Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure. In one example, the compliant drive comprises a drive shaft having splines configured to provide rotational play that prevents jamming of a vertical drive gear on the end of the shaft with a rack in a vertical track.

Abstract: Hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including a variety of systems and methods that make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable, and include new fluid circuits for fluid flow in hemodialysis systems and a reciprocating diaphragm pump for pumping fluids. The reciprocating diaphragm pump includes a flexible diaphragm, a first rigid body having a curved pumping chamber wall, a second rigid body having an opposing curved control chamber wall. The diaphragm is interposed between the pumping chamber wall and the control chamber wall to define a pumping chamber and a control chamber. The diaphragm of the pump has a peripheral bead arranged to locate the diaphragm between the first rigid body and the second rigid body and a diaphragm body having a curved, semi-spheroid or domed shape.

Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced directionality for portal detector stations are provided. The systems include a portal detector station, an overhead detector station, a controller operatively coupled thereto. In embodiments, the controller analyzes read events detected by the portal detector station to determine a set of RFID tags included in a pallet of objects. The controller also analyzes read events detected by the overhead detector station to determine a direction of travel for the RFID tags included in the set of RFID tags and/or to detect stray read events that resulted in RFID tags being erroneously included in the set of RFID tags.

Abstract: A retainer for maintaining a book in an open position having a retaining element with a U-shaped portion, a clip portion, and a reinforcement portion. The clip portion extends from the U-shaped portion and the reinforcement portion strengthens the intersection of the clip portion with the U-shaped portion. A book is inserted in an open position between the U-shaped portion and the clip portion. The entire retaining element is composed of a resilient, transparent material having a single piece construction. The U-shaped portion has two legs which, together with the clip portion, make contact with the book at three locations.

Abstract: An acoustic fabric-mounting system includes a fabric stretched across a wooden frame of an acoustic panel. Some frame members are fixed to a wall, while other frame members are connected to one or more brackets which allow them to move relative to the fixed members along the wall. A tensioning bracket mounted beneath the panel exerts an expansion force against the movable frame member, tending to move it translationally apart from the fixed frame member, so that the fabric is stretched taut. The tensioning bracket is spring-loaded and adjustable.