System, apparatus, and method for warming fluid for intravenous infusion

Abstract

In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongate heating element, a first conductive support member, a second conductive support member, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can define a fluid channel extending from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. The elongate heating element can be disposed within the fluid channel and supported by the first conductive support member and the second conductive support member. The first electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the first conductive support member, and the second electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the second conductive support member. Energy can be supplied from a power source to the elongate heating element through one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongate heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 345,844, entitled "Systems, Apparatus, and Methods for Warming Fluid for Intravenous Infusion," filed on May 25, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Description of Research and Development

[0002] This invention was made with government support under contract number FA864922PO648 awarded by AFWERX (United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)). The government has certain rights in this invention.

Background Art

[0003] Many medical conditions require the delivery of intravenous fluids and / or blood products, and some conditions such as hemorrhagic shock require the rapid delivery of fluids and blood products. High - speed injectors are typically bulky, with complex set - up and use. In addition, high - speed injectors are typically limited in the amount of pressure they can generate (e.g., up to 300 mmHg) by the type of mechanism used to generate pressure (external pressurization of an intravenous (IV) bag, peristaltic pump). They may be able to deliver fluids and blood rapidly through large - bore IV access (over 1000 mL / min), but typical high - speed injectors have limited flow rates through peripheral IVs. Furthermore, warming intravenous fluids and / or blood products before administration to a patient has many advantages, including improved recovery time, prevention of hypothermia, and increased patient comfort.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and method for fluid infusion that enables easy transport, simple setup and user control, continuous fluid flow at high flow rates through peripheral IV sites, and fluid warming. Specifically, there is a need for a system, apparatus, and method for intravenous fluid warming that is highly energy efficient, consistent, effective at high fluid flow rates, while being portable and enabling quick and simple setup. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongate heating element, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can include one or more channel walls that define a fluid channel extending from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. The elongate heating element can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel. The elongate heating element can have an outer surface (e.g., the entire outer surface of the heating element) spaced from each of the one or more channel walls such that fluid within the fluid channel can flow between the one or more channel walls and the outer surface of the elongate heating element. The first electrical connector can be electrically coupled to a first portion of the elongate heating element, and the second electrical connector can be electrically coupled to a second portion of the elongate heating element. Each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is configured to be electrically coupled to a power source such that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongate heating element via one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongate heating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongate heating element, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can include one or more channel walls that define a fluid channel extending from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. The elongate heating element can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel. The elongate heating element can have an outer surface (e.g., the entire outer surface of the heating element) spaced apart from each of the one or more channel walls such that fluid within the fluid channel can flow between the one or more channel walls and the outer surface of the elongate heating element. The first electrical connector can be electrically coupled to a first portion of the elongate heating element, and the second electrical connector can be electrically coupled to a second portion of the elongate heating element. Each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is configured to be electrically coupled to a power source such that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongate heating element via one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongate heating element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongate heating element, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can define a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The elongate heating element can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel. The elongate heating element can include a first surface disposed in a first plane and a second surface disposed in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The first electrical connector can be partially disposed within the fluid channel and can be coupled to a first portion of the elongate heating element. The second electrical connector can be partially disposed within the fluid channel and can be coupled to a second portion of the elongate heating element. The first electrical connector can be configured to support the first portion of the elongate heating element within the fluid channel and the second electrical connector can be configured to support the second portion of the elongate heating element within the fluid channel such that fluid can flow along the first and second sides of the elongate heating element. Each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is configured to be electrically coupled to a power source such that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongate heating element via one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongate heating element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongate heating element, a first conductive support member, a second conductive support member, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can define a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The elongate heating element can be disposed within the fluid channel. The first conductive support member can be coupled to the elongate heating element at a first location. The second conductive support member can be coupled to the elongate heating element at a second location. The first conductive support member and the second conductive support member can be configured to support the elongate heating element within the fluid channel such that fluid can flow between the channel walls of the housing defining the fluid channel and the elongate heating element along two opposing sides of the elongate heating element. The first electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the first conductive support member, and the second electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the second conductive support member. Each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can be configured to be electrically coupled to a power source such that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongate heating element through one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongate heating element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system includes a housing, an elongated heating element, a first conductive support member, a second conductive support member, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The housing can define a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The elongated heating element can have a first side, a second side, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The elongated heating element can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel. The first conductive support member can be at least partially disposed within the fluid channel and coupled to the elongated heating element at a first location. The second conductive support member can be at least partially disposed within the fluid channel and coupled to the elongated heating element at a second location. The first electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the first conductive support member, and the second electrical connector can be electrically coupled to the second conductive support member. Each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can be configured to be electrically coupled to a power source such that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongated heating element through one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector to raise the temperature of the elongated heating element.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 (also referred to as a fluid warmer system, a fluid warmer, or a warm fluid injector). The system 100 includes a housing 110, an elongated heating element 120, a first conductive support member 140, a second conductive support member 142, a first electrical connector 150, and a second electrical connector 152. The housing 110 defines a fluid inlet 132, a fluid outlet 134, and a fluid channel 130 (also referred to as a "path") extending from the fluid inlet 132 to the fluid outlet 134. The elongated heating element 120 is disposed within the fluid channel 130.

[0012] The fluid channel 130 can have any suitable shape. For example, the fluid channel 130 can include any suitable number of straight segments and / or curved segments having any suitable radius of curvature. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid channel 130 can be linear such that the fluid inlet 132, the fluid channel 130, and the fluid outlet 134 are coaxially aligned. In some embodiments, the fluid channel 130 can have a meandering shape that includes any suitable number of curved segments that are directly coupled to adjacent curved segments or coupled to adjacent curved segments via straight segments. In some embodiments, some or all of the straight segments of the fluid channel 130 can be arranged parallel to each other and serially coupled by curved segments. The fluid channel 130 can be shaped such that rather than linearly extending the distance from the fluid inlet 132 to the fluid outlet 134, the fluid channel 130 passes back and forth a plurality of times within one or more planes, reducing the overall length, width, and / or height of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the fluid channel 130 can have a helical shape. As will be described in more detail, the length of the fluid channel 130 from the fluid inlet 132 and the fluid outlet 134, in combination with the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 130, can be made long enough such that the elongate heating element 120 disposed within the fluid channel 130 has a target electrical resistance and a surface area large enough to contact the fluid flow and heat the fluid passing through the fluid channel 130 to a target temperature or target temperature range.

[0013] The fluid channel 130 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the fluid channel 130 defined by the channel wall(s) of the housing 110 can be round, oval, circular, rectangular, polygonal (e.g., hexagonal), or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, any corners of the fluid channel 130 can be rounded or curved. For example, in some embodiments where the fluid channel 130 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the housing 110 can include a fillet along the fluid channel 130 to round the rectangular corners.

[0014] The size (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the fluid channel 130 can be selected to appropriately manage the microparticles and minimize turbulence. Specifically, the system 100 can be used to warm a fluid containing blood or a blood product for delivery to a patient's vasculature. The transfused blood may contain microparticles (e.g., small blood clots) that may not be filtered before moving into the fluid channel 130. If the fluid channel 130 is too narrow (e.g., overall, or in the space within the fluid channel 130 defined between the elongated heating element 120 and the channel wall of the housing 110), the particles may clog within the fluid channel 130. Additionally, the narrower the fluid channel 130, the higher the Reynolds number (i.e., the degree to which the fluid flow is turbulent versus laminar). Reynolds numbers between 2000 and 4000 can result in various levels of turbulence, and fully developed turbulence occurs at Reynolds numbers above 4000. If the fluid flow through the fluid channel 130 is overly turbulent, the turbulence can impart high shear forces to the fluid that may cause hemolysis of red blood cells. To minimize the possibility of clogging the warmer with particles and avoid imparting excessive shear forces to the blood due to the high turbulence associated with high Reynolds numbers, the fluid channel 130 can be formed such that the dimension (e.g., diameter or other lateral extent) of any cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 130 between the first end and the second end does not fall below a minimum distance. The minimum distance is, for example, 0.050 inches.

[0015] The size (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the fluid channel 130 can also be selected such that the fluid channel 130 can be fully primed so that the liquid flow displaces air within the fluid channel 130, regardless of the orientation of the fluid channel 130 with respect to gravity. Such a feature prevents trapped air from being disposed within the fluid channel 130 and reduces the risk of user error because the device does not need to be held in a particular orientation during priming. Such a feature can be achieved by forming the fluid channel 130 such that all cross-sectional areas of the fluid channel 130 between the first end and the second end of the fluid channel 130 have a maximum diameter or lateral extent that is small enough. In some embodiments, the maximum diameter can be, for example, about 0.500 inches or about 0.375 inches.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing 110 includes two portions that can be coupled to each other to define a fluid channel 130. The first portion may be, for example, a clam shell that defines the fluid channel 130 (e.g., three sides of the fluid channel 130 having a rectangular cross-section), and the second portion may be a lid or cap that is attached to the first portion and can form at least one boundary (e.g., the upper surface) of the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, the first portion can define, for example, the lower half of the fluid channel 130, and the second portion can define, for example, the upper half of the fluid channel 130. The first and second portions can be coupled to each other via a seal to prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, the seal can include one or more gaskets combined with ultrasonic welding, solvent adhesion, radio frequency (RF) welding, adhesives, and / or fasteners. The fluid channel 130 is such that all liquid flows and air entering the fluid inlet 132 follow the elongated heating element 120 and reach the fluid outlet 134, and the housing 110 is reinforced so as to resist separation of the first and second portions due to positive and negative fluid pressures within the fluid path 130 and prevent air from leaking into the fluid channel 130, and is sealed both around the housing 110 and between the continuous path of the elongated heating element 120. In some embodiments, the interface between the first and second portions of the housing 110 along each side of the fluid channel 130 includes a seal that extends along the length of the fluid channel 130 (e.g., continuously and parallel to the central axis of the fluid channel 130). In some embodiments, the housing 110 is formed such that the outer surface of the housing 100 is shaped as a block having six sides.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 132 and the fluid outlet 134 are disposed on the same side of the housing 100. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 132 and the fluid outlet 134 are disposed on different sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can have an outer surface that conforms to or corresponds to the shape of the fluid channel 130 (e.g., serpentine, U-shaped). In some embodiments, the housing 110 can include straight segments and curved segments, the straight segments being arranged parallel to each other and can be in contact with or spaced apart from adjacent parallel segments. In some embodiments, the housing 110 includes a central portion that includes several straight channel segments in one or more planes, and end caps configured to be sealingly coupled to both ends of the central portion and fluidically couple the straight channel segments to another straight channel segment with a 180-degree curve to form a serpentine flow path. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can be formed as or included in a cartridge that can be coupled to other systems or assemblies, such as the drive assembly portion 164 of the fluid injection assembly 165, and can include mechanical and / or electrical interfaces. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can include protruding features such as ridges, ribs, protrusions, and / or other structures that extend from the channel walls defining the fluid channel 130 and are configured to support the elongated heating element 120 within the fluid channel 130.

[0018] The elongated heating element 120 (also referred to as an elongated heating member, heating element, or heating member) can have an overall shape corresponding to the shape of the fluid channel 130 or a portion of the fluid channel 130. For example, the elongated heating element 120 can extend between a first end of the fluid channel 130 or a location near it (e.g., near the fluid inlet 132) and a second end of the fluid channel 130 or a location near it (e.g., near the fluid outlet 134). In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be in a ribbon shape, such as the elongated heating element 1020 shown in FIG. 17, which is, for example, a metal ribbon folded or formed into a desired shape. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be punched from sheet material metal such that, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 with respect to the elongated heating element 1120, parallel elongated portions are joined to adjacent elongated portions by flat segments arranged perpendicular to each other. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 is planar and formed as a flat ribbon, similar to the elongated heating element 1220 shown in FIG. 19, and can be punched from sheet material, for example. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be formed as a wire, such as a circular wire or a hollow circular wire. For example, a hollow circular wire can have a larger diameter than a non-hollow circular wire while having the same resistance as the non-hollow circular wire with a smaller diameter (thus, an increased cross-sectional area and increased contact between the outer surface of the hollow circular wire and the fluid). The elongated heating element 120 can be sufficiently rigid such that the shape of the elongated heating element 120 and the location of the elongated heating element 120 relative to the housing 110 (e.g., relative to the channel wall of the housing 110 defining the fluid channel 130) are maintained regardless of the orientation of the system 100 (e.g., regardless of whether the housing 110 is upside down or the elongated heating element 120 is oriented sideways while being mounted therein).In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be disposed within the fluid channel 130 such that the distance between the side surfaces of the elongated heating element 120 and the channel walls facing each side surface is constant over the entire length of the elongated heating element 120 and / or over the length of the straight portion of the elongated heating element 120. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be disposed within the fluid channel 130 such that the distances between the opposing side surfaces of the elongated heating element 120 and the channel walls facing each opposing side surface are equal.

[0019] The elongated heating element 120 has a first side surface, a second side surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 has a width between the first side surface and the second side surface that is smaller than the height of the elongated heating element 120 between the upper surface and the lower surface. Thus, the elongated heating element 120 can extend into the fluid channel 130 away from the first electrical connector 150 in a direction parallel or coaxial with the central axis of the first electrical connector 150 or the second electrical connector 152. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 has a width between the first side surface and the second side surface that is larger than the height of the elongated heating element 120 between the upper surface and the lower surface. Thus, the elongated heating element 120 can extend into the fluid channel 130 away from the first electrical connector 150 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the first electrical connector 150 or the second electrical connector 152. The fluid channel 130 and the elongated heating element 120 can be shaped and sized such that the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 130 flows along the length of the elongated heating element 120.

[0020] The elongated heating element 120 can be a resistive heating element (also referred to as a "heat exchanger"). In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy, and the thermal energy is transferred from the elongated heating element 120 to the fluid within the fluid channel 130 to increase the temperature of the fluid within the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can convert electrical energy into thermal energy such that the fluid moving through the fluid channel 130 at a high flow rate (e.g., between a keep vein open (KVO) rate and about 1500 mL / min, or between about 10 mL / min and about 1500 mL / min) can be heated (e.g., from a storage temperature such as 2 - 6 °C, or from room temperature to a target temperature such as body temperature or near it). In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be formed to have a sufficient surface area and a target electrical resistance (e.g., an electrical resistance of about 1 Ω) so as to be able to transfer sufficient heat to the fluid moving through the fluid channel 130 at a particular flow rate (e.g., a high flow rate). The target electrical resistance is selected such that the current required to generate the desired power for heating does not become excessively high (which can be the case if the resistance is too low), and the current supplied by the power source is not insufficient to generate the desired power for heating (which can be the case if the resistance is too high). For example, in some embodiments, the electrical resistance of the elongated heating element 120 can be between about 0.1 Ω and about 10 Ω. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can be formed as a flat ribbon having a thickness of about 0.001 inches or more to avoid manufacturing difficulties and accidental breakage. As the thickness is increased, the height needs to be decreased or the length increased to maintain the same resistance, thus avoiding the difficulty in folding the flat ribbon during assembly and avoiding the necessity for the elongated heating element 120 to be unnecessarily large and difficult to handle, and it can be formed as a flat ribbon having a thickness of about 0.030 inches or less. In some embodiments, the height of the flat ribbon's elongated heating element 120 can be about 0.500 inches or less to avoid exceeding the maximum fluid channel height (e.g., 0.500 inches) that allows for proper priming.In some embodiments, the length of the elongate heating element 120 (formed, for example, as a flat ribbon) can be 150 inches or less in order to avoid an over-sized heating element 120 and an over-sized housing 110 having a large priming volume. The length of the elongate heating element 120 (formed, for example, as a flat ribbon) can be 12 inches or more in order to avoid electrolysis due to insufficient resistance, insufficient surface area, and excessive potential drop over short distances. In some embodiments, the elongate heating element 120 can have a varying cross-sectional area that changes to produce more or less local regions of heating, respectively, by decreasing or increasing the cross-sectional area. For example, the cross-sectional area can be increased in the regions where the heating element 120 contacts the warmer housing 110 to minimize heating in those regions. In some embodiments, the elongate heating element 120 has a constant cross-sectional area through a portion of the elongate heating element 120, such as from a first end to a second end of the elongate heating element or through all of the straight segments of a serpentine-shaped elongate heating element 120. The heating element 120 can be formed from any suitable metal, such as, for example, stainless steel, titanium, and / or copper alloy. In some embodiments, a coating (e.g., a thin coating) or an electrical insulation layer can be disposed on the heating element 120. For example, the heating element 120 can be coated with a parylene coating, a silicone conformal coating, a Kapton® polyimide film, and / or any other suitable coating.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 130 through which fluid can flow can be substantially constant along the length of the fluid channel 130 and / or along the length of the fluid channel in which the elongated heating element is disposed. For example, in some embodiments, one or more channel walls of the housing 110 may be such that even if any protruding member configured to support and hold a part of the first electrical connector 150, the second electrical connector 152, the first conductive support member 140, the second conductive support member 142, and / or the heating element 120 protrudes into the fluid channel 130 from one or more channel walls of the housing 110, one or more increased-width portions of the fluid channel 130 associated with components disposed within the fluid channel that impede fluid flow can be defined so that the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 130 through which fluid can pass is substantially constant along the length of the elongated heating element 120. For example, one or more channel walls can define a first increased-width portion of the fluid channel associated with the first electrical connector 150 and / or the first conductive support member 140, and a second increased-width portion of the fluid channel associated with the second electrical connector 152 and / or the second conductive support member 142. In some embodiments, one or more channel walls can define one or more portions of the fluid channel 130 having an increased height and / or width. In some embodiments, the elongated heating element can include an increased-height and / or width portion that can correspond to the increased-height and / or width portion of the fluid channel 130 defined by one or more channel walls of the housing 110, and / or the surface area of the elongated heating element 120 accessible for contact with the fluid within the fluid channel 130 can be made substantially constant along the length of the elongated heating element 120, even for portions of the elongated heating element 120 that can define an opening and / or can be partially covered or contacted by other components.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heating element 120 can be shaped and sized to avoid an overly high DC voltage (e.g., 60+ V), which can be dangerous to the patient and / or clinical provider and can be more likely to exhibit undesirable effects such as electrolysis within the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, the heating element 120 can be shaped and sized to avoid an overly high DC current (e.g., 60+ A), which would require an unduly large electrical connector within the power supply 162. In some embodiments, using the system 100 to warm fluid from 4C to 38C at 1500 mL / min requires approximately 3000 W of power. Targeting a resistance of the heating element 120 of approximately 1 Ω enables 3000 W to be generated at a voltage of approximately 55 V and a current of approximately 55 A, keeping both the current and voltage within reasonable ranges for patient and clinical provider safety and portability.

[0023] The first conductive support member 140 is coupled to the elongate heating element 120 at a first location (e.g., at or near the first end of the elongate heating element 120), and the second conductive support member 142 is coupled to the elongate heating element 120 at a second location (e.g., at or near the second end of the elongate heating element 120). The first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 are configured to support the elongate heating element 120 such that the elongate heating element 120 is disposed within the fluid channel 130 (e.g., completely disposed within the fluid channel 130). The first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can support the elongate heating element 120 such that fluid can flow between the channel walls of the housing 110 that define the fluid channel 130 and the elongate heating element 120 along two opposing sides of the elongate heating element 120 and contact the opposing sides. For example, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 are configured to support the elongate heating element 120 such that the elongate heating element 120 is disposed within the fluid channel 130, and thus at least three surfaces of the first side, the second side, the top surface, and the bottom surface of the elongate heating element 120 are spaced apart from the channel walls of the housing 110 that define the fluid channel 130, and fluid can flow between the channel walls and each of the at least three surfaces and contact each of the at least three surfaces. In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 are configured to support the elongate heating element 120 within the fluid channel 130 such that a space for fluid flow is defined between each of the first side, the second side, the top surface, and the bottom surface and the channel walls of the housing 110 that define the fluid channel 130, and fluid flowing through the channel 130 can contact each of the first side, the second side, the top surface, and the bottom surface.In some embodiments, the elongated heating element 120 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular), and the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can support the elongated heating element 120 such that a space for fluid flow is defined between the elongated heating element 120 and at least the channel wall portions on both sides of the elongated heating element 120, and can completely surround the elongated heating element 120 along the length of the elongated heating element 120. In some embodiments, the entire elongated heating element 130 is disposed within the fluid channel 130 (e.g., from the first end to the second end of the elongated heating element 130). In some embodiments, no portion of the elongated heating element 120 directly contacts any portion of the housing 110 (e.g., any portion of the channel wall of the housing 110 that defines the fluid channel 130).

[0024] In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and / or the second conductive support member 142 can be at least partially disposed within the fluid channel 130 such that fluid flowing through the fluid channel 130 can contact the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142. In some embodiments, the shape and / or size of the fluid channel 130 at the portion of the fluid channel 130 where the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 contact the heating element 120 can be the same as the portion of the fluid channel 130 where the portion of the heating element 120 between the contact locations is disposed (e.g., the entire fluid channel between the contact locations with the heating element 120, or the portion of the fluid channel including the linear portion of the heating element 120 between the contact locations). In some embodiments, the fluid channel 130 can have a larger cross-sectional area (e.g., can be wider) at the portion of the fluid channel 130 where the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 contact the heating element 120 than the remaining portion of the fluid channel 130 where the heating element 120 is disposed, but the fluid channel 130 can still self-prime when fluid is introduced into the fluid channel 130 (e.g., due to the shape and size of the fluid channel 130 with respect to the heating element 120 and the first and second conductive support members 140, 142). In some embodiments, the interface between each of the first conductive support member 140 and / or the second conductive support member 142 and the elongate heating element 120 can be disposed within the fluid channel 130. Disposing the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 within the fluid channel 130 can allow for a high heating rate within the fluid channel 130 and a reduction in heating outside the fluid channel 130 (e.g., the housing defining the fluid channel 130), maximizing efficiency and minimizing risk to the patient and / or clinical provider. Further, the fluid can flow around the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 within the fluid channel 130 such that both the resistance to fluid flow through the channel and the shear forces that can potentially damage the blood are minimized.In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and / or the second conductive support member 142 may be at least partially disposed within the fluid channel 130 and coupled to the elongated heating element 120 within the fluid channel 130, such that the elongated heating element 120 combined with the first conductive support member 140 and / or the second conductive support member 142 "divides" the fluid channel 130 into two separate parallel fluid channels disposed on either side of the elongated heating element 120 (e.g., the elongated heating element 120, the first conductive support member 140 and / or the second conductive support member 142 extend from at least a first portion of the channel wall to a second portion of the channel wall to define separate smaller fluid channels within the fluid channel 130 on either side of the elongated heating element 120). Each of the smaller fluid channels defined through the fluid channel 130 may be self-priming.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can have a relatively low electrical resistance compared to the elongated heating element 130, and thus generate minimal heat. The low relative resistance of each of the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can be achieved by forming the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 to have a sufficiently large effective cross-sectional area such that current can flow through each with respect to the elongated heating element 130. The cross-sectional area of each of the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can be made sufficiently large such that each can effectively function as a low-gauge wire (e.g., having a lower gauge equivalent than the elongated heating element 120), for example. In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can be formed from a material having a lower resistance than the material forming the elongated heating element 130 such that the resistance of the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 is reduced or further reduced compared to the elongated heating element 130. The cross-sectional area of a metallic element is inversely proportional to the current density and the resistance, and thus a decrease in cross-sectional area is associated with an increase in heat generation. For this reason, it is desirable to increase the cross-sectional area of the conductive elements outside the fluid channel to reduce or eliminate hot spots that can damage the housing 110 (e.g., the plastic components of the housing 110) and cause safety concerns.

[0026] The first electrical connector 150 can be electrically coupled to the first conductive support member 140, and the second electrical connector 152 can be electrically coupled to the second conductive support member 142. In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 150 can be in direct contact with the first conductive support member 140, and the second electrical connector 152 can be in direct contact with the second conductive support member 142. In some embodiments, the interface between each of the first electrical connector 150 and the first conductive support member 140 and the second electrical connector 152 and the second conductive support member 142 can be disposed within the fluid channel 130, and the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 130 can contact a portion of each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152. The first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can extend through the wall of the housing 110, whereby each is electrically coupled (e.g., releasably) to the power source 162, whereby energy is provided from the power source 162 to the elongated heating element 120 through one of the first electrical connector 150 and the first conductive support member 140 or the second electrical connector 152 and the second conductive support member 142 to raise the temperature of the elongated heating element(s) 120.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can extend into the fluid channel 130 through the sidewall of the housing 110 such that the central axes of each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 are disposed perpendicular to the direction of the flow of fluid through the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can have a large diameter such that each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 has a lower gauge equivalent than the first conductive support member 140, the second conductive support member 142, and the elongated heating element 120. Each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can be formed as a plug (e.g., a male plug) having a portion that projects beyond the outer surface of the housing 110 for engaging with a power source 162 (e.g., a female electrical connector associated with the power source 162). Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can have an upper surface that forms a part of the wall defining the fluid channel 130. In some embodiments, a portion of each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can extend into the fluid channel 130 such that fluid can contact the sidewalls of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can each include a first portion formed as a screw and a second portion formed as a metal clip (e.g., a leaf spring) that is disposed entirely within the fluid channel 130 and configured to engage and support the heating element 120. The cross-sectional thickness of the metal portion forming each clip can all be made smaller than the cross-sectional thickness (e.g., diameter) of the screw and the cross-sectional thickness (e.g., diameter) of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152. Thus, the portions of the system 100 disposed within the fluid channel 130 and in contact with the fluid generate more heat than the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 due to their relative shapes and sizes (e.g., thicknesses). Additionally, the interface between the first portion and the second portion can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel 130 such that fluid moving through the fluid channel 130 can contact both the first portion and the second portion with the second portion disposed entirely within the fluid channel 130 and the first portion disposed at least partially within the fluid channel 130.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can include an upper surface and define a threaded recess (also referred to as a threaded hole) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142. The heating element 120 can be held between the first conductive support member 140 and the first electrical connector 150 and between the second conductive support member 142 and the second electrical connector 152. For example, the heating element 120 can define a first opening into which a portion of the first conductive support member 140 can be inserted and engaged with the first electrical connector 150, and a second opening into which a portion of the second conductive support member 142 can be inserted and engaged with the second electrical connector 150. In some embodiments, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 are each partially or entirely disposed within the fluid channel 130 and are formed as threads having a thread configuration configured to be received by the threaded recess of the first electrical connector 150 and the threaded recess of the second electrical connector 152 such that the heating element 120 is held between the electrical connectors 150, 152 and the conductive support members 140, 142, respectively. For example, the heating element 120 can be disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the head of each screw and the upper surface of each electrical connector 150, 152. In some embodiments, rather than being formed as screws, the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can each be formed as any suitable fastening element (e.g., a rivet, a welded connection) configured to fit and / or secure the heating element 120 to the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152.

[0030] In some embodiments, each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can define a through-hole opening disposed parallel or coaxial to the direction of fluid flow into the fluid channel 130, and a recess disposed perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow into the fluid channel 130 configured to receive a conductive plug. The first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142 can be formed as fin clamps disposed (e.g., clamped) on the heating element 820 (e.g., at both ends of the heating element 820). The first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can also define slots (e.g., recesses extending from opposite sides of the through-hole opening) configured to receive the fin clamps such that the fin clamps fit and contact the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152, respectively. The first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 can each receive the first fin clamp and the second fin clamp, whereby the fin clamps are centered within their respective through-holes and the fluid is diverted by the fin clamps to the first or second side of the heating element 120. In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 150 is configured to be disposed in or coupled to the fluid inlet 132, and the second electrical connector 152 is configured to be disposed in or coupled to the fluid outlet 134. In some embodiments, each of the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 is box-shaped.

[0031] In some embodiments, system 100 can include two or more elongate heating elements 120 to increase the surface area of the elongate heating element(s) 120 within fluid channel 130. For example, each elongate heating element 120 can be arranged in parallel, separated by a conductive spacer, and coupled to a common first conductive support member 140 and a common second conductive support member 142. In some embodiments, rather than including separate conductive support members 140, 142 and electrical connectors 150, 152, the first conductive support member 140 and the first electrical connector 150 can be formed as a composite component, and / or the second conductive support member 142 and / or the second electrical connector 152 can be formed as a composite component. In some embodiments, rather than the first electrical connector 150 and the second electrical connector 152 being coupled to the elongate heating element 120 via the first conductive support member 140 and the second conductive support member 142, the elongate heating element 120 can be integrally formed with the first conductive support member(s) 140 and the second conductive support member(s) 142 formed as protrusions or bosses that extend away from the heating element 120 and contact the channel walls that form the fluid channel 130 to center the elongate heating element 120 within the fluid channel 130.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fluid volume of the fluid channel 130 that surrounds or partially surrounds the elongate heating element 120 can be from about 5 mL to about 150 mL to avoid temperature spikes and inconsistent temperatures when the volume is too small, and excessive priming and warm-up times when the volume is too large.

[0033] The fluid inlet 132 and the fluid outlet 134 are configured to be coupled to an intravenous (IV) tube, whereby the fluid channel 130 can be arranged in series with the IV tube, and fluid can flow from the fluid source 180 through the fluid channel 130 to the patient vasculature connector 190. In some embodiments, the system 100 can include or be coupled to a fluid pump assembly 170 such that the fluid pump assembly 170 can deliver fluid from the fluid source 180 to the fluid inlet 132, through the fluid channel 130, the fluid outlet 134, and to the patient (e.g., via the patient vasculature connector 190). In some embodiments, the system 100 can include or be coupled to a fluid pump assembly 170 such that the fluid pump assembly 170 can draw fluid from the fluid source 180 into the fluid inlet 132, through the fluid channel 130, and from the fluid outlet 134 and deliver the fluid to the patient (e.g., via the patient vasculature connector 190). The system 100 can be configured such that as the fluid flows through the fluid channel 130 when the fluid pump assembly 170 flows the fluid through the fluid channel 130 at a rapid flow rate of about 100 mL / min to about 1500 mL / min, about 100 mL / min to about 1000 mL / min, or about 750 mL / min to about 1000 mL / min, the fluid can be warmed to a target temperature or temperature range (e.g., about 2 - 6°C to about 38°C or about 36°C to about 40°C). The system 100 can be configured such that as the fluid flows through the fluid channel 130 when the fluid pump assembly 170 flows the fluid through the fluid channel 130 at a flow rate of about 0.1 mL / min or about 0.1 mL / min to about 1500 mL / min, the fluid can be warmed to a target temperature or temperature range (e.g., about 2 - 6°C to about 38°C or about 36°C to about 40°C). In some embodiments, rather than including or being coupled to the fluid pump assembly 170, the fluid source 180 can be coupled to the fluid inlet 132 such that fluid from the fluid source 180 can be gravity-fed through the fluid channel 130.

[0034] In some embodiments, system 100 can include or be coupled to a power source 162. The power source 162 can be configured to supply direct current (DC) electrical energy to the elongated heating element 120 via the first electrical connector 150 and the first conductive support member 140. The power source 162 can be, for example, a battery or any other DC power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, system 100 can include or be coupled to a controller 161. The controller 161 can be electrically coupled to the power source 162 and can be configured to control the power supplied by the power source 162 to the elongated heating element 120. In some embodiments, the controller 161 can be configured to control the power supplied by the power source 162 to the elongated heating element 120 based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 154. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 154 can be fluidly coupled to the fluid within the fluid channel 130 such that the temperature sensor 154 can directly sense the temperature of the fluid within the fluid channel 130 (e.g., near the end of the elongated heating element near the fluid outlet), within the fluid outlet 134, or downstream of the fluid outlet 134. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 154 can sense the temperature of the fluid within the system 100 through the sidewall of an IV tube disposed downstream of the fluid outlet 134 or through the housing 110. In some embodiments, system 100 can include two or more temperature sensors of one or more types, each coupled to the controller 161 and configured to provide temperature data to the controller 161. For example, the two or more temperature sensors can be disposed within the fluid channel 130, at any suitable location within the housing 110, or along the flow path from the fluid source 180 to the patient vascular system connector 190.

[0036] In some embodiments, system 100 can adjust the power delivered to elongate heating element 120 such that the temperature of the fluid output by system 100 is maintained within a target range or at a target temperature, based on temperature feedback provided by temperature sensor 154 or any other temperature sensor included in system 100. The target temperature can be, for example, body temperature. The target temperature range can be, for example, a range near body temperature, a range up to body temperature, or a range up to and slightly above body temperature. In some embodiments, the target temperature can be about 38°C. In some embodiments, the target temperature range can be from about 36°C to about 40°C.

[0037] In some embodiments, temperature sensor 154 can be a device for measuring the temperature of the infusion fluid within warmer system 100, which can be disposed within a fluid drive assembly such as reusable drive assembly portion 164 discussed below. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 154 can include a thermocouple, a thermistor, or other suitable temperature measurement device. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 154 can include a controller that receives and interprets signals from such a device. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 154 can include an infrared sensor that includes or is coupled to warmer system 100 and detects the temperature of a portion of a fluid delivery assembly (e.g., fluid pump assembly 170) that contacts the warming fluid.

[0038] In some embodiments, the warmer system 100 can include a temperature sensing region, which is part of or in the vicinity of the warmer system 100, enables detection of the fluid temperature, and communicates with the temperature sensor 154. In some embodiments, the temperature sensing region includes a thermocouple, a thermistor, or other suitable temperature measurement device that is in direct contact with the injected fluid. In some embodiments, the temperature sensing region includes a thermocouple, a thermistor, or other suitable temperature measurement device that is directly adjacent to the fluid path but does not contact the fluid within the fluid path. In some embodiments, the temperature sensing region includes a thin region of the material that is in contact with the infusion fluid. A thermocouple, a thermistor, an IR sensor, or other means of sensing temperature can be included within the fluid drive assembly (e.g., the reusable drive assembly portion 164 discussed below) and placed in contact with or in proximity to the thin area of the material. The temperature of the thin region of the material approximates the fluid temperature and rapidly changes temperature as the infusion fluid temperature changes. In some embodiments, a thermocouple or thermistor can be included within the fluid channel, and electrical insulation can be included to prevent the electricity used to generate heat within the heating element 120 from shorting to the thermocouple or thermistor.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one temperature sensing region. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a temperature sensing region for measuring the maximum temperature of the injected fluid at the fluid outlet 134 of the warmer system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes additional temperature sensing regions at one or more locations along the fluid inlet 132 and / or the fluid channel 130.

[0040] In some embodiments, the controller 161 and / or the power source 162 can be included within a common fluid infusion assembly 165. In some embodiments, the fluid infusion assembly 165 includes a fluid pump assembly 170. In some embodiments, the fluid infusion assembly 165 includes a reusable drive assembly portion 164 and a disposable portion 166 that includes the fluid pump assembly 170. The drive assembly portion 164 can include, for example, the controller 161, the power source 162, and / or the motor 163. The drive assembly portion 164 can be configured to be releasably mechanically and optionally electrically coupled to the fluid pump assembly 170. For example, the disposable portion 166 can be coupled to the drive assembly portion 164 via mechanical couplings (including drive engagement components, retention components, and / or alignment components) and electrical couplings (configured for transmission of power and / or data). When the fluid pump assembly 170 is releasably coupled to the drive assembly portion 164, the drive assembly portion 164 (e.g., the controller 161 operably coupled to the motor 163) can control the delivery of fluid from the fluid pump assembly 170 (e.g., to the patient P). For example, the drive assembly portion 164 can be releasably coupled to the fluid pump assembly 170 to control the delivery of fluid from the fluid pump assembly 170 to provide a rapid and / or continuous (e.g., non-pulsatile) fluid flow from the fluid pump assembly 170. The drive assembly portion 164 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the drive assemblies described in International Patent Application No. 2022 / 019381, filed Mar. 8, 2022, by Robertson et al., titled "Systems, Apparatus, and Methods for Fluid Infusion" (hereinafter, Robertson '381), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The fluid pump assembly 170 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the fluid delivery assemblies described in Robertson '381.In some embodiments, rather than a common controller 161 controlling both the delivery of power from the power supply 162 to the elongate heating element 120 and the operation of the fluid injection assembly 165 for delivering fluid from the fluid source 180 to the patient via the fluid channel 130, a separate controller can be included in or coupled to the fluid injection assembly 165 to control the operation of the fluid pump assembly 170. In some embodiments, rather than a common power supply 162 providing power for both the delivery of power to the elongate heating element 120 and the operation of the fluid injection assembly 165 for delivering fluid from the fluid source 180 to the patient via the fluid channel 130, a separate power supply can be included in or coupled to the fluid injection assembly 165 to control the operation of the fluid pump assembly 170. In some embodiments, rather than the system 100 including a fluid injection assembly such as the fluid injection assembly 165 that includes the fluid pump assembly 170, the system 100 can be configured as a stand-alone fluid warmer that can be used in conjunction with and heat fluid flowing therethrough (e.g., to a patient) through tubing (e.g., intravenous tubing), and optionally can be coupled to any suitable fluid source and / or any suitable fluid dispensing device.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the system 200. The system 200 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein such as the system 100. For example, the system 200 includes a housing 210 that defines a fluid inlet 232 and a fluid outlet 234, a first electrical connector 250, and a second electrical connector 252. The housing 210 includes a first portion 212 and a second portion 214. The first portion 212 can include the fluid inlet 232 and the fluid outlet 234 and defines an opening that can receive the first electrical connector 250 and the second electrical connector 252 therein. The first portion 212 can define a fluid channel 230 (shown in FIG. 3), and the second portion 214 can be formed as a lid configured to form sidewalls of the fluid channel 230 when coupled to the first portion 212.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the system 200 in which the second portion 214 is not shown. As shown, the system 200 includes an elongated heating element 220. The first portion 212 of the housing 210 can define a fluid channel 230 such that the fluid channel 230 includes a wider portion in the region where the first electrical connector 250 and the second electrical connector 252 are each coupled to the elongated heating element 220 (e.g., via a first conductive support member and a second conductive support member (not shown), respectively).

[0043] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a housing 310 that defines a rectangular fluid channel 330 and an elongated heating element 320 formed as a ribbon. The housing 310, the fluid path 330, and the elongated heating element 320 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the housing, fluid path, and elongated heating element described herein. As shown, the elongated heating element 320 can have a first side surface 322, a second side surface 324, an upper surface 326, and a lower surface 328. The elongated heating element 320 has a width B between the first side surface 322 and the second side surface 324 that is less than the height A of the elongated heating element 320 between the upper surface 326 and the lower surface 328. The fluid channel 330 can be defined by a first side wall 331, a second side wall 333 that faces the first side wall 331, an upper wall 335 that is disposed perpendicular to the first side wall 331 and the second side wall 333, and a lower wall 337 that faces the upper wall 335. The first side wall 331 and the second side wall 333 can be separated by a distance C. The upper wall 335 and the lower wall 337 can be separated by a distance D. As shown in FIG. 4, the elongated heating element 320 can be centered within the fluid channel 330 such that the distance between the first side surface 322 and the first side wall 331 is the same as the distance between the second side surface 324 and the second side wall 333, and the distance between the upper surface 326 and the upper wall 335 is the same as the distance between the lower surface 328 and the lower wall 337. The height A can be from about.075 inches to about 0.500 inches. The width B can be from about 0.001 inches to about 0.050 inches. The distance C can be from about 0.50 inches to about 0.500 inches. The distance D can be between the height A and about 0.500 inches or about two to three times the height A.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a housing 410 that defines a circular fluid channel 430 and an elongated heating element 420 formed as a ribbon. The housing 410, the fluid path 430, and the elongated heating element 420 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the housings, fluid paths, and elongated heating elements described herein. As shown, the elongated heating element 420 can have a first side surface 422, a second side surface 424, an upper surface 426, and a lower surface 428. The elongated heating element 420 has a width B between the first side surface 422 and the second side surface 424 that is less than the height A of the elongated heating element 420 between the upper surface 426 and the lower surface 428. The fluid channel 430 can have a diameter C. The height A can be from about.075 inches to about 0.500 inches. The width B can be from about 0.001 inches to about 0.050 inches. The diameter C can be, for example, between about the height A and about 0.500 inches or about 2-3 times the height A. As shown in FIG. 5, the elongated heating element 420 can be placed at the center within the fluid channel 430.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a housing 510 that defines a hexagonal fluid channel 530 and an elongated heating element 520 formed as a ribbon. The housing 510, the fluid path 530, and the elongated heating element 520 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the housings, fluid paths, and elongated heating elements described herein. As shown, the elongated heating element 520 can have a first side surface 522, a second side surface 524, an upper surface 526, and a lower surface 528. The elongated heating element 520 has a width B between the first side surface 522 and the second side surface 524 that is less than the height A of the elongated heating element 520 between the upper surface 526 and the lower surface 528. The fluid channel 530 can have a maximum width C. The width B can be from about 0.001 inches to about 0.050 inches. The maximum width C can be, for example, between about the height A and about 0.500 inches or about 2-3 times the height A. As shown in FIG. 6, the elongated heating element 520 can be placed at the center within the fluid channel 530.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of system 600. System 600 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. For example, system 600 can include a housing 610, an elongated ribbon-shaped heating element 620, a first conductive support member 640, a second conductive support member 642, a first electrical connector 650, and a second electrical connector 652. As shown, housing 610 can include a first portion 612 and a second portion 614 formed as a lid. The first portion 612 can define a fluid channel 630 and can be coupled to the second portion 614 via a seal 616 such that the first portion 612, the second portion 614, and the seal 616 collectively define the fluid channel 630.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, each of the first conductive support member 640 and the second conductive support member 642 includes a first portion and a second portion. For example, the first conductive support member 640 includes a first portion 641 and a second portion 643. The first portion 641 can be formed as a screw, and the second portion 643 can be formed as a metal clip (e.g., a leaf spring) that is completely disposed within the fluid channel 630 and configured to engage and support the heating element 620. Each of the first electrical connector 650 and the second electrical connector 652 can be formed as a male plug. The cross-sectional thickness of the metal portion forming the clip of the second portion 643 can all be made smaller than the cross-sectional thickness (e.g., diameter) of the screw of the first portion 641 and the cross-sectional thickness (e.g., diameter) of the first electrical connector 650. Accordingly, the portions of the system 600 disposed within the fluid channel 630 and in contact with the fluid generate more heat than the first electrical connector 650 and the second electrical connector 652 due to their relative shapes and sizes (e.g., thickness). Additionally, the interface between the first portion 641 and the second portion 643 can be disposed entirely within the fluid channel 630 such that fluid moving through the fluid channel 630 can contact both the first portion 641 and the second portion 643 with the second portion 643 being completely disposed within the fluid channel 630 and the first portion 641 being at least partially disposed within the fluid channel 630.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, gaskets 618A, B can be respectively disposed between the first electrical connector 650 and the second electrical connector 652 and the first portion 612 of the housing 610. Each of the gaskets 618A, B can prevent fluid within the fluid channel 630 from flowing out of the fluid channel 630 through through-holes within the housing 610 in which the first electrical connector 650 and the second electrical connector 652 are disposed.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of system 700. System 700 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. For example, system 700 can include a housing 710, an elongated flat coil heating element 720, a first conductive support member 740, a second conductive support member 742, a first electrical connector 750, and a second electrical connector 752. As shown, housing 710 can include a first portion 712 formed as a lid and a second portion 714. The first portion 712 defines a fluid channel 730 and can be sealingly coupled to the second portion 714 such that the first portion 712 and the second portion 714 collectively define the fluid channel 730.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, each of the first conductive support member 740 and the second conductive support member 742 can be formed as a screw. Each of the first electrical connector 750 and the second electrical connector 752 can be formed as a male plug, can include an upper surface, and can define a threaded recess (also referred to as a threaded hole) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the first conductive support member 740 and the second conductive support member 742. The heating element 720 can be held between the first conductive support member 740 and the first electrical connector 750, and between the second conductive support member 742 and the second electrical connector 752. For example, the heating element 720 can define a first opening into which a portion of the first conductive support member 740 can be inserted and engaged with the first electrical connector 750, and a second opening into which a portion of the second conductive support member 742 can be inserted and engaged with the second electrical connector 750. Each of the first electrical connector 750 and the second electrical connector 752 can be disposed partially or entirely within the fluid channel 730, and can have threads configured to be received by the threaded recess of the first electrical connector 750 and the threaded recess of the second electrical connector 752 such that the heating element 720 is held between the electrical connectors 750, 752 and the conductive support members 740, 742, respectively. For example, as shown, the heating element 720 can be disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the head of each screw and the upper surface of each electrical connector 750, 752.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of system 800. System 800 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. For example, system 800 can include a housing 810, a first elongated heating element 820A, a second elongated heating element 820B, a first conductive support member 840, a second conductive support member 842, a first electrical connector 850, and a second electrical connector 852. As shown, housing 810 can include a first portion 812 formed as a lid and a second portion 814. The first portion 812 defines a fluid channel 830 and can be sealingly coupled to the second portion 814 such that the first portion 812 and the second portion 814 collectively define the fluid channel 830.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, each of the first conductive support member 840 and the second conductive support member 842 can be formed as a screw. Each of the first electrical connector 850 and the second electrical connector 852 can be formed as a male plug, can include an upper surface, and can define a threaded recess (also called a threaded hole) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the first conductive support member 840 and the second conductive support member 842. The first heating element 820A and the second heating element 820B can be held between the first conductive support member 840 and the first electrical connector 850, and between the second conductive support member 842 and the second electrical connector 852, respectively, but are separated by a conductive first spacer 825A and a conductive second spacer 825B such that the first elongated heating element 820A and the second elongated heating element 820B are electrically connected in parallel via the first spacer 825A and the second spacer 825B, respectively. Each of the first spacer 825A and the second spacer 825B can be formed, for example, as a disk. Each heating element 820A, B can define a first opening into which a portion of the first conductive support member 840 can be inserted and engaged with the first electrical connector 850, and a second opening into which a portion of the second conductive support member 842 can be inserted and engaged with the second electrical connector 850. The first electrical connector 850 and the second electrical connector 852 can each be disposed partially or entirely within the fluid channel 830, and can have threads configured to be received by the threaded recesses of the first electrical connector 850 and the threaded recesses of the second electrical connector 852 such that the heating elements 820A, B are each held between the electrical connectors 850, 852 and the conductive support members 840, 842. For example, as shown, the heating element 820A can be disposed in contact with the bottom surface of each screw head, and the heating element 820B can be disposed in contact with the upper surface of each electrical connector 850, 852.

[0053] Figures 11 to 16 are schematic diagrams of system 900. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottom of system 900. System 900 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. For example, system 900 may include a housing 910, an elongated heating element 920, a first conductive support member 940, a second conductive support member 942, a first electrical connector 950, and a second electrical connector 952. As shown, housing 910 may include a first portion 912 and a second portion 914 formed as a lid. The first portion 912 defines a fluid channel 930 and can be sealingly coupled to the second portion 914 such that the first portion 912 and the second portion 914 collectively define the fluid channel 930.

[0054] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the elongated heating element 920, the first conductive support member 940, and the second conductive support member 942. As shown, the first conductive support member 940 and the second conductive support member 942 are formed as fin clamps disposed (e.g., clamped) on opposite ends of the heating element 920.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an elongated heating element 920, a first conductive support member 940, a second conductive support member 942, a first electrical connector 950, and a second electrical connector 952. As shown, each of the first electrical connector 950 and the second electrical connector 952 defines through-hole openings 955, 957 disposed parallel or coaxial to the direction of fluid flow into the fluid channel 930, and recesses 951, 953 disposed perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow into the fluid channel 930, and these recesses are configured to receive a conductive plug so that power can be supplied from a power source (e.g., power source 162) to the first electrical connector 950 and / or the second electrical connector 952 via the conductive plug. In some embodiments, each of the recesses 951 and 953 can be formed as a female electrical connector (e.g., female plug) configured to mate with a complementary male electrical connector (e.g., male plug). As shown in FIG. 11, the housing 910 (e.g., the first portion 912) can define sidewall openings through which the recesses 951 and 953 can be accessed from outside the housing 910 (e.g., by a conductive plug). In some embodiments, the recess 951 and / or the recess 953 can be oriented within the first conductive support member 940 and the second conductive support member 942, respectively, and the sidewall openings can be defined by the housing 910 such that the recess 951 and / or the recess 953 can be accessed through the second portion 914 and / or through the outer surface of the housing 910 that is perpendicular or parallel to the bottom surface where the sidewall opening is defined in FIG. 11. The first electrical connector 950 and the second electrical connector 952 can also define slots (e.g., recesses extending from opposite sides of the through-hole opening) configured to receive fin clamps such that the fin clamps mate and contact the first electrical connector 950 and the second electrical connector 952, respectively. The first electrical connector 950 and the second electrical connector 952 can receive a first fin clamp and a second fin clamp, respectively, whereby the fin clamps are centered within their respective through-holes and fluid is diverted by the fin clamps to the first or second side of the heating element 920.In some embodiments, the first electrical connector 950 is configured to be disposed within or coupled to the fluid inlet 932, and the second electrical connector 952 is configured to be disposed within or coupled to the fluid outlet 934. As shown in FIG. 13, the first electrical connector 950 and the second electrical connector 952 are each box-shaped. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the system 900. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the R portion of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the system 900 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 14.

[0056] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the system 1300. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the A portion of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the system 1300 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 20. The system 1300 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100. For example, the system 1300 includes a housing 1310 that defines an inlet 1332, an outlet 1334, and a channel 1330, an elongated ribbon-shaped heating element 1320, a first conductive support member 1340, and a second conductive support member 1342. The housing 1310 can have a first portion 1312 formed as a clam shell that defines the fluid channel 1330 and a second portion 1314 that forms a lid or cap. The fluid channel 1330 can have a rectangular cross-section with fillets at two corners. The first portion 1312 and the second portion 1314 can be coupled via a seal 1316. The seal 1316 can be disposed around the outer periphery of the heating element 1320 and between continuous paths.

[0057] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of system 1400. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of system 1400 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 23. System 1400 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as system 100. For example, system 1400 includes a housing 1410 that defines an inlet 1432, an outlet 1434, and a channel 1430, an elongate flat ribbon-shaped heating element 1420, a first conductive support member 1440, and a second conductive support member 1442. The housing 1410 can have a first portion 1412 formed as a clam shell that defines the fluid channel 1430 and a second portion 1414 that forms a lid or cap. The fluid channel 1430 can have a rectangular cross-section with fillets at two corners. The first portion 1412 and the second portion 1414 can be joined via a seal (not shown) that can be disposed between the outer periphery of the heating element 1420 and between the continuous paths.

[0058] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of system 1500. FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of system 1500 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 25. System 1500 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as system 100. For example, system 1500 includes a housing 1510 that defines an inlet 1532, an outlet 1534, and a channel 1530, a first elongated flat ribbon-shaped heating element 1520A, a second elongated flat ribbon-shaped heating element 1520B, a first conductive support member 1540, and a second conductive support member 1542. The housing 1510 can have a first portion 1512 formed as a clam shell that defines a fluid channel 1530 and a second portion 1514 that forms a lid or cap. The fluid channel 1530 can have a rectangular cross-section with fillets at two corners. The first portion 1512 and the second portion 1514 can be joined via a seal (not shown) that can be disposed between the outer periphery of the heating elements 1520 and between continuous paths.

[0059] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of system 1600. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a first portion 1612 of the housing 1610 of system 1600. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of system 1600 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 28. System 1600 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as system 100. For example, system 1600 includes a housing 1610 that defines an inlet 1632, an outlet 1634, and a channel 1630, an elongated ribbon-shaped heating element 1620, a first conductive support member 1640, and a second conductive support member 1642. The housing 1610 can have a first portion 1612 (also referred to as a central housing) that defines a set of linear fluid paths 1630A (e.g., 4) across the length of the first portion 1612, a first end cap 1614, and a second end cap 1616. The first portion 1612 can be, for example, extruded. Each of the first end cap 1614 and the second end cap 1616 can define a curved fluid path having a 180-degree bend and can be configured to be coupled to an end of the first portion 1612, whereby the linear fluid paths 1630A are each aligned with and fluidly coupled to the curved fluid paths on each end. System 1600 can include seals that can be disposed around and between the continuous paths of the heating element 1620. For example, the first portion 1612 and the first end cap 1614 can be coupled via a seal 1616A, and the second end cap 1616 can be coupled via a seal 1616B.

[0060] Figures 31 and 32 are perspective and front views, respectively, of a first heating element 2520A, a second heating element 2520B, and a third heating element 2520C. Each of the first heating element 2520A, the second heating element 2520B, and the third heating element 2520C has an equal resistance value. Each of the first heating element 2520A, the second heating element 2520B, and the third heating element 2520C has the same thickness and is made of the same material. The second heating element 2520B has a height and a length that are twice those of the first heating element 2520A. The third heating element 2520C has a length and a height that are twice those of the second heating element 2520B. Although the resistance values of each of the first heating element 2520A, the second heating element 2520B, and the third heating element 2520C are the same, the second heating element 2520B has an area four times that of the first heating element 2520A, and the third heating element 2520C has an area sixteen times that of the first heating element 2520A.

[0061] Figures 33 and 34 are cross-sectional views of system 1700 and system 1800, respectively. Each of system 1700 and system 1800 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. As shown in FIG. 33, system 1700 includes a housing 1710 that defines a fluid channel 1730 having a circular cross-section and an elongated heating element 1720. As shown in FIG. 34, system 1800 includes a housing 1810 that defines a fluid channel 1830 having a hexagonal cross-section and an elongated heating element 1820. In both system 1700 and system 1800, the fluid channels 1730, 1830 and the elongated heating elements 1820, 1920 can move through two separate planes.

[0062] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 1920. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a system 1900 that includes the elongated heating element 1920. The system 1900 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100. As shown, the elongated member 1920 extends perpendicular to the plane of the elongated heating element 1920 and includes a set of protruding features 1921 that function as positioning features for the elongated heating element 1920 within a fluid channel 1930 defined by a housing 1910 of the system 1900. As shown, some of the protruding features 1920 extend in a first direction and some of the protruding features 1920 extend in a second direction opposite the first direction so that fluid can flow through the fluid channels 1930 on both sides of the elongated heating element 1920. The protruding features 1920 can extend in alternating opposite directions along the perimeter of the elongated heating element 1920.

[0063] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the front side of the disposable portion 2066 of the infusion assembly 2065 of the system 2000 and the back side of the reusable drive assembly portion 2064. FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the back side of the disposable portion 2066. The system 2000 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein. For example, the disposable portion 2066 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the disposable portion 166, and the drive assembly portion 2064 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the drive assembly portion 164 described above with respect to the system 100. The disposable portion 2066 includes a warmer assembly that includes a housing (not shown) that defines a fluid channel within which an elongated heating element 2020 is disposed. The disposable portion 2066 can also include a fluid pump assembly 2070 that can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the fluid pump assembly 170, and the fluid can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel of the warmer assembly such that the fluid flows through the fluid channel of the warmer assembly either before being drawn into the fluid pump assembly 2070 or after being discharged from the fluid pump assembly 2070. As shown, the warmer assembly also includes a first electrical connector 2050 and a second electrical connector 2052, which can be coupled to or formed to include a first conductive support member (not shown) and a second conductive support member (not shown) coupled to the elongated heating element 2020 to support the elongated heating element 2020 within the fluid channel defined by the housing of the warmer assembly. The drive assembly portion 2064 can include a first electrical contact 2067 and a second electrical contact 2068 that are configured to be coupled to the first electrical connector 2050 and the second electrical connector 2052, respectively, such that when the drive mechanism 2069 of the drive assembly portion 164 is operably engaged with the drive feature 2069A of the disposable portion 2066, power is provided to the elongated heating element 120 for heating the fluid.As shown in FIG. 37, the drive assembly portion 2064 may optionally include one or more additional electrical contacts 2071 (e.g., FIG. 37 shows the drive assembly portion 2064 as including eight electrical contacts 2071) disposed on the drive assembly portion 2064 and configured to be coupled to one or more associated electrical contacts (not shown) of the disposable portion 2066 (e.g., the heater assembly of the disposable portion 2066) such that data (e.g., operation instructions, operation data, temperature feedback) can be transferred between the drive assembly portion 2064 and the disposable portion 2066.

[0064] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the system 2100. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the system 2100 along line A-A of FIG. 39 (in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 39). The system 2100 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as the system 100. For example, the system 2100 includes a housing 2110 that defines an inlet 2132, an outlet 2134, and a channel 2130, a flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2120, a first conductive support member 2140, and a second conductive support member 2142. The flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2120 may have a rectangular cross-section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing side surfaces. The cross-section of the flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2120 may have a width greater than its height because the top and bottom surfaces are wider than the height of the side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces of the flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2120 may be disposed (e.g., completely) within parallel planes.

[0065] The housing 2110 can be formed from a first portion 2112 and a second portion 2114 that are sealed to each other such that the first portion 2112 and the second portion 2114 collectively define a fluid channel 2130. As shown, the housing 2110 includes a set of protruding features 2111 (e.g., bosses) that can be disposed within the fluid channel 2130 to support an elongate heating element 2120 within the fluid channel 2130. For example, each protruding feature extends away from a channel wall of the housing 2110 (e.g., vertically) toward and contacts an upper and a bottom surface of the elongate heating element 2120 and can function as a positioning feature for the elongate heating element 2120 within the fluid channel 2130. The protruding features 2111 can be non-conductive. As shown, the protruding features 2111 extend from channel wall portions both above and below the elongate heating element 2120 (e.g., from both the first portion 2112 and the second portion 2114) such that the elongate heating element 2120 is disposed between opposing channel wall portions (e.g., equidistant from opposing upper and lower channel wall portions and / or equidistant from opposing side walls of the channel 2130). Thus, each of the protruding features 2111 can be disposed on an opposite side of the elongate heating element 2120 from another protruding feature 2111 (e.g., coaxial with another protruding feature 2111) to collectively sandwich the elongate heating element 2120 between a pair of protruding features 2111 and hold the elongate heating element 2120 in place (e.g., such that the elongate heating element 2120 does not directly contact any of the channel walls that define the fluid channel 2130). FIG. 29 shows 15 protruding features 2111 (and thus a total of 30 protruding features) on a first side of the elongate heating element 2120, but the system 2100 can include any suitable number of protruding features 2111. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the protruding features 2111 may be arranged such that they are not coaxially paired with another protruding feature 2111 on an opposite side of the elongate heating element 2120 and instead may be offset from the protruding features 2111 that support the opposite side of the elongate heating element 2120. The protruding features 2111 are shown as having a cylindrical shape, but the protruding features 2111 can be formed in any suitable shape.

[0066] In some embodiments, rather than including a protruding feature that sandwiches the elongate heating element from both sides, the protruding feature extends through an opening in the elongate heating element and can supportingly engage with the elongate heating element adjacent to the opening. For example, FIG. 41 is a top view of system 2200. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of system 2200 taken along line B-B of FIG. 41. System 2200 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as system 100. For example, system 2200 includes a housing 2210 that defines an inlet 2232, an outlet 2234, and a channel 2230, a flat ribbon-shaped elongate heating element 2220, a first conductive support member 2240, and a second conductive support member 2242. The flat ribbon-shaped elongate heating element 2220 can have a rectangular cross-section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing side surfaces. The cross-section of the flat ribbon-shaped elongate heating element 2220 can have a width greater than its height since the top and bottom surfaces are wider than the height of the side surfaces. The top and bottom surfaces of the flat ribbon-shaped elongate heating element 2220 can be disposed (e.g., completely) within parallel planes. The elongate heating element 2220 can also define a set of holes that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0067] The housing 2210 can be formed from a first portion 2212 and a second portion 2214 that are sealed to each other such that the first portion 2212 and the second portion 2214 collectively define a fluid channel 2230. As shown, the housing 2210 can be disposed within the fluid channel 2130 and engage and support an elongate heating element 2220 within the fluid channel 2230, and can extend (e.g., vertically) through a hole defined within the elongate heating element 2220, and includes a set of protruding features 2213 (e.g., bosses). As shown, the protruding features 2213 include a narrow portion 2213A and a wide portion 2213B. The narrow portion 2213A can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of an associated opening within the elongate heating element 2220, and the wide portion 2213B can have a diameter larger than the diameter of an associated opening within the elongate heating element 2220, such that the narrow portion can pass through the opening and the elongate heating element 2220 is positioned on the wide portion 2213B to support the elongate heating element 2220 within the fluid channel 2230 (e.g., equidistant from opposing upper and lower channel wall portions, and / or equidistant from opposing side walls of the channel 2230). The protruding features 2213 can be non-conductive. As shown in FIG. 42, in some embodiments, the protruding features 2213 can extend from only one side of the elongate heating element 2220 (e.g., from the first portion 2212). The protruding features 2213 can optionally contact the channel wall on the opposite side (e.g., of the second portion 2214). In some embodiments, the protruding features 2213 can extend from both the first portion 2212 and the second portion 2214 such that some engage the first side of the elongate heating element 2220 and some engage the second side of the elongate heating element 2220. In some embodiments, one or more of the protruding features 2213 can include retaining features (e.g., bumps, ridges, tabs, larger diameter portions) that extend from the narrow portion 2213A and are configured to contact and hold the elongate heating element 2220 against the wider portion 2213B. In some embodiments, the system can include a combination of the protruding features 2111 and the protruding features 2213.

[0068] FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of system 2300. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of system 2300 taken along line C-C of FIG. 43. System 2300 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as, or similar to, any of the systems described herein such as system 100. For example, system 2300 includes a housing 2310 that defines an inlet 2332, an outlet 2334, and a zigzag-shaped elongate heating element 2320. The housing 2310 may be formed from a first portion 2312 and a second portion (not shown) that are sealed together such that the first portion 2312 and the second portion collectively define a fluid channel 2330. System 2300 may be configured such that when the system 2300 is in an upright position where the inlet 2332 is disposed below the outlet 2334, fluid can be introduced into the inlet 2332 and forced upward through the fluid channel 2320 and out of the outlet 2334, pushing air within the fluid channel 2320. In some embodiments, an accelerometer (not shown) may also be included within system 2300 (e.g., coupled directly or indirectly to the housing 2310) and configured to sense the orientation of the housing 2310 (e.g., whether system 2300 is in an upright orientation). System 2300 (e.g., a controller of system 2300 associated with the delivery of fluid from a fluid source such as controller 161) may be configured to enable priming of the fluid channel 2330 and / or injection through the fluid channel 2330 when the housing 2310 is in an upright orientation or within a specific range of upright orientations, and to disable and / or not allow priming and / or injection when the system 2300 is not in an upright orientation or within a specific range of upright orientations.

[0069] Figures 45 to 48 are various views of system 2400. System 2400 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the systems described herein, such as system 100. For example, system 2400 includes a housing 2410, an elongated heating element 2420, a first electrical connector 2450, and a second electrical connector 2452. The housing 2410 defines a fluid inlet 2432, a fluid outlet 2434, and a fluid channel 2430 that extends from the fluid inlet 2432 to the fluid outlet 2434. The heating element 2420 is disposed within the fluid channel 2430. The housing 2410 includes a first portion 2412 and a second portion 2414. Figure 45 is a perspective view of the bottom of system 2400, Figure 46 is a top view of the heating element 2420 of system 2400, Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of system 2400 taken along line A-A of Figure 45, and Figure 48 is a top view of system 2400 in which the second portion 2414 of the housing 2410 is not shown. Note that in Figure 45, the illustration of the first nut 2459A and the second nut 2459B shown in Figure 47 is omitted.

[0070] The first portion 2412 and the second portion 2414 can be coupled to each other to define and enclose the fluid channel 2430. As shown, in some embodiments, the first portion 2412 can include the fluid inlet 2432 and the fluid outlet 2434 and can define an opening through which a portion of the first electrical connector 2450 and the second electrical connector 2452 can extend. In some embodiments, the first portion 2412 can define the fluid channel 2430, and the second portion 2414 can be formed as a lid configured to form the sidewalls of the fluid channel 2430 when coupled to the first portion 2412. For example, the first portion 2412 can include a surface that forms the lower boundary of the fluid channel 2430, the second portion 2414 can include a surface that forms the upper boundary of the fluid channel 2430, and the first portion 2412 and / or the second portion 2412 can include a surface that forms the side boundary of the fluid channel 2430 that extends between the upper and lower boundaries.

[0071] The fluid channel 2430 can include or define a serpentine flow path so that fluid can flow smoothly from the fluid inlet 2432 to the fluid outlet 2434. When the system 2400 is fully assembled, the fluid must flow along the entire length of the fluid channel 2430 in order to move from the fluid inlet 2432 to the fluid outlet 2434. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, the first portion 2412 and / or the second portion 2414 of the housing 2410 can include a dividing wall 2419 configured to prevent fluid from moving between the fluid inlet 2432 and the fluid outlet 2434 without flowing along the entire length of the fluid channel 2430. For example, the dividing wall 2419 can be disposed between the fluid inlet 2432 and the fluid outlet 2434 and / or between the first electrical connector 2450 and the second electrical connector 2452. Thus, the fluid inlet 2432 and the fluid outlet 2434 can be disposed on the same side of the housing 2410 (e.g., directly adjacent to each other), but the fluid can only move from the fluid inlet 2432 to the fluid outlet 2434 by flowing along the entire length of the serpentine flow path defined by the fluid channel 2430.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 46, for example, the heating element 2420 can be formed as a flat ribbon and can have a shape (e.g., a serpentine shape) corresponding to at least a portion of the shape of the fluid channel 2430. The heating element 2420 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the heating elements described herein, such as the heating element 120. Similar to the fluid channel 2430, the heating element 2420 can include a set of straight segments and a set of curved segments. Each straight segment can be coupled to an adjacent straight segment by a curved segment such that the heating element 2420 includes a series of alternating straight and curved segments. FIG. 46 shows the heating element 2420 as including six straight segments coupled via curved segments, but the heating element 2420 and the fluid channel 2430 can include any suitable number of straight and curved segments.

[0073] The flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2420 has a rectangular cross-section having an upper surface 2426 (also referred to as the upper or first surface), a bottom surface (also referred to as the lower or second surface), and opposing side surfaces (also referred to as side walls or third and fourth surfaces). The cross-section of the flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2120 is wider than its height because the upper surface 2426 and the bottom surface are wider than the height of the side surfaces. The upper surface 2426 and the bottom surface of the flat ribbon-shaped elongated heating element 2420 are arranged in completely parallel planes such that the elongated heating element 2420 has a constant thickness between the upper surface 2426 and the bottom surface from the first end to the second end of the elongated heating element 2420.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 46, the heating element 2420 can define a first through-hole 2450A and a second through-hole 2450B configured to receive a part of the first electrical connector 2450 and a part of the second electrical connector 2452, respectively. The first through-hole 2450A (also referred to as the first electrical connector through-hole) and the second through-hole 2450B (also referred to as the second electrical connector through-hole) can be disposed at or near the first end and the second end of the heating element 2420, respectively.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 47, the electrical connection or interface (e.g., electrical input) with the heating element 2420 is located within the fluid channel 2430. Each of the first electrical connector 2450 and the second electrical connector 2452 has a first portion having a diameter larger than the respective through holes 2450A, B disposed in contact with the first side (e.g., upper surface) of the heating element 2420, and a second portion extending through the respective through holes 2450A, B and configured to be firmly fixed to the housing 2410. For example, each of the first electrical connector 2450 and the second electrical connector 2452 can be formed as a screw partially disposed within the fluid channel 2430 such that the screw head is disposed within the fluid channel 2430 and the threaded portion of the screw extends away from the housing 2410 through an opening defined within the first portion 2412. As shown in FIG. 47, the heating element 2420 can be disposed and held between the larger diameter first portion of the first electrical connector 2450 and a spacer 2425A (also referred to as a first spacer or support member) such as a bushing. The spacer 2425A can be conductive or non-conductive. In some embodiments, the spacer 2425A can be the same as or similar to any of the support members described herein, such as the conductive support member 140. In some embodiments, the spacer 2425A can be optional. The spacer 2425A can define a passageway for disposing a portion of the threaded portion of the first electrical connector 2450. For example, the heating element 2420 can be disposed in contact with the surface of the screw head of the first electrical connector 2450 (e.g., the upper surface of the screw head facing the second threaded portion) and the lower surface of the spacer 2425A. The spacer 2425A can be held between the heating element 2420 and the first portion of the housing 2412 and the first electrical connector 2450, and the spacer 2425A can be firmly fixed to the first portion of the housing 2412 and the heating element 2420 by a fixing member disposed outside the housing 2410, such as at least one nut 2459A engaged with the threaded portion of the first electrical connector 2450 disposed on the outer surface of the housing 2410.In some embodiments, the arrangement of the spacer 2425A with respect to the housing 2410, the heating element 2420, and the first electrical connector 2450 is such that the only portion of the first electrical connector 2450 that is exposed to the fluid within the fluid channel 2430 is the first portion (e.g., the screw head), and the second portion (e.g., the threaded portion) of the first electrical connector 2450 can be fluidically isolated from the fluid within the fluid channel 2430.

[0076] In some implementations, a wire or other conductive component configured to transmit electricity without generating heat can be electrically and physically coupled to the first electrical connector 2450, and can be fixed in contact with the first electrical connector 2450, for example, by a second nut 2459B engaged with the threaded portion of the first electrical connector 2450. Although not shown, the second electrical connector 2450 can include a screw head disposed on a first side of the heating element 2420, and extends through a passage of a second spacer disposed between the second side of the heating element 2420 and the wall of the housing 2420 that defines the fluid channel 2430, extends through an opening of the housing 2420, and includes a threaded portion coupled to a fixing member (e.g., at least one nut) and a conductive component in the same manner as described for the first electrical connector 2450.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 47, the housing 2410 can also include support features for supporting (e.g., providing rigid support for) the heating element 2420 within the channel 2430. The support features can be non-conductive (e.g., plastic). The support features can be formed as protruding features (e.g., protruding struts) and can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the protruding features described herein. For example, the first portion 2412 of the housing 2410 can include a first set of protruding features 2411, and the second portion 2414 of the housing 2410 can include a second set of protruding features 2413. Each of the protruding features of the first set of protruding features 2411 and the second set of protruding features 2413 extends into the fluid channel 2430 from the respective opposing surfaces of the wall of the housing 2410 that defines the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., the upper surface that defines the upper boundary of the channel 2430 or the lower surface that defines the lower boundary of the channel 2430) so that the heating element 2420 can be supportedly coupled and / or engaged to the heating element 2420 such that it is fixed at a predetermined position between the opposing wall surfaces and spaced from the opposing wall surfaces.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 46, the heating element 2420 defines a set of support through-holes 2427 (also referred to as openings) spaced along the heating element 2420. Each through-hole 2427 is configured to receive a part of the set of protruding features 2411 of the protruding features 2411 of the first portion 2412 of the housing 2410 (shown in FIG. 47). As shown in FIG. 47, in some implementations, each protruding feature 2411 of the first set of protruding features 2411 can be disposed within the fluid channel 2430 and extend (e.g., vertically) through the through-hole 2427 defined within the elongated heating element 2420 to engage and support the elongated heating element 2420 within the fluid channel 2430. As shown, each protruding feature 2411 includes a narrow portion 2411A and a wide portion 2411B. The narrow portion 2411A can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the associated through-hole 2427 within the elongated heating element 2420, and the wide portion 2411B can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the associated through-hole 2427 within the elongated heating element 2420, such that the narrow portion 2411A can extend through the through-hole 2427 and the elongated heating element 2420 can be prevented from holding and / or moving away from the second portion 2414 due to contact with the wide portion 2411B.

[0079] Each protruding feature 2413 of the second set of protruding features 2413 can be disposed within the fluid channel 2430 and can extend (e.g., vertically) with respect to the upper and / or lower surfaces of the heating element 2420. Each protruding feature 2413 of the second set of protruding features 2413 can be coaxially disposed with the protruding features 2411 of the first set of protruding features 2411 and the through-holes 2427 of the set of through-holes 2427. In some implementations, the free end of each protruding feature 2413 of the second set of protruding features 2413 can be disposed in contact with the free end (e.g., the narrow portion 2411A) of the protruding features 2411 of the first set of protruding features 2411. In some implementations, a portion (e.g., the free end) of each protruding feature 2413 of the second set of protruding features 2413 can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the associated through-hole 2427 and / or the diameter of the narrow portion 2411A such that the heating element 2420 is held within the fluid channel 2430 and is spaced from the opposing upper and lower channel wall portions and from the opposing side walls of the fluid channel 2430. For example, the heating element 2420 can be held between the protruding feature 2413 and the wider portion 2411B, and the narrow portion 2411A can be disposed within the through-hole 2427.

[0080] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the first set of protruding features 2411 including the narrow portion 2411A and the wide portion 2411B, the second set of protruding features 2413 may include a narrow portion and a wide portion such that at least some of the second set of protruding features 2413 of the protruding features 2413 are disposed within respective through-holes 2427 of a set of through-holes. In some embodiments, instead of each of the first portion 2412 and the second portion 2414 including a protruding feature associated with each through-hole 2427, each through-hole 2427 may be associated with a single protrusion (e.g., included in the first portion 2412 or the second portion 2414) sized to fit tightly within the through-hole 2427 to support and hold the heating element 2420 within the fluid channel 2430. In some embodiments, instead of the heating element 2420 including through-holes 2427 each configured to receive a portion of the protruding features, the heating element 2420 may not include the through-holes 2427 and instead may be held in a central position within the fluid channel 2430 via a set of pairs of opposing protruding features that contact both sides of the heating element 2420. Each pair of the set of pairs of opposing protruding features may include a protruding feature of the first portion 2412 and a protruding feature of the second portion 2414. In some embodiments, the support feature is any suitable feature (such as any of the protruding features described herein) configured to support (e.g., centrally position) the heating element 2420 within the fluid channel 2430 such that a sufficient surface area of the heating element 2420 is exposed for contact with the fluid flowing through the fluid channel, avoiding undesirable heat accumulation and / or an unacceptably high heating element 2420 and / or fluid temperature. Additionally, the support feature can be any suitable feature configured to support (e.g., centrally position) the heating element 2420 within the fluid channel 2430 such that no portion of the heating element 2420 is placed in a location that is large enough, does not contact the fluid flow, or has a limited fluid flow contact to avoid undesirable heat accumulation and / or an unacceptably high heating element 2420 and / or fluid temperature.

[0081] The first electrical connector 2450, the first spacer 2425A, the second electrical connector 2452, the second spacer, and the protruding features 2411, 2413 are configured to support the elongate heating element 2420 such that the elongate heating element 2420 is disposed within the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., completely disposed within the fluid channel 2430). The elongate heating element 2420 has a space for fluid flow defined between each of a first side, a second side, an upper surface, and a lower surface of the elongate heating element 2420 and a channel wall of the housing 2410 that defines the fluid channel 2430, and can be supported within the fluid channel 2430 such that fluid flowing through the channel 2430 can contact each of the first side, the second side, the upper surface, and the lower surface. The entire elongate heating element 2430 is disposed within the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., from a first end to a second end of the elongate heating element 2430). In some embodiments, no portion of the elongate heating element 2420 directly contacts any portion of the housing 2410 (e.g., any portion of the channel wall of the housing 2410 that defines the fluid channel 2430). In some embodiments, no portion of the elongate heating element 2420 directly contacts any portion of the housing 2410 (e.g., any portion of the channel wall of the housing 2410 that defines the fluid channel 2430), except for the protruding features 2411, 2413. In some embodiments, the first spacer 2425A and / or the second spacer may be integrally formed (e.g., shaped) with the housing 2410 (e.g., with the first portion 2412) rather than formed as separate components.

[0082] The prominent features 2411, 2413 are configured to support the heating element 2420 such that the heating element 2420 is centered within the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., equidistant from opposing upper and lower channel wall portions and / or equidistant from opposing side walls of the channel 2430). The distance between each surface of the heating element 2420 and the wall portion of the fluid channel 2430 facing that surface can be substantially the same across the entire fluid channel 2430, across the entire portion of the fluid channel 2430 where the heating element 2420 is disposed, and / or across entire similarly shaped segments of the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., across entire straight segments and / or across entire curved segments).

[0083] To maintain a substantially constant cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 2430 through which fluid can flow along the length of the fluid channel 2430, or at least a portion of the fluid channel 2430 within which the heating element 2420 is disposed, the fluid channel 2430 can include a first electrical connector 2450, a second electrical connector 2452, and cross-sectional area increase portions associated with the protruding members 2411 and 2413 disposed within the fluid channel 2430 that block a portion of the flow path.

[0084] For example, the fluid channel 2430 can include cross-sectional area increase portions (e.g., having an increased width and / or height as defined by the housing 2410) such that the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 2430 through which fluid can flow remains substantially constant throughout the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., from the inlet 2432 to the outlet 2434, from the first end of the heating element 2420 to the second end, and / or from the first electrical connector 2450 to the second electrical connector 2452), even when some portions of the fluid channel 2430 house fluid-blocking components (e.g., the first electrical connector 2450, the second electrical connector 2452, and / or the protruding members 2411 and 2413). For example, the cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area increase portion where the fluid-blocking component is disposed can be about 50% to about 400%, about 75% to about 200%, about 90% to about 150%, and / or about 75% to about 125% of the cross-sectional area of the remaining portion of the fluid channel 2430.

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 48, the fluid channel 2430 can have an increased-width portion associated with each pair of the first electrical connector 2450, the second electrical connector 2452, and the protruding members 2411, 2413. In some embodiments, the fluid channel 2430 can have a constant width along a straight segment and a constant inner diameter and outer diameter along a curved segment, except for the increased-width portions associated with each pair of the first electrical connector 2450, the second electrical connector 2452, and the protruding members 2411, 2413. For example, the fluid channel 2430 can include an increased-width portion 2436A aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) the first electrical connector 2450, an increased-width portion 2436B aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) the second electrical connector 2450, and an increased-width portion 2436C of a set of increased-width portions 2436C aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) each pair of the protruding members 2411, 2413. As shown in FIG. 46, each of the widened portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C can have a rounded shape such that each of the increased-width portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C has a circular or partially circular region and / or the associated opposing channel wall portions are rounded. In some embodiments, the shape of the increased-width portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C can be any suitable shape (e.g., having wall portions that form a partially spherical, increasing linear tapered segment, and decreasing linear tapered segment) that guides the fluid flow through the channel 2430.

[0086] In addition, the heating element 2420 can include a cross-sectional area increasing portion (e.g., having an increased width and / or height) such that the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 2430 through which fluid can flow remains substantially constant along the length of the fluid channel 2430 and / or the heating element 2420 (e.g., from the inlet 2432 to the outlet 2434, from the first end of the heating element 2420 to the second end, and / or from the first electrical connector 2450 to the second electrical connector 2452). For example, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 48, the heating element 2420 can also include an increased width portion associated with each pair of the first electrical connector 2450, the second electrical connector 2452, and the protruding members 2411, 2413 (e.g., associated with each through-hole 2427 of a set of the first through-hole 2450A, the second through-hole 2450B, and the support through-hole 2427). In some embodiments, the heating element 2420 can have a constant width along a straight segment and a constant inner diameter and outer diameter along a curved segment, except for the increased width portions associated with each through-hole 2427 of a set of the first through-hole 2450A, the second through-hole 2450B, and the support through-hole 2427. For example, the heating element 2420 can include an increased width portion 2451A aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) the first through-hole 2450A, an increased width portion 2451B aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) the second through-hole 2450B, and a set of increased width portions 2429 of the increased width portions 2429 aligned with (e.g., surrounding and / or coaxial with) each through-hole 2427 of a set of the support through-hole 2427. As shown in FIG. 46, each of the increased width portions 2451A, 2451B, and 2429 can have a rounded shape such that the upper and lower surface portions of each of the increased width portions 2451A, 2451B, and 2429 include a circular or partially circular region and the sides extending between the upper and lower surface portions are curved. In some embodiments, the shape of the increased width portions 2451A, 2451B, and 2429 can be any suitable shape for guiding the fluid flow through the channel 2430.

[0087] In some embodiments, the shapes of the increased-width portions 2451A, 2451B, and 2429 of the heating element 2420 can correspond to the respective increased-width portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C of the fluid channel 2430, and can be shaped and sized such that the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 2430 through which fluid can flow is substantially constant over the entire length of the heating element 2420 and / or the fluid channel 2430. For example, the length of the gap between each side wall of the heating element 2420 and the side wall defining the fluid channel 2430 facing the side wall of the heating element 2420 can be substantially the same within the increased-width portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C as the remaining portion of the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., the portion adjacent to the increased-width portions 2436A, 2436B, and 2436C).

[0088] In some embodiments, although not shown, the fluid inlet 2432 and the fluid outlet 2434 can be arranged such that their respective central axes are parallel to the central axis of the screw forming the first electrical connector 2450 and the central axis of the screw forming the second electrical connector 2452. The fluid channel 2430 includes a 90-degree bend between the fluid inlet 2432 and the first electrical connector 2450 and a 90-degree bend between the second electrical connector 2450 and the fluid outlet 2434. In some implementations, rather than including one or both of the 90-degree turns, the fluid channel 2430 includes any suitable shaped segments having any suitable orientation. For example, the fluid inlet 2432 and / or the fluid outlet 2434 can have a central axis that is parallel, perpendicular, or at another angle to the central axis of the first electrical connector 2450 and / or the second electrical connector 2452, as shown in FIG. 45, and the fluid channel 2430 can include any suitable segment shape and orientation such that the first electrical connector 2450 remains disposed within the fluid channel 2430 and can be surrounded by the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 2430 (e.g., the screw head), and the heating element 2420 is disposed within the fluid channel 2430 and can be surrounded by the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 2430.

[0089] In some embodiments, the warmer system 2400 can be used as a stand-alone system or device. In some embodiments, the warmer system 2400 can be used as part of a rapid injector system. For example, FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a rapid injector system 2400A (also referred to as an injection assembly). The rapid injector system 2400A can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the rapid injector systems described herein, such as the injection assembly 2065. For example, the rapid injector system 2400A can include a disposable portion 2466 and a reusable drive assembly portion 2464. For example, the disposable portion 2466 may be the same or similar in structure to the disposable portion 166, and the drive assembly portion 2464 may be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the drive assembly portion 164 described above with respect to the system 100. The disposable portion 2466 can include or be coupled to the warmer system 2400. The disposable portion 2466 can also include a fluid pump assembly 2470 (e.g., a dual syringe pump), which can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the fluid pump assembly 170, and can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel 2430 of the warmer system 2400 such that fluid flows through the fluid channel 2430 of the warmer system 2400 after being discharged from the fluid pump assembly 2470. In use, fluid is drawn into the fluid pump assembly 2470 through inlet tubing, discharged from the fluid pump assembly 2470 into the fluid channel 2430 of the warmer system 2400, and can flow into (e.g., to a patient) the outlet tubing. In some embodiments, the fluid pump assembly 2470 and the warmer system 2400 are included in a single-use cartridge or fluid delivery assembly that can be removably coupled to the reusable drive assembly portion 2464 and / or a warmer controller or drive assembly.

[0090] In some embodiments, the electrical connector can be directly coupled to a heating element within the housing of the fluid channel without being exposed to the fluid flow within the fluid channel. For example, FIG. 50 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a fluid warmer system 2600. The fluid warmer system 2600 can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the fluid warmer systems described herein, such as the fluid warmer system 100. For example, the fluid warmer system 2600 includes a housing 2610 that defines a fluid channel 2630, a heating element 2620 disposed within the fluid channel 2630, a first electrical connector 2650, and a second electrical connector (not shown). The housing 2610, the heating element 2620, the first electrical connector 2650, and the second electrical connector can each be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the housings, heating elements, or electrical connectors described herein. As shown in FIG. 50, the first electrical connector 2650 can extend from an area outside the housing 2610, through a portion of the fluid channel 2630, to physically and electrically contact the heating element 2620. For example, the end of the first electrical connector 2650 can be directly welded or riveted to the surface of the heating element 2620. The first electrical connector 2650 can be, for example, a wire.

[0091] In some embodiments, a portion of the first electrical connector 2650 disposed within the fluid channel 2630 (e.g., extending from the sidewall of the housing 2610 that forms the boundary of the fluid channel 2630 to the heating element 2620 disposed within the fluid channel 2630 and not in contact with the sidewall of the housing 2610 that forms the boundary of the fluid channel 2630) can be arranged such that the fluid within the fluid channel 2630 can contact the first electrical connector 2650. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 50, the portion of the first electrical connector 2650 disposed within the fluid channel 2630 can be disposed within an insulating portion 2625X that is coupled to the sidewall of the fluid channel 2630 and can extend therefrom to the heating element 2620. The insulating portion 2625X can be configured to fluidically isolate the first electrical connector 2650 from the fluid within the fluid channel 2630. For example, as shown in FIG. 50, the insulating portion 2625X defines a through-hole in which a portion of the first electrical connector 2650 can be disposed. The insulating portion 2625X can also be coupled to the heating element 2620 such that the insulating portion 2625X provides support to the heating element 2620 to maintain the heating element 2620 within the fluid channel 2630 (e.g., centered) and not in contact with the sidewall that forms the boundary of the fluid channel 2630. In some embodiments, the insulating portion 2625X can have a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the insulating portion 2625X can be structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to any of the spacers described herein. The insulating portion 2625X can be formed of the same or different material as the housing 2610. In some embodiments, the insulating portion 2625X can be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the housing 2610. Although not shown, the second electrical connector may be the same or similar in structure and / or function as the first electrical connector 2650 and may be partially disposed within a second insulating portion that is structurally and / or functionally the same as or similar to the insulating portion 2625X.

[0092] Some embodiments described herein (e.g., embodiments that include or are combinable with a controller such as controller 161) relate to a computer storage product that includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium (which may also be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in that it does not itself include transitory propagated signals (e.g., propagated electromagnetic waves that carry information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The medium and the computer code (which may also be referred to as code) may be designed and constructed for a particular purpose. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, optical storage media such as compact discs / digital versatile discs (CD / DVDs), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices, magneto-optical storage media such as optical discs, carrier wave signal processing modules, and hardware devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), read-only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM) devices that are particularly configured to store and execute program code, but are not limited thereto. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product that can include, for example, the instructions and / or computer code discussed herein.

[0093] Some of the embodiments described herein (e.g., embodiments that include or are connectable to a controller such as controller 161) and / or methods can be performed by software (executed on hardware), hardware, or combinations thereof. Hardware modules can include, for example, general-purpose processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Software modules (executed on hardware) can be represented in various software languages (e.g., computer code) including C, C++, Java™, Ruby, Visual Basic™, and / or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming languages and development tools. Examples of computer code can include, but are not limited to, microcode or microinstructions, machine instructions such as generated by a compiler, code used to generate web services, and files containing high-level instructions executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments can be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logic programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.), or other suitable programming languages and / or development tools. Further examples of computer code can include, but are not limited to, control signals, encryption code, and compression code.

[0094] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are not limiting and are presented by way of example only. If the methods described above indicate specific events occurring in a specific order, the order of the specific events can be modified. Additionally, specific events can be performed in parallel in a parallel process if possible, and can be performed sequentially as described above.

[0095] If the schematic diagrams and / or embodiments described above show specific components arranged in a specific orientation or position, the arrangement of the components can be modified. Although embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made. Any part of the apparatus and / or method described herein can be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and / or partial combinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different embodiments described.

Claims

1. A housing that defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the housing including one or more channel walls that define a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, An elongated heating element completely disposed within the fluid channel, the elongated heating element having an outer surface spaced apart from each of the one or more channel walls so that the fluid in the fluid channel can flow between the one or more channel walls and the outer surface of the elongated heating element, A first electrical connector is connected to the first portion of the elongated heating element, The present invention includes a second electrical connector coupled to a second portion of the elongated heating element, wherein each of the first and second electrical connectors is configured to be electrically coupled to a power source so that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongated heating element via one of the first or second electrical connectors in order to raise the temperature of the elongated heating element, system.

2. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector support the elongated heating element within the fluid channel. The system according to claim 1.

3. The fluid channel further includes a first support member and a second support member configured to support the elongated heating element, The system according to claim 1.

4. The first support member defines a through hole in which a part of the first electrical connector is placed. The system according to claim 3.

5. The first support member is insulating and configured to isolate the fluid in the fluid channel from the portion of the first electrical connector that is positioned within the through-hole of the first support member. The system according to claim 4.

6. The first support member is conductive. The system according to claim 4.

7. The elongated heating element is formed as a flat ribbon, The system according to claim 1.

8. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel through which the fluid can flow is substantially constant along the length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 1.

9. The one or more channel walls define a first increased width portion of the fluid channel associated with the first electrical connector and a second increased width portion of the fluid channel associated with the second electrical connector. The system according to claim 1.

10. The set further includes a set of protruding features that are positioned within the fluid channel, extend away from one or more channel walls, and support and contact the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 1.

11. The one or more channel walls define a set of increasing width portions of the fluid channel, and each increasing width portion of the fluid channel is associated with a protruding feature from the set of protruding features. The system according to claim 10.

12. A portion of the first electrical connector is positioned within the fluid channel such that the fluid in the fluid channel contacts the first electrical connector. The system according to claim 1.

13. A housing that defines a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, An elongated heating element completely disposed within the fluid channel, wherein the elongated heating element includes a first surface disposed in a first plane and a second surface disposed in a second plane parallel to the first plane. A first electrical connector is partially positioned within the fluid channel and coupled to the first portion of the elongated heating element, A second electrical connector is partially disposed within the fluid channel and coupled to a second portion of the elongated heating element, wherein the first electrical connector is configured to support the first portion of the elongated heating element within the fluid channel, and the second electrical connector is configured to support the second portion of the elongated heating element within the fluid channel, so that fluid can flow along the first and second sides of the elongated heating element. Each of the first and second electrical connectors is configured to be electrically coupled to the power supply so that energy can be supplied from the power supply to the elongated heating element via one of the first or second electrical connectors in order to raise the temperature of the elongated heating element. system.

14. The first surface is entirely located within the first plane, and the second surface is entirely located within the second plane. The system according to claim 13.

15. The distance between the first surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the first surface, and the distance between the second surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the second surface, are substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 13.

16. The elongated heating element includes a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, and a fourth surface extending between the first surface and the second surface opposite the third surface, wherein the first electrical connector is configured to support the first portion of the elongated heating element within the fluid channel, and the second electrical connector is configured to support the second portion of the elongated heating element within the fluid channel so that fluid can flow along the third and fourth sides of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 13.

17. The distance between the third surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the third surface is substantially the same as the distance between the fourth surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the fourth surface. The system according to claim 16.

18. The distance between the third surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the third surface, and the distance between the fourth surface and the wall portion of the housing that defines the boundary of the fluid channel facing the fourth surface, are substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 16.

19. The fluid channel includes a portion of the fluid channel with an increased cross-sectional area associated with the first electrical connector, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel through which the fluid can flow is substantially the same in the portion where the first electrical connector is located and in the portion where the first electrical connector is not located. The system according to claim 13.

20. A first spacer is disposed between the elongated heating element and the first wall portion of the housing, and the first spacer defines a through hole in which a part of the first electrical connector is disposed, The present invention further includes a second spacer disposed between the elongated heating element and the second wall portion of the housing, the second spacer defining a through hole in which a part of the second electrical connector is disposed, The first electrical connector and the first spacer are configured to hold the first portion of the elongated heating element between them, and the second electrical connector and the second spacer are configured to hold the second portion of the elongated heating element between them. The system according to claim 13.

21. The elongated heating element has an overall shape that corresponds to the shape of a part of the fluid channel in which the elongated heating element is arranged. The system according to claim 13.

22. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel through which the fluid can flow is substantially constant along the length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 13.

23. A housing that defines a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, An elongated heating element disposed within the fluid channel, A first support member coupled to the elongated heating element at the first location, A second support member coupled to the elongated heating element at a second location, wherein the first support member and the second support member are configured to support the elongated heating element within the fluid channel so that a fluid can flow between the channel wall of the housing defining the fluid channel along two opposing sides of the elongated heating element and the elongated heating element, A first electrical connector electrically coupled to the first support member, A second electrical connector electrically coupled to the second support member, wherein each of the first and second electrical connectors is configured to be electrically coupled to a power source so that energy can be supplied from the power source to the elongated heating element via one of the first or second electrical connectors in order to raise the temperature of the elongated heating element, system.

24. The elongated heating element has a first side surface, a second side surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface, and two opposing sides of the elongated heating element include the first side surface and the second side surface, or the upper surface and the lower surface, and the first support member and the second support member are At least three surfaces, the first side, the second side, the top surface, and the bottom surface, are spaced apart from the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel, and the elongated heating element is configured to support the fluid channel so that the fluid can flow between the channel wall and each of the at least three surfaces. The system according to claim 23.

25. The upper surface is perfectly aligned with a first plane, and the lower surface is perfectly aligned with a second plane parallel to the first plane. The system according to claim 24.

26. The distance between the upper surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the upper surface is substantially the same as the distance between the lower surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the lower surface. The distance between the first side surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the first side surface is substantially the same as the distance between the second side surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the second side surface. The system according to claim 24.

27. The distance between the upper surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the upper surface, and the distance between the lower surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the lower surface, are substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated heating element. The distance between the first side surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the first side surface, and the distance between the second side surface and a portion of the channel wall of the housing that defines the fluid channel facing the second side surface, are substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 24.

28. The fluid channel includes a portion with an increased cross-sectional area where the first end of the elongated heating element is located, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel through which the fluid can flow is substantially the same in the portion with an increased cross-sectional area and in the portion where the first end of the elongated heating element is not located. The system according to claim 23.

29. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid channel through which the fluid can flow is substantially constant along the length of the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 23.

30. The first electrical connector has a large diameter such that it has a lower gauge equivalent than the elongated heating element. The system according to claim 1.

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