Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path, a closed loop dialysate flow path, a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a preprogrammed patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter. In alternative embodiments, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the dialysate flow rate increases throughout the patient's treatment. In still alternative embodiments, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path both increases and decreases throughout the patient's treatment.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The weight, and therefore the level of dialysate, of each reservoir is measured by a preferred level sensor having a strain measuring device which includes a load cell and a tilt sensor. The load cell and tilt sensor are electrically connected to a processor for sending force and tilt measurements to the processor. The processor may analyze the tilt measurements to correct for any inaccurate measurements of the load cell caused by the tilt.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The weight, and therefore the level of dialysate, of each reservoir is measured by a preferred level sensor having a lever arm, a load cell, and a tilt sensor. The load cell and tilt sensor are electrically connected to a processor for sending force and tilt measurements to the processor. The processor may analyze the tilt measurements to correct for any inaccurate measurements of the load cell caused by the tilt.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided comprising a dialyzer, having a dialysate-replenishing system for replenishing minerals of dialysate in the dialyzer, the dialysate-replenishing system includes: a sorbent filter configured to remove ammonia from the dialysate, the sorbent filter having an outlet that outputs the dialysate to a dialysate flow path; a first reagent source containing a first reagent solution; a first pump configured to inject the first reagent solution into the dialysate flow path; a first mixer coupled to the dialysate flow path and downstream of the first pump, the first mixer configured to mix the dialysate with the first reagent solution; a conductivity sensor configured to measure a level of dissolved solids in the dialysate after the first mixer; and a controller configured to adjust a flow rate of the first reagent solution by adjusting the first pump based at least on the level of measured levels.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system comprises a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis system comprises a dialysate quality sensor disposed directly in the dialysate flow path. The dialysate quality sensor is configured to change color based on a pH level, ammonia level, or ammonium level of the dialysate.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The hemodialysis system may include a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path which filters used dialysate. Alternatively, the filter may be positioned within a separate closed loop filter flow path which is isolated from the blood flow path and dialysate flow path. For this embodiment, the hemodialysis system includes additional controllable fluid valves which selectively connect the filter flow path to the reservoir which is not currently providing dialysis treatment to a patient.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The weight, and therefore the level of dialysate, of each reservoir is measured by a preferred level sensor having a lever arm, a load cell, and a tilt sensor. The load cell and tilt sensor are electrically connected to a processor for sending force and tilt measurements to the processor. The processor may analyze the tilt measurements to correct for any inaccurate measurements of the load cell caused by the tilt.

Abstract: Disclosed are example embodiments of a dialysis machine having a frame, a cartridge cassette, one or more alignment-locking features, and an actuation mechanism. The frame is fixedly coupled to the dialysis machine, and the cassette is slidably coupled to the frame. The cassette can have one or more track structures, with each of the one or more track structures having a rotor and one or more rollers. The one or more alignment-locking features extend from the frame and are configured to be inserted into one or more alignment features of a disposable cartridge that functions to secure or release the disposable cartridge. The actuation mechanism is made to slide the cassette with respect to the one or more track structures.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient, to the dialyzer, and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. The hemodialysis system includes a hemodialysis machine and dialysate generator which are physically connectable to, and disconnectable from, one another. To connect the hemodialysis machine and dialysate generator together, both the hemodialysis machine and dialysate generator possess connectable and disconnectable electrical connectors and fluid connectors which are positioned and constructed to allow both a fluid and electrical connection between the two machines. The hemodialysis machine includes a processor and a user interface, preferably in the form of a touchscreen, that is capable of controlling both the functions of the hemodialysis machine and the dialysate generator.

Abstract: A syringe pump to deliver heparin to into the blood circuit of a hemodialysis system. The syringe pump is configured to receive a syringe having a plunger movable within a lumen of an elongate tubular member. The syringe pump may include a housing having a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the syringe, a drive mechanism for moving the plunger within the lumen, the drive mechanism comprising a motor and a lead screw; and a grabber mechanism. The grabber mechanism includes a control arm, back panel, and upper and lower control fingers, the control fingers each have first and second ends, and a curved portion therebetween having a width, an interior edge, and an exterior edge, wherein the first ends of the upper and lower control fingers are coupled to the control arm via first and second spring hinges.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. In addition, the hemodialysis system includes two reservoirs which can be alternately placed in the dialysis flow path using various controllable fluid valves. The hemodialysis system may include a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path which filters used dialysate. Alternatively, the filter may be positioned within a separate closed loop filter flow path which is isolated from the blood flow path and dialysate flow path. For this embodiment, the hemodialysis system includes additional controllable fluid valves which selectively connect the filter flow path to the reservoir which is not currently providing dialysis treatment to a patient.

Abstract: A composite panel having bonded nonwoven and biodegradable resinous-fiber layers and method of construction thereof is provided. The panel includes a nonwoven mat including cardboard and heat bondable textile fibers thermally bonded together to a desired thickness. The panel further includes a biodegradable polymeric composition comprising a protein and a first strengthening agent bonded to the mat.

Abstract: Various ways for formulating resin glue sheets or film for gluing and laminating items together are disclosed. Also, methods for fabrication of the resin glue sheets or film are disclosed.

Abstract: Various ways for formulating resin glue sheets or film for gluing and laminating items together are disclosed. Also, methods for fabrication of the resin glue sheets or film are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite panel having bonded nonwoven and biodegradable resinous-fiber layers and method of construction thereof is provided. The panel includes a nonwoven mat including cardboard and heat bondable textile fibers thermally bonded together to a desired thickness. The panel further includes a biodegradable polymeric composition comprising a protein and a first strengthening agent bonded to the mat.