Abstract: A hemodialysis system is disclosed. The hemodialysis system includes a dialyzer, a saline container including saline, and a disposable set comprising a blood pumping tube fluidly connected to a first end of the dialyzer, an arterial line fluidly connected to a first end of the blood pumping tube, a venous line fluidly connected to a second end of the dialyzer, a saline line fluidly connected to the blood pumping tube and the saline container, and a dialyzer line fluidly connected to a second end of the blood pumping tube and a second end of the dialyzer. The hemodialysis system also includes a dialysis instrument comprising an arterial line clamp, a venous line clamp, and a saline valve. The saline rinses blood out of the arterial line when the venous line clamp is closed, the arterial line clamp is opened, and the saline value is opened.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for incident reporting uses an application server on a network to facilitate the creation of incident reports and distribution of the reports for review, and controls access to the incident reports to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the reports. Each incident report is given a routing profile, which is tailored such that only proper authorized persons can review and/or edit the report. The progress of incident report review and incident investigation is tracked, and the tracking data are stored for monitoring and auditing purposes. Access to selected reports may be given to users on a temporary basis. The incident reports are archived to enable auditing and generation of reports.

Abstract: A system and method for incident reporting uses an application server on a network to facilitate the creation of incident reports and distribution of the reports for review, and controls access to the incident reports to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the reports. Each incident report is given a routing profile, which is tailored such that only proper authorized persons can review and/or edit the report. The progress of incident report review and incident investigation is tracked, and the tracking data are stored for monitoring and auditing purposes. Access to selected reports may be given to users on a temporary basis. The incident reports are archived to enable auditing and generation of reports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for unloading a bulk-material bag of the type having a bottom portion, a side portion and a transition portion between the bottom and side portions. The machine includes an apparatus aiding discharge of the material from the bag. In the improvement, the apparatus includes a tri-section panel mounted for movement on the machine, thereby configuring the panel to sequentially contact the bottom, transition and side portions of the bag. The panel has first, second and third segments angle-mounted to one another. In a specific embodiment, the segments are substantially planar. A microprocessor-based controller is coupled to the actuator and regulates its movement as a function of a process parameter, e.g., the compressibility of the bag and/or the weight of the material contained in the bag. A highly preferred embodiment of the machine also has a bag lifting mechanism above the tri-section panel.