Object Details
- Description
- Portable infant carrier and incubator for premature infants made by Pragel Portable Incubators, Inc. In 1949, John Louis Pragel (1883-1953), a maker of steel trunks and racks for automobiles in Baltimore, Maryland, patented the design for this carrier. According to an article in the Baltimore Sun (May 29, 1949) the idea for the carrier originated with Beatrice McKellar, an obstetric nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Sara Fetters, at the Maryland Department of Health. The two women worked with Pragel to develop the carrier “for transporting prematurely born infants from outlying communities to hospitals having incubators.” The article states that at the time there were forty-nine (49) carriers strategically located around the state at firehouses and police stations. By calling the nearest station, a nurse could have a carrier delivered where needed. Only a few hospitals around the state were equipped with incubators. It was hoped that the carrier would help reduce the number of premature infant deaths.
- The carrier was described in the patent as both rugged and economical, designed for rapid cleaning and effective sterilization. The hinged top allowed easy access to the infant. Other openings provided for ventilation and observation of the infant. An exterior bracket held an oxygen tank and a water bottle to maintain appropriate levels of oxygen and humidity within. The bracket was easily removed when oxygen was not required. A removable platform fitted in the interior provided support for the infant and bedding, while accommodating and supporting hot water bottles on the sides and underneath. A thermometer was mounted in the top for monitoring temperature.
- The carrier in the museum’s collection came from Tampa General Hospital. The manufacturer’s plate on carrier reads: “PRAGEL PORTABLE INCUBATORS, INC. / 617 PARK AVENUE / BALTIMORE 1, MD / U.S. PATENT NO. 2470721”.
- REFERENCES:
- Patent US2470721A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US2470721A/en
- Fielding, Geoffrey W., “Life-Saving Box” (Baltimore Sun, 29 May 1949).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Date made
- ca 1950
- patent date
- 1949-05-17
- Credit Line
- University of South Florida, Medical Center, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Tampa General Hospital
- Physical Description
- aluminum; plastic; glass; rubber (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall (approx.): 15 in x 19 1/2 in x 13 in; 38.1 cm x 49.53 cm x 33.02 cm
- Object Name
- incubator, infant, portable
