Heater door safety interlock for infant warming apparatus

摘要

An infant warming apparatus is disclosed that functions both as an infant incubator as well as an infant warmer. The apparatus has a heater (32) that moves vertically with respect to an infant support (12) during the change in function between an infant incubator and infant warmer. A powered motive system, such as an electric motor (42), powers the movement of the heater (32) between its upper and its lower positions. The heater (32) also has a door (34) or doors that are open when the heater (32) is in its upper position so that the heater (32) can direct energy toward the infant (14) to warm the infant when acting as an infant warmer. When closed, the doors (34) isolate the heater (32) to prevent the inadvertent touching of the heater (32) by the infant or attending personnel. A safety interlock system is provided that prevents the heater (32) from being activated unless it is in its upper position and the door or doors (34) are fully open.