Abstract: Syringe positioning apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide for automated positioning of a syringe at an axially aligned position on a predetermined axis. The apparatus and methods employ first and second members having opposing surfaces that include first and second ramps, respectively, wherein the first ramp angles upward and away from the second member, and the second ramp angles upward and away from the first member. At least one of the first and second members may be advanceable toward the other by an actuator, wherein the first and second ramps may slidably engage a syringe and thereby elevate the syringe to the axially aligned position on the predetermined axis.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap is provided for use with an automatic syringe loading apparatus. The cap includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by at least one generally “V”-shaped ramp on each of two sides of the exterior surface.

Abstract: Syringe positioning apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide for automated positioning of a syringe at an axially aligned position on a predetermined axis. The apparatus and methods employ first and second members having opposing surfaces that include first and second ramps, respectively, wherein the first ramp angles upward and away from the second member, and the second ramp angles upward and away from the first member. At least one of the first and second members may be advanceable toward the other by an actuator, wherein the first and second ramps may slidably engage a syringe and thereby elevate the syringe to the axially aligned position on the predetermined axis.

Abstract: A source fluid inlet for an automated filling device. The source fluid inlet may comprise features that limit engagement and/or disengagement of a source fluid tubing set from a port in the source fluid inlet except when the port is disposed in a predetermined load position. In turn, engagement and/or disengagement of the source fluid tubing may be selectively allowed to assist in reduction of interconnection errors of one or more source fluid sources. The source fluid inlet may selectively position a source fluid tubing set in a fill position to facilitate fluid communication with a receptacle to be filled (e.g., a syringe). The source fluid inlet further comprises one or more mechanisms for engagement and/or retention of a cap disposed on a syringe.

Abstract: A source fluid inlet for an automated filling device. The source fluid inlet may comprise features that limit engagement and/or disengagement of a source fluid tubing set from a port in the source fluid inlet except when the port is disposed in a predetermined load position. In turn, engagement and/or disengagement of the source fluid tubing may be selectively allowed to assist in reduction of interconnection errors of one or more source fluid sources. The source fluid inlet may selectively position a source fluid tubing set in a fill position to facilitate fluid communication with a receptacle to be filled (e.g., a syringe). The source fluid inlet further comprises one or more mechanisms for engagement and/or retention of a cap disposed on a syringe.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap is provided for use with an automatic syringe loading apparatus. The cap includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by at least one generally “V”-shaped ramp on each of two sides of the exterior surface.

Abstract: A technique for automatically priming and recirculating sterile fluid through an extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine having a blood pump, a dialyzer, and a blood tubing set including an arterial line for drawing blood from a patient and a venous line for returning the blood to the patient. The dialysis machine selectively opens and closes clamps on the arterial and venous lines and further operates a waste valve for selectively opening and closing a waste line leading to a waste drain. A connector attaches both the arterial and venous lines to the waste line downstream of the arterial and venous clamps and upstream of the waste valve. The dialysis machine automatically operating the blood pump, the clamps and the waste valve to flush the dialyzer and the blood tubing set with the sterile fluid and direct the used fluid down the waste drain.

Abstract: A technique for automatically priming and recirculating sterile fluid through an extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine having a blood pump, a dialyzer, and a blood tubing set including an arterial line for drawing blood from a patient and a venous line for returning the blood to the patient. The dialysis machine selectively opens and closes clamps on the arterial and venous lines and further operates a waste valve for selectively opening and closing a waste line leading to a waste drain. A connector attaches both the arterial and venous lines to the waste line downstream of the arterial and venous clamps and upstream of the waste valve. The dialysis machine automatically operating the blood pump, the clamps and the waste valve to flush the dialyzer and the blood tubing set with the sterile fluid and direct the used fluid down the waste drain.