U.S. patent application number 10/310420 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for apparatus for fluid delivery in a dialysis clinic.
Invention is credited to Peterson, Michael J., Russell, Richard M..
Application Number | 20030080059 10/310420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26745979 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030080059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson, Michael J. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Apparatus for fluid delivery in a dialysis clinic
Abstract
A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting
fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis
machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid
conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable
interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily
changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be
heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated
off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic.
Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is
provided for.
Inventors: |
Peterson, Michael J.;
(Nashville, TN) ; Russell, Richard M.; (Brentwood,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WADDEY & PATTERSON
414 UNION STREET, SUITE 2020
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
NASHVILLE
TN
37219
|
Family ID: |
26745979 |
Appl. No.: |
10/310420 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10310420 |
Dec 5, 2002 |
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09686994 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
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6506301 |
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09686994 |
Oct 10, 2000 |
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09206904 |
Dec 7, 1998 |
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6197197 |
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09206904 |
Dec 7, 1998 |
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09065780 |
Apr 23, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
210/646 ;
210/194; 210/321.6; 210/420; 210/541 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/286 20130101;
A61M 1/1686 20130101; A61M 1/1668 20140204; H02G 3/0487 20130101;
A61M 2205/84 20130101; H02G 3/0431 20130101; A61M 1/1656
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/646 ;
210/541; 210/420; 210/321.6; 210/194 |
International
Class: |
B01D 061/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid transport system for communicating a source of fluids to
at least one fluid-requiring instrument, said fluid transport
system comprising: a) modular ductwork including a plurality of
removable ductwork segments defining a secondary containment
chamber; and b) a plurality of conduits received through the
ductwork for carrying fluids from the source to the at least one
fluid-requiring instrument, so that any fluids leaking from the
conduits are caught in the secondary containment chamber.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the conduits
include continuous lengths of tubing extending through at least two
adjacent ductwork segments.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of said ductwork
segments are mounted on an interior face of a wall of a room.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least some of said ductwork
segments are freestanding segments extending from the wall into an
interior of the room.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the freestanding ductwork
segments are supported on a portable column having lockable casters
engaging a floor of the room.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of said ductwork
segments are freestanding segments extending from the wall into an
interior of the room.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the freestanding ductwork
segments are supported on a portable column having lockable casters
engaging a floor of the room.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein each ductwork segment comprises a
single containment chamber for a plurality of fluid conduits.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein each ductwork segment comprises a
plurality of containment chambers, each containment chamber
enclosing at least one of the conduits.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one outlet
plate having a plurality of outlet ports defined therein, the
outlet ports being communicated with the conduits.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a) an adapter plate
having first and second sides and having a plurality of flow
passages defined therethrough from the first side to the second
side; b) a first plurality of quick-connect fittings connecting the
outlet ports of the outlet plate to the flow passages on the first
side of the adapter plate; and c) a second plurality of fittings
connected to the flow passages on the second side of the outlet
plate, for connecting the instrument to the conduits.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein each conduit of the plurality of
conduits includes a plurality of removable conduit segments, each
conduit segment being associated with and supported within one of
the ductwork segments.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the removable conduit
segments is joined to an adjacent removable conduit segment by
means of a detachable coupling.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein each removable conduit segment
is constructed from a material which is stable at a temperature of
105 degrees Celsius applied for a period of at least 20 hours, to
facilitate heat disinfection.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein each removable conduit segment
is constructed of polypropylene.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein each removable conduit segment
is constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein each removable conduit segment
is constructed of cross-linked polyethylene.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein each conduit of the plurality of
conduits comprises at least one segment of flexible tubing.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid-requiring instrument
is a hemodialysis machine.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein one of said fluids comprises
water from a reverse-osmosis purification system.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein one of said fluids comprises
deionized water.
22. A portable hemodialysis treatment facility comprising: a) a
portable water purification system for preparation of water and
dialysate; b) a plurality of removable interconnecting fluid
conduit segments fluidly connected to the portable water
purification system for carrying fluid from the water purification
system to at least one hemodialysis machine; and c) modular
ductwork including a plurality of removable ductwork segments
wherein said fluid conduit segments are housed.
23. A modular fluid transmission system comprising: a) a modular
ductwork assembly including a plurality of ductwork segments and
connectors on the ends of the ductwork segments for connecting
adjacent ductwork segments; b) a plurality of conduit segments
mounted within each ductwork segment; and c) a detachable coupling
on at least one end of each conduit segment.
24. The modular fluid transmission system of claim 23, further
comprising a support column for supporting said ductwork assembly
from a floor of a room.
25. The modular fluid transmission system of claim 24 wherein said
support column further comprises lockable casters contacting said
floor of said room for mobility of said support column and said
ductwork assembly.
26. The modular fluid transmission system of claim 23 wherein at
least some of said conduit segments are rigid.
27. The modular fluid transmission system of claim 26 wherein said
rigid conduit segments are composed of polymer compound which is
stable at temperatures of 105 degrees Celsius for 20 hours.
28. A modular fluid transport system for providing fluids to
medical equipment, said fluid transport system comprising: a) a
plurality of interchangeable conduit segments used to form a fluid
conduit; b) a detachable coupling on at least one end of each
conduit segment; c) a support for the fluid conduit; and d) at
least one connecting station for fluidly connecting the medical
equipment to at least one of said interchangeable fluid conduit
segments.
29. The modular fluid transport system of claim 28 wherein the
support comprises a conduit housing.
30. The modular fluid transport system of claim 29 wherein the
conduit housing is fastened to an interior wall of a room.
31. The modular fluid transport system of claim 30 wherein the
support further includes at least one mobile ground-engaging member
supporting the conduit housing.
32. The modular fluid transport system of claim 31 wherein the
mobile ground-engaging member comprises a stand fitted with
lockable casters.
33. The modular fluid transport system of claim 28, further
comprising quick-connect fluid couplings connected to the fluid
conduit segments through the connecting plate, wherein the quick
connect fluid couplings fluidly connect the medical equipment to
the fluid conduit.
34. The modular fluid transport system of claim 28 wherein the
medical equipment comprises at least one hemodialysis machine.
35. A fluid supply connecting station for connecting a dialysis
machine to a plurality of supply conduits, comprising: a) a first
manifold block having a plurality of supply passages defined
therein for connection to the plurality of supply conduits, the
first manifold block having a first interface surface defined
thereon, each of the supply passages intersecting the first
interface surface at one of a first plurality of interface ports
defined on the first interface surface; b) a second manifold block
having a second interface surface and an outlet surface defined
thereon, the second manifold block having a plurality of
intermediate passages defined therein, each of the intermediate
passages intersecting the second interface surface at one of a
second plurality of interface ports complementary to the first
plurality of interface ports, and each of the intermediate passages
intersecting the outlet surface at one of a plurality of outlet
ports; c) a first plurality of quick-connect couplings connecting
the first plurality of interface ports of the first manifold block
to the second plurality of interface ports of the second manifold
block; and d) a second plurality of quick-connect couplings
connected to the plurality of outlet ports for connecting the
second manifold block to a first dialysis machine.
36. The fluid supply connecting station of claim 35, further
comprising: a) a third manifold block interchangeable with the
second manifold block for connecting a second dialysis machine in
place of the first dialysis machine; and b) a third plurality of
quick-connect couplings connected to the third manifold block for
connecting the third manifold block to the second dialysis machine,
the third plurality of quick-connect couplings being different from
the second plurality of quick-connect couplings.
37. The fluid supply connecting station of claim 35, further
comprising: a plurality of shut-off valves, disposed in the first
manifold block, each of the shut-off valves being associated with
one of the ports of the first plurality of interface ports for
blocking the associated port.
38. A method of installing a fluid transport system of a dialysis
clinic, comprising: a) fabricating a plurality of system modules at
an off-site location, each module including a plurality of conduit
segments having detachable couplings on at least one end, and a
support for the conduit segments; b) transporting the modules to a
clinic site; c) assembling the modules at the clinic site by
connecting adjacent conduit segments of adjacent system modules
with the detachable couplings; and d) connecting a plurality of
dialysis machines to the fluid transport system.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein: step (a) includes providing
some of the system modules with a connecting station including a
first manifold block, a second manifold block and a plurality of
quick connect couplings connecting the first and second manifold
blocks; and step (d) includes connecting each of the dialysis
machines to the second manifold block of one of the connecting
stations.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein: step (a) includes providing
each of the connecting stations with a second plurality of quick
connect couplings attached to the second manifold block; and step
(d) includes connecting each of the dialysis machines to the
associated second manifold block with the associated second
plurality of quick connect couplings.
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: removing one of the
dialysis machines and its associated second manifold block and
second plurality of quick connect couplings; and replacing the
removed dialysis machine with a replacement dialysis machine, a
replacement second manifold block, and a replacement second
plurality of quick connect couplings.
42. The method of claim 38, wherein: step (a) includes providing
each of the system modules with a ductwork segment within which the
plurality of conduit segments is received; and step (c) includes
connecting adjacent ductwork segments.
43. The method of claim 38, wherein the system modules are free of
any dead legs of length greater than five pipe diameters.
44. A method providing instrument-specific fluid connection to a
hemodialysis machine, said method comprising: a) supplying fluids
from a fluid supply source to a fluid outlet through a plurality of
fluid conduits fluidly connected between the fluid supply source
and the fluid outlet; b) connecting a first adapter plate to the
fluid outlet with a first plurality of quick-connect fittings; c)
connecting a first hemodialysis machine to the first adapter plate
with a second plurality of quick-connect couplings; d)
disconnecting the first hemodialysis machine from the first adapter
plate by releasing the second plurality of quick-connect couplings;
e) disconnecting the first adapter plate from the fluid outlet by
releasing the first plurality of quick-connect couplings; f)
connecting a second adapter plate to the fluid outlet with a third
plurality of quick-connect couplings; and g) connecting a second
hemodialysis machine to the second adapter plate with a fourth
plurality of quick-connect couplings thereby replacing the first
hemodialysis machine without interrupting fluid flow through the
conduits.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein: the first and second
hemodialysis machines use different kinds of connectors, and the
fourth plurality of quick-connect couplings are of different design
then the second plurality of quick-connect couplings.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein the fluid outlet, the adapter
plate, and the first and second pluralities of quick-connect
couplings are free of any dead legs of length greater than five
pipe diameters.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/065,780 filed Apr. 23,
1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a portable system
for transporting fluids from a source of purified water or
dialysate to individual dialysis machines in a dialysis clinic.
[0003] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
present systems used for fluid delivery to dialysis machines in
dialysis clinic pose problems due to limited space and incidence of
bacterial contamination. Furthermore, these systems are installed
as permanent fixtures, making them expensive to install, expensive
to disinfect, expensive to repair, and expensive to replace.
Presently used systems installed as permanent fixtures physically
depreciate over time, without the tax advantage of financial
depreciation allowed for non-permanent equipment.
[0004] The prior art systems provide fluids from a fixed water
treatment plant in one part of a building to the dialysis machines
in another room. This distance requires that long "runs" be used to
transport fluids from the water treatment facility to the dialysis
machines. This means that the prior art systems use large runs of
piping.
[0005] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art
that bacterial contamination is a common problem in presently
available systems. Standard plumbing design and polyvinyl chloride
pipes are commonly used. The use of PVC piping and solvent welding
methods of joining and fabrication of existing fluid delivery
systems results in the creation of cavities which cannot adequately
be disinfected by conventional clean in place procedures used by
dialysis clinics.
[0006] It will be further appreciated that there is a broad range
of PVC mixtures utilizing a variety of stabilizers and plasticizers
which over time leach into the fluid stream, and that the interior
pipe surface becomes pitted and more conducive to trapping bacteria
and supporting bacterial growth.
[0007] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art
that present systems require a significant amount of space,
restricting mobility within a dialysis clinic and making the use of
more heat-resistant yet expensive tubing, such as
polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon.RTM.) tubing cost prohibitive.
Instead the predominant current practice for dialysate distribution
piping makes use of chemical clean in place disinfection in
materials (e.g. PVC) which are incompatible with heat disinfection.
Furthermore, present systems are piped in permanent structures;
chaises or bulky consoles that do not permit easy access, repair or
replacement.
[0008] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art
that heat disinfection means are preferable to chemical
disinfection means in these systems. Chemical disinfectants
presently in use include strong oxidizing agents. Residual
disinfectant not adequately flushed from the system poses a hazard
to patients. For example, a common chemical disinfectant,
formaldehyde, has been shown to cause some repeat dialysis patients
to develop antibodies to the N-antigens on the surface of their own
red blood cells. The present invention facilitates the use of heat
disinfection by providing materials of construction that can be
operated at high temperature.
[0009] It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art
that, despite the use of chemical disinfectants, present systems
still experience problems with bacterial contamination. Regular
assay for endotoxin in the system is required. Furthermore,
multiple connection points and ready access to those connections
makes current systems more susceptible to deliberate tampering by
unauthorized personnel.
[0010] What is needed then is a system which facilitates heat
disinfection and eliminates solvent welded joints. This needed
system must eliminate "dead legs" in the system. A "dead leg" is
generally defined as a dead end length of pipe of greater than five
pipe diameters in length. This needed system must decrease
equipment surface area in the dialysis clinic, facilitating
disinfection. This needed system must provide replaceable
components which are easily installed, repaired, and replaced, yet
protected from potential tampering by unauthorized individuals.
This needed system must be capable of use without being attached to
real property. This needed system must use quick disconnects to
permit easy placement of components. This needed system is
presently lacking in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A fluid transport system is provided for communicating a
source of fluids to at least one fluid-requiring instrument. The
system is particularly designed to communicate ultra-pure water and
additives to a dialysis machine in a dialysis clinic.
[0012] The system includes modular ductwork which includes a
plurality of removable ductwork segments defining a secondary
containment chamber. A plurality of conduits are received through
the ductwork for carrying fluids from the source to the fluid
requiring instrument. Any fluids leaking from the conduits are
caught in the secondary containment chamber.
[0013] Each conduit of the plurality of conduits may be made up of
a plurality of removable interconnecting fluid conduit segments.
Preferably the system includes interchangeable modules, with each
module including modular ductwork made up of a plurality of
ductwork segments, and with each module including a plurality of
conduit segments which corresponds to the plurality of conduits.
Each conduit segment has a detachable coupling on at least one end
thereof.
[0014] The system may be installed either on the wall of a room, or
extending into the interior area of a room. Those portions of the
system extending into the interior of a room are supported on
columns which preferably include lockable casters to provide
mobility of the support columns within the room.
[0015] At various locations throughout the system stations are
provided for connection of the system to a dialysis machine. Each
connecting station preferably includes a first manifold block to
which the conduits are directly connected, and a second manifold
block which is connected to the first manifold block by a plurality
of quick connect couplings. The second manifold block further
carries a second plurality of quick connect couplings which are
specifically designed for connection to a particular brand and
model of dialysis treatment machine. The dialysis treatment
machines may be quickly changed by disconnecting the second
manifold block from the first manifold block, and replacing the
second manifold block with another manifold block having quick
connect couplings specifically associated with another type of
dialysis machine.
[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a portable system for transporting fluids from a source of
purified water to individual dialysis machines in a dialysis
clinic.
[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is the provision of
a modular fluid transport system for communicating a source of
fluids to at least one fluid-requiring instrument.
[0018] Still another object of the present invention is the
provision of modular fluid transport systems for dialysis clinics,
wherein the system is made up of a plurality of interchangeable
modules.
[0019] And another object of the present invention is the provision
of a modular fluid transport system which can be heat
sterilized.
[0020] Still another object of the present invention is the
provision of a fluid transport system having quick connect stations
for connection of a dialysis machine or other fluid-requiring
instrument.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is the provision of
a quick connect station for a fluid transport system, wherein the
instrument to be connected to the station can be disconnected and
replaced without interfering with the flow of fluid through the
system.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is the provision of
methods of installing a fluid transport system for a dialysis
clinic.
[0023] Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art upon reading of the following disclosure when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a modular fluid transport
system in a dialysis clinic.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the
system of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric end view of one embodiment of
ductwork segment.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an isometric end view of another embodiment of
ductwork segment.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of an interior run of the
transport system of FIG. 1, showing supporting columns on lockable
casters supporting the fluid transport system from the floor.
[0029] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another interior fluid
transport system portion having back to back ducts allowing
connection of dialysis machines on either side of the ductwork
system.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one of the outlet plates at a
dialysis connection station of the system of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic sectioned view showing the connection
of some of the fluid outlets on the outlet plate of FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectioned view showing the connection
of some of the indicator lamps of the outlet plate of FIG. 7.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic sectioned view showing the location
of the electrical outlet of the outlet plate of FIG. 7.
[0034] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of two adjacent ductwork
segments of the system of FIG. 1, showing the manner in which the
ductwork segments are structurally connected to each other.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of two back to back ducts
such as used in the system of FIG. 6, showing in cross-section the
structural connecting devices.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of the fluid transport system.
[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of the fluid transport system
like that of FIG. 13, which includes an expansion joint in some of
the fluid conduits.
[0038] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a universal manifold block
to which the conduits of the system of FIG. 13 are directly
connected.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of the universal
manifold block of FIG. 15.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of an interface manifold
block constructed to be quick connected to the universal manifold
plate of FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a right side elevation view of the interface
manifold block of FIG. 17.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the interface manifold
block of FIG. 17 mounted on the universal manifold block of FIG.
15.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of a second interface
manifold block which is specifically designed for connection to one
particular type of dialysis machine.
[0044] FIG. 21 is a schematic elevation sectioned view of the
interface manifold block of FIG. 20.
[0045] FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of still another interface
manifold block designed for use with another specific type of
dialysis machine.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a schematic elevation sectioned view of the
manifold plate of FIG. 22.
[0047] FIG. 24 is an elevation-sectioned view showing an
alternative type of ductwork system within which the fluid
transport system of FIG. 13 may be mounted. A universal manifold
block is shown mounted within the ductwork. The manifold block of
FIG. 24 is slightly modified as compared to the view seen in FIG.
16 of the manifold block. FIG. 24 shows integral shut off
valves.
[0048] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the end connection between
adjacent ductwork segments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THE EMBODIMENTS
OF FIGS. 1-12
[0049] The structure shown in FIGS. 1-12 is also shown and
described in our co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/065,780 filed Apr. 23, 1998, the details of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fluid transport system is shown
and generally designated by the numeral 10. The system 10
transports various fluids from a source 12 to a plurality of
dialysis machines 14 in a dialysis treatment clinic 16.
[0051] The source 12 may either be a conventional built in place
system for providing pure water and additives to the dialysis
clinic, or more preferably it may be a portable system constructed
in accordance with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/122,000
filed on Jul. 24, 1998, of Peterson, et al, entitled "Portable
Water Treatment Facility", the details of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0052] Source 12 is a system for producing water from a reverse
osmosis purification system. It may also be a source of deionized
water.
[0053] Those portions of the fluid transport system within the
dialysis clinic 16 include a modular ductwork 18 which preferably
is made of a plurality of removable interchangeable ductwork
segments such as 20 and 22. Ductwork 18 may also be referred to as
a conduit housing.
[0054] In order to enhance the modular nature of the system 10 and
to minimize the time and labor required for assembly thereof, the
longer length runs of the ductwork 18 will preferably be assembled
from a plurality of substantially identical interchangeable
standard length ductwork segments such as 20 and 22. In order make
corners, and to provide vertical segments, various shaped
interconnecting ductwork fittings will be provided. Additionally to
complete some installations it will be necessary to use some custom
fabricated components.
[0055] At least some of the ductwork segments such as 20 and 22 may
be mounted on an interior face of a wall of the room which defines
the clinic 16. Other ones of the ductwork segments such as 23 are
free standing segments extending from the wall into the interior of
the room. The details of construction of the free standing ductwork
segments 23 are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The
free standing ductwork segments 23 are supported on portable
columns or stands 104 having lockable casters 106 engaging a floor
108 of the room of the dialysis clinic 16. Also shown in FIG. 5 are
vertical portions 110 of ductwork 18.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates two parallel runs of ductwork 18 placed
back to back with their connecting stations 68 facing outward away
from each other, so as to provide plumbing, electrical and
telecommunication utilities to adjacent rows of dialysis machines
14 within the interior of the clinic. This is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 12 by the two dialysis machines 14
schematically illustrated on opposite sides of the interior
ductwork segment 23.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment 18A of the ductwork which
is an extrusion having first and second cavities 24 and 26
extending there through. The extrusion may be formed from aluminum,
plastic or other suitable material.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment 18B of the modular
ductwork having first, second and third cavities 28, 30 and 32
defined there through.
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates the manner in which two adjacent)
ductwork segments such as 20 and 22 may be structurally connected
together.
[0060] The extruded structural duct shapes of FIGS. 3 or 4 include
external channels such as 34 and 36. T-nuts 38 are slidably
received in the channels 34 and 36. Connector straps 40 and 42 span
the junction 44 between adjacent ductwork segments 20 and 22.
Screws 46 extend through the straps 40 and 42 and threadedly
connect with the T-nuts 38 so as to clamp the straps 40 and 42 in
place.
[0061] FIG. 12 similarly illustrates two lengths of duct 18 which
are running in parallel and which are supported from each other, in
a manner analogous to that further described below with regard to
FIG. 6. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a strap 48 encircles the two
parallel conduits 18, and the strap 48 is connected structurally to
the conduits with T-nuts 38 and screws 46 in a manner like that
described for FIG. 11.
[0062] The extruded ducts of FIGS. 11 and 12 also provide a
structural support for various associated equipment, which may be
hung from channels 34 and 36 using connectors like the T-nuts 38
and screws 46.
[0063] As seen in the elevation view of FIG. 2, the ductwork 18
preferably carries a plurality of generally parallel fluid conduits
such as 50, 52, 54 and 56. For example, the first conduit 50 may
carry purified water or dialysate from source 12. The second, third
and fourth conduits 52, 54 and 56 may carry various additives for
the water from the source 12 or storage tanks and may include a
drain connection for the removal of effluents from the machine.
[0064] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, one possible
arrangement of the conduits within the ductwork 18 is illustrated.
In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the left-hand ductwork 18 carries two
fluid conduits 50 and 52 in the upper cavity 28, a third fluid
conduit 54 in the intermediate cavity 30, and a power cable 58 and
communications cable 60 in the third cavity 32.
[0065] The cavities 28 and 30 which carry the fluid conduits 50, 52
and 54 may be described as including secondary containment chambers
62 and 64 for containing liquid which may leak from the fluid
conduits 50, 52 or 54.
[0066] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the conduits such as 50, 52, 54
and 56 may each be a continuous length of tubing which extends
through at least two adjacent ductwork segments such as 20 and
22.
[0067] It will be understood that when the source 12 and the
dialysis clinic 16 are separated by a substantial distance, such as
when the source 12 is located on a different floor of the building
or is otherwise located a substantial distance from the clinic 16,
an initial segment 66 (See FIG. 1) of each of the fluid conduits
may run freely through the walls, floors or other utility openings
of the building, and need not be contained within the modular
ductwork 18. These initial portions of conduit will preferably be
relatively long lengths of flexible conduit, which are run from a
spool of conduit.
[0068] Interspersed within the ductwork 18 are a plurality of
connecting stations 68. The connecting stations 68 may also be
referred to as connecting plates or outlet plates. The connecting
stations 68 are fluidly connected to the fluid conduits such as 50,
52, 54 and 56 and also to the power cable 58 and communications
cable 60.
[0069] As been seen in FIG. 7, the connecting station 68 has first
and second ends 70 and 72 and has a front surface 74. As best seen
in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ends 70 and 72 are connected to the ductwork
18. The connecting station 68 includes a sheet metal outer housing
75 extending from first end 70 to second end 72. Contained within
the housing 75 on the left portion thereof is a manifold block 94
as best seen in FIG. 7 which extends from left end 70 to a right
end 96 of manifold block 94. A hollow housing portion 98 extends
from right end 96 of manifold block 94 to the right end 72 of
housing 75.
[0070] The various fluid conduits contained in the ductwork 18 are
connected to passageways formed through the manifold block 94 of
connecting station 68. The passageways typically are longitudinal
bores extending from first end 70 to second end 96. A plurality of
outlet ports such as 77, 79, 81 and 83 communicate with the
passageways and thus communicate with the fluid conduits 50, 52,
54, 56 respectively. Quick connect couplings 100 (See FIG. 8) are
mounted in the outlet ports 77, 79, 81 and 83 for connection of
those ports to the dialysis machine 14 via a bundle of flexible
hoses schematically indicated as 76 in FIGS. 1 and 2. It will be
understood that the hoses of bundle 76 need not actually be bundled
together, and they may be separate hoses.
[0071] Continuing with the description of the connecting station 68
at FIG. 7, the communications cable 60 is connected to
communications outlet 78 which includes a quick connect adapter for
connection of the dialysis machine 14. The data communications
outlet 78 may be utilized to connect the dialysis station 14 to a
monitoring device of a central monitoring system.
[0072] Various monitors associated with the connecting station 68
are connected to indicator lights such as 80, 82 and 84 which
indicate whether the system is in a normal mode of operation, a
disinfectant mode, or alarm mode. The disinfectant mode is
indicated when hot water or chemical disinfectants are being
flushed through the system. The alarm mode is illuminated when an
abnormality in the operation of the system is detected.
[0073] The power cable 58 is connected to a power outlet 86 on the
connecting station 68.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a schematic section view taken through the three
outlet ports, 79, 81 and 83, and shows the same connected to three
of the passageways through connector plate 68, which passageways
are designated as 88, 90 and 92. As previously noted, the
passageways 88, 90 and 92 typically extended from first end 70 to
second end 96 of the manifold block 94, which is typically a solid
block of a machineable material such as plastic. The passageways
88, 90 and 92 extend through the solid block 94 from first end 70
to the second end 96.
[0075] The hollow housing portion 98 of connecting station 68
contains the communications outlet 78, the indicator lights 80, 82
and 84, and the power outlet 86.
[0076] FIG. 8 only illustrates three passageways 88, 90 and 92. It
will be understood that there will be additional passageways for
each fluid conduit connected to the connector plate 68.
[0077] The fluid conduits such as 52, 54 and 56 are connected to
the passageways 88, 90 and 92 at the first end 70 and second end 96
of the solid manifold block 94. The section views of FIGS. 9 and 10
through the hollow portion 98 of connecting station 68,
schematically illustrate the fluid conduits 52, 54 and 56 which are
connected to the passageways 88, 90 and 92 at the second end 96 of
solid block portion 94.
[0078] As seen in FIG. 10, a second power outlet 102 may be mounted
in the upper surface of the hollow housing portion 98 of connecting
station 68. All outlets are integrally ground fault interrupt
protected.
[0079] The various ductwork segments, such as 20, 22, 23 and
connecting station 68 are releasably connected together to allow
various components of the system 10 to be removed for service and
disinfection. After removal, components such as the connecting
station 68 and ductwork segments 20, 22 and 23 can be replaced by a
like component while the replaced component is being disinfected or
serviced.
[0080] The removability of the various components also aids in the
ability to heat disinfect the components. Those components which
are in communication with the fluids, and particularly the fluid
conduits 50, 52, 54 and 56, are preferably constructed from a
material which is stable at a temperature of at least 105 degrees
Celsius applied for a period of at least twenty (20) hours to
facilitate heat disinfection. Some suitable materials include
polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene or cross-linked polyethylene
tubing. In the preferred embodiment such tubing may be sterilized
by autoclaving prior to use. It may also be sterilized by the
transmission of heated fluid such as steam there through. It may
also be chemically disinfected.
THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 13-24
[0081] An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 13-24. A representative portion of this alternative fluid
transport system is shown in schematic elevation view in FIG. 13
and is generally designated by the numeral 122. Like the system 10
of FIG. 1, the fluid transport system 122 is designed to transport
fluids from a source such as the source 12 to a fluid-requiring
instrument such as the dialysis machines 14.
[0082] There are several primary differences between the system 122
of FIG. 13 and the system 10 of FIG. 1. First, the system 122
primarily utilizes relatively short rigid plastic conduit segments
which are connected together by detachable couplings, which
preferably are unions. Second, the outer ductwork of the system 122
is preferably formed of sheet metal rather than the extruded shapes
of FIGS. 3 and 4; it is noted, however, that the system 122 may
also use extruded ductwork like that described for the system 10.
Third, the connecting station has been greatly modified to provide
for a rapid changeout of a dialysis machine. In FIG. 13, the
ductwork is not shown, so that the details of construction of those
components within the ductwork may be seen. The details of the
ductwork are more clearly seen in the cross sectional view of FIG.
24.
[0083] The system 122 includes five fluid conduits 124, 126, 128
130 and 132. Each of these conduits, such as for example conduit
124, includes a plurality of removable conduit segments, such as
adjacent segments 134 and 136 of the conduit 124. Adjacent conduit
segments such as 134 and 136 are joined by a detachable coupling
138 which is a conventional union with o-ring seals. As will be
understood by those skilled in the art, the union has first and
second parts 140 and 142 which will be fixedly attached, such as by
plastic welding, to the adjacent pipe segment, and a rotating
collar 144 which is used to connect the parts 140 and 142 of the
union.
[0084] Also shown in FIG. 13 are a typical elbow fitting 147 for
making a right angle bend in the fluid transport system 122, and
the typical T fitting 149.
[0085] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a portion of the system of
FIG. 13 with the addition of expansion joints 176 located in the
first and fourth conduits 124 and 130.
[0086] Much of the fluid transport system 122 is defined by
prefabricated standard interchangeable system modules such as
indicated at 146 and 148.
[0087] Each system module such as 146 includes a conduit segment
such as 134 for each of the fluid conduits 124 through 132. A
detachable coupling such as 138 is attached to at least one end of
each fluid conduit segment.
[0088] The modular system 10 or 122 of the present invention may
provide modular piping segments such as 134 or modular ductwork
segments such as 20 and 22 or combined modular piping and ductwork
segments 146 in convenient lengths. For example, a typical modular
element 146 may have a length of approximately eight feet. The pipe
conduit segments 134 will have male or female union connections on
either end. The ductwork segments will have attachments for
interconnecting with adjacent ductwork segments.
[0089] There can be lengths of the system 122 in which the system
modules 146 and 148 include only piping and no fluid connection
stations for the dialysis machines, but in the operating portion of
the dialysis clinic many of the system modules such as 146 and 148
will include a connecting station 150 for connection of one of the
dialysis machines such as 14 shown in FIG. 2. The connecting
stations 150 may also be referred to as connecting plates or outlet
plates.
[0090] As was the case with the preferred materials for the system
10 of FIG. 1, each of the fluid conduits 124 through 132 is
preferably constructed from materials which are stable at a
temperature of at least 105 degrees Celsius supplied for a period
of at least twenty (20) hours, so as to facilitate heat
disinfection. Each of the fluid conduits, and particularly each of
the removable conduit segments is preferably constructed from
polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, or cross-linked
polyethylene.
[0091] It has been determined that these materials are superior for
use in a hemodialysis clinic, because they are less likely to give
off contaminating gases, or to leach undesirable materials such as
fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, etc., as compared to the
typical prior material polyvinylchloride. The use of these
materials allows heat sterilization of the conduits in place within
the system 122. This may be accomplished by flowing hot fluids such
as steam there through. This is particularly desirable for conduits
used to conduct fluids in which bacterial growth is particularly a
problem. In the case of a dialysis machine, this is particularly
true for the first conduit 124 which typically conducts pure water
and the fourth conduit 130 which may typically be used to conduct a
bicarbonate solution.
[0092] Furthermore, each system module 146 and 148 will be
associated with and supported within a segment of sheet metal
ductwork such as the ductwork 152 shown in FIG. 24. Ductwork 152
may also be referred to as a conduit housing. At periodic intervals
the conduits 124-132 are supported from the ductwork 152 by
brackets such as 151.
[0093] The ductwork 152 defines a single containment passageway or
chamber 154 in which all of the fluid conduits 124 through 132 are
received. The lower portion 156 of the passage 154 may be defined
as a secondary containment chamber 156 for catching any fluids
leaking from the fluid conduits 124 through 132.
[0094] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24 it is seen that the
ductwork 152 includes a base portion 158 and a cover portion 160.
The base portion 158 includes a back wall 162 and a bottom 164 with
an upward extending lip 166 to define the secondary containment
chamber 156.
[0095] The cover portion 160 includes a front wall 168, a top 170
and a downward extending lip 171. The front wall 168 and lip 166
overlap and are held together by an S-shape clip 173 which runs
along the length of ductwork 152. The lip 171 and back wall 162
overlap and are held together by an S-shape clip 172 which runs
along the length of ductwork 152.
[0096] The base portion 158 of the ductwork 152 is mounted on a
support 174 which may be a wall of the room, or which may be a
vertical column support such as support 104 seen in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0097] At intervals along the length of the conduits 124, 126, 128,
130 and 132, those conduits are supported from the back wall 162 by
brackets such as bracket 151 seen in FIG. 13.
[0098] The ductwork 152 is preferably formed in prefabricated
segments corresponding to the length and dimensions of the system
modules 146 and 148. Those prefabricated segments may come in
several pieces so as to allow the fitting of the ductwork with the
connecting stations 150. The ductwork 152 may include openings and
access panels associated with the connecting stations 150 and with
other components.
[0099] The ends of the pre-fabricated segments are joined together
by H-shape clips 153 as shown in FIG. 25.
[0100] The details of construction of the connecting station 150
are best seen in the side elevation view of FIG. 19 which is a view
taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 13. The connecting station 150
includes a first manifold block 176 which is directly connected to
the conduits 124 through 132, and a second manifold block 178 which
is detachably connected to first manifold block 176 by first
plurality of quick connect couplings 180.
[0101] The first manifold block 176 may also be referred to as a
connector plate or outlet plate. The second manifold block 178 may
also be referred to as an adapter plate.
[0102] The details of construction of the first manifold block 176
are best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Manifold block 176 is preferably
constructed from a rectangular block of solid plastic material,
preferably the same material from which the fluid conduits are
constructed. The manifold block 176 has front and rear surfaces 182
and 184, and has first and second end surfaces 186 and 188.
[0103] A plurality of supply passages 190, 192, 194, 196 and 198
extend in a parallel fashion through the block of material from the
first end 186 to the second end 188. Adjacent each of the end walls
186 and 188 a counter bore such as 200 defines a socket 200 for
receiving and end of an associated one of the fluid conduits 124
through 132. The fluid conduits 124 through 132 are preferably
connected to the first manifold block 176 by heat welding or other
suitable technique to provide a rigid and permanent attachment.
[0104] The connections between the piping and the sockets 200 on
the manifolds such as 176 or the union fittings 138 are preferably
formed by socket fusion welding. Socket fusion welding is a
technique by which the plastic is heated to the melting point
within heating dies, and then the components to be joined are
forced together. This technique is preferred because the potential
for forming interstitial spaces, voids, cracks, etc., is minimized
or eliminated altogether. Voids and cracks constitute sites for
potential bio-growth and make dis-infection difficult.
[0105] Each of the supply passages 190 through 198 tees into a
short laterally extending portion intersecting the front surface
182, which may be referred to as an interface surface so as to
define a first plurality of interface ports 202, 204, 206, 208 and
210 on the front surface 182.
[0106] The second manifold block which is 178 is best shown in the
front and side views of FIG. 18. Second manifold block 178 has a
front surface 212 and a rear surface 214. The rear surface 214 may
be referred to as a second interface surface 214, and the front
surface 212 may be referred to as an outlet surface 212.
[0107] The first manifold block 176 may be referred to as a
universal manifold block 176, and the second manifold block 178 may
be referred to as an interface manifold block 178.
[0108] The second manifold block 178 has a plurality of
intermediate passages such as 216, 218, 220, 222 and 224 defined
therethrough from the rear surface 214 to the front surface 212.
Each of the intermediate passages 216 through 224 intersects the
rear surface 214 at one of a second plurality of interface ports
which are complementary to and aligned with the ports 202 through
210.
[0109] The first plurality of quick connect couplings 180 each
include a first part 226 which is threadedly connected into one of
the ports 202 through 210 of first manifold block 176, and a second
part 228 which is threadedly connected to the corresponding port in
the second manifold block 178.
[0110] The quick connect couplings 180, may for example be those
manufactured and sold under the Parker, Colder, or Walther
Prezision brands.
[0111] Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such
couplings and will understand that they allow the second manifold
block 178 to be quickly disconnected from the first manifold block
176 without the loss of fluids from the fluid passages 190 through
198. As the quick disconnects 180 are disconnected, spring-loaded
valves contained in each of the parts 226 and 228 close the flow
passage there through.
[0112] Additionally, a plurality of threaded hose fittings 230 (see
FIG. 19) are connected to the front surface 212 of the second
manifold block 178 to provide for connection to the hoses of the
hose bundle 76 from the dialysis machine 14.
[0113] The hose interface manifold block 178 is not specific to any
particular type of dialysis machine. Two additional examples of
substitute second manifold blocks, specifically designed for use
with specific dialysis machines, are shown in FIGS. 20 through
23.
[0114] FIGS. 20 and 21 are front and side elevation views,
respectively, analogous to FIGS. 17 and 18, of an interface
manifold block 230 particularly designed for use with a Cobe brand
dialysis machine. It is noted that on the back surface 232 of the
interface manifold block 230, there are found the second parts 228
of quick connect couplings 180 which are identical in construction
and arrangement as the second part 228 of couplings 180 shown in
FIG. 19. Thus, the substitute interface manifold block 230 may be
substituted for the interface manifold block 178 by merely
disconnecting the quick connect couplings 180 shown in FIG. 19, and
then reconnecting the interface manifold block 230 of FIG. 21 in
place of the original interface manifold block 178.
[0115] The front surface 234 of the substitute interface manifold
block 230 carries various fittings such as 236, 238, 240, 242 and
244 which are specifically constructed for connection to the Cobe
brand dialysis machine.
[0116] FIGS. 22 and 23 show front and side elevation views of yet
another machine specific interface manifold block 246 particularly
designed for use with an Althin brand dialysis machine. Again, the
interface manifold block 246 carries quick connect coupling
portions 180, 228 on its rear surface 248, which will interconnect
the couplings on the universal manifold block 176. Again, the front
surface 250 carries a plurality of machines specific quick connect
couplings designed for use with the Althin machine.
[0117] It is noted that FIGS. 21 and 23 are not true side elevation
or section views, but instead they schematically illustrate the
specific structure of the various couplings which are attached to
the interface manifold block 230 or 246.
[0118] A connecting station like station 150 shown in FIG. 19
including the first and second manifold blocks 176 and 178 with the
quick connect couplings 180 therebetween provides several
advantages.
[0119] Primarily, it allows the dialysis machine 14 to be exchanged
for a different dialysis machine 14 of a different make and model.
Those skilled in the art will understand that each given make and
model of dialysis machine typically has associated therewith its
own machine specific group of quick connect couplings which are
used to connect the dialysis machine to a station of a dialysis
clinic. Two examples of different dialysis machines are the Cobe
machine associated with the connectors of FIGS. 20 and 21, and the
Althin machine associated with the connectors of FIGS. 22 and 23.
In the prior art, a connecting station for a dialysis machine has
typically been permanently installed in a rigid permanent wall and
is suitable for connection only to one type of dialysis machine. If
the machines used in a given clinic are changed, the entire system
must be shut down and replumbed to provide suitable connections for
the new machines.
[0120] With a connecting station like that shown in FIG. 150, the
secondary manifold blocks 178 may be constructed in a form which
are specific to a given make and model of dialysis machine. The
first manifold block 176, however, is a universal design which need
not ever be changed.
[0121] If it is desired to change the type of dialysis machine
being utilized, all that need be done is to remove the second
manifold block 178 by disconnecting the quick connect couplings 180
and to replace the second manifold block 178 with another second
manifold block which has quick connect couplings on its front
surface 212 particularly designed for use with the new dialysis
machine.
[0122] This construction for the connecting station 150 eliminates
what are known as "dead legs" within the piping system. Industry
standards provide that in order to eliminate areas within the
plumbing where fluids do not readily flow and bacteria may grow in
stagnant fluid, there should be no portions of the conduit
passageways in excess of five pipe diameters in length which do not
have free flowing fluid therethrough. The use of the primary and
interface manifold blocks with the quick connect couplings
therebetween provides a manner of communication between the
dialysis machine 14 and the fluid conduits which eliminates the
presence of any such dead legs of greater than 5 pipe diameters in
length. Furthermore, all of the components of the connection
station may be readily removed and sterilized then replaced.
[0123] In FIG. 24 a slightly modified version of the universal
manifold block 176 is shown and generally designated by the numeral
252. The manifold block 252 is similar to the manifold block 176
except for the addition of inline shut off valves such as 254 which
lead from the passageways such as 190 to the outlet port such as
202. The shut off valves 254 are simple 90 degree valves which are
operated with a flat end screwdriver which may be inserted into
slot 256.
[0124] In FIG. 24, the interface manifold plate 178 has not been
shown, but it will be understood that it is mounted on the manifold
block 252 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 19. The front wall
170 of the sheet metal ductwork 152 will have an appropriate cut
out opening therein through which the front surface of the
interface manifold block 178, 230 or 246 with its associated
fittings may extend for connection to the dialysis machine 14.
[0125] Also shown in FIG. 24 is the preferred location for the
electrical power cable 58. The communications cable 60 is also
preferably located in the general area of the power cable 58.
MANNER OF INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND USE
[0126] Either of the modular fluid transport systems 10 or 122 are
designed to be pre-fabricated at an off site manufacturing facility
and then transported to and installed within the dialysis clinic
16. Thus the modular fluid transport system 10 or 122 will in fact
be sold as a piece of equipment and will not be permanently
installed as part of the building structure. In addition to
providing many advantages regarding cost, quality control,
maintenance and the like, there are tax advantages to the purchase
of depreciable equipment rather than the construction of the fluid
transport system as a permanent part of the building.
[0127] Both the ductwork and the fluid conduits, and the various
components such as the connecting stations 68 or 150 are
prefabricated, and then brought to the site of the clinic 16 where
they may be quickly assembled into the systems previously
described.
[0128] By use of the preferred materials for the fluid conduits,
the system may be heat sterilized in place by flowing steam or
other hot fluids there through. Additionally, any particular
portion of the system may be readily removed for off site
sterilization.
[0129] Repair of any portion of the system 10 or 122 is easily
accomplished by simply removing and replacing the effected
components.
[0130] Also as previously described with regard to the connecting
station 150, use of that arrangement allows the dialysis machines
14 to be easily exchanged for different models and makes of
machines.
[0131] The use of the system 10 or 122 also provides great
flexibility in the arrangement of the dialysis machines 14 within
the clinic 16. With prior art built in place systems, this was not
possible without tearing down walls, modifying or replacing chaises
and replumbing a system. With the system of the present invention,
the plumbing and outlets may be quickly rearranged by merely
changing out various components.
[0132] Although the systems 10 and 122 have been particularly
described for use with a dialysis clinic, it will be appreciated
that many of the features of the present invention may be readily
applied to other systems in which it is necessary to provide very
pure fluids to an instrument which uses the fluids. For example,
such systems could be utilized to provide medical gases. Such
systems could be utilized in the semi-conductor manufacturing
industry. Such systems can be utilized in the pharmaceutical
manufacturing industry. In any industry where it is desirable to be
able to thoroughly sterilize a plumbing system, the modular
plumbing system of the present invention may find use.
[0133] Thus it is seen that the apparatus of the present invention
readily achieves the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those
inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments have been
illustrated and described for purposes of the present disclosure,
numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and
steps may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are
encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *