Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a. medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a. cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic cartridge for use with a dialysis system, a method of manufacturing the fluidic cartridge, a dialysis machine and a method of operating the dialysis machine with the fluidic cartridge. The fluidic cartridge has a data storage unit, the data storage unit stores data relating to one or more physical properties of the cartridge. A cartridge for use in a portable dialysis machine and a portable dialysis machine. The cartridge has a data storage unit, the data storage unit stores data relating to sterilisation of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a. medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a. cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a blood treatment device comprising: a dialyser; an inlet pump assembly; an outlet pump assembly; and a control system. The inlet pump assembly configured to deliver a first volume of dialysate from a dialysate source to the dialyser in an inlet pump cycle having a dialysate delivery stroke. The outlet pump assembly configured to remove a second volume of dialysate from the dialyser and deliver the dialysate away from the dialyser in an outlet pump cycle having a dialysate removal stroke. The control system is configured to operate the inlet pump assembly in the inlet pump cycle, and configured to operate the outlet pump assembly in the outlet pump cycle. For each inlet pump cycle there is a corresponding outlet pump cycle, and each inlet pump assembly dialysate delivery stroke has a commencement time t1 and a termination time h, and each outlet pump assembly dialysate removal stroke has a commencement time t3 and a termination time t4.

Abstract: A hemodialysis machine including a cartridge which defines a fluid pathway for delivering a dialysate solution base to a mixing pump, a main body having a platen which, in use, abuts the cartridge, the cartridge having a chassis with a platen side covered by a deformable membrane which, in use, abuts the platen, the chassis and membrane defining the flow path, the flow path including a dialysate base solution pump chamber, the platen having a dialysate base solution pump cavity which, collectively with the dialysate base solution pump chamber, forms a dialysate base solution pump for pumping dialysate base solution to the mixing pump by actuation of the membrane, wherein the volume of the dialysate base solution pump cavity is variable so as to allow a variation in the volume of dialysate base solution pumped from the dialysate base solution pump chamber to the mixing pump chamber on each stroke of the solution pump.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention covers a cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine, the cartridge comprising a dialysate flow path including a dialyser, the dialysate flow path for delivering a flow of dialysate through the dialyser; a mixing pump defining a chamber having volume variable between a maximum volume and a minimum volume for receiving a predetermined volume of a first dialysate solution base, second dialysate solution base, and a volume of water; a first dialysate solution base supply conduit having a first positive displacement pump having a first inlet valve and a first outlet valve associated therewith; a second dialysate solution base supply conduit having a second positive displacement pump having a second inlet valve and a second outlet valve associated therewith; a first and second fluid conduit associated joining respective first and second positive displacement pumps with the mixing pump; and a third fluid conduit for connecting the mixing pump outlet to a dialyser filter inlet.

Abstract: A hemodialysis machine including a cartridge which defines a fluid pathway for delivering a dialysate solution base to a mixing pump, a main body having a platen which, in use, abuts the cartridge, the cartridge having a chassis with a platen side covered by a deformable membrane which, in use, abuts the platen, the chassis and membrane defining the flow path, the flow path including a dialysate base solution pump chamber, the platen having a dialysate base solution pump cavity which, collectively with the dialysate base solution pump chamber, forms a dialysate base solution pump for pumping dialysate base solution to the mixing pump by actuation of the membrane, wherein the volume of the dialysate base solution pump cavity is variable so as to allow a variation in the volume of dialysate base solution pumped from the dialysate base solution pump chamber to the mixing pump chamber on each stroke of the solution pump.

Abstract: The invention covers a cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine, the cartridge comprising a dialysate flow path including a dialyzer, the dialysate flow path for delivering a flow of dialysate through the dialyzer; a mixing pump defining a chamber having volume variable between a maximum volume and a minimum volume for receiving a predetermined volume of a first dialysate solution base, second dialysate solution base, and a volume of water; a first dialysate solution base supply conduit having a first positive displacement pump having a first inlet valve and a first outlet valve associated therewith; a second dialysate solution base supply conduit having a second positive displacement pump having a second inlet valve and a second outlet valve associated therewith; a first and second fluid conduit associated joining respective first and second positive displacement pumps with the mixing pump; and a third fluid conduit for connecting the mixing pump outlet to a dialyzer filter inlet.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser to provide a plurality of different flavours with accurate mixing control comprises a housing (40, 42, 44) containing a diluent valve (46A, 46B) and at least two concentrate valves (48A, B, C, D), each valve having its own inlet (12) and outlet (14), characterised in that all the outlets (14) lead to a single dispense nozzle (50A, B, C), a flow rate sensor (16) is provided for each valve, the flow rate sensors (16) being connected to a controller (54), and a setting mechanism (52A, B, C, D, E, F) is provided to open and close each valve, the controller (54) operating the setting mechanisms whereby one concentrate valve and the diluent valve may be opened to dispense a particular beverage and, in response to the sensed flow rates through those opened valves, controlling the degree of opening of those valves to achieve a predetermined diluent to concentrate ratio for the beverage mixture in the dispense nozzle (50A, B, C).

Abstract: The present invention is a valve that provides for automatic and accurate fluid dispensing of two fluids at a predetermined ratio. The valve is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by hand without the need for hand tools, and includes a diluent flow body and a concentrate flow body releasably securable to a common nozzle body portion. The diluent and concentrate flow bodies each define a flow channel and each include a first end for connection to sources of diluent and concentrate respectively, and an opposite end for fluid connection with the nozzle body. The diluent body flow channel includes a flow sensor connected to a micro-controller for sensing the flow rate of the diluent. The concentrate body flow channel includes a further flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of the concentrate. Stepper motors are secured to both the diluent and concentrate bodies and each operates a linear rod extending there through and through a flow regulator.

Abstract: A mixing valve is shown for mixing a concentrate fluid with a diluent fluid in a desired ratio. A single actuator is used to open and close both the diluent and concentrate flows by operation of a shaft. A diaphragm extends around the shaft and defines fluidly separate upper and lower chambers within a valve body. Inlets to the upper and lower chambers are connected to sources of the concentrate and diluent, respectively. The upper and lower chambers each have outlets fluidly connected to a mixing and dispensing nozzle. The actuator moves the shaft from a fully extended closed position to an intermediate t retracted open position to open the lower chamber outlet to the mixing nozzle to initiate diluent flow. The actuator is then moved to a fully retracted position and then reciprocated between the fully retracted and intermediate retracted position whereby the diaphragm serves to pump the concentrate from the upper chamber to the mixing nozzle.

Abstract: A post mix beverage dispense apparatus has a mixing head 10 arranged to receive different combinations of a concentrate and a diluent for dispensing any selected one of a range of beverages. The concentrates are delivered to the head 10 in dedicated flow lines 14, 16, 18, 20 under the control of respective valves 22, 24, 26, 28 actuated via a control board 52 in response to user selection of a desired beverage at a control panel 50. The diluent is delivered to the head 10 in a flow line 30 under the control of a changeover valve 32 for selectively correcting sources of different diluents to the flow line 30 via the control board 52 in response to user selection of the desired beverage at the control panel 50. The changeover valve 32 is positioned close to the mixing head 10 to minimise the volume of diluent remaining between the valve 32 and the head 10 after dispense.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser to provide desired ratios of mixed concentrate and diluent more accurately comprises a valve housing (10) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (44) for a concentrate and an inlet (14) and an outlet (30) for a diluent, a reciprocating piston (24) in a central passageway (22) between the inlets and outlets, the piston (24) being movable reciprocably between a first position in which flow to both outlets is blocked and a second position in which both outlets are open to flow, a flow rate sensor (20) for the concentrate and a flow rate sensor (40) for the diluent, the sensors being connected to a controller (50) whereby the diluent flow rate is adjusted by movement of the piston (24) according to the concentrate flow rate to achieve a predetermined ratio of concentrate to diluent for the dispensed beverage.

Abstract: A dispensing valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a first fluid and an inlet and an outlet for a second fluid. A reciprocable piston is in a central chamber into and from which the inlets and outlets respectively lead. The piston is movable reciprocally between a first position in which fluid flow to both outlets is blocked, and a second position in which the first fluid outlet is open to flow. The piston physically blocks the outlet for the first fluid in the first position. A diaphragm is attached to the piston and the walls of the central chamber dividing the central chamber into first and second annular chambers surrounding the piston. The inlet and outlet for the first fluid extend into and out of the first annular chamber, and the inlet and outlet for the second fluid extending into and out of the second annular chamber.

Abstract: A post mix beverage dispense apparatus has a mixing head 10 arranged to receive different combinations of a concentrate and a diluent for dispensing any selected one of a range of beverages. The concentrates are delivered to the head 10 in dedicated flow lines 14, 16, 18, 20 under the control of respective valves 22, 24, 26, 28 actuated via a control board 52 in response to user selection of a desired beverage at a control panel 50. The diluent is delivered to the head 10 in a flow line 30 under the control of a changeover valve 32 for selectively correcting sources of different diluents to the flow line 30 via the control board 52 in response to user selection of the desired beverage at the control panel 50. The changeover valve 32 is positioned close to the mixing head 10 to minimise the volume of diluent remaining between the valve 32 and the head 10 after dispense.