Electrical power source for an intravenous fluid heating system
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8690842-B2
Publication Date
2014-04-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus heats fluids. A number of lithium-ion cells are positioned within a housing. A first connector is positioned on a first end of the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. The first connector is configured to receive electrical power from a power source. A second connector is positioned on a second end of the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. A heating element has a tube for transferring fluid. The heating element is configured to connect to the second connector. A controller is positioned within the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controller is configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and limit an amount of the electrical power received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus for heating fluids that uses a number of lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing. The apparatus includes a first connector on a first end of the housing for receiving electrical power from an external power source and a second connector on a second end of the housing operably connected to the lithium-ion cells. A heating element having a tube is configured to connect to the second connector, receive electrical power stored in the number of lithium-ion cells, and heat fluid by converting the electrical power into thermal energy.
A controller positioned within the housing is operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controller monitors a rate at which electrical power is received by the heating element and limits an amount of electrical power received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level. The controller is further configured to electrically disconnect the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the external power source.
The disclosed portable system additionally provides status and feedback indication through indicator elements and a graphical display unit, and optional remote communication via a communication unit/network connection. The system also includes a battery adapter module enabling electrical power from the portable battery to be delivered to different device interfaces through output connectors. Construction and packaging are addressed by a lightweight housing having insulating layers, joining via a seam, and exterior grip features.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies two independent claims, an apparatus and a method. The main inventive coverage centers on a lithium-ion battery-powered tube-based heating element with controller-based rate monitoring, power limiting, and controller-driven electrical disconnection during external power connection.
Lithium-ion cells in a housing with first and second connectors
An apparatus for heating fluids comprising a number of lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing, a first connector positioned on a first end of the housing configured to receive electrical power from an external power source, and a second connector positioned on a second end of the housing operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells.
Tube-based heating element converting stored electrical power into thermal energy
A heating element having a tube for transferring fluid, the heating element configured to connect to the second connector, receive electrical power stored in the number of lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting the electrical power into thermal energy.
Controller monitoring rate, limiting power, and electrically disconnecting during external power connection
A controller positioned within the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and limit an amount of the electrical power received when the rate reaches a predetermined level, and wherein the controller is configured to electrically disconnect the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the external power source.
Storing power in lithium-ion cells, powering tube heating element, and transferring thermal energy
A method for heating fluids comprising storing electrical power in a number of lithium-ion cells in a housing operably connected to a first connector and a second connector, transferring fluid through a tube of a heating element configured to connect with the second connector and convert electrical power into thermal energy, receiving electrical power by the heating element via the second connector, and transferring thermal energy from the heating element to the fluid transferring through the tube.
Rate monitoring and controller-driven electrical disconnection during external power connection
Monitoring, by a controller within the housing, a rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and limiting an amount of the electrical power received by the heating element, wherein the controller is configured to electrically disconnect the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the external power source.
Across both independent claims, the core coverage is a battery-powered, connector-fed, tube-based heating element controlled by a controller that monitors electrical power receipt rate and limits power when a predetermined level is reached, with electrical disconnection of the heating path when the external power source is connected via the first connector.
Stated Advantages
Limits an amount of electrical power received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level.
Electrically disconnects the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the external power source.
Provides status and feedback indication using indicator elements and a graphical display unit.
Enables delivering electrical power in multiple formats via a battery adapter module and output connectors.
Allows optional remote communication via a communication unit/network connection.
Documented Applications
Heating fluids using a tube-based heating element configured to transfer fluid through the tube.
Intravenous fluid routing in a heating element made of multiple concatenated heating modules arranged with input and output ports that connect an intravenous fluid supply to an intravenous fluid needle.
Delivering electrical power from a portable battery to different devices through a battery adapter module and output connectors with multiple electrical interfaces.
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