Fluid processing apparatus

Abstract

A machine is provided with a slot to releasably receive and retain a cartridge in which dialysis is effected. The machine is configured for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in haemodialysis and is operable to maintain, in a sterile condition, residual water contained therein after completion of a haemodialysis treatment.

1 . A machine adapted to releasably receive a cartridge in which dialysis is effected, said machine having means for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in the haemodialysis, the machine being operable to maintain in a sterile condition residual water contained therein after completion of a haemodialysis treatment. 
     
     
         2 . A machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a water inlet for receiving water from a water supply, and a sterile water outlet for supplying water to a cartridge, wherein said machine is provided with means for sterilising water as it flows from said water inlet to said sterile water outlet. 
     
     
         3 . A machine according to  claim 2  wherein said machine is provided with means for recycling the residual water in a closed loop circuit through the means for sterilising said water when the apparatus is not performing haemodialysis of a patient's blood, thus maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition. 
     
     
         4 . A machine according to  claim 3  wherein the means for sterilising the water comprises means for heating the water to an elevated temperature at which at least micro-organisms and bacteria within the water are destroyed. 
     
     
         5 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein the water is heated to at least 85 degrees centigrade. 
     
     
         6 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein said machine is provided with means to cool the water prior to its supply to the cartridge to substantially human body temperature. 
     
     
         7 . A machine according to  claim 2  further comprising valve means for preventing water from exiting the sterile water outlet when no cartridge is present. 
     
     
         8 . A machine according to  claim 1  further comprising two platens, at least one of which is movable in relation to the another, adapted to receive and hold the cartridge. 
     
     
         9 . A machine according to  claim 8  wherein said platens comprise means for actuating features embodied in the cartridge. 
     
     
         10 . A machine according to  claim 2  further comprising two platens, at least one of which is movable in relation to the another, adapted to receive and hold the cartridge, wherein the sterile water outlet comprises an outlet valve in one of said platens which, when in a first position presents a flush surface with said platen and prevents water from exiting the sterile outlet and a second position wherein an outlet is formed in the face of the platen allowing the sterile water to pass therethrough into the cartridge. 
     
     
         11 . A machine according to  claim 10  wherein when the outlet valve is in its first position residual water within the machine is prevented by said outlet valve means from exiting the sterile water outlet, and is circulated around a closed loop within said machine, said closed loop passing the water through the means for sterilising the water, thereby maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition. 
     
     
         12 . A machine according to  claim 8  when appendant to  claim 2  wherein the sterile water outlet is located in one of the platens and, when a cartridge is not between said platens, the platens sealingly engage against one another such that the water exits said sterile water outlet and is circulated through the platens and through the means for sterilising the water in a closed loop within said machine, thereby maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for performing haemodialysis of a patient's blood, the apparatus comprising:
 a) a cartridge in which dialysis is effected, the cartridge being connectable by tubing to the patient's blood circulatory system; and   b) a machine, to which the cartridge is releasably connectable, for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in the haemodialysis, the machine being operable to maintain in a sterile condition residual water contained therein after completion of a haemodialysis treatment.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the machine has a water inlet for receiving water from a water supply, and a sterile water outlet for attachment to the cartridge, and wherein said machine is provided with means for sterilising water as it flows from said water inlet to said sterile water outlet. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein said apparatus is provided with means for recycling the residual water in a closed loop circuit through the means for sterilising said water when the apparatus is not performing haemodialysis of a patient's blood, thus maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the means for sterilising the water comprises means for heating the water to an elevated temperature at which at least micro-organisms and bacteria within the water are destroyed. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein when the apparatus is not performing haemodialysis of a patient's blood the residual water is circulated around said closed loop circuit at an elevated temperature, thereby maintaining the residual water in a sterile condition. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 16  or  claim 17  wherein the water is heated to at least 85 degrees centigrade. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to any one of  claims 16  to  18  wherein, subsequent to heating the water to sterilise it, said apparatus is provided with means to cool the water to substantially human body temperature. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein the water is cooled to substantially human body temperature within the machine prior to said water exiting the machine via the sterile outlet. 
     
     
         21 - 39 . (canceled)