Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods

Abstract

A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A cassette manifold comprising a plurality of fluidically separate fluid paths, allowing the fluid paths to carry fluids having different compositions or characteristics, each fluid path including two probes, at least one probe being a thermal well adapted to receive a sensor for transmitting temperature, the two probes permitting conductivity sensing of fluid passing along the fluid path. 
     
     
         3 . The cassette manifold according to  claim 2 , wherein the sensor is a thermistor. 
     
     
         4 . The cassette manifold according to  claim 2 , wherein said thermal well comprises: a hollow housing of a thermally and electrically conductive material, said housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface being of a predetermined shape so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe, whereby said mating thermally and electrically couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. 
     
     
         5 . The cassette manifold according to  claim 2 , wherein the two probes are electrically conductive leads of a conductivity sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The cassette manifold according to  claim 2 , wherein the two probes are_configured to make contact with fluid in the fluid path. 
     
     
         7 . The cassette manifold according to  claim 2 , wherein the probes are sealed to the cassette using an o-ring seal, a retaining plate and fastener. 
     
     
         8 . A cassette comprising the cassette manifold of  claim 2  and said probes and_sensor, wherein the probes and sensor are mounted onto, and electrically connected with a printed circuit board, the probes are connected to the printed circuit board with one wire to transmit electrical conductivity signals, the sensor is connected with two wires to transmit temperature signals to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having an edge connector through which sensor information may be transmitted from the sensors to a system controller. 
     
     
         9 . A dialysis apparatus comprising a cassette for sensing liquid in the dialysis apparatus, the cassette comprising a housing having a plurality of fluid paths, at least one fluid path includes
 a first probe comprising an electrically conductive well for transmitting temperature of fluid passing along the fluid path, wherein the well is adapted for interconnection with a thermal sensor,   a second probe comprising an electrically conductive material that together with the first probe permit a conductivity measurement to made of the liquid in the at least one fluid path,   wherein the conductivity measurement is used to determine the clearance of the dialyzer.   
     
     
         10 . The dialysis apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein each probe is mounted onto and electrically connected with a printed circuit board having an edge connector through which sensor information may be transmitted from the sensors to a system controller. 
     
     
         11 . The dialysis apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the housing comprises a top plate and a base, the top plate being sealingly engaged with the base to define the volumes of the fluid paths, wherein each probe penetrates the top plate to extend into the fluid paths. 
     
     
         12 . The dialysis apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the probes are coupled to the cassette using at least one of press fit connection, flexible tabs, adhesive, ultrasonic weld, and a retaining plate and fastener. 
     
     
         13 . The dialysis apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the thermal sensor is a thermistor. 
     
     
         14 . The dialysis apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said well comprises a hollow housing of a thermally and electrically conductive material, said housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface of a predetermined shape so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe, wherein said mating thermally and electrically couples the inner surface with the sensing probe.