Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that enables the dialysis machine to automatically identify the connections made by a user in preparation for treatment. A smart connector is disclosed that uses a split RFID device that is operational when a first portion of the connector is mated to a second portion of the connector, and is not operational when the first portion is disconnected from the second portion. In an embodiment, the split RFID device incorporates an RFID chip in the first portion of the connector and an antenna in the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the RFID chip can store a tag that encodes information that indicates a formulation or a volume of a dialysis bag connected to the ports of a disposable cassette such that the dialysis machine can automatically discover the configuration of the dialysis setup.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid cassette leak detection methods and devices. In some implementations, a method of detecting micro-leaks in a medical fluid cassette, the method includes decreasing a pressure between a vacuum reservoir of a medical treatment machine and a membrane of the medical fluid cassette when the medical fluid cassette is coupled to the medical treatment machine; measuring, using a flow meter, a rate of net fluid flow between the vacuum reservoir and the membrane of the medical fluid cassette; determining that the rate of net fluid flow between the vacuum reservoir and the membrane of the medical fluid cassette is above a threshold value; and in response to determining that the rate of net fluid flow is above the threshold value, causing the medical treatment machine to take a particular action.

Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that enables the dialysis machine to automatically identify the connections made by a user in preparation for treatment. A smart connector is disclosed that uses a split RFID device that is operational when a first portion of the connector is mated to a second portion of the connector, and is not operational when the first portion is disconnected from the second portion. In an embodiment, the split RFID device incorporates an RFID chip in the first portion of the connector and an antenna in the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the RFID chip can store a tag that encodes information that indicates a formulation or a volume of a dialysis bag connected to the ports of a disposable cassette such that the dialysis machine can automatically discover the configuration of the dialysis setup.

Abstract: A digital hydrometer and methods of digitally displaying a specific gravity measured by a hydrometer are provided. The digital hydrometer can comprise a base, a displacement vessel, an inductive distance sensor, an output circuit, and a hydrometer float. The displacement vessel and inductive distance sensor can be mounted in or on the base. The displacement vessel can hold a displacement fluid. The hydrometer float can float in the displacement fluid. The output circuit can be in electrical communication with the inductive distance sensor and comprise a digital display device configured to display a digital value that is commensurate with a change in impedance attributable to the proximity of a metallic object, in the hydrometer float, to the sensor or its inductor. The digital value can be a specific gravity of the displacement fluid.

Abstract: A digital hydrometer and methods of digitally displaying a specific gravity measured by a hydrometer are provided. The digital hydrometer can comprise a base, a displacement vessel, an inductive distance sensor, an output circuit, and a hydrometer float. The displacement vessel and inductive distance sensor can be mounted in or on the base. The displacement vessel can hold a displacement fluid. The hydrometer float can float in the displacement fluid. The output circuit can be in electrical communication with the inductive distance sensor and comprise a digital display device configured to display a digital value that is commensurate with a change in impedance attributable to the proximity of a metallic object, in the hydrometer float, to the sensor or its inductor. The digital value can be a specific gravity of the displacement fluid.