Back to results
US 10,758,868 B2Granted
Methods and systems for leak detection in a dialysis system
AssigneeFresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
InventorsBarry Neil Fulkerson, Martin Hering, Mark F. Smith, Jan B. Zwierstra
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a dialysis unit that is modular and portable, with improved functionality. In one embodiment, the dialysis system comprises a top unit that is detachably affixed to a base that comprises a reservoir for fluid storage. Among numerous other features, the portable, modular dialysis system of the present invention has improved power door locking, zoned leak detection, fluid handling, and mechanical design features that enable improved modularity.
Claims16
A method of operating a dialysis unit having a controller unit and a reservoir, the method comprising:
- operating a dialysis unit comprising:
- a top unit comprising a dialysate circuit;
- a bottom unit comprising a reservoir;
- and a plurality of leak detection zones;
- during operation, detecting a leak in the dialysate circuit, wherein a top surface of the bottom unit comprises a plurality of fluid channels in fluid communication with the top unit, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels comprises at least one well and one or more leak detectors, and wherein each of the at least one wells comprises one of the one or more leak detectors, wherein the leak detectors in the top surface of the bottom unit comprise a first leak detection zone;
- during operation, detecting a leak in the reservoir, wherein the reservoir comprises a plurality of fluid channels in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels comprises at least one well and one or more leak detectors, and wherein each of the at least one wells comprises one of the one or more leak detectors, wherein the leak detectors in the reservoir comprise a second leak detection zone independent from the first leak detection zone;
- upon detecting a leak by the one or more leak detectors of the first leak detection zone or the second leak detection zone, transmitting a leak detect signal from the one or more leak detectors;
- receiving the leak detect signal by the controller unit, wherein the controller unit is in electrical communication with the one or more leak detectors;
- processing the leak detect signal for confirming a leak in the dialysate circuit or a leak in the reservoir;
- based on the processing, generating an alarm indicative of a presence of a leak in the dialysate circuit or the reservoir;
- and
- displaying the alarm using the controller unit.
9 more elements
A method of operating a dialysis unit having a controller unit and a reservoir, the method comprising:
- operating a dialysis unit comprising:
- a top unit comprising a dialysate circuit;
- a bottom unit comprising a reservoir, and a plurality of leak detection zones;
- during operation, detecting a leak in the dialysate circuit, wherein a top surface of the bottom unit comprises a plurality of fluid channels in fluid communication with the top unit, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels comprises at least one cavity defined by a rounded base and one or more leak detectors, and wherein each of the at least one cavity comprises one of the one or more leak detectors positioned therein, wherein the leak detectors in the top surface of the bottom unit comprise a first leak detection zone;
- during operation, detecting a leak in the reservoir, wherein the reservoir comprises a plurality of fluid channels in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels comprises at least one cavity defined by a rounded base and one or more leak detectors, and wherein each of the at least one cavity comprises one of the one or more leak detectors positioned therein, wherein the leak detectors in the reservoir comprise a second leak detection zone independent from the first leak detection zone;
- upon detecting a leak by the one or more leak detectors of the first detection zone or the second leak detection zone, transmitting a leak detect signal from the one or more leak detectors;
- receiving the leak detect signal by the controller unit, wherein the controller unit is in electrical communication with the one or more leak detectors;
- processing the leak detect signal for confirming a leak in the dialysate circuit or a leak in the reservoir;
- based on the processing, generating an alarm indicative of a presence of a leak in the dialysate circuit or the reservoir;
- and
- displaying the alarm using the controller unit.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.