Abstract: A radiant energy sensor is adapted to detect radiant heat energy incident on a surface. The energy sensor has a body portion with a pair of sides. A temperature sensor is located on each side of the body portion. In use the body portion is mounted on the surface such that one of the sensors is located between the body portion and the surface, thereby being masked by the body portion from heat energy otherwise incident on the surface.

Abstract: A system for heating a patient using a radiant heater is disclosed. In order to ensure optimum positioning of the patient various location and indication embodiments are included. The present invention either adjusts the energisation of the heater to provide optimum heating, provides an indicator of the optimum position for the patient, indicates that the patient is not correctly positioned or any combination thereof. Variations of a sensor to detect the skin temperature and radiant energy incident thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying gases flowing from a source to a person, e.g. a patient breathing apparatus, has a gas chamber interconnected with a water compartment and at least one float controlled valve which controls the flow of water into the water compartment so that if the level of water in the gas chamber exceeds a predetermined level, flow of water to the water compartment is prevented. A further float controlled valve may be provided to prevent flow of water from the water compartment to the gas chamber when the water level in the gas chamber exceeds the predetermined, or a further predetermined, level.