Importance

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Abstract

An inexpensive, disposable heating element is prepared for medical applications using layers of biologically-compatible materials disposed about a heating element that is formed of an electrically conductive material which exhibits positive temperature coefficient of resistance and that is then operated by a power controller which responds to the resistance of the heating element or to other electrical indication of operating temperature in order to control the level of power supplied to the heating element. A fuse is distributed about the periphery of the heating element to disconnect electrical power from the heating element in response to excessive heating of the element attributable to a portion of the heating element, usually including the periphery, not being immersed in liquid being warmed. A connector to the heating element may include a tab that retains coded manifestations thereon of a measured parameter of the heating element, which manifestations may then be detected upon insertion of the connector into a receptacle of a power controller to provide programming signals that set the operating parameters within which the power controller operates the heating element. A flow controller may be disposed adjacent a surface or surfaces of a heating element to confine the flow of a liquid in a selected pattern over the surface or surfaces of the heating element.

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First Claim