US 12,290,332 B2
Air gap detectors in heating system for draped basin
Kevin Joseph Rackers, Summerfield, NC (US); Thomas J. Wanbaugh, Cary, NC (US); and Paul Grozier, Libertyville, IL (US)
Assigned to WEG Surgical Solutions, LLC, Greensboro, NC (US)
Filed by WEG Surgical Solutions, LLC, Cary, NC (US)
Filed on Apr. 13, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/229,813.
Application 17/229,813 is a continuation in part of application No. 16/240,387, filed on Jan. 4, 2019, granted, now 10,973,601.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/768,721, filed on Nov. 16, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2021/0236223 A1, Aug. 5, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 46/00 (2016.01); A61F 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 46/00 (2016.02) [A61F 7/0053 (2013.01); A61F 7/007 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A heating system for providing heat to a draped basin containing liquid above a drape, the heating system comprising:
a set of at least one at least one heating element including a first heating element in thermal contact with an underside of the draped basin;
at least one temperature sensor monitored by a controller that regulates a first flow of electricity sent to the first heating element for use in providing heat;
a first set of at least one air gap detector including a first air gap detector located in thermal contact with the first heating element:
the first air gap detector monitoring temperature on a portion of the underside of the draped basin in proximity to the first air gap detector;
the first air gap detector responding to a temperature above a first high setpoint temperature by interrupting the first flow of electricity sent to the first heating element;
the first air gap detector continuing the interruption of the first flow of electricity sent to the first heating element until detecting that the temperature is below a first reset setpoint temperature which is less than the first high setpoint temperature; and
wherein an air gap in proximity to the first air gap detector is prevented from causing a severe temperature excursion in a portion of the draped basin by the interruption of the first flow of electricity sent to the first heating element.