Abstract: Drug delivery devices and related methods of assembly are disclosed. The drug delivery device may include a housing, a container, a trigger member, and an interlock assembly. The trigger member may be selectively moveable relative to the housing to activate operation of at least one activatable element of the drug delivery device. The interlock assembly may include a lever mounted rotatably relative to the housing, a proximity sensor moveable between a first position extending beyond an exterior surface of the housing and a second position retracted toward the housing, and a rotational biasing member operably connected to the proximity sensor via the lever. When the proximity sensor is in the first position, the interlock assembly may limit movement of the trigger member relative to the housing. The rotational biasing member may be configured to exert a torque biasing the proximity sensor toward the first sensor position.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a container for storing a drug having a longitudinal axis. A plunger rod aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container has a first end and a second end, where the second end is disposed within the container. A stopper is disposed in and movable relative to the container for expelling the drug, and a drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the first end of the plunger rod. The drive mechanism is configured to deliver a drive force to move the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis and through the container. A chamber disposed between a plunger rod and the stopper is adapted to oppose the drive force of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell device (10), wherein the fuel cell device (10) is operated in accordance with a quality characteristic of a fuel that is used. According to the invention, the quality characteristic is determined from a partial analysis of the constituents of the fuel that is used. The invention further relates to a fuel cell device (10) that is operated by means of such a method.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell device (10), wherein the fuel cell device (10) is operated in accordance with a quality characteristic of a fuel that is used. According to the invention, the quality characteristic is determined from a partial analysis of the constituents of the fuel that is used. The invention further relates to a fuel cell device (10) that is operated by means of such a method.

Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

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.

Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

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.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and related methods of assembly are disclosed. The drug delivery device may include a housing, a container, a trigger member, and an interlock assembly. The trigger member may be selectively moveable relative to the housing to activate operation of at least one activatable element of the drug delivery device. The interlock assembly may include a lever mounted rotatably relative to the housing, a proximity sensor moveable between a first position extending beyond an exterior surface of the housing and a second position retracted toward the housing, and a rotational biasing member operably connected to the proximity sensor via the lever. When the proximity sensor is in the first position, the interlock assembly may limit movement of the trigger member relative to the housing. The rotational biasing member may be configured to exert a torque biasing the proximity sensor toward the first sensor position.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a container for storing a drug having a longitudinal axis. A plunger rod aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container has a first end and a second end, where the second end is disposed within the container. A stopper is disposed in and movable relative to the container for expelling the drug, and a drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the first end of the plunger rod. The drive mechanism is configured to deliver a drive force to move the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis and through the container. A chamber disposed between a plunger rod and the stopper is adapted to oppose the drive force of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

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.

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.

Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

Abstract: Pre-fabrication of a metal dormer provides for a one-step and relatively easy installation by a home owner, a roofing contractor or a carpenter. By using an aluminum alloy and specific forming and welding adaptations, a relatively water-tight, light and low-cost dormer may be readily pre-fabricated.