Incubators Patents (Class 600/22)
  • Patent number: 5971914
    Abstract: An infant thermal support device which provides convective heat transfer similar to an incubator yet which allows for unlimited care provider access to the infant without compromising the infant's thermal environment. The device has an infant support with head and foot ends and lateral sides, and provides a heated curtain of air traveling over an infant on the support to maintain the temperature of the infant at an appropriate level. Vertically oriented curtains of air travel upwardly from the lateral edges and at least one end of the support. The device provides warmth to the infant on the support by virtue of the heated air curtain, and the vertically oriented air curtains reduced perturbations of the heated air curtain caused by physical disturbances adjacent to the device such that a canopy enclosing the device is not required. The device further comprises a raisable and lowerable canopy and infrared heater, such that the device can function as either an infant radiant warmer, an incubator or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Donnelly, Francis Joseph Buchholz, III, Brent C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5957830
    Abstract: The active air sampling temperature sensor module for an infant incubator includes a housing within which a temperature sensor is located together with a fan which serves to draw air from at least a major portion of the volume in the incubator across the sensor to provide a true (average) instantaneous temperature reading to a controller of the incubator which in turn controls activation of a heating system of the incubator to maintain an optimum temperature within a decreased range of deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Vedran Skulic
  • Patent number: 5954627
    Abstract: An access port for use in a medical vessel comprises an inner frame (15) detachably mounted on an opening of a transparent hood (13) of the infant incubator. An outer frame (16) is slidably engaged to said inner frame (15). A flexible sheet (14) has one end connected to said inner frame (15) and another end connected to said outer frame (16). It is characterized in that a stopper (36) is carried by said outer frame (16).Another access port for use in a medical vessel comprising: a frame (52) having an opening (56); a horseshoe plate (58) pivotally supported on the frame (52) to open or close said opening (56); a lock mechanism (78) for locking said horseshoe plate (58) in situ which is closed; an inner side (66) provided on the horseshoe plate (58); a plurality of resilient pieces (72) mounted to said horseshoe plate (58) to close said inner side (66); and a holding means (74) provided on the horseshoe plate (58) to hold a member inserted through said plurality of resilient pieces (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Misao Sekine, Shinichi Kobayashi, Naoki Honma, Kazuo Matsubara
  • Patent number: 5944651
    Abstract: An incubator with air supply, in which air feed ducts, through which a gas flow heated by a tempering device is introduced ascendingly into the interior space of the incubator, are present on the longitudinal sides of a lying surface. Different temperature zones can be set along the lying surface with the gas flow divided into at least one first gas flow and a second gas flow. Air feed ducts extending along the lying surface (2) are provided as first air feed ducts (11) with a first tempering device (6) and as second air feed ducts (13) with a second tempering device (7). The first air feed ducts (11) and the second air feed ducts (13) are arranged, extending over predetermined sections of the lying surface (2), along the lying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Drager Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 5943716
    Abstract: An air-conditioned bed hood for a baby, which is connected with an air cleaner having a heater and a humidifier for inputting clean air of constant temperature and moisture, and has the function of air-pressure sealing to provide the lying baby with a comfortable environment and avoid diseases caused by smoke, dust, pollen, etc. Moreover, when the connected power is shut down accidentally, the air-pressure seal of the bed hood will be released automatically so that the lying baby will not be asphyxiated due to lack of fresh air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Yun-Yuan Chu
  • Patent number: 5935055
    Abstract: An incubator for infants with air feed arranged between the lying surface and the housing and with an air return, as well as with a fan and an air heater associated with it. To ensure a uniform temperature in the area of the lying surface and a stable warm air curtain in the area of the longitudinal sides of the incubator, the air feed is designed in the form of free jets using nozzles with diffusors arranged downstream, in the form of slots. Exhaust slots are provided for the air return on both narrow sides of the lying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Dieter Settgast
  • Patent number: 5897485
    Abstract: An incubator with a first air heater and a first fan is improved in terms of constant air temperature and air humidity in the interior space even after a brief opening of a flap. A second air heater and an associated second fan are additionally provided, whose operation is controlled via a measuring and control unit either as a function of a drop in the air temperature in the interior space of the incubator, which is measured by means of a temperature sensor or as a function of the open status of the flap (as sensed by a switch). An air humidifier module with heater, which is alternatively or additionally integrated in the arrangement, is optionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 5898817
    Abstract: An infant warmer for use in a Healthcare environment for the examination and treatment of newborn babies. A column supports an infra-red radiant heater above a support surface on which the baby is positioned. The support source is cantilevered from the column. The column is carried by a base section which is provided with wheels to allow the infant warmer to be easily transported. The base section includes an automated height adjustment mechanism which allows a user to easily adjust the height of the support surface by raising; or lowering the column. The infant warmer is made in a modular fashion to be easily customised for any particular environment or special requirement by constructing the column from a "U" shaped extrusion which allows various Healthcare modules to be inserted as required to suit particular requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Christopher Peter Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5876323
    Abstract: An infant incubator having an infant compartment that contains the infant and which is set to a desired temperature above ambient by the user. The incubator has at least one access door that opens to allow the caregiver to perform an intervention on the infant and which is actively heated when in the open position. Thus, when the access door is again closed, the door is at an elevated temperature with respect to the ambient and less heating energy is needed to return the infant compartment back to the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ohmeda, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin G. Hodge, Christopher A. Dykes
  • Patent number: 5878190
    Abstract: A heated humidifier for an infant incubator wherein the water in the water reservoir is heated by an active heater located above the surface of the water and a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the active heater and which extends downwardly to a point beneath the water surface to heat the water. In the preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger is an extruded member in the shape of an I-beam to transfer the heat from an electric heater above the surface of the water to heat the volume of water in the reservoir to create water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Gloyd, Emigdio A. Uribe, Robert J. Koch, Harry E. Belsinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5861305
    Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary anaerobic cabinet system which comprises as least one anaerobic cabinet which defines an enclosure interior of which is visible from outside of the cabinet. The cabinet includes a mechanism for inducing and maintaining a prescribe low oxygen internal atmosphere within the enclosure. The cabinet further includes at least one hand/arm access port, a controlled lock-type access mechanism for manually introducing and removing items through the port, and a hand/arm access port provision which is operably coupled to the lock-type access mechanism for manipulating items within the cabinet. The lock-type access mechanism comprises a door provision which in combination with the port provision define an import chamber for loading and/or unloading items to and from the enclosure through the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Don Whitley Scientific Limited
    Inventors: Peter Silley, Donald Charles Whitley, Evan Jonathan Kitsell
  • Patent number: 5853361
    Abstract: When a temperature in a hood is not a preset temperature, or when the door of the hood is open, the air quantity of a blower is increased by a controller. A time required when a power switch is turned on until the interior of the hood reaches an atmosphere having the preset temperature is short. Even if a treatment for a baby's body in the hood is performed while the door is open, the atmosphere in the hood will not be disturbed easily. A time required when the treatment for the baby's body and the like are ended and the door is closed until the atmosphere in the hood is restored to the initial state is short. Accordingly, a time required when the power switch is turned on until the incubator is ready to use is short, and an adverse influence on the baby's body in the hood is reduced even after the treatment for the baby's body and the like are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kobayashi, Kazunori Miyagawa, Kazuo Matubara
  • Patent number: 5840010
    Abstract: Since a rest table for a baby's body can be moved between the inside and outside of a hood through the opening portion of the hood, a treatment for the baby's body can be performed after the rest table is pulled out midway to the outside of the hood. Since an air stream flowing downward along the opening portion from its upper portion can be injected, even while the rest table is pulled out midway to the outside of the hood, formation of an air curtain is not interfered with, and the air stream is supplied to the baby's body on the rest table as well. In spite that the treatment for the baby's body can be performed easily, changes in an atmosphere in the hood and in an atmosphere for the baby's body under treatment are small to decrease an adverse influence on the baby's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kobayashi, Eiji Koike, Kazunori Miyagawa, Kazuo Matubara
  • Patent number: 5830123
    Abstract: A pivotable irradiating device for a person on a lying surface provides extensively uniform continued irradiation of the lying surface without any interruption in time when the irradiating device is pivoted out of the starting position. The irradiating device has at least one radiator in a housing. The housing is connected to a securing element via a rotatable connector (hinge). The axis of rotation of the hinge is located outside a central axis of the irradiating device. The intersection of these two axes is located in the center of the lying surface or in its vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Franz, Helmut Holtmann
  • Patent number: 5817002
    Abstract: An infant thermal support device which provides convective heat transfer similar to an incubator yet which allows for unlimited care provider access to the infant without compromising the infant's thermal environment. The device has an infant support with head and foot ends and lateral sides, and provides a heated curtain of air traveling over an infant on the support to maintain the temperature of the infant at an appropriate level. Vertically oriented curtains of air travel upwardly from the lateral edges and at least one end of the support. The device provides warmth to the infant on the support by virtue of the heated air curtain, and the vertically oriented air curtains reduced perturbations of the heated air curtain caused by physical disturbances adjacent to the device such that a canopy enclosing the device is not required. The device further comprises a raisable and lowerable canopy and infrared heater, such that the device can function as either an infant radiant warmer, an incubator or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Donnelly, Francis Joseph Buchholz, III, Brent C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5817003
    Abstract: A patient warming apparatus includes a support surface for supporting a patient, a convective heater for supplying convective heat to warm the patient, and a radiant heater for supplying radiant heat to warm the patient. The apparatus also includes a controller having a first output coupled to the convective heater and a second output coupled to the radiant heater for varying output power levels of the convective heater and the radiant heater, respectively, to maintain the patient located on the support surface at substantially a preselected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Moll, Michael M. Donnelly, Alan Gutwillig
  • Patent number: 5817004
    Abstract: A thermotherapy device with a hood (4), two flaps (6, 7) pivotable around hinges (5) for closing longitudinally extending, essentially triangular access opening portions in the hood. The opening has an essentially horizontally extending base edge (15). First access areas (12, 13) with the greatest width are directed to the outside, and second access areas (14), which are arranged opposite the first access areas (12, 13), face each other. Objects can be introduced into the interior space of the incubator with both hands simultaneously, without the climate within the hood (4) being compromised in an unacceptable manner. This is achieved by the access openings being designed as areas passing over into each other in the area of the second access areas (14), as a result of which a contiguous access opening (8) is formed in the hood (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 5810709
    Abstract: An infant incubator having a base and a hood positioned atop of the base to form an infant compartment therebetween. The hood has a front access door that is hinged so as to move between an open and a closed position. The edge of the door opposite the hinged part has a magnetic strip that mates with a strip of magnetically attractable material positioned on the edge of the hood opening such that the door is retained in its closed position by a magnetic force. At least one door handle is mounted to the door at or near the end of the magnetic strip at the top of the door and can be pulled to open the door. The door is sufficiently flexible that pulling the handle causes a peeling effect such that relatively little force need be exerted to open the door from the corner, yet considerable force is required to open the door from inside the incubator by an infant residing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Simenauer, Thomas C. Jones
  • Patent number: 5800335
    Abstract: In incubator 1 for tomographic examinations includes a patient section 2 and a supply section 3 which extends from the patient section 2. The patient section includes a cylindrically-shaped double wall section made of transparent plastic. The supply section 3 includes a venturi nozzle 13 which functions to generate a difference pressure and simultaneously supplies air and oxygen. The supply section 3 also includes a heater 14 which is preferably combined with an air humidifier 15 outputting water vapor as well as input and output openings to and from the patient section 2 to ensure a circulating air and oxygen supply in the incubator 1 while at the same time emitting a gas portion to the ambient through openings 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Wolfgang Franz
  • Patent number: 5797833
    Abstract: An infant incubator has a base for supporting a premature baby; a hood mounted on the base to provide an incubation chamber isolated from the atmosphere; a plurality of partition plates disposed along the inner surface of said hood to provide a plurality of air paths against said inner surface; a fan for circulating an air through said air paths; and a heater for heating said air, characterized by an air vessel for extending a distance between an inner surface of the hood and said partition plate to cause the circulating air to reduce its velocity. The air vessel is provided between a top plate of the hood and the upper partition plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kobayashi, Eiji Koike, Kazuo Matubara
  • Patent number: 5792041
    Abstract: An infant incubator having a base (3) for supporting a premature baby; a hood (7) mounted on the base (3) to provide an incubation chamber (9) isolated from the atmosphere; a first duct (19) having a fan for circulating inner air through the incubation chamber (9); and a first heater (47) disposed on said first duct to provide a heated air; a second duct (21) branched from the first duct (19), and having a detachable humidifying vessel (15) for storing the water and combined through a shutter compartment (53) to the first duct (19) downstream of the humidifying vessel (15); a second heater (37) for heating the humidifying vessel (15); a first temperature sensor (57) to measure a chamber temperature in the incubation chamber; a second temperature sensor (39) to measure a water temperature in the humidifying vessel (15); and MPU (55) for controlling the second heater (37) based on the chamber temperature by the first temperature sensor (57) and the water temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Atom Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Kobayashi, Toshiyuki Kamisawa, Kazuo Matubara
  • Patent number: 5759149
    Abstract: A patient support system having an environmentally controlled area over the patient including a frame with a patient support thereon and a moveable canopy thereover. The support is generally rectangular and is provided with a vertical fluid curtain at its perimeter on each of its four sides. The four vertical curtains are deflected inwardly by the canopy to provide the environmentally controlled area over the patient and with a fluid return to the perimeter to provide a closed fluid path. The air curtains can be heated and/or have water vapor added thereto. An infrared heater is provided in the canopy for a second source of heat. An integrated control system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Goldberg, David C. Newkirk, William Olson, Michael M. Donnelly, Robert G. Moll, Alan Gutwillig
  • Patent number: 5707337
    Abstract: The invention directed to an incubator for infants and includes an air guidance system which extends about the support surface 7 and effects a uniform temperature distribution. This uniform temperature distribution is achieved in that the heated air is moved via a fan 8 so that it rises between the incubator hood 2 and the inner wall 4 and thereafter descends between the inner wall 4 and the support surface 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Franz
  • Patent number: 5707006
    Abstract: An infant incubator heater assembly having a heat radiator which is removably mounted, so that it can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. The heat radiator has a plurality of radially extending fins. In the removal and installation of the heat radiator, it slides along a cartridge heater with which the heat radiator is closely fitted for heat transfer. Preferably, the cartridge heater is mounted for self-alignment to accommodate the close fit between the heat radiator and the cartridge heater and prevent binding as the heat radiator is removed or installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Vedran Skulic
  • Patent number: 5649896
    Abstract: A infant radiant warmer having a bassinet assembly which includes a plurality of optically transparent electrothermal side panels surrounding a mattress assembly upon which a infant can be placed. The side panels serve both as radiant shields which reduce radiant heat losses from the infant and as sources of radiant heat which add to the warmth provided by an overhead infrared heater to the infant. This infant radiant warmer also has an optically transparent draft shield assembly which serves to maintain the environment of the bassinet assembly by inhibiting the effects of drafts, air-conditioning and disruptive temperatures in the atmosphere outside the bassinet assembly. Preferably, a humidifier is provided for humidifying the atmosphere within which the infant is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry E. Barsky
  • Patent number: 5624375
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for use with an infant care apparatus such as an incubator to place and retain the infant care apparatus in a desired tilt angle. The tilt mechanism includes two sets of crossed links, each set forming an X between the links. One end of each link is rotatable affixed to a fixed base and the other end rotatably affixed to the infant care apparatus. A locking device is used that allows the infant apparatus to be manually moved by means of the crossed link sets to the desired angle and then locked into that position. With this mechanism, the entire infant apparatus is tilted rather than only some internal bed or infant platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Dykes, Robert M. Simenauer
  • Patent number: 5616115
    Abstract: A heated humidifier for an infant incubator wherein the water in the water reservoir is heated by an active heater located above the surface of the water and a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the active heater and which extends downwardly to a point beneath the water surface to heat the water. In the preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger is an extruded member in the shape of an I-beam to transfer the heat from an electric heater above the surface of the water to heat the volume of water in the reservoir to create water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Gloyd, Emigdio A. Uribe, Robert J. Koch, Harry E. Belsinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5566413
    Abstract: A restraining device is provided for restraining an infant in an isolette or incubator, allowing the infant to be transported in such device. A tray is adapted for secured receipt within the isolette. A foam pad is received by the tray, the pad having a recess contoured therein to accommodate and receive an infant. The recess is preferably topographically sculptured to more securely receive the infant and to prevent movement of the infant within the recess. A belt or harness passes from the tray and through the sculptured recess to engage and secure the infant therein. Accordingly, with the isolette secured to the vehicle, the tray secured to the isolette, and the infant secured through the harness to the tray, the infant cannot move about within the isolette when being transported or when the transporting vehicle experiences abrupt changes in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Adele A. Webb, Cindy A. Ebner, Mary V. Hamann
  • Patent number: 5539854
    Abstract: A heated humidifier for an infant incubator wherein the flow of air through the humidifier that picks up water vapor from the surface of the water is controlled in response to the temperature of the heater used to heat the water. In the preferred embodiment, the heater is an active heater located above the surface of the water and includes an extruded heat exchanger that depends downwardly from the heater to below the level of the water. A thermal actuator is located in good heat transfer association with the extruded heat exchanger at a point above the surface of the water and that thermal actuator controls the position of a valve in the outlet of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jones, Harry E. Belsinger Jr., Michael H. Mackin
  • Patent number: 5534669
    Abstract: An acoustically advanced infant incubator housing system of special value for helicopter transport. This system is comprised of an ovally shaped infant housing using double wall construction with an air space between them supported on a cradle suspension system. This process creates a superior noise and vibration rejection system, providing for a quiet chamber interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventors: Jeff Schroeder, Gary Taylor
  • Patent number: 5531663
    Abstract: An infant incubator tilt mechanism is disclosed that allows infinite adjustment of the tilt angle of the infant mattress within certain limits. The mechanism includes a bent rod positioned within the infant incubator itself and underlying the infant bed and which has an offset portion that engages a bed lifter. As the bent rod is rotated about an axis, the bent rod moves the bed lifter to raise and/or lower the infant bed. One end of the bent rod extends outwardly to the exterior of the infant compartment and is rotatable by an exterior mechanism having a lead screw that is rotated by the operator to cause lateral movement of a link mechanism along an axis at about ninety degrees to the axis of rotation of the bent rod. The lateral movement of the link is again translated into rotational movement and connects to the bent rod to translate that rotational movement to the bent rod. The entire tilt mechanism is readily removable so as to be easily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Gloyd, Colin G. Hodge, Thomas C. Jones, Vladimir Kremenchugsky, Robert M. Siminauer
  • Patent number: 5498229
    Abstract: A infant radiant warmer having a bassinet assembly which includes a plurality of optically transparent electrothermal side panels surrounding a mattress assembly upon which a infant can be placed. The side panels serve both as radiant shields which reduce radiant heat losses from the infant and as sources of radiant heat which add to the warmth provided by an overhead infrared heater to the infant. This infant radiant warmer also has an optically transparent draft shield assembly which serves to maintain the environment of the bassinet assembly by inhibiting the effects of drafts, air-conditioning and disruptive temperatures in the atmosphere outside the bassinet assembly. Preferably, a humidifier is provided for humidifying the atmosphere within which the infant is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Barsky, Joseph J. Lessard
  • Patent number: 5474517
    Abstract: An infant care center or infant care warmer having as it source of heat, an infrared emitter that is located above the infant bed and which is relatively small in dimensions so as to not impede the access to the infant by attending personnel at any time, including when X-rays are being taken to the infant. The emitter is contained in a sealed emitter assembly and includes a lens that focuses and directs the infrared radiation to a desired footprint on the infant bed. In a specific embodiment, the infrared emitter is shaped generally in the form of a parabola and a honeycomb material comprising a plurality of hexagonal openings receives the infrared radiation from the parabolic shaped emitter and redirects the radiation into a desired pattern toward the infant bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Falk, Michael H. Mackin
  • Patent number: 5452725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of the status of a cable termination. The cable is required to be terminated by being in contact with the body of a patient in a medical environment. The apparatus warns a user if the cable is disconnected from the patient. The status of the termination is established by applying a pulse of electrical energy to the cable and detecting the reflections produced in response to application of the pulse. A characteristic of the reflections is detected and compared with a predetermined characteristic to determine whether the cable is connected to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventor: John E. Martenson
  • Patent number: 5453077
    Abstract: An infant thermal support device which provides convective heat transfer similar to an incubator yet which allows for unlimited care provider access to the infant without compromising the infant's thermal environment. The device has an infant support with head and foot ends and lateral sides, and provides a heated curtain of air traveling over an infant on the support to maintain the temperature of the infant at an appropriate level. Vertically oriented curtains of air travel upwardly from the lateral edges and at least one end of the support. The device provides warmth to the infant on the support by virtue of the heated air curtain, and the vertically oriented air curtains reduced perturbations of the heated air curtain caused by physical disturbances adjacent to the device such that a canopy enclosing the device is not required. The device further comprises a raisable and lowerable canopy and infrared heater, such that the device can function as either an infant radiant warmer, an incubator or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Donnelly, Francis J. Buchholz, III, Brent C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 5446934
    Abstract: A baby holding pen or crib includes automatic position adjusting, monitoring, and interactive communication means, including alarms, for communicating information to and from the crib or pen from a remote location. Such means include interactive audio and visual means, such as prerecorded messages and preprogrammed tactile simulation. The crib includes a combination of a bed surface that is adjustable in both longitudinal and lateral angles; a heating an cooling means to maintain the crib area at a comfortable temperature; speakers that play back prerecorded sounds to the baby such as a recording of a mother's soothing voice or instructions to attendants to the location of the crib; visual sensing equipment, such as video monitors, including alarms to remind an attendant of feeding time, diaper changing time, bathing time, or medicine dosage time; and a plurality of sensors, including temperature sensors, vital function sensors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Richard K. Frazier
  • Patent number: 5415618
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the operating parameters of an incubator influencing the thermal metabolism of an infant placed in the incubator. The method provides that the control takes place based on the complete defined thermal metabolism of the infant. For this purpose, at least two of four temperature sensors are present for different temperature zones referred to the body of the patient, namely, a sensor for the measurement of the temperature of the main organs, for the measurement of the skin temperature, for the measurement of the temperature of the periphery of the body and for the measurement of the ambient temperature. The output values of the sensors are supplied to a data processing unit which contains a first multi-dimensional table. This table includes table elements comprising condition desired values determined from experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 5387177
    Abstract: An adjustable pediatric incubator nest includes multiple pieces which may be selectively arranged by a caregiver to protectively partially enclose a pediatric patient on an upper support surface thereof without impeding caregiver access to patient. A resilient base member receives a pair of resilient. foam side wall members in a caregiver selected position to cradle a specific patient. Hook and eye complementary type securement features may be used, together with a fabric covering for the resilient base. The top of each side rail includes slits for the placement of smaller diameter patient treatment tubes or lead lines, to facilitate technical support of the patient in an intensive care environment. Segments formed across the top of the side rails between adjacent slits may be selectively cut out for the placement of larger diameter tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5385529
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operating parameters of an apparatus for maintaining the temperature of prematures and newborns is improved in that the operating parameters are determined based on a precise definition of the thermal condition of the patient and that information as to the bodily well-being based on determined sensor actual values for controlling the operating parameters are applied. For solving this task, the control takes place basically with the aid of at least two temperature sensors which measure the core temperature and the peripheral temperature, respectively, of the patient. The logic combination of the temperature signals takes place in such a manner that, in addition to the absolute temperature of one of the two sensors, the temperature difference between the two temperature sensors is simultaneously applied. In this way, it is possible for the first time that the thermal well-being of the patient is applied for controlling the incubator parameters and not only a single temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 5336156
    Abstract: An infant incubator humidifier having a heater within a heater tower which, in turn, is in heat transfer disposition with a metal sleeve mounted within a water reservoir through which air which is to be humidified is passed. The metal sleeve has a wick disposed on its outside surface and water in the reservoir is wicked along the wick, whereby air introduced into the reservoir is humidified upon contact with the wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Miller, James R. Grosholz
  • Patent number: 5330415
    Abstract: An infant incubator in which the controls and displays are provided in a module which is in proximity to but spaced from and above the hood of the incubator at generally the eye-level of a standing adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Storti, William A. Heineman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 5316542
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling the operating parameters determining the thermal metabolism of a premature or newborn disposed in an incubator. These operating parameters include the incubator air temperature and the incubator humidity. The method is improved in such a manner that the adjustment of the parameters is coupled to the combination thereof optimizing the thermal metabolism without the necessity of a complex multiple step adjustment for each individual parameter. The method is characterized in that a primary control circuit for controlling the first parameter supplies the actual value corresponding thereto as a control parameter to a logic generator which determines a sequence value by means of a logic function. This sequence value is conducted to a secondary circuit as a desired value for the adjustment of the second parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochim Koch, Stefan Frembgen
  • Patent number: 5316733
    Abstract: A clean box in which the rubber arms and hands may slide laterally relative to the remainder of the box. A first rigid plastic sheet has ovals passing through it. A second rigid plastic sheet, in front of the first, has circular openings on which the rubberized arm and hand gloves attach. The circular openings' diameter approximately equals the smaller dimension of the ovals on the first sheet of plastic. Resin strips provide an air seal along the upper and lower edges of the sliding first sheet of plastic. Wiper blades attached to the edges of the moving sheet complete the seal between the two sheets of plastic. A worker, with his hands and arms in the gloves and needing to reach a distant point in the clean box, may simply push against the edge of the openings for the gloves. The sheet of plastic will then move in the direction in which pushed. The clean box may have entirely rigid transparent sides to allow for a clear view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Piper Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon H. Rune, Bruce A. Wojtysiak
  • Patent number: 5285519
    Abstract: A radiant heater in the form of an overlay for an incubator hood. The heater has an optically transparent, radiotransparent and phototherapy transparent electrically conductive coating, preferably indium tin oxide, and includes appropriate retaining hook structure for retaining the heater on an incubator hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Barsky, Joseph P. Bagnell, Jan F. Wenstrup
  • Patent number: 5267941
    Abstract: A microfilter (4) for fitting into a filter-box of an infants incubator comprises a pad (22) of non-woven filtering material enclosed in an envelope (21) of water-repellent cohesive and non-woven material which is highly permeable to air and oxygen. The envelope prevents the escape of fibrous particles from the pad and has one side colored differently from the other to reduce the risk of being replaced back-to-front in the filterbox. The envelope may be placed in a similar envelope. It may also have one face of multilayer construction with the layers individually removable so that they can be discarded when dirty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Mark Snyders
  • Patent number: 5244452
    Abstract: An infant incubator mattress positioning assembly having a pair of pneumatic lift mechanisms spaced apart on the deck of the incubator. Each lift mechanism is individually controlled to selectively raise or lower the ends of a mattress support which rest on the lift mechanisms. To prevent twisting or turning of the mattress support about its long axis as external forces are applied to the mattress support, each lift mechanism has transverse stabilizing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Joseph J. Lessard
  • Patent number: 5242375
    Abstract: An infant incubator having a humidifier in which water, used to humidify the air circulated to the hood of the incubator, is supplied to a shallow, heated evaporation tray from a larger unheated water reservoir in regulated amounts. The humidifier is located in the base of the incubator and is arranged such that the reservoir, which is removably carried by a pivotally mounted door, and the evaporation tray, which is slidable into and from the humidifier when the humidifier door is open, can be easily removed for refilling of the reservoir and cleaning or maintenance of the water reservoir, the evaporation tray and other components of the humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 5224923
    Abstract: An infant incubator having structure for humidifying filtered inlet air prior to the filtered inlet air being introduced into the air circulation path through which air is introduced into the incubator hood and recirculated upon leaving the incubator hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Air-Shields, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Moffett, James R. Grosholz
  • Patent number: 5218958
    Abstract: Life support system for a premature baby which remains attached to its placenta through its umbilical cord. The system includes upper and lower chambers separated by a dome-like partition. The lower chamber contains physiological liquid in which the baby is suspended, and the upper chamber contains an oxygen-containing atmosphere and a supply of nutrients for contact with the placenta which rests on the top of the dome-like partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: William I. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5207639
    Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the blood of a non-breathing prematurely born baby which is still attached to its umbilical cord. The apparatus includes a lung member for oxygenating blood, and an adapter for connecting venous and arterial blood vessels in the umbilical cord with the blood inlet and outlet of the lung machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: William I. Cooper