阅读说明：本技术 用于管理医疗系统中的流体流动的旋转阀 (Rotary valve for managing fluid flow in a medical system ) 是由 J·F·莫斯 B·D·埃格利 于 2019-10-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：在一个方面,一种阀包括：可围绕阀体的中央轴线旋转的阀体；邻近阀体的内部通道,用于允许流体流过所述内部通道的轴向开口；以及所述内部通道内的塞子,其可在轴向开口处的第一轴向位置和与轴向开口间隔开的第二轴向位置之间移动。在所述第一轴向位置,所述塞子关闭轴向开口以阻止流体沿第一方向流过轴向开口并阻止流体沿与所述第一方向相反的第二方向流过轴向开口。在所述第二轴向位置,所述塞子允许流体沿所述第一方向流过所述轴向开口进入所述内部通道。(In one aspect, a valve comprises: a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body; an internal passage adjacent the valve body for allowing fluid to flow through an axial opening of the internal passage; and a plug within the internal passage movable between a first axial position at the axial opening and a second axial position spaced from the axial opening. In the first axial position, the plug closes the axial opening to prevent fluid flow through the axial opening in a first direction and prevents fluid flow through the axial opening in a second direction opposite the first direction. In the second axial position, the plug allows fluid to flow through the axial opening into the internal passage in the first direction.)

1. A valve, comprising:

a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body;

an internal passage adjacent the valve body for allowing fluid to flow through an axial opening of the internal passage; and

a plug within the internal passage that is movable between:

at a first axial position at the axial opening at which the plug closes the axial opening to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a first direction and to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a second direction opposite the first direction, and

a second axial position spaced from the axial opening at which the plug allows the fluid to flow through the axial opening into the internal passage in the first direction.

2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a compressible member within the internal passage biasing the plug to the first axial position.

3. The valve of any preceding claim, wherein the valve body defines a cam positioned adjacent the internal passage.

4. A valve according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve body is rotatable to:

a first rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with the compressible member and compresses the compressible member to apply a first opening pressure to the stopper, and

a second rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and spaced from the compressible member to release the compressible member to an extended configuration that applies a second opening pressure to the stopper, the second opening pressure being less than the first opening pressure.

5. The valve of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal passage is a first internal passage and the compressible member is a first compressible member, the valve further comprising a second internal passage and a second compressible member carried in the second internal passage, the second internal passage and the second compressible member being located adjacent to the plug and opposite the first internal passage and the first compressible member.

6. The valve of claim 5, wherein the valve body is rotatable to:

a first rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and presses the first compressible member into a compressed configuration that biases the stopper into the first axial position, an

A second rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and spaced apart from the first compressible member to release the first and second compressible members to an extended configuration in which the second compressible member positions the plug at a second axial position to allow fluid flow through the axial opening in the first direction or to allow fluid flow through the axial opening and through the plug in the second direction.

7. The valve according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the valve is configured such that the plug is movable from the first axial position to the second axial position by pressure of fluid flowing into the axial opening.

8. The valve according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 7, wherein said valve defines a lateral opening in said internal passage through which said fluid can flow out of said internal passage.

9. The valve according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 and 8, wherein the valve body defines a first outer passage along a first side of the valve body and a second outer passage along a second side of the valve body opposite the first side, the first and second outer passages being in fluid communication with the inner passage.

10. The valve of claim 9, wherein the valve body is rotatable to:

a first rotational position in which fluid flows in a third direction through the valve body and through the first and second external passages, and

a second rotational position in which fluid flows through the valve body in a fourth direction opposite the third direction and along the first and second external passages.

11. A valve, comprising:

an internal passage for allowing fluid to flow through the valve; and

an opening to the internal passage, the opening including a circular portion and a narrowed portion adjacent the circular portion, the narrowed portion having a maximum width less than a diameter of the circular portion,

wherein the valve is rotatable about a central axis of the valve to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the opening relative to a cross-sectional area of an inlet fluid conduit positioned for delivering fluid to the rotary valve.

12. The valve of claim 11, wherein the circular portion of the internal passage is a through passage extending from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve opposite the first side.

13. The valve according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein said narrowed portion extends from a first side of said valve and terminates at a location inside said valve.

14. The valve of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the opening is a first opening disposed along a first side of the valve, the valve further comprising a second opening disposed along a second side of the valve.

15. The valve of claim 11, wherein the valve is rotatable to a first rotational position in which a cross-sectional area of the inlet fluid conduit is aligned with the circular portion and offset from a narrowed portion of the internal passage to allow access to the internal passage at a maximum fluid flow rate.

16. The valve of claim 15, wherein the valve is rotatable to a second rotational position in which a cross-sectional area of the inlet fluid conduit is offset from a cross-sectional area of the internal passage to inhibit fluid flow into the internal passage.

17. The valve of claim 16, wherein the flow rate of the fluid increases from zero at the second rotational position of the valve to a maximum flow rate when the valve is rotated from the second rotational position to the first rotational position.

18. A valve according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the axis of the opening is perpendicular to the central axis of the valve.

19. The valve of claim 18, wherein the opening is a first opening, the fluid is a first fluid, the inlet fluid line is a first inlet fluid line, and the valve further comprises a second opening to the internal passage circumferentially offset from the first opening.

20. The valve of any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the valve is rotatable to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the second opening relative to a cross-sectional area of the second inlet fluid line positioned for delivery of a second fluid to a rotary valve to control a ratio at which the first fluid and the second fluid mix within the internal passage.

21. A medical system, comprising:

a medical fluid pumping machine comprising an actuator; and

a valve configured to be securable to the medical fluid pumping machine such that the valve is operable with the actuator, the valve comprising:

a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body;

an internal passage adjacent the valve body for allowing fluid to flow through an axial opening of the internal passage; and

a plug within the internal passage that is movable between:

at a first axial position at the axial opening at which the plug closes the axial opening to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a first direction and to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a second direction opposite the first direction, and

a second axial position spaced from the axial opening at which the plug allows the fluid to flow through the axial opening into the internal passage in the first direction.

22. The medical system of claim 21, wherein the medical fluid pumping machine is a dialysis machine.

23. The medical system of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid tubing set including the valve.

24. The medical system of any of claims 21-23, wherein the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid cassette containing the valve.

25. The medical system of any of claims 21-24, wherein the valve body defines an interface at which the valve is engageable with the actuator and through which the valve is rotatable by the actuator.

26. The medical system of claim 25, wherein a shape of the interface is complementary to a shape of the actuator.

27. A medical system, comprising:

a medical fluid pumping machine comprising an actuator; and

a valve configured to be securable to the medical fluid pumping machine such that the valve is operable with the actuator, the valve comprising:

an internal passage for allowing fluid to flow through the valve; and

an opening to the internal passage, the opening including a circular portion and a narrowed portion adjacent the circular portion, the narrowed portion having a maximum width less than a diameter of the circular portion,

wherein the valve is rotatable about a central axis of the valve to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the opening relative to a cross-sectional area of an inlet fluid conduit positioned for delivering fluid to the rotary valve.

28. The medical system of claim 27, wherein the medical fluid pumping machine is a dialysis machine.

29. The medical system of any one of claims 27 and 28, wherein the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid tubing set including the valve.

30. The medical system of any of claims 27-29, wherein the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid cassette containing the valve.

31. The medical system of any of claims 27-30, wherein the valve body defines an interface at which the valve is engageable with the actuator and through which the valve is rotatable by the actuator.

32. The medical system of claim 31, wherein a shape of the interface is complementary to a shape of the actuator.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to rotary valves for managing fluid flow in a medical system, such as a dialysis system.

Background

Dialysis is a treatment used to support patients with renal insufficiency. The two main dialysis methods are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. During hemodialysis ("HD"), the patient's blood passes through the dialyzer of the dialysis machine, while also passing a dialysis solution or dialysate through the dialyzer. A semi-permeable membrane in the dialyzer separates the blood within the dialyzer from the dialysate and allows diffusion and osmotic exchange to occur between the dialysate and the blood stream. These exchanges across the membrane allow waste products, including solutes such as urea and creatinine, to be removed from the blood. These exchanges also regulate the levels of other substances such as sodium and water in the blood. In this way, the dialysis machine acts as an artificial kidney for purifying the blood.

During peritoneal dialysis ("PD"), the patient's peritoneal side channel is periodically infused with dialysate. The membranous lining of the patient's peritoneum acts as a natural semi-permeable membrane, allowing diffusion and osmotic exchange to occur between the solution and the blood stream. These exchanges across the patient's peritoneum allow waste products, including solutes such as urea and creatinine, to be removed from the blood and regulate the levels of other substances such as sodium and water in the blood.

Automated PD machines, known as PD cyclers, aim to control the entire PD process so that it can be performed at home, usually at night without the involvement of clinical staff. This process is known as continuous cycler assisted PD (CCPD). Many PD cyclers are designed to automatically infuse, dwell, and drain dialysate to the peritoneal side channels of a patient. The treatment typically lasts for several hours, usually beginning with an initial drain cycle to empty the peritoneal channel of the spent or used dialysate. The sequence then continues through successive filling, dwell and drain phases one after the other.

Throughout the course of a dialysis treatment, the various fluid paths within the dialysis system must be managed via actuation of valves along the fluid paths.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to rotary valves for managing fluid flow in a medical system, such as a dialysis system.

In one aspect, a valve comprises: a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body; an internal passage adjacent the valve body for allowing fluid to flow through an axial opening of the internal passage; and a plug within the internal passage movable between a first axial position at the axial opening and a second axial position spaced from the axial opening. In the first axial position, the plug closes the axial opening to prevent fluid flow through the axial opening in a first direction and prevents fluid flow through the axial opening in a second direction opposite the first direction. In the second axial position, the plug allows fluid to flow through the axial opening into the internal passage in the first direction.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the valve further comprises a compressible member within the internal passage biasing the plug to the first axial position.

In certain embodiments, the valve body defines a cam positioned adjacent the internal passage.

In some embodiments, the valve body is rotatable to: a first rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with the compressible member and presses the compressible member into a compressed configuration that applies a first opening pressure to the stopper; and a second rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and spaced from the compressible member to release the compressible member to an extended configuration that applies a second opening pressure to the stopper, the second opening pressure being less than the first opening pressure.

In some embodiments, the internal passage is a first internal passage and the compressible member is a first compressible member, the valve further comprising a second internal passage and a second compressible member carried in the second internal passage, the second internal passage and the second compressible member being positioned adjacent to the plug and opposite the first internal passage and the first compressible member.

In some embodiments, the valve body is rotatable to: a first rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and presses the first compressible member into a compressed configuration that biases the stopper into the first axial position; and a second rotational position in which the projection of the cam is aligned with and spaced apart from the first compressible member to release the first and second compressible members to an extended configuration in which the second compressible member positions the plug at a second axial position to allow fluid flow through the axial opening in the first direction or to allow fluid flow through the axial opening and through the plug in the second direction.

In some embodiments, the valve is configured such that the plug is movable from the first axial position to the second axial position by pressure of fluid flowing into the axial opening.

In some embodiments, the valve defines a lateral opening in the internal passage through which the fluid can flow out of the internal passage.

In some embodiments, the valve body defines a first outer passage along a first side of the valve body and a second outer passage along a second side of the valve body opposite the first side, the first and second outer passages being in fluid communication with the inner passage.

In some embodiments, the valve body is rotatable to: a first rotational position in which fluid flows in a third direction through the valve body and through the first and second external passages; and a second rotational position in which fluid flows through the valve body in a fourth direction opposite the third direction and along the first and second external passages.

In another aspect, a valve comprises: an internal passage for allowing fluid to flow through the valve; and an opening to the internal passageway, the opening comprising a circular portion and a narrowed portion adjacent the circular portion, the narrowed portion having a maximum width less than a diameter of the circular portion, wherein the valve is rotatable about a central axis of the valve to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the opening relative to a cross-sectional area of an inlet fluid conduit positioned for delivering fluid to a rotary valve.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the circular portion of the internal passage is a through passage extending from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve opposite the first side.

In some embodiments, the narrowed portion extends from a first side of the valve and terminates at a location internal to the valve.

In some embodiments, the opening is a first opening disposed along a first side of the valve, the valve further comprising a second opening disposed along a second side of the valve.

In some embodiments, the valve is rotatable to a first rotational position in which a cross-sectional area of the inlet fluid conduit is aligned with the circular portion and offset from a narrowed portion of the internal passage to allow access to the internal passage at a maximum fluid flow rate.

In some embodiments, the valve is rotatable to a second rotational position in which a cross-sectional area of the inlet fluid conduit is offset from a cross-sectional area of the internal passage to prevent fluid flow into the internal passage.

In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid is increased from zero at the second rotational position of the valve to the maximum flow rate when the valve is rotated from the second rotational position to the first rotational position.

In some embodiments, the axis of the opening is perpendicular to the central axis of the valve.

In some embodiments, the opening is a first opening, the fluid is a first fluid, the inlet fluid line is a first inlet fluid line, and the valve further comprises a second opening to the internal passage circumferentially offset from the first opening.

In some embodiments, the valve is rotatable to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the second opening relative to a cross-sectional area of the second inlet fluid line positioned for delivery of a second fluid to the rotary valve to control a ratio at which the first fluid and the second fluid mix within the internal passageway.

In another aspect, a medical system comprises: a medical fluid pumping machine comprising an actuator; and a valve configured to be securable to the medical fluid pumping machine such that the valve is operable with the actuator. The valve comprises: a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body; an internal passage adjacent the valve body for allowing fluid to flow through an axial opening of the internal passage; a plug within the internal passage movable between a first axial position at the axial opening and a second axial position spaced from the axial opening. At the first axial position, the plug closes the axial opening to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a first direction and to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a second direction opposite the first direction. At the second axial position, the plug allows the fluid to flow through the axial opening into the internal passage in the first direction.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the medical fluid pumping machine is a dialysis machine.

In some embodiments, the medical fluid pumping machine further comprises a disposable medical fluid tubing set comprising the valve.

In some embodiments, the medical fluid pumping machine further comprises a disposable medical fluid cassette containing the valve.

In some embodiments, the valve body defines an interface at which the valve is engageable with the actuator and through which the valve is rotatable by the actuator.

In some embodiments, the shape of the interface is complementary to the shape of the actuator.

In another aspect, a medical system comprises: a medical fluid pumping machine comprising an actuator; and a valve configured to be securable to the medical fluid pumping machine such that the valve is operable with the actuator. The valve comprises: an internal passage for allowing fluid to flow through the valve; and an opening to the internal passageway, the opening comprising a circular portion and a narrowed portion adjacent the circular portion, the narrowed portion having a maximum width less than a diameter of the circular portion, wherein the valve is rotatable about a central axis of the valve to adjust a position of a cross-sectional area of the opening relative to a cross-sectional area of an inlet fluid conduit positioned for delivering fluid to a rotary valve.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the medical fluid pumping machine is a dialysis machine.

In some embodiments, the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid tubing set comprising the valve.

In some embodiments, the medical system further comprises a disposable medical fluid cassette comprising the valve.

In some embodiments, the valve body defines an interface at which the valve is engageable with the actuator and through which the valve is rotatable by the actuator.

In some embodiments, the shape of the interface is complementary to the shape of the actuator.

Embodiments may provide one or more of the following advantages.

In some embodiments, because the rotary valve can be adjusted to selectively flow fluid in opposite directions through the rotary valve, the design of a medical system including the rotary valve can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require dedicated valves for fluid flow in each of the opposite directions. In certain embodiments, because the rotary valve can be adjusted to selectively vary the cracking pressure, the design of a medical system including the rotary valve can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require dedicated valves associated with fixed cracking pressures. In some embodiments, because the rotary valves can be selectively enabled to allow fluid flow in one direction or disabled to allow fluid flow in two, opposite directions, the design of a medical system including the rotary valves can be reduced to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require dedicated check valves for restricting the unidirectional flow of fluid and dedicated bidirectional flow valves for allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

In certain embodiments, because the rotary valves can be adjusted to selectively control fluid flow rates and mixing ratios, the design of a medical system including the rotary valves can be reduced to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require specialized configurations of valves and fluid flow lines for controlling fluid flow rates within a given fluid flow line. In some embodiments, the ability of the rotary valve to be adjusted to selectively and automatically control fluid mixing can eliminate the need for manual preparation of the dialysis fluid, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in the composition of the dialysis fluid that can occur during manual preparation. For example, using a rotary valve to control fluid mixing in this manner can be used to mix dry chemical particles with a corresponding amount of water in a predetermined ratio to produce a dialysis fluid of a desired composition.

In some embodiments, the reduced number of valves associated with any of the rotary valves discussed above may simplify other features of the medical system, such as fluid flow tubing arrangements, valve actuator configurations, and valve control algorithms, so that the medical system may operate in a robust manner. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary valve positioned to allow fluid flow through the rotary valve and in a first direction through the rotary valve.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 positioned to allow fluid flow through the rotary valve and in a second, opposite direction through the rotary valve.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 positioned and within a medical system in the orientation shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 and within the medical system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of a first side of the rotary valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of a second side of the rotary valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rotary valve having an adjustable cracking pressure in a configuration that allows fluid to flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 9 in a configuration that prevents fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve body of the rotary valve of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rotary valve including a check valve configuration in an activated state that prevents fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 12 with the check valve configuration in an activated state allowing fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 12 with the check valve configuration in a disabled state allowing bi-directional fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a rotary valve allowing for adjustable fluid flow rates through the rotary valve.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective cut-away view of the rotary valve of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 15 installed in a medical system in a configuration that allows maximum fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 15 installed within the medical system of FIG. 18 with reduced fluid flow through the rotary valve.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing the cross-sectional area of the flow opening of the rotary valve as a function of the rotational position of the rotary valve for both the rotary valve of FIG. 15 and a conventional rotary valve.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a medical system including two of the rotary valves of FIG. 15 oriented in selected rotational positions for achieving a desired fluid mixing ratio within the medical system.

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of a rotary valve allowing for adjustable flow rates of a plurality of fluids flowing into the rotary valve.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 22 installed in a medical system.

FIG. 24 is a perspective cut-away view of the rotary valve of FIG. 22 within the medical system of FIG. 23.

Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram of an example medical system including a plurality of example rotary valves that may be operated to perform a medical treatment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-8 illustrate various views of a rotary valve 100, the rotary valve 100 being designed to allow fluid to flow through the rotary valve in a single direction 112 (e.g., a bulk flow direction) through the rotary valve or in a single opposite direction 134 (e.g., a bulk flow direction) through the rotary valve 100. The rotary valve 100 may be a component of a medical system 101 (e.g., a dialysis system) in which medical fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows through various fluid lines, such as fluid lines 103, 105, in a controlled manner in the medical system 101. Rotary valve 100 includes a valve body 102, a spring 104 housed within valve body 102, and a ball support 106 housed within valve body 102.

The valve body 102 is generally cylindrical and defines an interface 108 where the rotary valve 100 may be engaged by a system actuator (not shown) for rotating the rotary valve 100 about a central axis 110 of the valve body 102. The interface 108 is formed as a receptacle (e.g., a concave surface) having a shape that mates with the shape of the system actuator and indicates the direction of fluid flow. For example, the interface 108 has a "T" shape with a central extension 114, which central extension 114 may be oriented parallel to the first fluid flow direction 112 through the rotary valve 100 or parallel to the opposite second fluid flow direction 134 through the rotary valve 100. Valve body 102 also defines a flange 116 that seats against housing 107 of medical system 101.

The valve body 102 further defines various features that direct fluid flow through the rotary valve 100. For example, the valve body 102 defines an interior receptacle 118 containing the spring 104 and the ball support body 106, a lateral opening 120 to the interior receptacle 118, and an axial opening 122 to the interior receptacle 118. Valve body 102 further defines an outer passage 124 in fluid communication with lateral opening 120 and extending perpendicular to the axis of lateral opening 120. The valve body 102 also defines an internal passage 126 extending along the central axis 110 of the valve body 102 from the axial opening 122 in the internal receiver 118 to a central opening 128. The valve body 102 further defines a lateral opening 130 extending perpendicularly from the interior passage 126 and an exterior passage 132 in fluid communication with the lateral opening 130 and extending perpendicularly to the axis of the lateral opening 130.

With particular reference to fig. 3-6, spring 104 is biased to an extended configuration urging ball support body 106 to a position in which ball support body 106 abuts axial opening 122 of interior receptacle 118. Ball support 106 has a diameter greater than a diameter of axial opening 122 such that ball support 106 closes (e.g., fluidly seals) axial opening 122 from any fluid flowing to axial opening 122 when spring 104 is in the extended configuration. In this manner, ball support 106 acts as a plug within interior receptacle 118 that may prevent or allow fluid flow through axial opening 122.

In order for fluid to flow through rotary valve 100, the fluid must flow into lateral openings 130, into internal passage 126, and toward axial openings 122 with a pressure (e.g., cracking pressure) that is great enough to push ball support 106 upward from axial openings 122 (e.g., thereby compressing spring 104) such that the fluid unseats ball support 106 to allow fluid to flow upward from internal passage 126 into internal receptacle 118. Ball support body 106 has a diameter less than the diameter of interior receptacle 118 such that fluid may flow upwardly within interior receptacle 118 and around ball support body 106 and out lateral opening 120. If fluid were to flow from fluid line 105 and into interior receptacle 118 through lateral opening 120, such fluid would urge ball support body 106 toward axial opening 122, thereby seating ball support body 106 in axial opening 122 and preventing fluid from flowing out of interior receptacle 118 through axial opening 122. Thus, the spring 104, the ball support 106, and the internal receiver 118 together form a check valve arrangement that allows fluid to flow only in a single overall direction 160 along the central axis 110 of the valve body 102, the direction 160 being transverse to the flow directions 112, 134. For example, while molecules of the fluid may flow in a plurality of different directions as the fluid travels around ball support 106, the overall direction of fluid flow is the direction of overall flow direction 160. The check valve configuration of the rotary valve 100 generally has a cracking pressure in the range of about 500Pa to about 10,000 Pa.

Still referring to fig. 3-6, the rotary valve 100 may be adjusted to a first rotational position (shown in fig. 3 and 5) that allows fluid to flow from the fluid line 103 to the fluid line 105 only in the first direction 112 and may be adjusted to a second rotational position (shown in fig. 4 and 6) that allows fluid to flow from the fluid line 105 to the fluid line 103 only in the second direction 134. In a first rotational position of rotary valve 100, fluid line 103 is axially aligned with lateral opening 130 and housing 107 closes off outer channel 132 along the circumference of valve body 102. Similarly, the fluid line 105 is axially aligned with the lateral opening 120 and the housing 107 encloses the outer passage 124 along the circumference of the valve body 102. Thus, the lateral opening 130, the internal passage 126, the axial opening 122, the internal receptacle 118, and the lateral opening 120 together sequentially form a first flow path within the rotary valve 100 along which fluid may flow through the rotary valve 100 in the first direction 112 and along the central axis 110 in the overall direction 16.

In the second rotational position of rotary valve 100, fluid line 103 is aligned with the lower end of outer passageway 124 and housing 107 defines a flow path along outer passageway 124 and along the circumference of valve body 102. Similarly, the fluid line 105 is aligned with the upper end of the outer channel 132, and the housing 107 defines a flow path along the outer channel 132 and along the circumference of the valve body 102. Thus, the outer passage 132, the lateral opening 128, the inner passage 126, the axial opening 122, the inner receptacle 118, the lateral opening 120, and the outer passage 124 together sequentially form a second flow path within the rotary valve 100 along which fluid may flow through the rotary valve in the second direction 134 while still flowing along the central axis 110 in the overall direction 160. Thus, within the first and second flow paths, fluid flows only in a single overall direction 160 along the central axis 110 of the rotary valve.

The internal receiver 118 of the valve body 102 typically has a diameter of about 6.4mm to about 6.8mm (e.g., about 6.6 mm). The axial opening 122 in the inner receptacle 118 typically has a diameter of about 3.9mm to about 4.3mm (e.g., about 4.1 mm). Ball support 106 typically has a diameter of about 6.1mm to about 6.5mm (e.g., about 6.3 mm). The lateral openings 120, 130 typically have a diameter of about 3.6mm to about 4.0mm (e.g., about 3.8 mm). The outer channels 124, 132 typically have a length of about 15.3mm to about 15.7mm (e.g., about 15.5mm) and a thickness of about 0.7mm to about 1.2mm (e.g., about 1.0 mm). The valve body 102 typically has an outer diameter (e.g., excluding the flange 116) of about 10.0mm to about 10.4mm (e.g., about 10.2mm) and an overall height of about 26.5mm to about 26.9mm (e.g., about 26.7 mm). The flange 116 is typically spaced from the upper end of the valve body 102 by a distance of about 4.9mm to about 5.3mm (e.g., about 5.1 mm).

Valve body 102, spring 104, and ball support 106 are made of materials that are corrosion resistant, biocompatible, durable, and suitable for manufacturing. For example, valve body 102 is typically made of polyetherimide, spring 104 is typically made of stainless steel, and ball support 106 is typically made of stainless steel. Further, valve body 102 and ball support body 106 are typically manufactured via injection molding and grinding/lapping, respectively.

Because the rotary valve 100 can be adjusted for selective fluid flow in the opposite directions 112, 134 through the rotary valve 100, the design of a medical system (e.g., a dialysis system) that includes the rotary valve 100 can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require dedicated valves for flowing fluid in each of the opposite directions. The reduced number of valves may simplify other features of the medical system, such as fluid flow tubing arrangements, valve actuator configurations, and valve control algorithms, so that the medical system can operate in a robust manner.

In operation, the interface 108 on the valve body 102 may be engaged (e.g., activated) by an actuator of the medical system 101 to rotate (e.g., spin) the rotary valve 100 about the central axis 110. For example, during a filling phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment in which the peritoneal side channel of the patient is filled with fresh dialysis fluid, the rotary valve 100 may be oriented in the first rotational position to ensure that fluid flows from the medical system 101 towards the patient only in the first direction 112. Conversely, during an drain phase of the peritoneal dialysis treatment in which the peritoneal side channel of the patient is drained (e.g., emptied) of used (e.g., used) dialysate, the rotary valve 100 can be oriented in the second rotational position to ensure that fluid flows from the patient toward the medical system 101 only in the second direction 134.

In some embodiments, the check valve configuration of the rotary valve may have an adjustable cracking pressure. For example, fig. 9-11 illustrate various views of a rotary valve 200 having an adjustable cracking pressure that is designed to allow fluid to flow through the rotary valve 200 in a single direction 212 through the rotary valve 200. The rotary valve 200 may be a component of a medical system 201 (e.g., a dialysis system) in which medical fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows through various fluid lines, such as fluid lines 203, 205, in a controlled manner in the medical system 201. The rotary valve 200 includes a valve body 202, a shaft 218 adjacent the valve body 202, a spring 204 housed within the shaft 218, and a ball support 206 housed within the shaft 218.

The central portion 262 of the valve body 202 is generally cylindrical and defines an interface 208 where the rotary valve 200 may be engaged by a system actuator (not shown) for rotating the rotary valve 200 about the axis 210 of the valve body 202. The interface 208 is formed as a receptacle (e.g., a concave surface) having a shape that mates with the shape of the system actuator. The valve body 202 also defines a flange 216 that seats on the housing 207 of the medical system 201 and a variable radius cam 240. The cam 240 is sized to maximally compress the spring 204 within the shaft 218 when the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 is aligned with the axis 244 of the shaft 218 and in contact with the spring 204. The central extension 214 of the "T" shaped interface 208 is oriented parallel to the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 such that the interface 208 provides a visual indication of the rotational position of the cam 240 (e.g., corresponding to the rotational position of the rotary valve 200 itself).

Spring 204 is biased to an extended configuration urging ball support body 206 to a position where ball support body 206 abuts axial opening 222 of shaft 218. The diameter of ball support body 206 is greater than the diameter of axial opening 222 such that when spring 204 is in the expanded configuration, ball support body 206 closes (e.g., fluidly seals) axial opening 222 against fluid flowing toward axial opening 222.

In order for fluid to flow through rotary valve 200, the fluid must flow within fluid conduit 203 toward axial opening 222 with a pressure (e.g., cracking pressure) sufficient to urge ball support 206 upward from axial opening 222 (e.g., thereby compressing spring 204) such that the fluid unseats ball support 206 to allow fluid to flow from fluid conduit 203 into shaft 218. As discussed above with respect to rotary valve 100, the diameter of ball support 206 is smaller than the inner diameter of shaft 218 such that fluid may flow up and around ball support 206 within shaft 218, out lateral openings 220 in shaft 218, and into fluid conduit 205. If fluid were to flow from fluid conduit 205 and into shaft 218 through lateral opening 220, such fluid would urge ball support body 206 toward axial opening 222 of shaft 218, thereby seating ball support body 206 in axial opening 222 and preventing fluid from exiting shaft 218 through axial opening 222. Thus, the spring 204, the ball support 206, and the shaft 218 together form a check valve configuration that allows fluid to flow only in a single direction 212 through the rotary valve 200 and only in a single overall direction 260 along the axis 244 of the shaft 218.

The cracking pressure required to unseat the ball support 206 from the axial opening 222 may be adjusted by rotating the cam 240 (e.g., by rotating the valve body 202 defining the cam 240). For example, the cracking pressure may be adjusted to a maximum value when the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 is axially aligned with the spring 204 and contacts the spring 204 such that the spring 204 is maximally compressed (as shown in FIG. 9). Conversely, the cracking pressure may be adjusted to a minimum value when the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 is axially aligned with and spaced apart from the spring 204 (e.g., facing in a direction opposite the spring 204) such that the spring 204 is minimally compressed (as shown in fig. 10). The check valve configuration of the rotary valve 200 typically has a maximum cracking pressure in the range of about 500Pa to about 10,000Pa and typically has a minimum cracking pressure in the range of about 500Pa to about 1000 Pa.

The shaft 218 typically has an inner diameter of about 6.4mm to about 6.8mm (e.g., about 6.6mm) and a length of about 12.5mm to about 12.9mm (e.g., about 12.7 mm). The axial opening 222 in the shaft 218 typically has a diameter of about 3.9mm to about 4.3mm (e.g., about 4.1 mm). Ball support 206 typically has a diameter of about 6.1mm to about 6.5mm (e.g., about 6.3 mm). The lateral opening 220 typically has a diameter of about 4.9mm to about 5.3mm (e.g., about 5.1 mm). The central portion 262 of the valve body 202 generally has an outer diameter of about 10.0mm to about 10.4mm (e.g., about 10.2mm) and an overall height of about 7.4mm to about 7.8mm (e.g., about 7.6 mm). The flange 216 is typically spaced from the upper end of the valve body 202 by a distance of about 4.9mm to about 5.3mm (e.g., about 5.1 mm). Valve body 202, spring 204, and ball support body 206 are made of the same material and are manufactured in the same manner as valve body 102, spring 104, and ball support body 106, respectively.

The cam 240 is typically spaced from the opposite, lower end of the valve body 202 by a distance of about 2.3mm to about 2.7mm (e.g., about 2.5 mm). The cam 240 has a variable radius about the axis 210 of the valve body 102. The projection 242 of the cam 240 typically has a length (e.g., from the cylindrical wall of the valve body 102) of about 2.3mm to about 2.7mm (e.g., about 2.5mm) and corresponds to the maximum radius of the cam 240.

Because the rotary valve 200 can be adjusted to selectively vary the cracking pressure, the design of a medical system (e.g., a dialysis system) that includes the rotary valve 200 can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require dedicated valves associated with fixed cracking pressures. As described above, the reduced number of valves may simplify other features of the medical system, such as fluid flow tubing arrangements, valve actuator configurations, and valve control algorithms, so that the medical system may operate in a robust manner.

In operation, the interface 208 on the valve body 202 may be engaged (e.g., activated) by an actuator of the medical system 201 to rotate (e.g., spin) the valve body 202 about the axis 210 of the valve body 202 to regulate the cracking pressure of the rotary valve 200. In situations where valves with different cracking pressures are desired, it may be beneficial to adjust the cracking pressure of the rotary valve 200. For example, check valves may be used to regulate fluid pressure in the system such that the fluid pressure remains below a cracking pressure. In some embodiments of the HD system, the pressure of the dialysis fluid in the dialyzer is generally adjusted.

In some embodiments, the check valve configuration may be enabled to allow flow in only a single overall direction within the rotary valve and may be disabled to additionally allow flow in a second, opposite overall direction within the rotary valve. For example, fig. 12 to 14 show two configurations of a rotary valve 300 including such a configuration. The rotary valve 300 may be a component of a medical system 301 (e.g., a dialysis system) in which medical fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows through various fluid lines, such as fluid lines 303, 305, in a controlled manner in the medical system 301.

The rotary valve 300 includes the various components of the rotary valve 200 that are arranged and function as described above in connection with the rotary valve 200, e.g., the valve body 202, the shaft 218, the spring 204, and the ball support 206. The flange 216 of the valve body 202 is seated on the housing 307 of the medical system 301. The rotary valve 300 further includes a shaft 336 axially aligned with the shaft 218 and a spring 338 contained within the shaft 336. The shaft 336 typically has an inner diameter of about 3.9mm to about 4.3mm (e.g., about 4.1mm) and a length of about 9.6mm to about 10.0mm (e.g., about 9.8 mm).

With particular reference to fig. 12 and 13, when the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 is axially aligned with the spring 204 and in contact with the spring 204 such that the spring 204 is maximally compressed, the spring 204, the ball support body 206, and the shaft 218 together form a check valve configuration that allows fluid to flow only along the axis 244 of the shaft 218 in a single overall direction 260 when the pressure of the fluid flowing in the overall direction 260 exceeds the cracking pressure of the check valve configuration as discussed above in connection with the rotary valve 200. As long as the cracking pressure of the check valve arrangement exceeds the pressure of the fluid flowing through the shaft 336 in the direction 260, the ball bearing body 206 remains in the axial opening 222 of the shaft 218 and compresses the spring 338 such that the spring 338 is fully contained within the shaft 336 and such that fluid cannot flow through the shaft 218 in the overall direction 260, as shown in fig. 12.

However, once the pressure of the fluid flowing through the shaft 336 in the direction 260 exceeds the cracking pressure of the check valve arrangement, the fluid unseats the ball support 206 to flow through the shaft 218 and out the lateral opening 220 in the direction 312 through the rotary valve 300, and the spring 338 extends axially into the shaft 218, as shown in FIG. 13. The check valve configuration of the rotary valve 300 typically has a cracking pressure in the range of about 500Pa to about 10,000 Pa.

With particular reference to fig. 14, when the protrusion 242 of the cam 240 is axially aligned with the spring 204 and spaced apart from the spring 204 (e.g., facing in a direction opposite the spring 204) such that the spring 204 is minimally compressed, the force exerted by the spring 204 on the ball support body 206, and thus the force exerted by the ball support body 206 on the spring 338, is reduced to allow the spring 338 to extend into the shaft 218, thereby disengaging the ball support body 206 from the axial opening 222 of the shaft 218. As the ball support body 206 disengages from the axial opening 222 and is contained within the shaft 218, the spring 204, the ball support body 206, and the shaft 218 no longer provide a check valve configuration that restricts flow only along the overall direction 260 of the shaft. Conversely, because the check valve configuration has been effectively disabled, fluid is permitted to flow within shaft 218 bi-directionally about ball support 206, either in an overall direction 260 along axis 244 and in direction 312 through rotary valve 300, or in an opposite overall direction 264 along axis 244 and in an opposite direction 334 through rotary valve 300.

Because the rotary valve 300 can be selectively adjusted to allow fluid flow in one direction or to allow fluid flow in two, opposite directions, the design of a medical system (e.g., a dialysis system) that includes the rotary valve 300 can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require a dedicated check valve for restricting fluid flow to one direction and a dedicated bi-directional flow valve for allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. In operation, the interface 208 on the valve body 202 may be engaged (e.g., activated) by an actuator of the medical system 301 to rotate (e.g., spin) the valve body 202 about the axis 210 of the valve body 202 to enable or disable the check valve configuration of the rotary valve 300. Enabling or disabling the check valve configuration may be useful where it is beneficial for the fluid to flow in a direction opposite to the normal operating direction. For example, HD systems are sometimes cleaned with a sanitizing fluid. In some instances, it may be beneficial for such a sanitizing fluid to flow freely in a direction opposite to the normal operating direction.

In some embodiments, the rotary valve may be designed to regulate the fluid flow rate through the rotary valve. For example, fig. 15-19 illustrate such a rotary valve 400. The rotary valve 400 may be a component of a medical system 401 (e.g., a dialysis system) in which medical fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows through various fluid lines, such as fluid lines 403, 405, in a controlled manner in the medical system 401.

The body 402 of the rotary valve is generally cylindrical and defines an interface 408 at which interface 408 the rotary valve 400 may be engaged by a system actuator (not shown) for rotating the rotary valve 400 about an axis 410 of the body 402. Valve body 402 further defines an internal passage 418 and a flange 416 that seats on housing 407 of medical system 401. The interface 408 is formed as a receptacle (e.g., a concave surface) having a shape that mates with the system actuator. Further, the central extension 414 of the "T" shaped interface 408 is oriented parallel to the central axis 444 of the internal channel 418.

The internal passage 418 provides a path through which fluid may flow from the fluid line 403, through the rotary valve 400, and into the fluid line 405. The interior passage 418 defines a central, cylindrical through passage 420 that defines a central axis 444. The interior channel 418 also defines two opposing lateral channels 422, 424, which lateral channels 422, 424 open to and extend laterally from opposing sides of the through channel 420. The lateral passages 422, 424 do not extend through the entire width of the valve body 402 and therefore terminate at an interior point within the valve body 402. The lateral passages 422, 424 have a generally triangular shape such that the width of the lateral passages 422, 424 increases from a relatively small closed tip 426, 428 to a relatively large opening 430, 432 defined by the through passage 420.

With particular reference to FIG. 18, in the first rotational position of the rotary valve 400 where the central axis 444 of the internal passage 418 is aligned with the fluid conduits 403, 405, the rotary valve 400 reaches a maximum extent to which the cross-sectional area of the internal passage 420 (e.g., defined by the diameter of the through passage 420) may be open to the fluid conduits 403, 405. Thus, the rate of fluid flow through the rotary valve 400 is maximized when the rotary valve 400 is oriented in the first rotational position.

With particular reference to fig. 19, when the rotary valve 400 is rotated clockwise such that the openings of the through-channels 420 are moved away from the axis of the fluid conduits 403, 405 and such that the peripheral edges of the lateral channels 422, 424 are moved to overlap the fluid conduits 403, 405, the rotary valve 400 may achieve a minimum degree of opening of the cross-sectional area of the internal channels 420 (e.g., defined by the width of the triangular lateral channels 422, 424) to the fluid conduits 403, 405. Thus, when the fluid conduits 403, 405 just slightly overlap the tips 426, 428 of the lateral passages 422, 424, the rate (e.g., non-zero rate) of fluid flow through the rotary valve 400 is minimal.

With particular reference to FIG. 17, in such a rotational position, fluid may flow along the path 412 to sequentially flow from the fluid conduit 403 into the lateral channel 422, into the through channel 420, into the lateral channel 424, and into the fluid conduit 405 to exit the rotary valve 400. Thus, the inclusion of the angled, winged lateral passages 422, 424 along the through passage 420 may fine tune the degree to which fluid flow rates may be controlled by the rotary valve 400. This effect is illustrated in fig. 20, which shows the cross-sectional area of the flow opening of the internal passage 418 (e.g., including the through passage 420 and the lateral passages 422, 424) as a function of the rotational position of the rotary valve 400 and a rotary valve that simply has a standard cylindrical through passage 420 (e.g., not including lateral passages such as the lateral passages 422, 424).

The valve body 402 typically has an outer diameter (e.g., excluding the flange 416) of about 12.5mm to about 12.9mm (e.g., about 12.7mm) and an overall height of about 17.6mm to about 18.0mm (e.g., about 17.8 mm). The flange 416 is typically spaced from the upper end of the valve body 402 by a distance of about 4.9mm to about 5.3mm (e.g., about 5.1 mm). The central through-channel 420 typically has a diameter of about 3.6mm to about 4.0mm (e.g., about 3.8 mm). Each of the lateral channels 422, 424 typically has a length of about 4.1mm to about 4.5mm (e.g., about 4.3mm) and a maximum width of about 1.6mm to about 2.0mm (e.g., about 1.8 mm). Valve body 402 is made of the same material and is manufactured via the same technique as the material from which valve body 102 is made.

Fig. 21 illustrates a medical system 501 including two of the rotary valves 400(400a, 400b) for improving flow control when combining multiple inlet fluid flows to provide one outlet fluid flow. For example, the medical system 501 includes inlet fluid lines 503a, 503b that deliver fluid to the rotary valves 400a, 400b, followed by intermediate fluid lines 505a, 505b, a mixed fluid line 507 that combines the fluid flows entering through the inlet fluid lines 503a, 503b, and an outlet fluid line 509 from which a single mixed fluid flows out of the rotary valves 400a, 400 b.

The ratio at which the two incoming fluids mix may be controlled by selectively adjusting the rotational position of the rotary valves 400a, 400 b. For example, the rotational position of the rotary valve 400b provides a greater flow area to the intermediate fluid line 505b than the rotational position of the rotary valve 400a provides to the intermediate fluid line 505 a. Thus, the rotational position of rotary valve 400b allows for a higher through fluid flow rate than the rotational position of rotary valve 400 a.

Because the rotary valve 400 can be adjusted to selectively control the fluid flow rate and the mixing ratio, the design of a medical system (e.g., a dialysis system) that includes the rotary valve 400 can be simplified to include a smaller total number of valves relative to conventional medical systems that require a dedicated arrangement of valves and fluid flow lines to control the fluid flow rate within a given fluid flow line. As discussed above in connection with the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, the reduced number of valves may simplify other features of the medical system, such as fluid flow tubing arrangements, valve actuator configurations, and valve control algorithms, so that the medical system may operate in a robust manner. Using the rotary valve 400 in this manner may be useful in situations where precise mixing of two fluids is required (e.g., for HD systems that are operated to mix water, acid/acetate, and/or bicarbonate to make a dialysis fluid).

Fig. 22-24 illustrate a rotary valve 600 designed to regulate a variety of fluid flow rates through the rotary valve 600. The rotary valve 600 may be a component of a medical system 601 (e.g., a dialysis system) in which medical fluid (e.g., dialysate) flows through various fluid lines, such as fluid lines 603, 605, 607, in a controlled manner in the medical system 601.

The body 602 of the rotary valve is generally cylindrical and defines an interface 608 and a flange 616 that are substantially similar in configuration and function to the interface 408 and the flange 416 of the rotary valve 400. The valve body 602 further defines an internal passageway 618 that is centered about the central axis 610 of the rotary valve 600 and provides a fluid path through which fluid may flow from the inlet fluid lines 603, 605, through the rotary valve 600, and into the outlet fluid line 609. The valve body 602 also defines an axial opening 620 at the lower end of the internal passage 618 and defines two lateral openings 622, 624. The lateral openings 622, 624 include cylindrical portions 630, 632 leading to triangular portions 646, 648, respectively. The width of the triangular portions 646, 648 increases from the relatively small closed tip 626, 628, respectively, to a maximum width along the cylindrical portions 630, 632.

Taking the lateral opening 622 as an example, in a first rotational position of the rotary valve 600 where the central axis 644 of the lateral opening 622 is aligned with the central axis of the fluid conduit 603, the rotary valve 600 reaches a maximum extent to which the cross-sectional area of the lateral opening 622 (e.g., defined by the diameter of the cylindrical portion 630) may be open to the fluid conduit 603. Thus, the rate of fluid flow through the lateral opening 622 is greatest in the first rotational position. The rotary valve 600 may achieve a minimum degree of opening of the cross-sectional area of the lateral opening 622 (e.g., defined by the width of the triangular portion 646) to the fluid line 603 when the rotary valve 600 is rotated clockwise such that the cylindrical portion 630 is away from the fluid line 603 and such that the triangular portion 646 moves to overlap the fluid line 603. Thus, when the fluid line 603 just slightly overlaps the tip 626 of the lateral opening 622, the rate (e.g., non-zero rate) of fluid flow through the lateral opening 622 is minimal. Thus, as discussed above in connection with the internal passageway 418 of the rotary valve 400, the inclusion of the triangular portion 646 along the cylindrical portion 630 may fine tune the degree to which fluid flow rate may be controlled through the lateral openings 622. In a similar manner, the fluid flow rate may be controlled from fluid line 605 through lateral opening 624.

While the fluid lines 603, 605 are located at the same angular position around the circumference of the valve body 602 (as shown in fig. 23), the lateral openings 622, 624 may also be located at different angular positions around the circumference of the valve body 602 (e.g., the lateral openings 622, 624 are circumferentially offset from each other as shown in fig. 24). Thus, the ratio at which the two incoming fluids mix within the internal passageway 618 may be controlled by adjusting the rotational position of the rotary valve 600. In the example rotary valve 600, the lateral opening 622 is located clockwise of the lateral opening 624 such that at any given rotational position, the rate of fluid flow through the lateral opening 622 is lower than the rate of fluid flow through the lateral opening 624. The axial opening 620 of the rotary valve 600 delivers the mixed fluid to a lateral passage 611 of the housing 607 that is located below the rotary valve 600 and is fixed in position relative to the outlet fluid line 609.

Using the rotary valve 600 to control fluid mixing in this manner may be useful for mixing dry chemical particles with a corresponding amount of water in a predetermined ratio to produce a dialysis fluid of a desired composition. This ability of the rotary valve 600 to be adjusted to selectively and automatically control fluid mixing eliminates the need to manually prepare the dialysis fluid, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in the composition of the dialysis fluid that may occur during manual preparation.

The valve body 602 typically has an outer diameter (e.g., excluding the flange 616) of about 10.0mm to about 10.4mm (e.g., about 10.2mm) and an overall height of about 23.9mm to about 24.3mm (e.g., about 24.1 mm). The flange 616 is typically spaced from the upper end of the valve body 602 by a distance of about 4.9mm to about 5.3mm (e.g., about 5.1 mm). The internal passage 618 (e.g., and thus the axial opening 620) typically has a diameter of about 6.1mm to about 6.5mm (e.g., about 6.3 mm). The cylindrical portions 630, 632 of the lateral openings 622, 624 typically have a diameter of about 3.6mm to about 4.0mm (e.g., about 3.8 mm). The triangular portions 646, 648 of the lateral openings 622, 624 typically have a length of about 4.1mm to about 4.5mm (e.g., about 4.3mm) and a maximum width of about 1.6mm to about 2.0mm (e.g., about 1.8 mm). Valve body 602 is made of the same material and manufactured via the same technique as the material from which valve body 102 is made.

Fig. 25 illustrates an example dialysis system 701 including a rotary valve 700. In some embodiments, dialysis system 701 may represent a variety of different types of systems, including but not limited to an HD system, a PD system, a hemofiltration system, a hemodiafiltration system, a blood separation system, a dialysate generation system, or a water purification system. In some embodiments, the rotary valve 700 may represent any of the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 discussed above. The dialysis system 701 includes an exemplary disposable fluid cartridge 715 to which a rotary valve 700 and a plurality of fluid lines 703 are connected. The cassette 715, the rotary valve 700 and the fluid line 703 together form a disposable fluid line cassette. The example dialysis system 701 can be operated to perform any of the various medical treatments described above in connection with the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600.

While the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 discussed above have been described and illustrated as including certain sizes, shapes, and materials, in some embodiments rotary valves substantially similar in structure and function to the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 discussed above may include one or more different sizes, shapes, and materials. Further, while the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 have been described and illustrated as being positioned in certain arrangements and configurations in the medical systems 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 and used in certain processes for managing medical fluids, in some embodiments the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 may be positioned in other arrangements and configurations within medical systems (e.g., such as HD systems, PD systems, hemofiltration systems, hemodiafiltration systems, apheresis systems, dialysate generation systems, or water purification systems), used in other processes for managing medical fluids, or used in other non-medical systems for managing other types of fluids.

While the actuator interfaces 108, 208, 308, 408, 608 discussed above have been described and illustrated as having a "T" shape, in some embodiments, rotary valves that are substantially similar in structure and function to any of the rotary valves 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 may include actuator interfaces of different shapes (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes) for engagement with corresponding system actuators.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.