0a70a296_Linda_A____Patent_applications__Description
[Patent application number] 20110097678 [Published] 04-28-2011 [Description] 
Method of heating and heating apparatus - Method of heating and heating apparatus. According to one embodiment, the heating apparatus is designed for warming infusion fluids and includes a pair of catalytic heaters positioned around a cartridge containing the infusion fluid. Each catalytic heater includes a pair of frames jointly defining a cavity. One of the frames per heater is positioned proximate to the cartridge and includes an input port for receiving a liquid solution of methanol. The other frame per heater is positioned distal to the cartridge and includes an input port for receiving oxygen gas and an output port for exhaust gases. A first fluid diffusion medium is positioned within the methanol frame, and a second fluid diffusion medium is positioned within the oxygen frame. Sandwiched between the two diffusion media are a pervaporation membrane facing the first diffusion medium and a porous metal catalyst facing the second diffusion medium. Methanol in liquid form is supplied to the pervaporation membrane, which then transports the methanol in vapor form to the catalyst, where combustion occurs. Heat from the combustion reaction is then conducted through the heater to the cartridge containing the infusion fluid.
Linda A. - Patent applications