Heating apparatus
The present technology relates to a tub for a humidifier comprising a container made of a first material, a heating element, and a lining made of a second, preferably biocompatible, material different from the first material, wherein the container comprises a base and a side wall defining a reservoir for a supply of liquid to be evaporated, the heating element is provided on the base of the container, and the lining covers the heating element and a substantial portion of the inner surface of the side wall of the container.
1. A method of manufacturing a tub for a humidifier comprising:
a) providing a tool for molding a container;
b) positioning a heating element inside said tool; and
c) molding a container made of a first material around said heating element, wherein the container comprises a base and a side wall defining a reservoir for a supply of liquid to be evaporated, wherein the heating element is arranged on an inner surface of the container; and
d) subsequent to molding the container, molding a second material different from the first material over at least the heating element on an inner surface of the container in order to provide a lining,
wherein the heating element is preheated to a predetermined temperature before the step of molding the first material, and
wherein the predetermined temperature is between 50° C. and 200° C.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the heating element is arranged on at least the base of the container.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding of the second material comprises injection-molding.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing a supporting structure and/or a plug or connector.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of molding the second material over a substantial portion of the inner surface of the side wall of the container and/or the supporting structure and/or the plug or connector in order to provide a lining.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second material is elastic.