Fluid warmer with switch assembly
US8362402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M5/445
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid warmer is disclosed. The fluid warmer includes a support surface, a heating element configured to selectively heat the support surface, and a switch assembly extending through the support surface. The switch assembly includes a switch, a movable switch plate, and a thermocouple. The switch has at least two states, one of which indicates the presence of an item on the support surface. The movable switch plate operably links to the switch to move the switch between the states and further includes a contact surface that contacts an item placed on the support surface. One or more thermocouples are embedded in the movable switch plate below the contact surface. The movable switch plate comprises a material having a thermal conductivity that permits the thermocouple(s) embedded in the switch plate to measure a temperature of an item placed on the support surface within a predetermined period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.