Abstract:
The present invention relates to a portable, self-contained, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) providing heating (or cooling) for the patient by controlled exchange of thermal energy between a transparent enclosure that houses the infant and an internal reservoir. The invention has no requirement for electrical power. The internal reservoir utilizes water that is heated (or cooled) by an external source. The micro-environment inside the transparent enclosure for the infant and the water inside the internal reservoir are thermally and acoustically isolated in order to minimize heat and sound exchange with the ambient environment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable neonatal care unit having means for obtaining operational temperature by controlled exchange of thermal energy between the transparent infant enclosure and an internal reservoir. Electrical power is not required. 
     A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which is also referred to as an incubator or an isolette, is used primarily in the hospitals and maternal care centers of industrial nations to maintain a controlled environment for infants, especially premature babies, under optimum conditions until they are strong enough to survive in the ambient, natural environment. These apparatuses are technically complex and are equipped with sophisticated electronic sensors for monitoring the environment and the vitals of the patient. Each NICU requires an electrical power source for operation. The physical unit and the on-board electronics are fabricated for proper servicing and maintenance by knowledgeable professionals in a properly-equipped, healthcare facility. 
     Modern, commercial NICU&#39;s are largely unavailable to physicians, health care workers, midwives, and families, who are located outside of industrial nations and/or in disaster zones. In addition to the high cost of acquisition, the complexity of these units and technical operation makes the devices largely unattainable for users without special training. Significant financial resources are also required to service the devices, provide an inventory of spare components, and retain technical staff to affect the proper maintenance and repairs. 
     In order to make NICU&#39;s more universally available to patients, especially those who are born in remote locales, disaster zones, and/or developing nations, the present invention has been developed as a robustly-built device that is easy to deploy in virtually any location inhabited by humans. Optimal, operational temperature is attained by controlled exchange of thermal energy between the transparent enclosure for the infant and an internal reservoir. Operation is simple for all users, including those who are illiterate. All components in a proximity to the infant are non-toxic. The whole invention may be cleaned with soap and fresh water. 
     The present invention does not require connection to an electrical power source. A warm environment for the infant is provided through the utilization of virtually any external heat source, including but not limited to, solar radiation, hot water from a geothermal source, wood fire, gas or kerosene-fired water heater, oil burner, coal heater, or electric water heater. Furthermore, the infant enclosure and the internal reservoir of the NICU are engineered to maintain temperature by minimizing thermal exchange with the ambient environment. 
     By design, the present invention may also be utilized to help reduce the body temperature of an infant or toddler, who is afflicted with an elevated body temperature as a result of disease, injury, or illness. Cool or cold water may be obtained from external sources, including but not limited to, wells, underground springs, melted snow, or melted ice. A therapeutic, microenvironment may be maintained around the patient even in a location that has no air conditioning. 
     Under impoverished conditions that are not uncommon in developing nations or in disaster zones, theft or looting of machinery for actual or scrap value is often used as a source of revenue. Unlike modern commercial NICU&#39;s, the invention contains components of little or no intrinsic value; hence, would not be a likely target of opportunity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved portable neonatal intensive care unit. 
     To attain this, the present invention comprises an intensive care unit which includes a transparent infant enclosure. Access to the patient is provided in by portholes in the enclosure, as well as by opening doors. Portholes are equipped with meshes to help to isolate the infant from insects and/or airborne contaminants, while providing cross-flow ventilation. In cold environments, solid closures may be fitted to some of the portholes to reduce heat loss while allowing for adequate ventilation. 
     A hollow mattress, filled with fluid, is positioned within the enclosure. Controlled exchange of thermal energy between the enclosure and a reservoir in fluid connection with the mattress provides heating or cooling. No electrical power is required. The reservoir utilizes water that is heated (or cooled) by an external source. The care unit is mountable on a movable platform. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide for a portable neonatal care unit requiring no electrical power for heating or cooling water utilized for heat exchange. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a platform to transport the care unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a left perspective view of the present invention in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a right perspective view of the present invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of an infant enclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a mattress and a coverlet. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a base unit. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a platform. 
         FIG. 8  is a cutaway view of the infant enclosure, mattress, coverlet, base unit and platform. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the infant enclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment of the infant enclosure when in an open position. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN FIGURES 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  5 NICU unit 
                  10 Infant enclosure 
                  12 Top wall 
               
               
                  14 Left wall 
                  16 Left door 
                  18 Right door 
               
               
                  20 Back wall 
                  22 Right wall 
                  24 Inner panel 
               
               
                  26 Panel spacer 
                  28 Porthole spacer 
                  30 Outer panel 
               
               
                  32 Porthole closure-mesh 
                  34 Mesh 
                  36 Porthole closure-solid 
               
               
                  38 Connector to base unit 
                  40 Hinge 
                  42 Catch 
               
               
                  44 Drain 
                  46 Porthole 
               
               
                  50 Mattress with coverlet 
                  52 Top layer of coverlet 
                  54 Insulation layer 
               
               
                  56 Bottom layer of coverlet 
                  58 Mattress 
                  60 Inlet port 
               
               
                  62 Outlet port 
                  64 Fill-drain-vent port 
                  66 Mattress thermometer 
               
               
                  68 Closure 
                  70 Coverlet 
               
               
                  80 Base unit 
                  82 Mattress retainer 
                  84 Top of base unit 
               
               
                  86 Left access panel 
                  87 Slot 
                  88 Compartment drain 
               
               
                  90 Right access panel 
                  92 Support structure 
                  93 Front side 
               
               
                  94 Reservoir 
                  95 Back side 
                  96 Pump 
               
               
                  97 Bottom 
                  98 Thermal safety valve 
                  99 Stiffener 
               
               
                 100 Heat exchanger 
                 102 Reservoir thermometer 
                 104 Reservoir fill 
               
               
                 106 Reservoir vent 
                 108 Reservoir drain 
                 110 Sight glass 
               
               
                 112 Overfill protection 
                 114 Seal 
                 116 Latch 
               
               
                 118 Pump handle 
                 120 Panel fastener 
                 122 Heat exchanger support 
               
               
                 124 Overflow drain 
                 128 Conduit 
               
               
                 130 Platform 
                 132 Deck 
                 134 Chock for reservoir 
               
               
                 136 Free caster 
                 138 Locking caster 
               
               
                 150 Infant enclosure-no doors 
                 152 Movable top of enclosure 
                 154 Fixed base of enclosure 
               
               
                 156 Fastener for fixed base 
                 158 Lid stay 
                 160 Seal for movable top 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)  5  is shown.  FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the unit  5 . A transparent infant enclosure  10  is secured to a base unit  80 . A coverlet  70  encasing a mattress  58  upon which to place an infant is positioned inside the enclosure  10 . The base unit  80  has a support structure, a liquid reservoir  94 , a heat exchanger  100 , and a pump  96 . The base unit  80  is affixed to a platform  130 , which provides a rigid foundation for the incubator and mobility with wheels. 
     The infant enclosure  10  in  FIG. 4  has a top wall  12 , side walls  14 ,  22 ; a back wall  20  and front doors  16 ,  18 ; defining a chamber therein. The enclosure  10  may be composed of rigid transparent material, for example, a clear laminated acrylic sheet (polymethyl methacrylate). In some embodiments, the enclosure  10  may be made of Lexan (polycarbonate), PETG (glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate), laminated (safety) glass, or tempered glass. The top wall, side and back walls, and front doors each have laminated construction. 
     The side walls  14 ,  22  and the back wall  20  may each be comprised of an integrally formed combination of an inner panel  24  and an outer panel  30  held a uniform distance apart by a panel spacer  26  and a generally circular shaped porthole spacer  28 , thereby providing a double wall construction. The panel spacer has a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposed the top edge, and a pair of parallel side edges between the top edge and the bottom edge. An air gap between the panels provides both a thermal and an acoustic barrier to reduce the rate of heat and sound conduction between the interior of the infant enclosure  10  and the ambient environment. In some embodiments an enclosure  150  may be a one-piece enclosure without doors having the same laminated construction consisting of inner panels  24  and outer panels  30  held a uniform distance apart by panel spacers  26  and porthole spacers  28 . 
     The side walls  14 ,  22 ; back wall  20  and doors  16 ,  18  may be each be formed with one or more portholes  46  defining access passages therethrough. Porthole spacers  28  are positioned juxtaposed the portholes  46  between the inner panels  24  and the outer panels  30 . A porthole closure-mesh  32  or a porthole closure-solid  36  may be securely held in place by screws or friction fit. In some embodiments, when the enclosure  150  is a one-piece enclosure without doors, four or more access passages may be formed into the front and sides of the enclosure. The porthole closure-solid  36  that securely locks with the porthole  46  is provided. Alternately, the porthole closure-mesh  32  for ventilation and/or for providing a conduit for life-support tubes/cables for the infant is provided. Each porthole closure-mesh securely interlocks with the porthole  46 . The porthole closure-mesh  32  is outfitted with a mesh  34  comprised of metal, plastic, and/or fabric to limit entry of insects and/or small airborne contaminants into the infant enclosure  10 , while permitting flow of air. The passages furnish access to the inside the enclosure by physicians, health care workers, and/or the family of the baby without requiring that the enclosure be fully opened. Attendance of the infant through the passages minimizes disturbance to the internal environment of the enclosure. 
     Each door  16 ,  18  is pivotally affixed to the adjacent side walls  14 ,  22  by hinge  40 . In some embodiments, the one-piece enclosure  150  without doors is pivotally affixed to the fixed base of the enclosure  154 . The hinge means  40  is a piano hinge. Alternatively, butt hinges, glass hinges, or pivot hinges may be utilized. 
     The doors  16 ,  18  are secured in a closed position by a catch  42  affixed to a lower surface of the top wall  12 . Non-metallic friction catches are illustrated. Alternatively, magnetic catches or spring catches may be used. A simple, non-toxic plastic catch may be preferred for ease of cleaning and for lack of corrosion or degradation to minimize any impact on the infant in the enclosure. In some embodiments with the one-piece enclosure  150  without doors, no catch is required because the weight of the enclosure holds it closed. 
     Connectors  38  are affixed to a bottom edge of the side walls  14 ,  22  and back wall  20  to mount on the base unit  80 . This hardware permits removal of the infant enclosure  10  from the base unit  80  for transport, major cleaning, or replacement. Quick-release connectors are shown for ease of operation. Connectors  38  are to provide rigidity and maintain the integrity of the infant enclosure  10 . A tight fit between the base unit  80  and the infant enclosure  10  is required, in order to maintain the controlled environment inside the enclosure. The alternate embodiment of the one-piece enclosure without doors  150  does not require connectors, since it is attached to the base unit  80  or to a mounting affixed to the base unit  154 . 
     The infant enclosure  10  is outfitted with one or more drains  44 . This safety feature provides a means to direct any inadvertent escape of liquids from inside the infant enclosure away from the baby. Multiple drains are preferred to insure proper flow, regardless of the orientation and level of the unit  5 . 
       FIG. 5  provides an exploded view of the components of the mattress  58  and the coverlet  70 . The mattress  58  has an upper, bottom and side surfaces, and is fillable with liquid. The mattress  58  is fabricated from soft, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, although alternately, other pliable waterproof materials, such as polyethylene or rubberized waterproof fabric, may be used. The mattress  58  is in liquid connection with the base unit  80  by way of conduits  128  and associated connectors. The mattress  58  may be filled with clean, fresh water through a fill-drain-vent port  64 , and may be filled to a firm consistency to permit minor oscillation of the water within. After filling, water is pumped through the mattress  58  from the base unit  80  through an inlet port  60 . Water returns to the base unit  80  from the mattress  58  through an outlet port  62 . The temperature of the water in the mattress  58  may be monitored by a mattress thermometer  66 . When not in service, water is drained from the mattress  58  through the fill-drain-vent port  64 . 
     The coverlet  70  lies on top of the mattress  50 . The coverlet  50  has a top layer  52 , an insulation layer  54 , and a bottom layer  56 . The top layer  52  is in direct contact with the infant. The top layer  52  may be made from 100% cotton, terry cloth. The fabric is soft, smooth, hypoallergenic, easily laundered, and non-irritating to the skin of the baby. Alternate embodiments for the fabric of the top layer  52  include 100% cotton percale, 100% cotton muslin, or a blended cotton and polyester fabric. 
     The insulation layer  54  serves to soften the surface of the coverlet  70 , to help retain the temperature of the water inside the mattress  58 , and to conduct heat between the mattress  58 , the baby, and the interior of the infant enclosure  10 . The insulation layer may be 100% cotton batting that is integrated into the coverlet  70 . Alternate embodiments of the insulation layer  54  include removable material, such as closed-cell polyurethane foam or a non-toxic gel encased in plastic. The insulation layer is removable, and is to be non-absorptive, durable, and easily cleaned and sanitized. 
     The bottom layer  56  of the coverlet  70  is in direct contact with the top surface of the mattress  58 . The bottom layer  56  is made from heavy, cotton duck. The fabric is pliable, stretch-resistant, puncture-resistant, and easily laundered. Alternately, the bottom portion  56  may be made from a synthetic duck, spun polyester fabric, or spun UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) fabric. The bottom layer  56  of the coverlet  70  reduces the possibility of puncture of the mattress  58  by staff or family caring for the infant. The coverlet  70  may be secured to a mattress retainer  82  with a plurality of closures  68 , such as fabric snaps. Alternately, downward-facing fabric hooks attached to the mattress retainer  82  may hold the coverlet  70  in place through button-holes or cords sewn therein. The coverlet  70  may be placed over the mattress  58  after each laundering. It provides a soft barrier between the infant and the mattress  58 , while not wholly modifying the flotation properties of the mattress. 
     The base unit  80  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The unit  80  includes a support structure  92  having a front wall  93 , a back wall  95 , a top platform  84  and a bottom platform  97  that forms the top of the reservoir  94 . Stiffeners  99  help to provide rigidity to the support structure  92 . The top panel  84  is affixed to a top edge of the front wall  93 , the back wall  95  and stiffeners  99 . The support structure  92  may be fabricated from wood, plastic, metal or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). The infant enclosure  10  is mounted on the top platform  84 . A mattress retainer  82  is affixed to the top platform  84 . The mattress  58  is secured in the mattress retainer  82 . The rigid structure of the mattress retainer  82  serves to protect the sides of the mattress  58  and furnish attachment points for the closures  68  that hold the coverlet  70  in place. The mattress retainer  82  is outfitted with one or more overflow drains  124 . This safety feature provides a means to direct any inadvertent escape of liquids from the mattress  58  away from the patient. Multiple drains are preferred to insure proper flow, regardless of the orientation and level of the unit  5 . 
     A left access panel  86  and a right access panel  90  are affixed to the support structure  92  with panel fasteners  120 . In alternate embodiments, only a single access panel may be required. The panels  86 ,  90  are detachable for servicing. Accumulated water resulting from damage or servicing of the pump  96  or conduits  128  is dispersed by compartment drains  88 . 
     The pump  96  is affixed to the support structure  92 . The pump  96  may be manually actuated with a pump handle  118  that protrudes through a slot  87  defined through the left access panel  86 . In some embodiments, additional non-manual pump(s) may be installed. The present invention utilizes a marine diaphragm pump for simplicity, light weight, and durability. Alternate embodiments of the pump  96  may include a piston, rotary vane, or centrifugal pump. Manual operation of the pump  96  is a key to deployment of the unit  5  in the field or in rustic conditions without a portable or a permanent electrical power supply. 
     A heat exchanger  100  is mounted to the support structure  92  by an exchanger support  122 . The heat exchanger  100  consists of coiled copper tubing that is immersed in the water in a reservoir  94 . It is connected to the pump  96  and the mattress  58  with conduits  128 . Alternate embodiments of the material for the heat exchanger  100  may be stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, bronze, or ceramics. An alternate configuration to the tubular, immersion-type heat exchanger of the present invention may be a plate heat exchanger. A plate heat exchanger may be immersed in the reservoir  94  or have the reservoir  94  situated inside of the heat exchanger  100 . A plate heat exchanger may also have a dedicated drain for emptying water therein. 
     The reservoir  94  is an enclosed container into which hot (or cold) water may be added to provide the medium for thermal transfer to/from the heat exchanger circuit. The reservoir  94  may be outfitted with a fill  104  into which water is poured from a container or hose. A vent  106 , located in the top of the reservoir  94 , allows the egress of air while filling or the entry of air while draining. Both the fill  104  and the vent  106  are fitted with an overfill protection conduit  112  to prevent filling the reservoir  94  in excess of its capacity. The level of water in the reservoir  94  may be monitored with a sight glass  110 . A drain  108  at a base of the reservoir  94  permits removal of water that has cooled or for emptying the reservoir  94  completely for transport or storage. The reservoir may be secured to the support structure  92  with latches  116  and/or adhesive. The reservoir has a lip on its upper edge where it joins the bottom  97  of the support structure  92 . The lip may be fitted with a flexible seal  114  to limit the escape of heat/cold or the entry of foreign debris through a gap between the reservoir and the bottom  97  of the support structure  92 . The temperature of water inside the reservoir  94  may be monitored by the reservoir thermometer  102 . 
     The reservoir  94  has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity, and an insulating layer between the outer and inner surfaces. The composition of the inner surface of the reservoir  94  in contact with the heated (or cooled) water limits the temperature of water that may be used. In the present invention, the reservoir  94  is constructed from high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. The upper temperature limit of water for chronic use is 140° F. (60° C.). Alternate embodiments of the materials for the surface of the reservoir  94  in contact with heated or cooled water may be as follows: sheet metal—stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized steel; fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP); ABS plastic; polyurethane plastic; wood. When using sheet metal for the surface of the reservoir that is exposed to heated water, the upper temperature limit of water for chronic use is 212° F. (100° C.). If sheet metal is employed, it is to be isolated from other plastics with a high-temperature silicone elastomer or equal. Using very hot water in the reservoir can provide more efficient heat exchange and increase the duration between re-fillings of the reservoir with hot water. 
     The insulating layer of the reservoir  94  is formed of rigid foam. The present invention uses polystyrene foam. Alternate embodiments include polyurethane foam, biodegradable foams, starch, a liquid-filled liner, or an air gap. If the exposed surface of the reservoir  94  is sheet metal, insulation made from high-temperature fiberglass batting or a liquid-filled liner adjacent to the metal may be employed in addition to the rigid foam. 
     The outer surface of the reservoir  94  may be made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is impact resistant, scuff resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean with soap and water. Alternate embodiments for the outer surface of the reservoir may be nylon, polyurethane, polypropylene, wood, metal, and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). The construction of the reservoir  94  from plastic and/or sheet metal with rigid foam provides a light weight structure with the necessary durability to use in field or rustic conditions. 
     The mattress  58 , heat exchanger  100 , pump  96 , and associated conduits  128  may be filled with water through the fill-drain-vent port  64 . An alternate embodiment may be the inclusion of a separate drain at the bottom of the heat exchanger  100  or below the mattress  58 . These components form a closed circuit through which water is pumped. The heat exchanger  100  is immersed in water in the reservoir  94 . The water for the reservoir  94  is heated (or cooled) externally before pouring into the reservoir. When water in the closed circuit flows through the heat exchanger  100 , it is heated (or cooled) by thermal transfer with the water in the reservoir  94 . The temperature of the mattress  58  and the infant enclosure  10  may be regulated by this controlled thermal transfer. In order to protect the infant from exposure to excessive temperatures, the closed circuit may be outfitted with a thermal safety valve  98  that closes when the water inside the circuit exceeds a safe temperature for the patient. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the platform  130 . The platform  130  serves the dual function of furnishing a rigid bottom for the base unit and other assemblies, as well as allowing for the mobility of the unit  5 . The platform  130  raises the top of the mattress  58  and coverlet  70  to counter height 30″ to 36″ (762 mm to 915 mm) above the ground. This permits attending of the patient by physicians, staff, and/or family from a standing position, but allows for visual monitoring of the patient while seated. 
     The reservoir  94  is supported by a deck  132  and held securely in place by chocks  134 . The support structure  92  is mounted on the deck  132 . The platform  130 , deck  132  and chocks  134  are fabricated from wood. Alternately plastic, metal, honeycomb composite, or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) composite may be used. An alternate embodiment of the platform may be to integrally engineer it into the bottom of the reservoir  94  and/or the support structure  92 , instead of having it as a separate sub-assembly. 
     The unit  5  is moved on a floor or deck using four casters  136  that are attached to the platform  130 , at least one of which is a locking caster  138 . The locking caster  138  provides a means of securing the platform  130  in place on a floor or deck that is off-level. At least two of the casters  136  are to be free and thereby able to pivot to facilitate maneuvering in close or confined spaces. The combined load capacity of the casters is adequate to support the maximum filled weight of the unit  5  with a minimum safety factor of two. The wheels may be low-durometer polypropylene or equal to provide travel with a minimum of jarring. The undercarriage may be alternately embodied with two wheels secured to a fixed axle and two, wheels affixed to a steerable axle. At least one of the wheels is to be lockable. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cutaway view of the infant enclosure  10 , mattress  58 , coverlet  50 , base unit  80 , and platform  130 . When the pump  96  is actuated by the pump handle  118 , water is pushed through a conduit  128  into the heat exchanger  100 . The temperature of the water flowing through the heat exchanger  100  is changed, when a differential exists between the temperatures of the water inside the heat exchanger  100  and the water in the reservoir  94 . The heated (or cooled) water from the heat exchanger  100  flows into the inlet port  60  of the mattress  58 . At the opposite end of the mattress  58 , water is removed at the outlet port  62  where it returns to the pump  96  through conduits  128  to repeat the cycle. 
     The temperature of the water inside the mattress  58  may be visually monitored by observing the mattress thermometer  66 . When the desired temperature is reached, pumping of water through the heat exchanger  100  is stopped. To protect the patient from excessive heat, the flow of water through the heat exchanger  100  is automatically stopped by the thermal safety valve  98 , which is preset to close at a non-hazardous temperature. 
     Water may be poured into or drained away from the mattress  58  and heat exchanger  100  through the fill-drain-vent port  64 . The reservoir  94  is filled with enough water to cover the heat exchanger  100  through a reservoir fill  104 . Air inside the reservoir  94  that is displaced by the water exhausts through a reservoir vent  106 . The level of water inside the reservoir  94  may be visually monitored through the sight glass  110 . The reservoir  94  is not overfilled because overfill protection  112  on the fill  104  and vent  106  directs excess water up these orifices. The temperature of water in the reservoir  94  may be monitored by observing the reservoir thermometer  102 . Water may be drained from the reservoir  94  through the reservoir drain  108 . 
     Water inside the mattress  58  heats (or cools) the top portion  52  of the coverlet  70 . The patient is heated (or cooled) through intimate contact with the coverlet  70  and by exposure to conditioned air inside the infant enclosure  10 . Since outside air may enter the infant enclosure  10  through the porthole-closures mesh  32 , the coverlet  70  is fabricated with the insulation layer  54  to reduce the rate of change of temperature of water in the mattress  58  through convection. 
     The interior of the infant enclosure  10  is thermally and acoustically insulated from the ambient environment. Ambient air is thermally attenuated and ambient noise is acoustically reduced by the air gap between the inner panels  26  and the outer panels  30  that form the infant enclosure  10 . Access to the interior of the infant enclosure  10  by insects and small foreign objects is restricted by the porthole closures-mesh  32  and porthole closures-solid  36 . 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , an alternate embodiment of the infant enclosure  10  is an infant enclosure  150  with no doors, which has a movable top  152  consisting of a box-like outer panel  30  and a box-like inner panel  24  that are connected at the bottom by a seal  160 . The movable top  152  is connected to a fixed base  154  by a hinge  40 . The movable top  152  and fixed base  154  define a chamber within for the patient. The enclosure  150  may be composed of rigid transparent material, for example, clear acrylic sheet (polymethyl methacrylate). Alternately, the enclosure  150  may be made of PETG (glycol modified polyethylene terphthalate), Lexan (polycarbonate), laminated (safety) glass, or tempered glass. The movable top  152  has laminated construction. The fixed base  154  may have laminated or solid construction. 
     The inner panel  24  and outer panel  30  of the enclosure  150  are held a uniform distance apart by porthole spacers  28 , in addition to the seal  160 . An air gap between the panels provides both a thermal and an acoustic barrier to reduce the rate of heat and sound conduction between the interior of the infant enclosure  150  and the ambient environment. 
     The movable top  152  may be fitted with one or more portholes  46  defining access passages there through. The porthole  46  may be securely held in place by fasteners and/or adhesive. Porthole closures-solid  36  that securely interlock with the porthole  46  are provided. Alternately, porthole closures-mesh  32  for ventilation and/or for providing a conduit for life-support tubes/cables for the patient are provided. Each porthole closure-mesh  32  securely interlocks with a porthole  46 . Each enclosure  150  is fitted with one or more porthole closure-mesh  32  for the safety of the patient. Each porthole closure-mesh  32  is outfitted with a mesh  34  comprised of woven metal, plastic, and/or fabric to limit entry of insects and/or small airborne contaminants into the infant enclosure  150 , while permitting flow of air. The passages furnish access to the inside the enclosure by physicians, health care workers, and/or the family of the patient without requiring that the enclosure be fully opened. 
     The movable top  152  is pivotally affixed to the fixed base  154  by a hinge  40 . The hinge  40  is a piano hinge. Alternatively, butt hinges, glass hinges, or pivot hinges may be utilized. 
     The movable top  152  is held in an open position by one or more lid stays  158 , which are affixed to the fixed base  154 . When the movable top  152  is open, major access to the patient is permitted. The movable top  152  stays closed from its own weight. The fixed base  154  is attached to the top  84  of the base unit  80  with fasteners  156  and/or adhesive. 
     The infant enclosure  150  is outfitted with one or more drains  44 . This safety feature provides a means to direct any inadvertent escape of liquids from inside the infant enclosure away from the baby. Multiple drains are preferred to insure proper flow, regardless of the orientation and level of the unit  5 . 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.