Abstract: A transmitter unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a trailing vehicle. The housing also has a multiple axis accelerometer adapted to sense the status of the transmitter unit and a trailing vehicle. The housing also has electronic components coupled with the accelerometer. A receiver unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a leading vehicle. A user in audio proximity to the receiver unit is wirelessly signaled in the event of an anomaly at the transmitter unit.

Abstract: A pressure regulating system for a hemodialysis machine utilizes a deaeration pump and a regulator in a deaeration loop for minimizing pressure and flow transients in a heated water supply. The deaeration loop has the pump, a deaeration pressure regulator, a deaerator, and a back pressure regulator. The pump produces a negative pressure in heated water entering the deaeration pressure regulator to circulate the water in the deaeration loop and to enhance removal of air from the water. The back pressure regulator controls the loop water pressure to a value greater than the incoming water pressure and supplies water to the dialyzer system of the machine isolated from supply water pressure and flow variations.

Abstract: A flow rate measurement system and method suitable for monitoring filtrate flow in a hemodialysis apparatus, provides a pair of flow meters in series at the input of a dialyzer for producing electrical signals indicative of dialysate flow rate and a pair of flow meters in series at the output of the dialyzer for producing electrical signals indicative of dialysate plus filtrate flow rate. A computer receives the flow rate signals and is programmed to calibrate each flow meter during a calibration phase to correct for any variations in each pair to thereby produce corrective scale factors. During an operational phase of the apparatus, the program monitors the flow meters and provides an alarm if any changes between the readings of either of the pairs of flow meters occurs.

Abstract: An automated disinfection system for a hemodialysis machine having a proportioning pump includes a manifold block having a check valve for connection to a container of disinfection solution. The manifold block has an outlet connected to the suction line of the pump and an inlet connected to a warm water source via a solenoid valve. A timing and control circuit controls the solenoid valve to produce a water rinse cycle when the solenoid valve is open and a disinfection cycle when the solenoid valve is closed. The check valve closes when positive pressure is present in the manifold block during a rinse cycle and opens to admit solution to the pump when negative pressure is present in the manifold block during a disinfection cycle.