Methods and Systems for Leak Detection in a Dialysis System

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.

1 . A modular dialysis system comprising:
 a. a controller unit having a first external housing with a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said front side comprises a door configured to provide access to an internal volume within said controller unit;   b. a reservoir unit having a second external housing with a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said front side comprises a door configured to provide access to an internal volume within said reservoir unit; and   c. wherein said bottom side of the first external housing is adapted to securely and removably attach to said top side of the second external housing and wherein, when said first external housing is securely and removably attached to said second external housing, the controller unit is automatically placed in electrical communication with said reservoir unit.   
     
     
         2 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 1  wherein the bottom side of the first external housing comprises an electrical contact pad and wherein the top side of the second external housing comprises a plurality of electrical pins. 
     
     
         3 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 1  wherein the bottom side of the first external housing comprises a plurality of electrical pins and wherein the top side of the second external housing comprises an electrical contact pad. 
     
     
         4 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 3  wherein the controller unit is automatically placed in electrical communication with said reservoir unit when the contact pad is aligned and placed in electrical communication with the plurality of push-pins. 
     
     
         5 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 1  wherein, when said first external housing is securely and removably attached to said second external housing, the controller unit is automatically placed in data communication with said reservoir unit. 
     
     
         6 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 5  wherein the bottom side of the first external housing comprises a first infrared communication port having at least one LED transmitter and at least one LED receiver and wherein the top side of the second external housing comprises a second infrared communication port having at least one LED transmitter and at least one LED receiver. 
     
     
         7 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 6  wherein the controller unit is automatically placed in data communication with said reservoir unit when the first infrared communication port is aligned and placed in data communication with the second infrared communication port. 
     
     
         8 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 1  wherein the internal volume within said controller unit houses a manifold, a hook, and a guard encircling the manifold. 
     
     
         9 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 8  wherein the door configured to provide access to the internal volume within said controller unit has an internal surface and wherein said internal surface comprises a plurality of pump shoes, a latch, and casing with sides that protrude into said internal volume when said door is closed. 
     
     
         10 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 9  wherein, when the door is closed, said latch mechanically engages said hook. 
     
     
         11 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 10  further comprising a controller configured to actuate a motor to apply a motive force to said hook and wherein said application of motive force causes said door to be closed with a force in a range of 90 to 110 lbs. 
     
     
         12 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 11  further comprising a mechanical release button having a first state and a second state, wherein, in said first state, the button is capable of mechanically engaging said hook and wherein, in said second state, the button is not capable of mechanically engaging said hook. 
     
     
         13 . A modular dialysis system comprising:
 a. a controller unit having a first external housing with a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said front side comprises a door configured to provide access to an internal volume within said controller unit;   b. a reservoir unit having a second external housing with a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a top side and a bottom side, wherein said front side comprises a door configured to provide access to an internal volume within said reservoir unit, wherein said top side has an angled surface with a plurality of channels in fluid communication with at least one leak detector; and wherein said bottom side of the first external housing is adapted to securely and removably attach to said top side of the second external housing.   
     
     
         14 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 13  wherein the bottom side of the first external housing comprises an electrical contact pad and wherein the top side of the second external housing comprises a plurality of electrical pins. 
     
     
         15 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 14  wherein the controller unit is automatically placed in electrical communication with said reservoir unit when the contact pad is aligned and placed in electrical communication with the plurality of push-pins. 
     
     
         16 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 13  wherein the bottom side of the first external housing comprises a first infrared communication port having at least one LED transmitter and at least one LED receiver and wherein the top side of the second external housing comprises a second infrared communication port having at least one LED transmitter and at least one LED receiver. 
     
     
         17 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 16  wherein the controller unit is automatically placed in data communication with said reservoir unit when the first infrared communication port is aligned and placed in data communication with the second infrared communication port. 
     
     
         18 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 13  wherein the internal volume within said controller unit houses a hook and wherein the door configured to provide access to the internal volume within said controller unit has an internal surface that comprises a latch. 
     
     
         19 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 18  further comprising a controller configured to actuate a motor to apply a motive force to said hook in response to a user input and wherein said application of motive force causes said door to be closed with a force in a range of 90 to 110 lbs. 
     
     
         20 . The modular dialysis system of  claim 19  further comprising a mechanical release button having a first state and a second state, wherein, in said first state, the button is capable of mechanically engaging said hook and wherein, in said second state, the button is not capable of mechanically engaging said hook.