Radio frequency fluid warmer
First Claim
1. A radio frequency fluid warmer apparatus, comprising:
- a first shell;
a waveguide including first and second electromagnetic ports, an inlet for receiving a fluid, and an outlet for dispensing the fluid;
a tube for routing the fluid inside the waveguide between the inlet and the outlet during operation of the apparatus;
a source of electromagnetic energy coupled to the first electromagnetic port;
a termination coupled to the second electromagnetic port for preserving a matched waveguide condition; and
a second shell configured to register with the first shell, wherein the second shell comprises a structure including a pathway for positioning the tube inside the waveguide.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is generally a radio frequency apparatus for warming fluids such as IV fluids. In exemplary embodiments, a uniform warming of fluids is achieved by exposing a fluid-carrying tube to Radio Frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy may be supplied by an RF generator, which is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide typically includes an inlet into which a fluid tube may be introduced. Inside the waveguide, a pathway may be formed wherein the fluid tube may rest in a predetermined position. In exemplary embodiments, the pathway guides the positioning of the tube along a transmission-line length of the waveguide, in a manner such that the tube gradually approaches an electromagnetic field inside the waveguide and exits at a second terminal end of the waveguide. Having absorbed energy supplied from the RF generator, the fluid inside the tube exits the apparatus warmed to a desired temperature.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A radio frequency fluid warmer apparatus, comprising:
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a first shell; a waveguide including first and second electromagnetic ports, an inlet for receiving a fluid, and an outlet for dispensing the fluid; a tube for routing the fluid inside the waveguide between the inlet and the outlet during operation of the apparatus; a source of electromagnetic energy coupled to the first electromagnetic port; a termination coupled to the second electromagnetic port for preserving a matched waveguide condition; and a second shell configured to register with the first shell, wherein the second shell comprises a structure including a pathway for positioning the tube inside the waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A radio frequency fluid warmer apparatus, comprising:
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a first shell; a waveguide including first and second electromagnetic ports, an inlet, and an outlet for receiving a fluid tube that traverses the waveguide; a pathway situated inside the waveguide for routing the fluid tube between the inlet and the outlet; a radio frequency generator coupled to the first electromagnetic port; a termination coupled to the second electromagnetic port for preserving a matched waveguide condition; and a second shell configured to register with the first shell, wherein the second shell comprises a structure that forms the pathway for positioning the tube inside the waveguide. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for warming intravenous fluids using radio frequency signals, comprising:
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a rectangular waveguide housed in a first compartment of an enclosure, the rectangular waveguide including first and second electromagnetic ports, an inlet situated substantially at a sidewall of the rectangular waveguide for receiving a fluid, and an outlet for dispensing the fluid; a control module housed in a second compartment of the enclosure and configured to; generate radio frequency signals from an energy source; and apply the radio frequency signals to the first electromagnetic port; a tube for routing the fluid inside the rectangular waveguide between the inlet and the outlet of the rectangular waveguide during operation of the system; and a termination coupled to the second electromagnetic port for preserving a matched waveguide condition. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification