Dialyzer reuse machine
First Claim
1. A machine for cleaning a used hemodialyzer, the dialyzer having a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment, the machine comprising:
- means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence, whereby the dialyzer may be cleansed, andmeans for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the cleansing of the dialyzer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dialyzer reuse machine comprising means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence for cleaning and disinfecting the dialyzer and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the dialyzer cleaning steps. Capacitive probe and load cell embodiments of the volume measuring means are disclosed. A specially designed jet pump permits a pressure leak test and dilution of stock chemicals to be performed using only tap water pressure as a source of motive force.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A machine for cleaning a used hemodialyzer, the dialyzer having a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment, the machine comprising:
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means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence, whereby the dialyzer may be cleansed, and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the cleansing of the dialyzer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A machine for cleansing and disinfecting a hemodialyzer device so that it may be reused, the dialyzer device including a dialysate compartment and a blood compartment and each said compartment communicating with an inlet port and an outlet port, the machine comprising:
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a regulated supply header; a supply header; tank means; an air header open to the atmosphere; a drain header; jet pump means including a pump fluid inlet, a pump fluid inlet and a discharge outlet open to the atmosphere; means for supplying water of regulated pressure to the regulated supply header; a four-way fluid communication means; a three-way fluid communication means; first conduit means for supplying water at or above about 30 lbs pressure to said jet pump pumping fluid inlet; second conduit means extending between said main supply header and said tank; third conduit means extending between said main supply header and one branch of said four-way conduit union; fourth conduit means extending between said main supply header and one branch of said three-way communication means; fifth conduit means extending between a second branch of said four-way communication and said drain header; sixth conduit means extending between a second branch of said three-way communication means and said drain header; seventh conduit means extending between said tank and said drain header; eighth conduit means extending between said tank and said air header; ninth conduit means extending between a third branch of said four-way communication means and said air header; tenth conduit means for removably connecting said main supply header to one port of said dialyzer dialysate compartment; eleventh conduit means for removably connecting said drain header to the other port of said dialyzer dialysate compartment; twelfth conduit means for removably connecting the fourth branch of said four-way communication means to one port of the dialyzer blood compartment; thirteenth conduit means for removably connecting the third arm of said three-way communication means to the other port of said dialyzer blood compartment; fourteenth conduit means between said drain header and said jet pump fluid inlet; said first through eleventh conduit means each including a valve means therein for interrupting fluid flow therethrough; a plurality of chemical supply conduit means, each said chemical supply conduit means connected to said main supply header and including means for connecting a chemical supply source thereto and further including a control valve means therein for interrupting flow between said chemical supply source and said main supply header; fifteenth conduit means between said regulated supply header and said main supply header, said fifteenth conduit means including variable flow supply means for interruptably supplying water at a plurality of flow rates to said main supply header; and
,electronic control means for opening and closing said valve means and variable flow supply means according to predetermined sequences to pass fluids through the machine and dialyzer compartments for cleansing, testing and disinfecting the dialyzer, said electronic control means including means responsive to liquid volume within the tank for monitoring the liquid volume in the tank and initiating said predetermined sequences in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification