JPS62120858A - Open type patient fluid treatment method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is suitable for use in patient fluid handling systems such as hemodialysis and fluid infusion systems.
patient fluid treatment systems).

Generally, patient fluid treatment systems include a fluid exchange unit that moves fluid between a patient and a treatment device, and a hydraulic circuit that controls the flow of treatment fluid to and from the exchange unit. Although various forms of fluid exchange units are possible, dialyzers are the most common. The various fluids and fluid components are connected to the hydraulic circuit section.
The design of the dialysis membrane (dial) is influenced in part by the design of the
yer membrane). This hydraulic circuit section is particularly relevant to the present invention.

For purposes of illustration, although the present invention can equally be used in a variety of other applications other than renal dialysis units,
The renal 15 dialysis unit will be explained. In a renal dialysis unit, a patient's blood moves through one section of the dialyzer while the dialysate passes through another section. The dialysate is passed through a semi-permeable membrane to draw ionic materials present in the dialysate from the blood. In some systems, the hydraulic circuit portions are arranged so that the volume of dialysate exiting the dialysis machine exactly matches the volume entering the dialyzer. In this system, the patient's body fluid volume (pa
patient's body fluid volume
) no net change occurs. However, other systems have arranged hydraulic circuit sections so that more fluid is drawn from the dialyzer than is available. this"
In an "ultrafiltration" system, this difference reflects a net change in patient fluid volume, ie, a certain amount of patient fluid is transferred from the patient across the membrane and into the dialysate solution used. This technique allows wastewater to be removed from patients with kidney damage.

Some conventional systems perform ultrafiltration by inserting a pump into the dialyzer's outlet line. This one
U.S. Pat. No. 3,598.727 for a system
It is stated in the specification of the No. In this device, dialysate is passed from a dialyzer to a Venturi tube operated by running water.

Is the water passing through the Venturi tube dialysed at a rate determined by the water flow? The used dialysate is being withdrawn from t.

Used il-tJ'? material and water mixture down the drain.

No. 3,598,727, the amount of ultrafiltration is determined by the permeability of the dialysis membrane and the pressure drop between the dialysate inlet and outlet and the blood inlet and outlet of the dialyzer. It can be calculated mathematically using pressure drop. However, this method is difficult to handle.

The innovative system uses volume regulation rather than pressure regulation problems, eliminating the need for mathematical calculations.

In one of the volume adjustment systems described above, the amount of ultrafiltration is determined by the amount of fluid removed by the amount of feed fluid (U.S. Pat.
．． 172.033 Specification). In this system, the ratio of fluid volume injected into the dialyzer to volume pumped out can be adjusted by moving the pivot point of the lever connecting the infusion pump cylinder to the pump cylinder.

Another volumetric dialysis system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,040, in which equal volumes of dialysate are
A pair of matching pumps meter the inflow to and outflow from the dialyzer. The ultrafiltration is performed using a volumetric membrane pump parallel to the output pump between the output of the dialyzer and the ultrafiltrate drain.
This can be achieved by connecting an auxiliary extraction device such as. The operating speed of such auxiliary pumps determines the ultrafiltration rate.

All the above-mentioned volume h'1 adjustment systems have drawbacks such as economy and complexity.

Batch-type ultrafiltration systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,939;
It is described in the specification of No. 069. In batch technology, dialysate is continuously recirculated through the dialyzer.

In the system described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 3,939,069, ultrafiltration is accomplished with an auxiliary lamp pump that sucks dialysis fluid or excess air from the top of the dialysate reservoir. The speed of the pump can be varied to change the rate of ultrafiltration.

The system described in US Pat. No. 3,939,069 is undesirable due to the difficulty of continuously changing the ionic gradient across the membrane to achieve accurate dialysis. Also, the dialysate must be periodically replaced with fresh dialysate, which reduces dialysis treatment efficiency.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved patient fluid treatment systems.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple patient fluid treatment system.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an accurate patient fluid handling system.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an open volumetric patient fluid treatment system.

The present invention relates to open volumetric patient fluid treatment systems and methods of patient fluid treatment. Fresh fluid is metered into the patient fluid exchange unit with a first metering device.

Spent fluid is pumped out of the patient fluid exchange unit by a pump. A regulator is provided across the pump to maintain the pressure at the pump outlet at a constant value.

A second metering device and an open drain circuit are connected to the outlet of the pump. A second metering device meters a predetermined amount of used fluid from the patient fluid exchange unit. The open drain circuit drains any fluid pressed by the pump, but is not removed by the second metering device and is vented to atmospheric pressure. The amount of flow through such a circuit can be varied by adjusting the regulator to vary the pump outlet pressure. This flow can be further adjusted by a variable size orifice connected in series with the open drain circuit. Flow through the open drain circuit can be directed by a rotameter and collected into a container. When the dialysis unit is disconnected from power, the fluid in the dialyzer passes through an open drain circuit and quickly returns to atmospheric pressure due to the open passage through the pump and backpressure regulator combination to the dialyzer.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The open dialysis system of the present invention (open
A preferred example of a dialysis system consists of a first metering device 10 having an inlet connected to a fluid source 12 and an outlet connected to an inlet 13 of the dialysate section of a dialyzer 111.

Dialyzer 14 may be any device that selectively moves fluid across a semipermeable barrier. The metering device 10 periodically meters a first volume of fresh fluid into one side of the dialyzer 14 and the other side of the dialyzer communicates with the patient. Inner dialyzer 14 is a semipermeable membrane 16 across which a second volume of filtrate fluid can be transferred between the patient and the dialysis system.

Dialysis using continuous pump I8? A third volume of spent fluid is removed from the dialyzer during each periodic cycle of the first metering device.

A second metering device 20 and an open drain circuit 22 are connected to the outlet of the pump 18 . A second metering device periodically meters a fourth volume of fluid from pump 18 to first drain 24 . The open drain circuit 22 has an excess of the third capacitor than the fourth capacitor.
The capacitance is passed through the second drain 26. The second drain 26 opens to atmospheric pressure, thus maintaining an open system. That is, when the system is disconnected from power, the second drain 26 can quickly return the fluid in the dialyzer to atmospheric pressure.

In the embodiment described above, the first drain 211 and the second drain 26 are intentionally not coupled together to create an open drain circuit 2 caused by the metering action of the metering device 20.
Avoiding undesirable effects in 2.

The second drain 26 has a container 28 as shown in FIG. 5 for collection of spent fluid.

A scale may be provided on or near the container 28 to directly or continuously indicate the amount of fluid within the container.

In a preferred example, the electronic control circuit 27 and the clock circuit 2
9 is provided to operate the first and second metering devices IO and 20 periodically and synchronously.

This synchronization results in a rotating dialysate flow that transmits enhanced dialyzer operation. Although the total device may consist of a pump, the metering device has a metering function rather than a pump function.

-Ji5 Specifically, the pump 18 has a back pressure regulator 30 that regulates the pressure at the outlet of the pump.

If the pressure at the outlet of pump 18 rises above the desired value, the increased pressure will return more fluid to the inlet of the pump, thereby reducing the pressure at its outlet. If the pressure at the outlet of pump 18 is below the desired value,
A small amount of fluid is returned to the inlet of the pump, thereby increasing the pressure at its outlet.

Open drain circuit 22 includes a pressure regulator 31, a flow control device 32, and a flow indicator 34. Flow control device 32 controls fluid flow to second drain 26 . Flow direction 534 directly and continuously directs the rate of fluid flow to the second drain. The flow control device 32 includes a variable size orifice (vari-able 5iz
e orifice) is desirable. Flow indicator 34 may consist of a rotameter. Rotameters and variable size orifices are both easy and safe.
1i and is a reliable device.

The pressure regulator 31 consists of two rows of coupling devices, namely a coarse pressure regulator 31a and a fine pressure regulator 31b. The coarse pressure regulator 31a serves to adjust large pressure oscillations at the outlet of the pump 18 to small oscillations. The micro-pressure network device 31b functions to adjust these small pressure fluctuations to a substantially constant pressure.

A cross section of the micro pressure regulator 31b is shown in FIG.

The input lower 0 is connected to a first chamber 74 via a regulator body or housing 72 . A ball 76 is placed within this first chamber. Projecting from the second chamber 78 is one end of a stem 80 that contacts the first chamber 74 but does not connect to the ball 76. The opposite end of stem 80 is connected to a plate 82 that engages one side of flexible membrane 84. A compression spring 86 is held in compression against the opposite side of the membrane 84 by a bolt 88 threaded into the housing 72. Outlet 90 connects to second chamber 78 .

In operation, the rotational fluid flowing into the manlower 0 causes the ball to change the closure of the passage 92 between the first and second chambers and is applied by the plate 82 against the membrane 84 and the spring 86 (heavily The spring 86 exerts a counteracting force on the membrane 84 and the ball 76 to adjust the closure of the passageway 92 by the ball 76. This mechanism causes the pressure in the second chamber 78 to be The corresponding pressure at the outlet 90 is maintained at a substantially constant value.The outlet pressure can be varied by the position in which the bolt 88 is threaded.

In the example of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the first and second metering devices are dual action membrane pumps 50 and 52 connected to each other.
It consists of Each pump has an affluent chamber 54 and an effluent chamber 54 separated by a movable membrane 58.
effluent) chamber 56. These chambers meter the dialysate flowing into and out of the dialyzer 14. Each of these chambers has an inlet 60 and an outlet 62.

A plurality of control valves 64 connect to eight chamber ports that control the flow of dialysate into and out of each chamber. These valves act to controllably open and close the ports associated with each other. The inlet 60 of each inlet chamber 54 is connected via one valve 64 to a source of fresh fluid I2. The outlet 62 of each inlet chamber 54 is connected to the inlet 13 of the dialyzer 14 via one valve 64 . The inlet 60 of each outflow chamber 56 is connected to the outlet 19 of the dialyzer 14 through one valve 64 and the outlet 62 of each outflow chamber 56 is connected through one valve 64 to the drain 24 .

In the example described above, a two-way valve is used each day of the membrane pump for a total of eight valves. Alternatively, a three-way valve (not shown) can also be used, with a single valve controlling the two ports of the membrane pump. In this example, only four valves need to be used.

An electronic control system 66 associated with the plurality of valves 64 is provided to position the valves in at least two operating states. 1st
In the operating state, the valves are: inlet 60 of the inlet chamber 54 of the first pump, outlet 62 of the outlet chamber 56 of the first pump, outlet 62 of the inlet chamber 54 of the second pump 52 and outlet chamber 56 of the second pump 52. The valves are operative to open a first set of inlets 60 of the
The remaining second set of ports is closed in the activated state.

In a second actuation state, the valve closes the first set of ports;
Activated to open the second set of mouths.

Additionally, the present invention provides control of electronic control system 66 between a first state and a second state.
It includes an electronic clock 68 that periodically alternates between states.

In a two-way valve two-actuation system, one set of valves is opened and one set of ponds is closed. For short periods of time, both sets of valves are in the partially open position. This condition can be avoided by closing one set of valves before opening the other set.

In a preferred example, the electronic control system 66 may place the plurality of valves 64 into a third operating state in which all valves are momentarily closed. During this state, no fluid moves into or out of the dialyzer 14. clock 68
is operative during transitions between the first and second operating states and between the second and first operating states to position the electronic ffrlj control system 66 in the valve 64 toward this third operating state.

In the example described above, each metering device 50 and 52 has the same volume, but the volumes need not be the same. Since the devices are connected alternately, the metered volumes flowing into and out of the dialyzer will always be equal, even if the metering devices have different capacities. Therefore, the interleaving relationship minimizes flow irregularities due to manufacturing tolerances.

In the pond embodiment of the invention, there is no need for an open drain circuit on the outlet side of the dialyzer. For example, in the general block diagram shown in FIG. 4, the open drain circuit 22 shown in FIGS.
02 element and can be connected to the dialyzer itself. For this general system, a first volume (a) of fluid is transferred from the fluid source 106 to the input circuit 100 via a first metering device 108 . A second volume (b) of fluid is transferred from the input circuit 100 to the inlet of the dialyzer 104.

A third volume of fluid ffi (C) is transferred between the patient connected to the dialyzer and the dialysate chamber of the dialyzer. This third volume of fluid (C) can be transferred from the patient to the diaphragm or vice versa. Fourth volume of fluid 1 (
d) is transferred from the outlet of the dialyzer 104 to the output circuit 102. A fifth volume (e) of fluid is transferred from the output circuit 102 to the drain 110 via the second metering neck 112.

The net fluid volume transferred from the system (the sum of volume 1 (e) and (C) if fluid is passed from the dialyzer to the patient, or just the volume ff1 (e) if fluid is passed from the patient to the dialyzer)
) over and above the excess, if any, net volume transferred to the system (when fluid is passed from the patient to the dialyzer, the volume i (
The sum of a) and (C), or just the volume [a) when fluid is passed from the dialyzer to the patient, is the open drain circuit 110
can be flowed to atmospheric pressure via the

With respect to the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input circuit 100 of FIG. 4 consists of a direct connection between the first metering device 108 and the dialyzer 104. The output circuit 102 is a dialyzer 104
and the pump, the pump and the second metering device 112
and an open drain circuit.

A container 28 suitable for collecting spent dialysate or spent fluid from the second drain 26 of the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in FIG.

The container 28 has an inlet 122 at the top 124 and an inlet 122 at the bottom 1
It has 28 outlets 126 (consisting of 20 disposable bags).

Tube 130 is connected to the second drain 26 of the patient fluid handling device.
is connected to the bag inlet 122. A pen) 132 maintains the end of tube 130 at atmospheric pressure. Transparent sight tube 126 is the bag outlet 12
6 and a second end 138 that is open to the atmosphere at a higher position than the first end.

In this way, the fluid collected in the bag is transferred to the reference tube 1.
The level of fluid rising at 34 indicates the relative volume of fluid contained in the bag.

The bag 120 can be stored in a used fluid container receptacle 140 on a patient fluid treatment device. The stopper 140 or reference tube 134 can be calibrated so that the volume of fluid within the bag can be accurately determined. If graduation is omitted, the relative volume of fluid within the bag is indicated relative to the transparent reference tube 134. Different fluid level determinations on the reference tube 134 can be achieved by varying the volume of the bag 120.

The present invention can be used for various applications other than ultrafiltration. For example, sterile fluid injection (sterile fluid injection)
infusion) or blood ultrafiltration (hemod).
iafiltration). When used to infuse fluid into a patient, the amount of fluid transferred from the dialyzer is different from the amount of fluid transferred to the patient and is less than the amount transferred to the dialyzer. In this application, the volume of the first metering device should be selected to be larger than the volume of the second metering device, unless an infusion pump is connected between the fresh fluid source and the dialyzer input circuit. The system can be kept open by providing an open drain circuit as described above. In this application, the open drain circuit is configured to provide a net excess fluid volume that is greater than or equal to the fluid volume that is moved out of the system (by the second metering pump and by infusion into the patient), i.e., the excess fluid volume that is moved into the system (by the first (by means of a metering pump and optionally by an infusion pump) to atmospheric pressure.

Additionally, the present invention can be used as a component of a blood ultrafiltration system. In this system, fluid can be removed from the patient according to the invention and replaced externally, such as by intravenous infusion.

Alternatively, the present invention can also prevent the dialysate from flowing through the dialyzer and allow it to rest therein. Fluid can then be withdrawn across the membrane by maintaining the stationary dialysate at reduced pressure and by appropriate actuation of the pump and open drain circuit.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred examples, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this specification and claims.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing each process of the patient fluid treatment system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each process of the patient fluid treatment system showing a modified structure of FIG. 1; FIG. A sectional view of a pressure regulator used in the system shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a block diagram simply showing the system of the present invention;
and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container showing a collection bag used in the open drain circuit of the present invention. 10, 108...first metering device 12, 106...fluid source 13...dialysate section inlet 14, 104...dialysis '516...semipermeable membrane 18...continuously operating pump 19...exit 20,
112... Second measuring device 22... Open drain circuit 24... First drain 26... Second drain 27... Electronic control circuit 28... Container 29... Clock circuit 30
... Back pressure regulator 31.31a... Pressure regulator 31b... Fine pressure regulator 32... Flow control device 34... Flow indicators 50, 52... Dual action membrane pump 54 ... Inflow chamber 56 ... Outflow chamber 58 ... Movable membrane 60.70.122.
...Entrance 62, 90.126...Exit 64...
Control valve 66...Electronic control system 68...Electronic clock 72...Housing 74...First chamber 76
... Ball 78 ... Second chamber 80
... Stem 82 ... Plate 84 ... Flexible membrane 86 ... Compression spring 81
... Bolt 92 ... Passage 100 ... Input circuit 102 ... Output circuit 1
10...Drain 120...Disposable bag 122...Bag inlet 126, 134...Transparent reference tube 124...
Top 128... Bottom 130... Tube 132... Vent 136... First end 1
38...Second end portion 140...Bung receiver Patent applicant: C.D. Medical Incorporated

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A semipermeable membrane device having an inlet and an outlet;
In an open patient fluid treatment method using a semipermeable membrane device further comprising an input circuit connected to an inlet of the membrane device and an output circuit connected to an outlet of the membrane device, a first volume of fresh fluid is introduced from the fluid source. a second volume of fresh fluid from the input circuit to the membrane device inlet; a third volume of fluid between the patient and the membrane device; a fourth volume of used fluid to the membrane device; transfer a fifth volume of used fluid from the output circuit to the drain; and transfer the net fluid volume transferred to the device over the net fluid volume transferred from the device to atmospheric pressure. An open drain circuit outlet opening to the drain, thereby maintaining an open system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein there is excess flow from the input circuit, the output circuit, or both to an open drain circuit outlet. 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the moving steps occur substantially simultaneously. 4. The method of claim 1 for controlling the rate of fluid flow to the open drain circuit outlet. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the rate of fluid flow to the open drain circuit outlet is directly and continuously directed. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said excess fluid is recovered from an open drain circuit outlet. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the recovery step directly and continuously directs the amount of fluid to be recovered. 8. Fourth volume transfer is a patent for pumping spent fluid from the outlet of a membrane device to a designated point; and returning a variable amount of spent fluid from the designated point to the outlet to regularize the pressure at the designated point. The method according to claim 1. 9. Transfer of the fourth volume involves pumping the spent fluid from the outlet of the membrane device to the outlet of the membrane device through the pump, and transferring a controlled amount of fluid from the outlet of the pump to the outlet of the membrane device under the influence of a pressure difference across the pump. regulating the pressure at the pump outlet by returning it through a backpressure regulator; collecting the excess fluid into a container open to atmospheric pressure; controlling the proportion of the excess fluid flowing into the container; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: directly and continuously indicating the proportion of fluid; and directly and continuously indicating the amount of fluid in the container. 10. The patient fluid treatment comprises ultrafiltration, wherein a third volume of fluid is transferred from the patient to the membrane device; and the fourth volume is greater than or equal to the second volume. the method of. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fifth capacity is equal to the first capacity. 12. The patient fluid treatment comprises fluid injection, transferring a third volume of fluid from the membrane device to the patient; and making the fourth volume less than or equal to the second volume. Method. 13. A method for treating open patient fluid using a semipermeable membrane device comprising a semipermeable membrane device having an inlet and an outlet, further comprising an input circuit connected to the inlet of the device and an output circuit connected to the outlet of the membrane device. moving fresh fluid from the fresh fluid source to the input circuit at a first rate; moving fresh fluid from the input circuit to the membrane device inlet at a second rate; transferring fluid between the patient and the membrane device at a third rate; moving the spent fluid through the membrane during; moving the spent fluid from the outlet of the membrane device to the output circuit at a fourth rate; moving the spent fluid from the output circuit to the drain at a fifth rate; and transferring the fluid to the device. an open patient fluid system, characterized in that it flows from the device to a drain circuit open to atmospheric pressure in a proportion equal to the excess of the proportion of fluid flowing into the device relative to the proportion of fluid flowing from the device, thereby maintaining an open system. Processing method. 14. In an open patient fluid treatment system for use with a semipermeable membrane device, an inlet connected to a source of fresh fluid for metering a first volume of fresh fluid into the membrane device and an outlet connected to the inlet of the membrane device. a first metering means having a membrane means for transferring a second volume of fluid between the patient and the membrane device; and an inlet coupled to an outlet of the membrane device for removing a third volume of used fluid from the dialyzer. pumping means; second metering means having an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump and an outlet connected to the first drain for metering a fourth volume of fluid from the pumping means to the first drain;
and an open drain having an inlet connected to the outlet of the pumping means and an outlet connected to the second drain open to atmospheric pressure for passing a third volume of fluid in optional excess relative to the fourth volume to the second drain. An open patient fluid treatment system comprising: means. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second drain comprises a container and includes means for directly and continuously indicating the amount of fluid in the container. 16. The open drain means includes flow control means having an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump means and an outlet connected to the second drain for controlling the flow of excess fluid to the second drain. The system according to item 14. 17. The open drain means includes flow directing means interposed between the outlet of the pumping means and the second drain for directly and continuously directing the flow of excess fluid to the second drain. The system according to item 14. 18. The pump means includes back pressure regulating means for regulating the pressure at the outlet of the pump means
The system described in Section 4. 19. The pumping means includes backpressure regulating means for regulating the pressure at the outlet of the pumping means; the open drain means includes fluid control means for controlling the flow of fluid to the second drain and direct control of the rate of fluid. and the second drain includes a container and means for directly and continuously directing the amount of fluid in the container. the method of. 20, the first and second metering means comprising alternating dual action membrane pumps; the open drain means comprising a pressure regulator; the flow control means comprising a first variable size orifice; and the flow directing means comprising: 20. The system of claim 19 comprising a rotameter. 21. An open ultrafiltrate indication system for a patient fluid treatment apparatus comprising a semipermeable membrane device and an associated hydraulic circuit portion, the flow of ultrafiltrate from said hydraulic circuit portion to a flow control means outlet; flow control means having an inlet coupled to a hydraulic circuit portion of the semipermeable membrane device for controlling; hydraulic pressure for directing the rate of ultrafiltrate flow from said hydraulic circuit portion to a flow directing means outlet; flow directing means having an inlet connected to the circuit portion and serially connected to the flow control means; and an ultrafiltrate connected to the hydraulic circuit portion through the flow control means and through the flow directing means; An open type ultrafiltrate indicating system comprising a recovery means for recovering and directly and continuously indicating the amount of ultrafiltrate to be removed from a hydraulic circuit section. . 22. The flow control means comprises a variable size orifice;
Claim 21 wherein the flow indicating means comprises a rotameter and the collection means comprises a graduated container.
System described in section. 23. first and second dual chamber pump means having an inflow chamber and an outflow chamber separated by a mobile membrane and having an inlet and an outlet for metering dialysate into and out of the membrane device; each chamber; a plurality of control valve means connected to said chamber ports for controlling the flow of dialysate into or out of the chamber; said valve means operative to controllably open and close the connected ports; an inlet of each inlet chamber connected to a fresh fluid source via said valve means; an outlet of each inlet chamber connected to an inlet of a membrane device via one said valve means; an outlet of each inlet chamber connected to an inlet of a membrane device via one said valve means; an outlet of each outlet chamber connected to an outlet of the drain chamber; and an outlet of each outlet chamber connected to the spent fluid output circuit via one said valve means; electronic control means for placing the plurality of valve means in at least two operating states; In the actuated state, the valve means has an inlet, i.e., a first set of inlets of the first pumping means inlet chamber, an outlet of the first pumping means outlet chamber, an outlet of the second pumping means inlet chamber and an inlet of the second pumping means outlet chamber. operative to open and close the remaining second set of ports; and in a second actuated state, the valve means is operative to close the first set of ports and open the second set of ports; A system for passing a fluid through a semipermeable membrane device, characterized in that the control means comprises electronic clock means for periodically alternating between a first state and a second state. 24, the electronic control means is capable of placing the plurality of valve means in a third operating state in which all the valve means are closed, and the clock means is operable to place the plurality of valve means in a third operating state in which all valve means are closed; 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the electronic control means is operable to place the valve in the third operating state during a transition period between. 25. Disposable bag means having an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom and adapted to fit into a stopper on a patient fluid treatment device for collecting spent fluid; connecting the spent fluid outlet of the patient fluid treatment device to the bag means inlet; means; and a first end connected to the bag means outlet, and a second end open to atmospheric pressure above the first end for directly and continuously directing a relative amount of spent fluid in the bag means. 1. A used fluid container for a patient fluid treatment device, comprising a reference tube means comprising: 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the container further includes a scale on or near the reference tube means for indicating the precise amount of spent fluid in the bag means.