Abstract:
A drape device is provided for use with a thermal treatment system, where the thermal treatment system includes a receptacle dimensioned to receive a basin, a heater to heat items placed within the receptacle and a limit switch that is operable to identify when the basin or other item is placed within the receptacle and to further activate the heater upon identification by the limit switch of the basin or other item being placed within the receptacle. The drape device includes a drape that can be placed within the receptacle to provide a barrier between items placed on the drape and the receptacle. The drape device further includes engaging structure configured to engage the drape and one of the basin and the receptacle. In one embodiment, the engaging structure includes an actuation member that facilitates operation of the limit switch and activation of the heater without the use of the basin. In another embodiment, the engaging structure is securable to the basin to facilitate securing of the drape within the basin during use of the thermal treatment system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/043,415, entitled “Method and Apparatus For Warming Medical Solutions in a Thermal Treatment System Employing a Removable Basin” and filed Apr. 9, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention embodiments pertain to surgical drapes and corresponding devices for use with thermal treatment systems to enable thermal treatment of a medical solution. In particular, the present invention embodiments enable utilization of a surgical drape in a thermal treatment system such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,275, where the system includes a removable or disposable basin to thermally treat medical solutions. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,275 to Kammer et al. describes a liquid warming device that heats sterile fluids and includes a removable basin to receive fluids to be warmed by the device. When the removable basin is placed within a receptacle of the device, a limit switch is engaged by the basin to activate a heater. The activated heater applies heat to the receptacle that is transferred to the basin and fluids disposed within the basin. The liquid warming device of Kammer et al. further includes a surgical drape that is connected to an upper rim and/or an outside wall of the basin such that the basin extends down through a hole in the surgical drape. While the surgical drape extends around portions of the liquid warming device, the basin is not covered by the drape but rather comes in direct contact with liquid and/or other items that are placed within the basin for thermal treatment. 
     In many applications in which the liquid warming device of Kammer et al. is utilized, (e.g., surgical applications), a sterile boundary or field must be maintained between the fluids and/or other items being warmed by the device and any portion of the device with which such items are in contact. Since the fluids and/or other items are applied directly within the removable basin, at least the surface portions which contact the items must be sterilized prior to use of the device. This typically requires removing the basin from the device and re-sterilization of the basin after each use or, alternatively, providing another sterilized basin to replace the used basin after each use of the device. This can become costly to either re-sterilize a basin after each use or provide new, sterilized basin each time the device is to be used. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sterile barrier for a thermal treatment system that typically employs a removable basin to activate the heater of the thermal treatment system, where the sterile barrier is easy to install and use with the thermal treatment system. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterile barrier for such a thermal treatment system that is easy to manufacture and economically viable to be limited to a single use with the thermal treatment system. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sterile barrier for such thermal treatment system that is reliable in maintaining the sterile barrier during use of the system. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a sterile barrier that facilitates use of the thermal treatment system without the requirement of the removable basin. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a sterile barrier that can be used with the removable basin of such thermal treatment system such that it is not necessary to maintain sterility of the removable basin (i.e., the basin need not be sterilized and/or replaced after each use of the thermal treatment system). 
     The aforesaid objects may be achieved individually and/or in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto. 
     According to the present invention, a drape device is provided for use with a thermal treatment system, where the thermal treatment system comprises a receptacle dimensioned to receive a basin, a heater to heat items placed within the receptacle and a limit switch that is operable to identify when the basin or other item is placed within the receptacle and to further activate the heater upon identification by the limit switch of the basin or other item being placed within the receptacle. The drape device drape comprises a drape including a flexible material that conforms to at least a portion of the receptacle upon being placed within the receptacle of the thermal treatment system, where the drape is further configured to receive and retain fluids and other items within the receptacle and to provide a barrier between items placed on the drape and the receptacle. The drape device further comprises engaging structure configured to engage the drape and one of the basin and the receptacle so as to facilitate operation of the limit switch and activation of the heater when the drape device is connected with the thermal treatment system and at least one item is placed on the drape within the receptacle. 
     In one embodiment, the engaging structure includes an actuation member that facilitates operation of the limit switch and activation of the heater without the use of the basin. 
     In another embodiment, the engaging structure is securable to the basin to facilitate securing of the drape within the basin during use of the thermal treatment system. 
     The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary thermal treatment system that may be employed by an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a view in perspective of a removable basin of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3-4  are schematic illustrations of a limit switch employed by the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view in plan of an alternative limit switch that may be employed by the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a view in elevation and partial section of the limit switch of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a view in perspective of an actuation member for the system of  FIG. 1  employing the limit switch of  FIG. 3  to actuate the limit switch and enable thermal treatment of a medical solution according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a schematic illustration of the interaction between the actuation member of  FIG. 6A  and the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a view in perspective of a surgical drape for use with the system of  FIG. 1  employing the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6D  is a view in perspective of another surgical drape for use with the system of  FIG. 1  employing the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6E  is a schematic illustration of the interaction between the surgical drapes of  FIGS. 6C-6D  and the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6F  is a view in elevation and partial section of a surgical drape including a plate for use with the system of  FIG. 1  employing the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6G  is a schematic illustration of the interaction between the surgical drape of  FIG. 6F  and the limit switch of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a view in perspective of an actuation member for use with the system of  FIG. 1  employing the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  to actuate the limit switch and enable thermal treatment of a medical solution according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is an exploded view in elevation and partial section of the actuation member of  FIG. 7A  and the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  according to a present invention embodiment. 
         FIG. 7C  is a view in perspective of a surgical drape including the actuation member of  FIG. 7A  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7D  is a view in elevation and partial section of the surgical drape of  FIG. 7C  and the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7E  is a view in elevation and partial section of a surgical drape including a plate and the member of  FIG. 7A  attached to the plate according to a present invention embodiment. 
         FIG. 7F  is a view in elevation and partial section of the surgical drape of  FIG. 7E  and the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7G  is a view in elevation and partial section of a surgical drape including a plate serving to actuate the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  according to a present invention embodiment. 
         FIG. 7H  is a view in elevation and partial section of the surgical drape of  FIG. 7G  and the limit switch of  FIG. 5B  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view in perspective of a surgical drape securable to and for use within the basin of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view in perspective of a surgical drape including fasteners to secure the drape to the basin of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view in perspective of an engagement member enabling a surgical drape to be utilized with the basin of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An exemplary thermal treatment system that may be employed by the present invention embodiments is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Initially, the thermal treatment system may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,275 (Kammer et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Specifically, fluid warming system  100  includes a warming receptacle  3 , a removable or disposable basin  4  within receptacle  3 , a limit switch  6 ,  7 , a heater  12  and a fluid temperature controller  20 . Sterile fluid  8  is placed within removable basin  4 , where the basin includes an integral thermocouple well  14  to receive a temperature sensor or thermocouple  16  that protrudes into the receptacle  3  (e.g., at a bottom wall location of the receptacle  3  as can be seen in  FIG. 1 ). Heater  12  selectively applies heat to receptacle  3  that is transferred to basin  4  and fluid  8 . The fluid warming system further includes a main power or on/off switch  36 , and may include a mechanical thermostat  34  (e.g., a bimetallic thermostat) to provide secondary protection against a failed control system. The mechanical thermostat acts as a switch to disable the heater when the heater temperature exceeds a set temperature. 
     A modified surgical drape  10  is connected to the upper rim of basin  4  and/or the basin outside wall, where the basin extends down through a hole in the surgical drape. The interaction between drape  10  and basin  4  may be implemented by a simple interference fit, where the basin is inserted into the drape hole and stretches the drape to facilitate attachment of the drape to the basin sufficiently to maintain the sterile field. Alternatively, the drape may be bonded to the basin outer wall or to the underside of the basin rim. 
     Indicator lamps  28 ,  32  are visible through the drape and are viewable from a distance to indicate the fluid temperature status. Indicator lamp  28  conveys an indication of the fluid temperature attaining a target temperature, or a temperature within a certain tolerance of that target temperature. In contrast, indicator lamp  32  indicates the presence of power to the fluid warming system (e.g., closure of main on/off switch  36 ) and a fluid temperature not within a certain tolerance of the target temperature. Indicator lamp  32  is typically not illuminated unless limit switch  6 ,  7  indicates that a basin is present as discussed below. 
     Fluid temperature sensor or thermocouple  16  is placed in thermal contact with thermocouple well  14  and in electrical contact with fluid temperature controller  20 . In order to isolate the fluid temperature controller from current used in heater  12 , a solid state relay  24  is used to translate control signals from the fluid temperature controller to effectively close a switch and provide current to the heater. Controller  20  varies the set point for the temperature of heater  12  which is measured by a heater temperature detector  18 . A user may alter a target temperature  26  for the fluid through the use of input keys  30 . The target temperature and the current temperature of the fluid may be displayed on a display  22 . A maximum temperature is used as the set point temperature for the heater until the sterile fluid is relatively close to the target temperature. As the temperature of the sterile fluid approaches the target temperature, the set point for the heater is reduced thus slowing the rate of temperature increase of the sterile fluid. 
     An exemplary basin  4  for fluid warming system  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, basin  4  includes a rim  104  with a series of substantially cylindrical posts or nubs  118  disposed thereon, a bottom wall  108 , a side wall  112 , and a sloped ring  116  disposed between the bottom and side walls. Thermocouple well  14  is defined in basin bottom wall  108 , while an alignment channel  120  is present at the intersection of bottom wall  108  and a portion of side wall  112 . In particular, thermocouple well  14  includes an interior protruding bottom wall surface portion of the basin  4  that defines the cavity or well on the outer bottom wall surface portion which receives thermocouple  16 . The alignment channel fits over a corresponding ridge in the fluid warming system to provide an aid in aligning the basin relative to the fluid warming system. This enables thermocouple  16  to be forced into an interference fit in thermocouple well  14 . 
     Basin limit switch  6 ,  7  ( FIG. 1 ) prevents power from reaching heater  12  unless appropriate conditions exist to allow enablement of the heater. The basin limit switch basically detects the absence of a removable basin and the use of a basin without a corresponding well. Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , heater  12  includes or is coupled to a heater plate or conductive material  68  providing heat from heater  12  to receptacle  3 . Thermocouple or temperature sensor  16  protrudes through heater plate  68  and into receptacle  3 . The temperature sensor  16  is further coupled to limit switch  6 . When basin  4  is appropriately placed in receptacle  3  ( FIG. 4 ), thermocouple well  14  is aligned with and receives thermocouple  16 . The thermocouple is displaced sufficiently by thermocouple well  14  to close basin limit switch  6  and enable heater  12  to heat receptacle  3 . 
     An embodiment of limit switch  7  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5B . Specifically, limit switch  7  includes thermocouple  16  surrounded by a limit switch actuator  62 , a limit switch guide  64 , an insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68 . The conductive material conveys heat from heater  12  disposed below conductive material  68  to the bottom of basin  4 . Thermocouple  16  is substantially isolated from the temperature of conductive material  68  by limit switch guide  64  and insulating zone  66 . When basin  4  is placed in receptacle  3  with thermocouple well  14  aligned with thermocouple  16 , the basin pushes down on limit switch actuator  62 . The limit switch actuator moves downward relative to thermocouple  16 , limit switch guide  64 , insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68  and activates limit switch  7  to indicate that an appropriate basin is in place and to enable heater  12  to heat receptacle  3 . 
     Fluid warming system  100  may further utilize surgical drape devices to contain the sterile fluid for warming. The surgical drape devices may be utilized with or without removable basin  4  as described below. In order to utilize a surgical drape device in fluid warming system  100  without basin  4  (and drape  10 ), limit switch  6 ,  7  needs to be actuated to enable heater  12  to heat receptacle  3 . Accordingly, an actuation member  48  may be employed to actuate limit switch  6  ( FIGS. 3-4 ) as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6B . Specifically, actuation member  48  includes a base  41  and a cover member  43 . Base  41  is generally annular and includes an opening  45  defined therethrough. Cover member  43  is generally semi-spherical and is attached to base  41  substantially coincident base opening  45 . Cover member  43  is constructed of a suitably durable material (e.g., plastic, etc.) to prevent puncture by thermocouple  16 . The actuation member may alternatively be implemented by the cover member (e.g., without base  41 ). The weight of the actuation member is sufficient to push down thermocouple  16  and activate limit switch  6  to enable heater  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to heat sterile fluid contained by a drape in receptacle  3 . 
     The actuation member is initially placed in receptacle  3  with base  41  disposed on heater plate  68  and the base opening and cover member substantially coincident the heater plate opening ( FIG. 6B ). Cover member  43  receives thermocouple  16  to actuate limit switch  6 . In particular, the thermocouple distal end engages the upper end of cover member  43 . The cover member upper end forces the thermocouple downward to actuate limit switch  6 . The cover member may include sufficient weight and dimensions (e.g., less than the thermocouple protrusion) to displace thermocouple  16  in this manner, or the weight of the drape and/or sterile fluid within the drape container may provide the weight for the thermocouple displacement. In addition, the cover member is preferably configured and/or constructed with suitable materials (e.g., plastic, conducting, etc.) to enable a temperature measurement of the sterile fluid by the thermocouple through the cover member (and drape). 
     Once actuation member  48  is positioned to actuate limit switch  6 , a drape  15  may be placed over the fluid warming system and within receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ) to warm a sterile fluid in a drape container and provide a sterile field as described above. Specifically, sterile drape  15  ( FIG. 6B ) for use in fluid warming system  100  (without removable basin  4  and drape  10 ) is preferably transparent and typically disposed over the top and sides of fluid warming system  100  to provide a sterile field (similar to drape  10  as viewed in  FIG. 1 ). A portion of drape  15  is disposed in heated receptacle  3  and serves as a sterile container or receptacle for sterile fluid to be heated and placed therein. Drape  15  is made from a material that is impervious to the sterile fluid and sufficiently soft and flexible to conform to receptacle walls. The thickness of the drape is preferably minimized to render thermal transfer therethrough most efficient, yet the thickness is sufficient to resist tearing and puncturing during normal use. The drape may be made of materials commonly used in hospitals for surgical drapes and has a thickness, by way of example only, of approximately 4.5 to 6.0 mils. However, the drape may have any desired thickness. Drape  15  may also be made of polyurethane film as disclosed for the drape in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,152 (Templeton), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the drape may include sensors to detect the presence or absence of fluid within the receptacle and/or the presence of a drape leak. Examples of these types of drapes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,881 (Faries, Jr. et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,485 (Faries, Jr. et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,176,030 (Faries, Jr. et al.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Since the actuation member is disposed outside the sterile field (e.g., beneath the drape), the actuation member need not be sterilized for each use. 
     Alternatively, the drape may be placed over the fluid warming system with actuation member  48  placed on the drape sterile surface (e.g., within the sterile field) substantially coincident limit switch  6  to actuate the limit switch through the drape in substantially the same manner described above. Since the actuation member is disposed within the sterile field (e.g., above the drape), the actuation member needs to be sterile for each use. Accordingly, the actuation member may be designed to be disposable after a single use and preferably provided presterilized and prepackaged in a manner to preserve its sterile state during storage. The actuation member may further be constructed of suitable materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) to enable sterilization prior to each use. 
     Actuation member  48  may be attached to a drape according to an embodiment of the present invention to enable warming of a sterile fluid within fluid warming system  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 6C . Specifically, drape  15  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 6B  and includes a sensor receptacle  42  in the form of actuation member  48 . The actuation member includes base  41  and cover member  43  each as described above. Base  41  is typically attached to the drape sterile surface, where drape  15  includes an opening  47  substantially coincident base opening  45 . The actuation member may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The base is sealed to the drape to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. Actuation member  48  may further be attached to the underside or non-sterile surface of drape  15 , where the drape covers the actuation member (e.g., without the drape opening). Alternatively, base  41  may be attached to the drape non-sterile surface with cover member  41  extending through the drape opening beyond the drape sterile surface. In this case, the drape is sealed about the sensor receptacle to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. In addition, drape  15  may include actuation member  48  without base  41 , where cover member  43  is attached to the drape sterile (and/or non sterile) surface substantially coincident (and/or through) drape opening  47  as illustrated in  FIG. 6D . The drape is sealed about the cover member to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. Cover member  43  is configured to receive and sufficiently displace thermocouple  16  downward to actuate limit switch  6  as described below. The sensor receptacle protects the drape from puncture by thermocouple  16 , and may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     Operation of drape  15  with sensor receptacle  42  is described with reference to  FIG. 6E . Specifically, drape  15  is typically positioned over fluid warming system  100  with a portion of the drape including sensor receptacle  42  disposed in receptacle  3  to form a drape container. The drape forms a sterile field above the receptacle to maintain sterility of a sterile medium or fluid placed in the drape container. Sensor receptacle  42  is positioned substantially coincident thermocouple  16  protruding through heater plate  68  to receive the thermocouple therein. Sensor receptacle  42  is configured to receive and sufficiently displace thermocouple  16  downward to actuate limit switch  6  to enable heating. In particular, the thermocouple distal end engages the upper end of sensor receptacle  42  (e.g., the cover member top surface) upon insertion into the sensor receptacle. The sensor receptacle upper end forces the thermocouple downward to actuate limit switch  6 . The cover member may include sufficient weight and dimensions to displace thermocouple  16  in this manner, or the weight of the sterile fluid within the drape container may provide the weight for the thermocouple displacement as described above. In addition, the cover member is preferably configured and/or constructed with suitable materials (e.g., plastic, conducting, etc.) to enable a temperature measurement of the sterile fluid by the thermocouple when inserted within sensor receptacle  42 . 
     A plate may be secured to the drape non-sterile surface to provide sensor receptacle  42  according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 6F . Specifically, drape  15  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 6B  and includes a plate  46  attached to the underside or non-sterile surface the drape. The plate may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The plate is generally circular and may include sensor receptacle  42  in the form of a channel  52  defined in the plate. The channel (and/or plate thickness) includes dimensions sufficient to receive and displace thermocouple  16  downward to actuate limit switch  6 . 
     Alternatively, sensor receptacle  42  may include cover member  43  described above and attached to the plate and/or drape sterile surface. The actuation member may be attached or integrated into the plate and/or drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). In this case, plate  46  includes an opening  49  defined therethrough and aligned with drape opening  47 . Cover member  43  is attached to the plate and/or drape sterile surface substantially coincident drape and plate openings  47 ,  49 . Cover member  43  receives thermocouple  16  through the plate and drape openings and includes dimensions sufficient to displace the thermocouple downward to actuate limit switch  6  as described below. The cover member may alternatively be attached to the plate substantially coincident opening  49  with the drape (without opening  47 ) covering the sensor receptacle. The plate and/or sensor receptacle protect the drape from puncture by thermocouple  16 , and may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     Operation of drape  15  with plate  46  is described with reference to  FIG. 6G . Specifically, drape  15  is typically positioned over fluid warming system  100  with a portion of the drape including sensor receptacle  42  (and plate  46 ) disposed in receptacle  3  to form a drape container. The drape forms a sterile field above the receptacle to maintain sterility of a sterile medium or liquid placed in the drape container. Sensor receptacle  42  is positioned substantially coincident thermocouple  16  protruding through heater plate  68  to receive the thermocouple therein. Sensor receptacle  42  is configured to receive and sufficiently displace thermocouple  16  downward to actuate limit switch  6  to enable heating. In particular, the thermocouple distal end engages the upper end of sensor receptacle  42  (e.g., the cover member or plate channel top surface) upon insertion into the sensor receptacle. The sensor receptacle upper end forces the thermocouple downward to actuate limit switch  6 . The cover member and/or plate may include sufficient weight and dimensions to displace thermocouple  16  in this manner, or the weight of the sterile fluid within the drape container may provide the weight for the thermocouple displacement. In addition, the plate and cover member are preferably configured and/or constructed with suitable materials (e.g., plastic, conducting, etc.) to enable a temperature measurement of the sterile fluid by the thermocouple when inserted within sensor receptacle  42 . 
     Drapes  15  described above may further include a preformed container portion contoured to match the contour of the receptacle. The preformed container portion is typically thicker than the remaining portions of the drape described above in order to resist puncture and enable the container portion to maintain the shape of the receptacle. By way of example only, the container portion may be made of a heavy gauge polyethylene/ionomer resin blend having a thickness of approximately ten to sixteen mils. The percentage of ionomer resin in the blend is in the approximate range of forty to seventy percent. In this case, the preformed container portion may include sensor receptacle  42  (and/or plate  46 ) in substantially the same manner described above. The drapes described above are designed to be disposable after a single use and are provided presterilized and prepackaged in a manner to preserve their sterile state during storage. 
     In order to enable a surgical drape to be utilized by the fluid warming system without basin  4  (and drape  10 ), an actuation member  44  may be employed to actuate limit switch  7  ( FIGS. 5A-5B ) as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7B . Specifically, actuation member  44  includes a body  50  in the form of a generally annular ring with an opening  51  defined therethrough. The dimensions of the actuation member are sufficient to enable the actuation member body to rest on limit switch actuator  62 , while receiving thermocouple  16  through opening  51 . The weight of the actuation member body is sufficient to push down on limit switch actuator  62 . The limit switch actuator moves downward relative to thermocouple  16 , limit switch guide  64 , insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68  and activates limit switch  7  to enable heater  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to heat receptacle  3 . 
     Once actuation member  44  is positioned to actuate limit switch  7 , a drape  15  may be placed over the fluid warming system and within receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ) to warm a sterile fluid in a drape container and provide a sterile field as described above. The drape may be implemented by drapes  15  (e.g.,  FIGS. 6B-6D ) described above. In the case of drape  15  employing sensor receptacle  42 , the sensor receptacle may be configured simply to receive the thermocouple therein to enable a temperature measurement (e.g., without being configured to displace the thermocouple). Since the actuation member is disposed outside the sterile field (e.g., beneath the drape), the actuation member need not be sterilized for each use. 
     Alternatively, the drape may be placed over the fluid warming system with actuation member  44  placed on the drape sterile surface (e.g., within the sterile field) substantially coincident limit switch  7  to actuate the limit switch through the drape in substantially the same manner described above. In the case of drape  15  employing sensor receptacle  42  ( FIGS. 6C-6D ), the sensor receptacle is preferably configured to enable actuation member  44  to be placed on the drape sterile surface with cover member  43  inserted through actuation member opening  51 . Since the actuation member is disposed within the sterile field (e.g., above the drape), the actuation member needs to be sterile for each use. Accordingly, the actuation member may be designed to be disposable after a single use and preferably provided presterilized and prepackaged in a manner to preserve its sterile state during storage. The actuation member may further be constructed of suitable materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) to enable sterilization prior to each use. 
     Actuation member  44  may be attached to drape  15  according to an embodiment of the present invention to enable warming of a sterile fluid within fluid warming system  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7C-7D . Specifically, drape  15  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 6B  and includes sensor receptacle  42 . The sensor receptacle includes actuation member  44  and a cover member  43  each as described above. Actuation member  44  is typically attached to the drape non-sterile surface, where drape  15  includes opening  47  substantially coincident actuation member opening  51 . The actuation member may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). Cover member  43  is attached to actuation member  44  substantially coincident actuation member opening  51 , and extends through drape opening  47  beyond the drape sterile surface. The drape is sealed about the sensor receptacle to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. The sensor receptacle protects the drape from puncture by thermocouple  16 , and may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     In operation, drape  15  with actuation device  44  may be placed over the fluid warming system ( FIG. 7D ) and within receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ) to warm a sterile fluid in a drape container. The actuation member is positioned with the actuation member body resting on limit switch actuator  62  and thermocouple  16  extending through opening  51  and into cover member  43 . The weight of the actuation member body is sufficient to push down on limit switch actuator  62 . The limit switch actuator moves downward relative to thermocouple  16 , limit switch guide  64 , insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68  and activates limit switch  7  to enable heater  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to heat receptacle  3 . Sensor receptacle  42  may further be attached to the underside or non-sterile surface of drape  15 , where the drape covers the sensor receptacle (e.g., without the drape opening) to enable heating of the sterile fluid in substantially the same manner described above. Alternatively, sensor receptacle  42  may be disposed on the drape sterile surface with cover member  43  substantially aligned with openings  47 ,  51  to enable heating of the sterile fluid in substantially the same manner described above. 
     A plate including actuation member  44  may be secured to the drape non-sterile surface to enable use of the drape by the fluid warming system without basin  4  (and drape  10 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 7E-7F . Specifically, drape  15  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 6B  and includes plate  46  attached to the underside or non-sterile surface of drape  15 . The plate may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The plate is generally circular and may include sensor receptacle  42  disposed toward a plate edge. Sensor receptacle  42  may include actuation member  44  as described above and a channel or opening  52  defined in the plate. The channel includes a closed upper end and extends from the plate bottom surface. Actuation member  44  is disposed on the underside of the plate with actuation member opening  51  substantially aligned with channel  52 . The actuation member may be attached or integrated into the plate by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The channel (and/or plate thickness) includes dimensions sufficient to receive thermocouple  16  therein. 
     The sensor receptacle may further include actuation member  44  and a cover member  43  each as described above. Plate  46  includes opening  49  defined therethrough and aligned with a drape opening  47 . Actuation member  44  is disposed on the underside of the plate with actuation member opening  51  substantially aligned with drape and plate openings  47 ,  49 . Cover member  43  is attached to the plate and/or drape sterile surface substantially coincident openings  47 ,  49 ,  51  and receives thermocouple  16  through openings  47 ,  49 ,  51 . The drape is sealed about the sensor receptacle to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. The actuation member and/or sensor receptacle protects the drape from puncture by thermocouple  16 , and may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     Since the actuation member is secured to the underside of plate  46 , the plate portion including the actuation member may be slightly elevated. This may result in the plate being oriented in a tilted fashion when disposed in heated receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, plate  46  may further include a foot  148  disposed toward an opposing plate edge relative to actuation member  44  to support plate  46  within receptacle  3 . Foot  148  engages the receptacle bottom surface and includes dimensions suitable to support and maintain plate  46  in a substantially level orientation. The foot may be attached or integrated into the plate by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     In operation, drape  15  with plate  46  and actuation member  44  may be placed over the fluid warming system ( FIG. 7F ) and within receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ) to warm a sterile fluid in a drape container. The plate is positioned with the actuation member body resting on limit switch actuator  62  and foot  148  engaging the receptacle bottom. Thermocouple  16  extends through opening  51  and into channel  49 . In the case of the drape including a cover member, thermocouple  16  extends through openings  47 ,  49 ,  51  and into cover member  43 . The weight of the actuation member body is sufficient to push down on limit switch actuator  62 . The limit switch actuator moves downward relative to thermocouple  16 , limit switch guide  64 , insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68  and activates limit switch  7  to enable heater  12  ( FIG. 1 ) to heat receptacle  3 . Plate  46  may alternatively be attached to the drape sterile surface with channel  52 , opening  49  and/or cover member  43  substantially aligned with drape opening  47 . The actuation member actuates limit switch  7  through the drape to enable heating of the sterile fluid in substantially the same manner described above. 
     A plate serving as an actuation device for limit switch  7  may be secured to the drape to enable use of the drape by the fluid warming system without basin  4  (and drape  10 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIGS. 7G-7H . Specifically, drape  15  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 7E  and includes plate  46  preferably attached to the underside or non-sterile surface of drape  15 . The plate may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The plate is generally circular and may include sensor receptacle  42  disposed toward a plate edge as described above. Sensor receptacle  42  may be in the form of a channel or opening  52  defined in the plate. The channel includes a closed upper end and extends from the plate bottom surface. The channel (and/or plate thickness) includes dimensions sufficient to receive thermocouple  16  therein. 
     The sensor receptacle may further include cover member  43  as described above. In this case, plate  46  includes opening or channel  49  defined therethrough and aligned  33  with a drape opening  47 . Cover member  43  is attached to the plate and/or drape sterile surface substantially coincident openings  47 ,  49  and receives thermocouple  16  through those openings. The drape is sealed about the sensor receptacle to prevent leaks of sterile fluid from the drape container through the drape opening. Alternatively, the cover member may be attached to the plate with the drape covering the sensor receptacle. The plate and/or sensor receptacle protects the drape from puncture by thermocouple  16 , and may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     In operation, drape  15  with plate  46  may be placed over the fluid warming system ( FIG. 7H ) and within receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ) to warm a sterile fluid in a drape container. The plate is positioned to receive thermocouple  16  within channel  52  and with the plate bottom surface portions proximate the channel resting on limit switch actuator  62 . Thermocouple  16  extends into channel  52 . In the case of the drape including a cover member, thermocouple  16  extends through openings  47 ,  49  and into cover member  43 . The weight of the plate is sufficient to push down on limit switch actuator  62 . The limit switch actuator moves downward relative to thermocouple  16 , limit switch guide  64 , insulating zone  66 , and conductive material  68  and activates limit switch  7  to enable heater  12  ( FIG. 1 ). Plate  46  may alternatively be disposed on the drape sterile surface with channel  52  and/or cover member  43  substantially aligned with drape opening  47 . The plate actuates limit switch  7  through the drape to enable heating of the sterile fluid in substantially the same manner described above. 
     Since the plate portion engaging switch actuator  62  may be slightly elevated, the plate may be oriented in a tilted fashion when disposed in heated receptacle  3  ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, plate  46  may further include foot  148  disposed toward an opposing plate edge relative to channel  52  to support plate  46  within receptacle  3 . Foot  148  engages the receptacle bottom surface and includes dimensions suitable to support and maintain plate  46  in a substantially level orientation. 
     Drapes  15  described above (e.g.,  FIGS. 7B-7H ) may further include a preformed container portion contoured to match the contour of the receptacle. The preformed container portion is typically thicker than the remaining portions of the drape in order to resist puncture and enable the container portion to maintain the shape of the receptacle. By way of example only, the container portion may be made of a heavy gauge polyethylene/ionomer resin blend having a thickness of approximately ten to sixteen mils. The percentage of ionomer resin in the blend is in the approximate range of forty to seventy percent. In this case, the preformed container portion may include sensor receptacle  42  (and/or plate  46 ) in substantially the same manner described above. The drapes described above are designed to be disposable after a single use and are provided presterilized and prepackaged in a manner to preserve their sterile state during storage. 
     Surgical drapes may further be utilized in combination with basin  4  (without drape  10 ) to heat sterile fluid within drape containers. In this case, a drape is secured to the basin with a portion of the drape conforming to the basin interior to form a drape container for sterile fluid. The basin actuates limit switch  6 ,  7  as described above to enable heating of the sterile fluid in the drape container. A drape for use with basin  4  according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Specifically, drape  17  is substantially similar to drape  15  described above for  FIG. 6B  and includes a well secure member  70  and a channel secure member  72 . Well secure member  70  is preferably configured in the form of a generally semi-spherical dome to engage well  14  of basin  4 . The well secure member is constructed of a substantially flexible or resilient material and includes dimensions suitable to enable a snap or friction fit engagement of the well member. The channel secure member is preferably in the form of a semi-cylindrical tubular member and constructed of a substantially flexible or resilient material. The channel secure member includes dimensions suitable to enable a snap or friction fit engagement of the alignment channel. The well and channel secure members further protect the drape from puncture by well  4  and alignment channel  120 , and may serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     The well and channel secure members may further include fastening devices (e.g., clips, etc.) to enable attachment of these members to the well and alignment channel. Secure members  70 ,  72  may be disposed on the drape sterile (e.g., engaging the well and alignment channel through the drape) and/or non-sterile (e.g., directly engaging the well and alignment channel) surfaces at locations enabling formation of a drape container within basin  4  and respective engagement of the well and alignment channel to secure the drape to the basin. The well and channel secure members may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     Drape  17  is made from a material that is impervious to the sterile fluid and sufficiently soft and flexible to conform to the basin walls. The thickness of the drape is preferably minimized to render thermal transfer therethrough most efficient, yet the thickness is sufficient to resist tearing and puncturing during normal use. The drape may be made of materials commonly used in hospitals for surgical drapes and is relatively thin to enable thermocouple  16  to measure temperature of the sterile fluid through the drape (and basin), and to enable heater  12  to heat the sterile fluid in the drape container. By way of example only, the drape has a thickness of approximately 2.0 to 4.0 mils. However, the drape may have any desired thickness. Drape  17  may also be made of polyurethane film as disclosed for the drape in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,152 (Templeton). In addition, the drape may include sensors to detect the presence or absence of liquid within the receptacle and/or the presence of a drape leak. Examples of these types of drapes are disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,881 (Faries, Jr. et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,485 (Faries, Jr. et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,176,030 (Faries, Jr. et al.). 
     In operation, drape  17  may be placed over the fluid warming system and within basin  4  to form a drape container. The drape is positioned within the basin to enable well secure member  70  to engage well  14  and channel secure member  72  to engage alignment channel  120  to secure the drape to the basin. Sterile fluid is placed within the drape container to be warmed by fluid warming system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Basin  4  actuates limit switch  6 , 7  as described above to enable heater  12  to heat the basin and drape container, while thermocouple  16  is received in well  14  to measure temperature of the sterile fluid. 
     Drape  17  may further engage posts  118  of basin  4  for use with fluid warming system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Initially, drape  17  is substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 8  and includes a series of fasteners  80  preferably disposed on the non-sterile surface of the drape. The fasteners are generally cylindrical and include dimensions comparable to posts  118  of basin  4  to enable the fasteners to engage the posts in a snap or friction fit engagement. Fasteners  80  are disposed on the drape at locations substantially coincident corresponding posts  118  after enabling formation of a drape container within basin  4 . A well cover member  82  is disposed on the drape non-sterile surface to cover well  14  of basin  4  and protect drape  17 . Well cover member  82  may be generally semi-spherical to cover well  14 , and is preferably constructed of suitable durable materials typically impervious to puncture by the basin well. The drape may further include a channel cover member  84  disposed on the non-sterile surface to cover alignment channel  120  of basin  4  and protect drape  17 . Channel cover member  84  may be generally semi-cylindrical and is preferably constructed of suitable durable materials typically impervious to puncture by the alignment channel. The well and channel cover members protect the drape from puncture by well  14  and alignment channel  120 , and may further serve (e.g., along with fasteners  80 ) to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. 
     In operation, drape  17  may be placed over the fluid warming system and within basin  4  to form a drape container. The drape is positioned within the basin to enable fasteners  80  to engage corresponding posts  118  to secure the drape to the basin and to enable well and channel cover members  82 ,  84  to cover well  14  and alignment channel  120  and protect the drape. Sterile fluid is placed within the drape container to be warmed by fluid warming system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Basin  4  actuates limit switch  6 ,  7  and receives thermocouple  16  within well  14  to enable heater  12  to heat the basin and drape container and to measure temperature of the sterile fluid as described above. Alternatively, the well and channel cover members and fasteners may be disposed on the sterile or any combination of the sterile and non-sterile surfaces to enable heating of the sterile fluid in substantially the same manner described above. 
     An engagement member may be utilized to engage basin  4  and enable use of a drape with fluid warming system  100  (without drape  10 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Specifically, an engagement member  90  includes a generally hub and spoke or star type configuration with a well cover member  92  and a plurality of basin fasteners  96  coupled to well cover member  92  by a series of arms  94 . Well cover member  92  is generally semi-spherical to cover well  14  of basin  4 , and is preferably constructed of suitably durable materials typically impervious to puncture by the basin well. Well cover member  92  is typically disposed over well  14  at the basin bottom. Arms  94  each include a generally ‘S’-type configuration and are attached to well cover member  92 . The arms each include a corresponding basin fastener  96  attached to an arm distal end, and extend from well cover member  92  along the basin bottom and sidewall to a corresponding post  118  on basin rim  104 . 
     Basin fasteners  96  are generally cylindrical and include dimensions comparable to posts  118  to enable the basin fasteners to engage the posts in a snap or friction fit engagement to secure the engagement member to the basin. Once the engagement member is secured to the basin, a drape  17  may be disposed within the basin over the engagement member to form a drape container therein. Drape  17  may be substantially similar to the drape described above for  FIG. 8  (e.g., without the well and channel secure members). Since the engagement member is disposed outside the sterile field (e.g., beneath the drape), the actuation member need not be sterilized for each use. 
     Engagement member  90  may further be attached to drape  17 . In this case, portions of drape  17  may be attached to well cover member  92  and/or arms  94 , thereby forming a drape container in the area collectively defined between the arms. The engagement member and formed drape container are placed in the basin with basin fasteners  96  engaging basin posts  118  to secure the drape to the basin. The well cover member protects the drape from puncture by well  14 , while engagement member  90  may further serve to indicate the orientation or alignment of the drape over the fluid warming system. The engagement member may be attached or integrated into the drape by any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The engagement member is preferably attached to the non-sterile drape surface. However, the engagement member may include a plurality of components attached to any combination of the sterile and non-sterile drape surfaces (e.g., mirrored components attached to opposing sterile and non-sterile drape surfaces and coupled to each other through the drape, etc.). 
     In operation, engagement member  90  may be secured to basin  4  by basin fasteners  96  engaging basin posts  118 . Once the engagement member is secured to the basin, drape  17  may be disposed within the basin over the engagement member to form a drape container therein. In the case of engagement member  90  being attached to drape  17 , the engagement member and formed drape container are placed in the basin with basin fasteners  96  engaging corresponding basin posts  118  to secure the drape to the basin. Sterile fluid is placed within the drape container to be warmed by fluid warming system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Basin  4  actuates limit switch  6 ,  7  as described above to enable heater  12  to heat the basin and drape container, while thermocouple  16  is received in well  14  to measure temperature of the sterile fluid. 
     Drapes  17  described above may further include a preformed container portion contoured to match the contour of the basin. The preformed container portion is typically thicker than the remaining portions of the drape in order to resist puncture and enable the container portion to maintain the shape of the receptacle. By way of example only, the container portion may be made of a heavy gauge polyethylene/ionomer resin blend having a thickness of approximately ten to sixteen mils. The percentage of ionomer resin in the blend is in the approximate range of forty to seventy percent. In this case, the preformed container portion includes well secure member  70 , channel secure member  72 , well cover member  82  and/or engagement member  90  in substantially the same manner described above. Drapes  17  described above are designed to be disposable after a single use and are provided presterilized and prepackaged in a manner to preserve their sterile state during storage. 
     It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing a method and apparatus for warming medical solutions in a thermal treatment system employing a removable basin. 
     The fluid warming system may include any quantity of heating and/or cooling receptacles and/or basins in any combinations for use with the drapes and/or actuation members. The drapes and actuation members may be utilized with the receptacle of any quantity, shape or size. The drapes and actuation members may be utilized with the removable basin of any quantity, shape or size, and including any quantity of structures (e.g., thermocouple well, alignment channel, etc.) of any quantity, shape or size and disposed at any locations. The drapes and actuation members may be utilized with any types of thermal treatment systems that may include any conventional or other heating and/or refrigeration units to thermally treat any type of sterile medium or other substance to any desired temperature (preferably to temperatures near (e.g., above, at or below) body temperature, such as temperatures in the approximate range of 60° F.-160° F.). 
     The drapes and actuation members may be utilized with thermocouples or temperature sensors implemented by any conventional or other temperature sensing device (e.g., infrared, RTD, etc.) and disposed at any location on or proximate the receptacle and/or removable basin or within the system. 
     The drapes may be of any size or shape, may include any suitable thickness (e.g., for thermal transfer to thermally treat and/or measure temperature of the fluid, etc.) and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The drapes are preferably transparent or translucent to facilitate manipulation of controls through the drape; however, these drapes may have any degree of transparency (e.g., including opaque). The drapes may be manipulated in any fashion with any portions of the drapes serving as a drape container within a corresponding system receptacle or basin. The drapes may be of sufficient size to accommodate and form drape containers within any quantity or types of thermal treatment system receptacles and/or basins. 
     The drapes and actuation members may be utilized with any conventional or other limit switches with any types of actuators. Actuation member  48  may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may have any weight sufficient to actuate the limit switch. The base may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials, while the base opening may be of any quantity, shape or size to receive a temperature sensor. The cover member may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The actuation member and corresponding components (e.g., base, cover member, etc.) may be attached to the drape at any desired locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     The plate may be of any quantity, shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The plate channel may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be defined at any suitable locations and may be of any length suitable to receive the thermocouple. The plate opening may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be defined at any suitable locations, while the cover member may be attached to the plate at any desired locations via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The plate may be attached to the drape at any desired locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     Actuation member  44  may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may have any weight sufficient to actuate the limit switch. The body may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials, while the body opening may be of any quantity shape or size to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor receptacle may be of any quantity, shape or size. The cover member may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The plate may be of any quantity, shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The plate channel may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be defined at any suitable locations and may be of any length suitable to receive the thermocouple. The foot may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The plate opening may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be defined at any suitable locations, while the cover member may be attached to the plate at any desired locations. The sensor receptacle and components (e.g., actuation member body, cover member, foot, etc.) may be attached to the plate at any desired locations via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). Further, the sensor receptacle and components (e.g., actuation member body, cover member, plate, foot, etc.) may be attached to the drape at any desired locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     The well and channel secure members may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials, and may be attached to the drape at any desired locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The secure members may be configured to engage any suitable basin portions (e.g., thermocouple well, alignment channel, etc.). The fasteners may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials, and may be attached to the drape at any locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). The fasteners may be configured to engage any portions of the receptacle and/or basin (e.g., posts, rim, etc.). 
     The engagement mechanism may be of any quantity, shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The well cover member may be of any quantity, shape or size and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The arms may be of any quantity, shape or size, may include any configuration (e.g., ‘S’-type, curved, linear, etc.), and may be constructed of any suitable materials. The basin fasteners may be of any quantity, shape or size, may be constructed of any suitable materials and may be disposed at any locations on the arms. The basin fasteners may be configured to engage any portions of the receptacle and/or basin (e.g., posts, rim, etc.). The engagement mechanism may be attached to the drape at any locations on the sterile and/or non-sterile surfaces via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., adhesion, heat welding, RF, etc.). 
     It is to be understood that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “vertical” and the like are used herein merely to describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. 
     The present invention drapes and actuation members are not limited to the applications or systems described herein, but may be utilized for any types of thermal treatments systems to thermally treat any medical or other items (e.g., IV or other medical solutions (e.g., blood, pharmaceuticals or medication, etc.), containers, etc.). 
     From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the invention makes available a novel method and apparatus for warming medical solutions in a thermal treatment system employing a removable basin, where drapes and engaging structure are provided to facilitate use of a drape with the thermal treatment without use of the removable basin or engaging the drape with respect to the basin during use of the thermal treatment system. 
     Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved method and apparatus for warming medical solutions in a thermal treatment system employing a removable basin, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.