Patent Publication Number: US-8535214-B2

Title: Modular warming therapy device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a §371 of International Application No. PCT/US08/85541, filed Dec. 4, 2008 (WO 2009/073789, published Jun. 11, 2009), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/005,520, filed Dec. 4, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This present disclosure relates generally to a warming therapy device (e.g. an incubator, radiant warmer, etc.) for medical patients. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to warming therapy devices with the capability to releasably engage other devices such that all engaged devices may be transported in unison. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Infant care units, such as warming therapy devices (e.g., incubators, warmers, etc.) include various systems for controlling the temperature and humidity to facilitate the development of a premature infant, are known. Also, other devices for providing medical treatment or support to infants are known. In some cases, a warming therapy device may be used in connection with other devices to treat patients within the warming therapy device would be beneficial to provide the warming therapy device with the capability to releasable engage the other devices such that all engaged devices may be transported in unison. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a modular infant care system having a warming therapy device and a peripheral device. The warming therapy device includes a plurality of wheels and a patient support surface having an adjustable height. The peripheral device has at least one wheel and is adapted for releasably engaging the warming therapy device proximate the patient support surface. When the warming therapy device and the peripheral device are engaged to each other, the infant care system is movable as a combined unit. Also provided is a method for transporting a patient using the apparatus. 
     A further exemplary embodiment comprises an apparatus including a first medical device having a patient support surface, a braking system, braking controls and wheels. The apparatus has a second medical device having a braking system and adapted for releasably engaging the first medical device. When the second medical device is engaged to the first medical device, the first and second medical devices are transportable as a combined unit. When the first and second medical devices are engaged, the braking control of the first medical device is operable to control the braking systems of both devices. 
     A further exemplary embodiment includes a method for transporting a patient. The method includes providing a medical device adapted for holding a patient in a controlled environment. The medical device has a plurality of wheels for engaging a supporting surface. Also provided is a peripheral device having at least one wheel for engaging the supporting surface. The peripheral device is adapted to releasably engage the medical device. The method further includes the steps of engaging the medical device to the peripheral device, raising the second medical device above the supporting surface and moving the medical device and peripheral device in unison. 
     A still further exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus having a first medical device and a second medical device. The first medical device has a patient support surface, a plurality of wheels and a first docking port located proximate the patient support surface. The second medical device has at least one wheel and a second docking port adapted for mating to the first docking port. When the second medical device is mated to the first medical device, the first and second medical devices are transportable as a combined unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a modular warming therapy device of the infant care system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a modular warming therapy device of the infant care system of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 4  with first and second peripheral devices attached thereto. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a schematic front view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic side view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic front view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic side view of the modular warming therapy device of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the infant care system of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a modular warming therapy device of the infant care system of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of the modular warming therapy device shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a schematic side view of the warming therapy device of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  shows a schematic front view of the warming therapy device of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18   a  shows a front elevational view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 18   b  shows a side elevational view of the modular warming therapy device shown in  FIG. 18   a.    
         FIG. 18   c  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 18   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 18   d  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 18   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a raised position. 
         FIG. 19   a  shows a front elevational view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 19   b  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 19   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 19   c  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 19   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a raised position. 
         FIG. 20   a  shows a front elevational view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device and a peripheral device. 
         FIG. 20   b  shows a front elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 20   a  with the peripheral device docked in the modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 20   c  shows a side elevational view of the modular warming therapy device shown in  FIG. 20   a.    
         FIG. 20   d  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 20   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 20   e  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 18   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a raised position. 
         FIG. 21   a  shows a front elevational view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of an infant care system including a modular warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 21   b  shows a side elevational view of the modular warming therapy device shown in  FIG. 18   a.    
         FIG. 21   c  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 18   a , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 21   d  shows a side elevational view of the infant care system shown in  FIG. 18 , with the modular warming therapy device shown in a raised position. 
         FIG. 22   a  shows a monitor and frame system for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of man infant care system. 
         FIG. 22   b  shows a cart and warming therapy device for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system. 
         FIG. 22   c  shows a ventilator cart for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system. 
         FIG. 22   d  shows a supply cart with ventilator gas tanks and a battery for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system. 
         FIG. 23   a  shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a wall mounted monitor and frame system. 
         FIG. 23   b  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a monitor and frame system transportably mounted on the warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 23   c  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a monitor and frame system and ventilation gas tanks transportably mounted on the warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 24   a  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a wall mounted monitor and frame system and a ventilator cart mounted to a warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 24   b  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a monitor and frame system and ventilator cart transportably mounted on the warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 24   c  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system with a monitor and frame system, a ventilator cart and ventilation gas tanks transportably mounted on the warming therapy device. 
         FIG. 25   a  shows a storage cart for use in connection with an infant care system. 
         FIG. 25   b  shows a transport cant for use in connection with an infant care system. 
         FIG. 25   c  shows a ventilator cart for use in connection with an infant care system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to medical devices, such as modular warming therapy devices (i.e., incubators, radiant warmers, etc.) for use in an infant care system. In the description below, the warming therapy device is embodied as an incubator; however, the warming therapy device may be a radiant eater or any other warming therapy device used to provide a controlled environment for the treatment of infants. 
       FIG. 1  shows an infant care system  100  according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention which includes a medical device, such as a warming therapy device  110 , a first peripheral device  120 , a second peripheral device  130 , and a monitoring unit  140 . The warming therapy device  110  is designed as a modular unit which may engage to one or more of the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130 , as explained in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3-7 . For example, the first peripheral device  120  may comprise a gas tank storage unit for storing one or more gas tanks  125  (e.g., oxygen tanks), and the second peripheral device  130  may comprise a patient monitoring unit, as shown in  FIG. 1 . For purposes of this application, the term “medical device” is intended to include peripheral devices such as those mentioned herein. The peripheral devices that may be used in connection with the infant care system  100 , as well as others discussed herein, include resuscitation devices, a compressor for breathing or ventilation air, refrigerated storage for medication, an AED kit for a crash cart, heated storage for clothing and medication and the like, a cooling system for regulating the patient environment, a water mattress system, a video camera for phototherapy, a surgical cart with instruments etc., an anesthesia system, supplemental heating for the patient environment, a bassinet with a docked heater or any other suitable device for providing care to a patient in the warming therapy device. 
     Preferably, the modular warming therapy device  110 , and each of the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130  each include wheels, casters, or the like  111 ,  121 ,  131  and handles  112 ,  122 ,  132  for enabling the separate units to be easily moved. As discussed below, when one or more of the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130  are coupled to the modular warming therapy device  110 , one or more of these wheels  11 ,  121 ,  131  are retracted to permit the easy movement of the combined unit (See, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 2  shows the modular warming therapy device  110 . The modular warming therapy device  110  includes a radiant heater head  150 , a patient support assembly  160 , and a mattress tray assembly  170 . The mattress tray assembly  170  may include a hood  171  for covering a mattress tray  172 , and associated mattress  173 . The patient support assembly  160  may include a storage unit  161  for storing items for the infant patient such as diapers, blankets, wipes, etc. The patient support assembly  160  may also include a first monitor  162  for monitoring a condition of the infant patient (e.g., heart rate, etc.), or some other medical process associated with the infant patient (e.g., medical treatment). 
     The warming therapy device  110  may comprise a braking system and braking controls. The first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130  may also comprise a braking system and or braking controls. When the warming therapy device  110  and first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130  are docked together, the braking controls of the warming therapy device  110  and/or first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130  are operable to control the braking systems of both the warming therapy device  110  and the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130 . Linkage of the braking system and controls may be mechanical, electrical or pneumatic, such that by actuating a braking control on the warming therapy device  110  and/or first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130 , a caretaker is able stop or facilitate rolling movement of both the warming therapy device  110  and the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an infant care system  200  according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention which includes a modular warming therapy device  210 , a first peripheral device  220 , a second peripheral device  230 , and a monitoring unit  240 . The infant care system  200  is similar to the infant care system  100  described above in many respects, and like reference numerals denote like elements. For example, the first peripheral device  220  may comprise a gas tank storage unit for storing one or more gas tanks  225  (e.g., oxygen tanks), and the second peripheral device  230  may comprise a patient monitoring unit. 
     The warming therapy device  210  is designed as a modular unit which may engage and be releasably coupled to one or more of the first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230 . For example, the first peripheral device  220  may comprise a gas tank storage unit for storing one or more gas tanks  221  (e.g., oxygen tanks), and the second peripheral device  230  may comprise a patient monitoring unit, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Preferably, the modular warming therapy device  210 , and each of the first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230  each include wheels, casters, or the like  211 ,  221 ,  231  and handles  212 ,  222 ,  232  for enabling the separate units to be easily moved. As discussed below, when one or more of the first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230  are coupled to the modular warming therapy device  210 , one or more of these heels  211 ,  221 ,  231  are retracted to permit the easy movement of the combined unit (See  FIG. 5 ). 
     One difference between the warming therapy device  210  and the warming therapy device  110  discussed above is the presence of a second patient monitor  215 . The second patient monitor  215  is preferably integrated into a mattress tray assembly  270  of the warming therapy device  210 . The second patient monitor  215  may be used to monitor any condition of an infant patient disposed on the warming therapy device  210 , such as heart rate, etc., or some other medical process associated with the infant patient (e.g., medical treatment). 
       FIG. 4  shows the modular warming therapy device  210 . The modular warming therapy device  210  includes a radiant heater head  250 , a patient support assembly  260 , and a mattress tray assembly  270 . The mattress tray assembly  270  may include a hood  271  for covering a mattress tray  272 , and associated mattress  273 . The patient support assembly  260  may include a storage unit  261  for storing items for the infant patient such as diapers, blankets, wipes, etc. The patient support assembly  260  may also include a first patient monitor  262  for monitoring a condition of the infant patient (e.g., heart rate, etc.), or some other medical process associated with the infant patient. The mattress tray assembly  270  preferably includes a second patient monitor  215 , as noted above, which also may be used to monitor a condition of the infant patient (e.g., heart rate, etc.), or some other medical process associated with the infant patient (e.g., medical treatment). 
       FIG. 5  shows a portion of the infant care system  200  shown in  FIG. 3 , including the warming therapy device  210 , the first peripheral device  220 , and the second peripheral device  230 . The warming therapy device  210 , first peripheral device  220 , and second peripheral device  230  are coupled together in  FIG. 5 . When warming therapy device  210 , first peripheral device  220 , and second peripheral device  230  are coupled together in this manner, the respective wheels  221 ,  231  of the first peripheral device  220 , and the second peripheral device  230  are raised off the ground, so that only the wheels  211  of the warming therapy device  210  are used to move the combined device. The raising of the wheels  221 ,  231  may be accomplished in many ways, such as providing spring-loaded or retracting wheels, by providing a means to secure the first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230  to the modular warming therapy device  210  which is raised from the ground, or some combination thereof. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show rear perspective and rear views of the warming therapy device  210 , respectively. These figures show the patient support assembly  260 , the mattress tray assembly  270 , the hood  271 , the first patient monitor  262 , and the second patient monitor  215 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show front and side schematic views of the modular warming therapy device  210 , respectively. These figures also show some basic dimensions for the modular warming therapy device  210 , in millimeters (mm). 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show front and side schematic views, respectively, of the modular warming therapy device  210 , and first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230 . These figures also show some basic dimensions for the modular warming therapy device  210 , and first and second peripheral devices  220 ,  230 , in millimeters (mm). 
       FIG. 12  shows an infant care system  300  according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention which includes a modular warming therapy device  310 , a first peripheral device  320 , and a second peripheral device  330 . The infant care system  300  is similar to the infant care systems  100 ,  200  described above in many respects, and like reference numerals denote like elements. When warming therapy device  310 , first peripheral device  320 , and second peripheral device  330  are coupled together as shown in  FIG. 12 , one or more of the respective wheels  321 ,  331  of the first peripheral device  320 , and the second peripheral device  330  are raised off the ground, so that one or more of the wheels  311  of the warming therapy device  310 , and some of the wheels  321 ,  331  of the first and second peripheral devices  320 ,  330 , are used to move the combined device. The raising of one or more of the wheels  321 ,  331  of the first and second peripheral devices  320 ,  330  may be accomplished in many ways, such as providing spring-loaded or retracting wheels, by providing a means to secure the first and second peripheral devices  320 ,  330  to the modular warming therapy device  310  which is raised from the ground, or some combination thereof. As noted above with respect to the infant care systems  100 ,  200 , the first peripheral device  320  may comprise a gas tank storage unit for storing one or more gas tanks  325  (e.g., oxygen tanks), and the second peripheral device  330  may comprise a patient monitoring unit. 
       FIG. 13  shows an exploded perspective view of the infant care system  300  of  FIG. 12 , which shows that the first peripheral device  320  may include one or more protrusions  325  which cooperate with one or more grooves  317  in the warming therapy device  310  to secure the warming therapy device to the first peripheral device. Similarly, the second peripheral device  330  may include protrusions (not shown) which cooperate with one or more grooves  318  in the warming therapy device  310  (See  FIG. 15 ) to secure the warming therapy device to the second peripheral device. 
       FIG. 14  shows the modular warming therapy device  310 . The modular warming therapy device  310  includes a radiant heater head  350 , a patient support assembly  360 , and a mattress tray assembly  370 . The mattress tray assembly  370  may include a hood  371  for covering a mattress tray  372 , and associated mattress  373 . The patient support assembly  360  may include a storage unit  361  for storing items for the infant patient such as diapers, blankets, wipes, etc. The patient support assembly  360  may also include a first monitor  362  for monitoring a condition of the infant patient (e.g., heart rate, etc.) or some other medical process associated with the infant patient (e.g., medical treatment). 
       FIG. 15  shows a rear view of the modular warming therapy device  310 . This figure shows the patient support assembly  360 , the mattress tray assembly  370 , the hood  371 , the first patient monitor  362 , and the grooves  318  for securing the second peripheral device  330 . 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  show front and side schematic views of the modular warming therapy device  310 , respectively. These figures also show some basic dimensions for the modular warming therapy device  310 , in millimeters (mm). 
       FIGS. 18   a - 18   d  show a fourth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  400 . The infant care system  400  has a warming therapy device  410 , such as a radiant warmer. The warming therapy device  410  includes a cart  412  and a patient support surface  414 . The cart  412  may have an adjustable spine  416  for supporting the patient support surface  414 . Storage modules  418 , such as drawers, may be mounted on the warming therapy device  410  at various locations. In the embodiment shown, the storage modules  418  are mounted on the spine  416 . Referring to  FIGS. 18   c  and  18   d  now, a peripheral device  420  may also be used in connection with and docked to the warming therapy device  410  as part of the infant care system  400 . Here the peripheral device  420  engages a docking port  426  located on the warming therapy device  410 . The docking port  426  is located proximate one of the longitudinal ends of the patient support surface  414 . In this case, the peripheral device  420  is a ventilator with gas supply tanks mounted thereon. Both the warming therapy device  410  and the peripheral device  420  have wheels  422  and  424 , respectively. When the warming therapy device  410  is in a lowered position, the wheels  422  of the warming therapy device  410  and the wheels  424  of the peripheral device  420  are both in contact with the supporting surface. However, when the patient support surface  414  is raised, the peripheral device  420  is also raised, as the result of the docking port  426  being located proximate the patient support surface  414  rather than elsewhere on the cart  412 , and the wheels  424  of the peripheral device  420  are no longer in contact with the supporting surface. 
       FIGS. 19   a - 19   c  show a fifth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  500 . The fifth exemplary embodiment is similar to the fourth exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the location of docking of a peripheral device to the warming therapy device. The infant care system  500  has a warming therapy device  510 , such as a radiant warmer. The warming therapy device  510  includes a cart  512  and a patient support surface  514 . The cart  512  may have an adjustable spine  516  for supporting the patient support surface  514 . Storage modules  518 , such as drawers, may be mounted on the warming therapy device  510  at various locations. In the embodiment shown, the storage modules  518  are mounted on the spine  516 . Referring to  FIGS. 19   b  and  19   c  now, a peripheral device  520  may also be used in connection with and docked to the warming therapy device  510  as part of the infant care system  500 . Here the warming therapy device  510  engages a docking port  526  located on the upper portion of the peripheral device  520 . The docking port  526  engages the warming therapy device  510  in the center of the patient support surface  514 . In this case, the peripheral device  520  is a ventilator with gas supply tanks mounted thereon. Both the warming therapy device  510  and the peripheral device  520  have wheels  522  and  524 , respectively. When the warming therapy device  510  is in a lowered position, the wheels  522  of the warming therapy device  510  and the wheels  524  of the peripheral device  520  are both in contact with the supporting surface. However, when the patient support surface  514  is raised, the peripheral device  520  is also raised, as the result of the docking port  526  engaging the warming therapy device  510  proximate the patient support surface  514  rather than elsewhere on the cart  512 , and the wheels  524  of the peripheral device  520  are no longer in contact with the supporting surface. 
       FIGS. 20   a - 20   d  show a sixth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  600 . The sixth exemplary embodiment is similar to the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments  400 ,  500 , with the exception of the location of docking of a peripheral device to the warming therapy device. The infant care system  600  has a warming therapy device  610 , such as a radiant warmer. The warming therapy device  610  includes a cart  612  and a patient support surface  614 . The cart  612  may have an adjustable spine  616  for supporting the patient support surface  614 . Storage modules  618 , such as drawers, may be mounted on the warming therapy device  610  at various locations. In the embodiment shown, the storage modules  618  are mounted on the lower side of the patient support surface  614 . Referring to  FIGS. 20   d  and  20   e  now, a peripheral device  620  may also be used in connection with and docked to the warming therapy device  610  as part of the infant care system  600 . Here the warming therapy device  610  is docked to a docking port  626  on the underside of the patient support surface  614 . The docking port  626  engages the warming therapy device  610  in the center of the patient support surface  614 . In this case, the peripheral device  620  is a ventilator with gas supply tanks mounted thereon. Both the warming therapy device  610  and the peripheral device  620  have wheels  622  and  624 , respectively. When the warming therapy device  610  is in a lowered position, the wheels  622  of the warming therapy device  610  and the wheels  624  of the peripheral device  620  are both in contact with the supporting surface. However, when the patient support surface  614  is raised, the peripheral device  620  is also raised, as the result of the docking port  626  engaging the warming therapy device  610  proximate the patient support surface  614  rather than elsewhere on the cart  612 , and the wheels  624  of the peripheral device  620  are no longer in contact with the supporting surface. 
       FIGS. 21   a - 21   e  show a seventh exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  700 . The seventh exemplary embodiment is similar to the fourth, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments  400 ,  500 ,  600 , with the exception of the location of docking of a peripheral device to the warming therapy device. The infant care system  700  has a warming therapy device  710 , such as a radiant warmer. The warming therapy device  710  includes a cart  712  and a patient support surface  714 . The cart  712  may have an adjustable spine  716  for supporting the patient support surface  714 . Storage modules  718 , such as drawers, may be mounted on the warming therapy device  710  at various locations. In the embodiment shown, the storage modules  718  are mounted on the lower side of the patient support surface  714 . Referring to  FIGS. 20   d  and  20   e  now, a peripheral device  720  may also be used in connection with and docked to the warming therapy device  710  as part of the infant care system  700 . Here the warming therapy device  710  is docked to a docking port  726  on the underside of the patient support surface  714 . The docking port  726  engages the warming therapy device  710  in the center of the patient support surface  714 . In this case, the peripheral device  720  is a ventilator with gas supply tanks mounted thereon. Both the warming therapy device  710  and the peripheral device  720  have wheels  722  and  724 , respectively. When the warming therapy device  710  is in a lowered position, the wheels  722  of the warming therapy device  710  and the wheels  724  of the peripheral device  720  are both in contact with the supporting surface. However, when the patient support surface  714  is raised, the peripheral device  720  is also raised, as the result of the docking port  726  engaging the warming therapy device  710  proximate the patient support surface  714  rather than elsewhere on the cart  712 , and the wheels  724  of the peripheral device  720  are no longer in contact with the supporting surface. 
       FIG. 22   a  shows a monitor and frame system  820  for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800  (shown in  FIG. 23   a ). The monitor and frame system  820  includes monitors  822  for monitoring various conditions of a patient and displays  824  for visually displaying said conditions. The monitor and frame system  820  may also include a hub  826  for connecting the monitors  822  and displays  824  together, a power supply  828  and a docking connection  830  for engaging a warming therapy device  810  (shown in  FIG. 22   b ) or some other medical device. 
       FIG. 22   b  shows a cart  812  and warming therapy device  810  for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800 . The cart  812  has a patient chamber  814 , a spine  816  and wheels  818 . The cart  812  also has male and female docking connections  813 ,  815  for mating with docking connections, such as the docking connection  830  on the monitor and frame system  820 . 
       FIG. 22   c  shows a ventilator cart  840  for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800 . The ventilator cart has wheels  842 , a monitor  843 , a ventilator  844  for providing ventilation gas to a patient, a humidification device  845  for humidifying the ventilation air, a power supply  846  and a docking module  847 , including male and female docking connections  848 ,  849  for engaging a warming therapy device  810  or other peripheral device. 
       FIG. 22   d  shows a supply cart  850  with ventilator gas tanks  852 , such as oxygen tanks or tanks or tanks with other gasses, and a battery  854  for use in connection with an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800 . The supply cart has a docking connection  855 , which may mate with the docking connection  849  on the ventilator cart  840 . When the supply cart  850  and the ventilator cart  840  are docked together, along with the warming therapy device  810 , they can act as a self-contained, transportable system for providing ventilation treatment to a patient residing within the warming therapy device  810 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23   a - 23   c , there is shown an eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800 . The infant care system is used in connection with a monitor and frame system  820  and a supply cart  850 . 
       FIG. 23   a  shows the monitor and frame system  820  being mounted on a wall  860 , such as in a hospital environment. The monitor and frame system  820  may be mounted on the wall  860 , with the warming therapy device  810  docked thereto, such as by a docking cable  862 . The docking cable  862  may comprise monitoring leads, power wires, gas supply tubes or any other feed lines or wires that may be used in connection with operation of the warming therapy device  810 . The docking cable  862  is also mutable to the docking connections  830 ,  813 , such as on the warming therapy device  810  and the monitor and frame system  820 . Here, the warming therapy device  810  is docked, via docking cables  862  to both the wall  860  and the monitor and frame device  810 . 
       FIG. 23   b  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800  with the monitor and frame system  820  transportably engaged to and mounted on the warming therapy device  810 . Here, the monitor and frame device  820  is linked to the wall  860 , via a docking cable  862 . The warming therapy device  810  is docked to the wall  860  and monitor and frame device  820  via docking cables  862 . The docking cables that dock to the wall  860  may supply power, ventilation gasses or provide the transmission of data to and from the warming therapy device  810  and monitor and frame device  820 . 
       FIG. 23   c  shows the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800  with a monitor and frame system  820  and supply cart  850  docked to the warming therapy device  810 . Here, the warming therapy device  810  is entirely disengaged by the wall  860 , power is supplied by a batter  854  on the supply cart  850  and ventilation gas is supplied by the gas tanks  852  on the supply cart  850 . 
     The warming therapy device  810  may comprise a braking system and braking controls. The supply cart  850  may also comprise a braking system. When the warming therapy device  810  and supply cart  850  are docked together, the braking controls of the warming therapy device  810  are operable to control the braking systems of both the warming therapy device  810  and the supply cart  850 . Linkage of the braking system and controls may be mechanical, electrical or pneumatic, such that by actuating a braking control on the warming therapy device  810 , a caretaker is able stop or facilitate rolling movement of both the warming therapy device  810  and the supply cart  850 . The braking system may be linked using the docking connections on the first and second peripheral devices  120 ,  130 . 
       FIGS. 24   a - 24   c  show the eighth exemplary embodiment of an infant care system  800  with a wall mounted monitor and frame system  820  and a ventilator cart  840  docked to a warming therapy device  810 . In  FIG. 24   a , the monitor and frame system  820  is mounted on the wall  860 . The warming therapy device  810  is docked to the wall  860  and the monitor and frame system  820  via docking cables  862 . A ventilator cart  840  is docked directly to the warming therapy device  810 . 
       FIG. 24   b  shows the infant care system  800  with a monitor and frame system  820  and ventilator cart  840  docked thereto. The warming therapy device  810  is docked to the wall  860  via a docking cable  862 . 
       FIG. 24   c  shows the infant care system  800  with a warming therapy device  810  having a monitor and frame system  820  and a ventilator cart  840  docked thereto. The warming therapy device  810  is not docked to the wall  860  and supply cart  850  having gas tanks  852  and a battery  854  is docked to the ventilation cart  840 . When detached from the wall  860 , the infant care system  800  is movable as a self-contained unit with various devices docked together. 
       FIG. 25   a  shows a storage cart  864  for use in connection with an infant care system, such as the infant care system  100  described above. The storage cart  864  is dockable to the warming therapy device  110  of the infant care system  100 , for rolling transport therewith. The storage cart  864  includes wheels  865  and a handle  866  for moving the infant care system  100 . The storage cart  864  may also include drawers  867  and shelving  868  for carrying any necessary supplies for treating the infant in the warming therapy device  110 . 
       FIG. 25   b  shows a transport cart  870  for use in connection with an infant care system, such as the infant care system  100 . The transport cart  870  is dockable to the warming therapy device  110  of the infant care system  100 , far rolling transport therewith. The transport cart  870  includes wheels  872  and a handle  874  for moving the infant care system  100 . The transport can  870  also includes gas tanks  876  for providing uninterrupted ventilation gas or excess oxygen during transport. Drawers, a battery or other apparatus may also be mounted on the transport cart  870 . 
       FIG. 25   c  shows a ventilator cart  880  for use in connection with an infant care system, such as the infant care system  100 . The ventilator cart  880  is dockable to the warming therapy device  110  of the infant care system  100 , for rolling transport therewith. The ventilator cart  880  includes wheels  882  and a handle  884  for moving the infant care system  100 . The ventilator cart  880  is adapted to provide ventilation treatment to an infant in the warming therapy device  110  and may be supplied with ventilation gas by a permanent source or a transportable source, such as the gas tanks  876  mounted on the transport cart  870  of  FIG. 25   b.    
     Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the invention which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. 
     An apparatus as described above with reference to the foregoing description and appended drawings is hereby claimed.