U.S. patent application number 09/810418 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for warming system and method for heating various items utilized in surgical procedures.
Invention is credited to Blankenship, Calvin, Faries, Durward I. JR., Heymann, Bruce R..
Application Number | 20010042743 09/810418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21923491 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010042743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Faries, Durward I. JR. ; et
al. |
November 22, 2001 |
Warming system and method for heating various items utilized in
surgical procedures
Abstract
A surgical warming system heats medical items of various sizes,
independently and simultaneously for immediate use. The warming
system includes a plurality of compartments, each separately heated
and controlled. The compartments may be modular and stackable, or
multiple compartments of varying size may be formed into a single
cabinet structure so as to receive different sized intravenous bags
or bottles. Each compartment is heated by forcing a controlled mix
of recycled and outside air through a heating chamber and then into
the compartment. Each compartment includes a heating unit and
controller allowing the simultaneous maintenance of different
temperatures.
Inventors: |
Faries, Durward I. JR.;
(McLean, VA) ; Heymann, Bruce R.; (Vienna, VA)
; Blankenship, Calvin; (Centreville, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EPSTEIN, EDELL, SHAPIRO, FINNAN & LYTLE, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD
SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Family ID: |
21923491 |
Appl. No.: |
09/810418 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09810418 |
Mar 19, 2001 |
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09413532 |
Oct 6, 1999 |
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6294762 |
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09413532 |
Oct 6, 1999 |
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PCT/US98/06951 |
Apr 7, 1998 |
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60042737 |
Apr 7, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
219/400 ;
219/385 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/362 20130101;
A61M 5/445 20130101; A61F 7/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/400 ;
219/385 |
International
Class: |
F27D 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A warming system for heating medical items to desired
temperatures within an approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items within medical
procedures comprising: a plurality of individually controllable
stand-alone warmer units for heating said medical items to said
desired temperatures, wherein each said warmer unit maintains a
corresponding desired temperature and includes: a housing; a
compartment disposed within said housing to receive at least one
medical item to be heated; a heater disposed proximate said
compartment to direct heated air into said compartment to heat said
compartment and said at least one medical item contained within
said compartment; a temperature sensor disposed within said
compartment to measure temperature in said compartment; and a
controller to facilitate entry of a desired temperature for said
compartment and to control said heater to heat said compartment to
the entered desired temperature based on the temperature measured
by said temperature sensor; wherein said warming system
simultaneously heats said medical items contained within said
warmer units to the respective desired temperatures entered for
said warmer units.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said heater includes: a heating
element; and a fan to direct air across said heating element to
produce said heated air and to direct said heated air into said
compartment to heat said compartment and said at least one medical
item contained within said compartment.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said compartment includes: a floor
plate disposed toward a compartment lower portion and having a
first series of openings defined therein to permit said heated air
to enter said compartment; and a ceiling plate disposed toward a
compartment upper portion and having a second series of openings
defined therein to permit said heated air to exit said compartment;
wherein said first and second series of openings are defined in
said respective floor and ceiling plates in particular arrangements
to direct said heated air to flow in a converging fashion within
said compartment toward said at least one medical item.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein said each warmer unit further
includes: a plurality of slots to enable outside air to enter that
warmer unit, wherein said fan receives a mixture of said outside
air and said heated air flowing from said compartment and directs
said mixture across said heating element into said compartment.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said each warmer unit further
includes: a receptacle including a plurality of containers for
receiving and securing said at least one medical item within said
compartment, wherein said receptacle is disposed in sliding
relation with said compartment to enable said receptacle to be
placed within and removed from said compartment.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein at least one of said plurality of
containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable.
7. The system of claim 5 wherein said receptacle includes an
interior partitioned into said plurality of containers with each
said container including sufficient storage capacity to contain
said at least one medical item in an upright position.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein each said warmer unit further
includes: a receptacle including a selectively adjustable interior
configuration for receiving and securing said at least one medical
item within said compartment, wherein said receptacle interior
configuration is selectively adjustable between a single container
having a first storage capacity and a plurality of individual
containers each having a second storage capacity less than said
first storage capacity for containing said at least one medical
object within said receptacle.
9. A warming system for heating items to desired temperatures prior
to use within medical procedures comprising: a plurality of
individually controllable warmer units arranged in stacked relation
for heating items to desired temperatures, wherein each said warmer
unit maintains a corresponding desired temperature assigned to that
warmer unit and includes: a compartment disposed within that warmer
unit to receive at least one item to be heated; a heater disposed
proximate said compartment to direct heated air into said
compartment to heat said compartment and said at least one item
contained within said compartment; a temperature sensor disposed
within said compartment to measure temperature of said compartment;
a controller to control said heater to heat said compartment to the
temperature assigned to that warmer unit based on the temperature
measured by said temperature sensor; fastening means disposed on an
exterior surface of that warmer unit to interface an adjacent
warmer unit; and at least one receptacle to receive said fastening
means of another warmer unit and facilitate securing of said warmer
units in stacked relation; wherein said warming system
simultaneously heats items contained within said warmer units to
the respective temperatures assigned to said warmer units.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one warmer unit heats a
medical solution.
11. A warming cabinet for heating medical items to desired
temperatures within an approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items within medical
procedures comprising: a plurality of individually controllable
compartments for heating said medical items to said desired
temperatures, wherein each said compartment maintains a
corresponding desired temperature and includes: a heater to direct
heated air into that compartment to heat that compartment and at
least one medical item contained within that compartment; air
supply means for supplying ambient air from outside said warming
cabinet to said heater; air recycling means for directing re-cycled
air from that compartment back to said heater to be heated as
necessary; guide means for directing heated ambient air and
re-cycled air from said heater to that compartment; a temperature
sensor disposed within that compartment to measure temperature in
that compartment; and a controller to facilitate entry of a desired
temperature for that compartment and to control said heater to heat
that compartment to the entered desired temperature based on the
temperature measured by said temperature sensor; wherein said
warming cabinet simultaneously heats medical items contained within
said compartments to the respective desired temperatures entered
for said compartments.
12. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein said heater includes: a heating
element; and a fan to direct air across said heating element to
produce said heated air and to direct said heated air into that
compartment via said guide means to heat that compartment and said
at least one medical item contained within that compartment.
13. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein said each compartment includes:
a floor plate disposed toward a compartment lower portion and
having a first series of openings defined therein to permit said
heated air to enter that compartment; and a ceiling plate disposed
toward a compartment upper portion and having a second series of
openings defined therein to permit said heated air to exit that
compartment; wherein said first and second series of openings are
defined in said respective floor and ceiling plates in particular
arrangements to direct said heated air to flow in a converging
fashion within that compartment toward said at least one medical
item.
14. The cabinet of claim 12 wherein said air supply means includes
a plurality of slots to enable said outside air to enter said
warming cabinet, wherein said fan of each compartment receives a
mixture of said outside air and said re-cycled air flowing from
that compartment and directs said mixture across a corresponding
heating element into that compartment.
15. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein said each compartment further
includes: a receptacle including a plurality of containers for
receiving and securing said at least one medical item within that
compartment, wherein said receptacle is disposed in sliding
relation with that compartment to enable said receptacle to be
placed within and removed from that compartment.
16. The cabinet of claim 15 wherein at least one of said plurality
of containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable.
17. The cabinet of claim 15 wherein said receptacle includes an
interior partitioned into said plurality of containers with each
said container including sufficient storage capacity to contain
said at least one medical item in an upright position.
18. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein said each compartment further
includes: a receptacle including a selectively adjustable interior
configuration for receiving and securing said at least one medical
item within that compartment, wherein said receptacle interior
configuration is selectively adjustable between a single container
having a first storage capacity and a plurality of individual
containers each having a second storage capacity less than said
first storage capacity for containing said at least one medical
object within said receptacle.
19. The cabinet of claim 11 wherein at least one compartment heats
a medical solution.
20. In a warming system having a plurality of individually
controllable standalone warmer units wherein each warmer unit
includes a warmer unit compartment for receiving at least one
medical item, a heater for heating that compartment, a temperature
sensor for measuring a temperature of that compartment and a
controller to control the heater, a method of heating medical items
to desired temperatures within an approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items within medical
procedures comprising the steps of: (a) simultaneously heating said
medical items to said desired temperatures within at least two of
said stand-alone warmer units, wherein step (a) further includes:
(a.1) disposing at least one medical item to be heated within the
compartments of said at least two warmer units; (a.2) entering into
the respective controllers of said at least two warmer units a
desired temperature corresponding to that warmer unit; (a.3)
directing heated air into the compartments of said at least two
warmer units, via the respective heaters, to heat the compartments
and said at least one medical item contained within each of the
compartments; (a.4) measuring the temperature of the compartments
of said at least two warmer units via the respective temperature
sensors; and (a.5) controlling the heaters of said at least two
warmer units, via the respective controllers, to simultaneously
heat the compartments to their corresponding desired temperatures
based on the compartment temperatures measured by the corresponding
temperature sensors.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein step (a.3) further includes:
(a.3.1) directing air across heating elements of the respective
heaters of said at least two warmer units to produce the heated air
and directing the heated air into the compartments of said at least
two warmer units to heat the compartments and said at least one
medical item contained within each of the compartments.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein each warmer unit compartment
includes: a floor plate disposed toward a compartment lower portion
and having a first series of openings defined therein to permit the
heated air to enter that warmer unit compartment; and a ceiling
plate disposed toward a compartment upper portion and having a
second series of openings defined therein to permit the heated air
to exit that warmer unit compartment; wherein said first and second
series of openings within said floor and ceiling plates are
configured in a particular arrangement to direct the heated air to
flow in a converging fashion within that warmer unit compartment;
and step (a.3) further includes: (a.3.1) directing the heated air
to flow in a converging fashion within the compartments of said at
least two warmer units toward said at least one medical item
contained within each of the compartments via said configuration of
said first and second openings.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein step (a.3.1) further includes:
(a.3.1.1) mixing heated air flowing from the compartments of said
at least two warmer units with outside air to produce respective
air mixtures and directing each air mixture across the heating
element of the corresponding heater and into the corresponding
compartment.
24. The method of claim 20 wherein each said warmer unit
compartment includes a receptacle having a plurality of containers
wherein said receptacle is disposed in sliding relation with that
warmer unit compartment, and step (a.1) further includes: (a.1.1)
disposing said at least one medical item within said receptacles of
said at least two warmer units; and (a.1.2) sliding said
receptacles within the compartments of said at least two warmer
units to secure said at least one medical item within the
compartments.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein at least one of said plurality
of containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable, and step (a.1.1) further includes: (a.1.1.1)
replacing at least one interchangeable container of said receptacle
within at least one of said warmer units to contain said at least
one medical item.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein step (a.1.1) further includes:
(a.1.1.1) partitioning an interior of said receptacle within at
least one of said warmer units into said plurality of containers
with each said container including sufficient storage capacity to
contain said at least one medical item in an upright position.
27. The method of claim 20 wherein each said warmer unit
compartment includes a receptacle including a selectively
adjustable interior configuration for receiving and securing said
at least one medical item within that compartment, and step (a.1)
further includes: (a.1.1) selectively adjusting said interior
configurations of said receptacles within said at least two warmer
units; (a.1.2) disposing said at least one medical item within said
receptacles of said at least two warmer units; and (a.1.3) sliding
said receptacles within the compartments of said at least two
warmer units to secure said at least one medical item within the
compartments.
28. In a warming system having a plurality of individually
controllable warmer units wherein each warmer unit includes a
warmer unit compartment for receiving at least one item, a heater
for heating that compartment, a temperature sensor for measuring a
temperature of that compartment, a controller to control the
heater, fastening means disposed on an exterior surface of that
warmer unit to interface an adjacent warmer unit and at least one
receptacle to receive a fastening means of another warmer unit, a
method of heating items to desired temperatures prior to use within
medical procedures comprising the steps of: (a) arranging said
warmer units in stacked relation by interfacing adjacent warmer
units via said fastening means and said at least one receptacle;
(b) simultaneously heating said items to said desired temperatures
within at least two of said warmer units, wherein step (b) further
includes: (b.1) disposing at least one item to be heated within the
compartments of said at least two warmer units; (b.2) assigning a
desired temperature to each of said at least two warmer units;
(b.3) directing heated air into the compartments of said at least
two warmer units, via the respective heaters, to heat the
compartments and said at least one item contained within each of
the compartments; (b.4) measuring the temperature of the
compartments of said at least two warmer units via the respective
temperature sensors; and (b.5) controlling the heaters of said at
least two warmer units, via the respective controllers, to
simultaneously heat the compartments to their corresponding
assigned temperatures based on the compartment temperatures
measured by the corresponding temperature sensors.
29. The method of claim 20 wherein step (a.1) further includes:
(a.1.1) disposing a medical solution within the compartment of at
least one warmer unit.
30. In a warming cabinet having a plurality of individually
controllable compartments wherein each warming cabinet compartment
includes a heater for heating that compartment, a temperature
sensor for measuring a temperature of that compartment and a
controller to control the heater, a method of heating medical items
to desired temperatures within an approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items within medical
procedures comprising the steps of: (a) simultaneously heating said
medical items to said desired temperatures within at least two
warming cabinet compartments, wherein step (a) further includes:
(a.1) disposing at least one medical item to be heated within said
at least two warming cabinet compartments; (a.2) entering into the
respective controllers of said at least two warming cabinet
compartments a desired temperature corresponding to that
compartment; (a.3) directing heated air into said at least two
warming cabinet compartments, via the respective heaters, to heat
the compartments and said at least one medical item contained
within each of the compartments; (a.4) supplying ambient air from
outside said warming cabinet to the respective heaters of said at
least two warming cabinet compartments; (a.5) directing re-cycled
air from said at least two warming cabinet compartments back to
their corresponding heaters to be heated as necessary; (a.6)
directing heated ambient air and re-cycled air to said at least two
warming cabinet compartments from their corresponding heaters;
(a.7) measuring the temperature of said at least two warming
cabinet compartments via the respective temperature sensors; and
(a.8) controlling the heaters of said at least two warming cabinet
compartments, via the respective controllers, to simultaneously
heat the compartments to their corresponding desired temperatures
based on the compartment temperatures measured by the corresponding
temperature sensors.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein step (a.3) further includes:
(a.3.1) directing air across heating elements of the respective
heaters of said at least two warming cabinet compartments to
produce the heated air and directing the heated air into said at
least two warming cabinet compartments to heat the compartments and
said at least one medical item contained within each of the
compartments.
32. The method of claim 30 wherein each warming cabinet compartment
includes: a floor plate disposed toward a compartment lower portion
and having a first series of openings defined therein to permit the
heated air to enter that warming cabinet compartment; and a ceiling
plate disposed toward a compartment upper portion and having a
second series of openings defined therein to permit the heated air
to exit that warming cabinet compartment; wherein said first and
second series of openings within said floor and ceiling plates are
configured in a particular arrangement to direct the heated air to
flow in a converging fashion within that warming cabinet
compartment; and step (a.3) further includes: (a.3.1) directing the
heated air to flow in a converging fashion within said at least two
warming cabinet compartments toward said at least one medical item
contained within each of the compartments via said configuration of
said first and second openings.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein each said warming cabinet
compartment includes a receptacle having a plurality of containers
wherein said receptacle is disposed in sliding relation with that
warming cabinet compartment, and step (a.1) further includes:
(a.1.1) disposing said at least one medical item within said
receptacles of said at least two warming cabinet compartments; and
(a.1.2) sliding said receptacles within said at least two warming
cabinet compartments to secure said at least one medical item
within the compartments.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein at least one of said plurality
of containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable, and step (a.1.1) further includes: (a.1.1.1)
replacing at least one interchangeable container of said receptacle
within at least one of said warming cabinet compartments to contain
said at least one medical item.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein step (a.1.1) further includes:
(a.1.1.1) partitioning an interior of said receptacle within at
least one of said warming cabinet compartments into said plurality
of containers with each said container including sufficient storage
capacity to contain said at least one medical item in an upright
position.
36. The method of claim 30 wherein each said warming cabinet
compartment includes a receptacle including a selectively
adjustable interior configuration for receiving and securing said
at least one medical item within that warming cabinet compartment,
and step (a.1) further includes: (a.1.1) selectively adjusting said
interior configurations of said receptacles within said at least
two warming cabinet compartments; (a.1.2) disposing said at least
one medical item within said receptacles of said at least two
warming cabinet compartments; and (a.1.3) sliding said receptacles
within said at least two warming cabinet compartments to secure
said at least one medical item within the compartments.
37. The method of claim 30 wherein step (a.1) further includes:
(a.1.1) disposing a medical solution within at least one warming
cabinet compartment.
38. A warming system for heating medical items to desired
temperatures within an approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items within medical
procedures comprising: a housing; a compartment disposed within
said housing to receive at least one medical item to be heated; a
heater disposed proximate said compartment to direct heated air
into said compartment to heat said compartment and said at least
one medical item contained within said compartment; air supply
means for supplying ambient air from outside said warming system to
said heater; air recycling means for directing re-cycled air from
said compartment back to said heater to be heated as necessary;
guide means for directing heated ambient air and re-cycled air from
said heater to said compartment; a temperature sensor disposed
within said compartment to measure temperature in said compartment;
and a controller to facilitate entry of a desired temperature for
said compartment and to control said heater to heat said
compartment to the entered desired temperature based on the
temperature measured by said temperature sensor.
39. The warming system of claim 38 further including: a receptacle
including a plurality of containers for receiving and securing said
at least one medical item within said compartment, wherein said
receptacle is disposed in sliding relation with said compartment to
enable said receptacle to be placed within and removed from said
compartment.
40. The warming system of claim 39 wherein at least one of said
plurality of containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable.
41. The warming system of claim 39 wherein said receptacle includes
an interior partitioned into said plurality of containers with each
said container including sufficient storage capacity to contain
said at least one medical item in an upright position.
42. The warming system of claim 38 further including: a receptacle
including a selectively adjustable interior configuration for
receiving and securing said at least one medical item within said
compartment, wherein said receptacle interior configuration is
selectively adjustable between a single container having a first
storage capacity and a plurality of individual containers each
having a second storage capacity less than said first storage
capacity for containing said at least one medical object within
said receptacle.
43. In a warming system having a compartment for receiving at least
one medical item, a heater for heating said compartment, a
temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of said compartment
and a controller to control the heater, a method of heating medical
items to desired temperatures within an approximate range of
86.degree. F.-104.degree. F. prior to using said medical items
within medical procedures comprising the steps of: (a) heating said
medical items to said desired temperatures within said warming
system compartment, wherein step (a) further includes: (a.1)
disposing at least one medical item to be heated within said
compartment; (a.2) entering into the controller a desired
temperature for the compartment; (a.3) directing heated air into
the compartment, via the heater, to heat the compartment and said
at least one medical item contained within the compartment; (a.4)
supplying ambient air from outside said warming system to the
heater; (a.5) directing re-cycled air from said compartment back to
the heater to be heated as necessary; (a.6) directing heated
ambient air and re-cycled air from the heater to the compartment;
(a.7) measuring the temperature of said compartment via the
temperature sensor; and (a.8) controlling the heater, via the
controller, to heat the compartment to the entered desired
temperature based on the compartment temperature measured by the
temperature sensor.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein said warming system further
includes a receptacle having a plurality of containers wherein said
receptacle is disposed in sliding relation with the compartment,
and step (a.1) further includes: (a.1.1) disposing said at least
one medical item within said receptacle; and (a.1.2) sliding said
receptacle within said compartment to secure said at least one
medical item within the compartment.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein at least one of said plurality
of containers is removably secured to said receptacle and
interchangeable, and step (a.1.1) further includes: (a.1.1.1)
replacing at least one interchangeable container of said receptacle
to contain said at least one medical item.
46. The method of claim 44 wherein step (a.1.1) further includes:
(a.1.1.1) partitioning an interior of said receptacle into said
plurality of containers with each said container including
sufficient storage capacity to contain said at least one medical
item in an upright position.
47. The method of claim 43 wherein said warming system further
includes a receptacle having a selectively adjustable interior
configuration for receiving and securing said at least one medical
item within the compartment, and step (a.1) further includes:
(a.1.1) selectively adjusting said interior configuration of said
receptacle; (a.1.2) disposing said at least one medical item within
said receptacle; and (a.1.3) sliding said receptacle within said
compartment to secure said at least one medical item within the
compartment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of International
Application No. PCT/US98/06951, entitled "Warming System and Method
for Heating Various Items Utilized in Surgical Procedures", filed
Apr. 7, 1998, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/042,737, entitled "Warmer Cabinet for Use
in Surgical Procedures", filed Apr. 7, 1997. The disclosures of the
above-mentioned International and provisional patent applications
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention pertains to surgical warming systems
for heating various items. In particular, the present invention
pertains to a warming system and method for heating intravenous
(IV) solution contained within bags and/or bottles, surgical
instruments, blood and drugs placed within appropriate containers,
or other objects for use in surgical procedures.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] Generally, various items are required to be heated prior to
utilization in a medical procedure to prevent thermal shock and
injury to a patient. These items typically include intravenous
solution, surgical instruments, bottles and blankets. In order to
provide the necessary heated items for use in medical procedures,
medical personnel may utilize several types of warming systems to
heat items toward their operational temperatures. For example,
ovens may be disposed within operating rooms to heat items to
desired temperatures. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,402 (Burdick et
al) discloses a warmer for heating wet dressings and other articles
disposed within a heating and storage compartment. The articles are
arranged within the compartment in stacked relation and disposed on
a plate that is supplied with thermal energy from a heater. The
plate includes a center aperture whereby a first thermal sensor is
disposed in the aperture in contact with a bottommost article.
Control circuitry is disposed beneath the plate to control the
heater to maintain temperature of the bottommost article at a
desired level based on the temperatures sensed by the first thermal
sensor and a second thermal sensor responsive to heater
temperature.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,576 (Bishop) discloses an intravenous
fluid warmer having a cabinet structure to accommodate a plurality
of intravenous fluid bags. A temperature sensor and pad of heating
filaments are disposed within the cabinet structure, whereby the
temperature sensor enables automatic temperature regulation of the
pad of heating filaments to heat the intravenous fluid bags. The
heating filaments are covered by a rubber layer to prevent melting
of the bags during heating. A temperature indicator disposed on the
cabinet structure permits a user to ascertain when a desired
temperature is attained, whereby an intravenous fluid bag is
removed from the intravenous fluid warmer via an opening defined in
a side of the cabinet structure.
[0007] The warming systems described above suffer from several
disadvantages. In particular, ovens typically do not have a high
degree of accuracy or control, thereby enabling use of items having
temperatures incompatible with a medical procedure and possibly
causing injury to a patient. Further, the Burdick et al and Bishop
warmers employ heaters that generally contact a portion of the
article being heated, thereby heating the articles in an uneven
manner and enabling formation of hot spots. Moreover, the Burdick
et al and Bishop warmers generally permit direct contact between an
article and a heater, thereby enabling the article to become
damaged from excess heat.
[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, some
warming systems utilize heated air to heat articles placed within
these systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,264 (Reeves et al)
discloses an apparatus for thawing and warming solutions or fluids
for intravenous administration. The solutions are typically
contained within bags and placed within a tray disposed toward the
top of an apparatus cabinet. A heating element is disposed within
the apparatus cabinet whereby an impeller forces air past the
heating element and into an air plenum. The air plenum extends from
within the apparatus cabinet and curves over the top of the tray to
direct and evenly distribute the heated air over various articles
placed in the tray. A temperature sensor measures air temperature
to enable a controller to maintain the heated air within a desired
temperature range.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,234 (Harms et al) discloses an apparatus
for rapid thermal processing of transfusion fluid, such as blood or
blood components. The apparatus thaws a bag containing frozen blood
or blood components by directing a flow of air across a heating
coil. Temperature sensors measure the temperatures of the air and
blood, whereby a control system monitors the sensed temperatures to
maintain air temperature at a particular level, and to terminate
thawing in response to a bag temperature of 30.degree. C. The
apparatus further enables rapid freezing of blood by directing air
across a cooling coil and upon a bag containing blood to freeze
that blood. The control system monitors sensed blood temperature
via the temperature sensor, and terminates freezing in response to
a bag or blood temperature of -30.degree. C.
[0010] The warming systems described above utilizing heated air to
warm items suffer from several disadvantages. In particular, the
warming systems heat items simultaneously to only a single desired
temperature, thereby being incompatible for applications requiring
various items to be heated to different temperature ranges.
Further, the warming systems control item temperature based on
temperature of flowing air measured within a compartment separate
from the items, thereby providing less accurate temperature control
of the item storage compartment and for maintaining items at a
desired temperature. Moreover, the warming systems have fixed
storage capacities and are limited to a certain quantity or size of
items, thereby being incompatible with items having dimensions
beyond those of the respective system storage capacities, and/or
requiring use of additional systems or heating cycles to
accommodate additional items. Conversely, the warmer systems may
utilize excess resources when used for quantities of items
substantially less than their storage capacities. Therefore, there
exists a need in the art for a surgical warming mechanism including
multiple units or compartments under individualized control for
simultaneously, accurately and independently maintaining the units
or compartments at different desired temperatures in order to
accommodate and maintain various quantities of items contained
within the respective compartments at those different temperatures.
In addition, there exists a need in the art for a surgical warming
mechanism having an adjustable storage capacity to accommodate
appropriate quantities or sizes of items for particular
applications.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
simultaneously maintain various items at different desired
temperatures for use in medical procedures.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention is to
simultaneously maintain various items at different desired
temperatures for use in medical procedures via a warming system
constructed of individually controlled and various sized warmer
units, whereby each warmer unit is maintained at an associated
desired temperature.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention to
simultaneously maintain various items at different desired
temperatures for use in medical procedures via a warming system
including a single cabinet structure having multiple compartments,
whereby each compartment is maintained at an associated desired
temperature.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to
simultaneously maintain various items at desired temperatures via a
warming system having a selectively adjustable storage capacity to
accommodate varying quantities or sizes of items for different
applications.
[0015] The aforesaid objects may be achieved individually and in
combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be
construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined
unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto.
[0016] According to the present invention, a surgical warming
system provides a manner in which to heat various medical items,
primarily medical solutions generally contained within different
sized bags and/or bottles, independently and simultaneously to
enable the items to be immediately utilized for a particular
medical application. The term "medical solutions" used herein
refers to intravenous solutions, blood or other solutions that are
administered intravenously to a patient. Specifically, the surgical
warming system includes various compartments, at least one and
generally two or more compartments, whereby each compartment is
separately heatable and controllable over its own range of
temperatures, typically in the approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. The compartments may be modular in the sense that
the compartments may be implemented as separate warmer units that
are stacked one atop the other. Alternatively, the multiple
compartments may be constructed into a single cabinet structure
whereby the compartments have varying dimensions, preferably to
receive different sized intravenous bags and/or bottles. The heat
within each compartment is provided by forcing air through a
heating chamber and into the compartment whereby the forced air is
recycled and mixed with make-up (e.g., outside) air to maximize
control of air temperature. Each individually controllable
compartment includes a corresponding heating unit and controller
that enables an operator to simultaneously maintain the individual
compartments of the same warming system at different desired
temperatures in order to heat items or groups of items contained
within the respective compartments to those different
temperatures.
[0017] The above and still further objects, features and advantages
of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of
the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof,
particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are
utilized to designate like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an exemplary modular
warmer unit according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of a rear panel of the warmer
unit of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation and partial section of
the warmer unit of FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrating air flow
paths through the warmer unit according to the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view in plan of a warming system compartment
floor plate for directing heated air flow to enter a warming system
compartment according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view in plan of a warming system compartment
ceiling plate for directing heated air flow to exit a warming
system compartment according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6a is a top view in plan of a tray or drawer for
disposing items within a warming system compartment to heat the
items to a desired temperature according to the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 6b is a side view in elevation and partial section of
the tray or drawer of FIG. 6a.
[0025] FIG. 6c is an exploded view in elevation and partial section
of an alternative embodiment of the tray or drawer of FIGS. 6a-6b
having an interchangeable bin.
[0026] FIG. 7a is a view in perspective of another embodiment of
the tray or drawer of FIGS. 6a-6b having a configuration to enable
storage of numerous medical solution containers in a generally
upright position.
[0027] FIG. 7b is a top view in plan of the tray or drawer of FIG.
7a.
[0028] FIG. 7c is a front view in elevation and partial section of
the tray or drawer of FIG. 7a.
[0029] FIG. 7d is a side view in elevation of the tray or drawer of
FIG. 7a.
[0030] FIG. 7e is an exploded view in perspective of yet another
embodiment of the tray or drawer of FIG. 7a having an adjustable
configuration.
[0031] FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic diagram of an exemplary
control circuit for the warmer unit of FIG. 1 according to the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a view in perspective of a warming system
including a plurality of warmer units of the type of FIG. 1 to
simultaneously maintain various objects at different desired
temperatures according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a view in perspective of an exemplary warming
system having multiple compartments constructed into a single
cabinet structure according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a view in elevation of a rear panel of the
warming cabinet of FIG. 10 according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation and partial section of
the warming cabinet of FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrating air
flow paths through warming cabinet compartments according to the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram of an exemplary
control circuit for the warming cabinet of FIG. 10 according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] An exemplary surgical warmer unit 2a is illustrated in FIG.
1. Specifically, warmer unit 2a includes a rear panel 4, two
substantially similar side panels 6, a top panel 8, a bottom panel
10 and a front panel 12. The top, side, front, rear and bottom
panels are each substantially rectangular and define a cabinet
interior wherein various medical or other items may be heated. The
terms "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "front", "rear",
"upper", "lower", "length", "width", "height", "depth",
"horizontal" and "vertical" are utilized herein merely to indicate
points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any
specific orientation or configuration. Warmer unit 2a includes a
compartment 24 that is controlled by a corresponding process
controller 16 (FIG. 8) to maintain a desired heating (i.e.,
temperature) range, whereby the compartment may be set and
maintained at a desired temperature as described below. A series of
substantially rectangular slots 3 are disposed toward the corners
of top panel 8, while a plurality of substantially rectangular feet
or tabs 5 extend from the proximity of the corners of bottom panel
10. Slots 3 include dimensions slightly larger than feet 5 to
enable feet 5 of warmer unit 2a to be inserted within slots 3 of a
warmer unit disposed below warmer unit 2a. This enables warmer
units to be arranged in stack relation to form warming systems or
cabinets having a plurality of warmer units (e.g., FIG. 9). The
warmer unit slots and feet may be of any quantity, shape or size,
and may be disposed on the warmer unit in any fashion.
[0038] Front panel 12 includes a power switch 14 and a temperature
controller holder 15 typically disposed toward the upper portion of
a front panel edge (e.g., the upper portion of a front panel
rightmost edge as viewed in FIG. 1). Holder 15 is a pocket of
substantially triangular cross-section with an open top portion to
receive controller 16 (FIG. 8). The power switch and holder (e.g.,
along with the controller) may alternatively be disposed on the
warmer unit in any fashion capable of operating the warmer unit.
Power switch 14 enables power to controller 16 and a fan disposed
within the warmer unit described below to commence heating the
compartment to a desired temperature. Controller 16 is typically
implemented by a microprocessor that displays a current temperature
of the compartment and enables an operator to set a desired
temperature for that compartment. Top panel 8 may further include
an intravenous support or pole (not shown) to accommodate
intravenous (IV) and/or irrigation fluid bags heated by warmer unit
2a for application to patients. The intravenous pole mounted on the
warmer unit enhances efficiency by enabling immediate use of the
warmed fluid since the pole and warmer unit are in close proximity.
Moreover, top panel 8 may include a lamp or other light source (not
shown) that illuminates the top panel such that an operator has
sufficient light to transcribe information during a medical
procedure. In addition, other items, typically utilized in an
operating room, may be attached to warmer unit 2a to reduce
consumption of operating room space.
[0039] Front panel 12 further includes a door 18 that enables
access to compartment 24. Door 18 is substantially rectangular and
is generally disposed within front panel 12 between power switch 14
and a front panel side edge (e.g., the leftmost side edge as viewed
in FIG. 1). A substantially rectangular window 17, typically
constructed of clear polycarbonate or other transparent material,
is disposed on the door and includes dimensions slightly less than
the door dimensions. Door 18 may vary in size according to the size
of the warmer unit, and generally includes dimensions slightly less
than front panel 12. The door is preferably connected to front
panel 12 via hinges (not shown) disposed toward the door upper
edges that enables the door to pivot upwards toward top panel 10.
Further, door 18 includes a handle 30 disposed below window 17 and
extending along a window bottom edge. Handle 30 is preferably
implemented by an L-shaped handle that extends outward from an
external surface of the door to enable an operator's hand to grip
the handle and manipulate that door. Alternatively, handle 30 may
be implemented by any handle capable of manipulating the door. Door
18 is typically manipulated to an open position to enable a warmer
unit tray or drawer described below to access the compartment,
whereby the drawer contains medical items to be heated by the
warmer unit. The surgical warmer unit components (e.g., panels,
walls, plates, doors, etc.) are typically constructed of a suitably
sturdy or rigid material, such as aluminum, but may be implemented
by any material (e.g., metals, plastics, etc.) capable of
accommodating the desired component function described herein.
[0040] The warmer unit rear panel is illustrated, by way of example
only, in FIG. 2. Specifically, rear panel 4 is substantially
rectangular as described above and includes dimensions
substantially similar to front panel 12 (FIG. 1). A plurality of
slots 33 is defined in the rear panel to permit air to enter the
warmer unit to be heated for maintaining compartment temperature as
described below. Slots 33 are generally elliptical slots having
their major axes extending along the longer dimension of rear panel
4, whereby the major axes of the slots are substantially greater
than the slot minor axes. Slots 33 are generally defined in rear
panel 4 in groups of three rows (e.g., each row extends across the
longer dimension of the rear panel) with each row having two
adjacent slots, whereby a group of slots is disposed coincident
compartment 24. However, rear panel 4 may include any quantity
(e.g., at least one) of slots whereby the slots may be of any shape
or size and may be arranged in any fashion capable of enabling air
to enter the warmer unit.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, compartment 24 includes side walls 70,
a rear wall 72 and respective floor and ceiling plates 46 and 48.
The compartment side and rear walls 70, 72 and floor and ceiling
plates 46 and 48, respectively, are substantially rectangular
wherein side walls 70 extend from front panel 12 toward rear panel
4, and from bottom panel 10 to top panel 8. Side and rear walls 70,
72 of compartment 24 are disposed about the peripheral edges of
floor and ceiling plates 46 and 48 with rear wall 72 disposed
between the floor and ceiling plates. The side and rear walls and
the floor and ceiling plates collectively define a compartment
interior wherein medical or other items may be heated. Floor and
ceiling plates 46 and 48 have substantially similar dimensions and
include holes defined in the respective floor and ceiling plates to
permit air flow through the compartment as described below.
[0042] Compartment 24 is essentially in the form of a rectangular
box wherein length and width dimensions of the compartment are
similar, however, the length (e.g., compartment depth) and width
(e.g., compartment height) of side and rear walls 70, 72, may vary
to produce compartments of different sizes or capacities (e.g.,
FIG. 9). The length and width dimensions of compartment 24 are
slightly less than the warmer unit interior length and width
dimensions such that a short distance resides between side walls 70
and side panels 6, and between rearwall 72 and rear panel 4. In
addition, a slight distance resides between compartment 24 and
bottom panel 10, and between compartment 24 and top panel 8. The
distances between the compartment and the top and bottom panels
form lower and upper cavities 84, 86, respectively, that enable air
flow through the compartment as described below. The lower and
upper cavities are substantially rectangular and have dimensions
substantially similar to respective floor and ceiling plates 46 and
48. The distance between compartment rear wall 72 and rear panel 4
serves as an air chamber 50 whereby outside air enters warmer unit
2a via slots 33 defined in the warmer unit rear panel as described
above.
[0043] A heater in the form of a conventional fan 40 with a
corresponding heating coil 56 is mounted on an exterior surface of
rear wall 72 of compartment 24 and forces air from air chamber 50
and upper cavity 86 over the heating coil to produce heated air
that heats items disposed within the compartment. Air from upper
cavity 86 is received by fan 40 via an upper manifold 74 disposed
proximate the upper cavity and extending toward the fan. The heated
air flows through compartment 24 as described below whereby the
heated air is recycled (e.g., re-used within that compartment) and
mixed with outside air in various concentrations, depending upon
the current compartment and desired temperatures, to control the
compartment temperature. Compartment 24 further includes a
thermocouple 65 (FIG. 8), typically implemented by a conventional
or other type of temperature sensor, that measures the temperature
within the compartment and sends a temperature signal to the
controller as described below. The thermocouple is typically
disposed within compartment 24 in one of the compartment side walls
70 at a height corresponding to approximately a middle height of
the compartment.
[0044] Warmer unit 2a heats a mixture of outside or make-up air and
recycled air (e.g., air previously utilized within the particular
compartments) and forces the heated air to flow proximate a tray or
drawer disposed within compartment 24 in order to heat the medical
items contained within the drawer to a desired temperature. Fan 40
is disposed on an exterior surface of compartment rear wall 72
toward the uppermost portion of the compartment. Fan 40 draws air
into the compartment from upper cavity 86 (e.g., via upper manifold
74) and air chamber 50, whereby air infiltrates the air chamber via
rear panel slots 33 as described above. A duct 42 is disposed
beneath fan 40 and receives air driven by the fan. Duct 42 is
substantially trapezoidal (e.g., the duct include a substantially
trapezoidal cross-section) and extends from fan 40 toward lower
cavity 84. The width of the duct gradually narrows from fan 40
toward the lower cavity whereby the duct is similar in
configuration to a funnel.
[0045] Duct 42 includes heating coil 56 disposed within the duct
toward fan 40 to heat the air. The duct directs or funnels air over
heating coil 56 and through a lower manifold 44 disposed at a
distal end of the duct. The lower manifold directs the air through
lower cavity 84 and into the compartment via floor plate 46 that is
disposed above the lower cavity. Referring to FIG. 4, floor plate
46 is substantially rectangular having length and width dimensions
substantially similar to the compartment length and width
dimensions whereby the floor plate includes a plurality of holes or
apertures 52 defined within the floor plate. Holes 52 are typically
arranged through floor plate 46 in four columns (e.g., as viewed in
FIG. 4 with each column extending in a direction of the floor plate
shorter dimension edges or floor plate transverse axis from the
front to the rear of the compartment) with each column spaced a
sufficient distance to encompass the floor plate surface whereby
the hole columns disposed toward the floor plate shorter dimension
edges each generally include a greater quantity of holes than the
remaining columns. The holes enable heated air from lower cavity 84
(FIG. 3) to enter the compartment.
[0046] The heated air traverses compartment 24 and the drawer
containing medical items to heat those items, and exits the
compartment via ceiling plate 48 illustrated in FIG. 5.
Specifically, ceiling plate 48 is substantially similar to floor
plate 46 (FIG. 4) except that the ceiling plate includes a
plurality of holes or apertures 54 defined within the ceiling plate
in a different arrangement. Holes 54 are typically arranged through
ceiling plate 48 in five columns (e.g., as viewed in FIG. 5 with
each column extending in the direction of the ceiling plate shorter
dimension edges or ceiling plate transverse axis from the front to
the rear of the compartment) substantially evenly spaced and
concentrated about the ceiling plate center whereby the hole
columns disposed toward the ceiling plate shorter dimension edges
each generally include a lesser quantity of holes than the
remaining columns. Holes 54 defined in ceiling plate 48 enable
heated air to exit the compartment into upper cavity 86 (FIG. 3).
The ceiling plate typically includes a substantially lesser amount
of holes than floor plate 46.
[0047] The particular arrangements of the holes within the floor
and ceiling plates create a flume-like effect within the
compartment to direct heated air toward the middle of the
compartment. In other words, the heated air enters the compartment
and is directed inwardly toward the middle of the compartment to
prevent the heated air from flowing around the outside of the
medical items contained within the drawer (e.g., to prevent greater
heating around the edges by concentrating more of the air flow onto
the drawer). The flume-like air flow within the compartment enables
the air to efficiently and evenly heat the items contained within
the compartment drawer. Air flow from the ceiling plate is received
in the upper cavity disposed above the ceiling plate, whereby the
air enters the upper manifold that directs the heated air back into
the fan within the air chamber.
[0048] Medical items are disposed within compartment 24 whereby
heated air flow is distributed substantially evenly about items
within the compartment to heat those items evenly to a desired
temperature. A tray or drawer 34a for utilization within
compartment 24 to heat various medical items is illustrated in
FIGS. 6a-6b. Specifically, drawer 34a includes a plurality of bins
36 for receiving medical items to be heated within the warmer unit
compartment. Bins 36 are disposed adjacent each other whereby each
bin includes a mesh or wire container for receiving the medical
items and enabling free flow of heated air through the bins to heat
the medical items to a desired temperature. The drawer size varies
in accordance with dimensions of compartment 24 and may include any
number of bins 36. Alternatively, multiple drawers may be utilized
within a single compartment that includes sufficient storage
capacity to accommodate the drawers.
[0049] Drawer 34a includes a substantially rectangular frame 88
having length and width dimensions slightly less than the length
and width dimensions of the compartment. A series of transversely
spaced rods or bars 38 extend across a shorter dimension of drawer
frame 88 to enable mesh or wire to attach to the frame and rods to
form individual bins 36 between the rods. The drawer frame and rods
may be constructed of any suitably sturdy or rigid material that
can withstand the compartment temperature, while the mesh may be
implemented by wire, rope or other material that enables air flow
through the drawer and can withstand the compartment temperature.
Alternatively, drawer 34a may include a series of adjacent bins
formed of plastic or other suitable material having multiple holes
defined therein to enable the heated air to infiltrate the bins and
heat the items contained within the drawer.
[0050] Drawer 34a is typically disposed on runners or tracks (not
shown) mounted on an interior surface of side walls 70 (FIG. 1) of
compartment 24 that enable the drawer to smoothly slide into and
out of the compartment. This sliding mechanism is similar to that
used in drawers within common desks. The drawer may further be
removed from the runners or tracks and be replaced by another
drawer of a different configuration for handling other types or
sizes of medical items as described below. Door 18 is typically
manipulated to an open position to enable access to drawer 34a
within compartment 24.
[0051] Drawer 34a may further include various configurations to
contain medical items for heating within compartment 24. For
example, the drawer bins may be interchangeable to accommodate
various types or sizes of medical items as illustrated in FIG. 6c.
Specifically, drawer 34b is substantially similar to drawer 34a
described above, except that each bin may be removably secured to
the drawer frame and replaced by another bin having a different
configuration to heat various medical items. In particular, an
interchangeable bin 37 includes a substantially rectangular bin
frame 39 having dimensions compatible with a corresponding bin
space defined by rods 38 and frame 88. Mesh or wire is attached to
bin frame 39 to form a container within the interchangeable bin for
containing medical items. The bin frame may be constructed of any
suitably sturdy or rigid material that can withstand the
compartment temperature, while the mesh may be implemented by wire,
rope or other material that enables air flow through bin 37 and can
withstand the compartment temperature. Alternatively, bin 37 may be
formed by plastic or other suitable material attached to the bin
frame and having holes defined therein to enable heated air to
infiltrate the bin and heat the medical items contained
therein.
[0052] Bin fasteners 41 are typically disposed on the underside of
the bin frame, while corresponding drawer fasteners 43 are
generally disposed on rods 38 and frame 88 to engage bin fasteners
41 and removably attach bin 37 to the drawer. Fasteners 41, 43 may
be implemented by any conventional or other types of fasteners,
such as ties, hooks, snaps, clasps, velcro, etc., and may be
disposed in any quantity or combination and at any suitable
locations on the bin and/or drawer. Bin 37 is typically removed
from drawer 34b and replaced, via fasteners 41, 43, with a new bin
having a different configuration to accommodate medical items of
various types or sizes. For example, bin 37 having a configuration
to contain medical solution containers may be replaced with a bin
of greater storage capacity or a specific configuration for heating
other medical items, such as blankets or instruments. It is to be
understood that the drawer may include any quantity or combination
of fixed and/or interchangeable bins of any shape or size.
[0053] In addition, an entire drawer may be interchanged with
another drawer having a different bin configuration (e.g., quantity
of bins, bin storage capacity, interchangeable bins, etc.) to
accommodate various medical items. For example, a drawer having
bins configured to contain medical solution containers may be
replaced by a drawer having a bin configuration suitable for
containing instruments, or a bin configuration suitable for
containing blankets. A drawer may be removed from the warmer unit
compartment as described above and replaced with a new drawer for
use with the unit. Thus, the warmer unit and drawer may serve
various functions depending upon the particular drawer or bin
configurations utilized by that unit.
[0054] Another embodiment of the tray or drawer for accommodating
numerous medical solution containers in a generally upright
position is illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7d. Specifically, drawer 34c
includes a generally box-like configuration having an upper frame
91 and a floor 93. Upper frame 91 and floor 93 are each
substantially rectangular and have substantially similar
dimensions. The upper frame includes front and rear bars 94, 96 and
side bars 98, 99, each substantially rectangular and collectively
defining a generally open upper frame interior to enable placement
of items within the drawer. Floor 93 is aligned substantially
coincident with upper frame 91 and includes a mesh interior,
preferably formed of wire mesh. Posts 92a-92d are each disposed
toward a corresponding drawer corner to interconnect the frame to
the floor. A support bar 95 extends along the shorter dimension
edge of the floor and is attached to corresponding posts 92a, 92b.
Similarly, a support bar 97 is disposed along the opposing shorter
dimension edge of the floor and is attached to corresponding posts
92c, 92d. The support bars are each substantially rectangular and
extend between the respective posts at a slight distance above
floor 93 to structurally strengthen the drawer.
[0055] The drawer interior is partitioned into a plurality of
receptacles 80, each for containing a medical solution container
35, such as an intravenous (IV) solution bag. Mesh material (FIG.
7b) is attached to upper frame 91 and disposed within each
receptacle to contain items as described below. The receptacles
typically have sufficient storage capacity to accommodate container
35 in a generally upright position. In this fashion, drawer 34c may
contain numerous medical solution containers or other medical items
within compartment 24 for heating to a desired temperature.
[0056] In order to form receptacles 80, drawer 34c includes a
plurality of dividers that partition the drawer interior. In
particular, drawer 34c includes transverse dividers 81 and
longitudinal dividers 83. Transverse dividers 81 extend
substantially in parallel between front and rear upper frame bars
94, 96, and are spaced apart along the upper frame longer
dimension. Longitudinal dividers 83 extend substantially in
parallel between upper frame side bars 98, 99 and are spaced apart
along the upper frame shorter dimension. The transverse and
longitudinal dividers are generally orthogonal to each other and
essentially form a grid to partition the drawer interior into
individual receptacles 80.
[0057] Transverse dividers 81 each include a series of wire members
81a-81d (FIG. 7c). Wire member 81d includes a single wire attached
to and extending between front and rear upper frame bars 94, 96.
Wire members 81a-81c each include a pair of horizontal wires
extending substantially in parallel between front and rear upper
frame bars 94, 96. Wire 81d forms the intersection of two planes
tilted slightly from vertical, each plane including a respective
wire from each of the wire pairs 81a-81c. The wires in each plane
are spaced generally vertically and are oriented parallel to one
another. The distance between wires in each wire pair 81a-81c
successively increases as the wire pair position is further away
from upper frame 91 and closer to floor 93. A series of peripheral
wire members 85a-85e extend about the drawer periphery and are
vertically spaced apart between the upper frame and floor. Wire
members 81a-81c of each transverse divider 81 are vertically
positioned between the upper frame and floor at locations
corresponding to the vertical positions of respective peripheral
wire members 85a-85c.
[0058] A support wire member 82 extends along the drawer longer
dimension between posts 92a, 92c and generally on the exterior side
of the peripheral wire members, and has each end attached to a
corresponding post. The support wire member repeatedly extends
between the upper frame and floor in a generally wave-like pattern.
In particular, the support wire member extends over each divider 81
and along floor 93 between dividers 81, between a divider 81 and
post 92a and between a divider 81 and post 92c. The increased
spacing between wire pair members of wire members 81a-81c and the
single wire of wire member 81d provide the support wire member
pattern with rounded peaks and substantially trapezoidal valleys.
Support wire member 82 is attached to upper frame 91 and floor 93
proximate the peaks and valleys, respectively. Another wire member
(not shown) is attached to and disposed in substantially the same
manner between posts 92b, 92d along the drawer rear portion. Wire
members 81a-81d of each transverse divider are connected to the
support wire members at locations within the interior sections of
the peaks that extend over the transverse dividers.
[0059] Longitudinal dividers 83 each include a series of wire
members 83a-83d (FIG. 7d). Wire member 83d includes a pair of wires
attached to and extending substantially in parallel between side
bars 98, 99. Wire members 83a-83c similarly include a pair of
horizontal wires extending substantially in parallel between bars
98, 99. Wire members 83a-83d are essentially contained within two
parallel planes, each plane including a respective wire from each
of the wire pairs 83a-83d. The wires in each plane are spaced
generally vertically and are oriented parallel to one another. The
members of each wire pair are separated by substantially the same
distance. Wire members 83a-83c of each longitudinal divider have
their ends attached to corresponding peripheral wire members
85a-85c between respective posts 92a, 92b and 92c, 92d. The wire
members are vertically positioned between the upper frame and floor
at locations corresponding to the vertical positions of respective
peripheral wire members 85a-85c.
[0060] The longitudinal divider wire members may extend over or
under the transverse divider wire members within the drawer
interior to partition the drawer interior into receptacles 80, each
having sufficient storage capacity to contain medical solution
container 35 in a generally upright position. Mesh material is
attached to the longitudinal and transverse dividers and/or upper
frame to form containers for the individual receptacles for
containing medical items. The mesh material and floor enable heated
air from the compartment to infiltrate the receptacles and heat the
items contained therein. The upper frame, floor, posts and support
bars may be of any size or shape and may be constructed of any
suitably sturdy or rigid material that can withstand the
compartment temperature. In addition, the mesh material may be
implemented by wire, rope or other material that enables air flow
through the receptacles and can withstand the compartment
temperature, while the wire members of the dividers may be
implemented by any wire, rope, cable, string or other line of any
size or cross-sectional shape that can withstand the compartment
temperature.
[0061] Drawer 34c may include any quantity of interchangeable
receptacles that may be replaced with receptacles or groups of
receptacles having different configurations for containing medical
items of different types or sizes. The receptacles may each include
a receptacle frame with the receptacle frame and/or transverse and
longitudinal dividers including fasteners to removably secure the
receptacles to the drawer in substantially the same manner
described above. In addition, drawer 34c may alternatively have a
configuration that is adjustable to include several receptacles as
described above or a single large receptacle for accommodating
large medical items, such as blankets. The transverse and
longitudinal dividers may be disposed in sliding relation with
posts 92a-92d between the upper frame and floor. When the
transverse and longitudinal dividers are positioned adjacent floor
93, the drawer contains a single large receptacle, while
positioning of the transverse and longitudinal dividers toward
upper frame 91 forms individual receptacles 80.
[0062] The adjustable configuration may be accomplished, for
example, by a drawer having a partition frame mounted in slidable
relation with posts 92a-92d between the upper frame and floor as
illustrated in FIG. 7e. Drawer 34d is substantially similar to
drawer 34c described above, except that drawer 34d includes an
adjustable configuration. Specifically, drawer 34d includes a
generally box-like configuration having an upper frame 91 and a
floor 93 each as described above. The upper frame includes front
and rear bars 94, 96 and side bars 98, 99. These bars are each
substantially rectangular and collectively define a generally open
upper frame interior to enable placement of medical items within
the drawer. Floor 93 is aligned substantially coincident with frame
91 and includes a mesh interior, preferably formed of wire mesh.
Posts 92a-92d are each disposed toward a corresponding drawer
corner to interconnect the frame to the floor. Support bars 95, 97
are attached to and disposed between corresponding posts 92a, 92b
and 92c, 92d slightly above the drawer floor to structurally
strengthen the drawer as described above. In addition, peripheral
wire members 85a-85e are disposed about the drawer periphery and
are vertically spaced between the upper frame and floor as
described above.
[0063] A partition frame 71 is disposed between upper frame 91 and
floor 93. The partition frame is substantially rectangular and
includes front and rear rods 61, 63 and side rods 69, 77. Partition
frame 71 has dimensions substantially similar to upper frame 91 and
floor 93, and further includes transverse dividers 73 and
longitudinal dividers 75. The transverse dividers are attached to
and extend substantially in parallel between front and rear rods
61, 63, while being spaced apart along the partition frame longer
dimension. The longitudinal dividers are attached to and extend
substantially in parallel between side rods 69, 77. The
longitudinal dividers are spaced apart along the partition frame
shorter dimension and are substantially orthogonal to the
transverse dividers, thereby forming a grid pattern for defining
several individual receptacles 89. The upper frame, floor,
partition frame and dividers, posts and support bars may be of any
size or shape and may be constructed of any suitably sturdy or
rigid material that can withstand the compartment temperature.
[0064] The partition frame is supported within the drawer interior
by tracks or slots (not shown) disposed on posts 92a-92d. The
tracks or slots may include any conventional or other mechanisms to
engage partition frame corners and enable the partition frame to
slide relative to the posts and maintain a position between the
upper frame and floor for adjusting the drawer configuration as
described below. Mesh material 79 is attached to the upper frame to
form a container within the drawer to contain medical items. The
mesh material may be implemented by wire, rope or other material
that enables air flow through the drawer and can withstand the
compartment temperature.
[0065] When partition frame 71 is positioned adjacent floor 93, the
drawer contains a single large receptacle for containing medical
items, such as blankets. Conversely, the partition frame may be
positioned toward upper frame 91, while mesh material 79 is
inserted through the partition frame spaces defined by the
transverse and longitudinal dividers, thereby defining containers
for several individual receptacles 89. The position of the
partition frame relative to the drawer floor determines the storage
capacity of the receptacles and the size of the medical items that
may be contained therein. For example, positioning frame 71 toward
upper frame 91 enables the receptacles to contain a medical
solution container, such as container 35, in a generally upright
position as described above, while sliding the partition frame
toward floor 93 provides storage capacity for smaller medical
items. The partition frame may be located at any desired position
between the upper frame and floor to accommodate various types or
sizes of items.
[0066] Referring back to FIG. 3, the air flow path through
compartment 24 is described with reference to the arrows indicating
the air flow path. Specifically, outside air infiltrates warmer
unit 2a via slots 33 defined in rear panel 4 and flows into air
chamber 50 whereby the outside air mixes with heated air flowing
from the compartment. Fan 40 directs air from chamber 50 and upper
manifold 74 through duct 42 whereby heating coil 56 disposed in the
air flow path within the duct heats the air. The heated air is then
directed into lower cavity 84 via lower manifold 44 whereby the air
traverses the floor plate into the compartment. The air flows
within the compartment in a flume-like fashion described above
through a drawer (e.g., any of drawers 34a-34d described above) to
heat items contained within the drawer, and exits the compartment
via ceiling plate 48 into corresponding upper cavity 86. Upper
manifold 74 directs the air from upper cavity 86 back to fan 40
within air chamber 50 to mix with fresh or make-up air and be
recirculated into the compartment as described above to heat the
medical items. The mixture of recycled and fresh air distributed to
the compartment via fan 40 is controlled in a conventional manner
based on the compartment and desired temperatures in order to
efficiently maintain the compartment at the desired
temperature.
[0067] A control circuit 78 for controlling the warmer unit
compartment to heat medical items is illustrated in FIG. 8.
Specifically, control circuit 78 is typically mounted on a warmer
unit side panel in the space between that side panel and a
corresponding side wall of the warmer unit compartment. Control
circuit 78 includes power switch 14 connected in series with
compartment fan 40, a purge timer 76 and temperature controller 16.
Switch 14 is operator controlled and enables activation of fan 40
and controller 16 whereby fan 40 may be implemented by conventional
blowers or fans that direct air over heating coil 56 and through
the compartment as described above. Purge timer 76 enables
activation of fan 40 for approximately three to five minutes
subsequent to switch 14 disabling operation of the warmer unit to
dissipate heat from and cool heating coil 56 in order to prevent
damage to the warmer unit from excessive heat.
[0068] Temperature controller 16 is typically implemented by a
microprocessor controller, for example, model 2132
proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller manufactured by
Eurotherm Controls, Ltd. of England. Controller 16 typically
includes a display and enables an operator to set a desired
compartment temperature via manipulation of display buttons that
modify control parameters (e.g., temperature, mode of operation
etc.) of the controller. Further, the display of controller 16
provides the temperature of the compartment via signals received by
thermocouple 65 disposed within that compartment described above.
In other words, the controller is essentially a microprocessor,
generally pre-programmed with its own software, that senses and
controls compartment temperature in accordance with PID
control.
[0069] Controller 16 is connected to thermocouple 65 and in series
with a solid state relay 58 that receives logic signals from the
controller to close that relay and enable operation of heating coil
56 in accordance with the difference between the selected and
existing compartment temperatures. Controller 16 essentially
utilizes PID control to adjust the current through heating coil 56
via relay 58 to maintain the compartment at a desired temperature
based on the desired and current compartment temperatures. Heating
coil 56 is disposed in series with solid state relay 58, and
receives current from that relay to dissipate heat in order to heat
the air within duct 42 (FIG. 3). High limit or overload switch 60
is connected between and in series with solid state relay 58 and
heating coil 56, and enters an open state to disable the heating
coil by shunting excess current from the heating coil when the
current exceeds a threshold level (e.g., a level that may damage
the warmer unit or circuit). Switch 14 and solid state relay 58 are
connected in series with corresponding fuses 66, 68, respectively,
to protect the circuit from excess current. Fuses 66, 68 are in
turn connected in series with power receptacles 67. The receptacles
typically receive power from a common wall outlet jack via a
detachable power cord (not shown). The various control circuit
components are typically implemented via conventional or
commercially available components and/or may be implemented by any
circuitry based on the functional description of the circuit
described above.
[0070] Operation of the warmer unit is described with reference to
FIGS. 1, 3 and 8. Specifically, various medical items, such as
intravenous or irrigation fluids, blood, instruments or drugs, are
selected to be placed within warmer unit 2a. Door 18 is manipulated
to an open position whereby a drawer (e.g., any of drawers 34a-34d
described above) may be retrieved from or inserted (e.g., if no
drawer is present) into the compartment. Further, an entire drawer
may be replaced with another drawer, or individual drawer bins or
receptacles may be replaced by other bins or receptacles to
accommodate various medical items as described above. The medical
items are inserted into the drawer and the drawer is placed into
the compartment with the compartment door subsequently manipulated
to a closed position. Power switch 14 is actuated to enable
operation of control circuit 78 and fan 40 to direct air over
heating coil 56 and through the compartment as described above.
Controller 16 is manipulated via display buttons to set that
controller to maintain the compartment at a desired temperature,
typically in the approximate range of 86.degree. F.-104.degree. F.
The controller further displays the current compartment temperature
as measured by thermocouple 65 disposed within the compartment.
When the medical items have attained the desired temperature, the
drawer is retrieved from the compartment and the items are removed
from the drawer for use in a medical or other procedure.
[0071] An exemplary warming system including multiple warmer units
is illustrated in FIG. 9. Specifically, warming system 90 includes
warmer units 2a, 2b 2c arranged in stack relation. Warmer unit 2a
is substantially similar to and functions in substantially the same
manner as the warmer unit described above for FIG. 1. Similarly,
warmer units 2b, 2c are substantially similar to and function in
substantially the same manner as warmer unit 2a except that warmer
units 2b, 2c include slightly greater dimensions to accommodate
larger sized or greater quantities of items. For example, warmer
unit 2b includes dimensions greater than warmer unit 2a, while
warmer unit 2c includes dimensions greater than warmer unit 2b.
Warmer units 2a, 2b, 2c include respective compartments 24, 26, 28,
and are individually controlled to maintain those compartments at
desired temperatures in substantially the same manner described
above. The warmer units are typically vertically arranged, by way
of example only, with warmer unit 2a disposed as the top unit,
warmer unit 2c disposed as the bottom unit, and warmer unit 2b
disposed between warmer units 2a, 2b. Feet 5 of each warmer unit is
inserted within slots 3 of the warmer unit disposed adjacent and
below that unit to securely arrange the warmer units in stack
relation. Each warmer unit includes at least one appropriately
sized drawer (e.g., any of drawers 34a-34d described above) to
enable items to be placed and removed within the corresponding
compartment as described above. Warming system 90 may include any
quantity of any sized warmer units whereby the warmer units may be
selectively added or removed to the warming system. Thus, the
warming system storage capacity may be adjusted to accommodate
various quantities or sizes of items for particular applications.
In addition, any individual warmer unit or combination of warmer
units within warming system 90 may be actuated to heat items
depending upon the size or quantity of items required to be
heated.
[0072] In operation, various medical items, such as intravenous or
irrigation fluids, blood, instruments or drugs, are selected to be
placed within warming system 90. An appropriate warmer unit 2a, 2b,
2c for receiving the items is selected based on the size of the
items and the capacity of the warmer unit. A door 18, 20, 22 of the
selected warmer unit is manipulated to an open position whereby a
drawer (e.g., any of drawers 34a-34d described above) may be
retrieved from or inserted (e.g., if no drawer is present) into
that compartment. Further, an entire drawer may be replaced with
another drawer, or individual drawer bins or receptacles may be
replaced by other bins or receptacles to accommodate various
medical items as described above. The medical items are inserted
into the drawer and the drawer is placed into the selected warmer
unit compartment with that compartment door subsequently
manipulated to a closed position. A power switch 14 associated with
the selected warmer unit is actuated to enable operation of a
corresponding fan to direct air over a corresponding heating coil
and through the compartment as described above. A corresponding
controller (not shown) is manipulated via display buttons to set
that controller to maintain the selected warmer unit compartment at
a desired temperature, typically in the approximate range of
86.degree. F.-104.degree. F. The corresponding controller further
displays the current compartment temperature of the selected warmer
unit as measured by a thermocouple disposed within that compartment
as described above. When the medical items have attained the
desired temperature, the drawer is retrieved from the selected
warmer unit and the items are removed from the drawer for use in a
medical or other procedure. This process may be repeated for
remaining warmer units within warming system 90 to simultaneously
heat various items to different temperatures.
[0073] The surgical warmer unit or warming system described above
may be utilized in conjunction with an intravenous (IV) warming
apparatus, such as an apparatus that heats intravenous solution as
the solution is delivered to the patient from an intravenous bag or
other container. Initially, the temperature of intravenous solution
contained within an intravenous bag is generally unknown, within
thirty degrees Fahrenheit or more, when the bag is hung on an
intravenous rack or pole. The surgical warmer unit or warming
system permits pre-heating of an intravenous solution bag to a
desired temperature such that, upon removal from the warmer unit or
warming system, the bag may be placed into a heated intravenous
warmer suspended proximate a patient. Further, the warmer unit or
warming system may also be used in combination with a thermal
treatment machine having a basin for heating solutions, such as the
machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,326 (Faries, Jr. et al),
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. In this instance, bags or bottles of various solutions,
such as irrigation fluid, may be placed in the warmer unit or
warming system to be heated to a desired temperature. The heated
bag or bottle is removed from the warmer unit or warming system
with the contained solution at the desired temperature, and the
solution is placed in the basin for available use more quickly
during a surgical procedure since the solution is already heated to
a temperature near its operational temperature.
[0074] Generally, the surgical warmer unit or warming system is set
to heat the intravenous or irrigation solutions to temperatures
slightly below their end use or operating temperatures, thereby
making it is easier for the intravenous warmer or basin to warm the
solutions to their desired operating temperatures. The warmer unit
or warming system warmer unit temperatures are typically set
slightly below the solution operating temperature since it is
easier to additionally warm the liquid in use within the
intravenous warmer and thermal treatment machine rather than wait
for the solutions to cool to the appropriate operating temperature.
Thus, the intravenous or irrigation fluid heating time within the
intravenous warmer and thermal treatment machine, respectively, is
drastically reduced by use of the warmer unit or warming
system.
[0075] Alternatively, warming system 90 may be implemented as a
single cabinet structure having multiple heating compartments. An
exemplary surgical warming system or cabinet 102 having a single
cabinet structure is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. Specifically,
cabinet 102 includes a rear panel 104, two substantially similar
side panels 106, a top panel 108, a bottom panel 110 and a front
panel 112. The top, side, front, rear and bottom panels are each
substantially rectangular and define a cabinet interior wherein
various medical or other items may be heated. Cabinet 102 includes
a plurality of individual heating compartments 124, 126, 128 (FIG.
12), whereby each compartment is controlled by a corresponding
process controller 116(1)-116(3), disposed on top panel 108, that
is independent of process controllers associated with other
compartments. Controllers 116(1)-116(3) are each substantially
similar to controller 16 described above. Each compartment 124,
126, 128 typically includes a separate heating (i.e., temperature)
range and may be set and maintained at a desired temperature
independent of the other compartments. By way of example only,
cabinet 102 includes three independent compartments disposed within
the cabinet interior for heating medical or other items, however,
the cabinet may include any number of independently controlled
compartments.
[0076] Top panel 108 includes control switches 114(1)-114(3) and
temperature controllers 116(1)-116(3) typically disposed toward a
top panel edge (e.g., the top panel rightmost edge as viewed in
FIG. 10) whereby a switch and controller correspond to each cabinet
compartment to enable the compartments to be individually
controlled. The switches and controllers may alternatively be
disposed on the cabinet in any fashion capable of operating the
cabinet. Switches 114(1)-114(3) enable power to a corresponding
controller 116(1)-116(3) and fan 140(1)-140(3) disposed within the
cabinet described below to commence heating of a particular
compartment to a desired temperature. Controllers 116(1)-116(3) are
each typically implemented by a microprocessor that displays a
current temperature of an associated compartment and enables an
operator to set a desired temperature for that compartment as
described above. A main power switch 162 (FIG. 13) is typically
disposed on a side panel 106 to enable operation of the entire
cabinet. Top panel 108 may further include an intravenous support
or pole (not shown) as described above to accommodate intravenous
(IV) and/or irrigation fluid bags heated by warming cabinet 102 for
application to patients. The intravenous pole mounted on the
cabinet enhances efficiency by enabling immediate use of the warmed
fluid since the pole and cabinet are in close proximity. Moreover,
top panel 108 may include a lamp or other light source (not shown)
as described above to illuminate the top panel such that an
operator has sufficient light to transcribe information during a
medical procedure. In addition, other items, typically utilized in
an operating room, may be attached to cabinet 102 to reduce
consumption of operating room space.
[0077] Front panel 112 includes a plurality of doors 118, 120, 122,
that each enable access to respective cabinet compartments 124,
126, 128. Doors 118, 120, 122 are substantially rectangular and are
disposed vertically adjacent each other with each door disposed
within front panel 112 between side walls 170 of its corresponding
compartment. The warmer cabinet compartments may vary in size or
capacity as described above, whereby compartment 128 may include
the largest capacity, while compartment 124 may include the
smallest capacity. The varying compartment capacities enable
different sized items to be heated whereby larger items may be
disposed within compartment 128, while smaller items are typically
disposed within compartment 124. However, items may be disposed in
any compartment having sufficient capacity to accommodate that
item. Similarly, doors 118, 120, 122 vary in size according to
their corresponding compartments and have dimensions substantially
similar to their corresponding compartment rear walls 172.
[0078] Doors 118, 120, 122 are preferably connected to front panel
112 via hinges disposed (not shown) toward their bottom edges that
enable the doors to pivot downward toward bottom panel 110.
Further, each door 118, 120, 122 includes a handle 130 disposed
toward the center of the upper portion of the respective doors.
Handles 130 are each preferably implemented by a C-shaped or
bracket shaped handle that extends outward from an external surface
of each door to provide sufficient space for an operator's hand to
grip the handle and manipulate that door. Alternatively, handles
130 may be implemented by any handles capable of manipulating the
doors. Doors 118, 120, 122 are typically manipulated to an open
position to enable warming cabinet drawers described below to
access the respective compartments whereby the drawers contain
medical items to be heated by the warming cabinet.
[0079] Rear panel 104 (FIG. 11) is substantially rectangular as
described above and includes dimensions substantially similar to
front panel 112. A plurality of slots 133 are defined in the rear
panel to permit air to enter the warming cabinet to be heated for
maintaining the temperature of each compartment at an associated
level as described below. Slots 133 are generally elliptical slots
having their major axes extending along the shorter dimension of
the rear panel whereby the major axes of the slots are
substantially greater than the slot minor axes. Slots 133 are
generally defined in rear panel 104 in groups of three rows (e.g.,
each row extends across the shorter dimension of the rear panel)
with each row having two adjacent slots, whereby a group of slots
is disposed coincident compartments 124, 126. However, rear panel
104 may include any quantity of slots whereby the slots may be of
any shape or size and may be arranged in any fashion capable of
enabling air to enter the warming cabinet.
[0080] Cabinet 102 may be either stationary or mobile wherein the
cabinet may include wheels or casters 132, preferably having
selectively actuable locking mechanisms. Wheels 132 may be attached
to bottom panel 110 for enabling the cabinet to be transported to
various locations. The surgical warming cabinet components are
typically constructed of a suitably sturdy or rigid material, such
as aluminum, but may be implemented by any material (e.g., metals,
plastics, etc.) capable of accommodating the desired component
function described herein.
[0081] Cabinet compartments 124, 126, 128 (FIG. 12) are disposed
vertically adjacent each other with compartment 124 located
proximate top panel 108 and compartment 128 located proximate
bottom panel 110. Each compartment 124, 126, 128 includes side
walls 170, rear wall 172, and respective floor and ceiling plates
146(1)-146(3) and 148(1)-148(3). The compartment side and rear
walls 170, 172 and floor and ceiling plates 146(1)-146(3) and
148(1)-148(3), respectively, are substantially rectangular whereby
side walls 170 of each compartment extend from front panel 112
toward rear panel 104. Side and rear walls 170, 172 of each
compartment 124, 126, 128 are disposed about the peripheral edges
of and between corresponding floor and ceiling plates 146(1)-146(3)
and 148(1)-148(3), respectively, whereby the side and rear walls
and floor and ceiling plates of each compartment define a
compartment interior to heat medical or other items. Floor and
ceiling plates 146(1)-146(3) and 148(1)-148(3) have substantially
similar dimensions and include holes 152, 154 defined in the
respective floor and ceiling plates to permit air flow through the
compartments as described below. Further, a dividing wall 180 is
disposed between compartments 126 and 128, while a dividing wall
182 is disposed between compartments 124 and 126. Dividing walls
180, 182 are substantially rectangular having dimensions
substantially similar to respective floor and ceiling plates
146(1)-146(3) and 148(1)-148(3) whereby the dividing walls enable
the compartments to reuse their own (e.g., recycled) air as
described below.
[0082] Compartments 124, 126, 128 are each essentially in the form
of a rectangular box whereby length and width dimensions of each
compartment are similar, however, the length (e.g., compartment
depth) and width (e.g., compartment height) of side and rear walls
170, 172, varies among the compartments to produce compartments of
different sizes or capacities. The length and width dimensions of
each compartment 124, 126, 128 are slightly less than the cabinet
interior length and width dimensions such that a short distance
resides between side walls 170 of each compartment and cabinet side
panels 106, and between rear walls 172 of each compartment and
cabinet rear panel 104. In addition, a slight distance resides
between compartment 128 and bottom panel 110, between dividing wall
180 and compartments 126 and 128, between dividing wall 182 and
compartments 124, 126 and between compartment 124 and top panel
108. The distances between compartment floor plates 146(1)-146(2)
and the dividing walls, and between compartment floor plate 146(3)
and the bottom panel form lower cavities 184(1)-184(3), while the
distances between compartment ceiling plates 148(2)-148(3) and the
dividing walls, and between compartment ceiling plate 148(1) and
the top panel form upper cavities 186(1)-186(3). The lower and
upper cavities are substantially rectangular and have dimensions
substantially similar to respective floor and ceiling plates
146(1)-146(3) and 148(1)-148(3). The distance between compartment
rear walls 172 and cabinet rear panel 104 serves as an air chamber
150 wherein outside air enters cabinet 102 via slots 133 defined in
the cabinet rear panel as described above.
[0083] A heater in the form of a conventional fan 140(1)-140(3)
with a corresponding heating coil 156(1)-156(3) is mounted on an
exterior surface of rear wall 172 of each compartment 124, 126, 128
and forces air from air chamber 150 and a corresponding upper
cavity 186(1)-186(3) over the heating coil to produce heated air
that heats items disposed within that compartment. Air from
respective upper cavities 186(1)-186(3) is received by
corresponding fans 140(1)-140(3) via associated upper manifolds
174(1)-174(3). The upper manifolds are each disposed proximate an
upper cavity 186(1)-186(3) and extend toward a corresponding fan
140(1)-140(3). The heated air flows through compartments 124, 126,
128 as described below whereby the heated air is recycled (e.g.,
re-used within that compartment) and mixed with outside air in
various concentrations, depending upon the current compartment and
desired temperatures, to control the compartment temperatures. Each
compartment 124, 126, 128 further includes a thermocouple (not
shown), substantially similar to the thermocouple described above,
that measures the temperature within that compartment and sends a
temperature signal to a corresponding controller 116(1)-116(3)
described below. The thermocouple is typically disposed within each
compartment 124, 126, 128 in one of the compartment side walls 170
at a height corresponding to approximately a middle height of the
compartment.
[0084] Warming cabinet 102 heats a mixture of outside or make-up
air and recycled air (e.g., air previously utilized within the
particular compartments) and forces the heated air to flow
proximate trays or drawers disposed within cabinet compartments
124, 126, 128 in order to heat the medical items contained within
the drawers to desired temperatures. The trays or drawers are
substantially similar to trays or drawers 34a-34d described above
whereby a tray or drawer is utilized within each compartment 124,
126, 128 to heat various medical items in substantially the same
manner described above. Alternatively, multiple drawers may be
utilized within a single compartment that includes sufficient
storage capacity to accommodate the drawers. The drawers are
typically disposed on runners or tracks (not shown) mounted on an
interior surface of side walls 170 of each compartment that enables
the drawers to smoothly slide into and out of the compartments.
This sliding action is similar to motions of drawers within common
desks. The drawers may further be removed from the runners or
tracks and replaced by other drawers of different configurations,
or the individual drawer bins or receptacles may be replaced with
other bins or receptacles as described above. Doors 118, 120, 122
are typically manipulated to an open position to enable access to
the drawers within respective compartments 124, 126, 128.
[0085] Each cabinet compartment 124, 126, 128 individually heats
and circulates air within that compartment and includes
corresponding fan 140(1)-140(3) disposed on an exterior surface of
respective compartment rear walls 172 toward the uppermost portion
of the compartments. Fans 140(1)-140(3) draw air into the
respective compartments from corresponding upper cavities
186(1)-186(3) (e.g., via respective upper manifolds 174(1)-174(3))
and air chamber 150, whereby air infiltrates the air chamber via
rear panel slots 133 as described above. Ducts 142(1)-142(3) are
disposed beneath corresponding fans 140(1)-140(3) and receive air
driven by their corresponding fans. Ducts 142(1)-142(3) are each
substantially trapezoidal (e.g., the ducts include a substantially
trapezoidal cross-section) and extend from a corresponding fan
140(1)-140(3) toward an associated lower cavity 184(1)-184(3). The
width of each duct gradually narrows from corresponding fans
140(1)-140(3) toward respective lower cavities 184(1)-184(3)
whereby the ducts are similar in configuration to a funnel.
[0086] Ducts 142(1)-142(3) include respective heating coils
156(1)-156(3) disposed within the ducts toward a corresponding fan
140(1)-140(3) to heat the air. The ducts direct or funnel air over
a corresponding heating coil 156(1)-156(3) and through an
associated lower manifold 144(1)-144(3) disposed at a distal end of
each duct. The lower manifolds respectively direct the air through
associated lower cavities 184(1)-184(3) and into corresponding
compartments via associated floor plates 146(1)-146(3) that are
disposed above the respective lower cavities. Each floor plate
146(1)-146(3) is substantially similar to floor plate 46 (FIG. 4)
described above having length and width dimensions substantially
similar to its corresponding compartment length and width
dimensions. Holes 152 are typically arranged through respective
plates 146(1)-146(3) as described above to encompass the floor
plate surface and enable heated air from corresponding lower
cavities 184(1)-184(3) to enter associated compartments.
[0087] The heated air traverses compartments 124, 126, 128 and the
drawers containing medical items disposed within those compartments
to heat the items, and exits the compartments via corresponding
ceiling plates 148(1)-148(3). Each ceiling plate 148(1)-148(3) is
substantially similar to ceiling plate 48 (FIG. 5) described above
and includes dimensions substantially similar to corresponding
floor plates 146(1)-146(3). Holes 154 are typically arranged
through respective ceiling plates 148(1)-148(3) as described above
to encompass the ceiling plate surface and enable heated air to
exit the compartments and enter corresponding upper cavities
186(1)-186(3).
[0088] The particular arrangements of holes 152, 154 within the
respective floor and ceiling plates create a flume-like effect
within each compartment to direct heated air toward the middle of
the respective compartments as described above to enable the air to
efficiently and evenly heat the items contained within compartment
drawers. Air flow from ceiling plates 148(1)-148(3) is received in
corresponding upper cavities 186(1)-186(3) disposed above ceiling
plates 148(1)-148(3), whereby the air enters associated upper
manifolds 174(1)-174(3) that direct the heated air back into fans
140(1)-140(3) within air chamber 150. Dividing walls 180 and 182
are respectively disposed between upper cavity 186(3) and lower
cavity 184(2) (e.g., between compartments 126 and 128) and between
upper cavity 186(2) and lower cavity 184(1) (e.g., between
compartments 124 and 126) to enable each compartment to only reuse
its air and prevent air from the various compartments from
immediately entering a neighboring compartment. Dividing walls 180
and 182 have substantially similar dimensions as the floor and
ceiling plates described above.
[0089] The air flow path through each compartment 124, 126, 128 is
described with reference to the arrows (FIG. 12) indicating the
flow path. Specifically, outside air infiltrates cabinet 102 via
slots 133 defined in rear panel 104 and flows into air chamber 150
whereby the outside air mixes with heated air flowing from the
compartments. Fans 140(1)-140(3) direct air from chamber 150 and
upper manifolds 174(1)-174(3) through ducts 142(1)-142(3) whereby a
corresponding heating coil 156(1)-156(3) disposed in the air flow
paths within the ducts heats the air. The heated air is then
directed into corresponding lower cavities 184(1)-184(3) via lower
manifolds 144(1)-144(3) whereby the air traverses the floor plates
into the associated compartments. The air flows within the
compartments in a flume-like fashion described above through the
compartment drawers to heat items contained within the drawers, and
exits the compartments via respective ceiling plates 148(1)-148(3)
into corresponding upper cavities 186(1)-186(3). Upper manifolds
174(1)-174(3) direct the air from upper cavities 186(1)-186(3) back
to fans 140(1)-140(3) within air chamber 150 to mix with fresh or
make-up air and be recirculated into the compartments as described
above to heat the medical items. The mixture of recycled and fresh
air distributed to the compartments via fans 140(1)-140(3) is
controlled in a conventional manner based on the compartment and
desired temperatures in order to efficiently maintain the
compartments at the desired temperatures.
[0090] An exemplary control circuit 178 for controlling the cabinet
compartments to heat medical items is illustrated in FIG. 13.
Specifically, control circuit 178 is mounted on either cabinet side
panel 106 (FIG. 12) in the space between the side panel and
corresponding side walls 170 of the cabinet compartments,
preferably coincident warmer cabinet compartment 126. A fan 164 is
connected in series with power switch 162 that serves as the main
power switch for the cabinet and enables operation of fan 164. Fan
164 is typically disposed proximate control circuit 178 to push
fresh air from air chamber 150 over the control circuit components,
preferably solid state relays 158(1)-158(3) described below, to
maintain the components at an operable temperature. Further, fan
164 is utilized to circulate fresh or make-up air toward fans
140(1)-140(3) for mixture with recycled air received by the fans
from the compartments.
[0091] Control circuit 178 further includes control switches
114(1)-114(3) corresponding to each compartment within cabinet 102.
Switches 114(1)-114(3) are each connected in series with a
corresponding compartment fan 140(1)-140(3), purge timer
176(1)-176(3) and temperature controller 116(1)-116(3) associated
with a particular compartment. Switches 114(1)-114(3) are operator
controlled and enable activation of a corresponding fan
140(1)-140(3) and controller 116(1)-116(3) whereby fans
140(1)-140(3) may be implemented for each compartment by
conventional blowers or fans that direct air over a corresponding
heating coil 156(1)-156(3) and through that compartment as
described above. Purge timers 176(1)-176(3) enable activation of a
corresponding compartment fan 140(1)-140(3) for approximately three
to five minutes subsequent to switches 114(1)-114(3) disabling
operation of that compartment to dissipate heat from and cool an
associated heating coil 156(1)-156(3) in order to prevent damage to
the cabinet from excessive heat as described above.
[0092] Temperature controllers 116(1)-116(3) are typically
implemented by a microprocessor controller as described above and
typically include a display to enable an operator to set a desired
compartment temperature for a corresponding compartment via
manipulation of display buttons that modify control parameters
(e.g., temperature, mode of operation etc.) of the controller.
Further, the displays of controllers 116(1)-116(3) provide the
temperature of the compartment associated with that controller via
signals received by the thermocouple disposed within that
compartment as described above.
[0093] Controllers 116(1)-116(3) are each connected in series with
a corresponding solid state relay 158(1)-158(3) that receives logic
signals from an associated controller to close that relay and
enable operation of a corresponding heating coil 156(1)-156(3) in
accordance with the difference between the selected and existing
compartment temperatures. Controllers 116(1)-116(3) essentially
utilize PID control to adjust the current through corresponding
heating coils 156(1)-156(3) via relays 158(1)-158(3) to maintain
the compartments at a desired temperature based on the desired and
current compartment temperatures. Heating coils 156(1)-156(3) are
each disposed in series with a corresponding solid state relay
158(1)-158(3), and receive current from those relays to dissipate
heat in order to heat the air within corresponding ducts
142(1)-142(3). High limit or overload switches 160(1)-160(3) are
connected between and in series with corresponding solid state
relays 158(1)-158(3) and heating coils 156(1)-156(3), and enter an
open state to disable the heating coils by shunting excess current
from the heating coils when the current exceeds a threshold level
(e.g., a level that may damage the cabinet or circuit). Each switch
114(1)-114(3) and solid state relay 158(1)-158(3) is connected in
series with a corresponding fuse 166(1)-166(3) and 168(1)-168(3),
respectively, to protect the circuit from excess current. The
various control circuit components are typically implemented via
conventional or commercially available components and/or may be
implemented by any circuitry based on the functional description of
the circuit described above.
[0094] Operation of the warmer cabinet is described with reference
to FIGS. 10, 12 and 13. Specifically, various medical items, such
as intravenous or irrigation fluids, blood, instruments or drugs,
are selected to be placed within warming cabinet 102. Main power
switch 162 is enabled to power control circuit 178 and enable fan
164 to cool that circuit. A compartment 124, 126, 128 for receiving
the items is selected based on the size of the items and the
capacity of the compartment. A door 118, 120, 122 of the selected
compartment is manipulated to an open position whereby a drawer
(e.g., any of drawers 34a-34d described above) may be retrieved
from or inserted (e.g., if no drawer is present) into that
compartment. Further, an entire drawer may be replaced with another
drawer, or individual drawer bins or receptacles may be replaced by
other bins or receptacles to accommodate various medical items as
described above. The medical items are inserted into the drawer as
described above, and the drawer is placed into the selected
compartment with that compartment door subsequently manipulated to
a closed position. A control switch 114(1)-114(3) corresponding to
the selected compartment is actuated to enable operation of a fan
140(1)-140(3) associated with that compartment to direct air over a
corresponding heating coil 156(1)-156(3) and through the
compartment as described above. A corresponding controller
116(1)-116(3) is manipulated via display buttons to set that
controller to maintain the selected compartment at a desired
temperature, typically in the approximate range of 86.degree.
F.-104.degree. F. The controller further displays the current
compartment temperature as measured by the thermocouple disposed
within the selected compartment. When the medical items have
attained the desired temperature, the drawer is retrieved from the
compartment and the items are removed from the drawer for use in a
medical or other procedure. This process may be repeated for
remaining compartments within cabinet 102 to simultaneously heat
various items to different temperatures. Moreover, cabinet
compartments may be operated in any quantity either individually or
in any combination to heat items contained within the compartments.
In addition, the surgical warmer cabinet may be utilized in
conjunction with an intravenous (IV) warming apparatus or a thermal
treatment machine in substantially the same manner described
above.
[0095] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many
ways of implementing a warming system and method for heating
various items utilized in surgical procedures.
[0096] The warmer unit may be of any size or shape and may be
constructed of any suitable materials. Air flow within the warmer
unit may be directed toward items in any manner capable of heating
the items via any suitable or conventional devices. The warmer unit
may include any quantity (e.g., at least one) of compartments of
any shape or size. The warmer unit door may be of any quantity
(e.g., at least one), shape or size, may pivot in any fashion, and
may be disposed anywhere on the warmer unit in any fashion capable
of permitting access to the warmer unit compartment. The warmer
unit door may be disposed on the warmer unit via hinges or any
other mechanisms. Further, the warmer unit door may include any
type of handle or other mechanism enabling opening and closing of
the door, while the handle may be of any quantity (e.g., at least
one), shape or size, and may be disposed on the door at any
location and in any fashion. The door window may be of any shape or
size, and may be disposed on the door at any location in any
fashion, and may be constructed of polycarbonate or any other
suitable and transparent material. Alternatively, the door may be
utilized without a window, or with a translucent or opaque
window.
[0097] The warmer unit power switch may be implemented by any
conventional or other type of switch, button, relay or other
device, and may be disposed anywhere on the warmer unit in any
fashion. The controller holder may be of any quantity (e.g., at
least one), shape or size, and may be disposed anywhere on the
warmer unit. Alternatively, the controller may be directly embedded
within the warmer unit at any location. The warmer unit rear panel
slots may be disposed anywhere on the rear panel or warmer unit and
may be of any quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size. Any
devices may be disposed on the warmer unit (e.g., intravenous pole,
light, etc.) at any location to aid in activities prior, during or
after surgical procedures.
[0098] The warmer units may be arranged in any fashion (e.g.,
vertically, horizontally, etc.), and may be of any quantity (e.g.,
at least one) to form a multiple unit warming system. The warmer
unit slots and feet may be of any quantity (e.g., at least one),
shape or size, and may be disposed anywhere on the warmer unit in
any fashion to securely arrange the warmer units. Further, the
warmer units may include any type of fastening or securing
mechanisms to secure the warmer units in any configuration. The
warmer unit feet may further include wheels, rollers or other
devices to enable warmer units to be transportable, while the
transport devices may include locking mechanisms to maintain a
warmer unit in place.
[0099] The warming cabinet may be of any shape or size and may be
constructed of any suitable materials, while the warming cabinet
compartments may be of any quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or
size. Air flow within the warming cabinet compartments may be
directed toward items in any manner capable of heating the items
via any conventional or suitable devices. The warming cabinet
compartments may be arranged in any fashion (e.g., vertically,
horizontally, etc.) such that any sized compartment may be disposed
anywhere on the cabinet. The warming cabinet doors may be of any
quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size, may pivot in any
fashion, and may be disposed anywhere on the warming cabinet in any
fashion capable of permitting access to the compartments. The
warming cabinet doors may be disposed on the warming unit via
hinges or any other mechanisms. Further, the warming cabinet doors
may include any types of handles or other mechanisms enabling
opening and closing of the doors, while the handles may be of any
quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size, and may be disposed
on the doors at any location and in any fashion. The doors may
include a window of any shape or size that may be disposed on the
door at any location in any fashion. The window may be constructed
of polycarbonate or any other suitable materials.
[0100] The power switches of the warming cabinet may be implemented
by any conventional or other types of switches, buttons, relays or
other devices, and may be disposed anywhere on the warming cabinet
in any fashion. The controllers may similarly be disposed anywhere
on the warming cabinet. The warming cabinet rear panel slots may be
disposed anywhere on the rear panel or warming cabinet and may be
of any quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size. Any devices
may be disposed on the warming cabinet (e.g., intravenous pole,
light, etc.) at any location to aid in activities prior, during or
after surgical procedures.
[0101] The manifolds and ducts of the warmer unit or warming
cabinet may be implemented by any conventional or other types of
manifolds, ducts, tubes or other devices capable of directing air
flow. The manifolds and ducts may be disposed in any manner
proximate or within the warmer unit or warming cabinet to recycle
air through the warmer unit or warming cabinet compartments. The
manifolds and ducts may be of any quantity (e.g., at least one),
shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials.
The heating coils of the warmer unit or warming cabinet may be
implemented by any conventional or other type of heating element or
device capable of heating air, and may be disposed within the
warmer unit or warming cabinet at any location. Further, the air
within the warmer unit or warming cabinet may be heated by any
conventional or other type of heating device to warm the items.
[0102] The ceiling and floor plates of the warmer unit or warming
cabinet may be of any quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size,
may be disposed in any fashion within the warmer unit or warming
cabinet compartments to direct air flow, and may be constructed of
any suitable materials. The floor and ceiling plates may include
any quantity (e.g., at least one) of holes of any shape or size
arranged in any configuration to direct air within the warmer unit
or warming cabinet compartments.
[0103] The trays or drawers described above and utilized within the
warmer unit or warming cabinet compartments may be of any quantity
(e.g., at least one), shape or size, may be implemented by any
tray, drawer or other device capable of holding items within the
compartment, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The
trays or drawers may include bins, receptacles or other containers
of any quantity (e.g., at least one), shape or size to contain any
items at any desired orientations. The trays or drawers may be
placed within and removed from the warmer unit or warming cabinet
compartments via any suitable mechanisms (e.g., tracks, runners,
rollers, etc.). Further, the trays or drawers may accommodate any
items for heating. Moreover, the trays or drawers may be removably
secured to the warmer unit or warming cabinet compartments and be
interchanged with other drawers having different configurations to
accommodate various items (e.g. instruments, blankets, etc.). In
addition, the bins or receptacles of the trays or drawers may be
interchangeable such that the trays or drawers may include bins or
receptacles of various configurations to accommodate various
quantities of items, varying item orientations (e.g., maintaining
IV solution bags in an upright position) or items of different
types or sizes. The trays or drawers may include any quantity or
combination of fixed and/or interchangeable bins or
receptacles.
[0104] The mesh material of the trays or drawers may be implemented
by wire, rope or other material that enables air flow through the
drawers and can withstand the compartment temperature. The mesh
material may be attached to the trays or drawers at any suitable
locations via any conventional or other fastening techniques. The
longitudinal and transverse dividers of drawer 34c may be of any
quantity, shape or size, may be implemented by any type of divider
that partitions the drawer interior, and may be constructed of any
suitable materials. These dividers may be attached to the drawer at
any suitable locations via any conventional or other fastening
techniques. The transverse and longitudinal dividers may include
any quantity of wire members arranged in any fashion, whereby the
wire members may include any quantity of wires arranged in any
fashion. The divider wire members may be implemented by any wire,
rope, cable, string or other line of any size or cross-sectional
shape that can withstand the compartment temperature.
[0105] The floor of drawers 34c and 34d may be implemented by any
material or pattern enabling heated air to infiltrate the drawer
and heat items contained therein, while the support wire members
and peripheral wire members of those drawers may be implemented by
any wire, rope, cable, string or other line of any size or
cross-sectional shape that can withstand the compartment
temperature. The support and peripheral wire members may be of any
quantity, and may be disposed on the drawers in any fashion. The
support bars, posts and other components (e.g., upper frame, floor,
etc.) of the drawers may be of any shape or size, may be
constructed of any suitable materials and may be disposed on the
drawers or arranged in any fashion.
[0106] The longitudinal and transverse dividers of drawer 34d may
be of any quantity, shape or size, may be implemented by any type
of divider that partitions the drawer interior, and may be
constructed of any suitable materials. These dividers may be
attached to the partition frame at any suitable locations via any
conventional or other fastening techniques. The partition frame may
be placed in slidable relation with the drawer via any conventional
or other mechanisms enabling partition frame motion. The function
of the partition frame may alternatively be implemented by any
device that can configure the drawer interior into a large single
receptacle or several individual receptacles. Drawer 34d may
include any configurations having a single receptacle of any shape
or size, or any quantity of individual receptacles of any shape or
size. The mesh material may be disposed through any quantity of
partition frame spaces to form any quantity of individual
receptacles. The partition frame may be positioned at any location
between the upper frame and floor to form receptacles having any
desired storage capacity.
[0107] The control circuits may be disposed within the warmer unit
and warming cabinet at any suitable locations. The components of
the control circuits may be implemented by any conventional
components or other circuitry capable of performing the functions
described herein. The thermocouple may be implemented by any
conventional or other type of temperature sensor or other device
capable of measuring temperature, and may be disposed at any
location within the warmer unit or warming cabinet compartments.
The controllers may be implemented by any conventional or other
microprocessor, controller or other circuitry capable or
controlling the heating coils. The purge timers may be implemented
by any conventional timers or other circuitry, and may be set to
enable the fans for any desired time interval. The power
receptacles may be implemented by any receptacles capable of
interfacing a detachable power cord, or the circuit may include a
power cord to receive power from a common wall outlet jack. The
fans may be implemented by any conventional or other types of
blowers, fans or other devices capable of directing air. The solid
state relays may be implemented by any conventional or other type
of switches, relays or other devices capable of controlling
current/voltage to the heating coils.
[0108] The warmer unit or warming cabinet may be programmed to
maintain compartments at any desired temperatures, may be utilized
to heat various items for varying applications, and are not limited
to the applications described herein. Further, the warmer unit and
warming cabinet may operate without recycling air by directing
outside air through the compartments in substantially the same
manner described above. The mixing of recycled and outside air may
be accomplished in any suitable or conventional manners. For
example, valves may be utilized within the manifolds or ducts to
control mixing, the speed of the fan directing recycled air back
into a compartment may be controlled, or the rear panel slots may
be covered or controlled to limit the amount of outside air
entering the system. The warmer units of a multiple unit warming
system may be operated either individually or in any combination or
quantity to heat items contained within the units. Similarly, the
compartments of the warming cabinet may be operated either
individually or in any quantity or combination to heat items
contained within the compartments. The warmer unit or warming
cabinet may be operated via any suitable steps in any manner
whereby the steps described above for operation of these systems
may be selectively performed or performed in any desired sequence.
The warmer unit or warming cabinet may be utilized without the
trays or drawers by placing items within the warmer unit or warming
cabinet compartments. Further, the warmer unit or warming cabinet
may be utilized with various other medical apparatus to warm items
prior to use within those apparatus, such as intravenous warming
systems, thermal treatment machines, etc.
[0109] From the foregoing description it will be appreciated that
the invention makes available a novel warming system and method for
heating various items utilized in surgical procedures wherein
multiple individually controlled compartments of the system
simultaneously maintain various items at different
temperatures.
[0110] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved
warming system and method for heating various items utilized in
surgical procedures, it is believed that other modifications,
variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the
art in view of the teaching set forth herein. It is therefore to be
understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are
believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *