WO2017130213A1

WO2017130213A1 - Multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines

Info

Publication number: WO2017130213A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/000012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ravi VAZIRANI
Original assignee: Vazirani Ravi
Priority date: 2016-01-28
Filing date: 2017-01-18
Publication date: 2017-08-03

Abstract

A multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines comprising a shell, the shell being open from a first end, the shell having a second end, a fixing means at the first end and a filter holding provision at the second end, a connecting tube having a one end and an other end, a porous filter, an interfacing component having an end cover with a shell fixing means, a filling opening with a provision to be closed, an overhanging part having two ports each port having an opening and a tunnel, each tunnel having an external end opening in the respective port while an internal end of the each tunnel opening within the end cover, the internal end of each tunnel has a step and a lid, the connecting tube having the porous filter slided on the one end of the connecting tube, the other end of the connecting tube inserted into the internal end of the tunnel of the second port till the step, the porous filter at the one end of the connecting tube firmly accommodated in the filter holding provision.

Description

TITLE: MULTI-USE REFILLABLE CARTRIDGE FOR DIALYSIS MACHINES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical treatment, particularly haemodialysis. More particularly, the invention relates to a device containing a dry chemical, the device being connectable to a dialysis machine, for use of the chemical contained therein in haemodialysis process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to use chemicals like sodium bicarbonate solution for haemodialysis. Patent application no: 4695/KOLNP/ 2008 discloses a container filled with a liquid concentrate for making dialysate.

[0003] Of late, dry concentrate of such chemicals like sodium bicarbonate is provided to the haemodialysis machine. A solvent like water is supplied by an external machine or a haemodialysis machine to dissolve the chemical like sodium bicarbonate and the solution is used for treatment.

[0004] Dry concentrate of the chemical is generally filled in a pouch or a container. The pouch or the container has connecting means to connect the pouch or the container to the external machine or the haemodialysis machine. Patent publication No: DE000004220647, Patent No: EP 1642614B 1 and EP 1344550B 1 disclose a connector while Patent application: US2013004593A 1 discloses a container, which is disposable.

[0005] Dissolution of the dry concentrate in a homogeneous manner consistently is an important aspect and the patent application No: US2004243094A 1 discloses a concept to attain saturation. The disclosure is around a one-time use pouch.

[0006] Patent application No: 397/KOLNP/201 1 discloses a connector for use with a disposable container. [0007] There is gap in the prior art so far as multi-use containers are concerned with attention to needed dissolution of dry concentrate.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an objective to invent a container which can be used several times.

[0009] Another objective is to invent a container which can be re-filled.

[0010] Another objective is to invent a container which directly fits on a haemodialysis machine.

[0011] Another objective is to invent a container which ensures consistent dissolution.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The invention is a cartridge which can be used multiple times, can be refilled after use with or without cleaning. In the preferred embodiment, the cartridge comprises a shell having a connecting tube with a porous filter, an interfacing component and a lid. The shell is open from one end, of any shape and preferably transparent, made of a material which is unreactive to the concentrate, like sodium bicarbonate, that the shell contains. The shell has a fixing means around the first end for fixing the interfacing component so as to close the first end. The shell has a filter holding provision at the other end of the shell. The interfacing component is a moulded thermoplastic component, of a material which is unreactive to the concentrate, like sodium bicarbonate. It has an end cover having a shell fixing means. The end cover also has a filling opening for filling in the dry concentrate. The filling opening has a provision be closed. The interfacing component also has an overhanging part which has two ports for connecting to the commensurate dialysis machine. The first port has an opening from which a liquid, generally water, is made to enter the shell of the cartridge. The second port has a similar opening from which a solution of the concentrate and the liquid, formed in the shell, is made to exit the shell and enter the commensurate dialysis machine. Both the ports have a tunnel each. An external end of each tunnel opens in the respective port while an internal end of the same tunnel opens within the end cover. The internal end of the tunnel has a step. The overhanging part of the interfacing component has a provision for switch actuation of the commensurate dialysis machine. The overhanging part also has an engager construction for engaging and aiding holding of the cartridge on the commensurate dialysis machine, with or without any other part of the cartridge interacting with or taking support from the commensurate dialysis machine. There is provided the connecting tube which has a porous filter slidable on its one end. The other end of the connecting tube is insert-able into the internal end of the tunnel of the second port till the step. The lid is used to close the filling opening of the interfacing component. The lid has a plurality of wings to aid a tightening or a loosening of the lid on the filling opening.

[0013] To prepare the cartridge for a first use, a porous filter is slid on a one end of the connecting tube. The other end of the connecting tube is inserted into the internal end of the second port till the step. The connecting tube and the porous filter at its one end, along with end cover of the interfacing component with which it is connected at the internal opening of the second port, is lowered into the shell. With or without some mechanical aid, the porous filter is made to sit firmly in the filter mounting provision. Next, the end cover of the interfacing component is fixed on the first end of the shell. Next, the dry concentrate is filled in the shell from the filling opening. Lastly, the filling opening is closed by the lid.

[0014] A thus prepared cartridge is then mounted on the dialysis machine by engaging the two ports of the cartridge with the corresponding connection points on the dialysis machine. As the two ports get fully engaged with the corresponding connection points of the dialysis machine, correspondingly the engager construction engages with the dialysis machine and supports the cartridge. At that instant, the projection for the switch actuation presses the actuator of the switch.

[0015] When the concentrate filled in the shell is consumed, the shell can be refilled with the concentrate from the filling opening by disengaging the lid. Since the porous filter always sits in the depression at the second end of the shell, the entire quantity of the concentrate is consumed and the solution has consistent concentration. This is a particular advantage of this inventive cartridge, keeping in mind that several disclosed designs have no identified and fixed location of the filter or the end of the connecting tube lowered into the concentrate, consequent to which the lower end or the filter thereon keeps changing its position in the concentrate, impairing the consistency of the concentration, besides leaving unconsumed concentrate.

[0016] To form the tunnel by generally known moulding process, a moving core is made use of in the moulding process, which is withdrawn, causing an unwanted open path. The unwanted open path is subsequently filled with suitable material by a known secondary process. As a variation, the tunnel is formed by providing metallic or non-metallic hollow tube, with its both ends closed with a plug, as a moulding insert during the moulding process. After moulding process, the plugs are removed while the hollow tube remains inside the interfacing component. As another variation, the connecting tube is integrally formed along a wall of the shell. The integral connecting tube has a projecting end which enters the internal end of the tunnel of the second port, while the porous filter is slid at the other end of the integrated connecting tube. In such an embodiment and also otherwise, the shell fixing means on the end cover of the interfacing component is a construction conducive to permanent joining means like ultrasonic welding or adhesive, for fixing the end cover to the shell. As another variation, the interfacing component is in two parts - a first part and a second part. The first part has both the ports and a provision for switch actuation of the dialysis machine; while the second part is the end cover and has the filling opening. The tunnel is a pipe between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover. As yet another variation; the two ports are discrete connectors for correspondingly joining with connection points of any dialysis machine. The tunnel is a flexible pipe between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a generic view of a multi-use refillable cartridge having a shell, an interfacing component and a lid.

[0018] Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of the multi-use refillable cartridge having the shell with a connecting tube and a porous filter, the interfacing component and the lid.

[0019] Figure 3 is a partial section view of a shell showing a depression and a canopy, while Figure 3A is a partial section view of a shell as another embodiment

[0020] Figure 4 shows an interfacing component in a generic view from top and a generic view from bottom.

[0021] Figure 5 is a bottom view and a sectional view of the interfacing component showing a tunnel.

[0022] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the interfacing component showing an insert, while Figure 6A is the insert with its both ends plugged

[0023] Figure 7 is a generic view of a connecting tube connected to the interfacing component at a one end and with the filter at the other end.

[0024] Figure 8 is a generic view of a lid.

[0025] Figure 9 is a shell having an integrally formed connecting tube. [0026] Figure 10 shows a generic view of another embodiment of an interfacing component in two parts, and also a generic view of such an interfacing component fixed on the shell.

[0027] Figure 1 1 shows a generic view of another embodiment of an interfacing component with discrete ports, and also a generic view of such an interfacing component fixed on the shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0028] The preferred embodiment as per our invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and expressions which have been used here are merely for description but the invention can be worked with several variations and the terms and expressions should not be construed to be limiting the invention in any way.

[0029] The invention is a Cartridge (100) which can be used multiple times, can be re-filled after use with or without cleaning. In the preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1 and 2, the cartridge ( 100) comprises a shell (10) having a connecting tube (31 ) with a porous filter (90), an interfacing component (40) and a lid (70).

[0030] Figure 3, the shell ( 10) is open from one end termed a first end ( 1 1 ). In the preferred embodiment, the shell ( 10) is an open cylindrical shell, however, the shell could be of any shape, as shown in Figure 3A, and preferably transparent, made of a material which is unreactive to the concentrate, like sodium bicarbonate, that the shell contains. The shell (10) has a fixing means ( 13) around the first end ( 1 1 ) for fixing the interfacing component (40) so as to close the first end (1 1 ). In the preferred embodiment, the fixing means is an external threads ( 13). The shell (10) has a filter holding provision at the other end of the shell ( 10), the other end termed as the second end ( 12). The filter holding provision in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 has a depression ( 14) in the second end ( 12) of the shel l ( 10) so that the porous filter (90), described later, is accommodated in the depression ( 14). The filter holding provision is further provided, with a canopy (15) over the depression ( 14) which prevents the porous filter (90) from getting dislodged out of the depression (14). Alternatively, the width (14a) of depression (14) is of dimensions such that the porous filter (90) is disposed in the depression (14) with interference with an application of a slight force, with the aid of a tool like a screw driver.

[0031] Figure 4, the interfacing component (40) in the preferred embodiment is a moulded thermoplastic component, of a material which is unreactive to the concentrate, like sodium bicarbonate. The interfacing component (40) has an end cover (50) having a shell fixing means so as to get fixed on the first end ( 1 1 ) of the shell ( 10). In the preferred embodiment, the shell fixing means is an internal threads

(51) complementary to the external threads ( 13) on the shell (10).

[0032] The end cover (50) of the interfacing component (40) has a filling opening

(52) for filling in the dry concentrate. The filling opening (52) has a provision to be closed. In the preferred embodiment, the provision to be closed of the filling opening (52) is a projecting neck (53) and an external threads (54) thereon.

[0033] The interfacing component (40) has an overhanging part (60). The overhanging part (60) of the interfacing component (40) is that part of the interfacing component (40) which is a sideward extension beyond the end cover (50) and is cantilever to the shell ( 10), when the interfacing component (40) is assembled with the shell (10). The overhanging part (60) has two ports - a first port (61 ) and a second port (62) for connecting to the commensurate dialysis machine. The first port (61 ) has an opening from which a liquid, generally water, is made to enter the shell (10) of the cartridge ( 100). The second port (62) has a similar opening from which a solution of the concentrate and the liquid, formed in the shell ( 10), is made to exit the shell ( 10) and enter the commensurate dialysis machine. [0034] Both the ports, that is the first port (61 ) and the second port (62) of the interfacing component (40) have a tunnel (63) each, as shown in Figure 5. An external end (64) of the tunnel (63) opens in the port (61 or 62) while an internal end (65) of the same tunnel (63) opens within the end cover (50). The internal end (65) of the tunnel (63) has a step (66) which acts as a stopper for the connecting tube (3 1 ). In absence of such a step (66), the insertion of the connecting tube (3 1 ) may be inappropriate & an undesired blocking of the flow of solution is possible.

[0035] The overhanging part (60) of the interfacing component (40) has a provision for switch actuation of the commensurate dialysis machine. The provision is a commensurate projection (67) in the preferred embodiment. The provision for switch actuation actuates the switch when the cartridge is readied on the commensurate dialysis machine for use.

[0036] The overhanging part (60) of the interfacing component (40) has an engager construction (68) for engaging and aiding holding of the cartridge (100) on the commensurate dialysis machine, with or without any other part of the cartridge (100) interacting with or taking support from the commensurate dialysis machine.

[0037] Figure 2, there is provided the connecting tube (3 1 ). Figure 7, the connecting tube has a porous filter (90) slidable on its one end (32). The other end (33) of the connecting tube (3 1 ) is insert-able into the internal end (65) of the tunnel (63) of the second port (62) till the step (66).

[0038] Figure 1 and 8 read along with Figure 4, the lid (70) is used to close the filling opening (52) of the interfacing component (40). The lid (70) has a plurality of wings (71 ) to aid a tightening or a loosening of the lid (70) on the filling opening (52). In the preferred embodiment the closing or opening of the filling opening (52) is by way of engaging or disengaging the threads provided complementarily on the neck (53) of the filling opening (52) and the lid (70) respectively.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, Figure 3 and Figure 4, to prepare the cartridge ( 100) for a first use, a porous filter (90) is slid on a one end (32) of the connecting tube (31). The other end (33) of the connecting tube (31 ) is inserted into the internal end (65) of the second port (62) till the step (66). The connecting tube (3 1 ) and the porous filter (90) at its one end (32), along with end cover (50) of the interfacing component (40) with which it is connected at the internal opening (65) of the second port (62), is lowered into the shell ( 10). With or without some mechanical aid, the porous filter (90) is made to sit into the depression in the shell (1 0) below the canopy (15). Next, the end cover (50) of the interfacing component (40) is fixed on the first end (1 1 ) of the shell (10). In the preferred embodiment, the fixing of the end cover (50) of the interfacing component onto the first end ( 1 1 ) of the shell ( 10) is by engaging the internal threads (51 ) in the end cover (50) of the interfacing component (40) with the external threads on the shell ( 10). Next, the dry concentrate is filled in the shell (10) from the filling opening (52). Lastly, the filling opening is closed by the lid (70). In the preferred embodiment the internal threads in the lid (70) are engaged with the external threads (54) on the neck (53) of the filling opening (52) of the end cover (50) on the interfacing component (40).

[0040] A thus prepared cartridge ( 100) is then mounted on the dialysis machine by engaging the two ports (61 , 62) of the cartridge (100) with the corresponding connection points on the dialysis machine.

[0041] As the two ports (61 , 62) get fully engaged with the corresponding connection points of the dialysis machine, correspondingly the engager construction (68) engages with the dialysis machine and supports the cartridge ( 100). At that instant, the projection (67) for the switch actuation presses the actuator of the switch, which is generally an actuating lever or an actuating button of a micro-switch, which is known.

[0042] When the concentrate filled in the shell ( 10) is consumed, the shell ( 10) can be refilled with the concentrate from the filling opening by disengaging the lid (70). Since the porous filter (90) always sits in the depression ( 14) at the second end ( 12) of the shell (10), the entire quantity of the concentrate is consumed and the solution has consistent concentration. This is a particular advantage of this inventive cartridge (100), keeping in mind that several disclosed designs have no identified and fixed location of the filter or the end of the connecting tube (3 1 ) lowered into the concentrate, consequent to which the lower end or the filter thereon keeps changing its position in the concentrate, impairing the consistency of the concentration, besides leaving unconsumed concentrate.

[0043] To form the tunnel (61 , 62) by generally known moulding process, a moving core is made use of in the moulding process, which is withdrawn, causing an unwanted open path (69). The unwanted open path (69) is subsequently filled with suitable material by a known secondary process as shown in Figure 5.

[0044] As a variation, the tunnel (61 , 62) is formed by providing metallic or non- metallic hollow tube (81 ), with its both ends closed with a plug (82), as a moulding insert during the moulding process. After moulding process, the plugs (82) are removed while the hollow tube (81 ) remains inside the interfacing component (40) as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 6A.

[0045] Figure 9, as another variation, the connecting tube is integrally formed along a wall of the shell ( 10). The integral connecting tube (3 1 A) has a projecting end (33A) which enters the internal end (65) of the tunnel of the second port (62) shown in Figure 5, while the porous filter (90) is slid at the other end (32A) of the integrated connecting tube (31 A). In such an embodiment and also otherwise, the shell fixing means on the end cover of the interfacing component (40) is a construction conducive to permanent joining means like ultrasonic welding or adhesive, for fixing the end cover (50) to the shell (10).

[0046] Figure 3A, as another embodiment, the second end (12) of the shell ( 10) is a converging conical construction ( 16) ending into the filter mounting provision which is a semi-circular depression ( 14s). The diameter (14b) of the semi-circular depression (14s) is such dimensioned that the porous filter (90) is disposed in the semi-circular depression ( 14s) with interference with an application of a slight force, with the aid of a tool like a screw driver.

[0047] Essentially, porous filter (90) is made to be seated firmly in the filter mounting provision by any other variation.

[0048] The converging conical construction ( 16) further reduces the unutilized left over quantity of the concentrate in the shell ( 10).

[0049] Figure- 10, as another variation, the interfacing component (40A) is in two parts - A first part (60A) and a second part (50A). The first part (60A) has both the ports and a provision for switch actuation of the dialysis machine; while the second part (50A) is the end cover and has the filling opening. The tunnel is a pipe (63A) between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover.

[0050] Figure 1 1, as yet another variation; the two ports are discrete connectors (61A, 62A) for correspondingly joining with connection points of any dialysis machine. The tunnel is a flexible pipe (63B) between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover.

Claims

We Claim:

01. A multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines comprising:

a. a shell open from a first end and having a second end, a fixing means at the first end and a filter holding provision at the second end; b. a connecting tube having a one end and an other end;

c. a porous filter;

d. an interfacing component having:

i. an end cover with a shell fixing means, a filling opening with a provision to be closed;

ii. an overhanging part having two ports, each port having an opening and a tunnel;

iii. each tunnel having an external end, opening in the respective port while an internal end of the each tunnel opening within the end cover, the internal end of each tunnel has a step; and

e. a lid;

the connecting tube having the porous filter slided on the one end of the connecting tube, the other end of the connecting tube inserted into the internal end of the tunnel of the second port till the step, the porous filter at the one end of the connecting tube accommodated in the filter holding provision.

02. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the shell is cylindrical in shape and is transparent, made of an engineering plastic which is unreactive to sodium bicarbonate.

03. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the fixing means on the shell is an external threads.

04. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01, wherein the second end of the shell is a converging conical construction ending into the filter holding provision.

05. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the filter holding provision has a depression in the second end of the shell.

06. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 05, wherein the depression has a canopy over it.

07. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 05, wherein the depression has a width of dimensions such that the porous filter is disposed in the depression with interference with an application of a slight force.

08. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 05, wherein the depression is a semi-circular depression of a diameter such that the porous filter is disposed in the semi-circular depression with interference with an application of a slight force.

09. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the shell fixing means is an internal threads complementary to an external threads on the shell.

10. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the interfacing component is made of an engineering plastic which is unreactive to sodium bicarbonate.

1 1. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01, wherein the provision to be closed of the filling opening is a projecting neck and an external threads thereon.

12. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the overhanging part of the interfacing component has a provision for switch actuation of the commensurate dialysis machine.

13. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 12, wherein the provision is a commensurate projection.

14. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the overhanging part of the interfacing component has an engager construction for engaging and aiding holding of the cartridge on the commensurate dialysis machine, with or without any other part of the cartridge interacting with or taking support from the commensurate dialysis machine.

15. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the lid has a plurality of wings.

16. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the filling opening of the end cover is closed or opened by engaging or disengaging the threads provided complementarity on a neck of the filling opening and on the lid respectively.

17. A multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines comprising:

a. a shell open from a first end and having a second end, a fixing means at the first end and a filter holding provision at the second end;

b. a connecting tube having a one end and an other end; c. a porous filter;

d. an interfacing component having:

iii. each tunnel having an external end opening in the respective port while an internal end of the each tunnel opening within the end cover, the internal end of each tunnel has a step; the process of preparing the cartridge for a first use comprises the steps of:

• sliding the porous filter on a one end of the connecting tube;

• inserting the other end of the connecting tube into the internal end of the second port till the step;

• lowering the connecting tube and the porous filter at its one end, along with end cover of the interfacing component with which it is connected at the internal opening of the second port, into the shell;

• seating firmly, with or without some mechanical aid, the porous filter in the filter mounting provision in the shell;

• fixing the end cover of the interfacing component on the first end of the shell;

• filling in the dry concentrate in the shell from the filling opening; and

• closing the filling opening by the lid.

18. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the ports of the cartridge are engaged with a corresponding connection points on a commensurate dialysis machine so as to mount the cartridge.

19. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the engager construction engages with a commensurate dialysis machine when the two ports get fully engaged with a corresponding connection points of the dialysis machine and supports the cartridge and at that instant, a projection for a switch actuation presses an actuator of a switch.

20. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the shell is refilled with a concentrate from the filling opening by disengaging the lid, while the porous filter always sits in the filter holding provision at the second end of the shell.

21. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the tunnel is formed by a moulding process using a moving core, the moving core withdrawn after the moulding process causing an open path, the open path subsequently filled with suitable material by a secondary process.

22. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the tunnel is formed by providing an insert of a metallic or a non- metallic hollow tube with its both ends closed with a plug, both the plugs removed subsequently while the hollow tube remains inside the interfacing component.

23. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the connecting tube is integrally formed along a wall of the shell, such integral connecting tube has a projecting end which enters the internal end of the tunnel of the second port while the porous filter is slided at the other end of the integrated connecting tube.

24. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the shell fixing means on the end cover of the interfacing component is a construction conducive to permanent joining means like ultrasonic welding or adhesive, for fixing the end cover to the shell.

25. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01, wherein the interfacing component is in two parts - a first part and a second part, the first part has both the ports and a provision for switch actuation of the d ialysis machine while the second part is the end cover and has the filling opening, the tunnel is a pipe between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover.

26. The multi-use refillable cartridge for dialysis machines as claimed in claim 01 , wherein the two ports are discrete connectors for correspondingly joining with connection points of any dialysis machine, the tunnel is a flexible pipe between the ports and the internal openings in the end cover.