Portable power dialysis machine
First Claim
1. A portable, wearable dialysis machine for a patient, comprising:
- a fuel cell, an alternating current (“
AC”
) power source, and a battery for powering the portable, wearable dialysis machine;
a pump powered by the fuel cell, the AC power source, or the battery for pumping dialysis fluid in a fluid circuit;
a particulate filter placed in the fluid circuit;
a replaceable cartridge in the fluid circuit for absorbing waste products; and
a controller configured so that(i) if the AC power source is available, the AC power source charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and
(ii) if the AC power source is not available(a) if the fuel cell is in an operational state, the fuel cell charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and
(b) if the fuel cell is not in an operational state, the battery powers the fuel cell to an operational state and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump, until the fuel cell is in an operational state.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel-cell powered medical fluid processing machine or dialysis machine is disclosed. The machine is intended for remote or rural areas where standard household or utility power is not available or is subject to interruption. The fuel cell is powered by hydrogen or other source of protons, or may instead be powered by methanol or ethanol, such as a direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cell may be operated directly, as in powering a portable, wearable dialysis device, or may be operated indirectly, to generate and store power in an electric power storage device of the medical fluid or dialysis device. The medical fluid processing machine or dialysis machine may include circuitry allowing for use by household or utility power while also including a fuel cell for use when other power is not available. A catalytic heater may be used to warm the dialysis fluid.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A portable, wearable dialysis machine for a patient, comprising:
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a fuel cell, an alternating current (“
AC”
) power source, and a battery for powering the portable, wearable dialysis machine;a pump powered by the fuel cell, the AC power source, or the battery for pumping dialysis fluid in a fluid circuit; a particulate filter placed in the fluid circuit; a replaceable cartridge in the fluid circuit for absorbing waste products; and a controller configured so that (i) if the AC power source is available, the AC power source charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and (ii) if the AC power source is not available (a) if the fuel cell is in an operational state, the fuel cell charges the battery and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump; and (b) if the fuel cell is not in an operational state, the battery powers the fuel cell to an operational state and powers the portable, wearable dialysis machine, including the pump, until the fuel cell is in an operational state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification