GB2563013A

GB2563013A - Incubator and method for use

Info

Publication number: GB2563013A
Application number: GB1708413.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roberts James; Khoory Matthew
Original assignee: Mom Incubators Ltd
Current assignee: Mom Incubators Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-25
Filing date: 2017-05-25
Publication date: 2018-12-05
Also published as: GB201708413D0; WO2018215797A1

Abstract

A modular incubator comprising an end unit 102 and a patient enclosure 104 wherein the end unit 102 provides a support function and the patient enclosure 104 is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. The patient enclosure 104 may be flexible and inflatable, have an inner liner 106 and allow the device to be collapsed. The end unit 102 may supply air, water and power and incorporate measurement means. The incubator may be mountable on a trolley. Also disclosed is a housing for an incubator wherein air for an incubator is channelled through an air gap so that it enters at one end of the incubator flows alongside the chamber before entering the patient enclosure through apertures at a second end. Also disclosed is an arrangement wherein inlet apertures for receiving air are spaced along a chamber and increase in size so that larger ones are spaced further from the air source.

Description

Incubator and method for use

The present invention relates to incubators, and in particular to incubators for neonatal use.

An incubator is an apparatus that is typically used to maintain various environmental conditions suitable for a neonate or new-born baby, and in particular those infants that are born prematurely or those that need additional support to survive. These infants battle to regulate their own body temperature and do not have sufficient fat stores on their body to stay warm. Indeed, in some cases, even full term babies may require incubation treatment.

However, whilst these neonatal incubators are readily available in hospitals throughout most of the Western world, they are cumbersome to transport for use in the field, and are an extremely expensive apparatus, making them unfeasible for use in developing countries. Even in developed countries, there is pressure to provide a simpler, cheaper and more efficient incubator.

There are various forms of incubation that an incubator may be required to perform to help support an infant to develop and grow in a safe environment for the best chance of survival. An incubator, in its most basic form, comprises a shell into which an infant can be placed, that protects the infant from their surrounding environment. This shell shields them from extremes of temperature, draughts and other environmental conditions, whilst minimising infection by limiting their exposure to germs, bacteria and infectious diseases. The shell prevents the ingress of dirt and other detritus that may affect their respiratory airways, whilst also preventing over-handling by carers and other personnel.

There are numerous additional functions that can be added to a basic incubator module to provide additional support to the infant contained therein. The infant may be supplemented with oxygen through an oxygen supply means or mechanical ventilation means. The apparatus might include measuring means for various vital signs such as heart beat, breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure and other measurable bodily functions such as brain activity, blood oxygen levels and cardiac performance. The incubator may include means to provide an effective climate control within the shell to keep the infant at the required temperature. The incubator may also be supplied with nutritional support means through an intravenous catheter or suchlike, to help with administering medications and to help the infant to remain hydrated.

Neonatal transport incubators provide a similar infant support apparatus when away from a hospital-type environment. They typically provide very similar functionality, just in a transportable form. For an example, a transport incubator might include a miniature ventilator, cardio-respiratory monitor, intravenous therapy pump, pulse oximeter and an oxygen supply means, or any combination of these.

However, whilst these transport incubators would be extremely sought after within the developing world and in disaster relief situations throughout the world, they are an extremely expensive item and the cost renders them unavailable in such areas. Access to incubators is limited by both cost and distance, and millions of premature and sick infants die each year through deaths that may have been prevented had they have had sufficient care. The apparatus that is currently available within these areas is not cheap enough, nor is it sufficiently portable.

A problem faced by medical staff is that of maintaining a sterile environment, particularly when the patient enclosure of an incubator is maintained in a warm (and sometimes moist) state. This is particularly problematic in developing countries, where access to appropriate sanitation may be limited, but even in developed countries medical staff are best placed to focus on patient care, rather than sanitation of equipment.

In addition, the energy required to heat the air for the patient enclosure can be significant. Once more this may be problematic in developing countries, where access to electricity may be limited or sporadic. Even in developed countries, there is a pressure to reduce operational costs.

The present invention aims to address some or all of these drawbacks.

Disclosed herein is a modular incubator comprising: a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. In some cases, there may be two end units, the second end unit for example having some or all of the functionality of the first unit. For example, the functionality of the first end unit as described below may be split between the first and second end units, or it may be duplicated, or some combination of these. By providing a part of the patient enclosure as being reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal, the burden on medical staff to ensure that the enclosure is fit for purpose is greatly reduced, and the risk of infection from unclean surroundings is reduced. When it is noticed that the enclosure is no longer clean enough to provide adequate care, it, or the removable parts of it, can be removed and replaced with a sterile part, while the removed portion can be cleaned or disposed of. It is a significantly reduced burden on healthcare to retain a store of removable enclosure parts than to provide suitable cleaning facilities, or entire replacement incubators. In addition, typical cleaning and microbial testing procedures for incubators may take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, for example. The incubator described herein allows for a turnaround time of mere seconds. The actual task of cleaning could, for example be outsourced to an offsite facility. Reversibly detachable as used herein means that the portions in question may be removed from the rest of the assembly without damaging it. Moreover, such portions, or broadly equivalent replacement portions, can be reattached in the same manner as the original portion was attached, again without causing damage. As used herein, the term “configured to extend away from” should be construed to mean that when the patient enclosure is attached to the first unit, the assembled device has an extent that is larger in at least one direction than that of the end unit alone. In other words, while the patient enclosure may be configured so that, during the attachment and assembly process, it expands outwards to form a full-sized enclosure, other designs in which the enclosure is a wholly or partially rigid assembly for attaching to the end unit are also contemplated.

As used herein, “disposable” may mean that the patient enclosure may be lightweight, for example, or made from less durable materials than other incubators, or from relatively thin or soft plastics, for example. Enclosures of this type are only required to last for a week or so prior to replacement, rather than potentially years.

Optionally, the reversibly detachable portion may be an inner liner of the patient enclosure. This allows more of the enclosure to be maintained, and less discarded or sterilised, thereby reducing the environmental impact of replacing the removable portion. The inner liner may cover the entirety of the internal surfaces, or it may cover only some of the internal surfaces in some cases. Additionally, the incubator can be supplied as a complete unit, which requires simply the liner to be fitted. This can speed up the preparation of the incubator. Additionally or alternatively, the entire patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. This allows medical staff to quickly and easily replace an entire section of the incubator. In addition, the replaceable nature of the patient enclosure means that a single end unit can be used with a variety of enclosures for its lifetime, so for example a selection of enclosures of different sizes can be used to accommodate different aged patients. When both the liner and the entire enclosure are removable, the liner can be replaced regularly without interrupting treatment (i.e. with minimal interference), and the entire enclosure can be replaced between patients, thereby maximising the benefits of having each portion alone being removable.

In the case of the removable portion being an inner liner, it may be reversibly attached to the interior surfaces of the enclosure by way of a hook and look fastening system, releasable adhesive, zips, buttons, clips, poppers, etc., or any other suitable means.

The patient enclosure may be reversibly attachable to the first and/or second end units by virtue of cooperating attachment means on the first portion and the first end unit and/or on the second portion and the second end unit. Examples of suitable attachment means are zips, buttons, poppers, toggles and eyeholes, or various forms of clips, examples of which are described in detail below

The first and/or second portion of the patient enclosure may include a rigid insert. Rigid inserts can help certain portions of the enclosure to retain their shape. Preferably, the insert or inserts comprise planar portions, so that the collapsible, inflatable and/or flexible variants of the design are able to reduce to ta relatively small volume. This can help the patient enclosure to be stored efficiently when not in use, but to still provide a support structure to the enclosure.

The or each rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first and/or second portion, for example the rigid insert(s) may be removably inserted in a pocket in the first and/or second portion of the enclosure, e.g. held in place by friction, or by a removable closure on the pocket, for example a hook and look fastening system, releasable adhesive, zips, buttons, etc., or the insert may be permanently mounted in the pocked, for example welded in place, or fixed with permanent adhesive. In some examples, the rigid insert(s) may be permanently affixed to the enclosure itself, without the need for a pocket at all.

In some examples, the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert. This allows the attachment means to make use of rigid components, while not requiring the entire enclosure to be rigid.

The cooperating attachment means may comprise one or more of: buttons and holes;

toggles; and/or clips. Many of the attachment means suitable for use in this situation are described in detail below.

In other examples, the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at one or both of the first and second portions for stretching over the or each lip. Thus by simply stretching the first and/or second portions over the lip, a connection can be made, without any complex moving parts. To assist with the attachment, the or each flexible region may be formed from an elastic material.

One or more of: air supply; air heaters; power supply; water supply; temperature probes; attachments for weigh scales; X-ray tables; and/or air filters may optionally be housed in the first and/or second end unit. This allows the active parts of the incubator system (e.g. for supplying and maintaining the desired environmental conditions) to be kept separate from the patient enclosure. Since some or all of the enclosure is removable, this can help to ensure that the more delicate and expensive components are kept out of harm’s way.

The patient enclosure may be collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration. This allows the disposable portions of the incubator system to be supplied and stored in the collapsed configuration, to save space, and promote efficient transport, without diminishing the space available for patient care. In the expanded configuration, the first and second portions may face one another. This provides a convenient shape for the patient enclosure.

The patient enclosure may be flexible, and/or inflatable. This vastly simplifies the transition between expanded and collapsed configurations. Optionally, the patient enclosure may comprise a double walled construction, for example.

The modular incubator optionally includes a humidification means. It is often desirable to control the humidity of the air inside an incubator, in order to provide the best environment for the patient. An example of humidification means is a container of sterile water. This container may be placed (or mounted) in the patient enclosure to provide a steady amount of humidity. Such a container of sterile water may be removable from the patient enclosure, for example, so that it is only present in cases where increased humidity is desirable. Indeed, containers of this type can be supplied separately from the rest of the incubator, and mounted in the enclosure only when needed. This reduces unnecessary waste by only providing humidity means when required. The container of sterile water may include a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs. This means that the container can be left in place until such time as humidity is deemed desirable, without prematurely humidifying the enclosure.

Advantageously, the container of sterile water may include a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure. The cover may hinder the release of moisture to provide humidity at a controlled level. For example, the cover may be provided underneath the removable cap (where present), and the cover may be either removable or permanently attached. The cover itself may be made of a porous or perforated material, which acts to change the surface area of water exposed to the environment relative to a simple open container. A porous material may increase the surface area by adsorption of the moisture on the material, while a perforated material may reduce the surface area by blocking the evaporation path of the water.

The exact change in release rate can be tailored to meet healthcare guidelines for specific situations. For example, in the case where the water container is removable from the enclosure, the containers for fitting into the enclosure can be supplied in a graded series which provide progressively more humidity to the enclosure. In the event that a particular humidity level is required, the appropriate container can be selected and fitted into the enclosure.

In another example, the cover may be removable, and a series of covers may be supplied with the containers, each corresponding to a different humidity level. For example, each of the covers may have a different permeability, and may correspond to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure. When a particular level of humidity is required, the appropriate cover can be selected and fit to the container which is itself mounted in the enclosure. The covers can even be reusable, to further reduce waste.

Another example of a suitable humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier. This may be located inside the enclosure, or coupled to an air supply to the interior of the enclosure to deliver already humid air to the enclosure. The exact level of humidity can be closely controlled in this manner.

The above examples may each be provided with an on board water supply. The water supply may be refillable, but in any case, the capacity of the on board water supply may be configured to match that of the expected duration of the patient enclosure before the enclosure (or a portion thereof) is replaced. For example the water supply may be arranged to last for a week.

In each case, the rate of release of moisture may not be constant, but may change over time. For example, it is common for neonatal babies to require a higher level of humidity initially, which decreases with time as the baby ages. When the design is the container version, rather than requiring staff to regularly replace the cover, this could be achieved using a tapered container, for example, in which the surface area of the water in the container changes as the water level drops, thereby changing the release rate of humidity into the air. In the case of the controllable humidifier, a programming function could be used to ensure that the rate of humidification is appropriate, possibly in conjunction with the use of feedback, set points, and sensors to detect the humidity and control the humidifier. The amount of humidity is usually determined by a medical professional, but may be up to 95%. A useful range of humidity to provide in the enclosure could be between 30% and 95%, for example by providing a series of covers as set out above, graduated in 5% increments.

The provision of humidification means for the patient enclosure may be applied to any incubator design, and not just those specifically discussed herein. For example, there may be provided a humidifier for use in an incubator, comprising a water source and a means for vaporising the water source. Optionally, the means for vaporising may be electrical, or a wick, sponge or exposed surface area of the water, for example any of those means discussed above. Optionally, the various means for controlling the timing and quantity of humidity described above are applied to the stand alone humidifier.

In some examples, the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of: electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit. In this context, incubator functionality means the active components of the incubator, such as those for generating and/or supplying warm air, air pressure, water, power, etc. to the interior of the patient enclosure. Arranging the modular incubator in this manner provides resilience against damage from medical scanning machines, while they are in use. For example, MRI machines use strong magnetic fields, which can damage electrical equipment, introduce interference into electrical monitoring systems, and strongly attract ferromagnetic materials, which can cause damage to the structure of devices if they are suddenly pulled towards the MRI scanner (possibly impacting the scanner at speed). Similarly, CT scanners use large doses of X-rays, which can damage electronics and affect electronic read outs.

The provision of couplings for retaining supply of air pressure, warm air, water, power, etc. to the patient enclosure when it is detached may be applied to any incubator design, and not just those specifically discussed herein. For example, there may be provided an incubator comprising: a detachable patient enclosure; a first unit comprising components for generating and/or supplying warm air, air pressure, water and/or electrical power to the interior of the patient enclosure; and one or more couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit; wherein the couplings are configured to supply the patient enclosure with warm air, air pressure, water and/or electrical power when the first portion is detached from the first end unit.

In any of the above examples, the door may generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door. This allows the door to be opened in two parts, for example, the hinge along one edge may be used to create a large opening to allow a patient to be placed into the enclosure. During the patient’s time in the incubator, it is important that the warm environment is not disturbed. Therefore, when routine checks are required, the hinge which operates across the face of the door may be used, which makes a smaller gap, and thus reduces unnecessary air loss, while still providing a sufficient gap for the hands of medical staff to carry out any tasks necessary.

Such a door can be applied to any incubator design, and not just those specifically discussed herein. For example, there may be provided a door for an incubator, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge for hingedly attaching to an incubator and wherein the door is also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.

In some examples, the first and/or second end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board. Fans and heaters are critical components in incubators, and if they fail the incubator quickly becomes ineffective. By mounting the fan and/or heater on a break out board (for example both on the same board, or each on its own board), any fault can be quickly assessed and corrected. In simple cases, the solution may be to repair the problem in situ. In more complex cases, the whole board can be switched out for a new one. Similar faults in known incubators would require at best a lengthy dismantling and repair process, but more commonly replacement of the entire incubator or returning the entire incubator to the manufacturer for repair.

Similarly, other components, such as air filters, may be provided in an easily removable manner, for example on a slide rack. For ease of cleaning and repair, the housing of a water supply may form an easy to extract unit. In each case, the replacement of these elements is greatly simplified by mounting them on a quick release extraction system.

Optionally, the modular incubator further comprises an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure. Typical solutions for holding IV lines need to be added to incubator units after their manufacture, presenting a risk that the attachment is not strong enough. Equally, loose attachments may cause the holder to fall off, and get lost, increasing upkeep expenses. By providing one or more IV lines as part of the incubator, for example moulded as part of the patient enclosure or the end units, a relatively cost effective means is provided for securely mounting IV lines to the incubator. In addition, IV line holders should be cleaned and sterilised between uses. In other incubator designs, this can be a complicated process. In the present apparatus, the IV lines can be removed when the patient enclosure (or part thereof) is detached, and disposed of or sterilised as part of the process, while a new enclosure is fitted. This can greatly speed up the turnaround time of an incubator between patients. The IV lines may be supplied clipped to the patient enclosure, or indeed they may even be moulded as part of the manufacturing process of the enclosure.

As a further development, the incubator may include a hole for receiving an IV line in one of the end units or in the patient enclosure. This allows the IV line to enter the enclosure without allowing too much air to escape. Many holes of different sizes could be provided, for different purposes. In some cases, the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole. This prevents unnecessary leaks of the carefully controlled environment when the IV hole(s) are not in use.

The modular incubator may further be provided with means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley, for example one or more of: straps; clips; and/or clamps. This allows the incubator to be placed securely on existing hospital equipment, for convenient monitoring.

Many incubation systems generate warm air, and deliver it directly to the patient enclosure. However, this risks inhomogeneities in the temperature distribution. It can be beneficial for the warmed air to be used to warm the walls of the patient enclosure prior to entering the first chamber. By forcing the air path to include portions which run through an air path bounded by at least part of an internal wall of the first chamber, the temperature distribution is improved, due to heating through the walls. Various solutions to the problem of how to efficiently heat the chamber in this way are presented herein.

In some cases the patient enclosure comprises: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber. By forcing the air to follow a flow path between the two ends, the warmed air spends a significant amount of time next to the exterior walls of the first chamber, improving the warming effect. In the above description, the two ends broadly represent the maximum extent of the first chamber in opposite directions along an axis, i.e. along a particular direction in 3D space (for example length, width or height of the first chamber) along which the first chamber extends. Where the apertures or inlet are adjacent to the first or second end, this means that they are located substantially at the same location as that end. This does not mean that they must be located exactly at the furthest extent of the inner chamber at that location (i.e. exactly at the end), but that every one of the apertures is located close to the furthest extent, for example within 10% of the distance between the total length in that direction. This has the effect, for example, that the air flow path extends along substantially the entire extent in that direction for the same reasons. Where each aperture is described as being located at or adjacent the second end of the first chamber, this does not preclude other apertures being present for other reasons. For example, as set out above, there may be doors or IV holes, which can be used to create a hole into the inner chamber (e.g. for placing a patient inside, or for inserting an IV line). These holes are intended to be negligibly small (in the case of IV lines) or closable (in the case of both the door and some examples of IV lines) to leave substantially no hole during the normal operation of the incubator. The description of apertures above should therefore be interpreted as referring only to the apertures specifically connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber for the purposes of allowing air flow as described above.

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Another example of a solution to the same problem is a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap; a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet. A system such as this has the advantage that warm air enters all along the surface, thus improving the distribution of warm air inside the patient enclosure. Arranging the apertures such that the smallest apertures are closest to the inlet and the largest are furthest away reduces the amount of warm air which enters the patient enclosure close to the inlet, and forces the air to spend more time traversing the exterior of the patient enclosure to achieve the warming effect set out above. In the event that there are more than two sizes of aperture, the general concept can be followed, meaning that the smallest apertures are the ones closest to the inlet, the next smallest are the next closest, and so on until the largest apertures are located the furthest from the inlet. That is, each aperture is larger than the apertures to one side of it (if any) and smaller than the apertures on the other side of it (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, there can be multiple apertures of the same size located approximately the same distance from the inlet.

These examples can be seen to be very closely linked solutions, since in each case the largest apertures are the furthest from the inlet. In the first example, these apertures are the only apertures, so they are the largest by definition. In the second example, the apertures are arranged to become progressively larger the further they are from the inlet. In either case, the effect is to retain the air in the air gap for longer before it enters the interior of the first chamber.

The second chamber may at least partially enclose the first chamber. In some cases, the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber. This may allow for a larger air flow path.

In many examples, there is a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber. In this case, the plurality of apertures helps to spread the warmth evenly throughout the first chamber.

In some cases the first and second chambers are flexible, collapsible, or are configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet. This provides the advantages set out above in respect of a flexible, inflatable or collapsible patient enclosure, when both chambers have that property.

Optionally, the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape. This is a convenient shape for transporting and stacking, as well as for housing a patient.

There are many possible air flow paths in such a system. For example, the air flow path may include a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber. This results in a first chamber which is easier to clean. Alternatively or additionally, the air flow path can include a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber. This provides a desirable thermal gradient in the first chamber. In yet more examples, the air flow path may additionally or alternatively include a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber. Such an arrangement may be simpler to manufacture than other designs.

In some cases the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall. This forces the warm air to traverse an entire outer surface of the first chamber before it enters the first chamber. This helps to warm the entire chamber through at least one of the walls, prior to entering, providing more even heating.

The or each of the plurality of apertures may be located in the lower surface of the inner enclosure. In other examples, the or each of the plurality of apertures may be located in the upper surface of the inner enclosure. As set out above, this provides a desirable thermal gradient in the first enclosure. In still more examples, the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

In some cases, the incubator further comprises an outlet from the patient enclosure for allowing air to flow out from the interior of the patient enclosure. This can prevent a build up of excess pressure in the patient enclosure. In some cases, the outlet is connected to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the first chamber through the outlet. By recirculating the air, much of the warmth can be retained, improving operational efficiency. A blend of fresh, cool air with recirculated air can be used to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen. The inventors have found a wide range of mixtures to be suitable. An efficient mixture may use at least half recycled air, and even up to 95% recirculated. A mix of about 90% recirculated with about 10% fresh is particularly suitable.

Also disclosed herein is a kit of parts for the assembly of a modular incubator. The kit of parts may comprise some or all of the various components described above, in a disassembled, or partially assembled, state. More specifically, described herein is a kit of parts for the assembly of a modular insulator, the kit of parts comprising: a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. In some cases, there may be two end units, the second end unit for example having some or all of the functionality of the first unit. For example, the functionality of the first end unit as described below may be split between the first and second end units, or it may be duplicated, or some combination of these. By providing a part of the patient enclosure as being reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal, the burden on medical staff to ensure that the enclosure is fit for purpose is greatly reduced, and the risk of infection from unclean surroundings is reduced. When it is noticed that the enclosure is no longer clean enough to provide adequate care, it, or the removable parts of it, can be removed and replaced with a sterile part, while the removed portion can be cleaned or disposed of. It is a significantly reduced burden on healthcare to retain a store of removable enclosure parts than to provide suitable cleaning facilities, or entire replacement incubators. In addition, typical cleaning and microbial testing procedures for incubators may take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, for example. The incubator described herein allows for a turnaround time of mere seconds. The actual task of cleaning could, for example be outsourced to an offsite facility. Reversibly detachable as used herein means that the portions in question may be removed from the rest of the assembly without damaging it. Moreover, such portions, or broadly equivalent replacement portions, can be reattached in the same manner as the original portion was attached, again without causing damage. As used herein, the term “configured to extend away from” should be construed to mean that when the patient enclosure is attached to the first unit, the assembled device has an extent that is larger in at least one direction than that of the end unit alone. In other words, while the patient enclosure may be configured so that, during the attachment and assembly process, it expands outwards to form a full-sized enclosure, other designs in which the enclosure is a wholly or partially rigid assembly for attaching to the end unit are also contemplated.

Optionally, the reversibly detachable portion may be an inner liner of the patient enclosure. This allows more of the enclosure to be maintained, and less discarded or sterilised, thereby reducing the environmental impact of replacing the removable portion. The inner liner may cover the entirety of the internal surfaces, or it may cover only some of the internal surfaces in some cases. Additionally, the incubator can be supplied as a complete unit, which requires simply the liner to be fitted. This can speed up the preparation of the incubator. Additionally or alternatively, the entire patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. In addition, the replaceable nature of the patient enclosure means that a single end unit can be used with a variety of enclosures for its lifetime, so for example a selection of enclosures of different sizes can be used to accommodate different aged patients. This allows medical staff to quickly and easily replace an entire section of the incubator. When both the liner and the entire enclosure are removable, the liner can be replaced regularly without interrupting treatment (i.e. with minimal interference), and the entire enclosure can be replaced between patients, thereby maximising the benefits of having each portion alone being removable.

The cooperating attachment means may comprise one or more of: buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips. Many of the attachment means suitable for use in this situation are described in detail below.

The kit of parts optionally includes a humidification means. It is often desirable to control the humidity of the air inside an incubator, in order to provide the best environment for the patient. An example of humidification means is a container of sterile water. This container may be placed (or mounted) in the patient enclosure to provide a steady amount of humidity. Such a container of sterile water may be removable from the patient enclosure, for example, so that it is only present in cases where increased humidity is desirable. Indeed, containers of this type can be supplied separately from the rest of the incubator, and mounted in the enclosure only when needed. This reduces unnecessary waste by only providing humidity means when required. The container of sterile water may include a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs. This means that the container can be left in place until such time as humidity is deemed desirable, without prematurely humidifying the enclosure.

In some examples, the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the kit of parts incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of: electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit. In this context, incubator functionality means the active components of the incubator, such as those for generating and/or supplying warm air, air pressure, water, power, etc. to the interior of the patient enclosure. Arranging the kit of parts in this manner provides resilience against damage from medical scanning machines, while they are in use. For example, MRI machines use strong magnetic fields, which can damage electrical equipment, introduce interference into electrical monitoring systems, and strongly attract ferromagnetic materials, which can cause damage to the structure of devices if they are suddenly pulled towards the MRI scanner (possibly impacting the scanner at speed). Similarly, CT scanners use large doses of X-rays, which can damage electronics and affect electronic read outs.

Optionally, the system further comprises an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure. Typical solutions for holding IV lines need to be added to incubator units after their manufacture, presenting a risk that the attachment is not strong enough. Equally, loose attachments may cause the holder to fall off, and get lost, increasing upkeep expenses. By providing one or more IV lines as part of the incubator, for example moulded as part of the patient enclosure or the end units, a relatively cost effective means is provided for securely mounting IV lines to the incubator. In addition, IV line holders should be cleaned and sterilised between uses. In other incubator designs, this can be a complicated process. In the present apparatus, the IV lines can be removed when the patient enclosure (or part thereof) is detached, and disposed of or sterilised as part of the process, while a new enclosure is fitted. This can greatly speed up the turnaround time of an incubator between patients. The IV lines may be supplied clipped to the patient enclosure, or indeed they may even be moulded as part of the manufacturing process of the enclosure.

The incubator may further be provided with means for reversibly mounting the incubator on a hospital bed or trolley, for example one or more of: straps; clips; and/or clamps. This allows the incubator to be placed securely on existing hospital equipment, for convenient monitoring.

Another example of a solution to the same problem is a kit of parts of the type described above wherein the patient enclosure comprises: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap; a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet. A system such as this has the advantage that warm air enters all along the surface, thus improving the distribution of warm air inside the patient enclosure. Arranging the apertures such that the smallest apertures are closest to the inlet and the largest are furthest away reduces the amount of warm air which enters the patient enclosure close to the inlet, and forces the air to spend more time traversing the exterior of the patient enclosure to achieve the warming effect set out above. In the event that there are more than two sizes of aperture, the general concept can be followed, meaning that the smallest apertures are the ones closest to the inlet, the next smallest are the next closest, and so on until the largest apertures are located the furthest from the inlet. That is, each aperture is larger than the apertures to one side of it (if any) and smaller than the apertures on the other side of it (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, there can be multiple apertures of the same size located approximately the same distance from the inlet.

The or each of the plurality of apertures may be located in the lower surface of the inner enclosure. In other examples, the or each of the plurality of apertures may be located in the upper surface of the inner enclosure. As set out above, this provides a desirable thermal gradient in the first enclosure. In still more examples, the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the inner enclosure.

Also disclosed herein is a method of using a modular incubator, wherein the modular incubator comprises: a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal and wherein the method includes: (a) assembling the modular incubator by reversibly attaching the reversibly detachable portion of the patient enclosure to the modular incubator; (b) using the patient enclosure to provide a controlled climate for a patient; and (c) detaching and disposing of or sterilising the detachable portion of the patient enclosure. In some cases, there may be two end units, the second end unit for example having some or all of the functionality of the first unit. For example, the functionality of the first end unit as described below may be split between the first and second end units, or it may be duplicated, or some combination of these. By providing a part of the patient enclosure as being reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal, the burden on medical staff to ensure that the enclosure is fit for purpose is greatly reduced, and the risk of infection from unclean surroundings is reduced. When it is noticed that the enclosure is no longer clean enough to provide adequate care, it, or the removable parts of it, can be removed and replaced with a sterile part, while the removed portion can be cleaned or disposed of. It is a significantly reduced burden on healthcare to retain a store of removable enclosure parts than to provide suitable cleaning facilities, or entire replacement incubators. In addition, typical cleaning and microbial testing procedures for incubators may take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, for example. The incubator described herein allows for a turnaround time of mere seconds. The actual task of cleaning could, for example be outsourced to an offsite facility. Reversibly detachable as used herein means that the portions in question may be removed from the rest of the assembly without damaging it. Moreover, such portions, or broadly equivalent replacement portions, can be reattached in the same manner as the original portion was attached, again without causing damage. As used herein, the term “configured to extend away from” should be construed to mean that when the patient enclosure is attached to the first unit, the assembled device has an extent that is larger in at least one direction than that of the end unit alone. In other words, while the patient enclosure may be configured so that, during the attachment and assembly process, it expands outwards to form a full-sized enclosure, other designs in which the enclosure is a wholly or partially rigid assembly for attaching to the end unit are also contemplated.

Optionally, the reversibly detachable portion may be an inner liner of the patient enclosure. This allows more of the enclosure to be maintained, and less discarded or sterilised, thereby reducing the environmental impact of replacing the removable portion. Additionally, the incubator can be supplied as a complete unit, which requires simply the liner to be fitted. The inner liner may cover the entirety of the internal surfaces, or it may cover only some of the internal surfaces in some cases. This can speed up the preparation of the incubator. In addition, the replaceable nature of the patient enclosure means that a single end unit can be used with a variety of enclosures for its lifetime, so for example a selection of enclosures of different sizes can be used to accommodate different aged patients. Additionally or alternatively, the entire patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal. This allows medical staff to quickly and easily replace an entire section of the incubator. When both the liner and the entire enclosure are removable, the liner can be replaced regularly without interrupting treatment (i.e. with minimal interference), and the entire enclosure can be replaced between patients, thereby maximising the benefits of having each portion alone being removable.

The or each rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first and/or second portion, for example the rigid insert(s) may be removably inserted in a pocket in the first and/or second portion of the enclosure, e.g. held in place by friction, or by a removable closure on the pocket, for example a hook and look fastening system, releasable adhesive, zips, buttons, etc., or the insert may be permanently mounted in the pocked, for example welded in place, or fixed with permanent adhesive. In some examples, the rigid insert(s) may be permanently affixed to the enclosure itself, without the need for a pocket at all. The method optionally includes inserting the or each rigid insert into the or each pocket during step (a).

In other examples, the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at one or both of the first and second portions for stretching over the or each lip and wherein step (a) includes stretching the or each flexible region over the or each lip. Thus by simply stretching the first and/or second portions over the lip, a connection can be made, without any complex moving parts. To assist with the attachment, the or each flexible region may be formed from an elastic material.

The patient enclosure may be collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration, and step (a) includes expanding the patient enclosure from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration. This allows the disposable portions of the incubator system to be supplied and stored in the collapsed configuration, to save space, and promote efficient transport, without diminishing the space available for patient care. In the expanded configuration, the first and second portions may face one another. This provides a convenient shape for the patient enclosure. Moreover, step (c) may include collapsing the patient enclosure from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration. This provides a compact configuration for transporting, whether for sterilisation or disposal.

The patient enclosure may be flexible, and/or inflatable. This vastly simplifies the transition between expanded and collapsed configurations. Optionally, the patient enclosure may comprise a double walled construction, for example. Where the patient enclosure is inflatable, step (b) may be performed with the patient enclosure inflated. This is a stable arrangement for maintaining the patient in comfort.

The modular incubator optionally includes a humidification means. It is often desirable to control the humidity of the air inside an incubator, in order to provide the best environment for the patient. An example of humidification means is a container of sterile water. This container may be placed (or mounted) in the patient enclosure to provide a steady amount of humidity. Such a container of sterile water may be removable from the patient enclosure, for example, so that it is only present in cases where increased humidity is desirable. The method may, for example, include a step of placing the container of sterile water in the patient enclosure prior to or during step (b). Indeed, containers of this type can be supplied separately from the rest of the incubator, and mounted in the enclosure only when needed. This reduces unnecessary waste by only providing humidity means when required. The container of sterile water may include a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs. The method may additionally include removing the cap prior to or during step (b). This means that the container can be left in place until such time as humidity is deemed desirable, without prematurely humidifying the enclosure.

In another example, the cover may be removable, and a series of covers may be supplied with the containers, each corresponding to a different humidity level. The method optionally includes selecting a cover according to the desired level of humidity and applying the selected cover to the container of sterile water prior to or during step (b). For example, each of the covers may have a different permeability, and may correspond to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure. When a particular level of humidity is required, the appropriate cover can be selected and fit to the container which is itself mounted in the enclosure. The covers can even be reusable, to further reduce waste.

Another example of a suitable humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier. This may be located inside the enclosure, or coupled to an air supply to the interior of the enclosure to deliver already humid air to the enclosure. The exact level of humidity can be closely controlled in this manner. The method optionally includes controlling the humidifier to provide a desired level of humidity prior to or during step (b).

In some examples, the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of: electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit. In this context, incubator functionality means the active components of the incubator, such as those for generating and/or supplying warm air, air pressure, water, power, etc. to the interior of the patient enclosure. Arranging the modular incubator in this manner provides resilience against damage from medical scanning machines, while they are in use. For example, MRI machines use strong magnetic fields, which can damage electrical equipment, introduce interference into electrical monitoring systems, and strongly attract ferromagnetic materials, which can cause damage to the structure of devices if they are suddenly pulled towards the MRI scanner (possibly impacting the scanner at speed). Similarly, CT scanners use large doses of X-rays, which can damage electronics and affect electronic read outs. In such cases, the method may include detaching the patient enclosure from the first end unit but retaining the couplings during step (b). For example, the patient enclosure may be placed inside a medical scanner while the patient enclosure is detached from the first end unit but retains the couplings during step (b).

In any of the above examples, the door may generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door. This allows the door to be opened in two parts, for example, the hinge along one edge may be used to create a large opening to allow a patient to be placed into the enclosure, for example during step (a). During the patient’s time in the incubator, it is important that the warm environment is not disturbed. Therefore, when routine checks are required, the hinge which operates across the face of the door may be used, which makes a smaller gap, and thus reduces unnecessary air loss, while still providing a sufficient gap for the hands of medical staff to carry out any tasks necessary, for example during step (b).

In some examples, the first and/or second end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board. Fans and heaters are critical components in incubators, and if they fail the incubator quickly becomes ineffective. By mounting the fan and/or heater on a break out board (for example both on the same board, or each on its own board), any fault can be quickly assessed and corrected. In simple cases, the solution may be to repair the problem in situ. In more complex cases, the whole board can be switched out for a new one. The method may for example include removing the break out board and replacing the fan and/or the heater in the event that the fan and/or heater has malfunctioned during any of the operational steps of the method. Similar faults in known incubators would require at best a lengthy dismantling and repair process, but more commonly replacement of the entire incubator or returning the entire incubator to the manufacturer for repair.

The method may comprise mounting an IV line into the IV line holder during step (a) or step (b) and optionally may comprise further includes threading an IV line through the hole during step (a) or step (b). Additionally, or alternatively the method may include removing an IV line from the IV line holder during or after step (b), or during or after step (c), optionally further comprising removing the IV line from the hole during or after step (b), or during or after step (c). In any case, the method may include covering the hole during step (b) while the IV line is not in the hole.

The modular incubator may further be provided with means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley, for example one or more of: straps; clips; and/or clamps. This allows the incubator to be placed securely on existing hospital equipment, for convenient monitoring. The method may optionally include mounting the modular incubator to a hospital bed or trolley prior to step (b). Additionally, the method may further comprise detaching the modular incubator from the hospital bed or trolley prior during or after step (b).

In some cases the patient enclosure comprises: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber, and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b). . By forcing the air to follow a flow path between the two ends, the warmed air spends a significant amount of time next to the exterior walls of the first chamber, improving the warming effect. In the above description, the two ends broadly represent the maximum extent of the first chamber in opposite directions along an axis, i.e. along a particular direction in 3D space (for example length, width or height of the first chamber) along which the first chamber extends. Where the apertures or inlet are adjacent to the first or second end, this means that they are located substantially at the same location as that end. This does not mean that they must be located exactly at the furthest extent of the inner chamber at that location (i.e. exactly at the end), but that every one of the apertures is located close to the furthest extent, for example within 10% of the distance between the total length in that direction. This has the effect, for example, that the air flow path extends along substantially the entire extent in that direction for the same reasons. Where each aperture is described as being located at or adjacent the second end of the first chamber, this does not preclude other apertures being present for other reasons. For example, as set out above, there may be doors or IV holes, which can be used to create a hole into the inner chamber (e.g. for placing a patient inside, or for inserting an IV line). These holes are intended to be negligibly small (in the case of IV lines) or closable (in the case of both the door and some examples of IV lines) to leave substantially no hole during the normal operation of the incubator. The description of apertures above should therefore be interpreted as referring only to the apertures specifically connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber for the purposes of allowing air flow as described above.

Another example of a solution to the same problem is a method of using a modular incubator in which the patient enclosure comprises: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap; a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b). A system such as this has the advantage that warm air enters all along the surface, thus improving the distribution of warm air inside the patient enclosure. Arranging the apertures such that the smallest apertures are closest to the inlet and the largest are furthest away reduces the amount of warm air which enters the patient enclosure close to the inlet, and forces the air to spend more time traversing the exterior of the patient enclosure to achieve the warming effect set out above. In the event that there are more than two sizes of aperture, the general concept can be followed, meaning that the smallest apertures are the ones closest to the inlet, the next smallest are the next closest, and so on until the largest apertures are located the furthest from the inlet. That is, each aperture is larger than the apertures to one side of it (if any) and smaller than the apertures on the other side of it (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, there can be multiple apertures of the same size located approximately the same distance from the inlet.

In some cases, the incubator further comprises an outlet from the patient enclosure for allowing air to flow out from the interior of the patient enclosure. This can prevent a build up of excess pressure in the patient enclosure. In some cases, the outlet is connected to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the first chamber through the outlet. By recirculating the air, much of the warmth can be retained, improving operational efficiency. A blend of fresh, cool air with recirculated air can be used to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen. The inventors have found a wide range of mixtures to be suitable. An efficient mixture may use at least half recycled air, and even up to 95% recirculated. A mix of about 90% recirculated with about 10% fresh is particularly suitable. The method may therefore also include recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.

Following this idea there is also described herein a housing for an incubator, comprising: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber. By forcing the air to follow a flow path between the two ends, the warmed air spends a significant amount of time next to the exterior walls of the first chamber, improving the warming effect. In the above description, the two ends broadly represent the maximum extent of the first chamber in opposite directions along an axis, i.e. along a particular direction in 3D space (for example length, width or height of the first chamber) along which the first chamber extends. Where the apertures or inlet are adjacent to the first or second end, this means that they are located substantially at the same location as that end. This does not mean that they must be located exactly at the furthest extent of the inner chamber at that location (i.e. exactly at the end), but that every one of the apertures is located close to the furthest extent, for example within 10% of the distance between the total length in that direction. This has the effect, for example, that the air flow path extends along substantially the entire extent in that direction for the same reasons. Where each aperture is described as being located at or adjacent the second end of the first chamber, this does not preclude other apertures being present for other reasons. For example, as set out above, there may be doors or IV holes, which can be used to create a hole into the inner chamber (e.g. for placing a patient inside, or for inserting an IV line). These holes are intended to be negligibly small (in the case of IV lines) or closable (in the case of both the door and some examples of IV lines) to leave substantially no hole during the normal operation of the incubator. The description of apertures above should therefore be interpreted as referring only to the apertures specifically connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber for the purposes of allowing air flow as described above.

Another example of a solution to this same problem is a housing for an incubator, comprising: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween; an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap; a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet. A system such as this has the advantage that warm air enters all along the surface, thus improving the distribution of warm air inside the patient enclosure. Arranging the apertures such that the smallest apertures are closest to the inlet and the largest are furthest away reduces the amount of warm air which enters the patient enclosure close to the inlet, and forces the air to spend more time traversing the exterior of the patient enclosure to achieve the warming effect set out above. In the event that there are more than two sizes of aperture, the general concept can be followed, meaning that the smallest apertures are the ones closest to the inlet, the next smallest are the next closest, and so on until the largest apertures are located the furthest from the inlet. That is, each aperture is larger than the apertures to one side of it (if any) and smaller than the apertures on the other side of it (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, there can be multiple apertures of the same size located approximately the same distance from the inlet.

In any of the above examples, the housing may include a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure. The door may generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door. This allows the door to be opened in two parts, for example, the hinge along one edge may be used to create a large opening to allow a patient to be placed into the enclosure. During the patient’s time in the incubator, it is important that the warm environment is not disturbed. Therefore, when routine checks are required, the hinge which operates across the face of the door may be used, which makes a smaller gap, and thus reduces unnecessary air loss, while still providing a sufficient gap for the hands of medical staff to carry out any tasks necessary.

In some cases, the housing further comprises an outlet from the patient enclosure for allowing air to flow out from the interior of the patient enclosure. This can prevent a build up of excess pressure in the patient enclosure. In some cases, the outlet is connectable to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the first chamber through the outlet. By recirculating the air, much of the warmth can be retained, improving operational efficiency. A blend of fresh, cool air with recirculated air can be used to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen. The inventors have found a wide range of mixtures to be suitable. An efficient mixture may use at least half recycled air, and even up to 95% recirculated. A mix of about 90% recirculated with about 10% fresh is particularly suitable.

The housing optionally includes a humidification means. It is often desirable to control the humidity of the air inside an incubator, in order to provide the best environment for the patient. An example of humidification means is a container of sterile water. This container may be placed (or mounted) in the patient enclosure to provide a steady amount of humidity. Such a container of sterile water may be removable from the patient enclosure, for example, so that it is only present in cases where increased humidity is desirable. Indeed, containers of this type can be supplied separately from the rest of the incubator, and mounted in the enclosure only when needed. This reduces unnecessary waste by only providing humidity means when required. The container of sterile water may include a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs. This means that the container can be left in place until such time as humidity is deemed desirable, without prematurely humidifying the enclosure.

Another example of a suitable humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier. The exact level of humidity can be closely controlled in this manner.

In each case, the rate of release of moisture may not be constant, but may change over time. For example, it is common for neonatal babies to require a higher level of humidity initially, which should decrease with time. When the design is the container version, rather than requiring staff to regularly replace the cover, this could be achieved using a tapered container, for example, in which the surface area of the water in the container changes as the water level drops, thereby changing the release rate of humidity into the air. In the case of the controllable humidifier, a programming function could be used to ensure that the rate of humidification is appropriate, possibly in conjunction with the use of feedback, set points, and sensors to detect the humidity and control the humidifier.

Optionally, the system further comprises an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure. Typical solutions for holding IV lines need to be added to incubator units after their manufacture, presenting a risk that the attachment is not strong enough. Equally, loose attachments may cause the holder to fall off, and get lost, increasing upkeep expenses. By providing one or more IV lines as part of the incubator, for example moulded as part of the patient enclosure or the end units, a relatively cost effective means is provided for securely mounting IV lines to the incubator.

As used above, air does not necessarily mean air simply drawn from the surroundings, although it can mean this. Various processing steps may be included prior to supplying the air to the patient enclosure, for example filtration, humidification, removal of unwanted parts (pollutants, excess carbon dioxide, poisonous or toxic components, etc.) or addition of beneficial parts, such as medication, additional oxygen, water vapour, etc. The main constraint is that the gas supplied must be breathable, safe and able to be heated to the desired temperature.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B show examples of the reversible detachment of a portion of a patient enclosure;

Figures 2A to 2C show examples of rigid inserts for the patient enclosure;

Figures 3A to 3D show examples of cooperating attachment means;

Figures 4A and 4B show further examples of cooperating attachment means;

Figures 5A to 5D show examples of humidification means;

Figures 6A and 6B show a different type of humidification means;

Figures 7A and 7B show a detachable patient enclosure coupled to an end portion;

Figures 8A to 8C show a door for use with an incubator in detail;

Figures 9A to 9C show stages in the replacement of incubator components;

Figures 10A and 10B show examples of IV mounting clips;

Figures 11 and 12 show examples of a mounting system for securing an incubator to a hospital bed or trolley;

Figure 13 shows some examples of air flow paths defined by a first and second chamber;

Figure 14 shows an example air flow path which extends below the patient enclosure;

Figure 15 shows two further air flow paths at the side of a patient enclosure and above the patient enclosure; and

Figure 16 shows yet another air flow path.

Turning now to Figures 1A and 1B, there is shown a modular incubator 100, which comprises an end unit 102 and a patient enclosure 104. The end unit 102 is used to house the functional components of the incubator, for example air heating and circulation means (fans, heaters, etc.), electrical power, water supply and control.

In Figure 1A the patient enclosure 104 can be attached and detached many times, for example to send it for sterilisation, or to remove an old one, and replace it with a new one. In this example, the entire patient enclosure 104 is reversibly attachable/detachable as set out in more detail below.

In the example shown in Figure 1B, the patient enclosure 104 has an inner liner 106 which is removable from the patient enclosure 104. This allows just the liner to be replaced, thereby speeding up the replacement process. Once removed, a fresh liner 106 can be fitted, while the old liner 106 is sent for disposal or sterilisation. In some examples the entire patient enclosure 104 is removable, and the patient enclosure has a removable liner 106.

The inner liner 106 may be secured inside the patient enclosure 104 by any suitable means, for example hook and look fastening systems, releasable adhesives, zips, buttons, clips, poppers, etc.

In some examples, there may be two end units 102, which attach to the patient enclosure. In general, each end unit may be modular and exchangeable. Broadly, each end unit 102 may attach in the same way as each other, and provide the same, complementary, or overlapping functionality. Future references to “the end unit” should therefore be interpreted as “the or each end unit”. In some cases, the two end units 102 may broadly face one another when attached to the patient enclosure 104, for example they may form opposite faces of a cuboid. In other examples, they may be adjacent to one another, for example they may be hinged together along one edge, and open much like a briefcase to provide two broadly perpendicular attachment points for the patient enclosure 104. In this latter example, the overall shape of the incubator when assembled could be cuboidal, with the end units 102 on adjacent faces, or shaped like a quarter of a cylinder, depending on the shape of the patient enclosure 104.

The patient enclosure 104 may be made of a flexible material, for example plastics or rubber materials. It is useful for the material to be water- and air-tight to ensure that the environment inside the enclosure 104 can be maintained with minimal work. In many cases, the patient enclosure 104 is also transparent, to allow visual monitoring of a patient without disturbing the internal environment. In some cases, the patient enclosure 104 is collapsible, to allow it to be stored in a compact manner, and then expanded when in use to a suitable size for treating a patient. The enclosure 104 may be inflatable, for example by virtue of a double walled construction, in which a gap between the two walls is inflated to provide rigidity. Alternatively, the interior of the patient enclosure 104 may be inflatable in the sense that it is designed to hold a positive pressure, which in turn holds the enclosure 104 in the expanded state. In many cases, since the patient enclosure 104 may be discarded after use, it may be made from a readily recyclable material, so that the environmental impact of use of the incubator 100 is reduced.

Figures 2 A to 2C show further modifications to a flexible patient enclosure 204 to assist in forming an assembled incubator 200. In some cases, it can be difficult to attach the patient enclosure 204 to the end unit 202. For this reason, the patient enclosure 204 may include a rigid portion 208, for example a planar sheet made from rigid plastics or metals. Plastics may be preferred materials for reasons of strength and cost. The rigid inset 208 may be attached to the patient enclosure 204 by placing the insert 208 into a pocket 210. The pocket may then be sealed, as shown in figure 2C by operating a catch 216 to hold the insert 208 in place. Alternatives to the catch are hook and look fastening systems, releasable adhesives, zips, buttons, clips, poppers, etc. In each of these cases, the insert 208 is easily removable from the patient enclosure 204.

Alternatively, the insert 208 may be permanently attached to the patient enclosure, for example with permanent adhesive, or welding. This may occur by welding the insert 208 directly to the enclosure 204, or it may be performed as above by first inserting the insert 208 into a pocket 210, and then welding 212 the pocket 210 shut.

In any of the above examples, the insert 208 may include protrusions 214 for assisting in attaching the patient enclosure 204 to an end portion 202. In cases where protrusions 214 are used, the pocket 210 may have slits or holes in appropriate places to allow the protrusions 214 to pass through the walls of the pocket 210.

Figures 3A to 3D describe a series of means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure 304 to an end unit 302 to form an assembled incubator 300. In general a patient enclosure 304 is brought towards an end unit 302 as shown in Figure 3A (see the arrow, for example). Also as shown in figure 3A, there may be a recess in the end unit 302 to ensure that the patient enclosure 304 is correctly aligned with the end unit 302. This may be important, for example to ensure that any outlets form the end unit 302, e.g. for warm air, are aligned with any inlets on the patient enclosure 304. The arrangement of the inlets and outlets and the shape of the recess and any protrusions on the insert 308 may be arranged so that there is only one alignment between the patient enclosure 304 and the end unit 302 which will fit, so that it is impossible to attach these two in the wrong orientation.

Figure 3B shows for example a button system, comprising a protrusion 318 having a broadly T-shaped cross section. The protrusion 318 is arranged to fit through a wide part of an eye hole 320 in the patient enclosure 304. Once the protrusion 318 has been inserted, a lateral relative movement between the protrusion 318 and the eye hole 320 locks the two parts together, as the arms of the T-shaped protrusion 318 cannot fit through a narrow part of the eye hole 320. This attachment system can be used with or without a rigid insert.

In Figure 3C, a different system is shown, in which a rigid insert 308 is held in place by rotatable clips 322. In this example, the clips 322 have the shape of quarter circles, and are rotatable about the centre of the circle. In some embodiments, the clips may have a different shape, such as semi-circular, or polygonal. In any case, the clips are rotated such that they do not block the path of the rigid insert 308, when it is pushed towards the end portion 302, as shown by the arrow in Figure 3A. This is shown in the lower left portion of Figure 3C. Once the rigid insert 308 is correctly located adjacent to the end unit 302, the clips 322 are rotated, where they engage the rigid insert 308 (possibly engaging with a protrusion of the insert 308), and prevent the insert from being removed, as shown in the lower right portion of Figure 3C.

Figure 3D shows yet another attachment means. In this case, the end unit has clips 324a and the rigid insert 308 has portions (which may be integral or protrusions) 324b for engaging with the clips. The rigid insert 308 may be slid into place, where the clips 324a prevent further movement. The clips 324a may be sprung to exert a gripping force on the corresponding portions 324b rigid insert 308, and the insert 308 may even have recesses for seating the clips correctly, and inhibiting unwanted relative movement between the patient enclosure 304 and the end unit 302.

In each of these cases, the method for detaching the patient enclosure 304 from the end unit 302 is broadly the same steps, carried out in reverse.

Figures 4A and 4B show yet another example of attachment means for assembling an incubator 400. In this example, the patient enclosure 404 has a flexible end portion and the end unit 402 has a rigid lip 426 protruding outwards. The end portion of the patient enclosure 404 is simply stretched over the lip 426, where the deformation of the patient enclosure during the stretching process provides a gripping force to hold the patient enclosure 404 on the end unit 402. To assist the deformation and gripping, the end portion may be made from an elastic material. While the patient enclosure 404 shown in Figures 4A and 4B is circular in cross-section, the cross-sectional shape may actually be any shape, for example, square, rectangular, triangular polygonal or irregular, depending on the context.

In many cases, incubation treatment includes providing a controlled humidity environment, particularly in cases where the air for incubation is drawn from a local environment which is not itself climate controlled. In Figures 5A to 5D steps of a method for providing humidity to the patient enclosure 504 are shown. In Figure 5A, a container 528 of sterile water 530 is inside the patient enclosure 504. No humidity change is seen because there is a cap 532 on the container 528. The container 528 may be formed as part of the enclosure 504, or it may be supplied separately, and mounted in the enclosure 504 only when needed, for example by using hook and look fastening systems, releasable adhesives, zips, buttons, clips, poppers, etc. In any case, it may be supplied full or empty, for filling (and refilling) with sterile water in situ.

In Figure 5B, the cap 532 is being removed, to allow the water 530 to contact the air on the interior of the patient enclosure 504. The water begins to evaporate, as shown in Figure 5C, where water vapour or humidity 534 has suffused into the air of the patient enclosure 504. After some time (Figure 5D), two things have occurred. First, the evaporation has slowed from an initial high rate as the air becomes more humid and equilibrium is achieved. The level of water 530 in the container 528 has reduced accordingly. Second, the humidity has diffused throughout the patient enclosure 504 so that the atmosphere inside the enclosure is broadly homogeneous.

The rate at which water enters the atmosphere from the water 530 is dependent on many factors, such as temperature, pressure, etc. However, control of the evaporation rate (and thus the rate of humidification) can be controlled by adjusting the surface area over which the water can evaporate. For example, narrowing or widening the opening of the container can lower or raise the evaporation rate respectively. Alternatively a perforated cover (not shown) could be placed under the cap 532, so that when the cap 532 is removed, there is less surface area of the water exposed, and the evaporation rate is reduced. In the event that a higher rate is desired, the surface area can be increased using a wick, a sponge or a porous material (all not shown), which can adsorb water over a large surface area to increase the evaporative rate. The container can be supplied with different attachments of this type to adapt to the desired conditions.

Figures 6A and 6B show another humidification means for use in an incubator 600. A humidifier 636 is placed in the patient enclosure 604. This humidifier may be provided as part of the patient enclosure 604, or it may be a separate item to be placed in enclosures 604 when required. The humidifier 636 may be self-contained, e.g. battery powered and having its own on board water source (which may be refillable), or it may be connectable to water and/or electricity supplies (e.g. provided from an end unit). When switched on, the humidifier provides water vapour (or humidity) 634 to the interior, until it is switched off (or until the water supply runs out). The humidifier 636 may operate on a timer or on a duty cycle, in which it switches on and off to maintain a particular selected level of humidity. The humidity level may be controllable on the humidifier 636. Additionally, or alternatively, the humidifier may make use of set points, feedback loops and/or humidity sensors to determine when to turn on or off, and how long for.

Each of these humidification means can be used with any incubator, and not just the specific examples described herein.

Turning now to Figure 7, an incubator 700 is shown for use with a variety of medical scanners. In this example, the patient enclosure 704 is reversibly attachable to an end unit 702, for example by one of the attachment means described above. When the patient needs to undergo a medical scan, for example an MRI scan or a CT scan, the incubator can be brought close to the scanner, but traditionally, the patient would need to be removed from the enclosure 704, thereby endangering their health. The present example includes couplings 738 between the end unit 702 and the patient enclosure, for example to carry water, warm air, or electrical power to the patient enclosure. The couplings are of sufficient length to allow the end unit, for example containing delicate equipment which could be damaged by stray magnetic fields, X-rays, etc., to be positioned a safe distance from the scanner, while the patient 742 can be placed inside the scanner, inside the protective environment of the patient enclosure 704. The arrangement of couplings such as these could apply to any incubator and not just the specific examples described herein.

Turning now to Figures 8A to 8C, a door specially designed for use with incubators 800, including those described herein, but applicable to all incubator designs, is shown. The door comprises two panels, an upper panel 844a, and a lower panel 844b. The upper and lower panels 844 are hinged together by a hinge 846b and are hingedly connected to the patient enclosure by a hinge 864a along one edge. When a patient is placed inside or taken out form the patient enclosure 804, a large door is required, so the hinge along one edge 846a is used. For routine checks on the patient, only the hands of a medical practitioner need enter the enclosure 804, so a smaller opening is made by using the hinge 846b connecting the two panels 844 together. In order to maintain the upper panel 844a in place, a toggle connection 848 may be used (as shown in Figure 8C), in which a protrusion 850 is slid through a corresponding hole 852 to connect the door to the patient enclosure 804.

While the door shown is generally rectangular, any shaped door can be used, for example trapezoidal doors. While the hinge 846b which joins the two panels 844 is shown as being parallel to the hinge along one edge 846a, these may be arranged at any angle to one another, according to the specific implementation. Indeed, the two panels 844 need not be the same size or shape as one another. The door may extend across all (or substantially all) of one surface of the patient enclosure 804. Alternatively, it may be much smaller than this.

As shown, the door is divided into two panels 844 by a hinge 846b which runs broadly horizontally. While any orientation of this hinge 846b is possible, it may be advantageous to provide a horizontal arrangement because when access is required to the interior during use, the lower panel 844b of the door can be opened, meaning that the warmer air inside, which tends to rise, is better retained inside the enclosure than if the opening were at the top of the enclosure 804.

Consider now Figures 9A to 9C, which show steps in the method of replacing a broken fan and/or heater using a break out board 900. In Figure 9A, one or all of the fans 956a and heaters 958a originally forming part of the incubator (for example housed in an end unit) have been detected as having malfunctioned. This may occur either by an operator noting that the incubator is not functioning as intended, or by an error being detected by an on board monitoring and alerting system. Due to the malfunction, the break out board 900 has been removed from the incubator, for example by removing from a slot in the body of an end unit.

The next stage (Figure 9B) is to remove the original fans 956a and/or heaters 958a. These are connected to the incubator by use of plugs, sockets, pins, snap connections, etc., which are in any case simple to remove and connect, ideally requiring no special tools or equipment. In some cases, all equipment may be removed, and tested, even if was not the cause of the malfunction, to ensure that it is correctly operating.

Finally, any faulty fans are replaced with a new fan 956b and any faulty heaters are replaced with a new heater 958b. There may be more than one fan and/or heater on each board 900, and there may be more than one board 900 per end unit. Indeed, components other than fans and heaters may also be included on the break out board. Such a system could be applied to any type of incubator, and not just the specific examples described herein.

Figures 10A and 10B show examples of means by which IV (intravenous therapy) lines may be provided in the incubator 1000. The patient enclosure 1004 has IV holders in the form of shaped clips 1060 moulded or permanently attached in the interior, including as part of an end unit, for example. An IV line 1062 can be placed with ease into such clips 1060. The enclosure 1004 may also include holes 1064 for inserting an IV line into, to access the interior.

In Figures 11 and 12, various methods of securing an incubator to a hospital bed or trolley 1170 are shown. A rigid base 1166 is shown spanning between two end units 1104. The base may have regions 1172 for receiving a strap 1168, for example recessed portions or clips. One or more straps 1168 are secured around the base 1166 and the bed or trolley 1170 to hold the incubator in place.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12, the end portions 1204 may include slots strap retaining portions 1272, for receiving straps 1268. The straps 1268 may be fed through the retaining portions 1272 and tightened. For example, the retaining portion 1272 may include a pair of slots 1276 and a pin 1274. A strap 1268 is fed through the slots 1276 and when tightened, the pin 1274 ensures that it is kept close to the corner of the housing 1204. In the case where it is the end unit 1204 which attaches to the bed or trolley, there is no need for the base portion 1266. Instead, the end units 1204 can be secured to the bed or trolley at an appropriate separation for a patient enclosure to be fitted. Even when a base is provided, the base may be removable, to allow the incubator to be dismantled and stored in a compact manner. Alternatively, the base may be foldable, telescoping or otherwise collapsible, for example for storage in an end unit.

Turning now to Figure 13, a series of examples 1300 of two-chambered patient enclosures are shown. In a first example, the first chamber 1378 and second chamber 1380 are located adjacent to one another, so that an air gap is formed by three walls of the second chamber 1380 and part of a wall of the first chamber 1378.

A second example is very similar to the first example, and comprises the second chamber 1380 extending across an entire wall of the first chamber 1378 to provide an air gap. A third example is also shown in which an L-shaped air gap is shown as being formed by the second chamber 1380 extending across two walls of the first enclosure 1378. The final example shows the second chamber 1380 surrounding the first chamber 1378, creating a circumferential air gap. In each case, the interior of the first chamber 1378 is for receiving a patient, while the second chamber 1380 exists to provide an air gap adjacent to a portion of the first chamber. The provision of an air gap in this way can be applied to all designs of incubator, including the flexible, inflatable, double walled and collapsible designs described above. It can even be applied to designs other than those specifically described herein.

An air gap of this type can provide a flow path along a side of the first chamber 1378. An air flow path is a region bounded by one or more walls in which air can flow. It can be used to direct air flow between two points, for example and inlet and an outlet. In addition, the air flow paths described above (those defined by the air gaps between the first 1378 and second 1380 chambers) all run along an external portion of the first chamber 1378. Since warm air for delivery to the incubator runs along part of the exterior of the first chamber 1378, heat is delivered to the first chamber by conduction through the walls of the first chamber 1378. This arrangement helps to heat the first chamber 1378 in a more even manner. The air flow path itself will be determined by the arrangement of the second chamber 1380 relative to the first chamber 1378 and also the location of an inlet into the air gap and any outlets between the air gap and the interior of the first chamber 1378. If the goal is to achieve a good transfer of heat from the air as it passes, then arranging the inlet and any outlets in such a way that they force the air to flow over a large portion of the exterior will help to achieve this. Therefore, an air flow path is to be interpreted as a region in which air is constrained to retain it close to a wall of the first chamber 1378. The key features are that there is an inlet and an outlet, for example so that the inlet can be attached to an air source (a fan, compressed air, etc.) which causes the air to flow along the flow path. Conversely, the walls of the chambers, primarily the second chamber 1380, in addition to at least part of the exterior of the first chamber 1378 retain the air within the air flow path. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “air flow path” does not mean that air is necessarily flowing in the air path. Instead it is a structural feature in which air supplied through an inlet would be retained in the air flow path, following the path, with the two chambers 1378, 1380 acting much like a pipe or conduit, until it leaves by an outlet or aperture. In the examples provided herein, the outlet delivers the air into the interior of the first chamber 1378.

Figure 14 shows an example of the use of an air gap in more detail. Here, heated air enters the air gap from an inlet and flows 1482 along a wall of the inner chamber 1478, and is forced to take this path by the walls of the second enclosure 1482. After traversing the outside of the first chamber 1478, the warmed air enters the interior of the first chamber via an aperture 1484, which may be located in a corner of the inner chamber, or in one of the walls. In some cases there may be a plurality of such apertures 1484, for providing an even distribution of the air.

Figure 14 shows three examples, each of which having an inlet towards the affront surface of the first chamber 1478 (left in the Figures) and having an air flow path extending towards the rear (right in the Figures) of the first chamber 1478. The first and second in which the air flows along only a single wall of the inner chamber 1478 (corresponding broadly to the second example in Figure 13) and a third example, in which the air flows along four walls of the first chamber 1478 (corresponding to the fourth example in Figure

13). Of course, any of the examples of Figure 13 may be applied here, including combinations of those examples.

In each of the examples in Figure 14, the air flow path extends from an inlet, along an entire length of the first chamber 1478. In the first example, the air flow path extends to the rear, and enters either through a plurality of apertures 1484 arranged along the lower back corner of the first chamber. An end view of this arrangement is shown to the right.

In a second example, the air flow path terminates in a large aperture in the rear surface for the first chamber 1478. This entails the air flow path lying adjacent to a portion of the rear surface of the first chamber 1478.

A development of the first example is shown in the third example, at the bottom of Figure 14, in which the air flow path leads from the inlet, along four sides of the first chamber 1478, and then enters the inner chamber 1478 via a series of holes 1484 in the four rear corners of the generally cuboidal first chamber 1478. An example of the arrangement of such holes 1484 is shown to the right, which once again represents an end view of the system. The holes, or apertures 1484, are arranged in a row along each of the rear bottom, rear top, rear left and rear right corners of the inner chamber 1478.

Figure 15 shows two further examples of air flow paths, a first in which the air flows 1582 along one or both side walls of the first chamber 1578, and a second where the air flows 1582 along the upper surface of the first chamber 1578. In this second example, a plurality of apertures 1584 is arranged along the upper surface of the first chamber 1578. This means that the air enters all along the upper surface and some of the air does not traverse all the way along the first chamber 1578 before entering the first chamber 1578. It is a particular feature of this second example, however, that the apertures 1584 closest to the inlet (to the left of the Figure) are smaller than those further away from the inlet. Specifically, the size of aperture 1584 gradually increases with distance from the inlet (i.e. further to the right in the Figure). The exact manner in which size of aperture changes with distance from the inlet can be selected to provide a reasonably constant amount of air flow out of each aperture 1584, irrespective of proximity to the inlet. The lower right part of Figure 15 illustrates this effect. The effect of this arrangement is to increase the effect of heating through the walls, since the air spends more time flowing past the exterior of the first chamber 1578, due to the restricted flow path into the first chamber 1578 provided by the small apertures located close to the inlet.

Turning at last to Figure 16, another example of a flow path 1682 is shown, in which the air passes from side to side of the first chamber 1678, heating the walls as it passes. This arrangement provides flow across the entire lower surface, across the entire length of the device. A limited aperture size at the far end retains the warm air in the air gap for a longer time, promoting heating of the floor.

In any of the above examples, the patient enclosure may include an outlet (not shown) for recirculating the air. The outlet may be connected to a fan and heater combination to provide a small amount of top up heating of the air. The recirculated air may be blended with fresh air to ensure an adequate oxygen supply. Where more than one aperture is present, they may be arranged in a periodic arrangement (e.g. a regular array), or they may be situated in particular locations for advantageously providing homogeneous conditions, targeted heating etc.

Claims

Claims

1. A modular incubator comprising: a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal.
2. The modular incubator according to claim 1, wherein the reversibly detachable portion is an inner liner of the patient enclosure.
3. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the reversibly detachable portion is the entire patient enclosure.
4. The modular incubator according to claim 3, wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly attachable to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on the first portion and the first end unit.
5. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.
6. The modular incubator according to claim 5, wherein the or each rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first portion.
7. The modular incubator according to claim 6, wherein the or each rigid insert is removably inserted into the pocket in the first portion.
8. The modular incubator according claim 7 as dependent on any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert.
9. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes;

toggles; and/or clips.
10. The modular incubator according to claim 4, wherein the cooperating

5 attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at the first portion for stretching over the or each lip.
11. The modular incubator according to claim 10, wherein the flexible region is formed from an elastic material.

io
12. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein one or more of:

air supply; air heaters;

15 power supply;

water supply; temperature probes; attachments for weigh scales;

X-ray tables; and/or

20 air filters;

is housed in the first end unit.
13. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the patient enclosure is collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded

25 configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration.
14. The modular incubator according to claim 13, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.
15. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the patient enclosure is flexible.
16. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the

35 patient enclosure is inflatable.
17 The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the patient enclosure is a double walled construction.
18. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the

5 patient enclosure includes a humidification means.
19. The modular incubator according to claim 18, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.

10 20. The modular incubator according to claim 19, wherein the container of sterile water is removable from the patient enclosure.

21. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removable cap for controlling whether

15 humidification of the patient enclosure occurs.

22. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.

23. The modular incubator according to claim 22, further comprising a set of covers for the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure.

24. The modular incubator according to claim 18, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.

25. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the

30 incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of:

electrical power;

35 heated air;

and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit.

26. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.

27. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

10 28. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure.

29. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in the first end unit or in the patient

15 enclosure.

30. The modular incubator according to claim 29, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole.

31. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley.

25 32. The modular incubator according to claim 31, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps clips; and/or

30 clamps.

33. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 32 wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one

35 or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.

The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 32 wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet.

The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.

The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.

38. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the first and second chambers are flexible.

39. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the

5 first and second chambers are collapsible.

40. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.

41. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.

15 42. The modular incubator according to claim 41, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

43. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 or 42, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first
20 chamber.

44. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

45. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

30 46. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.

47. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein the

35 or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber.

48. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

5 49. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 48, further comprising an outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of the patient enclosure.

50. The modular incubator according to claim 49, wherein the outlet is connected

10 to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.

51. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 50, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second

15 portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units.

52. The modular incubator according to claim 51, wherein the second portion and the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching

20 the patient enclosure to the second end unit.

53. The modular incubator according to claim 52 as dependent on claim 13, wherein the first and second portions face one another in the expanded configuration.

54. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit.

55. A kit of parts for the assembly of a modular incubator, comprising:

30 a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein

35 at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal.

56. The kit of parts according to claim 55, wherein the reversibly detachable portion is an inner liner of the patient enclosure.

57. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 or 56, wherein the

5 reversibly detachable portion is the entire patient enclosure.

58. The kit of parts according to claim 57, wherein the detachable patient enclosure is reversibly attachable to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on the first portion and the first end unit.

io

59. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.

60. The kit of parts according to claim 59, wherein the rigid insert is provided in a

15 pocket in the first portion.

61. The kit of parts according to claim 60, wherein the rigid insert is removably inserted into the pocket in the first portion.

20 62. The kit of parts according to claim 61 as dependent on any one of claims 59 to 60, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert.

63. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 58 to 62, wherein the

25 cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips.

30 64. The kit of parts according to claim 58, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at one or both of the first portion for stretching over the lip.

65. The kit of parts according to claim 64, wherein the flexible region is formed

35 from an elastic material.

66. The kit of parts of any one of claims 55 to 65, wherein one or more of:

air supply; air heaters; power supply; water supply;

5 temperature probes;

attachments for weigh scales;

X-ray tables; and/or air filters;

is housed in the first end unit.

io

67. The kit of parts of any one of claims 55 to 66, wherein the patient enclosure is collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration.

68. The kit of parts of claim 67, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.

69. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 68, wherein the patient

20 enclosure is flexible.

70. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 69, wherein the patient enclosure is inflatable.

25 71 The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 70, wherein the patient enclosure is a double walled construction.

72. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 71, wherein the patient enclosure includes a humidification means.

73. The kit of parts according to claim 72, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.

74. The kit of parts according to claim 73, wherein the container of sterile water is

35 removable from the patient enclosure.

75. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 73 or 74, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs.

5 76. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 74 to 75 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.

77. The kit of parts according to claim 76, further comprising a set of covers for

10 the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure.

78. The kit of parts according to claim 72, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.

79. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 78, wherein the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is

20 configured to supply one or more of:

electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit.

80. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 79, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.

30 81. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 80, wherein the first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

82. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 81, further comprising an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure.

83. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 82, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in the end unit or in the patient enclosure.

84. The kit of parts according to claim 83, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole.

5 85. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 84, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley.

86. The kit of parts according to claim 85, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

io straps clips; and/or clamps.

87. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 86, wherein the patient

15 enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining

20 an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of

25 the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.

30 88. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 87, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the

35 second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a

5 portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet.

89. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 or 88, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

io

90. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.

91. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein there are a

15 plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.

92. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 91, wherein the first and second chambers are flexible.

20 93. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.

94. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 93, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the

25 inlet.

95. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 94, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.

96. The kit of parts according to claim 95, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

97. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 or 96, wherein the air flow

35 path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.

98.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 to 97, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

99.

100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

105.

106.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 to 98, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 to 99, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 to 100, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 95 to 101, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 102, further comprising an outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of the patient enclosure.

The kit of parts according to claim 103, wherein the outlet is connected to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 104, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units.

The kit of parts according to claim 105, wherein the second portion and the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the second end unit.

The kit of parts according to claim 106 as dependent on claim 67, wherein the first and second portions face one another in the expanded configuration.

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

112.

113.

The kit of parts according to any one of claims 55 to 107, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit.

A method of using a modular incubator, wherein the modular incubator comprises:

a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein at least a portion of the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal;

and wherein the method includes:

(a) assembling the modular incubator by reversibly attaching the reversibly detachable portion of the patient enclosure to the modular incubator;

(b) using the patient enclosure to provide a controlled climate for a patient; and (c) detaching and disposing of or sterilising the detachable portion of the patient enclosure.

The method according to claim 109, wherein the reversibly detachable portion is an inner liner of the patient enclosure.

The method according to any one of claims 109 or 110, wherein the reversibly detachable portion is the entire patient enclosure.

The method according to claim 111, wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly attached to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on a first portion of the patient enclosure and the first end unit.

The method according to claim 112, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.

The method according to claim 113, wherein the rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first portion.

114.

115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

The method according to claim 114, wherein the rigid insert is removably inserted into the pocket in the first portion.

The method according claim 115 as dependent on any one of claims 113 to 114, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert.

The method according to any one of claims 114 to 116, wherein step (a) includes inserting the rigid insert into the pocket.

The method according to any one of claims 112 to 117, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips.

The method according to claim 112, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on the first end unit and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at the first portions for stretching over the or each lip and wherein step (a) includes stretching the flexible region over the lip.

The method according to claim 119, wherein the flexible region is formed from an elastic material.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 120, wherein one or more air supply;

air heaters;

power supply;

water supply;

temperature probes;

attachments for weigh scales;

X-ray tables; and/or air filters;

is housed in the first and/or second end unit.

122.

123.

124.

125.

The method of any one of claims 109 to 121, wherein the patient enclosure is collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration, and step (a) includes expanding the patient enclosure from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.

The method according to claim 122, wherein step (c) includes collapsing the patient enclosure from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration.

The method of claim 123, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 124, wherein the patient enclosure is flexible.

126.

127

128.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 125, wherein the patient enclosure is inflatable and step (b) is performed with the patient enclosure inflated.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 126, wherein the patient enclosure is a double walled construction.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 127, wherein the patient enclosure includes a humidification means.

129.

130.

The method according to claim 128, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.

The method according to claim 129, wherein the container of sterile water is removeable from the patient enclosure and the method includes a step of placing the container of sterile water in the patient enclosure prior to or during step (b).

The method according to any one of claims 129 or 130, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removeable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs and the method includes removing the cap prior to or during step (b).

131.

132.

133.

134.

135.

136.

137.

The method according to any one of claims 129 to 131 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.

The method according to claim 132, further comprising a set of covers for the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure and the method includes selecting a cover according to the desired level of humidity and applying the selected cover to the container of sterile water prior to or during step (b).

The method according to claim 128, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier and the method includes controlling the humidifier to provide a desired level of humidity prior to or during step (b).

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 134, wherein the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of:

electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit, and the method includes detaching the patient enclosure from the first end unit but retaining the couplings during step (b).

The method according to claim 135, wherein the patient enclosure is placed inside a medical scanner while the patient enclosure is detached from the first end unit but retains the couplings during step (b).

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 136, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door and step (a) includes opening the door using the hinge along one edge.

The method according to claim 137, wherein the method includes partially opening the door to access the interior of the patient enclosure during step (b).

138.

139.

140.

141.

142.

143.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 138, wherein the first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

The method according to claim 139, wherein the method includes removing the break out board and replacing the fan and/or the heater in the event that the fan and/or heater has malfunctioned.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 140, further comprising an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure, wherein the method further includes mounting an IV line into the IV line holder during step (a) or step (b).

The method according to claim 141, further comprising removing the IV line from the IV line holder during or after step (b), or during or after step (c).

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 142, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in the end unit or in the patient enclosure, and the method further includes threading an IV line through the hole during step (a) or step (b).

144.

145.

The method according to claim 143, further comprising removing the IV line from the hole during or after step (b), or during or after step (c).

The method according to claim 143 or 144, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole and wherein the method includes covering the hole during step (b) while the IV line is not in the hole.

146.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 145, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley, and wherein the method includes mounting the modular incubator to a hospital bed or trolley prior to step (b).

The method according to claim 146, further comprising detaching the modular incubator from the hospital bed or trolley prior during or after step (b).

147.

148.

149.

150.

The method according to any one of claims 146 or 147, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps clips; and/or clamps.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 148, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber, and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b).

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 148, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b).

151.

152.

153.

154.

The method according to any of claims 149 or 150, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 151, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 152, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 153, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.

155.

156.

157.

The method according to any one of claims 149 or 154, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.

The method according to claim 155, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 155 or 156, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.

158.

The method according to any one of claims 155 to 157, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

159.

The method according to any one of claims 155 to 158, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

The method according to any one of claims 155 to 159, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.

160.

161.

162.

163.

The method according to any one of claims 155 to 160, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 155 to 161, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 162, further comprising an outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of the patient enclosure.

164.

The method according to claim 163, wherein the outlet is connected to a heater and the method includes recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.

165.

166.

167.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 164, wherein the first and second chambers are flexible.

The method according to any one of claims 149 to 165, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 166, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units.

168.

169.

The method according to claim 167, wherein the second portion and the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the second end unit.

The method according to claim 168 as dependent on claim 122, wherein the first and second portions face one another in the expanded configuration.

The method according to any one of claims 109 to 169, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit.

170.

171.

172.

173.

174.

A housing for an incubator, comprising:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.

A housing for an incubator, comprising:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet.

The housing according to claim 171 or 172, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 173, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 174, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.

175.

176.

177.

178.

179.

180.

181.

182.

183.

184.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 175, wherein the first and second chambers are flexible.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 176, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 177, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 178, wherein the first chamber comprises upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.

The housing according to claim 179, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 or 180, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 to 181, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 to 182, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 to 183, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the inner enclosure.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 to 184, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the inner enclosure.

185.

186.

The housing according to any one of claims 179 to 185, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the inner enclosure.

187.

188.

189.

190.

191.

192.

193.

194.

195.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 186, further comprising a door for accessing the interior of the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 187, further comprising an outlet from the first chamber for drawing air out from the interior of the first chamber.

The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 188, further including a humidification means.

The housing according to claim 189, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.

The housing according to claim 190, wherein the container of sterile water is removeable from the housing.

The housing according to any one of claims 190 or 191, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removeable cap for controlling whether humidification of the first chamber occurs.

The housing according to any one of claims 190 to 192 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the first chamber.

The housing according to claim 193, further comprising a set of covers for the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the first chamber.

The housing according to claim 194, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.

The housing according to claim 187, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.

196.

197. The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 196, further comprising an

IV line holder inside the first chamber.

5 198. The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 197, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in a wall of the first chamber.

199. The housing according to claim 198, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole.

io

200. The housing according to any one of claims 171 to 199, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the incubating housing on a hospital bed or trolley.

201. The housing according to claim 200, wherein the means for reversibly

15 mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps clips; and/or clamps.

Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:

Claims

08 12 17

1. A modular incubator comprising: a first end unit; and

5 a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal; and

10 wherein the patient enclosure is flexible.

2. The modular incubator according to claim 1, wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly attachable to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on the first portion and the first end unit.

3. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.

4. The modular incubator according to claim 3, wherein the or each rigid insert is

20 provided in a pocket in the first portion.

5. The modular incubator according to claim 4, wherein the or each rigid insert is removably inserted into the pocket in the first portion.

25 6. The modular incubator according claim 5 as dependent on any one of claims

3 to 5, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert.

7. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the

30 cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips.

35 8. The modular incubator according to claim 2, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at the first portion for stretching over the or each lip.

08 12 17

9. The modular incubator according to claim 8, wherein the flexible region is formed from an elastic material.

5 10. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of:

air supply; air heaters; power supply;

10 water supply;

temperature probes; attachments for weigh scales;

X-ray tables; and/or air filters;

15 is housed in the first end unit.

11. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the patient enclosure is collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration

20 occupies more space than the collapsed configuration.

12. The modular incubator according to claim 11, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.

25 13. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the patient enclosure is inflatable.

14 The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the patient enclosure is a double walled construction.

15. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the patient enclosure includes a humidification means.

16. The modular incubator according to claim 15, wherein the humidification

35 means comprises a container of sterile water.

08 12 17

17. The modular incubator according to claim 16, wherein the container of sterile water is removable from the patient enclosure.

18. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the

5 container of sterile water includes a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs.

19. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of

10 humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.

20. The modular incubator according to claim 19, further comprising a set of covers for the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient

15 enclosure.
21. The modular incubator according to claim 15, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.

20
22. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of:

25 electrical power;

heated air;

and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit.

30
23. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.
24. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the

35 first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

08 12 17
25. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure.
26. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further

5 comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in the first end unit or in the patient enclosure.
27. The modular incubator according to claim 26, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the

10 hole.
28. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley.
29. The modular incubator according to claim 28, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps

20 clips; and/or clamps.
30. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 29 wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

25 a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

30 an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein

35 each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.

08 12 17
31. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 29 wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one 5 or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

10 a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger

15 apertures to the inlet.
32. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 or 31, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

20
33. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.
34. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.
35. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.
36. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the

30 housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.
37. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first

35 and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.
38. The modular incubator according to claim 37, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

08 12 17
39. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 or 38, wherein the

5 air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.
40. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls

10 of the first chamber.
41. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.
42. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.

20
43. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber.
44. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein the

25 or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.
45. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising an outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of

30 the patient enclosure.
46. The modular incubator according to claim 45, wherein the outlet is connected to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.
47. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 46, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units.

08 12 17
48. The modular incubator according to claim 47, wherein the second portion and

5 the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the second end unit.
49. The modular incubator according to claim 48 as dependent on claim 11, wherein the first and second portions face one another in the expanded

10 configuration.
50. The modular incubator according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit.

15
51. A kit of parts for the assembly of a modular incubator, comprising:

a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is 20 configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal; and wherein the patient enclosure is flexible.
52. The kit of parts according to claim 51, wherein the detachable patient

25 enclosure is reversibly attachable to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on the first portion and the first end unit.
53. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 52, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.
54. The kit of parts according to claim 53, wherein the rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first portion.
55. The kit of parts according to claim 54, wherein the rigid insert is removably

35 inserted into the pocket in the first portion.

08 12 17
56. The kit of parts according to claim 55 as dependent on any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the rigid insert.

5
57. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 52 to 56, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips.
58. The kit of parts according to claim 52, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on one or both of the end units and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at one or both of the first portion for stretching over the lip.

15
59. The kit of parts according to claim 58, wherein the flexible region is formed from an elastic material.
60. The kit of parts of any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein one or more of: air supply;

20 air heaters;

power supply; water supply; temperature probes; attachments for weigh scales;

25 X-ray tables; and/or air filters;

is housed in the first end unit.
61. The kit of parts of any one of claims 51 to 60, wherein the patient enclosure is

30 collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration.
62. The kit of parts of claim 61, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally

35 cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.
63. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 62, wherein the patient enclosure is inflatable.
64 The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein the patient enclosure is a double walled construction.
65. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the patient enclosure includes a humidification means.

08 12 17

10
66. The kit of parts according to claim 65, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.
67. The kit of parts according to claim 66, wherein the container of sterile water is removable from the patient enclosure.
68. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 66 or 67, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs.

20
69. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 67 to 68 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.
70. The kit of parts according to claim 69, further comprising a set of covers for

25 the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure.
71. The kit of parts according to claim 65, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.
72. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 71, wherein the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is

35 configured to supply one or more of:

electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit.

08 12 17
73. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 72, wherein the door is

5 generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.
74. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 73, wherein the first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

io
75. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 74, further comprising an IV line holder inside the patient enclosure.
76. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 75, further comprising a

15 hole for receiving an IV line in the end unit or in the patient enclosure.
77. The kit of parts according to claim 76, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole.

20
78. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 77, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley.
79. The kit of parts according to claim 78, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

25 straps clips; and/or clamps.
80. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 79, wherein the patient

30 enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining

35 an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and

08 12 17 one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber,

5 so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.
81. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 79, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

10 a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

15 an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a 20 portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger apertures to the inlet.
82. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 or 81, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.
83. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 to 82, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.
84. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein there are a

30 plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.
85. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 to 84, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.

35
86. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 to 85, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.

08 12 17
87. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 80 to 86, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.
88. The kit of parts according to claim 87, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.
89. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 or 88, wherein the air flow

10 path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.
90. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the

15 first chamber.
91. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.
92. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 91, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.
93. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein the or each

25 of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber
94. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 87 to 93, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.
95. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 94, further comprising an outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of the patient enclosure.

35
96. The kit of parts according to claim 95, wherein the outlet is connected to a heater and fan for recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet.

08 12 17
97. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 96, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units.
98. The kit of parts according to claim 97, wherein the second portion and the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the second end unit.

10
99. The kit of parts according to claim 98 as dependent on claim 61, wherein the first and second portions face one another in the expanded configuration.
100. The kit of parts according to any one of claims 51 to 99, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit.
101. A method of using a modular incubator, wherein the modular incubator comprises:

a first end unit; and a patient enclosure having a first portion configured for attaching to the first 20 end unit and a door for accessing the interior of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to extend away from first end unit, and wherein the first end unit is configured to provide support to the patient enclosure; wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly detachable for sterilisation or disposal; and wherein

25 the patient enclosure is flexible; and wherein the method includes:

(a) assembling the modular incubator by reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the modular incubator;

(b) using the patient enclosure to provide a controlled climate for a patient; and

30 (c) detaching and disposing of or sterilising the patient enclosure.
102. The method according to claim 101, wherein the patient enclosure is reversibly attached to the first end unit by virtue of cooperating attachment means on a first portion of the patient enclosure and the first end unit.
103. The method according to claim 102, wherein the first portion includes a rigid insert.

08 12 17
104. The method according to claim 103, wherein the rigid insert is provided in a pocket in the first portion.

5
105. The method according to claim 104, wherein the rigid insert is removably inserted into the pocket in the first portion.
106. The method according claim 105 as dependent on any one of claims 103 to 105, wherein the attachment means on the patient enclosure are provided on the

10 rigid insert.
107. The method according to any one of claims 104 to 106, wherein step (a) includes inserting the rigid insert into the pocket.

15
108. The method according to any one of claims 102 to 107, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise one or more of:

buttons and holes; toggles; and/or clips.
109. The method according to claim 102, wherein the cooperating attachment means comprise a rigid lip on the first end unit and a flexible region of the patient enclosure at the first portions for stretching over the or each lip and wherein step (a) includes stretching the flexible region over the lip.
110. The method according to claim 109, wherein the flexible region is formed from an elastic material.
111. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 110, wherein one or more

30 of:

air supply; air heaters; power supply; water supply;

35 temperature probes;

attachments for weigh scales;

X-ray tables; and/or air filters;

is housed in the first and/or second end unit.

08 12 17
112. The method of any one of claims 101 to 111, wherein the patient enclosure is

5 collapsible, such that it is configurable in an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the expanded configuration occupies more space than the collapsed configuration, and step (a) includes expanding the patient enclosure from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration.

10
113. The method according to claim 112, wherein step (c) includes collapsing the patient enclosure from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration.
114. The method of claim 113, wherein the patient enclosure has a generally cuboidal shape in the expanded configuration.
115. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 114, wherein the patient enclosure is inflatable and step (b) is performed with the patient enclosure inflated.
116. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 115, wherein the patient

20 enclosure is a double walled construction.
117. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 116, wherein the patient enclosure includes a humidification means.

25
118. The method according to claim 117, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.
119. The method according to claim 118, wherein the container of sterile water is removeable from the patient enclosure and the method includes a step of placing the

30 container of sterile water in the patient enclosure prior to or during step (b).
120. The method according to any one of claims 118 or 119, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removeable cap for controlling whether humidification of the patient enclosure occurs and the method includes removing the cap prior to or

35 during step (b).
121. The method according to any one of claims 118 to 120 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the patient enclosure.

CM

1 20
122. The method according to claim 121, further comprising a set of covers for the container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the patient enclosure and the method includes selecting a cover according to the desired level of humidity and applying the selected cover to the container of sterile water prior to or during step (b).
123. The method according to claim 117, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier and the method includes controlling the humidifier to provide a desired level of humidity prior to or during step (b).
124. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 123, wherein the incubator functionality is housed in the first end unit and the patent enclosure is reversibly detachable from the first end unit, and the modular incubator includes couplings for connecting the patient enclosure to the first end unit and the incubator functionality is configured to supply one or more of:

electrical power; heated air; and/or water to the patient enclosure via the couplings when the first portion is detached from the first end unit, and the method includes detaching the patient enclosure from the first end unit but retaining the couplings during step (b).
125. The method according to claim 124, wherein the patient enclosure is placed inside a medical scanner while the patient enclosure is detached from the first end unit but retains the couplings during step (b).
126. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 125, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door and step (a) includes opening the door using the hinge along one edge.
127. The method according to claim 126, wherein the method includes partially opening the door to access the interior of the patient enclosure during step (b).

08 12 17
128. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 127, wherein the first end unit comprises a fan and/or a heater removably mounted on a break out board.

5
129. The method according to claim 128, wherein the method includes removing the break out board and replacing the fan and/or the heater in the event that the fan and/or heater has malfunctioned.
130. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 129, further comprising an

10 IV line holder inside the patient enclosure, wherein the method further includes mounting an IV line into the IV line holder during step (a) or step (b).
131. The method according to claim 131, further comprising removing the IV line from the IV line holder during or after step (b), or during or after step (c).
132. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 131, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in the end unit or in the patient enclosure, and the method further includes threading an IV line through the hole during step (a) or step (b).
133. The method according to claim 132, further comprising removing the IV line from the hole during or after step (b), or during or after step (c).
134. The method according to claim 132 or 133, wherein the hole for receiving an

25 IV line includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole and wherein the method includes covering the hole during step (b) while the IV line is not in the hole.
135. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 134, further comprising

30 means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley, and wherein the method includes mounting the modular incubator to a hospital bed or trolley prior to step (b).
136. The method according to claim 135, further comprising detaching the modular

35 incubator from the hospital bed or trolley prior during or after step (b).

08 12 17
137. The method according to any one of claims 135 or 136, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps

5 clips; and/or clamps.
138. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 137, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

10 a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

15 an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein

20 each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber, and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b).

25
139. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 137, wherein the patient enclosure comprises:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the

30 second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein

35 the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger io

08 12 17 apertures to the inlet and wherein the method further includes supplying air to the inlet during step (b).
140. The method according to any of claims 138 or 139, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.
141. The method according to any one of claims 138 to 140, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.
142. The method according to any one of claims 138 to 141, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.
143. The method according to any one of claims 138 to 142, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.
144. The method according to any one of claims 138 or 143, wherein the walls of the first chamber include upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.
145. The method according to claim 144, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.
146. The method according to any one of claims 144 or 145, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.
147. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 146, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.
148. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 147, wherein the or at least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

149. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 148, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the first chamber.

08 12 17

150. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 149, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the first chamber. 5 151. The method according to any one of claims 144 to 150, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the first chamber. 152. The method according to any one of claims 138 to 151, further comprising an 10 outlet from the patient enclosure for drawing air out from the interior of the patient enclosure. 153. The method according to claim 152, wherein the outlet is connected to a 15 heater and the method includes recirculating air leaving the patient enclosure through the outlet. 154. The method according to any one of claims 138 to 153, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible. 20 155. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 154, further comprising a second end unit, and wherein the patient enclosure comprises a second portion configured for attaching to the second end unit and is arranged to span between the first and second end units. 25 156. The method according to claim 155, wherein the second portion and the second end unit comprise cooperating attachment means for reversibly attaching the patient enclosure to the second end unit. 157. The method according to claim 156 as dependent on claim 112, wherein the 30 first and second portions face one another in the expanded configuration. 158. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 157, wherein the second end unit has functionality equivalent to that of the first end unit. 35 159. A housing for an incubator, comprising: a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one or more walls and having a first end and a second end opposing the first end; and

08 12 17 a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one wall of the second chamber being arranged adjacent to a wall of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap located at or adjacent to the

5 first end of the first chamber; and one or more apertures located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber wherein the or each aperture fluidly connects the air gap to the interior of the first chamber; and wherein each aperture is located at or adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, 10 so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber traverses a portion of the air gap between the first and second ends of the first chamber.

160. A housing for an incubator, comprising:

a first chamber for receiving a patient, the first chamber being defined by one 15 or more walls; and a second chamber defined by one or more walls, at least one of walls of the second chamber arranged adjacent to one of the one or more walls of the first chamber and defining an air gap therebetween;

an inlet for receiving warmed air into the air gap;

20 a plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the air gap to the interior of the first chamber including at least two different aperture sizes; and wherein the inlet and the aperture are spaced apart from one another so that an air flow path from the inlet to the interior of the first chamber includes traversing a portion of the air gap and wherein smaller apertures are located closer than larger

25 apertures to the inlet.

161. The housing according to claim 159 or 160, wherein the second chamber at least partially encloses the first chamber.

30 162. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 161, wherein the air gap at least partially surrounds the first chamber.

163. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 162, wherein there are a plurality of apertures spaced around the one or more walls of the first chamber.

164. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 163, wherein the first and second chambers are flexible.

08 12 17

165. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 164, wherein the first and second chambers are collapsible.

5 166. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 165, wherein the housing is configured such that the air gap inflates when positive pressure is supplied to the inlet.

167. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 166, wherein the first

10 chamber comprises upper and lower surfaces, two side walls and first and second end walls arranged in a generally cuboidal shape.

168. The housing according to claim 167, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the lower surface of the first chamber.

169. The housing according to any one of claims 167 or 168, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to the upper surface of the first chamber.

20 170. The housing according to any one of claims 167 to 169, wherein the air flow path includes a portion of the air gap adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the first chamber.

171. The housing according to any one of claims 167 to 170, wherein the or at

25 least one of the apertures is located in the first end wall and the inlet is located adjacent to the second end wall.

172. The housing according to any one of claims 167 to 171, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the lower surface of the inner enclosure.

173. The housing according to any one of claims 167 to 172, wherein the or each of the plurality of apertures is located in the upper surface of the inner enclosure.

174. The housing according to any one of claims 167 to 173, wherein the or each

35 of the plurality of apertures is located in one or both of the side walls of the inner enclosure.

175. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 174, further comprising a door for accessing the interior of the first chamber.

08 12 17

176. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 175, further comprising an

5 outlet from the first chamber for drawing air out from the interior of the first chamber.

177. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 176, further including a humidification means.

10 178. The housing according to claim 177, wherein the humidification means comprises a container of sterile water.

179. The housing according to claim 178, wherein the container of sterile water is removeable from the housing.

180. The housing according to any one of claims 178 or 179, wherein the container of sterile water includes a removeable cap for controlling whether humidification of the first chamber occurs.

20 181. The housing according to any one of claims 178 to 180 wherein the container of sterile water includes a permeable cover for controlling the amount of humidification supplied to the first chamber.

182. The housing according to claim 181, further comprising a set of covers for the

25 container of sterile water, each of the covers having a different permeability, and corresponding to a different level of humidity in the first chamber.

183. The housing according to claim 182, wherein the humidification means comprises a water supply connected to a controllable humidifier.

184. The housing according to claim 175, wherein the door is generally rectangular and is hinged along one edge and also hinged along a line across the generally rectangular shape of the door.

35 185. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 184, further comprising an

IV line holder inside the first chamber.

186. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 185, further comprising a hole for receiving an IV line in a wall of the first chamber.

187. The housing according to claim 186, wherein the hole for receiving an IV line

5 includes a cover for blocking the hole when an IV line is not received in the hole.

188. The housing according to any one of claims 159 to 187, further comprising means for reversibly mounting the incubating housing on a hospital bed or trolley.

10 189. The housing according to claim 188, wherein the means for reversibly mounting the modular incubator on a hospital bed or trolley comprise one or more of:

straps clips; and/or clamps.

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