereon) of the band is placed through a clasp tensioner loop  8  to hold band  1  in place and to adjust the tension or compression of the band over the treatment site. In other example embodiments, band member  1  is a vest, a pouch, a pouch with strips, a backpack or the like that allows for portably supporting the therapy device of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 2 , respectively, there are depicted an exploded Peltier therapy assembly  11  and a removable assembly  100  according to the teachings of the present invention. Referring particularly to  FIG. 8 , assembly  11  further includes a heat sink member  12  disposed on the outside of therapy band  1  that is configured to dissipate both warmth and cold depending on the cycle of the therapy. An epoxy or adhesive layer  15  holds three parts together: heat sink  12  to a Peltier device  11 A, and Peltier device  11 A to a thermal conducting mesh  16  (which can also be a metal braid, mesh or plate to conduct both heating and cooling). Epoxy material can be conductive material, such as heat conductive epoxy and/or thermal grease. Thermal conducting mesh  16  attaches to a thermal distribution pad  17  which delivers the therapy to the skin and conducts the energy to a thermal measuring or sensing device (such as a thermistor or a thermocouple) so that a microprocessor, which is coupled to the temperature measuring or sensing device, can adjust to the temperature by turning the temperature on and off using Pulse Width Modulation (see  FIG. 10  for sample waveforms). Therapy assembly  11  further includes a point of contact of a temperature sensing (or measuring) device  13  and a second point of contact for a temperature sensing (or measuring) device  14  (such as thermistors, thermocouples or the like). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a perspective view of a heat sink assembly  100  of the therapy band assembly according to the present invention. In this example embodiment, a heatsink assembly  102  is comprised of two identical halves, cooling heatsink  104  and warming heatsink  106 . One half will be anodized blue aluminum ( 104 ) and the other will be anodized red aluminum ( 106 ) for ease of use and visual recognition for the user. These and various embodiments are configured to be disposed on thermal distribution pad  17 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an exploded view of the components of electronic assembly  1 A (that forms part of the therapy band) which includes an electronic circuit board  18  and a battery  21  which are mounted on a semi-ridged base or plate  25 . The bottom of an enclosure formed by a top plate  23  and a bottom plate  24  (both of which could be made of flexible plastic) contains flaps that go through a window  24 A. Semi-ridged base  25  is mounted to the bottom of electronic circuit board  18  and is attached to the edges of therapy device assembly  19  with epoxy or some other adhesive. (Therapy device assembly  19  is as described in more detail in the specification associated  FIG. 2 ). In this example embodiment, therapy device assembly  19  is adapted to protrude through a window  23 A and window  24 A and includes a heat sink thermal sensing/reading/measuring device  20  and a thermal plate sensing/reading/measuring device  22  adapted to provide temperature readings for cold and warm temperatures, respectively. Circuit board  18  is electrically coupled to power source  21 , which may be a portable power sources such as a battery, and to device assembly  19  on the other side. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a mechanical tension (or compression) assembly  26 , integrated with circuit board  18 , which is adapted to be electrically and mechanically coupled to therapy device assembly  19 . In this example embodiment, tension assembly  26  includes a tension slide member  26 A that is placed in a flag sensor  28  and is attached to a spring member  29 . A tension wire  27  is attached to a far point on the plastic base and the other end is attached to tension slide member  26 A. Tension assembly  26  further includes a printed circuit board (PCB)  30  with electronics thereon and includes a blue LED  31 , a red LED  33  and a set of interface buttons  32 A- 32 C disposed on a set of bases  34  that are disposed on board  30 . As the therapy band is cinched up (or put on user), the tension wire is pulled which in turn pulls tension slide  26 A. If the therapy band is tightened correctly, flag sensor  28  will have no light passing through and the system will identify that the band is not too tight. If the band becomes too tight, a hole  26 B in tension slide  26 A will allow light to pass through and the system will identify that the band is too tight and in turn the red LED  33  will flash. 
     In one example embodiment of a user interface  32  of the therapy band, there are 3 buttons  32 A,  32 B and  32 C and 2 LEDs  31  and  33  (another example is illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). Each button is labeled and has a different color: red, blue, and green. A red button  32 A controls the intensity of the warmth, a blue button  32 B controls the intensity of the cold, and a green button  32 C controls the duration of the therapy interval. The two LEDs are Red  33  and Blue  31  indicating warming or cooling activity. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Button Event 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Table 
                 First press 
                 Second Press 
                 Third Press 
                 Fourth Press 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Red Button 
                 Set Low Intensity. 
                 Set Medium Intensity. 
                 Set High Intensity. 
                 Set Warmth to Off. 
               
               
                   
                 One Red Blink. 
                 Two Red Blinks. 
                 Three Red Blinks. 
                 No Red Blink. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 press is the first. 
               
               
                 Blue Button 
                 Set Low Intensity. 
                 Set Medium Intensity. 
                 Set High Intensity. 
                 Set Cold to Off. 
               
               
                   
                 One Blue Blink. 
                 Two Blue Blinks. 
                 Three Blue Blinks. 
                 No Blue Blink. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 press in the first. 
               
               
                 Green Button 
                 3 Minute Duration. 
                 5 Minute Duration. 
                 10 Minute Duration. 
                 Continuous if either the 
               
               
                   
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 warmth is off or the cold is off. 
               
               
                   
                 Once. 
                 Twice. 
                 Three times. 
                 Neither LED blinks. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 press in the first. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In this example embodiment, in order to obtain alternating warmth and cold, the therapy system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks, 1 to 3 Blue blinks, and 1 to 3 Green blinks. In another embodiment, to obtain alternating warmth, the system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks, 0 Blue blinks, and 1 to 3 Green blinks. In yet another embodiment, to obtain alternating cold, the therapy system blinks 0 Red blinks, 1 to 3 Blue blinks, and 1 to 3 Green blinks. In yet another embodiment, to obtain continuous warmth, the system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks and 0 Blue blinks, and a duration of 0 Green blinks. In yet another embodiment, to obtain continuous cold, the system blinks 0 Red blinks and 1 to 3 Blue blinks, and a duration of 0 Green blinks. 
     In a related embodiment of the user interface, there is included a set of 4 interface buttons and 2 LEDs. Each button is labeled and has a different color: red, blue, green, and orange. The red button controls the intensity of the warmth, the blue controls the intensity of the cold, the green controls the duration of the cold therapy interval, and the orange controls the duration of the warm therapy interval. The two LEDs are Red and Blue indicating warming and cooling activity, respectively. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE B 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Button Event 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Table 
                 First press 
                 Second Press 
                 Third Press 
                 Fourth Press 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Red Button 
                 Set Low Intensity. 
                 Set Medium Intensity. 
                 Set High Intensity. 
                 Set Warmth to Off. 
               
               
                   
                 One Red Blink. 
                 Two Red Blinks. 
                 Three Red Blinks. 
                 No Red Blink. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 press is the first. 
               
               
                 Blue Button 
                 Set Low Intensity. 
                 Set Medium Intensity. 
                 Set High Intensity. 
                 Set Cold to Off. 
               
               
                   
                 One Blue Blink. 
                 Two Blue Blinks. 
                 Three Blue Blinks. 
                 No Blue Blink. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 press in the first. 
               
               
                 Green Button 
                 Cold temperature is 
                 5 Minute Duration. 
                 10 Minute Duration. 
                 Cold is off. 
               
               
                   
                 set to 3 Minute Duration. 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Neither LED blinks. 
               
               
                   
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Twice. 
                 Three times. 
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                 Once. 
                   
                   
                 press in the first. 
               
               
                 Orange Button 
                 Warm temperature is 
                 5 Minute Duration. 
                 10 Minute Duration. 
                 Warmth is off. 
               
               
                   
                 set to 3 Minute Duration. 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Neither LED blinks. 
               
               
                   
                 Both LEDs Blink 
                 Twice. 
                 Three times. 
                 Resets so that the next 
               
               
                   
                 Once. 
                   
                   
                 press in the first. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In this and the following example embodiments, in order to obtain alternating warmth and cold therapeutic treatments on the user, the therapy system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks, 1 to 3 Blue blinks, 1 to 3 Green blinks, and 1 to 3 Orange blinks. To obtain alternating warmth, the system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks, 0 Blue blinks, 1 to 3 Green blinks, and 1 to 3 Orange blinks. Similarly to obtain alternating cold, the system blinks 0 Red blinks, 1 to 3 Blue blinks, 1 to 3 Green blinks, and 1 to 3 Orange blinks. To obtain continuous warmth, the system blinks 1 to 3 Red blinks and 0 Blue blinks, 1 to 3 Green blinks, and 0 Orange blinks To obtain continuous cold, the system blinks 0 Red blinks and 1 to 3 Blue blinks, 0 Green blinks, and 1 to 3 Orange blinks. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A-5B , there are illustrated front and back views of electronic unit  1 A. Fastening strips  2  are used to hold the electronic unit in place so that therapy plate  5  remains in the correct position. In this example embodiment, heat sink  12  protrudes through the therapy band and is outwardly facing (see  FIG. 5B ). In this example embodiment, electronic unit is removable from the therapy band so that the band can be cleaned without damage to the electronics. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated a perspective view of an example embodiment of an assembled therapy band  35  of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates the exterior of the band using a 3 button configuration ( 36 A- 36 C). A blue button  36 A labeled “C” controls the cold intensity, a red button  36 B labeled “W” controls the warm intensity and a green button  36 C labeled             (i.e., clock) is the duration time as described in Tables A and B above. There are 2 LED indicator ports ( 37 A,  37 B), one blue  37 A and one red  37 B, which flash as described in Tables A and B above. In this example embodiment, arm band  35  shows ventilation holes  9  and the placement of thermal conductor (or heat sink)  12 . The thermal conductor radiates warmth when the band is cooling and absorbs heat when the band is warming. In another example embodiment, the heat sink is a braided metal sheet. In related embodiments, arm band  35  is configurable to be, but is not limited to, a waist band, a shoulder band or a pouch or back pack or fanny pack to accommodate other parts of the human body.  FIG. 6  also shows the tendon compression member bridge  201  which connects the assembled therapy band  35  with the tendon compression member  200 .
     In various related embodiments, the following advantages are provided, there include: A) having 4 buttons on the user interface: Cooling, Warming, Cooling Time, Warming Time; B) having 3 to 4 LEDs on or about the user interface: one for each button described in 1; C) having the holes/slits for cooling can vary in size for comfort; D) a knit fabric net or layer is placed between the inner facing and the skin to retain air circulation and comfort; and E) having a tension device, such as a strain gauge or piezo-electric device, can be used for measuring tension or compression support band  200 . 
     Referring now  FIGS. 7A and 7B , there are illustrated various example embodiments of thermal transfer (or conduction) pads or members  17 A and  17 B according to the present invention. In one example embodiment of transfer pad configuration  17 A, a Peltier device assembly is disposed on portion or area  40  of pad  17 A and it heats and cools this area. Thermal conduction within pad  17 A forces a liquid or a gas through a set of valves  38  and into a therapy delivery area  41 . The flow path is indicated by the value direct as show in  FIG. 7A . 
     In a related embodiment, thermal transfer (or conduction) pad configuration  17 B moves the thermal energy horizontally from area or portion  40  to a thermal expansion area  41 . In transfer pad configurations  17 A and  17 B, the pad includes a series of small flexible tubes  39  whose flow is based on thermal conduction. In a related embodiment, the transfer pad has one tube and one valve to control fluid flow and energy transfer. The cooling or warming media in the tubes can be either a gas, a liquid or a liquid with a low boiling point which will enhance the flow. A third transfer pad configuration consists of utilizing a simple gel pack (or hot and cold water packs or other fluids that retain heat or cold) to conduct the thermal energy. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a Peltier assembly according to the present invention similar in construction to assembly  19  described in  FIG. 2  and the associated specification. In this example embodiment, a vibrator mechanism  42  is added to the therapy device so as to assist with penetration and the soothing and loosening of tight muscles during the heat cycle. In this example embodiment, vibrator  42  is built into assembly device  19  such that it is passes through contacting plate  14 . Vibrator mechanism  42  includes a vibrator motor that is configured to be turned on and off from a microprocessor during any phase of the heating and cooling cycle. Furthermore, the vibrating intensity can be controlled with a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. In this example embodiment, an additional key on the user interface controls the vibration (see section on Mode in Table C below). The vibrator motor includes an offset balance attached to plate  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a human leg  45  with a synchronization device  46  included with the therapy device according to the present invention. Disposed on leg  45  are two separate physically distinct apparatus  43  and  44  with communications capabilities that are adapted to communicate with one another or alternatively to other apparatuses. In this example embodiment, synchronization device  46  disposes two separate physically distinct apparatus  43  and  44  about 180 degrees from each other. If more than one therapy unit is used to treat a certain area, the therapy units are configurable to be synchronized to work either together or opposite from each other. Synchronization between modules  43  and  44  (or more) is achievable either through wired or wireless technology (such as Bluetooth or other RF technology). Having more than one unit working together can increase the power and better distribute the hot and cool therapy to the treatment area. Having more than one therapy unit working opposite can more effectively draw the blood to and from the affected area to increase circulation and hence reduce swelling and promote healing. In this example embodiment, the synchronization feature uses an additional key that is labeled as a mode key. 
     The mode key switches between vibration and synchronization. See the following table. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE C 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Key Press 
                 Vibration 
                 Synchronization 
                 LED Flashes 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Initially 
                 Off 
                 Together 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 First Press 
                 On 
                 Together 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Second Press 
                 Off 
                 Opposite 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 Third Press 
                 On 
                 Opposite 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Forth Press 
                 Off 
                 Together 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The forth press returns the system back to the initial settings.
         This key has the symbol:          which represent a dial.       

     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated various pulse trains at various power levels that change the various operating characteristics of the therapy band device according to the present invention. In one example embodiment, the pulses are used to drive  1 ,  2 , and  3  flashes to determine the changes in treatment state. In another related embodiment, the pulse modulation drives an interface to change the intensity of one or more LEDs such as by changing the pulse width modulation (PWM) or by resistor values on the LED. In this example embodiment, a first flash is low intensity, a second is medium intensity, and a third would be the high intensity. In general, the intensity of the LED would match the intensity of the therapy provided. 
     In a related embodiment, the therapy device of the present invention is configurable to provide warm wet heat. Warm wet heat is desired for adding moisture to an affected area which is accomplished by inserting a wet towelette or fabric, about the same size as the contact area, between the device contact plate and the human skin. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown an example embodiment of a schematic of the electronics located on circuit board  18 , which is located in an enclosure along with the battery shown in  FIG. 11  (and  FIG. 3 ). The battery utilizes polymer lithium Ion technology, which has a very compact size.  FIG. 11  includes various sections for operation: U 5  is the battery charge circuit, U 7  and U 24  are voltage regulators, T 1  and T 2  are the thermistors to monitor the temperature on either side of a peltier device embodiment described herein. U 14  is a DC motor driver that allows a microprocessor to turn on any one of the peltier devices described herein into either a positive or negative voltage thereby allowing alternating between hot and cold temperature treatment to be administered to the patient. U 1  is the main micro-controller that drives the system. In this example embodiment, a Texas Instrument MSP430 is used as the controller. This is a low power device that has extreme low sleeping power consumption. Port  3  (P 3 ) pins  11  through  14  read the keypad. Port  1  pin  3  and Port  1  pin 1  turn on and off the LEDs. Port  1  and Pin  0  allows the system to turn the ground on and off to these devices and results in an extremely low power mode to occur by reducing leakage voltage. Similarly, Port  2  pin  2  can turn on and off the ground to the thermal couples, resulting in reducing leakage current through this part of the circuit. The thermal couples are read through an analog to digital converters that are built in to the microprocessor. Because the microprocessor is powered (VCC) with the same power to the analog to digital converters it results in a stable reading as the voltage reduces over time due to battery discharge. U 15  is used to transition from a low voltage of the microprocessor to the higher voltage of the motor driver. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12  is a graphic representation of the relationship between temperature differential and power supply to the Peltier device. As the temperature differential gets smaller the power gets smaller as well. Similarly, as the temperature differential gets larger the power gets larger. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13  depicted the apparatus affixed to an arm with the positioning of assembled therapy band  35  and tendon compression member  200 .  FIG. 13  also shows the tendon compression member bridge  201  which connects the assembled therapy band  35  with the tendon compression member  200 . 
     All patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if individually incorporated. 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.