Heater door safety interlock for infant warming apparatus

Abstract

An infant warming apparatus that functions both as an infant incubator as well as an infant warmer. The apparatus has a heater that moves vertically with respect to an infant support during the change in function between an infant incubator and infant warmer. A powered motive system, such as an electric motor, powers the movement of the heater between its upper and its lower positions. The heater also has a door or doors that are open when the heater is in it upper position so that the heater can direct energy toward the infant to warm the infant when acting as an infant warmer. When closed, the doors isolate the heater to prevent the inadvertent touching of the heater by the infant or attending personnel. A safety interlock system is provided that prevents the heater from being activated unless it is in its upper position and the door or doors are fully open. In addition, the interlock system also monitors the downward movement of the heater and discontinues that downward movement if the heater reaches a predetermined position and the door or doors are still in the open position. As a further interlock safety feature, a sensor also senses when the heater has reached its lower position and stops further downward movement of the heater.